Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (or ghee for a more traditional flavor) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 4-5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 2-3 whole cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 bay leaf 1 ½ cups basmati rice 2 ½ cups boiling water (chicken or vegetable stock provides extra flavor) […]

Ingredients: 225g (8oz) self-raising flour (Or 225g plain flour + 1 tsp baking powder) 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warm spice) Pinch of salt 110g (4oz) butter or margarine, chilled and cubed 55g (2oz) caster sugar 75g (2.5oz) currants (or sultanas/raisins if you prefer) 1 large egg, beaten Milk (a tablespoon […]

Ingredients For the meringue: 4 large egg whites (at room temperature) 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the topping: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups fresh strawberries, […]

Ingredients: 4 large egg whites (room temperature) 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup superfine sugar (also called caster sugar) Equipment: Large, clean mixing bowl (glass or metal) Electric hand mixer or stand mixer Baking sheet Parchment paper Instructions: Preheat Oven and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a […]

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup whole milk (or another milk of your choice) Instructions: Make the Roux: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until you get a smooth, thick paste. This paste is […]

Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour for a smoother texture) 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (or your favorite flavor) 1 large ripe banana 2 large eggs 1/2 cup milk (plant-based like almond milk or regular milk both work) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, […]

Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces vodka (preferably citrus vodka) 1 ounce Cointreau (orange liqueur) ½ ounce fresh lime juice ½ ounce cranberry juice cocktail (not pure cranberry juice, which is too tart) Ice Lime wedge or orange twist for garnish Instructions: Chill your glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer to get it nice and […]

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Ingredients 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 4 large egg yolks 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Pinch of salt Instructions Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a […]

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter (or 2 tablespoons butter + 1 tablespoon olive oil for a richer flavor) 2 large onions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps caramelization) 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups beef broth (or vegetable broth) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce […]

Yields: About 2-3 half-pint jars Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-45 minutes Ingredients 2 pounds fresh, ripe strawberries (about 4 cups when crushed) 4 cups granulated sugar 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best) ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor) Equipment Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot Potato masher or large fork Sterilized jars […]