Tomato and Roasted Pepper Bisque

This is a lovely soup to prepare when you want a heart-healthy meal with just a touch of indulgence. Chopped and roasted red peppers are our favorite quick method for achieving that sweet, roasted red pepper flavor without the hassle of peeling pepper skins. An immersion blender will quickly become your best friend when making this smooth and satisfying bisque. Plus, you’ll find that this soup gets even better a day or two later!

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Tomato and Roasted Pepper Bisque
Serves 4 - 6

Bisque Ingredients:

4 red bell peppers, chopped
6 cloves garlic, peeled
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, minced
1 carrot, diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 springs fresh thyme
1/4 cup half n' half

Pesto Ingredients:

4 cups basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
3/4 cup olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, spread out the chopped red peppers and garlic in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper and roast until peppers are a bit charred, about 45 minutes. Stir halfway through. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Make the pesto by combining all the pesto ingredients in a food processor and blending until smooth. Add additional olive oil or a drizzle of water as needed to thin. Set aside.

4. Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, over medium heat, sauté the onion and carrot in the remaining olive oil and butter until translucent. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Use tongs to remove the bay leaves. Add the roasted red pepper and garlic pieces, and remove the pot from the heat. Carefully blend the hot soup using an immersion blender until the texture is smooth.

6. Return the pureed soup to the heat, and stir in the half n' half. Drizzle the top with pesto, and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread and butter.

Acai Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls are a fun, colorful, and healthy option for breakfast! We love this easy recipe featuring vibrant acaí (ah-sigh-EE) berries. Simply blend all of the ingredients together until smooth. Have fun placing delicious garnishes on top in a beautiful way. Breakfast is served!

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Acai Smoothie Bowls
Serves 2

Ingredients:

7 ounces frozen açai berry packets (substitute 1 cup of frozen mango or berries if not using acai packets)
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
1/2 cup oat milk (or a milk of your choice)

Garnishes:

fresh banana slices
blueberrie
sshaved coconut
chia seeds

Directions:

1. BLEND the frozen açaí berry packets with the banana, blueberries, spinach leaves, ground flax seed, and oat milk until smooth. Use the blender tamper when blending to help move the ingredients around.

2. POUR the smoothie into two bowls and top with an array of garnishes. We chose to garnish ours with banana slices, blueberries, shaved coconut, and chia seeds. Get creative with garnishes and arrange your choice of toppings with care for an artful and delicious experience!

3. Enjoy!

Marinated Cheese for Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

Marinating cheese is a delightfully low-stakes way to add a personal touch to your next party platter, and gives any cheese and charcuterie board extra panache! Double the recipe and prep extra jars for easy gifts for guests. Cheers!

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Marinated Cheese for Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
Serves 6 - 10

Ingredients:

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
1 lb extra sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2" cubes

Directions:

1. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the lemon, then slice into thin sticks. Use a citrus juicer to juice the lemon.

2. Cook the garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

3. After about 10 minutes, add in the lemon peel and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant.

4. Remove the mixture from heat and add the shallot, thyme, herbes de Provence, coriander, and peppercorns. Let cool.

5. Distribute the cheese cubes into 2 sanitized, 12 oz wide-mouth glass jars. Pour the cooled oil mixture over the cheese. Cover and chill for at least 12 hours before serving.

6. Serve with various charcuterie board ingredients.

Swedish Meatballs with Sour Cream Sauce

These flavorful meatballs make a festive appetizer that are just the right size! You’ll find that these mini-meatballs are packed with flavor and may be enjoyed in one bite. The savory sauce makes them even better! Serve with cocktail picks and appetizer plates. Start the party!

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Swedish Meatballs with Sour Cream Sauce
Makes 60-70 1-inch mini-meatballs

Ingredients:

1 small onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. ground beef (96% lean)
1 lb. ground pork
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon parsley, minced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil for the baking pan

Sour Cream Sauce Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon minced parsley (for garnishing)

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, sauté the finely diced onions in olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly.

2. Mix the onions with the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, broth, parsley, garlic, eggs, and spices.

3. Make the meatballs. With a small scoop or spoon, form small balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place on one or two lightly oiled parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets.

4. Bake the meatballs in a 400 degrees F oven for 14-16 minutes or until cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.

Do-Ahead Tip: Bake the meatballs a day ahead of time, then refrigerate the meatballs, OR bake and freeze for up to a month. Reheat the meatballs in the oven before serving.

5. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, cook the butter and flour roux for 2 minutes whiskingconstantly. Add the beef broth and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Add the sour cream and whisk until well-combined. Season generously with salt and pepper.

7. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, toss to coat, and serve. Or, serve the sauce as a bed for the meatballs, or on the side. Garnish with minced parsley.

Beef Burgundy

Nothing comforts eager appetites quite like the rich, silky flavors of Beef Burgundy. Take the guesswork out of dinner and make one of our favorite “cozy” recipes. It will fill your home with wonderful aromas and please all the tummies around the table.

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Beef Burgundy
Serves 6

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. thick-cut bacon, sliced into
1/2 inch pieces
1-1/2 to 2 pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 large carrots, sliced on a bias in 2-inch chunks
1/4 cup flour, salt and pepper for seasoning the beef
1 bottle of red wine, (minus a glass for the cook)
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 stems fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pounds crimini mushrooms, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. In a large Dutch oven cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot andlet drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Leave 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for browning the stew beef. Add the stew beef to the hot pot. Salt and pepper the beef and brown on all sides. Work in batches, as needed, so that the meat is seared, not steamed.

4. Once the beef is browned on all sides, remove from the pot. Add the diced onions, and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for two more minutes. Add the carrots, seared beef, and crispy bacon back into the pot. Add the flour and stir until everything is coated.

5. Add the red wine, broth, tomato paste, whole rosemary stems and cover. Roast in the low temperature oven for 2-1/2 hours.

6. Sauté the mushrooms in a skillet with butter until just browned. Keep warm. Add to the cooked dish before serving.

7. Serve the beef burgundy over a hearty scoop of mashed potatoes or buttered, egg noodles. Or, serve as a stew with a side of buttered French bread.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg Cheesecake with a Salted Brown Sugar Whipped Cream

We love this festive take on cheesecake! The warm, familiar spices of nutmeg and cinnamon make this classic, impressive dessert a little more holiday-forward. Topped with a wonderful, salted, brown sugar whipped cream, each bite feels like a truly spectacular indulgence.

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Cinnamon and Nutmeg Cheesecake with a Salted Brown Sugar Whipped Cream
Makes one 9-inch cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets of graham crackers)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1-1/4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Salted, Brown Sugar Whipped Cream Ingredients:

1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Directions:

2. Make the crust: Using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into a fine crumb. Add the graham crackers, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl and use a fork to incorporate. Add the melted butter and stir until all is coated

3. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. (This will create a protective barrier from the future water bath). Grease the inside of the pan. Pour the crumb mixture into the pan. Using a measuring cup or glass, press the crumbs evenly across the bottom and up the sides, making the crust as even as possible.

4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Make the cheesecake filling: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened cream cheese and the sugar and beat on medium/high speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides and the bottom halfway through to ensure

6. Add the eggs and beat on low until just combined. Add the sour cream, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and mix until combined, about 1 minute. Continue to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

7. Place the aluminum-wrapped springform pan into a larger baker or roasting pan. Pour the cheesecake filling into the par-baked pie crust and add hot water about 1-1/2" deep to the roasting pan. Very carefully place the pan on the bottom rack of the oven.

8. Bake for 60-75 minutes, checking the cheesecake about halfway through. It should be firm, yet jiggly. If it is not, continue baking until it is. Check every additional 5 minutes to ensure it does not overcook. Once this consistency is achieved, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake set in the warm oven for another hour. This allows the cheesecake to slowly cool as the oven cools. This slow cooling step will help prevent cracking.

9. Once the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove and let chill inthe refrigerator for 4-6 hours.

10. When ready to serve, combine the brown sugar, vanilla, heavy whipping cream, and salt in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks form, wiping down the sides with a spatula midway through. Do not over whip!

(11) Carefully run a knife around the perimeter of the cheesecake's crust to help it release from the sides. Release the springform ring. Top with the whipped cream, and a dusting of freshly ground nutmeg. Enjoy immediately!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Buttercream and a Peppermint Chocolate Crunch

Cupcakes area always a hit, and this version will have you feeling festive immediately! Indulge with these delightfully rich, almost brownie-like, dark chocolate cupcakes topped with cool mint buttercream and sprinkled with peppermint flakes and crumbled mint cookies. Let's get baking!

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Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Buttercream and a Peppermint Chocolate Crunch
Makes 18 cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcake Ingredients:

12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup Greek yogurt

Mint Buttercream Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 drops green food coloring (optional)

Top With:

2 tablespoons peppermint discs or candy canes, crushed
1/4 cup chocolate mint cookies, crushed
Fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. Make the cupcakes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the top of a cupcake pan with a bit of vegetable oil. Place cupcake liners in three 6-count cupcake pans (for 18 cupcakes).

2. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in 30 second increments, stirring in between heating cycles, until melted and incorporated. Stir in the cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt) until evenly combined with no visible lumps. Set aside.

4. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the remaining wet ingredients (eggs, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, whole milk, and Greek yogurt) to the chocolate mixture. Slowly mix to combine.

5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until completely incorporated with no visible lumps. It should have a consistency similar to pudding.

6. Transfer the batterevenly to the prepared cupcake pans by using a cookie scoop or a large spoon.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake springs back from a light touch, or when an inserted toothpick comes out cleanly.

8. Remove the cupcakes from the baking pan and place on a cooling rack to cool completely. While cupcakes cool, prepare the mint buttercream.

Mint Buttercream Directions:

1. Make the buttercream. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter for 5 minutes until it turns pale yellow and has a smooth, silky consistency.

2. Add the peppermint extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds until well-combined.

3. Sift the powdered sugar once to remove any lumps. Add half of the powdered sugar to the creamed butter, and whip for 3-5 minutes until the icing looks fluffy. Then, add the remaining half of the sugar and mix for an additional 3-5 minutes or until fully incorporated with a whipped consistency.

4. Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring and whip until the the buttercream is smooth, the ingredients are incorporated, and the food coloring is consistent throughout -- a light green. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

5. Using a frosting bag and a tip of your choice, ice the mint chocolate cupcakes. Top with the crushed peppermint candy and crumbled cookies. For a little extra pizazz, add a fresh mint leaf.

Roasted Brown Butter Squash with Nuts, Dates, and Crispy Herbs

This beautiful squash medley is a wonderful combination of creamy and caramelized textures, and savory and sweet flavors. A colorful mix of butternut, acorn, and delicata squash are sliced and roasted, then smothered in nutty, brown butter for a warming fall recipe. Topped with chewy dates, toasty nuts, and crispy herbs — prepare to devour this dish!

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Roasted Brown Butter Squash with Nuts, Dates, and Crispy Herbs
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

3 lbs acorn squash, delicata squash, butternut squash, or a mix of all three
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, stems removed, washed and patted dry
1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, stems removed, washed and patted dry
Large flake salt (like Maldon)
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Scrub the squash well. If the butternut squash is young and small, the peel may be left on (the delicata and acorn squash rind may be left on). Otherwise, peel the butternut squash, slice all the squash in half and remove all seeds and loose pulp. Slice into 1/2" thick half moons. Place sliced squash on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast, turning once until the pieces are browned and caramelized, roughly 25-30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. When the butter starts to foam, add the walnuts, pine nuts, sage leaves, and rosemary. Stir constantly until the butter begins to brown, the herbs begin to crisp, and the nuts begin to toast, roughly 5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye. Remove the sage leaves with tongs and place them on a paper towel- lined plate. Watch the butter carefully to ensure it does not burn. Remove the pan from heat when the butter turns golden brown. (This will all happen very quickly, so pay attention.)

4. Remove the mixture from the heat, and stir in the chopped dates, cinnamon, Aleppo pepper, and apple cider vinegar.

5. Drizzle the mixture over the roasted squash and top with the crispy sage, flake salt, and grated Pecorino Romano.

6. Serve with a simple pasta, or over sturdy kale, or alongside roasted greens.

Chocolate, Pecan, and Pretzel Slab Pie with Vanilla Whipped Cream

A cross between a sheet cake and a traditional pie, this rich, chocolate, pecan, and pretzel slab pie checks all the boxes. Its size and “serve-ability” will appeal to the masses, while easy prep and minimal bake times appeal to the cook. Most importantly, the flavor profile is sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy, making this a great dessert to put in your rotation of sweet treats this season.

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Chocolate, Pecan, and Pretzel Slab Pie with Vanilla Whipped Cream
Makes one slab pie in a quarter sheet pan

Dark Chocolate Pie Crust Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon espresso powder
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
4 tablespoons ice water

Chocolate Pecan Filling Ingredients:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup maple syrup
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
10 oz. semisweet chocolate baking chips
1 cup chopped pecan halves, plus some intact halves for the top of the pie
1/4 cup whole mini pretzels, for the top of the pie
1 teaspoon flake salt for sprinkling

Vanilla Whipped Cream Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust. Grease the quarter sheet pan (9.5” x 13”). In a medium-sized bowl, place the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and espresso powder, and mix to combine. Add the butter cubes and use your hands to press the cubes with the flour to coat them. Gradually add the ice water and knead the dough until it just comes together into a shaggy dough ball. Press the dough into the base and into the edges of a quarter sheet pan until evenly distributed. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is cooked completely through, and the center is firm. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling. In a stand mixer on medium speed, lightly beat the eggs. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and cayenne until incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, then pour the filling into the baked crust. Top with pecan halves and mini pretzels in what ever pattern you desire. Press them into the filling lightly with the back of a spatula.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is brown, the sides start to bubble, and the inside is only slightly jiggly. Check halfway through and cover with aluminum foil tent if the top or edges are getting too brown. Sprinkle with flake salt and let cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Meanwhile, in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add the whipping cream and vanilla. Whip on high speed, slowly adding the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Continue to whip until soft peaks form. Do not over whip.

6. Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with more cocoa powder and flake salt as a garnish.

Candied Gingersnap Cookies

Soft on the inside and chewy around the edges, these gingersnap cookies will immediately catapult you into the holiday spirit! A triple feature of ground ginger, freshly grated ginger, and candied ginger, pack these cookies with a spicy earthiness and delicate sweetness. The large cane sugar crystals create a slightly-crispy, crackling crust for the perfect cookie experience!

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Candied Gingersnap Cookies
Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup superfine sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
1 teaspoon vanilla1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
Cane sugar for rolling cookies

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper untilevenly combined.

2. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the brown sugar, superfine sugar, and butter until smooth. Add the freshly grated ginger, vanilla, egg, and molasses, and mix until incorporated. Slowly stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the candied ginger. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight. NOTE: Chilling the dough before baking helps solidify the fat in the dough, slowing the baking process and preventing the cookies from spreading too much. Chilling the baking sheet aids in achieving a delightfully chewy cookie texture as well.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scoop chilled dough into 1" balls. Roll in the cane sugar, and place on a parchment-lined and chilled baking sheet, roughly 2" apart.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and cracking on top. Remove the cookies from the oven and cool on wire racks. Enjoy while still delightfully warm!

Savory Dutch Baby with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

This dish is a real crowd pleaser, mostly due to the high impact, wow-factor of the puffy, airy pancake. The savory toppings complement the egg-forward pancake for a delicious and filling breakfast. It’s a nice, new twist on a classic!

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Savory Dutch Baby with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
Serves 4

Filling Ingredients:

3 slices bacon, cooked and sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 medium, sweet onion, sliced pole-to-pole and caramelized
1/4 cup extra finely shredded parmesan cheese, plus a few more shredded tablespoons for garnish handful of arugula, washed

Pancake Ingredients:

4 eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, room temperature 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
a few grinds of black pepper
3 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. On the stovetop, in a 10-inch cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside to cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Once the bacon has cooled, slice or tear into bite-sized pieces.

2. In the same skillet, remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the onion until caramelized and golden brown. Use low-and-slow heat to allow the onion to caramelize and not simply brown.

3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Wipe out the cast iron skillet and allow to warm further in the preheated oven until very hot, about 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the pancake batter. In a blender or food processor, mix the eggs, milk, flour, and salt together until the batter is smooth and free of any lumps.

5. Once the oven and pan have preheated, quickly melt the 3 tablespoons of butter inside the hot pan swirling to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Immediately pour the batter into the hot skillet. Quickly add the 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese to the center of the batter. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the pancake is puffed and the edges are nicely golden brown.

6. Top the pancake with the cooked bacon, caramelized onions, a handful of fresh arugula, and additional finely shredded parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée

Simple on the one hand, and quite elegant on the other, this dessert always gets a five-star rating around our table. Directly translated, the French term, crème brûlée means “burnt cream.” The addition of the classic fall flavors of pumpkin spice warmly complement the subtle cream base. The making of crème brûlée is all technique. Once mastered – and it’s easy to do so -- this dessert will become a signature dish in your repertoire.

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Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Potatoes
Serves 6 - 8

Soup Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 stalks celery, leafy tops removed, scrubbed, and finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 small carrots, scrubbed, peeled and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 cups vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1.5 lbs small yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut roughly into 1/2" pieces
1 lemon, zested and juiced Garnishes:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh parsley lemon slices

Directions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

2. Make a mirepoix by sautéing the celery, onion, and carrot in the warm olive oil and butter until the carrot and celery are soft and the onions are translucent, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, pepper, salt, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flake, and continue to sauté for another minute until the ingredients are incorporated and smelling fragrant.

3. Add the vegetable stock, bay leaves, chickpeas, and potatoes and bring ingredients to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

4. Use tongs to remove the bay leaves and discard. Very carefully ladle roughly half of the soup into a blender and purée until smooth. Return the pureed soup back into the Dutch oven and stir to create a creamy base, still with whole chickpeas and potato pieces throughout.

5. Stir in the lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice to your desired preference. Serve topped with a heaping pile of Parmesan and parsley, and a lemon slice, if desired. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Potatoes

This hearty soup combines earthy potatoes and creamy chickpeas for a deliciously flavorful dish. Brightened by citrus and enhanced with fresh parsley and Parmesan, the soup is thickened with a partial puree of itself. Pair it with slices of crusty bread with butter for an easy weeknight meal.

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Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Potatoes
Serves 6 - 8

Soup Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 stalks celery, leafy tops removed, scrubbed, and finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 small carrots, scrubbed, peeled and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 cups vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1.5 lbs small yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut roughly into 1/2" pieces
1 lemon, zested and juiced Garnishes:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh parsley lemon slices

Directions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

2. Make a mirepoix by sautéing the celery, onion, and carrot in the warm olive oil and butter until the carrot and celery are soft and the onions are translucent, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, pepper, salt, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flake, and continue to sauté for another minute until the ingredients are incorporated and smelling fragrant.

3. Add the vegetable stock, bay leaves, chickpeas, and potatoes and bring ingredients to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

4. Use tongs to remove the bay leaves and discard. Very carefully ladle roughly half of the soup into a blender and purée until smooth. Return the pureed soup back into the Dutch oven and stir to create a creamy base, still with whole chickpeas and potato pieces throughout.

5. Stir in the lemon zest and one tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice to your desired preference. Serve topped with a heaping pile of Parmesan and parsley, and a lemon slice, if desired. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.

Apple Crumble Muffins with a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl

We love making cozy, fragrant muffins, and this Apple Crumble Muffin is one of the best for the fall season. Juicy, chopped apples are nested in an allspice batter with a cinnamon cream cheese swirl, and topped with a buttery, crumble topping. This muffin is undeniably filled with autumnal cheer!

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Apple Crumble Muffins with a Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl
Makes 12 muffins

Muffin Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 medium apple, peeled, cored and very finely chopped

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:

6 oz cream cheese softened
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Crumble Ingredients:

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425° degrees F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and allspice. Whisk until combined. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add each of the eggs, followed by the vanilla and orange juice. Mix until combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture until just combined. Fold in, by hand, the chopped apples.

5. Make the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and egg yolk on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the cinnamon and sugar, and beat until combined. Set aside.

6. Make the crumble. In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and melted butter.

7. In a lined muffin tin, spoon in 1 tablespoon of the batter (the batter should be thick), followed by 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling, followed by another tablespoon of batter. The muffin cup should be filled to the top. Spoon the crumble on top, pressing the mixture down if needed. Continue to do thislayering method for the remaining muffin wells topping withthe crumble.

8. Bake the muffins at 425 degrees F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick placed in the middle, comes out cleanly. Slightly cool the muffins on a cooling rack before serving, and enjoy while warm.

Pork Ragu with Pappardelle

Hearty and savory, this pork ragu is packed with veggies, and is an easy solution to "what's for dinner?" An electric pressure cooker shortens the cooking time while still achieving succulent, pull-apart pork. With a few easy prep steps, you’ll find that this recipe over delivers on big flavor!

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Pork Ragu with Pappardelle
Serves about 8

Ingredients:

4 carrots, roughly chopped, then minced in food processor
3 stalks celery, roughly chopped, then minced in food processor
1 onion, roughly chopped, then minced in food processor
3 cloves garlic, minced in food processor
1 (2-3 lb) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-4 smaller chunks, excess fat trimmed
Kosher salt and pepper for seasoning the pork
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup red wine
1 tablespoon dried oregano
fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs
fresh thyme, 4 sprigs
2 bay leaves
1 pound pappardelle pasta
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, shaved

Directions:

1. Roughly chop the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until they fit into a food processor. Then, using the food processor, pulse the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until finely minced (in just seconds)! Mince in batches, as needed.

2. Slice the pork shoulder into 4-5 smaller chunks. Season all sides generously with Kosher salt and pepper.

3. Using an electric pressure cooker on the brown function, add two tablespoons of vegetable oil and sear each side of the pork shoulder until just browned, then remove and set aside. Work in batches, as needed.

4. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the pressure cooker and sauté the minced vegetables until fragrant and the onions have turned translucent. Stir the veggies and scrape up any browned bits from searing the pork into the vegetables. This fond will add a great depth of flavor to the final dish.

5. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, and oregano. Stir to combine.

6. Place the seared pork shoulder pieces around the sauce mixture, and top with the fresh herbs and bay leaves.

7. Seal the lid on the pressure cooker and bring to high pressure. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then let the steam release naturally for 5-10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.

8. Remove the cooked pork and shred with two forks discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the sauce. Stir the sauce to combine. Switch the cooker to a “keep warm” function until ready to serve.

9. Meanwhile, prepare the pappardelle pasta according to the package's instructions.

10. Serve the pork ragu over the cooked pappardelle and garnish with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Bacon, Cheddar, and Jalapeno Skillet Cornbread

This savory cornbread is packed with flavor! Add-ins of bacon, cheddar cheese, shallot, corn, and jalapeño peppers turn this not-so-average side dish into a feature dish. We recommend enjoying this extra-moist cornbread warm with a dab of butter and a drizzle of honey (or maybe some hot honey for a little extra kick)!

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Bacon, Cheddar, and Jalapeno Skillet Cornbread
Makes 8 wedges

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 jalapeño, one half sliced crosswise, one half diced
1-1/3 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup melted butter, plus
1 tablespoon, divided
1/2 cup plain unflavored Greek yogurt
1 large egg, beaten

Directions:

1. On the stove top, cook the bacon in a 10-inch cast iron skillet until crispy. Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble or cut the bacon into bits. Wipe out the excess bacon grease from the pan.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat as the oven preheats.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper and whisk together until evenly combined. Fold into the flour mixture, the cooked bacon, corn kernels, shallot, grated cheese and diced jalapeño (save a handful of the cheese and the jalapeño slices for a top garnish on the batter).

4. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, yogurt, and egg together. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until just combined.

5. Use quality hot pads to remove the preheated cast iron skillet from the oven and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the hot skillet. Immediately pour the cornbread batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with the reserved jalapeño slices and grated cheese.

6. Bake the cornbread for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden. Serve warm, with butter and honey, or even hot honey for a little extra kick!

Butternut Squash Soup with Melted Brie and Honey Crostini

Creamy, savory butternut squash soup is an autumn favorite! Pair it with crostini topped with Brie, honey, and thyme to make a simple dinner something a little more special!

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Butternut Squash Soup with Melted Brie and Honey Crostini
Serves 6 - 8

Soup Ingredients:

1 butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely diced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 apple, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
Drizzle of heavy cream
6 cups vegetable broth

Crostini Ingredients:

1 baguette
1 tablespoon olive oil
8.8 oz Brie
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions:

1. Prep the butternut squash. Cut off the ends of the squash and across at the “waist.” Peel the skin with a knife or a vegetable peeler. Cut the base in half and scoop out the seeds. Slice and dice the squash into roughly 3/4" cubes.

2. In a large Dutch oven, add the olive oil and butter until the butter melts. Add the chopped onion, garlic, shallot, carrot, apple, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.

3. Add the cubed butternut squash and season it with salt, pepper, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and fresh rosemary. Stir to coat, then cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the vegetable stock, and bring the ingredients to a low boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the butternut squash is fork tender.

5. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Slice the baguette into slices and place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the slices with olive oil. Slice the Brie into 1/2" thick slices and place on the baguette slices. Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread begins to brown and get crispy. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the honey and sprinkle with the thyme leaves.

6. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Take care not to let the hot soup splatter. Ladle out servings, and top each bowl with a drizzle of heavy cream, and additional salt and pepper. Serve the prepared crostini onthe side.

Pasta con le Melanzane (Eggplant Pasta)

It's pasta night! Fresh eggplant strips are fried, smothered in a fresh tomato sauce, then paired with hearty rigatoni in this pasta con le melanzane dish. You’ll find that it’s perfect for cozy dining any day of the week. Bring it all home by topping the pasta with fresh mozzarella, tangy Pecorino Romano, and chopped fresh herbs.

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Pasta con le Melanzane (Eggplant Pasta)
Serves 6

Fried Eggplant Ingredients:

2 large eggplants
2 tablespoons salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup capers

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

8 ripe Campari or Roma tomatoes, washed
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Pasta and Toppings Ingredients:

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
1-3/4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade

Directions:

1. Prepare the eggplant. Wash the eggplant and slice it into rounds about 1/4" thick. In a large bowl, cover the sliced eggplant in water and add 2 tablespoons salt. Press the eggplant down with a heavy bowl so the slices stay under water and soak for 30 minutes. (This salt water soaking process helps extract any bitterness from the eggplant, and renders a creamier texture.) Drain and rinse the eggplant. Pat the eggplant dry in preparation for frying.

2. While the eggplant is soaking, make the pasta sauce. Squeeze the ripe tomatoes in a large bowl of water to help release and remove their seeds. Finely dice the tomatoes. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the sliced garlic. Cook the garlic over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Add the diced onion and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the pieces begin to soften. Add the crushed, chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper and cook on low for about 20 minutes until the sauce beings to thicken and the flavors become incorporated.

3. Fry the eggplant. Slice the eggplant rounds into strips and coat the bottom of a large stainless steel pan with half of the vegetable oil. Over medium high heat, heat the oil. Once the oil is hot, working in batches, carefully add the eggplant slices in a single layer in the pan. Once the slices have browned, remove them with tongs and continue with the next batch until all the slices have been fried. Add remaining oil as needed during the frying. Place the fried strips on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Add the capers to the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the capers and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

4. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water for about 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta. Combine the pasta, sauce, fried eggplant, and capers. Toss together to incorporate. Top with Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, parsley and basil and eat while piping hot.

Spicy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Nothing quite compares to the fresh crunch of a homemade pickle! These sweet, tangy, bread-and-butter pickles need only one night in the refrigerator before they can be happily snacked upon. Add the crispy, green pickles to anything from hamburgers, to salads, or charcuterie boards.

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Spicy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
Makes (3) 12-oz. jars

Pickle Ingredients and Supplies:

1-1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers
2 tablespoons Kosher salt
1 yellow onion, sliced
(3) 12-oz glass canning jars with sealing lids

Brine Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cloves garlic, sliced
Dill sprigs

Directions:

1. Wash and sterilize the jars using boiling water.

2. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the cucumbers in hot water, rinsing off any dirt.

3. On a large cutting board, use a chef's knife or a crinkle cut slicer to cut the cucumbers into 1/4" slices. Slice the yellow onion in half, then thinly, pole to pole.

4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cucumbers with salt and the sliced yellow onion. Place the salted cucumbers and onions in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours.

5. Remove the cucumbers and onion from the refrigerator and place in a colander and thoroughly rinse off the salt with cold water.

6. Evenly distribute the cucumber and onion slices into the prepared jars and set aside.

7. Prepare the brine by combining the white sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, peppercorns, crushed red pepper, whole cloves, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the brine to a simmer until the sugar completely dissolves.

8. Pour the hot brine over the pickles and onions that were previously placed in the jars. Stir to incorporate. Add the fresh dill to the top of the pickles. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to cool, then add the lids and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying! These pickles are good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Warm Potato Salad with Green Beans and Caramelized Onions

Looking for a reliable summer side to accompany your next dinner? Look no further. This potato salad with green beans and caramelized onions is a flavor powerhouse! With a tangy dressing that soaks into still-warm potatoes, and a healthy smattering of zesty dill and bright, herbaceous parsley, this side dish may easily be upgraded to main course status, if you so desire.

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Warm Potato Salad with Green Beans and Caramelized Onions
Serves 6

Salad Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
2 yellow onions, sliced pole to pole
1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus 1/2 tablespoon
2 lbs baby potatoes
1/2 lb green beans, trimmed and halved
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon stone ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Directions:

1. In a wide-mouthed jar, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until emulsified. Set aside.

2. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and cook on medium low, stirring occasionally until onions have begun to brown and caramelize, roughly 25-30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with about 2" of cold water. Cover with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and reduce the heat to medium, continuing to softly boil the potatoes until they are tender and may easily be pierced with a fork, roughly 15 minutes.

4. Add the green beans to the pot, cover, and cook for one more minute. Strain the potatoes and green beans in a colander.

5. While the potatoes are still warm, slice them in half, or into quarters if they are quite large. Place them in a large mixing bowl with the green beans, caramelized onion, parsley, dill, and any remaining butter drippings from the onions.

6. Toss everything with the dressing until evenly coated. Serve warm with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.