Mexican cuisine is quite diverse, with many different regional variations of traditional or authentic recipes. However, there are a few key staples that can be found in nearly every Mexican household, especially during the holiday seasons. Below are the essential pantry ingredients that will help you be prepared to take on making most Mexican celebration …
Have a kid in college or a loved one living abroad? This holiday season, let them know you’re thinking of them by sending a themed holiday care package filled with homemade treats and other goodies. Below, you’ll find 7 festive recipes that ship well. Jump to: Chocolate Cherry Bark | Pumpkin Seed Brittle | Zucchini …
Looking for a nice martini recipe for the holidays, to wow guests at your next party, or just to celebrate Friday night? I’ve got you covered! Have a look at my 8 favorite martini drinks for every occasion. What Exactly is a Martini? Let’s clarify one thing first. Traditionally, a martini is just a mix …
The seed catalogs all start coming to the mailbox in late Winter and that means it’s time to dream of your perfect garden. It’s going to be different this year right? Well gardening has a ton of benefits, even when it’s not perfect, and these gift ideas are perfect for your favorite gardener and their …
Make the holidays extra festive with one of my favorite twists on the classic: a peppermint espresso martini! The perfect boozy pick-me-up to serve after a long family dinner, your guests will love this sweet and minty holiday cocktail. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Directions Peppermint Espresso Martini Ingredients Espresso martini… but make it …
The Italians I know go all out for Winter holiday celebrations, and this show-stopping beef braciole (aka braciola) is often a centerpiece on the Southern Italian table. This Sicilian (Neapolitan) version includes pine nuts, prosciutto, parsley, garlic and cheese as the filling (raisins if you want the sweet flavor). It is served with high quality …
This version of pozole rojo is from mi amiga who lives in the Bajío region of Mexico (west-central Mexico). It is a luscious slow-cooked stew made with pork, hominy, Mexican spices, and a blend of mild to moderate chile peppers in the rojo sauce. It is simple to make without a lot of hands-on time, …
Have you ever been served spicy chile oil with addictively crunchy bits at a Mexican restaurant or bar? It is called salsa macha and it is a breeze to make at home. Use it on everything from tacos to rice to pizza! Jump to: Recipe | Serving Suggestions | Shelf Life What is Salsa Macha …
This buttery galette dough makes a free-form tart that is not only easy but is crisp and flaky and can be made ahead by several days without drying out. The filling is the popular New England combination of apples and cheddar cheese, along with aromatic Fall spices. A beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table! Jump …
Move over, fake-tasting and sugary supermarket vanilla vodka! Find out how to make delicious vanilla vodka yourself at home using just two ingredients: vodka and real vanilla beans. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Method | Ideas for Drinks I love playing around with making my own liqueurs! Whether it’s something summery like blueberry-infused liqueur …
Raspberries and chocolate is a classic pairing in desserts, and for good reason….the combination is superior in flavor, texture and visual appeal. These raspberry chocolate chip cookies are made with dark chocolate (78%) and minimal sugar so the sweet-tart raspberries and the rich but somewhat bitter chocolate is allowed to shine. Jump to: RECIPE | …
This simple potato side dish is a mainstay on the Swedish smorgasbord at Christmastime, where it is referred to as Jansson’s Temptation or Janssons frestelse. It is a rich and creamy comfort food made with potatoes, onions, cream and the secret ingredient of anchovies. Perfect for the holiday table, no matter which country you celebrate …
Tea, meet vodka! This refreshing green tea martini with a dash of mint is the perfect pick-me-up drink. Easy to whip up for a crowd, turn it into your signature cocktail (I won’t tell). Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients | Directions This post may contain affiliate links, and you can read our disclosure information here– Minty …
I wanted to make this remarkable cake for a fiesta party, but the first two attempts were total failures. The third time around was perfection and raves from the friends and family on the both the taste and the presentation. Learn from my mistakes below and get your layered, sweet Impossible Chocoflan to turn out …
This classic Mexican pumpkin seed and tomatillo sauce, sometimes referred to as green mole or mole verde, is tangy, herbal and a little spicy. The pipián sauce is a rich blend of pumpkin seeds, spices, tomatillos, and roasted poblano peppers. Once the sauce ingredients are pureed in a blender, it is then briefly simmered with …