This week, I made these cupcakes with the kids. Being in quarantine, I have been baking and cooking with the kids trying to keep them busy. They love baking with me, so they don’t need to be convinced. Oh boy, were these a hit. My kids loved making the cupcakes and, of course, the buttercream is finger-licking good. As a result, we had to make smaller swirls on the cupcakes; because, the kids could not stop eating the salted caramel sauce and licking the buttercream....

Initially made on a whim one night when I had leftover rice in the fridge, I’ve been making this fried rice with bacon and chicken for years now and finally was able to get some updated photos so that I can share it with you. The whole family very happily gives this dinner two thumbs up each time I make it. Chicken Bacon Fried Rice There really aren’t many meals that top the convenience of combining leftover rice with a bit of bacon and some leftover chicken in a way that delivers so much deliciousness....

What is Chicken Tikka Masala? The origin of Chicken Tikka Masala is somewhat vague but is believed to be a blend of Indian and British influence. While the dish “Chicken tikka” is of Indian origin, “chicken tikka masala” is thought to have been created by immigrants from former East Pakistan (now Bangledesh) in the 1960’s during a time when chefs of Indian restaurants throughout the UK were creating a series of “inauthentic” Indian dishes to cater to the Western palate....

Novelty cakes are a delightful addition to any celebration, offering a whimsical and personalized touch to birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. These cakes often feature unique shapes, intricate designs, and creative decorations that can range from realistic to fantastical. Choosing the right cake and frosting is crucial when creating a novelty cake. The cake itself should be dense and sturdy enough to support any decorations or sculpted elements. A cake that is too light or fluffy may not hold its shape well, especially if it needs to be carved or stacked....

If you’re skeptical of the chocolate and citrus combination, one taste will be all it takes to convince you. (And if you don’t love the darkest of chocolate, any chocolate you love will work beautifully in this ice cream.) Chocolate Orange Ice Cream We tried a Chocolate Orange flavored ice cream while we were in Montreal and Sean declared it the best one he tried throughout our vacation. It really was fantastic....

Chewy Coconut Cookies These are chewy cookies with crunchy edges, filled to the max with almost all of my favorite cookie flavors. I’ve made them three times in the past month! It clearly takes very little excuse for me to stir together a batch of these cookies. There’s a little bit of oatmeal tucked inside as well, adding to that terrific texture and chewiness. White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies If you don’t happen to be a fan of white chocolate, feel free to replace it with semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate....

So, there’s this friend of mine who’s absolutely crazy about coffee. Every time we hang out, he’s got a cup of coffee in hand, chatting away with a big grin on his face. So, I thought, why not surprise him with something special? I decided to bake him a coffee chocolate cake for his birthday because, well, it’s the best of both worlds, right? I wanted it to be extra fancy, so I went all out and made it a layered cake with a coffee drip on top....

Mini Chocolate Tarts The benefits of readymade tart shells We have been in the mood for mini tarts recently and these were perfect to satisfy our chocolate cravings. And if you love cream cheese tarts or chocolate tarts than these are the best of both worlds. If you ever need a quick dessert, mini tarts would be a great choice, if you buy the tart shell readymade. These are easily available at most supermarkets these days and have a long shelf life....

Cafe Rio Salad Dressing Do you love Cafe Rio? The obsession people have with this Mexican restaurant and their fresh food options is real and my family has really missed Cafe Rio since we moved to Ohio. While many of the copycat recipes for this Cafe Rio Salad Dressing that are floating around the internet are made with a packet of ranch dressing mix, you already know that I’m a big fan of making salad dressings from scratch....

For more easy pasta dishes, head on over to my posts for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Penne, Chicken and Sausage Pasta, and Creamy Sausage Pasta. What could be more wonderful than a big bowl of pasta? Pasta with Italian sausage? Well…probably. Pasta with Italian sausage and marinara sauce? Also, yes. Pasta with Italian sausage, a creamy marinara sauce, and loads of Italian spices and flavor? Yes, yes, yes! I think it doesn’t get any better than this, my friends!...

I fell head over heels for the combination of almonds and chocolate this past summer when I couldn’t stop making Double Chocolate Almond Ice Cream. The almond flavor is subtle and it takes a moment to realize what makes the chocolate flavor special. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend swapping almond extract for vanilla next time you make your favorite chocolate cake. Almond flavoring is a fantastic way to change up your favorite chocolate recipes....

Picture this: a rich, chocolatey cake that’s moist, decadent, and perfect for any special occasion. It’s the beloved chocolate mud cake, and it’s a fan favorite for a reason. But let’s face it, getting the perfect recipe for this layered dessert can be a bit challenging. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to perfecting your chocolate mud cake recipe! From understanding what a mud cake is to choosing the right chocolate and baking techniques, we’ll give you everything you need to know to create a show-stopping cake every time....

Mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into delicious appetizers when stuffed. Their hollow caps provide the perfect vessel for a variety of flavorful fillings, making them a popular choice for hors d’oeuvres and starters. Stuffing mushrooms not only adds depth and complexity to their flavor but also enhances their overall presentation. The addition of breadcrumbs as a stuffing is a popular choice due to their ability to absorb flavors and provide a satisfying crunch....

Roast chicken is a timeless classic, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and the comfort it brings to the table. It’s a dish that effortlessly turns any meal into a celebration, making it perfect for special occasions. The aroma of a roasting chicken fills the home with a sense of warmth and anticipation, setting the stage for memorable gatherings with family and friends. Its juicy, tender meat and crispy, golden skin appeal to both the eyes and the palate, creating a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying....

If you love pasta dishes as much as I do, then you’ll love to make my Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli Soup, my Spicy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta, or my Baked Penne Pasta. Just when I thought I’d seen every variety of pasta dish there was, along comes the whole one-pot dish craze (not that I’m complaining, I love it!). Now, while this works easily for dishes like ramen, (for a great ramen recipe, try my One Pot Chicken & Veggie Ramen) orzo with a Mexican flare, and rice dishes, figuring out how to make this work for lasagna was a little trickier....

Today, we will unveil the technique that will take your saffron rice to the next level. And it will create a culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning palates. So, get ready to embark on a journey of flavor as we delve into the enchanting world of saffron. We will understand its power, and discover the secrets to creating the best saffron rice pilaf. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, be prepared to amaze your family and friends as you unravel the hidden secret of saffron rice perfection....

Are you tired of serving the same old boring dishes at your dinner parties? Do you want to impress your guests with something unique and flavorful? Then, look no further than this elegant and delicious goat cheese and spinach strudel recipe. With its flaky crust and bold flavors, this dish is sure to take your culinary skills to the next level. Today, I will provide you with everything you need to know to make this stunning dish, including ingredient substitutions, preparation tips, and serving suggestions....

If you are a chocoholic then one of your absolute favorite chocolate desserts would have to be a flourless chocolate cake or chocolate torte. Right? It’s that dense chocolate goodness – rich and decadent. That chocolaty, fudgy goodness that melts in your mouth. This is Ziv’s favorite chocolate cake, and I have lost count of how many times I keep making this. Step-by-step: Flourless chocolate cake Preheat the oven to 300°F/ 150°C / Gas Mark 2 Spray a 9-inch round springform round cake pan with cooking spray or line parchment paper on the inside and wrap it with aluminum foil on the outsidePro tip – the parchment on the inside is for easy removal and the foil will prevent water from getting into the pan when baked in a water bath (similar to a cheesecake) Melt the chocolate (chocolate chips) and butter in a microwave-safe bowl until all the chocolate has melted....

Macarons are delicate, meringue-based sandwich cookies made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. They are known for their smooth, shiny tops, ruffled feet, and creamy filling. The French version of macarons is particularly popular because of its light and airy texture, crisp exterior, and rich, flavorful fillings. There are several reasons why making the French version of macarons is preferred: Texture: French macarons have a delicate, crisp shell with a slightly chewy interior, creating a delightful contrast in texture....

Garam Masala is a wonderfully versatile Indian seasoning blend that will bring an incredible depth of flavor to a large variety of dishes. The different spices play their own unique part in delivering a phenomenal symphony of flavors. Try this authentic garam masala recipe and you’ll never use store-bought again! For more Indian seasoning blends be sure to also try our BEST Curry Powder, Chaat Masala, and Panch Phoron!...