Lemony Shrimp Risotto

I made this Lemony Shrimp Risotto in my Instant Pot, but have also included the stovetop instructions. I have to say, I love making risotto in the Instant Pot because it's fast and you don't have to stand there and stir it. The lemon adds a bright and tangy note to the shrimp.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Beef Ramen Bowls

Beef Ramen Bowls make a great weeknight meal. Ground beef gets sautéed with green onions and mixed with a sweet and spicy sauce. It's full of vibrant flavors, quick and inexpensive.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice

I had some chicken legs leftover and searched for something interesting to do with them. I found this recipe for Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice. Although it seems like a long list of ingredients, it's rather easy to prepare. The spicy Gochujang paste gives it the perfect amount of heat. The crispy rice is mixed with spices, made into patties, and fried. My husband thought the sauce should be thicker, which can be achieved by taking the drumsticks out of the pan and whisking in some cornstarch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin

We love leeks and I always say, they are under-utilized in the US. This Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin is a classic combination. You can leave out the ham to make it vegetarian. It gets topped with Gruyère cheese. What's not to love? 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Melting Cabbage

Melting Cabbage literally melts in your mouth. It's nestled in a bed of caramelized fennel and braised in tomato and wine and finished in the oven. You add parmesan rind, which is an Italian trick that adds depth of flavor. I keep parmesan rinds in a bag in the freezer and use them in soups and stews.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 55 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Curried Lentil Soup

I made this Curried Lentil Soup in my Instant Pot, but as always, I have included the stovetop instructions. This soup is vegan and gluten-free and full of flavor. Lentils are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, which makes them a healthy substitute for meat. They're also packed with folate, iron, phosphorus, potassium and fiber. I dropped gave some to my step mother and she is begging me to make it again. It's really good served with naan bread.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Maple Bourbon Salmon

This Maple Bourbon Salmon is like something you might get served at a luxurious lodge. It's sweet but perfectly suited to salmon. We finished it with Malden salt which actually gives it a salted caramel vibe and the walnuts give it a nice crunch.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Cauliflower Toasts

I made Ina Garten's Cauliflower Toasts and I now want to make it again. Apparently, it's one of Ina's favorite things to have for lunch. It calls for prosciutto, but you could leave it out to make it vegetarian. You can use any cheese you like. Also, you can double the cauliflower mixture and keep in your freezer.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Herby Buttered Mushrooms and Wild Rice

Mushrooms have a "meaty" texture and a strong umami flavor. Umami is the fifth basic taste and was discovered by a Japanese scientist. Umami in Japanese means “a pleasant savory taste." Herby Buttered Mushrooms and Wild Rice is a delicious satisfying dish. The earthy, nutty flavor of the wild rice marries well with the buttery mushrooms.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 4 Servings

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Basque Burnt Cheesecake is deeply caramelized "burnt" on the top and the bottom, has a creamy center. It is said to have originated in 1990 in San Sebastian, Spain. The beauty of this dessert is that you really can't mess it up. My brother David was in town recently and wanted to make this together. Well, we never got around to it and since I actually had 4 blocks of cream cheese during the cream cheese shortage, I decided to give it a try. FYI - There was a cyberattack against the largest US cheese manufacturer in October, 2021. Anyway, it is one of the best desserts I have ever made and I am a serious New York style cheesecake fan. It's so light and silky smooth.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 12 Servings