Cooking Method: Boiling

Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken

This is my brilliant friend Sara Tane's high-protein, vibrant Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken. It's quick, easy, and so satisfyingly good. You get the rich, velvety indulgence of a creamy sauce paired with a massive hit of greens and lean protein. The secret ingredient is cottage cheese. Using cottage cheese is a total game-changer. Not only does it skyrocket the protein content, but it also creates a surprisingly thick, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or butter.

By Leslie Blythe

Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes)

I made this Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes), and my Japanese stepmother said it’s the epitome of Japanese comfort food.
Nikujaga literally translates to "meat" (niku) and "potatoes" (jagaimo), this dish is the quintessential "mother's cooking" (ofukuro no aji) in Japan. It’s a savory, slightly sweet, and deeply soul-warming stew that relies on a few ingredients and a simple simmering technique.
Legend has it that Nikujaga was born in the late 19th century thanks to Togo Heihachiro, a Japanese naval commander. Having studied in England, he supposedly fell in love with British beef stew.
Upon his return, he ordered his naval chefs to recreate it. Lacking demi-glace and red wine, the chefs used what they had: soy sauce, sugar, and sake. The result wasn't a British stew, but it was so delicious that it became a staple of the Japanese Navy to combat vitamin deficiencies.

By Leslie Blythe

Miso Mac and Cheese

Elevate your Mac and Cheese with this Creamy Miso Mac. This dish balances the sharp Cheddar with the subtle sweetness of white miso, creating a deep, umami-rich flavor. Finished with a crunch of toasted panko, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. The result is delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Risotto is a rich, beautifully marries the creamy texture of Italian risotto with the earthy, slightly bitter crunch of Brussels sprouts and the savory, salty notes of crispy bacon. It's a perfect meal for a cozy evening.

By Leslie Blythe

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food hybrid is here. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese merges the irresistible richness of the classic dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked macaroni. This decadent, creamy casserole is guaranteed to please a crowd and instantly turns a simple dish into an indulgent, flavorful main course.

By Leslie Blythe

One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

I had some leftover ricotta and a pile of lemons, so I made One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon. It's a quick, easy, and cheesy one-pot pasta that's bursting with lemon flavor and makes for a super easy cleanup. What's not to like?

By Leslie Blythe

Amish Yummasetti

I have been cooking a lot for my elderly father and his wife. Many times he does not like what I make. This however, knocked it out of the ballpark. It's everything you want in a bowl. It's filling, comforting and really delicious. I think kids would like it too.

Amish Yummasetti is a classic Amish dish, that is usually made into a casserole this is the dump it together in a pot version. The name "Yummasetti" is thought to be a playful combination of "yummy" and "spaghetti," though spaghetti is not a part of this dish! Traditionally, the Amish would make handmade noodles and cream of mushroom soup, though many have relented to use ready made. Who has time for that?

By Leslie Blythe

Salt & Vinegar Potato Salad

My family can't get enough of anything salt and vinegar. These bold flavors really took off with salt and vinegar potato chips, which were a huge hit in the United Kingdom long before they made their way to our shores. Now, inspired by those very chips, Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on the classic side dish. Finishing the potato salad with crushed Salt & Vinegar potato chips is a stroke of genius! It delivers a double punch of that iconic tangy flavor and an irresistible crunch.

By Leslie Blythe

Zucchini Orzo Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Zucchini Orzo Salad with toasted walnuts, herbs, and a zesty Pepperoncini Dressing is refreshing and flavorful. Pepperoncini peppers are mild, yellow-green chili peppers that are typically pickled. They are tangy, slightly sour, and subtly spicy. It’s a great side dish for a summer barbecue.

By Leslie Blythe

Chile-Lime Noodle Salad

This vibrant Chile-Lime Noodle Salad is naturally gluten-free, featuring Pad Thai rice noodles as its base. To ensure maximum freshness and crispness, the vegetables – cucumber, carrots, snap peas, red onion, and serrano pepper – are thinly sliced and incorporated raw.
The salad's signature kick comes from a spicy, tangy dressing. It's a creamy and bright blend of mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic, perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. To finish, a generous sprinkle of crushed salted and roasted cashews adds a satisfying crunch.
One of the best things about this salad? It's a fantastic make-ahead option! In fact, it tastes even better on the second or third day as the noodles and vegetables fully absorb the dressing and the flavors meld together beautifully. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prep (perfect for lunches) or for getting a head start on a potluck or cookout.

By Leslie Blythe