I was chatting with my friend Tonya on facebook book the other day. I asked if she’d made anything great in her Instant Pot and she gave me this recipe, Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup. This soup saved my life! Thanks Tonya for sharing!
Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup
Way back in the olden days (my granddaughter just asked me not too long ago what it was like when I was growing up, lol), way back when I had more energy, when I was a little more “Martha” than I am now, I used to do a lot more DIY and crafty kind of things. One of those things was drying oranges for all kinds of stuff. A.nd this year I came across a method that makes Beautiful Dried Oranges.
Beautiful Dried Oranges
When the holidays roll around and you’re asked to a party, do you usually say, “What can I bring?” And what if you don’t usually cook, or can’t cook. And maybe your budget is overextended as it is. That’s when you might think Party Tray. And if you know how to assemble a Cheap Holiday Party Tray, all your problems are solved. At least the what to bring option is. I apologize that this tray isn’t decked out in Christmas trappings. Between my bad shoulder and hand, I’m a bit limited and obviously made this Cheap Holiday Party Tray right around Thanksgiving. If you follow me, you might even recognize a few of these items. I’ll link to them, too.
Cheap Holiday Party Tray
Do y’all know Nathalie Dupree? She’s like the queen of Southern cooking; the Southern Julia Child. So when a friend (the same friend who introduced me to Panera’s Steak & White Cheddar Panini and many other meals & recipes over the years – she has great taste!) mentioned that Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf was a family favorite, I couldn’t wait to try it. It’s actually been on my must make list for a while and I gotta say it’s just the perfect thing to make on a cold winter weekend.
Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf
I know I probably should have had this post out weeks before Thanksgiving, but better late than never, right? Anyway, I figure a lot of you must have Turkey for Christmas, too, or you can pin it for next year. And what a turkey this Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey is! The “Almost” is because I’ve changed it up, just a bit. Find the original recipe here on Bon Appetit’s site; they have several dry-brined turkey recipes.
Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey
What if you could have hot chocolate whenever you wanted? And not just any old hot chocolate but a premium hot chocolate at the drop of a hat? Yep, you can if you make a batch of Refrigerator Hot Chocolate Mix ahead of time. And keep it in the fridge, obs!
Refrigerator Hot Chocolate Mix
I’m a huge fan of Lo Mein so when a friend mentioned she saw a recipe for Instant Pot Lo Mein, I was wowed. Could I make a Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein? One that’s as good or even better than my skillet versions? Maybe even better than takeout? The answer’s “Yes!” As in yes, yes, yes, pluheese! If you love Lo Mein, this Instant Pot version will rock your world.
Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein
When I decided to make my Lighter Mongolian Beef, I wanted to look a little into the history of Mongolian Beef. I already knew it wasn’t an authentic Mongolian recipe but had heard rumors that Mongolian Beef was invented by the owner of PF Chang’s. Turns out that Mongolian Beef was originally made in Taiwan.
Lighter Mongolian Beef
Does anybody remember way back when I posted a copycat recipe for Panera’s Steak & White Cheddar Panini? I mentioned I already had a “go-to” sandwich, but I followed my friend’s lead and ordered the steak one. My “go-to” was Panera’s Turkey Artichoke Panini. When I was out with my friend I didn’t realize it was no longer on the menu, which is a good thing because I swear I had to grieve alone when I found out.
Paneras Turkey Artichoke Panini with apple slices
I used to be kinda opposed to Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, just on principle…and here’s the deal: Back in the ’80s, it was all about the creamy Spinach Dip and it was served warm or cold in a bread bowl. I loved that stuff! And I remember how fancy we all thought it was, too. Then in the ’90s it was all about the Hot Artichoke Dip. It seemed that just about every restaurant had a version. It was everywhere! And I loved that stuff, too! Of course, I’ve always had a thing for artichokes, and guess who else in the house does? Homer, my cat. She goes nuts over them. She can smell even the canned artichokes in the grocery bag and immediately comes running!
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
So yesterday, I posted Ina Garten’s Guacamole, and while that’s perfect for just about any party or gathering, it’s really perfect with Ina Garten’s Salmon & Guacamole Sandwiches.
Ina Garten’s Guacamole Salmon Sandwiches
I made this beautiful guacamole recipe from Ina Garten some time ago; I never did post it. I thought it would be nice this time of year when we’re all looking for a little sumpin’ sumpin’ to make and bring to Christmas parties or game day get-togethers, so here is Ina Garten’s Guacamole.
Ina Garten’s Guacamole Salmon Sandwich
There’s something about Olive Garden. People love it or hate it, but I have to say they’ve cracked the code on how to keep America’s diners happy and coming back. My folks are big fans (more about that, below) but my favorite thing, by far on the menu, is their Zuppa Toscana Soup. Luckily, it’s super easy and fast to make at home. You just need Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat recipe.
Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat
If you follow me, you might know I’m all about leftovers and transforming them into marvelous new dishes, so I wasn’t daunted at all by the five pounds of mashed potatoes I had when I made my Slow Cooker or Oven Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. I had a few ideas, but after seeing Gail’s post for her Duchess Mashed Potatoes on her site, Snap Shots in Cursive, I couldn’t get them out of my mind. Out the window flew any thoughts of gnocchi and pierogies, and inspired, I decided to make this Duchess Potatoes Casserole (From Leftover Mashed Potatoes).
Duchess Potatoes Casserole (From Leftover Mashed Potatoes)
Here it is, Thanksgiving already. Well, just past. And I thought this might be a great time to put out a recipe on my Best Ham Stock, Instant Pot or Not. I know a lot of you have had Turkey and so I’ve already got you covered with my Best Chicken or Turkey Stock.
Best Ham Stock Instant Pot or Stovetop Read More
One thing I do love around the holidays is these salty, sweet nuts with just a bit of a kick to them. They’re a little sugary, a little salty, slightly spicy, crunchy and just divine. And Sweet Spicy Slow Cooker Nuts are pretty much addictive.
Sweet Spicy Slow Cooker Nuts
Are you a fan of Boursin Cheese? If you’re not familiar, Boursin Cheese is a rich, creamy, herby blend of Gournay Cheese developed in Normandy, France. And while I’m a fan of Boursin Cheese, what I’m not a fan of is the price…so for the upcoming Holidays, I thought I’d make a knock-off. So here’s an Easy Homemade Boursin Cheese that’s going to be perfect for snacking with crackers, as an appetizer or maybe an addition to your cheese board.
Easy Homemade Boursin Cheese
When I was young and living in the Colorado Rockies, in the tiny little village of Georgetown, I had “Spiced” or Mulled Wine for the first time. I can’t think of any recipe that says “Holiday” more than warm spiced wine on a wintery day. It doesn’t matter if it’s a holiday with family and/or friends in the cabin or on a ski or snowmobile trip, or a home-based gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas, Spiced Mulled Wine makes the party!
Spiced Mulled Wine
I think these Cider & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are going to be my new signature app. There’re scrumptious little bites that are going to be a hit as an hors-d’oeuvre at a cocktail party, a starter for a family feast (especially Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years) or snack on game day.
Cider & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Every once in a while you’ll come across a dessert recipe that’s so delicious. so rich and so fancy looking but is so easy it will make you look like a genius. That’s this recipe. I swear you’re gonna be a hero when you lay this Chocolate Glazed Tart out on the table.
Chocolate Glazed Tart
Ok, so will you guys kill me if I post two mashed potatoes recipes in the same week? I probably could have done with some better timing but with Thanksgiving (and Christmas soon after) looming and mashed potatoes such an important part of the meal, I wanted to get this Make-Ahead Slow Cooker or Oven Mashed Potatoes recipe out. And not to worry, I have a teaser – a beautiful, easy and feast worthy Chocolate Tart coming up along with a couple of fun Thanksgiving-y recipes.
Make-Ahead Slow Cooker or Oven Mashed Potatoes
You know the other day, I posted out my recipe for Poor Man’s Mock Prime Rib, and I wanted to get you my recipe for Creamy Horseradish Sauce to go with it. I know Thanksgiving is looming and I have a few recipes coming up, but I wanted to tie up this loose end, first. Just as a teaser, don’t forget to watch for my easy and outstanding chocolate tart, because the Holidays can’t be all about the pumpkin!
Creamy Horseradish Sauce
For everyday old dinners, I usually make my plain old mashed potatoes, I call them Simple Rustic Mashed Potatoes. They’re super easy, pretty lean and I don’t even peel them. Sometimes I make my Perfect Instant Pot Potatoes, too. They’re a great mashed potato. But when Company comes or a Holiday rolls around, I pull out all the stops and make my best ones: Best Company Mashed Potatoes.
Best Company Mashed Potatoes
When you do it right, leftovers can be better than the original meal, and these Leftover Steak & Mushroom Pies are a perfect example! They were made with a bit of my Poor Man’s Mock Prime Rib I made the other day. And since I started with most of my ingredients already cooked, I whipped up these Leftover Steak & Mushroom Pies in no time at all.
Leftover Steak & Mushroom Pies
Gosh, do I love me some Brussels Sprouts. They’ve always been a fave, and especially my Bacon Brussels Sprouts. I mean c’mon! But man or woman cannot live on just Bacon Brussels Sprouts, sometimes you need to shake things up a bit, and so here’s a sweet little recipe for Restaurant Style Brussels with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce.
Restaurant Style Brussels with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce
It’s been a long time since I’ve made a roast. I mean a real roast, in the oven. I did do a 30 Minute Instant Pot Roast, which was fun, but that was way back in January. So when I saw roast on sale this last week I decided it was about time to try another. Now Prime Rib isn’t in my budget, and truthfully, neither is a Standing Rib Roast but here’s my go-to method to take a cheap, grocery store roast and make it taste better, kind of a Poor Man’s Mock Prime Rib.
Poor Man’s Mock Prime Rib, Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin, Restaurant Style Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Caper Sauce
I don’t know about you, but eating at steakhouses isn’t my wheelhouse. So when I go to one, I read every inch of the menu and agonize over just the right choice of steak and sides to maximize my experience! (And then I hate it if someone else orders something that looks better than what I have, lol!) And while I enjoy the steak, what makes it for me is the au gratin potatoes. My daughter takes after me because she was out for a special dinner with her sweetie, and what Jess raved about the next day wasn’t the steak, it was Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin.
Ruth’s Chris Potatoes au Gratin Copycat make individual or one large casserole.
Halloween’s over and if you live in the US, it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving means, among other things, Pumpkin Pie. I get excited about Pumpkin Pie because it’s something I make for Thanksgiving and don’t think to make any other time of year. Mine are always homemade and sometimes they’re made with my Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree