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

Lemon Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Happy May to all my Creme foodies! This past week has been somewhat of a struggle, as my kitchen days have been a little slower because of a much needed knee surgery. While I am on the mend, that does not mean good food is still not a priority! And veggies always seem to find a way to my heart— especially Brussels. I can make these into a salad, a main dish, or roasted 100 ways. But one of my favorite ways has a nice little Asian “spin” on it with some white miso paste and fresh lemon. Delicious!

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

Creamy Italian Cannellini Bean Soup with Pasta Abruzzese

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!

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

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Basil Aioli and Mayonnaise Taste Test

Do you know if you keep the right mayonnaise in your fridge? Well in this video, I'll let you know! And with the most amazing mayonnaise on hand, I use it for this decadent, cheesy, highly-addictive garlic bread! This isn't something you can pick up at your local pizza store... Watch how it's made and enjoy!!

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

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich


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!

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breakfast, french Ava Dreessen breakfast, french Ava Dreessen

Savory Ham and Gruyere Croissant Bread Pudding

With Easter just around the corner, I tried thinking of great new dishes to celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year (if not the most!), along with the turning of the spring season! Along with being the best Easter brunch dish— and I know I say it all the time— it’s SO easy! Just a few ingredients, a few dishes, and just an hour of your time, it’s sure to wow family and friends alike. So roll up your sleeves, get your eggs out, and I hope you all enjoy this beautiful meal!

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mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Two-Cheese Quesadilla With Charred Pepper Crema

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!!

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mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Spicy Garlicky Pork and Green Chili Stew

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!

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

The Best Barbecue Chicken and Bacon Potato Cups With a Smokey Cheese Sauce

This has to be one of my favorite creations to date... of course, it's pretty much just a hodge-podge of all my favorite ingredients (I mean... bacon, potatoes, and cheese? there's nothing better.) All fit into a nice serving, perfect for parties, appetizers, or a midnight snack! Who cares? When you're using ingredients as good as these, there's really no shame... So enjoy!!

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

Almond Crusted Pan Sautéed Tilapia with the Easiest Lemon Creme Sauce

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!!?

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mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Carne Asada Tacos with Salsa Fresca

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!!

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

Ground Turkey Lasagna Soup

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!

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

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Snack Board

With valentine's day *just* around the corner, it's time to plan the most important part of the evening... food!! Not only have charcuterie boards gained popularity over the past few months, they're easy, delicious, and show your family, friends, and significant others just how special they are to you! And for a day that's all about love, what better way to celebrate?

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

Chicken Satay and Cucumber Salad

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.

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desserts, other Ava Dreessen desserts, other Ava Dreessen

The Best Strawberry Cheesecake For Your Valentine

Valentine's Day is just around the corner... what better way to spread the love than with a delicious dessert? Strawberry cheesecake has never been more decadent than with the addition of some special ingredients, elevating a classic! And with a few simple and easy steps, it is sure to make the upcoming holiday extra special! Hope you all enjoy!

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

Italian Sausage and Pepper Subs

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!

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