Crispy Eggplant & Creamy Melted Mozzarella: What More Could You Want?! This Easy Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian dish (Melanzane alla Parmigiana) that combines the richness of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese with the hearty flavors of eggplant and marinara sauce. It takes time to prep — about 30 minutes — but it’s so worth it. With just a few simple steps you will have the ultimate Italian comfort food to enjoy with family and friends. Make This Immediately Personally, I love to make this on a lazy Sunday….
Continue ReadingRich & Creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake
My irresistible Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines two classic desserts to make one decadent dish worthy of any special occasion meal: pecan pie and rich, creamy NY-style cheesecake. The cheesecake is made with brown sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a gooey, sweet pecan pie topping. It’s got a delicious graham cracker crust and is served with homemade cinnamon whipped cream. If we had to describe it in one word: indulgent! This tops the list for Ari’s favorite dessert recipe of 2023! Can’t decide between pecan pie and pumpkin pie for…
Continue ReadingEasy, Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Basque Cheesecake, also known as burnt Basque cheesecake or tarta de queso, is a delicious and decadent dessert that is really easy to make. It’s characterized by its rich and custard-like texture, its caramelized top, and its slightly tangy flavor. Where did Basque cheesecake originate? The Basque cheesecake originated in the Basque region of Spain. It was first created at La Viña, a renowned Spanish restaurant in San Sebastián. This rustic dessert gained popularity for its unique burnt exterior (it’s baked at a very high temperature) and creamy interior, quickly…
Continue ReadingCrispy Smashed Potatoes With Feta & Dill
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The trick is to parboil whole potatoes so that when you smash them, they press easily, but don’t fall apart. The smashed potatoes then get roasted at a high temperature until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy and tender on the inside. What takes these potatoes over the top? A generous drizzle of caper dressing. That, along with feta cheese and fresh dill, gives the dish a burst of bright, fresh flavor and…
Continue ReadingCreamy One Bowl Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake is a classic dessert that is both simple and elegant. Its creamy, velvety texture and subtle sweetness make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Unlike a NY-style cheesecake, this cheesecake is crustless and, instead of cream cheese, is made with ricotta cheese. The filling is made entirely in one bowl with just 10 minutes of prep. It’s truly a very quick and simple dessert. With a delicate balance of flavors, this cheesecake showcases the richness of ricotta cheese, offering a delightful contrast to the crisp, golden exterior. You…
Continue Reading20-Minute Crispy Calamari and Watercress Salad
Sweet and Tangy Crispy Watercress Salad This Crispy Calamari and Watercress Salad is hands down my favorite preparation for squid. I learned to make this while working at Perilla, a Harold Dieterle restaurant in NYC that, sadly, closed in late 2015. It was my first time working in a professional kitchen, and while it was immensely challenging, I never tired of making (or eating!) this fried calamari. Why I Love This Recipe Imagine this: perfectly golden, deep fried calamari that’s impossibly crispy, but not too heavy, tossed with a chili-lime…
Continue Reading