Easy Mint and Lavender Mojito with Blueberries Recipe

A glass of lavender mojito

If you had to name a deliciously cool and refreshing rum cocktail, you’d probably be thinking of the mojito. Today I’ll be breaking down the mojito into its classic components and then adding in a little twist to enhance the flavor in this lavender mojito recipe. What is a Mojito? The classic mojito is made …

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Savory Pan Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Roasted butternut squash served in a small blue ceramic bowl placed on a brown wooden table

As summer fades and fall and winter settle in, I get really excited because it’s a sign that squash season is beginning! When it comes to the holiday season, the most popular dish in my family has to be this roasted butternut squash recipe (or BNS as I call it at home).  Squash is so …

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Simple Sous Vide Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe

Lemon herb chicken served on a white plate placed on a brown wooden table

For the longest time, precision cooking had only been available to the top professionals at the fanciest restaurants. Within the past few years, there has been an explosion of precision cooking or “sous vide” technology that has emerged. Why does this matter? Now, you can replicate the most perfectly cooked dishes with minimal effort and …

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Kahlua and Vodka White Russian Cocktail Recipe

A glass of white Russian

A delectably sweet and rich White Russian cocktail makes one of the best nightcaps, especially when served ice cold. What is a White Russian? A White Russian is a cocktail made up of vodka, coffee liqueur (most often Kahlua), and cream served over ice. As with many cocktails, the origin and exact make-up of the …

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Homemade Smoked Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

A glass of maple bourbon smash served with ice

“Smash” style cocktails include some of the most popular drinks today, like Mojitos and Juleps. Smashes can also be done with other cocktails, which is what I’m going to do! Today I’m doing my take on a maple bourbon smash with the added twist of smoking it. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have a …

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Easy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A plate of teriyaki chicken with pineapple slice

Sweet and tangy flavors are a common pairing, especially on meats. When it comes to making chicken, one of my go-to methods for flavoring it is with a pineapple teriyaki sauce. It’s simple to make, adds moisture to the chicken, and allows me to pair quite a few side dishes with it. What is Pineapple …

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Easy Lemon and Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe

Close photo of hummus topped with olive oil and paprika

Some call them chickpeas some call them garbanzo beans. Either way you reference them, they are a staple of European and near east cuisines. One of the most ubiquitous forms of chickpeas is hummus (also called hommus or houmous).  What is Hummus? Hummus is a Levantine (near east) dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, …

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Easy Banana and Spinach Green Smoothie Recipe

Green smoothie ingredients prepped on a tray

Sometimes you just want something clean, healthy, fast, easy, and refreshing. This green smoothie recipe is just that. Spinach makes it green and citrus and pineapple make it deliciously tropical. Add in some ice and you have a quick healthy pick-me-up perfect for a meal replacement or after-workout treat.  What is a Green Smoothie? A …

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Easy Homemade Spicy Guacamole Recipe

Flat lay image of ingredients needed to make spicy guacamole

What makes food “California style”? If you said avocado, you’re right! California produces about 90% of my nation’s avocados, about 35% of which come right out of San Diego county (my home!). With all that green tasty goodness right in my backyard, I want to celebrate the avocado in its most iconic dish with this …

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Easy Basil Spinach Pesto Recipe

Basil spinach pesto pasta in a ceramic bowl garnish with parmesan cheese and tomatoes

Today I’m going to take a look at the well-known green sauce pesto. My basic basil spinach pesto recipe is a no-cook one, as I want to focus in on the freshness of the ingredients. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, a great pesto can uplift any pasta or pizza dish with …

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