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Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
Dinner

Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy

Golden, crispy chicken thighs smothered in a rich homemade cream gravy. Pure Southern comfort on a plate — perfect for Sunday dinner with the family.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1) Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. 2) Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. 3) Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook 6-7 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook another 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate. 4) Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of drippings. Add butter and 2 tablespoons flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute. 5) Slowly pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. 6) Serve chicken with cream gravy spooned generously over the top.
Slow-Braised Beef Barbacoa Tacos
Dinner

Slow-Braised Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Tender, fall-apart beef simmered low and slow with smoky chipotles, warm spices, and lime. Pile it into warm tortillas and top with fresh cilantro and pickled onions.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper
  • Corn tortillas, cilantro, pickled red onion for serving

Instructions

1) Cut beef chuck into large 3-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. 2) Blend chipotles, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cloves into a smooth paste. 3) Sear beef in a hot Dutch oven until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. 4) Pour chipotle paste and beef broth over the meat. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to a 300°F oven. 5) Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef shreds easily with a fork. 6) Shred the beef in the pot, stirring it into the braising liquid. Serve in warm corn tortillas with cilantro and pickled red onion.
Lemon Herb Baked Salmon
Dinner

Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

Bright, fresh, and ready in under 25 minutes. This easy baked salmon is finished with a lemon-dill butter that melts right over the top. Weeknight elegance at its finest.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 2) Place salmon fillets on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. 3) Mix softened butter with dill, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. 4) Spread the herb butter generously over each fillet. Top with lemon slices. 5) Bake 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork. 6) Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Fluffy Blueberry Lemon Pancakes
Breakfast

Fluffy Blueberry Lemon Pancakes

Light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes bursting with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest. Stack them high and drizzle with real maple syrup for the perfect weekend breakfast.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Maple syrup for serving

Instructions

1) Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. 2) In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and lemon zest. 3) Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently — a few lumps are fine. Fold in blueberries. 4) Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat and grease lightly with butter. 5) Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. 6) Serve stacked with extra blueberries and warm maple syrup.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Brownies
Dessert

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Brownies

Fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies with a crackly top and a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. One bowl, no mixer, and dangerously addictive.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 oz dark chocolate (70%), chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Flaky sea salt (Maldon) for topping

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment, leaving overhang on the sides. 2) Melt butter and chopped chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. 3) Stir in sugar until combined, then add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each. Add vanilla. 4) Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold gently until just combined — do not overmix. 5) Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt. 6) Bake 22-25 minutes until the top is set but a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Grilled Chicken & Avocado Wrap
Lunch

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Wrap

A hearty lunch wrap loaded with seasoned grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp romaine, and a tangy chipotle lime drizzle. Quick enough for a weekday, satisfying enough to keep you going.

Ingredients

  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

1) Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice. 2) Mix sour cream, minced chipotle, and lime juice in a small bowl. 3) Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. 4) Spread chipotle lime sauce down the center of each tortilla. Layer with lettuce, sliced chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion. 5) Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Slice in half on the diagonal.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Lunch

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Slow-roasted tomatoes blended into a velvety, aromatic soup with fresh basil and a touch of cream. Serve it with crusty bread and you've got the perfect cozy lunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Roma tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, whole
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange tomato halves, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. 2) Roast for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and slightly charred. 3) Transfer everything to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 10 minutes. 4) Add basil leaves and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. 5) Stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. 6) Ladle into bowls and serve with warm crusty bread.
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Bites
Snack

Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Bites

Crispy little puff pastry bites loaded with herbed cream cheese and coated in everything bagel seasoning. Perfect for snacking, parties, or just because.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Flaky salt

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 2) Mix softened cream cheese with chives and garlic powder until smooth. 3) Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 24 small squares (about 2 inches each). 4) Place a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold corners up and pinch to seal. 5) Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning and a pinch of flaky salt. 6) Bake 15-18 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Snack

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

A bright, refreshing mix of seasonal fruit tossed in a simple honey-lime dressing with fresh mint. Light, healthy, and perfect for afternoon snacking.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strawberries, quartered
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Fresh mint leaves, torn

Instructions

1) Combine all prepared fruit in a large bowl. 2) Whisk together honey, lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl until smooth. 3) Pour dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat. 4) Scatter torn mint leaves over the top. 5) Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Best eaten the same day.
Garden Veggie Egg Scramble
Breakfast

Garden Veggie Egg Scramble

A colorful, veggie-packed scramble with bell peppers, spinach, and cherry tomatoes finished with crumbled feta. A wholesome way to start the morning.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, snipped
  • Salt and pepper
  • Toast for serving

Instructions

1) Crack eggs into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and whisk until just combined. 2) Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and cook 2 minutes until slightly softened. 3) Add cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts. 4) Pour in the eggs. Gently stir with a spatula, folding the eggs as they set. Remove from heat while still slightly soft — they'll continue cooking off the heat. 5) Top with crumbled feta and fresh chives. Serve with buttered toast.
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Dessert

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Silky, creamy Italian custard infused with real vanilla bean and topped with a jewel-toned berry compote. Elegant but surprisingly effortless.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 2 1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tbsp cold water
  • 1 cup mixed berries (for compote)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1) Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let sit 5 minutes to bloom. 2) Combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds and pod in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring just to a simmer — do not boil. 3) Remove from heat, discard the vanilla pod, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. 4) Pour into 4 ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until set. 5) For the compote, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5-6 minutes until berries burst and sauce thickens. Cool. 6) Spoon berry compote over each panna cotta before serving.