Cooking Method: Simmering
Baked Potato & Leek Soup with Cheddar & Bacon
This Baked Potato & Leek Soup with Cheddar & Bacon was what I made for dinner last night. This classic potato and leek soup uses milk and sour cream instead of heavy cream, to reduce the fat. The potatoes are first baked and then combined with the sautéed leeks. The mixture was then puréed. The milk, sour cream and cheese were added at the final stage of cooking. The soup is creamy and topped with chopped green onions, bacon and grated cheddar cheese.
By - Yields: 4 Servings
Italian Wedding Soup
The term "wedding soup" comes from the Italian language phrase "minestra maritata" ("married soup"), which is a reference to the flavor produced by the combination/"marriage" of greens and meat. The soup has little beef-pork meatballs in a clear broth with greens. It's absolutely delicious!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
My daughter Grace buys this Chicken Pot Pie Soup for lunch near where she works. I was intrigued so I recreated it. It's basically a soupier version of the classic pot pie with crispy parmesan puff pastry served on the side.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Fancy Cranberry Sauce
My daughter Zoe made this Fancy Cranberry Sauce. My father only likes the sliceable, jiggly retro canned stuff. This takes all that up a notch with deeper fruit flavor and more nuance. It’s subtly spiced with bay leaves and cardamom, then set in a gelatin mold and topped with sugary orange zest and cranberries.
- Yields: 8 - 10 Servings
Fig Jam
My daughter Zoe made this gorgeous Fig Jam from the fig tree in their backyard. It's only 3 ingredients and goes perfectly with ice cream, muffins, cheese, etc.
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: Makes three ½-pint jars
Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls
Just as with a traditional burrito, this recipe is very versatile. I have given 2 ways to make this Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowl. The first is the Instant Pot version and I also included the stove top version. It's quick and easy to make a perfect for a busy work night meal.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Black Bean Soup
My daughter made this Black Bean Soup from Bon Appétit's Basically series. In this recipe, you don't have to soak your dried beans overnight. The magic is all in the garnishes. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or having people over for a casual dinner, a bunch of toppings—something crunchy, something creamy, something fresh and herby, elevates this humble bowl of beans feel like a party.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs 40 mins
- Yields: 8 - 10 Servings
Santa Maria Pinquito Beans
Classic Santa Maria country barbecues include the Pinquitos (AKA Pink Beans) and a beef tri-tip. Pinquitos are a very small, chili-type bean that is loaded with California history. These beans are delicious and meaty and the perfect match for any barbecue, chili or even salad. If you're like me and always forget to soak the beans overnight, you can do it in an Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker. I have also included the stovetop version.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Lemonade Pork Chops
I was watching Diners, Drive-ins & Dives and saw this recipe for Lemonade Pork Chops. It's a very interesting recipe, but it got RAVE reviews. These pork chops are great: tender, tangy, and delicious.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Pommes Dauphinoise
Pommes dauphinoise (aka au gratin or scalloped potatoes) features thinly sliced potatoes cooked in cream or another dairy product, seasoned simply, and baked until creamy and nicely browned on top. The can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
