Cooking Method: Simmering

One-Pan Ditalini and Peas

When I made this my husband said it was a 10 out of a 10 (greater than the sum of its parts). This One-Pan Ditalini and Peas will become your savior on busy weeknights. Ditalini, meaning "little thimbles" in Italian, is a small, tube-shaped pasta. The key to this dish is that the pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the flavors as it simmers. This delicious, quick meal comes together in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup. Yet, it tastes surprisingly complex and elegant. Sweet, perfectly cooked peas are the ideal complement to the ditalini, and the sauce is wonderfully silky without being heavy. It’s topped off with crispy salami, lemon zest, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Pork à l’Orange

This Pork à l'Orange is a classic and elegant dish that uses small pork tenderloins. Thanks to its petite size, pork tenderloin is easy to flavor and cook.  The vibrant, citrusy orange sauce is a balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of tanginess from the orange. The sauce is simmered into a thick luscious sauce that gets drizzle onto the roasted pork. This recipe is pretty flexible and you can use 1-2 very small pork tenderloins, or one medium-large pork tenderloin. Pork can be slightly pink, though it should reach 145° F. Don't overcook the pork! It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and can have a slight pinkness in the center to remain tender.

By Leslie Blythe

Ragu Bianco (White Bolognese Sauce)

Unlike the classic red Bolognese, Ragu Bianco, or white Bolognese sauce, is a rich and flavorful Italian creation distinguished by the absence of tomatoes. Originating most likely in northern Italy, its three-hour simmer on the stovetop allows the subtle and nuanced flavors of the meat and other ingredients to truly meld and shine.

By Leslie Blythe

Roasted Honey Ginger Salmon

Lidey Heuck calls her honey ginger salmon "candy salmon" for its balanced sweetness, making healthy fish feel like a treat. Salmon's rich flavor pairs well with sweet-savory glazes, unlike more delicate white fish. Honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar are briefly simmered, then fresh ginger and garlic are stirred in off-heat to preserve their vibrant flavor. This glaze bastes the salmon while cooking and serves as a spoonable sauce. It's finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, which adds a touch of tartness to this delicious sweet salmon recipe.

By Leslie Blythe

Polish Hunter’s Stew (Bigos)

Bigos is a traditional Polish hunter's stew, known for its hearty combination of wild mushrooms and tomato-sauerkraut base. This stew is originally made with game meats like venison or wild boar, but this version uses kielbasa, which is a bit easier to obtain!

By Leslie Blythe

Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts

Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts offer a twist on the classic Roman pasta dish, replacing the noodles with crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts. Cacio e Pepe translates to "cheese and pepper" in Italian. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts provides a counterpoint to the richness and saltiness of the cheese, creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than if you were simply eating cheese and pepper on their own.

By Leslie Blythe

Potato-Cheddar Soup With Quick-Pickled Jalapeños

Imagine the comforting warmth of cheesy mashed potatoes transformed into a luscious soup. That's precisely what this dish delivers. It's rich and satisfying without being overly heavy, hearty yet not dense. A touch of chili powder and garlic adds a lively kick, while the homemade pickled jalapeños provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the creamy richness. These quick and easy pickled jalapeños are far superior to anything store-bought, elevating each spoonful with their vibrant flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

Pork Chops in Lemon-Caper Sauce

Tired of boring pork chops? It's time to elevate your weeknight dinners! These Lemon Caper Pork Chops are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. These tender, juicy chops are smothered in a rich, savory sauce made with bright lemon and briny capers. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this dish is a must-try!

By Leslie Blythe

Marry Me Chicken Soup

We had our friends from Pacific Palisades who have tragically lost their home over for lunch this week. They have been in a hotel and in need of a home cooked meal. Cooking for others has always brought me a sense of calm and purpose. The act of cooking allows me to escape from the stresses of daily life and connect with something meaningful. I hope they felt the depth of our love for them.

I made this Marry Me Chicken Soup, which is a comforting blend of creamy, tangy chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a generous touch of cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Lemony White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens

Truth be told, I am not a fan of turkey. So when my husband started boiling up the turkey carcass and announced he was making soup, I immediately found a recipe that's in my mind, a step up from your ordinary soup. The addition of lemon brightens the whole thing up. We left out the kale for my Dad's portion because he often used the word UGH when it comes to anything remotely green! He did an excellent job and I rather liked it!

By Leslie Blythe