We decided to cook up some scallops on the grill. To be honest, I had never grilled a scallop on a grill before— so I was careful not to overcook. Nobody likes a tough scallop! And speaking of tough-be sure to take the small “sucker” off the side of the scallop and pat dry. That little sucker is tough to eat! I then made up a quick Korean marinade and had them sit themselves in the fridge in a ziplock for a good 45-50 minutes. It worked perfectly. Nice and tender and the char from the grill was fantastic! I may not make scallops any other way! If you don’t like the extra heat from the crushed red chilies, you can certainly omit. But remember, the Korean Chili powder is mild, but oh how it brings so much flavor!

Memorial Day weekend was our first big vacation since summer break started and we finally got caught up on some much needed family time! Taking in the beautiful sights of the lake on our walks, having drinks out in front of the water, boating, tanning, and of course cooking! The vacationing didn't stop as soon as dinner had to be made, so I chose to create a fun and delicious smothered enchiladas recipe! With the help of my kids too, it simply added to the time we got to share all together in one place, which I will not soon forget! Hope you all had a great holiday weekend, and enjoy another amazing recipe!

Happy Holiday Saturday, everyone! I’m sure a lot of you have had kids move back home for the summer, just as I have. After a long year during the pandemic at SDSU in Brookings, it was time for two of my girls to move back home. Lots of visits at the lake house and extra FaceTime helped us get through the past school year and now, once again, we are all back in the same state!

Long-time fans will know how much love I have for French cooking, and how far that love goes back (Thank you, Julia Child)… Which leads to today’s recipe, something I can’t even believe I haven’t shown you yet! My croque monsieur is absolutely to die for, and is really a recipe that I think everyone should have their hands on, so here you go! Delicious and simple béchamel, golden brown crusts and oozey cheesy topping… it really is the ultimate sandwich. Enjoy!!

The girls are BACK in the kitchen! We are so happy to have Ava join us once again and with her some amazing new recipes! This week, that includes this simple and decadent Tuscan Flat-Iron Grilled Steak with this rich and savory Italian Compound Butter to lather over the top. Fit with some grilled Italian loaf, this dish not only makes a great appetizer but is also filling enough for dinner for the family! No matter how you eat it, I'm sure you'll enjoy!The girls are BACK in the kitchen! We are so happy to have Ava join us once again and with her some amazing new recipes! This week, that includes this simple and decadent Tuscan Flat-Iron Grilled Steak with this rich and savory Italian Compound Butter to lather over the top. Fit with some grilled Italian loaf, this dish not only makes a great appetizer but is also filling enough for dinner for the family! No matter how you eat it, I'm sure you'll enjoy!

You guys. The next recipe I want to share with you is a product of long-time love and attention. I was looking to create the “perfect piccata”. My kids grew up calling it “sour chicken,” and rightfully so. The combination of fresh lemon and briny capers with a perfectly sautéed chicken breast can make someone sing to the heavens. Or, at least, ask for a second plate.

I love my one-dish recipes, especially with a cast iron, but this has to be near the top of my list. I mean, with potatoes, bacon, jalapeños, guacamole, and tortillas to top, how could you go wrong?? This dish is not only super easy, (one of the ingredients is store-bought guacamole!) it brings out the best in its simple yet dependable ingredients and makes an absolutely delicious dinner. I might just have to go make a plate with the leftovers... Hope you all enjoy!

Hello, once again, and happy Saturday! The weekend is here and so are cooler temperatures with lots of rainy drizzle. I actually love weather like this. And when there is weather like this, soup comes straight to my mind! But alas... I don’t want to have to go out to the store. (Weekends and grocery stores don’t vibe with me. Too many people) so what is there to do with what I already have?!? Hmmm… Beans. I stocked up recently on some lovely dried Italian Cannellini beans. Cannellini beans, known as “fagioli,” are popular in a lot of French and Italian dishes. They are super creamy and have almost a “nutty” flavor. The perfect star of a cozy little soup!

Easter found us soaking in the sun in our lake house in South Dakota. It had to be a record for the nicest weather this early in the spring! Paired nicely with those gorgeous days by the water is nothing but this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. To DIE for! That toasted brioche bun, perfectly marinated, breaded, and fried chicken, and an easy slaw to top it all off... I'm just getting hungry all over again. Watch how to make this amazing fried chicken sandwich and enjoy!

Hi Creme foodies, and welcome back! I’ve got another great recipe for you that came together so quickly— it was amazing! Store-bought cheese tortellini is one of my favorite staples to keep in my fridge. It’s versatile and can be used for anything like soup, a quick pasta bake, and this creamy lemony garlicky chicken dish!

In one of the easiest recipes I think I've ever published, I'm making an easy and delicious quesadilla, vamping up a simple recipe to be used in any kitchen! The magic comes from that charred pepper crema... probably the star of the show. I can't get enough of eat! For a simple mexican lunch or dinner, this is the exact recipe for you. I hope you all enjoy!!

Let’s face it. I love stew. I love anything soup stew or chili— comfort in a bowl. Of course, in the winter, it warms your belly and fills your soul! But now spring is upon us and honestly, I feel like it’s good any time of the year! So, bring. It. On. This time I had a little help in my kitchen— my Mom. Growing up, she always had me in the kitchen with her so it was fun to prep and chop and chat away. Nothing better!

We celebrated our yearly Fat Tuesday this week with a bunch of yummy Creole food, the go-to menu with Shrimp Po’ Boys and Sausage Chicken Gumbo. Always finishing, of course, with a King Cake. (Imagine finding out that you ran out of purple sanding sugar the day of—good luck!) Now the Lenten season is upon us and I love creating special meals for Friday’s during this time. If you aren’t able to get to a fish fry this year, I’ve got an amazing fish recipe to share! Simple and yet oh, so sophisticated and yummy. Delicate white fish, like walleye or tilapia, pan seared with a light and crispy almond coating, then drizzled with a rich and creamy lemon sauce. Can you say YUM!!?

It would only be once in a blue moon that we don’t have Mexican on the weekly menu, and this week is no exception! Today, I’m featuring a delectable recipe for something that I’ve dearly loved since I lived in San Diego in my twenties… Carne Asada! And what better way to enjoy carne asada than taco-style? Paired with the fresh and simple Salsa Fresca, you’ll have a hard time finding any better. Enjoy!!

Lasagna and soup combined?? Say no more... Two of my favorite things ever, combined make a glorious soup. Especially on these COLD winter days we have been having. And leftovers?!? You’ll hope you have some! I think this soup is almost better the next day!

Oh friends, I cannot begin to tell you how much this family adores satay.

The mere mention of it and the crowd goes wild!! To accompany this savory chick-on-a -stick, one can only add a cool crisp and slightly spicy cucumber salad. My cucumber salad takes a tiny bit of a detour from the traditional cucumber shallot combination—I love to add fresh bell pepper. And lots of it. And if you don’t have any shallots on hand, go ahead and substitute thinly sliced red onion. Let it sit and chill and this side dish with the satay is next-level.

This one may not be safe for work... ;) Nevertheless, this may be my new favorite way to make pizza from now on! Not only is it delicious, but it's EASY! You could list the number of ingredients on one hand! I hope you all get the chance to try it out. Enjoy!!

Feeling hungry again? After we toured our home in the snow, hats and mittens on, we headed back to my current kitchen to warm up! And what better way to warm up than with some Italian Sausage and Pepper Subs. Squishy white hoagies, buttered with a garlic herb spread, and topped with a quick and easy way to prepare savory sausage and peppers. Spread some mozzarella and Parmesan and put under the broiler briefly, and with one bite you will be transported to sausage heaven. I’m not kidding. Enjoy!

Hello, once again! If you asked my kids what their favorite meal on our recent trip to the lake house was, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that they would say the Czech dinner! I made it special for Christmas night, upon request. It had been almost a year since we last had it! Perfect roasted duck, and the most amazing and simple sauerkraut you could ever make, it really was the best meal to celebrate another Christmas spent with family. Hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did!

Hi friends— hope you are having an amazing start to your week! We had so much success cooking in the kitchen this weekend, and one of the things I created I wanted to share with you. How would you feel about Oven Crisped Miso Glazed Wings. Marinated with ginger, garlic and a splash of sake (just so there’s enough left over to cheers with!) Sooo tender on the inside after a crisping in the oven. Tossed in a slightly sweet and savory glaze with a hint of spice. Nothing more needed, I promise.