Cooking Basics Recipes

Perfectly Grilled Vegetables

Learn how to make perfectly grilled vegetables with this easy, foolproof recipe. A healthy summer side dish, these smoky, flavorful veggies are caramelized to perfection. As a caterer, I’ve prepared this grilled vegetable recipe for hundreds of guests—…

Rhubarb Compote

This easy rhubarb compote is a simple, springtime favorite—delicious over yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, and so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the jar.

Pangrattato (Crispy Italian Breadcrumbs)

Put your leftover sourdough bread to good use with Pangrattato! Made from day-old bread, these crispy Italian breadcrumbs are easy to whip up and make a delicious crunchy topper for pasta, salads, and soups. Includes both stovetop and oven methods. Vegan.

How to Cook Black Beans

Learn how to cook dry black beans from scratch. This black beans recipe results in flavorful, creamy black beans, that hold their shape! Perfect as a side dish or use to create other meals. Includes both stovetop and Instant Pot instructions. Vegan an…

Lemon Butter Sauce

Bright and tangy, this Lemon Butter Sauce will elevate your meal! Delicious on fish, pasta, salmon, lobster, chicken, and vegetables! Easy to make with simple ingredients.

Best Baked Potato Recipe

Learn the secret to perfectly fluffy baked potatoes with my 7 best tips! This easy baked potato recipe yields perfectly fluffy insides with a deliciously crispy skin.

Pan Sauce

Everything you need to know about making a simple pan sauce! Whether it’s for steak, chicken, fish or mushrooms, you’ll love our easy basic method.

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Elegant, quick and full of flavor, this classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender sautéed shrimp in a simple lemon garlic butter sauce. Serve with pasta for a quick weeknight meal or enjoy as an appetizer.

Chili Garlic Sauce

This easy homemade Chili Garlic Sauce recipe is made with dried chilies, garlic, and shallots and can be kept in the refrigerator for months! An Asian-style chili paste to use in dishes you are already making!

Yum Yum Sauce

This vegan Yum Yum Sauce is a tasty, versatile Japanese steakhouse sauce that elevates a variety of dishes, making it perfect for drizzling over sushi, vegetables, rice bowls, noodles, tacos, meat, and seafood.

The Easiest Thanksgiving Turkey

This turkey recipe is originally from an old Martha Stewart Magazine, where I learned to cook my very first turkey in my young 20s, and it has never failed me! I’ve added lemon zest, more herbs, and a bit more garlic to bump up the flavor, but other th…

Jammy Roasted Ketchup

My kitchen counter is still covered with all stages of ripening tomatoes, which seems crazy for the beginning of November! I made this homemade ketchup the other day in preparation for a yummy meatloaf recipe (coming), and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Homemade Giardiniera

Want to preserve your fall harvest a little longer? Make giardiniera! It’s a tangy Italian condiment made with garden veggies, hot peppers, garlic, and spices, marinated in vinegar and olive oil. It makes a great hostess gift or delicious chopped finel…

Blackened Salmon

How to make the BEST Blackened Salmon! Fillets of salmon are brushed with olive oil & rubbed with our homemade cajun seasoning, pan-seared to perfection! Zesty and flavorful, with a few “chef-perfected” tips to elevating this 20-minute dish!

Easy Roasted Beets

Learn the secret to delicious roasted beets without peeling them! Tender and caramelized, these oven-roasted beets make a lovely side dish. Vegan and gluten-free.

Scroll to Top