When I Tried This In Portugal, I Immediately Fell In Love If you’re looking for a deeply flavorful, rustic (yet elegant!) seafood dish, this Portuguese fish stew is an absolute stunner. I tried it for the first time several years ago when John and I took the kids to Portugal for a summer vacation. (Side note: I’ve never been to a more kid-friendly country!) It’s brothy, aromatic, and layered with smoky chorizo, tender potatoes, saffron, tomatoes, and delicately poached fish. I’ve got tons of flavorful homemade soup recipes, but this…
Continue ReadingCrisp Butter Lettuce Salad with Parmesan and Pangrattato
My Go-To Restaurant-Worthy Side Salad That Doesn’t Feel Like An Afterthought If you’re looking for a salad that feels simple yet restaurant-worthy, this Romaine and butter lettuce salad with Parmesan and pangrattato is it. Tender, delicate lettuce leaves are tossed with my bright, citrusy lemon vinaigrette, but it’s the crispy, cheesy breadcrumbs that completely transform the dish. Think of pangrattato as Italian-style toasted breadcrumbs—sometimes called “poor man’s Parmesan”—which add a deeply savory crunch to everything from pasta to vegetables and salads. Why the mix of lettuces? Romain provides a really…
Continue ReadingJuicy Pan-Fried Lamb Arayes with Yogurt Sauce
The Ultimate Crispy Lamb-Filled Pita Pockets It’s finally here!! I’ve been testing (and re-testing) this recipe for months to bring you a foolproof version of ground lamb arayes, the beloved Middle Eastern street food, that is not only bursting with flavor, but will yield a crispy exterior, utterly juicy filling, and as little grease on your hands as possible. 💯 Was she worth the wait? Unquestionably. Arayes are a classic Levantine dish popular throughout Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East. Pita pockets are stuffed with seasoned ground meat…
Continue ReadingHerb-Braised Brisket with Onions & Leeks
My Family’s Melt-In-Your-Mouth Jewish-Style Brisket If you grew up eating Jewish brisket, you’ll recognize the soul of this dish: slow braising, sweet onions, and a glossy, deeply flavored gravy. But here, the addition of leeks and fresh herbs gives it a slightly more refined, French-inspired feel. Which, if you’ve been here a while, you know is very much my thing. 😉 The best part? The mixture of onions, leeks, and shallots cook down and collapse into the most luscious sauce. This fall-apart brisket is elegant enough for a holiday table…
Continue ReadingSeasonal March Recipes to Celebrate Early Spring
This Month’s Cooking Plan (As I Long For Spring) March is when my cooking starts to shift. I’m still craving comfort, but I want brightness too—lemon herbs, tender greens, and meals that feel a little lighter without completely jumping headfirst into summer recipes. This month’s lineup reflects that in-between season: cozy one pot dinners, herb-forward dishes, simple seafood, and just enough freshness to make it feel like spring is finally within reach. And my god, after this insanely snowy winter in New Jersey, we are so ready. ↓ The epitome…
Continue ReadingOne-Pot Cheesy Tortellini Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
Creamy, Cozy, & Extremely Weeknight-Friendly If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a simmered all day (but absolutely didn’t), I think you’ll love my cheesy tortellini soup! In addition to spinach and cheese-filled pasta, it’s filled with tender rotisserie chicken, lots of veggies, and creamy cannelini beans—all finished with a splash of cream and a drizzle of good olive oil. The result? A rustic, homemade soup that’s deeply comforting, velvety without being heavy, and layered with flavor. It’s the kind of one-pot meal that checks every…
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