Let’s talk Pastina, the cute little star-shaped pasta that I imagine moms and nonnas all over Italy (and beyond) are serving to their kids and grandkids. Pastina, referred to as Italian penicillin, is as far as I can tell, often served in a simple way with lots of grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and an egg yolk stirred in for added richness and a creamy texture. I can see the appeal of its healing powers! The thing is, nostalgic childhood staples should not simply be reserved for kids! This cozy pasta…
Continue ReadingCreamy Chicken and Gnocchi with Mushrooms
I was reluctant to share this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe because it’s truly nothing fancy, but it’s also exactly what I crave on a winter evening when I want something low-stress, quick-and-easy, and completely comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Take advantage of a store-bought rotisserie chicken, then shred the meat and add it to tender, pillowy potato gnocchi, roasted mushrooms, and a quick sauce made with lots of mascarpone cheese. It’s got a rich umami taste and a delicate texture….
Continue ReadingCrispy Fried Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Not Your Average Brussels Sprouts! These Fried Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta are a burst of flavors and textures! Imagine this: impossibly crunchy deep fried Brussels sprouts tossed with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, crispy pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and nutty pistachios. It’s sweet and salty, a little tangy, and completely irresistible! Now I know that deep frying foods can be intimidating, and for sure it’s not something we do every day, but man is it a special treat when we do! It’s the very best way to get extra crispy brussel…
Continue ReadingCottage Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Cottage Pie is a classic British dish with a rich flavor that is pure comfort food. The combination of seasoned ground beef, carrots, savory onions, and celery creates a hearty and satisfying filling that gets a flavor boost from a simple red wine gravy. The whole thing is topped with creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until golden brown. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! It’s a one-dish wonder that I’m confident the whole family will love! (You know, unless you’ve got my picky older son in your family…) I’ve…
Continue Reading30-Minute Parmesan-Crusted Cod with Tartar Sauce
In just 30 minutes, you can have this easy, flavorful Parmesan-Crusted Cod on the table. The topping is made from simple 4 ingredients you likely already have on hand: Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest. It’s straightforward and easy, but flavorful! The cod is pan-seared to start, then transferred to an oven to finish. This ensures that the coating is crispy, while the fish remains tender and flaky. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, with a delightful crunch and burst of flavor…
Continue Reading5-Minute Tartar Sauce For Crab Cakes, Fish, & More
My Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce Is The Way To Go! There’s no denying the ease of buying store-bought sauces, but there’s truly nothing as good as homemade. This easy, quick Tartar Sauce is rich, thick, creamy, and perfect for all your favorite seafood recipes! Why this recipe works It’s made with 6 simple ingredients, so quality matters. The base is made with mayonnaise. If I had to pick my favorite, I’d say go for Duke’s Mayo. Super rich with just the right amount of tang! No fat-free mayo here. Other…
Continue Reading