Juicy Pan-Fried Pork Cutlets with an Irresistible Crunch If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss (a true 35 minute dinner! 🙌🏻), this crispy pork Milanese hits the mark every time. Think golden, pan-fried pork cutlets—juicy on the inside with an audibly crisp, cheesy crust—topped generously with a refreshing, peppery arugula and fennel salad (my preferred way to serve any milanese, whether pork, veal, or chicken) that cuts through the richness in all the right ways. No deep-fryer required. This dish pairs beautifully with…
Continue ReadingSalmon Caesar Salad with Kale & Basil Pesto
The Best Caesar I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot 😂) Earlier this year I went out to dinner with my daughter, Nora, and ordered a kale Caesar salad with pesto that absolutely shook me to my core. It was phenomenal. (How often do you order salad from a restaurant and feel that way? Never, right?!) If you’ve ever wished your go-to Caesar salad had just a bit more oomph, this is the version you’ve been waiting for. With buttery seared salmon, both hearty kale and crisp Romaine, and…
Continue ReadingRich, Creamy Caesar Dressing with Basil Pesto
An Elevated Summer Take On Classic Caesar Dressing If classic Caesar and vibrant basil pesto had a delicious little secret, this ultra-creamy, pesto dressing would be it. Think silky ribbons of garlicky, umami-rich goodness laced with bright lemon and a touch of anchovy (they melt into the dressing, adding a salty, savory depth without tasting fishy), all elevated by fresh basil. Homemade Caesar dressing can feel intimidating if you’ve never worked with anchovies or made salad dressing from scratch—but this version is practically foolproof. It’s everything you love about a…
Continue ReadingHow To Bake A Whole Fish In A Salt Crust
Salt-Encrusted Sea Bass, Red Snapper, Branzino, or Dorade If you’ve been wowed by a salt‑baked fish at a coastal restaurant, good news—you can absolutely recreate that dramatic crack‑the‑crust moment at home. This method might sound like something you’d only find in a restaurant kitchen, but it’s totally doable—and makes for an unforgettable centerpiece. In fact, it’s one of my go-to date night recipes. Salt crusted whole fish is foolproof. A tip I learned working in restaurants: Stick with coarse kosher or sea salt. Table salt is too fine and will…
Continue ReadingCreamy White Bean Dip for Crostini or Crudité
Move Over, Hummus–There’s A New Dip In Town! At its core, this creamy white bean dip is a simple blend of canned white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and olive oil. But when whipped together in a food processor, the beans become silky and luscious—light, but satisfying. There’s a subtle nutty creaminess from the beans, balanced with the brightness of lemon juice and zest, and just enough garlic to make it sing without overpowering. Best of all, it’s endlessly versatile. Spoon it into a…
Continue ReadingCreamy Hot-Smoked Salmon Salad with Canned Salmon
Flaky hot‑smoked salmon tossed in a tangy lemon‑dill dressing becomes an irresistibly creamy salad that feels equal parts upscale brunch and effortless weekday lunch. It’s rich, but with a balanced citrus flavor. The best part? This creamy salmon salad is ready in minutes. For another make-ahead seafood salad, you’d probably like this creamy smoked trout dip with creme fraiche—yum! Serve the smoky salmon spread in lettuce cups (the bigger, the better!) or as a dip surrounded by an assortment of crudité, crackers, or crostini. And yes, it would be delicious…
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