Cooking Method: Sautéing

Bananas Foster Shortcake

I happen to love Banana's Foster. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, Zoe, I woke up one morning and said to my husband. "I want bananas foster." He then said that we would make it that evening. I then said, "No, you don't understand, I need it now!" It's really amazing that we had all the ingredients in the house. He granted my wish and it hit the spot! It's one of my favorite desserts. Zoe likes it too! Anyway, I have made Brennan's Bananas Foster, Bananas Foster Layer Cake, and Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake. I guess you could say I'm a bit bananas! Anyway, I went further and made this I love

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon with Leeks and Mushrooms

I love developing recipes from ingredients I happen to have. This Salmon with Leeks and Mushrooms is what I came up with for dinner. It has a creamy lemon sauce which marries well with the leeks and mushrooms.

By Leslie Blythe

Cheesy Portobello Chicken Cutlets with Broccoli

This Cheesy Portobello Chicken Cutlets with Broccoli is all done in one pan. It's topped with Gruyère and finished in the oven. You can also substitute Jarlsberg or Emmentaler cheese. The portobello mushrooms have a firm texture add an earthy flavor to the dish.

By Leslie Blythe

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

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

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

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

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

Pork Chop Shop with Sweet Potato Mash and Spinach

When I was recently at my daughter Grace's house I was in her kitchen watching her cook us dinner (one of my favorite pass times!), I saw Snoop Dogg's From Crook to Cook cookbook on her shelves. It's actually her roommate's book. I leafed through it and made his Pork Chop Shop with Sweet Potato Mash and Spinach. The recipe looks like a long process, but it's not. The lemony spinach works really well with the sweet potato mash and the barbecue sauce is divine.

I love his long friendship with Martha Stewart and their show Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party. Gee, I wonder what they have in common?!

By Leslie Blythe

Risotto à la Carbonara

My family is obsessed with carbonara. It's one of the things we make when there's "nothing to eat". I have made many different versions of carbonara, which apparently really pisses off some Italians. The New York Times cooked up the controversy in Italy after tinkering with the recipe for the classic Roman dish pasta carbonara. There is also Carbonara wars: why Italy is right to be mad about a French farfalle travesty. Clearly, I do not care and always "tinker" with my damned carbonara! So I made this Risotto à la Carbonara in my Instant Pot (I have also included the stovetop version). All I can say is that I saw my guest's eyes roll back in there head. It's just that good. 

By Leslie Blythe