The night I served this sauce, one of my guests walked through my door and said, “It smells like an Italian restaurant in here!” When you have a pot of this meaty, succulent sauce simmering on your stove, you’re house can’t help but smell delicious. My sister’s mother-in-law, Carrie, graciously shared her spaghetti sauce recipe …
This Chicken Tikka Masala blew my other attempts at curries out of the water. The chunky, flavorful, savory sauce with the charred, spicy chicken is FANTASTIC. The unexpected combination of all those spices is just incredbly delicious. Pair it with some nice fluffy rice and warm naan bread. My husband couldn’t get enough of this …
Sometimes a girl wants a brownie and sometimes a girl wants a cheesecake brownie. And sometimes a girl wants a RASPBERRY cheesecake brownie. These brownies are absolutely scrumptious and pretty too! Food should always be pretty, if it possibly can:-) If you are in a brownie rut, you have to try these! Chocolaty goodness on the …
This salad wins the grand prize for my current favorite salad. Of course, I love that it’s fast, easy and healthy. But mostly, I just want to EAT IT. The fresh berries and the tangy feta. The toasted nuts and grilled chicken. It’s all my favorite things tossed together and eaten by me. I think …
I just love recipes like this. Simple ingredients and mouthwatering results! Slow cooking these pork chops on low heat results in some seriously tender, juicy chops. Every time I serve this, people ask for seconds. Add some mashed potatoes and veggies and there’s dinner. Let me introduce you to the epitome of good old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs, …
Little biscuit miracles. That’s how I think of these biscuit/muffin hybrids. You don’t have to roll them out, and for the most part, they can be made ahead. Yes! It’s true! Crispy and buttery on the outside and soft and puffy on the inside, these biscuits are PERFECT. You want to eat them while they …
Scenario: You are having a dinner party, and you have everything planned, but the bread. Homemade bread would put the menu over the top. But who has time? And what if you kill the yeast? What if you don’t knead the dough just right? Before you give up on the idea of hot, fresh, homemade …
Every once in a while, I need some creamy, cheesy pasta! This is one of my all-time favorite pasta recipes. It’s fast and easy, but still has this fantastic, indulgent flavor. The salty prosciutto and the fresh green asparagus are perfect additions to this grown-up Mac and Cheese. Serve this with some warm-from-the-oven Focaccia and a …
Surprise Muffins are my youngest son’s favorite breakfast treat!!! These melt-in-your-mouth muffins disappear in our house and I guarantee they’ll disappear in your house too. The combination of sweet, melty chocolate and spicy pumpkin is simply divine. Freshly-made Surprise Muffins are cause for great rejoicing with my two boys. The littlest guy races right to …
My family and I LOVE Texas Chili. It’s savory and spicy and meaty. And it’s one of those few mysterious meals that may actually taste better the second day. Texas Chili is also very simple. Once you are done throwing everything into a big pot, it simmers for hours. This leaves you time to get …
When it comes to a weeknight meal, I’m usually looking for something fast, tasty, light and inexpensive. This can be tricky. Add in a few little kids and it gets even trickier. This chicken salad is a fantastic weeknight meal that your family will love. It won’t break the bank and it’s ready in a … Continue reading
This delicious, hearty soup is guaranteed to warm up your weekend! Often, I find minestrone watery and bland. Not this one. You’ve got all the wonderful veggies,the earthy rosemary and the Parmesan rind that adds an extra salty kick. I love the bean puree in this too. It gives the soup a little creaminess, without cream! … Continue reading
Do you feel like cooking something new and interesting? Then try this fantastic Black Cod! It’s light, tasty and different. The Asian flavors are terrific and it’s pretty easy too. I found some great, fresh-caught, Icelandic Cod at Wholey’s Fish Market that worked perfectly. Don’t try this without the pickled radish. The marinade for the fish is … Continue reading
If you are looking for a way to use up any leftover roast turkey or chicken, this is THE way to do it. This chicken pot pie is by far the best one I have ever made! Fresh thyme is a must here. It really adds that extra depth of flavor. Between the flaky crust … Continue reading
Now, here is the perfect summer meal: spicy, grilled chicken with a cool honey-lime dipping sauce. I love how the heat from the spices plays off the slightly sweet and refreshing sauce. Jamaican Jerk spice includes spices such as Scotch Bonnet Peppers, allspice, cinnamon, thyme and garlic. This unexpected flavor combination really works! Trust me, … Continue reading
I always get anxious for fresh produce in the spring. Last week, I stopped at the local farmer’s market and was devastated to learn it would be TWO weeks before their snap peas came in. Sigh… Summer tomatoes are a long way off yet as well. But if you want that bright summery flavor without … Continue reading
Chicken Piccata is one of those easy weeknight dinners that is still so tasty and elegant that I never get tired of it. It’s lemony and buttery with a little hit of sour from the capers. Capers are little unopened flower buds that are pickled, giving them a pleasant tangy flavor that really works in … Continue reading
In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share a tradition from my Mother’s family. Here is my my Mom and I. Happy Mother’s Day Mom! This salad has appeared at nearly every Hogan family gathering since long before I was born. And I’m sure it will be served for many more years to come. … Continue reading
If you live in Pittsburgh, and you haven’t visited Wholey’s Fish Market, you need to drop everything and drive to the Strip District now! They have an amazing assortment of fresh seafood, with tanks full of fresh fish and lobsters. My boys attempted to catch some with their hands, but were stopped just in time. … Continue reading
I am loving Creme Fraiche right now. It’s got a rich tangy, creamy flavor and I just can’t get enough. Creme Fraiche is basically cream cheese’s snooty and sophisticated French cousin. There are a million and one ways to use it, but this easy, fresh, summery dessert is simply perfect. Max, my taste-tester thought so. … Continue reading
Foodie In The Making 