By Kristin Helwig
Basque cheesecake! This is one of our favorite ways to eat cheesecake! It’s baked at a really high heat creating the beautiful burnt top and deep cracks. The imperfections are what make it so beautiful! Sweet raspberry jam swirled into the top makes for a …
This southwest salad has so many colors, flavors, textures it’s exactly what you’re looking for when you want a big entree salad. The Mexican spiced salmon is beautifully seared, placed onto a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, crunchy purple cabbage, …
I’m always looking for quick and easy appetizers. This one is no exception! The feta is whipped with lemon and honey and then warm garlic herb olives are spooned over the top. The warmth of the oil and olives heat up the cheese, and it’s …
I love this dish when I want something hearty but also light! The chicken meatballs are full of garlic, fresh herbs, tomato paste and spices. I sear them in a cast iron skillet giving them a nice golden crust. But you can always bake them …
Grab a couple cod filets and switch up your next Friday night fish fry! The batter is perfectly spiced and so light and crispy while the fish just melt in your mouth. The homemade tartar sauce is packed with briny capers, fresh dill, garlic and …
I’m always on the search for delicious steamed buns. If you’ve never had them they are filled little buns with ground meat and then pan fried and steamed. They are a popular street food in Shanghai. When you have a little extra time give these …
These little Polish dumpling are so easy to make and so versatile you can fill them with so many options. I just had some leftover mashed potatoes and mozzarella. But they are great to make ahead of time and keep in the freezer, so you …
Classic brownies that are so rich and fudgy with a minty little spin. They are so chocolatey and delicious and then I sprinkle andes candies over the top of them and they just melt into the warm brownies and harden and it’s just the best. …
I’ve been thinking about something like this for awhile! There really is nothing like homemade naan. It’s so light and chewy and then stuffed with buffalo chicken, mozzarella and a little blue cheese. Dipped in more buffalo sauce and blue cheese sauce it really is …
I don’t make steak often but being NYE it was a special occasion. I got a couple beef filets and paired with whipped potato puree and the richness of the red wine demi is really something! Whipping the potatoes with a little milk and melted …
This dish has so many fun components to it. It’s hot, cold, crispy, sweet, light. The salmon is cured and marinated in salt and citrus zest. Then seared so the skin gets really nice and crispy. I place it on top of celery and a …
This is a really simple beautiful way to serve a cheese course! Being New Year’s Eve last night I wanted to make something a little special. The simple creaminess of the brie with the tart sweetness from the balsamic glaze, pair perfectly together. The rind …
Crisp vegetables with pulled rotisserie chicken, scallions, dry roasted peanuts and lots of creamy umami peanut sauce. This dish is really easy to put together and a great way to use up extra vegetables in the fridge. I like the combination of the fresh vegetables …
Classics are sometimes always the best, aren’t they?! These are some of the first cookies I learned to bake when I was a kid and they have been around ever since. Santa would definitely approve! Put a plate of these out on Christmas Eve and …
This beauty came out of a little mistake. Don’t some of the best ones happen that way!? I was making an angel food cake for Finley’s birthday and sprayed the pan, not thinking about it and when I went to invert the pan after baking, …
We do pizza at least once a week for dinner around here, and I wanted to switch it up this week and do calzones. They are so much fun, like little personal hand held pizzas. Kids will love to help make them too. The sauce …
When the holidays hit it’s all about the sugar and carbs and pure delicious comfort food, but sometimes you need to lighten it up. I had a salad like this in Charleston and I had to make it at home. Its so light and delicious …
Orange cinnamon rolls! These remind me of childhood back home. My dad would always buy these orange cinnamon rolls and we would roll them out and bake them on Sunday mornings. I would just eat the orange glaze by the spoonful it was the best. …
I love this side so much! It’s one of my favorite ways to do potatoes! They are boiled in salt water and then spread evenly onto a sheet pan and then gently smashed down. A Drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper to help them …
Well being the last day in November I had to do one last pumpkin recipe to use it up! These are so incredibly easy to make, perfect breakfast or on the go snack. These are slightly sweet with a little spice and perfectly moist. I …
Ohhhh cacio e pepe I love you! If you’ve never had it before cacio e Pepe in Italian just means cheese and pepper. So this is like a stripped down Mac and cheese. Cacio e Pepe is a beautiful classic as it is, but I …
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, that means bring on all the pies! This one should definitely have a spot at the table if you’re looking to switch it up at all from the classics. It’s rich in pure maple syrup with a nice little …
This is so easy and fast to make. It’s perfect if you are in a time crunch and have people dropping in over the holidays. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese a mix between sheep and goat milk and has a really high melting point so …
Korean Beef Tacos! These are going to be on repeat over here! The beef is so tender from the Asian marinade the pears help tenderize it a little bit, and add sweetness. Then since the meat is already sliced you just throw it in the …
OK a little gory I know but it’s really the perfect show stopper for halloween! So fun! Buy store bought or homemade frosted cupcakes and then decorate with the glass shards and edible blood! As long as you have a candy thermometer, it’s pretty simple …
I’ve always loved these kind of breads but was intimidated to make them. Thinking it would take forever to make and be really intricate. But it’s actually so easy. If you own a pizza cutter you can make it. It’s just layers of dough with …
When it starts getting cold outside all I think about is ramen! There really is nothing more comforting. This one is a rich chicken broth with lots of noodles, roasted squash, crispy chicken, sautéed mushrooms and kale, a little toasted nori, and a soft egg. …
Three words, crispy warm cheese! I’m telling you this is so good you won’t be able to stop eating it. The whole block of feta is coated in breadcrumbs and then pan fried until crisp. Drizzle a little of the hot honey over the top …
It’s officially spooky season!! These are just like good old Rice Krispie treats but better with melted chocolate and peanut butter over the top and then melted marshmallows stretched over for cobwebs. They come together in fifteen minutes and are perfect for any spooky gathering!! …
I am so excited for fall and all things pumpkin! This pumpkin ravioli is a perfect dinner when you have a little extra time on a Sunday and want to make the pasta! There really is nothing better than homemade pasta. Otherwise of course you …
Last weekend I was back home in WI and had gone for a walk in the woods and stumbled upon these beautiful chicken of the woods mushrooms! They were bright orange on top and perfectly yellow underneath. There were barely any bugs on them and …
Apple Butter Pop tarts! Bringing out the inner child, but so much better than store bought! These are soo easy to make and perfect for any breakfast or a quick snack. I use either leftover pie crust dough or store bought and you can make …
To say I’m a little excited for fall is an understatement! I absolutely love it and everything about it, making this apple butter is so comforting and warming and makes the whole house smell absolutely amazing like apples and spices. There is actually no butter …
Zucchini banana cake, you guys I can’t tell you how good this is! Think banana bread meets zucchini bread and then made it a cake, and put this velvety frosting over the top! Its one bowl and really easy to make, and a great way …
Even though it may still be 90 degrees outside, I find myself wanting something warm and sometimes I still love the comfort of a big bowl of soup! Just like the delicious broccoli cheddar but with a little beer and white cheddar. It’s creamy and …
With all the beautiful blueberries happening right this needed to happen! The sour cream gives a slight tanginess while the coconut milk balances it out with a just the right amount of creaminess. Plus look at that dreamy color! Ingredients 1 cup blueberries, plus more …
Rice bowls are always a really fast family favorite around here!! They are so quick and easy to make with the best of summer produce now it’s even better! Of course you can always switch up what’s fresh as well. This is also great cold …
Two words..Peanut butter and chocolate…. ok four words… but these little one biters are so fun to make!! Rich dark chocolate hard shell filled with creamy peanut butter and fudgey brownies. I mean what could be better?! And it’s only 4 ingredients!! You can make …
What brings you back to childhood more than a corn dog? They are crispy, perfectly golden and slightly sweet. I add a little fresh corn into the batter as well just for a little added burst of sweetness. The batter is super easy to make; …
With the gardens bursting with eggplants, tomatoes and herbs I love making this delicious Sicilian dish! The eggplant is like a sponge and just soaks all the flavors up. I like to add some Kalmata olives and briney capers just to add some brightness with …
What’s better on a hot summer day, than ice cream?! I did the classic! The chocolate wafers are a mix between Oreo and brownie, perfectly soft but also hold the ice cream in place. I made raspberry swirl ice cream, but you can always switch …
It may be summer but you can’t deny a good corn chowder when the corn is just so sweet! I added coconut milk to thicken it up and make it a little healthier. Then big pieces of corn, sun dried tomatoes and crispy feta. It …
It’s like the classic watermelon feta salad but I added some cucumbers and a little hot honey to it. The sweet spicy kick to the watermelon is the perfect combination, with the crisp cucumbers, salty feta, and sweet juicy watermelon. Really quick and great for …
Just like the creamsicles as a kid, but I layered these!! Fresh squeezed orange juice with vanilla extract, orange blossom water just to enhance the orange, and then a vanilla whipped cream, all layered and frozen together! They are so creamy and delicious on a …
These cookies are super soft and chewy with a little vanilla and almond extract in them giving them the extra rich sweetness. Topped with any edible flowers you can find in the garden or bouquet! They make the perfect treat for any occasion. I grew …
This is one of those first garden summer harvests. There’s something so satisfying about growing produce. To be able to go out of your backyard and grow this all is so magical. Life is brought back into the yard again. With only a few simple …
I’m always looking for ways to use up over ripe bananas aside from our everyday smoothies. With one bowl, a couple over ripe bananas these muffins are so quick and satisfying!! Perfect for any quick breakfast, snack or late dessert. The crunchy oatmeal streusel really …
It’s pasta salad season!! You can use any kind of pasta you want but I love the campanelle pasta, they are like little bells. I paired this with a bright herby salsa verde, cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, a little sweet corn and salty feta. It’s …
Ohh how I love steamed buns! I literally crave them and haven’t been able to find really good ones around the city yet! This recipe has been a long time in the making. The chicken is seared and then cooked in honey, soy, ginger, garlic, …
Spring is in the air and my backyard is overflowing with rhubarb! This pie is bursting with juicy sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb topped with a crunchy oatmeal crisp, in a flaky buttery crust. Cooking the fruit together really intensifies the flavors and thickens the …
Tres leches cake it a huge favorite in this house hold, I made it yesterday for Cinco de Mayo. It’s three milks soaked into a sponge cake. It’s beautifully rich and creamy, like having a glass of milk with your cake. But I soaked strawberries …
Spicy and salty pretzel crusted chicken tenders, but on a salad. It’s like the chicken tenders you remember eating but the crushed up pretzels make it that much more fun. Along some sweet cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado and a little nutty …
I love making these in the mornings as a light breakfast or snack. They are really pretty healthy, wholesome and no refined sugar. With only a few simple ingredients you’ll want to make these all the time. Soaking the oats in the milk, to make …
Two words…. grilled pizza…it’s truly a beautiful thing. The simpler the better. When you start with really good simple ingredients it’s pretty easy to have a delicious pie! The key is to have a pizza stone. I know it’s not a new thing but I’ve …
Pavlovas are light beautiful show stopper meringues that are usually topped with whipped cream and fruit. The whipped egg whites transform to a chewy crisp outside and soft marshmallow texture on the inside. It’s like eating clouds they are so light! Ingredients 4 extra large …
Foglie d’Ulivo is such a fun new shape to make with only three ingredients, semolina, water and spinach; plus look at that color! They are the delicate cousin to orecchiette and look like little ‘olive leaves.’ If you don’t have spinach, you can use any …
I have been in search of a great shortbread recipe for a long time. I love it sometimes in the morning with my coffee or tea or just after a meal. These are light and buttery and not too sweet. I added a touch of …
Birria Tacos are also known as wet tacos. The beef is marinated in adobo sauce and then braised low and slow until it just pulls apart so beautifully. The corn tortillas are then dipped into the braising liquid and quickly pan fried to get a …
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, all I keep thinking about is chocolate and this is just the indulgent fix. Layers of rich fudge brownie topped with luscious vanilla ice cream, and then coated in chocolate ganache and then dipped into creamy caramel. It’s …
Bruschetta has been a favorite in our household for years; it’s our go-to appetizer, but I wanted something a little different. So I whipped the feta together with yogurt until it’s light and creamy. I then pan fried the ciabatta in a little oil and …
Who doesn’t love a good taco night?! It’s a twist on that. This is my go to chicken for tacos I make all the time it’s our favorite. But with this the chicken is wrapped up in a crispy corn tortilla and then topped with …
There’s nothing more satisfying than buttered noodles! This recipe is so easy only a couple simple ingredients and the kids will love to help! Think of pici as a thicker spaghetti noodle, you can really pair it with any sauce you would like, cacio e …
These incredibly easy no bake peanut butter bars just bring you right back to grade school! There’s only a few ingredients and they are rich and creamy with delicious crunch from graham cracker crumbs folded into the peanut butter, and a thick layer of dark …
Gnocchi is one of those dishes people think is complicated to make but with a little extra time it’s very easy and so worth it. They are light and pillowy and, paired with this maple cream sauce, it really brings out the natural sweetness. Adding …
These are just like the graham crackers you grew up with but with all the warm spices for the holidays, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom. It’s so nostalgic and brings you right back. The key is to roll them thinly and evenly. The kids will love …
Nothing says the holidays more than this little holiday treat!! It comes together in 10 minutes and is so easy. It’s way better than store bought and will just melt in your mouth, plus it’s no bake. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer or gift as …
Anyone else have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving?! This is such a great way to use it all up! Instead of peas I added spinach but you can certainly stick to the peas if you wish. I also tossed the pasta all together and then toasted …
With the holidays right around the corner these are perfect for a little appetizer or breakfast. They are so quick and easy to make. Spiced apples cooked down in brown sugar and warm spices along walnuts and a little fresh thyme. They are perfect for …
With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, the classic apple pie is essential! I have been making apple pies for as long as I can remember in my mom’s kitchen for thanksgiving and it’s just so nostalgic and brings me right back to her kitchen. …
When I want something a little lighter I always look for salmon or fish of some sort. This dish comes together in about 20 minutes and is so easy to make. I sear the salmon and then make a honey garlic sauce with lemon, thyme …
Now that it’s getting so cold outside all I crave is warm delicious comforting food. What is seriously better than warmly herb spiced meatballs and a rich buttery gravy along whipped mashed potatoes. They can also be a perfect appetizer for the holidays coming up …
There’s something so fun and inviting about gathering around a table for a seafood boil. They are so easy to make and really versatile, and they are one pot, you can use whatever your favorite seafood is. We happen to love crab and shrimp! It’s …
This recipe is so easy to make and takes you right back to childhood in as little as 30 minutes. I used ground turkey instead of beef to make it a little bit healthier and then added mushrooms and corn for a little earthiness and …
It started to snow here today, and for some reason curry is just so comforting I think when it’s freezing outside! So I played around a little bit and instead of just doing traditional curry I put some pumpkin puree in it, and it was …
This is such a perfect snack to throw together if you have friends coming over or if it’s game day, or with the holidays coming up. The gatherings may be smaller this year but snacks still need to happen. It’s also really great if you …
This is just like a traditional pumpkin pie but with a twist! It’s so much fun to make, I mean look at those layers! I did an amaretto cookie crust, spiced pumpkin pastry cream and then topped with a sour cream spiked whipped cream with …
Now that it’s fall I love all things pumpkin so I’m adding another one to the list! This quick healthy pumpkin bread is so easy and delicious. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. I also love it because it’s got pumpkin puree, coconut oil, …
It’s that time of year, fall is in the air and that means pumpkin spice! I make these quick pumpkin pancakes breakfast and they are so easy and delicious. They take about 15 minutes to whip together! Packed with a little pumpkin puree and all …
Potato pancake or latkes are so simple and easy to make! They are like individual little hash browns so perfect to accompany any dish! Super crispy on the outside and light and soft on the inside. Spoon a little of the chive sour cream over …
Happy fall equinox and Oktoberfest! We may all be celebrating a little differently this year. But if you want to bring some of the delicious fall German food into your own kitchen this one is so good. The apples and onions get cooked down in …
This is one of my oldest favorite recipes, it just reminds me of my grandma! She always made the best ones, is it knowing that grandma made them that makes it extra special? I was never able to quite figure out her recipe but I …
Garlic herb brioche rolls! I always love my carbs and a good dinner roll with any meal is just the best! These have a nice crust on the outside and light and fluffy chew on the inside, swirled with garlic and herbs, so delicious. Put …
I’m so exited about this one! Dinner is ready in just about 30 minutes! The cauliflower cheese sauce is so rich and delicious! I added a little into the dish for texture as well. I roasted the cauliflower to give a little added flavor then …
What really is more comforting than a beautiful crock of French onion soup with sourdough bread and melted cheese?! I put a little sugar on the onions just to help them caramelize to that rich golden and bring out the sweetness, balanced with the rich …
It’s almost fall!! So let all the apple spiced things begin! These scones are light and fluffy, and so good! There’s nothing worse than a dense scone. They are studded with fresh apples and a little chai spice. Perfect for a chilly morning and a …
Transitioning to the end of summer there are always an abundance of beautiful tomatoes and herbs so what better way to use them all up than to make a herby tomato sauce you can use on anything!? Making homemade tomato sauce is just pure comfort …
I have been working on a good sandwich bread for awhile, and I think I finally figured one out! It is great for toast and spreading butter, jam or making sandwiches. It’s so light with great chew and a little sweetness. The equal parts of …
It may be the dead middle of summer, but I enjoy noodle bowls all year round. I’ve also just really been craving comforting fall/winter food. But I just love them! And this one is no exception, it’s the Thai version of chicken noodle soup with …
It’s officially ice cream season!!! Perfect for any occasion! I recently got an ice cream machine and it is a full obsession now! There is something so fun and satisfying about churning your own fresh ice cream. I have been playing around with the endless …
These bars are the perfect summer treat! They have a tender flaky crust with creamy bright lemon filling and then just a little added sweetness from the raspberry jam. They are soft and tender in the center and have a light crust on the outside. …
This is such a fun soup to make because it’s so versatile. It really is all about the toppings at the end. Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, pico de Gallo all great options. I added chicken but you could totally add shrimp or leave it …
These are some of my favorite desserts to make! With Fourth of July right around the corner this will be a show stopper. The pavlovas are baked light crisp meringues on the outside and airy and soft on in the inside. Topped with fresh whipped …
I’ve been meaning to post this for a long time and am now finally getting around to it. I make this naan all the time! It’s definitely a favorite in our household. It’s soft, doughy, chewy, warm bread brushed with garlic butter. Just the best! …
Better than store bought, these crackers are light and crispy, lots of cheese and so addicting! They are the perfect little snack in the afternoon or evening, maybe for a cocktail party? Plus they are kid approved, Louie couldn’t stop eating them as well. I …
This last week was a really tough week I believe for everyone, I couldn’t even cook I was so saddened by what had happened. But I’m hoping now that things are looking up and going to get better. On another note we had gone home …
This dip has been in our family for years, its an old classic favorite. With all the bright flavors of summer. Bright juicy ripe tomatoes, salty chunks of feta and creamy avocado, with the fresh basil. It’s the perfect go to dip for any backyard …
Well it’s almost Memorial Day weekend and all I keep thinking about is ice cold lemonade in particular those Italian lemon ice. I haven’t had them in years and forgot how delicious they really are. But with the temperatures rising outside this is a perfect …
This plate of seared chicken and halloumi is so bright and flavorful! I was playing around with flavors last night for dinner and came up with this. It’s a creamy herby lemon yogurt underneath broccoli and mushroom orzo, salty seared halloumi and seared chicken! All …
Happy Cinco de Mayo!! What better way to celebrate than by making some delicious enchiladas and a margarita! My mom used to make these for us all the time and I really forgot how good they truly are! Ground turkey mixed with lots of spices …
