Cooking Method: Simmering

Albondigas Soup

Family Traditions
Every Christmas eve, my wonderful mother-in-law made the most amazing Albondigas soup. I still carry on the tradition. She also serves tamales, which she used to buy every year from a secret source in East Los Angeles. I now make my own tamales!

By Leslie Blythe

Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

This Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is a fresh take on an old classic. It's really easy to make and it has so much more flavor than store-bought sauce.

By Leslie Blythe

Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew

I bought these Christmas Lima Beans online from Rancho Gordo. My friend Jennifer introduced me to these amazing heirloom bean producers located in Napa, California. I decided to make this Christmas Lima Bean and Mushroom Stew, which is a hearty vegetarian dish.

Christmas Limas are an intriguing variation on the traditional Lima. In Italy, you'll find them as Fagioli del Papa or "Pope's beans." Also known stateside as "Chestnut Lima" and sometimes even "Calico" beans. Whatever you call them, they've done a great deal to help fix the bad reputation of traditional Lima beans. They have a rich chestnut texture and an almost nutty flavor make this the most unusual Lima bean. A true revelation for those who believe they don't like Limas.

By Leslie Blythe

Ginger Miso Udon

I was shopping at Trader Joe's recently and this Miso Ginger Broth caught my attention. I thought I would make  Ginger Miso Udon with it. If you can't find this broth, I have included a recipe to make it from scratch. You can add any number of things to this soup like tofu, chicken, pork, bok choy, etc.

By Leslie Blythe

Wild Rice Soup

I made this delicious Wild Rice Soup the other day. I found it on this wonderful blog called Gimme Some Oven. I actually used a wild rice blend and I also added some dry sherry at the end. There are 3 methods to make this soup - Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Stove Top.

By Leslie Blythe

Drip Beef Sandwiches

This recipe for Beef Drip Sandwiches is adapted from a recipe from Ree Drumond, The Pioneer Woman. She makes it 2 different ways, one on the stove top and the other in a slow cooker. 

By Leslie Blythe

Warm Brown Rice & Butternut Squash

Yesterday I posted a recipe using sweet potatoes and today here's a recipe for Warm Brown Rice & Butternut Squash from Ina Garten's new cookbook called Cook Like a Pro. It is outstanding! Will definitely be making this again! It can be served warm or at room temperature.

By Leslie Blythe

Farro with Vinegar-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apples

This Farro with Vinegar-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apples recipe is a wonderful combination of roasted sweet potato and apples with a little sherry vinegar, tossed with farro, dried cherries and roasted cashews. Farro is an ancient whole grain with dietary benefits. It's derived from wheat so it is not gluten-free.

By Leslie Blythe

Skillet Lasagna

This Skillet Lasagna is an easier and faster way to make lasagna than the traditional way all in one skillet. Do not substitute no-boil lasagna noodles for the traditional, curly-edged lasagna noodles here. Use either whole milk or part-skim ricotta here, but do not use fat-free ricotta, which has a very dry texture and bland flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

Hearty Italian Sausage, Cannellini Bean & Spinach Soup

Here's another one for the freezer. This Hearty Italian Sausage, Cannellini Bean & Spinach Soup is healthy and is an easy meal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a loaf of crusty bread.

By Leslie Blythe