For years, all-butter pie dough was my culinary Achilles’ heel. I could tackle just about anything in the kitchen, but crust? That was the one thing that refused to cooperate. Some batches baked up dry and crumbly, others were too soft to handle. And then…
Bold flavor. Creamy comfort. Steakhouse richness—done in 30 minutes. This spicy sirloin ziti brings just the right heat, thanks to roasted jalapeños, a pepper jack cheese sauce, and tender seared steak bites. It’s weeknight-easy but worthy of serious cravings. I LOVE spicy food. Not just…
Some recipes carry more than flavor—they carry stories. For me, Hole in the Bread is one of those dishes. I was just a kid when I first had it, probably five or six, but I remember it vividly. My grandmother had flown in from Detroit…
This Caprese pasta salad blends Italy’s fresh, vibrant colors and flavors with bold, unexpected flavor, thanks to a sun-dried tomato shallot vinaigrette that ties it all together. Italians might raise an eyebrow at the idea of pasta in a Caprese salad—but that’s exactly what makes…
This Sun-Dried Tomato Shallot Vinaigrette was born out of a desire to make something a little different—something bold enough to stand out in a sea of balsamic-based dressings, but light enough to let fresh ingredients shine. Originally developed for a Caprese pasta salad, this dressing…
When quality ingredients aren’t easy to come by, homemade is often the better choice. This sun-dried tomato paste delivers bold flavor, simple prep, and endless uses. When we moved to southern Indiana, it felt like the right time and the right place. I was born…
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a sauce that’s silky, rich, and full of depth—this is it. A roux is nothing more than flour and fat cooked together, but it’s the backbone of everything from creamy Alfredo to hearty stews and gravies. Mastering it…
Flaky puff pastry, creamy Alfredo sauce, melted mozzarella, and crisp bacon come together in these Alfredo asparagus bundles – an easy recipe with a touch of gourmet flair. There’s something undeniably charming about a recipe that looks fancy but feels easy—and my Alfredo Asparagus Bundles…
All the flavors of classic Eggs Benedict—without the fuss. This easy, make-ahead Eggs Benedict Casserole is perfect for an Easter morning brunch or any special breakfast. If there’s one breakfast that’s had a hold on me for as long as I can remember, it’s Eggs…
Fettuccine Alfredo reimagined: this baked chicken Alfredo swaps traditional rules for flavor with cream, penne, garlic, and crisp bacon. If you’re looking for a traditional Italian pasta dish, this isn’t it. The original fettuccine Alfredo—just butter and Parmesan—was created in the early 1900s by Roman…
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a sauce that’s silky, rich, and full of depth—this is it. A roux is nothing more than flour and fat cooked together, but it’s the backbone of everything from creamy Alfredo to hearty stews and gravies. Mastering it…
Italian seasoning is a pantry essential, adding depth and warmth to everything from classic pasta sauces to roasted meats and vegetables. While store-bought versions are convenient, they often come at a higher price and may include unnecessary additives. Making your own Italian seasoning at home…
Does it drive you crazy when you see a recipe that says, “season to taste?” If so, you’re not alone. I recently received a letter from a reader that asked – Hey Scott – I’m new to cooking and have a question about making things…
Sun-dried tomatoes are a little burst of summer, packed with intense, tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that adds depth to countless dishes. Whether tossed in pasta or blended into a pesto, they’re a versatile ingredient that elevates flavors year-round. I prefer dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes…
Feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen? You’re not alone—but there’s a simple method that can make cooking feel calm, efficient, and even enjoyable. It’s called mise en place (pronounced “meez ahn plahs”), a French phrase that means “everything in its place.” It’s more than a culinary…