Allow me to introduce you to my absolute favorite holiday cookie: Italian rainbow cookies! They’re an Italian-American invention, created by immigrants in New York as a nod to the Italian flag. I think my family likes them so much because they’re actually cake. You know… disguised as cookies. 😏 I’ve been making this tri-color cookie recipe for over a decade at this point—you might know them as Venetian cookies, seven layer cookies, or Italian flag cookies, but whatever you call them, they are so worth the effort. And truly, they’re…
Continue ReadingChocolate Babka Parfaits with Store-Bought Babka
What is babka anyway? Babka may look like a cake, but it’s actually a braided yeast bread originating from Eastern European Jews. It’s often filled and twisted with chocolate or cinnamon, then baked in a high loaf pan. Sometimes it’s topped with streusel, sometimes it’s got extra chocolate on top. No matter what you fill it with, it’s a delicious! Ingredients for chocolate babka parfaits How to make parfaits Chocolate babka parfaits would be a lot harder to make if I didn’t use a pre-made babka. Usually I am all…
Continue ReadingHow to Roast Chickpeas So They’re Crispy!
Roasted chickpeas are one of my all-time favorite snacks! Even better, my kids like them! They’re irresistible crunchy and can be flavored with any spices you like! Love chickpeas as much as we do? Be sure to try these Chickpea Patties or our favorite lunch Deconstructed Falafel Sandwich next! Why it’s important to dry chickpeas before roasting Chickpeas from a can are stored with a briny liquid. When you open the can, the first thing you should do is rinse the chickpeas. I do this in a colander or fine…
Continue ReadingTender Braised Beef Pappardelle with Creamy Burrata
Low and slow cooking is the secret to big, bold flavor with minimal effort — and this braised beef pappardelle proves it. The beef ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender, the sauce tastes like it’s been simmering for days, and the silky pasta adds just the right contrast. Each bite is pure comfort, and yes, you can absolutely achieve this at home. If you’re a beef lover, this creamy pasta with braised beef will win you over instantly. And if you’re craving more restaurant-worthy dinners, be sure to try my slow-braised short…
Continue ReadingTender, Fall-Apart Braised Beef Short Ribs
An All-Purpose Slow-Braised Short Rib Recipe Few dishes say comfort quite like braised beef short ribs—fork-tender, deeply flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners at home, holiday meals, and every special occasion imaginable. These red wine braised short ribs are first seared until golden, then slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce made with beef stock, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and (my secret ingredient!) a hefty splash of soy sauce for an extra layer of umami depth. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth, restaurant-worthy beef dinner (of which I have many! 💁🏻♀️) with a…
Continue ReadingFocaccia Stuffing with Chorizo & Butternut Squash
My absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving – hands down! – is the stuffing. Okay, stuffing with gravy, but stuffing nonetheless. This Thanksgiving side dish is practically a meal in itself, but served alongside your traditional T-gives fare, it will easily become the star of your next holiday dinner. For more Thanksgiving side dishes, be sure to check out our Cornbread Dressing Recipe, this flavorful Cauliflower Gratin, or the very best Mashed Butternut Squash with Bourbon and Sage! What’s in focaccia bread stuffing? Can stuffing recipes be made ahead? Yes! You can…
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