Category: Sauces

Pico de Gallo

A bowl filled with homemade pico de gallo, ready to be served.Our homemade Pico de Gallo recipe takes 10 minutes to make and instantly elevates any dish (or serve it with tortilla chips!) If you’re looking for delicious dip recipes try Homemade Hummus, Pepper Jelly, Easy Homemade Salsa, or Street Corn Dip! How to make Pico de Gallo: Combine chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in…

A bowl filled with homemade pico de gallo, ready to be served.

Our homemade Pico de Gallo recipe takes 10 minutes to make and instantly elevates any dish (or serve it with tortilla chips!)

If you’re looking for delicious dip recipes try Homemade Hummus, Pepper Jelly, Easy Homemade Salsa, or Street Corn Dip!

A homemade Pico de Gallo recipe in a bowl, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and ready to serve.

Pico de Gallo is my everything topping.

I keep ingredients for this irresistible pico on hand at all times. It instantly adds a splash of color, burst of flavor, and elevates every dish. Obviously you’ll want to serve it with Mexican faves like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but it’s also a mighty friend to eggs, avocado toast, grilled chicken or fish, or just scoop up with tortilla chips.

(Let’s not confuse fresh pico de gallo–made with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeño–with homemade salsa, which has more of a chunky sauce consistency, and can be made with cooked, roasted, canned or fresh tomatoes). When I’m looking for fresh and bold topping, pico de gallo is my go to.

How to make Pico de Gallo:

Combine chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a bowl. Season with salt and a spritz of lime juice. Serve on your favorite Mexican dishes, or with chips. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Two images showing all of the best Pico de Gallo ingredients in a bowl before and after combining: diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Pico is my favorite when made an hour or two in advance. It can be kept in the fridge for about a week, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.

Recipe Variations:

  • Spicy Pico de Gallo: Keep the jalapeño seeds and add extra jalapeño peppers if you’d like.
  • Add Avocado: Stir in some diced avocado right before serving.
  • Add Mango: Stir in diced avocado right before serving, for a fun flavor twist.

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A bowl filled with homemade pico de gallo, ready to be served.
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Pico de Gallo

This homemade Pico de Gallo recipe only takes 10 minutes and is made with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño. It is bursting with fresh flavors and instantly elevates any dish, or can be enjoyed with chips.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 19kcal
Author Lauren Allen
Cost 3

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 Roma tomatoes , diced
  • 1/2 cup white or red onion , diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro , chopped
  • 1 small jalepeño pepper , veins and seeds removed, diced
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons lime juice , to taste
  • salt , to taste
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Combine diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeño in a bowl. Season with salt and add lime juice to taste. 
  • Top on your favorite Mexican food, eggs, avocado toast, chicken, or serve with chips.

Video

Notes

Yield: Makes about 4 cups.
Make Ahead Instructions: prepare Pico de Gallo an hour or two in advance, stored in the fridge. Leftovers will keep for a few days in the fridge.
Spicy Pico de Gallo: Keep the jalapeño seeds and add extra jalapeño peppers if you’d like.
Add Avocado: Stir in some diced avocado right before serving.
Add Mango: Stir in diced avocado right before serving, for a fun flavor twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

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 *I originally shared this recipe April 2015. Updated May 2018, April 2022 and July 2024.

Homemade Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze needs only 2 ingredients and 15 minutes to make the most flavorful sauce to go on your favorite salads, chicken, vegetables, and more!
The post Homemade Balsamic Glaze appeared first on The Stay At Home Chef.

Balsamic glaze needs only 2 ingredients and 15 minutes to make the most flavorful sauce to go on your favorite salads, chicken, vegetables, and more!

The post Homemade Balsamic Glaze appeared first on The Stay At Home Chef.

Homemade Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto is easy to make, tastes way better than anything you can buy at the store, and stays good in the fridge for several days. Use it on pastas, sandwiches, gnocchi, pizza, and more!
The post Homemade Basil Pesto appeared first on The Stay At Ho…

Basil Pesto is easy to make, tastes way better than anything you can buy at the store, and stays good in the fridge for several days. Use it on pastas, sandwiches, gnocchi, pizza, and more!

The post Homemade Basil Pesto appeared first on The Stay At Home Chef.

Vanilla Extract

Homemade Vanilla Extract in a clear bottle with a homemade label, ready to use or gift.Pure Vanilla Extract will elevate everything you bake, and you can make your own in just 5 minutes. It’s great for gifting with my free labels, and can even be re-filled when you run out. There are certain basic essentials I always make from home to save money, and they’re just way better, like Taco…

Homemade Vanilla Extract in a clear bottle with a homemade label, ready to use or gift.

Pure Vanilla Extract will elevate everything you bake, and you can make your own in just 5 minutes. It’s great for gifting with my free labels, and can even be re-filled when you run out.

There are certain basic essentials I always make from home to save money, and they’re just way better, like Taco Seasoning, Healthy Granola, Playdough, and Protein Bars.

Homemade Vanilla Extract in a clear bottle with a homemade label, ready to use or gift.

Homemade Vanilla Extract is the inexpensive baking upgrade you need.

I’ve been making our Vanilla Extract recipe for many years and it’s my favorite way to save money while still getting high quality, pure vanilla extract for baking. The best part is, once your vanilla runs out, you can refill the bottle with vodka, using the same used vanilla beans (they last for two batches). It’s makes a great gift, using our free labels, bottles, and label paper, for neighbors at Christmas or a housewarming gift to a friend.

What you’ll need:

  • Vanilla Beans: Use high quality Grade B Vanilla Madagascar Beans (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if you prefer). You need 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. Find vanilla beans in the baking aisle or online (I’ve bought them from Costco, too).
  • Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka–any cheap brand will work. Brandy, rum, or bourbon also work, for different flavor variation.
  • Glass jars to put the vanilla in. A basic Mason jar works for personal everyday use, or these 4oz or 8oz glass jars are perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.
  • Funnel
All of the ingredients needed to make Madagascar vanilla extract at home: vanilla beans, vodka, glass bottles, and homemade labels.

About the Vanilla Beans:

Which Beans to use for Vanilla Extract?

There are Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. Grade A beans have above 25% moisture (water) so they’re easy to split open for desserts like ice cream or crème brûlée. Grade B vanilla beans have less than 25% moisture, so they’re perfect for vanilla extract where they brew for a long time, can produce a stronger flavor ,and are usually less expensive. Grade A vanilla beans will work if that’s what you have on hand.

  • Madagascar Vanilla Beans: The most common flavor used in vanilla extract.
  • Tahitian Vanilla Beans: Has hints of cherry and anise.
  • Mexican Vanilla Beans: Has hints of clove and nutmeg.

How to make Vanilla Extract:

Score Vanilla Beans: Gently cut slits lengthwise in the vanilla beans with a sharp knife then place beans in a jar. (You may need to cut them in half to fit in the jar). You need 4-5 Vanilla bean per 8 ounces (1 cup) alcohol.

Two images showing how to make vanilla extract by slicing vanilla beans in half then placing in a glass bottle.

Add Vodka: Using a funnel, carefully fill the bottle with Vodka. Make sure the vanilla pods are fully submerged in alcohol. Secure lid tightly and shake gently. Rest/brew for 6 months in a cool dark place. Use it in your favorite cakes, cookies and other desserts.

Two images showing vodka being poured in bottles with vanilla beans, then after the pure vanilla extract is shaken and brewed.

Free Printable Labels for Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla extract is the perfect gift, so I’ve provided these FREE Printable Labels that are 2” squares, to stick on your bottles for gifts. I use my regular printer to print them off on this label paper.

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Homemade Vanilla Extract in a clear bottle with a homemade label, ready to use or gift.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Pure Vanilla Extract will elevate everything you bake, and with my step-by-step instructions you can make your own in 5 minutes.
Course How-To, Kitchen Tips, side course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 16 ounces
Calories 77kcal
Author Lauren Allen
Cost $10

Equipment

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Gather ingredients and jar(s). You will need 4-5 beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of alcohol.
  • Gently cut slits, lengthwise down the vanilla beans, using a sharp knife. Place the vanilla beans in jar (cut them in half if needed, to submerge them in alcohol).
  • Fill jars with vodka. Secure lid tightly on the bottle and shake gently.
  • Allow to steep/brew for at least 2 months, or ideally 6-12 months for best flavor. Shake bottles occasionally. Write date on jars or use our labels.
  • When running low, add more vodka to the bottle and brew again, reusing the same beans for up to one more batch.

Video

Notes

  • Vanilla Beans: Use high quality Grade B Vanilla Madagascar Beans (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if you prefer). Find vanilla beans in the baking aisle or online (I’ve bought them from Costco, too).
  • Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka–any inexpensive brand will work. Try brandy, rum, or bourbon for different flavor variation.
  • Containers: A basic Mason jar works for personal everyday use, or these 4oz or 8oz glass jars are perfect for gifting to friends and neighbors.

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 0.3mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Iron: 0.003mg

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I originally shared this post May 2020. Updated July 2024.

Avocado Crema

Quick and easy avocado crema is a tangy, delicious topping for tacos, nachos, burritos, and more. Made with just a…

The post Avocado Crema appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

Quick and easy avocado crema is a tangy, delicious topping for tacos, nachos, burritos, and more. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself making this recipe every Taco Tuesday!

Close up image of avocado crema in a white bowl.

There’s something I love about a quick and easy condiment that can dress up a ton of different meals. 

Like, if you have guests over for dinner and put out a jar of homemade ranch dressing, they’ll immediately think you’re fancier than you really are. (Don’t tell them how easy it is to make!)

Same thing goes for this avocado crema. If you put out a bowl of avocado crema on a taco bar, your friends will totally think you spent tons of time and energy on it. Our secret is that it only took about 5 minutes and 4 ingredients to make.

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Perfect Basil Pesto

This homemade Basil Pesto is the perfect from scratch recipe! My ultimate pesto recipe is so easy to make and adds so much flavor to so many recipes. If food could be a perfume, I’d want this one. Make a batch of pesto for dinner today! Best Recipe for Basil Pesto I’ll never forget the…

The post Perfect Basil Pesto appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

This homemade Basil Pesto is the perfect from scratch recipe! My ultimate pesto recipe is so easy to make and adds so much flavor to so many recipes. If food could be a perfume, I’d want this one. Make a batch of pesto for dinner today!

Overhead shot of easy basil pesto in a small glass dish with spoon coming out

Best Recipe for Basil Pesto

I’ll never forget the first time I saw pesto: I was in college and hanging out at my boyfriend’s apartment. His roommate brought home a pesto pizza and it was the weirdest thing I’d ever seen. A green sauce on pizza? No thanks!

I then started to grow basil in my garden when I met my husband, and expanded my palate to new things. I have to say, I fell in love with pesto after trying it a few times but I my infatuation with it didn’t start until I began making homemade pesto myself.

Not only is it delicious, but pesto is easy to make from scratch. This classic recipe is a game changer: it’s one of the best sauces that you can use in so many ways. Store-bought pesto is good, but homemade pesto is so much better!

ingredients in pesto laid out on a white counter.

Basil Pesto Ingredients

  • Basil: Traditionally, pesto is made with fresh basil leaves. I love the smell of basil! You must use FRESH basil for the best pesto. The basil is why it’s called green pesto!
  • Toasted pine nuts: These add a nutty flavor to the sauce and are a super important component. Check the bulk bin section so you don’t have to buy a whole package.
  • Parmesan cheese: Use a block of parmesan – not pre shredded and don’t use the green can.
  • Garlic: A must in pesto!
  • Olive oil: The oil is the emulsifier in the recipe – what makes it sauce. So be sure to use a good quality oil (we love extra virgin olive oil).

Recipe Swaps

  • Make Pistachio or Walnut Pesto by using walnuts in place of pine nuts, or you can use almonds.
  • Same if you want to make my pesto recipe with almonds!
  • Lemon Basil Pesto – add lemon juice from half a lemon before the oil.
  • Tomato Pesto – instead of using basil, use a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil (you’ll need less olive oil this way).
  • Spicy Pesto – add some red Chile flakes to the mixture with the cheese and garlic.
  • Swap arugula, cilantro, or parsley for the basil.
  • Pecorino Romano cheese works as well
  • Add some freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
4 images showing how to make pesto.

How to make Classic Basil Pesto Recipe

  1. Toast your pine nuts for a deeper flavor. Stir them often until they just start to get golden and don’t walk away from the stove. Nuts burn fast so keep a close eye on them. While toasting the pine nuts isn’t absolutely required, it adds a toasty depth of flavor to the pesto sauce, so I highly recommend it.
  2. Pesto is made in a food processor (or you can use a powerful blender). It only takes about 5 minutes! All you have to do to make the pesto is add the basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese to the food processor.
  3. Pulse to chop the ingredients fine.
  4. Then add your extra-virgin olive oil slowly, while the machine is running, to for the pesto sauce.

What goes with pesto?

There are so many uses for my ultimate pesto recipe! One recipe makes just over a cup of pesto and can be used in several meals:

Small glass dish of easy basil pesto with pine nuts and basil leaves behind it

Storage

  • Store homemade pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for just a few days. There are no preservatives so it will not last as long as store-bought.
  • You can freeze pesto too – either in an airtight container or portion it into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer. Then store the pesto ice cubes in baggies for easy grab and go dinners.

FAQs

How do you store homemade pesto?

Since homemade pesto doesn’t have preservatives, it will only last (at most) a week in the refrigerator. I recommend planning two or three uses for your fresh pesto, or you can freeze it.

spoon scooping pesto out of a clear jar.
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Best Homemade Basil Pesto

This easy homemade basil pesto sauce is the perfect from scratch recipe! Homemade pesto is so easy to make and adds so much flavor to so many meals.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 55kcal
Author Dorothy Kern
Cost $8

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups packed basil leaves fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese
  • ½ – 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ – ¾ cup (118-177ml) olive oil

Instructions

  • Place pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir often, cooking for just a few minutes, until they start to brown. Remove from heat and cool.
  • Place basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan in a the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until a paste forms. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and pulse to combine.
  • While running the machine, pour in olive oil, starting with 1/2 cup. Once the pesto emulsifies it will become a thick sauce. If you want thinner pest, add another 1/4 cup olive oil.

Video

Notes

Recipe from The Simple Kitchen by Donna & Chad Elick

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 48mg | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Other Sauce Recipes

Last Updated on May 28, 2024

The post Perfect Basil Pesto appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

Cooked low and slow for a rich flavor, this crockpot spaghetti sauce is deceptively easy to make. Your family will…

The post Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

Cooked low and slow for a rich flavor, this crockpot spaghetti sauce is deceptively easy to make. Your family will never guess that you only spent a few minutes of hands-on time making this sauce!

White pasta bowl holding spaghetti topped with spaghetti sauce.

I am a big fan of easy dinner recipes.

With two young kids, I need all the help I can get when it comes to getting dinner on the table. And often that help is my slow cooker.

From crockpot taco soup and crockpot mississippi pot roast to easy crockpot pulled pork, I love being able to “set it and forget it” until it’s time to eat. 

Spaghetti is always a hit around here, so this crockpot spaghetti sauce is my new favorite weeknight dinner recipe. Sometimes I will even make a double batch so we can eat some right away and freeze the rest for later.

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Apple Compote

Richly flavored with warm spices, vanilla, and a bit of orange, this apple compote is absolutely dreamy on top of everything from pancakes and french toast to ice cream. Fancy-sounding dishes that are secretly super easy to make are totally my jam. Whipped cherry butter looks so beautiful on your table but comes together in …

The post Apple Compote appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

Richly flavored with warm spices, vanilla, and a bit of orange, this apple compote is absolutely dreamy on top of everything from pancakes and french toast to ice cream.

Glass jar and white bowl, both filled with apple compote and set on a wooden board next to cinnamon sticks.

Fancy-sounding dishes that are secretly super easy to make are totally my jam.

Whipped cherry butter looks so beautiful on your table but comes together in just minutes. Cranberry brie bites always impress guests but are made with just 3 ingredients. And this apple compote sounds fancy but takes almost no effort to make.

(more…)

The post Apple Compote appeared first on My Baking Addiction.