main dishes, other Ava Dreessen main dishes, other Ava Dreessen

Perfect Sauerkraut and Czech Roasted Duck

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!

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Ava Dreessen Ava Dreessen

Italian Herbed Ribeye Roast with Garlic Butter

Hello, friends! This recipe was one of the many that my family and I enjoyed during our Christmas weekend on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota! The meal was requested by my Sophia who wanted it with Mac & Cheese! I’d have to say it was a match made in heaven, sided with Roasted Baby Broccoli to make the perfect family dinner!

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other, asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen other, asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen

Oven Crisped Miso Glazed Wings

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.

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mexican, sides & salads Ava Dreessen mexican, sides & salads Ava Dreessen

Mexican Street Corn Couscous Salad

Hi Creme friends! I hope you are enjoying the start of the holiday season. It’s my favorite time of year! Recently, I went to a small gathering for a holiday “Favorite Things” party. You bring three of your “favorite” gift ideas to the party, draw names, and then pass out the gifts! There was food and wine and great conversation with lots of laughter, of course! But the main event for me was—you guessed it—the food.

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sides & salads, drinks & appetizers, other Ava Dreessen sides & salads, drinks & appetizers, other Ava Dreessen

Kettle Chips with Blue Cheese Drizzle

Birthdays are a big deal over here. Like, huge. Food, family, and usually something fun to do! Recently, one of my five had a birthday—my Sophia. What was her request for dinner you ask? A good old fashioned cheeseburger. Only melted American cheese on top will do. Sautéed onion and jalapeño draped over the melted cheese And a grilled soft and squishy bun. Skip the butter and spread it with some Hellman’s mayo and put it upside down on a skillet until golden brown. I promise you won’t regret it.

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drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen

Super Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

There was a time when anything buffalo chicken was the epitome of a “food craze”. You really could buffalo anything! Buffalo chicken soup, buffalo chicken salad, and even buffalo-ed cauliflower! The craze has calmed down a bit and perhaps has been replaced with Nashville Hot (which is also amazing), but one dish that has remained tried and true, especially in this family, is the dip. Buffalo. Chicken. Dip. It is a staple over here and especially when there is football on tv. (Go Huskers!)

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italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Meatball Lasagna

Prepare to be amazed... now, I know my lasagna recipe from my cooking classes is hard to beat, but I think I've actually found a way to! My family even voted on this one as the best. So, needless to say, this recipe was a total hit. I'm so glad I get to share it with you all!

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other, drinks & appetizers, sides & salads Ava Dreessen other, drinks & appetizers, sides & salads Ava Dreessen

Duck Fat Home Fries with Egg and Crispy Breadcrumbs

Have any of you ever seen the John Wick movies!? Now I’m not saying John Wick 2 inspired this new dish by any means... but my son reminded me of a scene in the movie while I was creating this dish in the kitchen. John walks into a restaurant and the character he confronts was eating roasted potatoes. He looks at John and says, “You know what the secret is? Duck fat. Makes all the difference.” And then he takes a bite.

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italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Pesto Focaccia Italian Sub

Hello, once again, everyone! You all know how much I love Costco, right? Well, I was wandering around the bakery the other day (eyeing those amazing mini chocolate chip cookies— yes I resisted, I had to) when I came across a new item. Pesto focaccia. Now, I am a super fan of bread— and an even bigger fan of focaccia. But to put the two of these things together was mind blowing! I had to buy, so I did.

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desserts, other Ava Dreessen desserts, other Ava Dreessen

Paula's Perfect Peach Pie

Hey, guys! It’s that time of the year again. Peach time. I had some critters demolish most of my crop (little buggers), but with what I had left, I decided to make, what else?! Peach pie!! I prepare the fresh peaches and get them ready for some pre-made crusts. Then I cut some cute shapes out of that crust. Hearts, of course:)

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main dishes, other Ava Dreessen main dishes, other Ava Dreessen

My Sister Stole My Mac & Cheese

Hello, once again! At family gatherings I’m often asked to bring food. Dessert, side dish, even the main dish (That was Easter 2018 at my brothers. I believe it was ribs ;-) ). Well, recently, my sister had a birthday party for my nephew Owen. My nephews mean the world to me, so of course I obliged! I thought about what a good side dish would be for burgers and hot dogs, of course I landed on macaroni and cheese! Now, I have made macaroni and cheese a million different ways. This time, I decided I would try to created an “old fashioned shells and cheese” recipe. Nice and creamy. Filled with lots of gooey cheese. And enough to feed a crowd!

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