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Posted in #Recipes

22 Popular Asian Soups That Will Comfort You to Your Core

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Asia is a continent with diverse cultures. Each country offers a vibrant cuisine. It makes the most of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In this Asian soups collection, we showcase the diversity of flavors. We highlight different cooking styles and ways of eating across the continent. You can enjoy rich, silky broths. There are also soups filled with deliciously slurpable noodles, springy tofu, or crunchy toppings. These authentic Asian and Asian-inspired recipes will fit every craving.

This collection highlights some of our favorite Vietnamese recipes. It also includes our Thai recipes. You’ll find soups from South Korea, Japan, India and beyond. You’ll find soups in all flavor profiles: aromatic, creamy, nutty, sweet, sour or spicy. Some come together quickly, while others (like pho) require slow simmering to create a rich broth.

While I was growing up, Sundays were always soup day. My parents woke early to prepare a massive, bubbling pot of aromatic pho broth. They’d blanch several kinds of beef bones. Occasionally, they paused to skim the impure foams that rose to the surface with grace and precision. The bone broth would simmer for several hours, filling our house with a comforting aroma only soup can instill. The effort was always worth it.

We love expanding our pantry to include new ingredients like Asian sauces. Most of these Asian soups are made with ingredients you can easily find in most grocery stores. Several are versatile enough to meet dietary preferences without missing the joy in each spoonful. They’re traditionally made with gluten-free, vegetarian or dairy-free ingredients. So simmer, sip and savor away.

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Posted in Book Reviews

500 Heart-Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Comfort Food Favorites That Both Your Family and Your Doctor Will Love

Discover five hundred quick-and-easy, savory, delicious slow cooker recipes to keep your family satisfied and eating healthier than ever.
500 Heart-Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes makes it easier than ever for you to eat well and improve your heart health. It is packed with hundreds of easy-to-follow recipes. These recipes take advantage of the fix-it-and-forget-it convenience of your slow-cooker. You’ll discover heart-friendly versions of classic recipes you thought you had to give up. You’ll also find all new eats that will surely become your next favorites.
Packed with low-fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol ingredients, each recipe does not skimp on flavor or variety. It also includes a nutritional breakdown. This makes it easy to track your healthy eating at every meal. And you won’t waste time in the kitchen making complicated recipes or searching the grocery store for hard-to-find, expensive ingredients.
You’ll find recipes from appetizers to main dishes. There are sides and desserts too. They will make it simple for you to stay on your heart-healthy diet. These recipes will keep your family satisfied and eating healthier than ever. Enjoy Sweet and Sour Hot Dog Bites. Try Fondue and Broccoli Egg Casserole. Cannelloni and Shrimp Creole are also included. Don’t miss Southern Stuffed Pork Chops and much more.
You’ll find chapters featuring nontraditional slow cooker recipes. They are no less delicious. These include heart-healthy vegetables, grains, and legumes. Examples are Bean Soup with Cornmeal Dumplings, Barley and Mushroom Soup, Italian Zucchini, and Honey and Cinnamon Yams.

Posted in #Recipes

Potato Chowder

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

When it comes to hearty, soul-warming dishes, few can rival a comforting bowl of potato chowder. This creamy concoction, rich with the earthy flavors of potatoes and savory bacon, is a tried-and-true classic that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the Crockpot does most of the work here, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. Slow cookers are a game-changer for busy days, especially when you get to come home to the inviting aroma of creamy potato chowder that’s been simmering away all day.

Perfect for cozy weeknight meals or gatherings where a hungry crowd is involved (we’re looking at you, game day), this easy potato chowder recipe is a winner every time.

Ingredients for Potato Chowder

Taste Of Home Potato Chowder
Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home
  • Potatoes: You can’t have potato chowder without potatoes, but the kind you reach for is entirely up to you. Classic chowder spuds that hold up well in liquids include waxy Yukon golds, French fingerlings and red bliss potatoes.
  • Chicken broth: Canned chicken broth will give this chowder lots of savory deep flavors, but bonus points if you make your own chicken broth or stock. You could also use veggie-based bone broth for a vegetarian chowder.
  • Cream of chicken soup: Along with the chicken broth, we used a can of undiluted, condensed cream of chicken soup to give our chowder the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Onion: Potatoes and onions are a classic chowder combo. Opt for white or yellow, finely chopped.
  • Cream cheese: The secret binder ingredient in this chowder is cream cheese, imparting a velvety, rich-as-can-be texture. You’ll need one package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, cubed and softened.
  • Bacon (optional): Is there anything better than potato chowder topped with crumbles of crispy crunchy bacon? No, we think not.
  • Chives (optional): Chopped chives add an oniony, herbaceous note to this chowder and taste great sprinkled on top with the crisped-up bacon.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Easy Soup and Sandwich Recipes for Perfect Pairings

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

When you think of classic meal combinations, soup and sandwich recipes are high on the list. The pairing became popular as an inexpensive and fast meal during World War II. It has stood the test of time. Soups and sandwiches are deeply satisfying. They are some of the most customizable lunchtime recipes. You can always make something to fit your mood.

This collection celebrates that perfect balance of cozy and practical. It brings together some of our best soup recipes with sandwiches. These range from delicious grilled cheese creations to hefty, meaty options. We chose these classic comfort food combos for their spicy, creamy, and mild flavors. We also considered how easy it is to create both the soup and the accompanying sandwiches.

These recipes are also surprisingly flexible. Swap in seasonal produce or leftover roasted veggies for new sandwich recipes that help use up whatever’s in the fridge. If you’re taking lunch on the go, pack the soup in a sturdy Thermos. It keeps the soup hot. Use parchment or beeswax wrap to keep the sandwiches fresh. Perfect soup pairings have been a favorite for generations, and there is no reason to stop enjoying them now.

Taste of Home

Posted in Book Reviews

The 5-Ingredient Heart Healthy Cookbook

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

101 Flavorful Low-Sodium, Low-Fat Recipes

Heart healthy cooking is easy and delicious with 5-ingredient recipes

Supporting your heart’s health is fast and flavorful with The 5-Ingredient Heart Healthy Cookbook. Find expert guidance for maintaining a heart healthy diet. Discover 101 ultra-simple recipes that focus on fresh, whole-food ingredients. Enhance flavor with spices.

  • 5-ingredient dishes—Minimal ingredients mean less time in the kitchen. You make fewer trips to the store. The instructions are simple enough for home cooks of any skill level.
  • Comprehensive advice—Take control of your health with a heart healthy cookbook. It covers key topics. Learn about the science behind fats and cholesterol.
  • A combination diet—Support your heart with an approach that draws from multiple healthy diets. These include Mediterranean, DASH, veganism, and the Portfolio diet.

Reform your diet while still eating delicious meals. Use a hearty healthy cookbook that guides you through everything you need to know.

Posted in #Recipes

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

French toast is a delicious breakfast, but brioche French toast casserole is better in almost every way you can think of. It’s still the same classic mixture of egg and bread, but forget about standing over a hot stove. Instead of hovering over a skillet, frying one or two slices at a time, you can slide breakfast for the whole crew into the oven and then relax over coffee for 40 minutes instead. That’s a win, right?

We’ve tested a lot of breakfast casserole recipes, but this one stands out for its simplicity and elegance. Brioche is something you probably don’t have just hanging around in your kitchen, but it’s worth buying a loaf just for this recipe.

Brioche French Toast Casserole Ingredients

  • Brioche loaf: Soft, rich brioche bread makes for an extra-rich, deluxe version of the popular breakfast casserole.
  • Eggs: Eggs are essential. They bind the other ingredients, and also bring richness and protein.
  • Milk: Thinning the eggs with milk creates a soft, custardy texture. Eggs alone have a firmer, drier texture.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the casserole and gives it a gentle butterscotch flavor.
  • Butter: The modest amount of butter in the egg mixture adds flavor and richness.
  • Vanilla: Vanilla brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, while adding its own sweet warmth to the casserole.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring comforting warm flavors to the casserole. Additionally, nutmeg has an intriguing ability to make custards taste creamier.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

45 Sweet Cinnamon Desserts

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This roundup of cinnamon desserts offers a variety of treats. These range from soft and chewy cookies to crackly peanut brittle and gooey monkey bread. There’s something sweet and cozy for every mood.

The aroma of cinnamon is incredibly comforting and soothing. It is especially delightful when mixed or baked into cinnamon desserts. The spice’s warm notes are warm, sweet, and floral. Instantly, I crave a slice of flaky apple pie or a few chewy, buttery cookies. This collection of cinnamon sweet treats explores the various ways cinnamon can turn an everyday dessert into something outstanding.

Although cinnamon is expected in cozy, gorgeous fall desserts, like ginger and pumpkin-flavored treats, the versatile spice works beautifully year-round. In easy no-bake desserts, like ice cream or icebox cake, cinnamon adds a light peppery bite. It cuts through the dairy’s richness. In brownies or chocolate cookies, cinnamon enhances the earthy, fruity notes of cocoa. It stays a background flavor, making them perfect for a back-to-school snack.

These cinnamon desserts pair the spice with flavors like cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger. They also include nuts, preserves, or fresh fruit such as apples and pears. Layering cinnamon with these various ingredients allows you to always discover new ways to enjoy the spice. You can also create a memorable dessert using classic recipes.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Snickerdoodle Cake

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A snickerdoodle warm from the oven is like a comforting hug in cookie form. With its slightly tangy flavor; soft, chewy and tender texture; and sweet cinnamon coating, the cookie couldn’t be cozier. This snickerdoodle cake recipe takes everything you love about a snickerdoodle cookie and transforms it into a moist and delicious three-layer cake.

Each layer features a cinnamon-sugar swirl to re-create the sweet snickerdoodle flavor. To complement the cookie’s slightly tangy taste, a cream cheese frosting flavored with cinnamon and vanilla tops the cake. Whip up this recipe when you need a cake for a special occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a baby shower or to celebrate successfully making it through another week.

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cake

  • Butter: Softened butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the cake.
  • Canola oil: Using a neutral cooking oil, such as canola, adds extra moisture to the cake.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar gets its signature flavor and color from the addition of molasses. You can use either light or dark brown sugar in this recipe, but dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor.
  • Eggs: You’ll use whole eggs and additional egg yolks in the cake batter. Separate eggs when they’re cold, but use room-temperature eggs for baking.
  • Sour cream: Sour cream adds moisture and a slightly tangy flavor to the cake.
  • Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds complexity to the cake’s flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Flour contributes to the cake’s structure and light crumb. To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour baking blend.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder is the primary leavener that helps the cake rise. Test your baking powder for freshness before using it.
  • Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Cinnamon swirl: Sugar and ground cinnamon are combined to swirl throughout the cake.
  • Cream cheese frosting: The cake gets covered in a tangy and sweet frosting made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

40 Mardi Gras Recipe Ideas You’re Going to Love

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Mardi Gras isn’t just a single day but weeks of parties and celebrations, and what’s a good party without food? In the lead up to Lent, it is a time of self-discipline and restraint. During this time, Mardi Gras goes all in. It peaks on the final day: Fat Tuesday. We want each gathering to be as festive as possible. To help with that, we compiled the best Mardi Gras recipe ideas. These range from desserts and cocktails to hearty mains. You’ll find the perfect fit for your menu.

I visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I raced to taste everything the city had to offer. There were sugar-dusted beignets, overstuffed po’boys, and strong cocktails. The New Orleans-inspired recipes in this collection take me back to that visit. Somehow, I always found room for one more bite or sip. There are Cajun recipes full of bold flavors. Try gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. A crawfish boil is perfect for a leisurely afternoon with friends.

For dessert, try bananas Foster or a slice of king cake for a sweet end to the meal. To sip, it’s hard to go wrong with a fruity Hurricane cocktail. Don’t be fooled by the light, tropical taste of the drink—it packs a punch! I haven’t returned to New Orleans since that memorable trip. However, I love re-creating the experience at home with Mardi Gras party dishes like these.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Dirty Cabbage

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This dirty cabbage recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras. It needs to go to the top of your list. It’s a low-carb version of dirty rice. This dish is a staple of Louisiana Cajun cuisine. In this version, chopped cabbage replaces the traditional rice. Like dirty rice, this dish gets its name from its “dirty” appearance. This appearance comes from the inclusion of ground beef and many seasonings. Serve this hearty dish as-is with a big slice of cornbread or cornbread muffins. Alternatively, serve it as part of a spread of Cajun-inspired foods.

Dirty Cabbage Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Ground beef adds some heart to this cabbage recipe. Use a 90% lean blend.
  • Andouille sausage: This spicy smoked pork sausage is a staple in Creole and Cajun cuisine.
  • Aromatics: This recipe is made with the Cajun holy trinity of onion, green bell pepper and celery. Minced garlic adds an additional punch of flavor, and red bell peppers add a little sweetness.
  • Green cabbage: You will need a medium head of green cabbage to make this recipe.
  • Seasonings: The dirty cabbage is seasoned with a spicy combination of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

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