Author: kimcrossin

Guinness Shephard’s Pie

Guinness Shephard’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie Every year when St. Patrick’s Day comes around it’s time for me to make Shepherd’s Pie. Shepherd’s Pie is a mixture of lamb and vegetables that cook in a flavorful gravy, then it all gets topped with mashed potatoes and bakes until the 

Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Moroccan Carrots & Chickpeas

Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Moroccan Carrots & Chickpeas

BROWN SUGAR SPICED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MOROCCAN CARROTS & CHICKPEAS This meal was inspired from a recipe I tried in a cookbook called good clean food by Lily Kunin. You can find her cookbook linked HERE. It’s a plant based cookbook that is categorized by recipes 

Chicken Parm Meatballs

Chicken Parm Meatballs

Chicken Parm Meatballs

These chicken parm meatballs are perfect for game day or just your average weeknight. Look no further if you need a fun, simple and delicious dinner or appetizer that even your very critical 3 year old will love (speaking from experience).  Ricotta is my secret ingredient that leaves them light, airy and so tender. They’re loaded with garlicky flavor and topped with lots of melty cheese. My favorite way to serve them is with sweet dinner rolls that are coated in a garlic herb butter and toasted in the oven.

Main Ingredients

Ground Chicken – You can use ground chicken or turkey for this recipe.

Ricotta Cheese – Ricotta is creamy, a little fluffy and slightly sweet in flavor. It makes these meatballs light and so tender.

Grated Onion and Garlic – Grating the onion and garlic allows the flavor to really permeate the meatballs. I also love the liquid from grating the onion, don’t leave that behind. 

Marinara Sauce – My favorite marinara sauce to use is ROA’S but use which ever you prefer! 

Mozzarella Cheese – Buy the block and grate it yourself for better flavor and more stretch. Pre grated cheese has a wax coating on it that makes it a little less lux. 

Parmesan Cheese – Parmigiana reggiano, parmesean or even pecorino romano cheese all work for these meatballs. 

To make the chicken meatballs

To the bowl with ground chicken, add the ricotta and parmesan cheese
Add the grated onion, garlic and garlic powder
Add the breadcrumbs and parsley
Last add the egg and mix to combine
  • Preheat the oven to 425°. and arrange the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler.  
  • Prep the ingredients – Grate the cheeses, the onion and garlic and chop the parsley.
  • Combine the ingredients – In a medium bowl mix together the ground chicken with the ricotta, half of the parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, garlic powder, parsley, egg and breadcrumbs. Mix until combined.
  • Form the meatballs – Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop little rounds onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy clean up). You should end up with 19 meatballs. Lightly roll the scooped mix into a ball. 
    • If you don’t have a cookie scoop the meatballs just use a spoon. They should be about 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
  • Brown the meatballs on one side – Heat up an oven safe pan on medium-medium high, drizzle in some olive oil and arrange the meatballs like a bullseye in the pan. Allow them to brown for 4 minutes.
  • Make them Chicken Parm – Turn each meatball over, pour in a jar of marinara and sprinkle with mozzarella and the rest of the parmesan cheese. Pop the pan into the oven for 7 min at 425°
  • Broil – Broil for 3 more minutes until browned and bubbly. 

To make the garlic herb sweet rolls

What you need: 

  • 1 pack of Hawaiian Dinner Rolls or Sweet Dinner Rolls 
  • 1/2 stick of butter, melted 
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

To make them: 

  • Make a cut down the center – On the top of the buns, slice them down the center 2/3 of the way across. 
  • Make the garlic herb butter – Mix the melted butter, garlic and parsley together in a small bowl.
  • Brush the buns with the butter  Using a pastry brush or a spoon, slather the buns with the garlicky butter. 
  • Place in the oven – along with the meatballs until slightly golden and toasted.

Chicken Parm Meatballs

These chicken parm meatballs are perfect for game day. Look no further if you need a fun, simple and delicious dinner or appetizer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Hand held, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Appetizer, Chicken, Chicken Parm, Game Day Food, Meatballs
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Oven safe pan

Ingredients

Chicken Parm Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground Chicken
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, divided 1/3 + 1/3
  • 1 Tbsp Onion grated
  • 1 Garlic Clove grated
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp Parsley chopped
  • 1 Large Egg lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese grated

Garlic Herb Butter Sweet Dinner Rolls

  • 1 pack Hawaiian Dinner Rolls or sweet dinner rolls
  • 1/2 stick Butter melted
  • 2 Garlic Cloved minced
  • 1 tbsp Parsley chopped

Instructions

Chicken Parm Meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 425 and place the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler
  • Combine ground chicken with ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup of parm cheese, and remaining 6 ingredients. Mix gently until combined. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes. 
  • Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out meatballs and roll into balls. 
  • Heat an oven proof pan over medium high. Add 2 Tbsp oil and place meatballs in the pan arranging them in a bullseye. Allow the  meatballs to brown for 4 min. Turn them over. Pour marinara over meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmigiana cheese. Put pan in oven and cook for 7 min. Turn the broiler on and broil for another 3ish min until browned on the top. 

Garlic Herb Butter Sweet Dinner Rolls

  • On the top of the buns, slice them down the center 2/3 of the way across. 
  • Mix the melted butter, garlic and parsley together in a small bowl.  Using a pastry brush or a spoon, slather the buns with the garlicky butter. 
  • Place in the oven at 425° (along with the meatballs) until slightly golden and toasted.

To Serve

  • Spoon a meatball inside of a toasted garlic herb dinner roll and enjoy!
  • Serve with pasta, spaghetti squash or a larger hoagie roll for more options!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo

One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo

One Pot Sausage and Peppers Orzo This sausage and peppers has a sophisticated spin on it while keeping the comfort level high. For and easy weeknight meal it’s honestly a showstopper.  I love making it in my Staub Braiser and serving it family style.  The 

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette, Pomegranates & Pistachios

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette, Pomegranates & Pistachios

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette This roasted Brussels sprouts dish is all about vibrant flavors and textures that elevate any meal. The Brussels sprouts roast to a crispy, golden perfection, while a maple vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness that balances the natural 

Pie Dough

Pie Dough

Pie Dough

Ahhh pie dough. It used to be my arch nemesis but now I consistently make tender, flaky pies every single time and I am going to dive into all the details so you can be set up for success. 

What is Pie Dough?

All pie dough is essentially just a combination of flour, fat, and water. Some recipes use only shortening, some use only butter, and others use a mix of both. The pie dough recipe I’ve come to love and use is from Sally’s Baking Addiction. It uses both butter for flavor and shortening to keep it tender and help maintain its structure.

I incorporated a folding technique I learned from pie-making queens Erin McDowell and Erin Clarkson. This technique not only adds extra flakiness but also makes the dough a dream to work with when rolling it out cue sigh of relief. This recipe and technique result in a dough that rolls out as easily as store-bought but tastes 100 times better!

Tips for Success

Use a Kitchen Scale

  • A kitchen scale (linked here) is the only way to make sure you are using the proper ratio of flour:fat.
  • When you scoop flour into a measuring cup the amount can vary and that can throw everything off.
    • If you don’t have a kitchen scale this is how you want to properly measure flour:
      • Fluff the flour that you are going to use.
      • Scoop it into your measuring cup making sure you don’t pack it down
      • Level it off with the back of a butter knife.

Keep Everything Cold

I know you have heard it before and I am here to tell you again.  Keep everything in the fridge or freezer when you aren’t using it or handling it. If there is ever a point when you are handling the dough and it starts to feel warm, just put it in the refrigerator!

  • Different points in the pie dough making process when you want to refrigerate or even freeze the ingredients/dough:
    • After  you measure and cube the butter and shortening.
      • Break up the cubes as you place them in a bowl. Then, place the bowls in the fridge or even freezer while you measure out your flour and prep the ice water.
    • After you make your pie dough, wrap it in plastic wrap refrigerate it for at least 30 min before rolling it out and doing a fold.
      • This helps the gluten to relax and ensures that everything stays cold.
    • After you do your fold you want to refrigerate it again before rolling it out to bake the pie. Refrigerate the dough at least 30 min but preferably overnight. 
      • Again, this helps the gluten to relax and makes sure everything stays cold!
    • After you roll out the bottom crust, place it in the pie dish, cover and refrigerate while you roll out the top dough. 
    • OPTIONAL: After you crimp let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes, then you can re-crimp to really secure the design. 
    • Before you bake the pie, place the whole pie in the freezer, covered, for about 30 min, as you wait for the oven to heat up.

Less is More

The less we handle the dough when mixing it the better. We have also all heard this one before, however this caused me to have a fear of mixing the dough in general.  I ended up not handling it enough in order for me to thoroughly incorporate the fat and water. Do not be afraid of gluten! Here are some tips for this.

  • Toss the flour with butter and shortening so that all of the pieces are coated in flour.
    • Begin to squish or flatten some of the pieces of butter between your fingers and throw them back into the flour. Keep tossing and flattening.
  • Use your pastry cutter to cut the fat into the flour until there are pea-walnut size pieces.
    • Press down with your pastry cutter and turn. Repeat.
      • When there is a build up on the pastry cutter, scrape it off and gently toss everything with your hands to redistribute the ingredients in the bowl.
      • Continue with the pastry cutter cutting it and scraping it until you see that the flour has mixed with the fat and formed small pea-walnut sized pieces.  
  • Toss with the water. Create a well into the center of the bowl and add a 1/2 cup of cold water.
    • Using your hands toss with the water.
    • Break up the large clumps and redistribute the ingredients in the bowl again.
      • Water hangs out in those clumps so it helps to make sure everything is evenly mixed. 
  • Do not knead it. Dump everything onto your countertop or work surface and bring it together to form a ball. 

Fold the Dough

It sounds counterintuitive because I just told you not to handle the dough too much but trust me do a fold! It is a short version of laminated pie dough which is essentially what they do when making puff pastry. Doing a fold creates layers to make it extra flaky and helps to really distribute the fat which makes the dough nice and malleable. It only takes a little more time but is well worth the effort. Here is how you will do it:

  • Lightly flour your work surface
    • Place the dough down on a lightly floured work surface and lightly dust the top, brushing off any excess flour.
  • Roll out the dough
    • Starting with the rolling pin in the center roll upwards, re-center and roll downwards. Pick up the dough and do a quarter or half turn. Repeat the process.
    • When the dough feels like it is sticking to the work surface add a dusting of flour to that area.
  • Fold the dough like a letter, in thirds.
    • Starting at a short end fold it 2/3rds of the way across. Dust off any excess flour from the bottom.
    • Take the other short end and fold it on top. Again dusting off any excess flour from the bottom. 
    • Fold that letter in half. You just made 6 layers!
      • If you have enough dough, fold it in half and half again, making 9 layers!
      • If you have enough time, you can even place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and repeat the folding process for even more layers!
The dough on the left has been folded and is noticeably smoother compared to the dough on the right, which hasn’t been folded. You can already see the benefits of folding the dough, making it easier to roll out!

Tips for ProperHydration

Hydration is a very important part of affecting the outcome of the pie.

Too much water can cause it to become too crisp and have a tough texture.

Too little water will cause a dry dough, make it difficult to roll out and tougher overall.

When in doubt opt for less water, as it is easier to fix. 

  • Start with 1/2 cup of cold water (if making a double pie crust and using this recipe)
    • Toss with the water. Create a well in the center of the bowl with the flour, butter and shortening. Add a 1/2 cup of cold water.
      • Using your fingers, lightly toss everything with the water.
  • Break up the large clumps and redistribute the ingredients in the bowl again.
    • Water hangs out in those clumps so it helps to make sure everything is evenly hydrated. 
  • Inspect the dough. Look to see if there are any areas that look dry or like coarse sand.
    • Usually you’ll find them at the bottom. Add a tablespoon of water at a time to those areas. I usually end up adding one – two extra tablespoons of water. 
  • Take some in between your fingers and pinch it together. When it easily comes together it is ready. 
  • It shouldn’t feel too sticky
    • When you touch your palm to it it should not stick to it. 
  • It shouldn’t be too dry
    • If it is too dry, it won’t come together easily. Some pieces might fall off and it will be very cracked on the surface.

How to fix dough that is too wet

So, you made pie dough and now it feels too sticky…

Add a little extra flour to try to soak up some of that extra moisture. 

  • Dust the surface of the disk of dough with flour.
  • As you are rolling out our dough you can dust with more flour as you go. 

How to fix dough that is too dry

When you are trying to form the dough into a disk or when you are rolling it out and it keeps cracking…

Don’t worry!

Add a sprinkle of water to add a little extra hydration. 

  • Flatten the dough disk to about a 1/2 inch.
  • Sprinkle the dough with water. Wet your hands in cold water and flick your fingers to disperse a small amount of water onto the surface. 
  • Fold the dough onto itself a few times to try to work it into the dough.
    • Try not to knead the dough to overwork it as it will become tough. 
  • If it is too dry as you are rolling it out and keeps cracking sprinkle a few drops of cold water onto the dough as you are doing your folds. 

Pie Dough

This pie dough is my go to for fruit pies, pot pies, homemade toaster strudels and more! It's versatile and always is a show stopper!
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, brunch, Dessert, Hand held, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: Butter, Crust, Dough, Flaky, Pie
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour 315g
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (85g) Cubed, Cold
  • 2/3 Cup Vegetable Shortening (130g) Cubed, Cold
  • 1/2 Cup Cold Water 120 ml

Instructions

PIE DOUGH

  • Mix the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour, and begin to toss the fat with the flour, making sure each piece is coated in flour. As you're tossing the fat into the flour, begin to flatten some of the piece of butter between your index finger and thumb. Continue until everything is coated in flour and broken up.
  • Use a pastry cutter to break up the fat even more. Press the pastry cutter down and turn. Repeat. When there is a build up, clean it off and toss the ingredients together to redistribute everything in the bowl. Continue until you start to see small pea - walnut sized pieces forming.
  • Create a well in the center of the bowl and add in 1/2 cup of cold water. Using your fingers toss the flour and fat mixture with the water. As you notice some larger clumps forming, break them up and keep tossing until it seems like everything is evenly hydrated.
  • Inspect the dough, if you notice some areas that look dry or like coarse sand add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time.
  • Once the dough will easily come together by pinching it between your fingers, dump it out on a clean work surface. Do not knead. Using both hand bring it together to form it into a ball.
  • Cut it in half then form each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

FOLD THE DOUGH - FOR EXTRA FLAKY PIE DOUGH

  • Prepare your work surface: Place a dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and dust the top with flour.
  • Roll out the dough: Starting with the rolling pin in the center of the dough, roll up. Re-center and then roll down. Pick up the dough and do a quarter turn. If the dough sticks at all, dust lightly with flour. Continue until it forms a long oval/rectangle with two short sides and two longer sides.
  • Fold the dough: Starting at a short end fold it 2/3rds of the way across. Dust off any excess flour. Take the other short end and fold it on top. Again, dust off any excess. Fold that letter in half. You just made 6 layers!
  • Re-wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes or preferable over night. If you are making a pie, tuck the edges under themselves to form a disk. This will help it to roll into a circle.
  • Repeat with the other dough disk.

MAKE THE PIE

  • Prepare your work surface to roll out the dough. Place the dough disk on a lightly floured work surface and dust the top with flour.
  • Roll out the dough until it is 1/4 inch thick using the instructions listed above. Transfer it to a pie dish and coax it into the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you roll out the top crust.
  • Roll out the top crust and repeat the instructions above.
  • Put the room temperature filling into the pie dish and place the top crust over it. Crimp the edges, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Optional: Re-crimp the crust to secure the design.

BAKE THE PIE

  • Pre-Heat the oven to 425°
  • Freeze the whole pie for 30 minutes while you wait for the oven to heat up.
  • Bake for 30 min at 425°, lower the temperature to 375° and bake for an additional 30 min. If the crust is begins to brown too much during the baking process cover the crust loosely with tin foil.  
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Cardamom Apple Pie

Cardamom Apple Pie

Cardamom Apple Pie This apple pie recipe comes from Erin McDowell who is the pie QUEEN. You can find the original recipe here.  The filling is incredible because you draw out the natural juices and create the most luscious caramelly sauce surrounding them. No more 

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Chicken Pot Pie is one of my favorite meals to eat. It is always so comforting and it’s a meal that you know a lot of love went into, at least that’s how I make mine. From simmering the chicken along with 

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed poblano peppers were inspired by a recipe for vegan enchiladas in a cookbook called WELL + GOOD. I remember the first time I made them and was blown away with the flavor, texture and how filling they were. One day when I was day dreaming about a stuffed pepper recipe these were born. I didn’t want some boring stuffed peppers and I remember loving the combinations in this filling. I decided to use the same idea of black beans, mushrooms, cashews and red enchilada sauce along with the typical spices: cumin, smoked paprika and garlic powder. 

What you'll need

  • Poblano Peppers: These are the longer dark green peppers that are medium sized found next to all of the other peppers in the grocery store. They are not long hots which are a lighter shade of green and very long and skinny. Poblano Peppers are mild in flavor but have a little bit more heat than a green bell pepper. Feel free to substitute a different pepper if you wish!
  • Mushrooms: Add a meatiness to the filling as well as some umami flavor.
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Black Beans
  • Raw Cashews: The cashews can either be soaked over night or boiled to help soften them. When you blend cashew they add a creaminess without the need for cream. 
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: Store bought is perfect. 
  • Nutritional Yeast (Optional): Adds a cheesy flavor without adding cheese. 
  • Spices: Cumin, Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder
  • Cheese (Optional): A Mexican blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  • Sour Cream or Yogurt (Optional): Drizzle the peppers with a quickly made lime crema for some creaminess and tang.
  • Lime (Optional)
  • Cilantro (Optional)

Roast the Poblano Peppers

  •  Preheat oven to 400°
  • Cut the Poblano Peppers in half, drizzle with avocado or olive oil and season with salt and pepper
  • Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until just tender

Make the Filling

  • Boil the cashews: In a small pot, bring some water to a boil. Put in the cashews and gently boil for 10 min. Strain. 
  • Sauté the Onions, Mushrooms & Garlic: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Turn off the heat.
  • Blend half of the mixture with half of the black beans: Add half of the black beans, half of the sauteed onions and mushrooms and the cashews to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. 
  • Season: Add 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce along with nutritional yeast and spices and blend again. Season to taste with salt and peppers. 
  • Combine: Add the pureed mixture to the other half of the onion and mushroom mixture and the rest of the black beans. Stir to combine. 

Stuff the Peppers & Bake

  • Stuff the poblano peppers with the filling
  • Top it with enchilada sauce: Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over top
  • Sprinkle with Cheese (optional)
  • Bake for 15 minutes at 400°

Prepare the Garnishes

  • Lime Crema: Using sour cream or yogurt, mix 1/2 cup with the juice of 1 lime and season with salt. 
  • Cilantro: roughly chop or tear into pieces

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These vegetarian stuffed poblano peppers are creamy and packed with flavor. Skip the cheese and lime cream to make it vegan friendly!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cashew cream, enchilada, Poblano, Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish 9 X 13
  • Food Processor Or Blender
  • Large Skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 Poblano Peppers
  • 3/4 Cup Raw Cashews soaked over night
  • 8 oz Mushrooms chopped
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves chopped
  • 2 Cups Black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 Cup Walnuts chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 3/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Roast the Peppers

  • Preheat the oven to 400°
  • Cut the poblano peppers in half and remove the ribs and seeds. Place them in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast for 20 minutes until just tender.

Make the Filling

  • If you did not soak the cashews overnight, gently boil them for 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add 2 tbsp oil and sauté the onions and mushrooms for 5-7 min stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and sauté another minute or two. Reserve 1/4 cup of the mushrooms and onions and set aside.
  • Add the chopped walnuts and spices to the skillet to toast for a minute or two. Turn off the heat.
  • In a blender, puree the softened cashews with 1 cup of the black beans and 1/4 cup of the mushroom and onion mixture.
  • Returning to the skillet, stir in the pureed cashew mixture, the rest of the black beans and the enchilada sauce until combined.

Stuff the Peppers and Bake

  • Evenly spoon the filling into each poblano half. Pour over the rest of the enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with a lime crema, cilantro and avocado.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Candied Bacon

Candied Bacon

Candied Bacon This may be a bold statement but in my honest opinion candied bacon is one of the best appetizers you can throw down at any party. Bacon is always a crowd pleaser but when you caramelize it in brown sugar and maple syrup