Category Archives: Sauce

Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

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Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

It’s important to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of life: a glass of good wine, a homemade meal with family, an evening cooking with friends, a romantic candlelit dinner, fresh herbs from the garden, a girl’s night out. Sometimes our busy lives distract us from what matters most. A home-cooked meal is a great way to bring people together, and this homemade Italian spaghetti sauce with meatballs will do just that.

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic comfort dish–even more so when everything is made from scratch! This recipe takes a few hours, but yields a truly remarkable meal, with robust meatballs and a delicious tomato sauce replete with garlic and herbs. You won’t be going back to the pre-prepared stuff any time soon. read more

Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Bap)

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Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Bap)Kongnamul Bap (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts) and Kimchi

I love Korean food! The spicy fermented vegetables, the seared meats served straight off the grill, the infinite variety of banchans (side dishes that accompany the main course), and the bibimbap (mixed rice bowls). These flavors awaken the taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Kongnamul bap is a type of bibimbap that features soy bean sprouts. Kongnamul bap is easily prepared, healthy, and inexpensive. Bean sprouts, kimchi*, and cooked rice are placed in a pot with a small amount of water and oil. The pot is then covered and heated, effectively steaming the vegetables and rice. The kongnamul bap is then ready to serve, topped with spicy soy sauce . . . it’s really that simple! This is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. read more

Harissa Chili Paste

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Harissa

I’d never heard of harissa until researching how to make Moroccan olives, but it’s what gives them their fiery smokiness. Harissa is Tunisian chili paste made from a blend of dried red peppers and spices. It can be used to increase the heat in virtually any recipe. For an easy appetizer, I especially enjoy serving harissa on slices of baguette. Depending on which peppers you select, harissa can be anywhere from blazingly hot to mild and smoky. This particular harissa recipe produces a mild, smoky blend. read more

Chinese Lettuce Wraps

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Chinese Lettuce Wraps, Chinese appetizer, authentic Chinese appetizer, hoisin sauce

I love Chinese food, especially appetizers! I get hungry just thinking about crispy wontons, fried shrimp toast, savory spring rolls, and the endless varieties of delectable dumplings. The flavor combinations, textures, and delicious sauces of Chinese cuisine make it one of my favorites.

Oftentimes, American Chinese restaurants poorly represent the fare, offering unhealthy and/or bland dishes. Today I present you with an authentic Chinese appetizer that’s both healthy and delicious: Chinese lettuce wraps. read more

Crock Pot Mole Chicken

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Crock Pot Mole Chicken, Mole Sauce, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Mole Chicken, Chicken mole

Recently, I’ve had some requests for crock pot meals and it has reminded me just how handy this method of cooking really is. Though there is some prep required, the crock pot cuts back on the active time in the kitchen. The main beauty of using a slow-cooker—in my opinion at least—is walking in the door after a long day and having dinner ready, waiting on you. It’s almost magical in a way, opening the door and having the smells of a home-cooked meal greet you. When you’re feeling energized in the morning, you start the meal; that way, you can come home and relax—dinner is already made! read more