MEALS

Article Introduction If you’ve ever ordered takeout and scanned the menu past the usual suspects like General Tso’s or Sweet and Sour Chicken, you might’ve stumbled across something a bit bolder—Hunan chicken. Spicy, savory, and just slightly sweet, this dish from China’s Hunan province is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. In this post, I’m sharing a deeply flavorful recipe that comes together fast, using ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a regular wok warrior, you’ll love learning what makes Hunan chicken so special—and how easy it is to make it just right, every … Read more

There’s something magical about a sauce that needs only a few humble ingredients—yet brings the warmth of a distant place into your kitchen. That’s exactly what a good muhammara recipe does. It’s bold, smoky, just a touch sweet, and so comforting you’ll want to spread it on everything from flatbreads to roasted veggies. In this post, I’ll show you how to make muhammara from scratch, share tips to get the texture just right (with or without panko), and tell you why this Middle Eastern classic has become a staple in my Oregon kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a mezze night … Read more

If you’ve ever enjoyed a bowl of cold soba or warm udon in Japan, chances are it was paired with a flavorful broth made from a traditional mentsuyu recipe Japanese noodle sauce. This simple yet powerful blend is a backbone of Japanese home cooking. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make your own mentsuyu recipe Japanese noodle sauce from scratch, using pantry ingredients and dashi powder if needed. You’ll learn how to dilute it correctly, how to store it for weeks, and how to use it far beyond just noodles. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just … Read more

If you’ve ever wondered how to peel tomatoes without making a mess, you’re not alone. One summer afternoon, I set out to make my grandma’s Sunday sauce, only to realize I had no canned tomatoes—just fresh ones from the garden. Her handwritten recipe clearly said, “Use peeled tomatoes.” I quickly learned how to peel tomatoes the old-fashioned way, and it’s been a go-to skill ever since. Whether I’m prepping for sauce, stew, or canning, knowing how to peel tomatoes properly saves time and improves texture. You don’t need a fancy tool or a culinary degree to learn how to peel … Read more

There’s something irresistible about a good bleu cheese steak sauce recipe. It’s bold, creamy, and turns an ordinary cut of beef into something that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse kitchen. For me, this recipe is a weeknight secret weapon—it’s fast, flavorful, and feels like a treat every single time. I still remember the first night I threw this bleu cheese steak sauce recipe together. It was cold outside, the kind of night where a warm meal feels like a hug. I had two ribeyes on the counter and a chunk of blue cheese in the fridge leftover … Read more

There’s something deeply comforting about the ritual of rolling cabbage rolls. It’s not just about stuffing a leaf—it’s about slowing down, using your hands, and making something honest and nourishing. Whether you’re brand new to this or looking to perfect your technique, this guide walks you through every warm, wonderful detail of how to master rolling cabbage rolls at home. From softening the leaves to sealing them tight, every step brings you closer to a dish that’s been passed down through kitchens across generations. The Story & Intro Why rolling cabbage rolls means more than just dinner I still remember … Read more

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you pull a rack of fall off bone BBQ ribs off the smoker and the bones slide right out like they’re bowing in respect. For me, it all started one summer at my cousin Louie’s backyard BBQ in Eastern Oregon. He wasn’t fancy—his smoker was held together with duct tape, and he used an old fishing cooler for resting the meat—but the moment he lifted that lid, the smell of fall off bone BBQ ribs hit like a punch of childhood, fireworks, and grilled dreams. That was the first time I … Read more

There’s something surprisingly satisfying about finding a new favorite in your fridge—and this cottage cheese dip recipe is exactly that kind of discovery. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can turn cottage cheese into a creamy, flavorful dip that fits anywhere from afternoon snack trays to party spreads. In this article, you’ll find step-by-step ideas for building the best cottage cheese dip recipe, whether you’re after something herby, spicy, or even sweet. We’ll start with a little backstory on how I fell for this healthy, high-protein dip—and then move into recipes, variations, and answers to your top … Read more

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a golden, crunchy mozzarella stick—especially when it’s homemade. In this guide, I’m sharing a mozzarella cheese sticks recipe that’s not just easy, but totally crave-worthy. We’ll walk through exactly what ingredients you need, why freezing matters, how to stop them from falling apart, and the exact steps to get perfect results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this mozzarella cheese sticks recipe is going to become your go-to appetizer. A cheesy childhood memory worth repeating I still remember the first time I had mozzarella sticks that weren’t … Read more

There’s just something about a bubbling tray of lasagna that makes a kitchen feel like home. This cheese lasagna recipe is the one I turn to when I want something familiar but just a little indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need meat to be satisfying—just layers of pasta, homemade sauce, and a rich blend of creamy cheeses. I’ll walk you through my go-to version that you can get prepped in about 20 minutes and into the oven just as fast. What makes this cheese lasagna recipe so memorable isn’t just the cheese—it’s how the cheeses play together. … Read more