Ingredients: For the Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full-sheet graham crackers) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For the Filling 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract) 1/2 […]
Bay Leaf Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Look for chuck roast or a similar well-marbled cut. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups beef broth 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds richness) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce […]
Mace and Nutmeg Spiced Cake Recipe
Yields: 8-10 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Ingredients Dry Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground mace 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Wet Ingredients 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 […]
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt Sanding or coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional) Equipment Baking sheet Parchment paper Stand mixer or large mixing bowl Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder) Rolling pin […]
Classic cheese scones Recipe
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of a kick) 1/2 cup (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 cup (100g) grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 large egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, plus extra for brushing Equipment […]
Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
Yields: About 1 1/2 cups Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 large shallot, finely minced 2-3 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely crushed 1/3 cup brandy or cognac (see notes for substitutions) 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium is ideal) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) Salt […]
Ultimate Tomato Salsa Recipe
Yields: About 3 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Ingredients: Tomatoes: 1 ½ pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, cored and diced (or use a combination of vine-ripe, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes) Onion: ½ cup diced onion (yellow, white, or red – your preference) Peppers: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (adjust for desired heat level, substitute […]
White Sauce Recipe
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 […]
Easy Protein Pancakes Recipe
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, […]
Easy Pilau Rice Recipe
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) […]