Author: kimcrossin

Savory Kimchi Soup with Ginger-Soy Pork Meatballs
December 19, 2024

Savory Kimchi Soup with Ginger-Soy Pork Meatballs

Savory Kimchi Soup with Ginger-Soy Pork Meatballs This Kimchi Soup with Pork Meatballs is a bold, comforting dish that combines the savory, spiced kick of kimchi with tender, flavorful pork meatballs. The broth is rich and slightly tangy, infused with garlic, ginger, and gochujang for …

Healthy-ish, Mains, Soups & Salads, Winter
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by kimcrossin
Pork Tenderloin with a Cherry Glaze
December 16, 2024

Pork Tenderloin with a Cherry Glaze

Looking for an elegant yet comforting dish to ring in the New Year? This roasted pork tenderloin with cherry glaze is just the answer. Juicy, tender pork is paired with a sweet-tart glaze made from cherry juice, berry jam, balsamic vinegar, a touch of brandy …

Christmas, Featured, Mains, Winter
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by kimcrossin
Croissant Crust Ham, Leek & Gruyère Quiche
December 10, 2024

Croissant Crust Ham, Leek & Gruyère Quiche

Croissant Quiche with Ham, Leeks & Gruyere Cheese

This quiche is rooted in one of my favorite food memories from a trip to London with my sister years ago. We stopped at a small café where I had my first croissant filled with ham, leeks, and Gruyère—and I’ve thought about it ever since. The combination was buttery, savory, and just completely unforgettable in that simple, perfect way travel food can be.

This recipe is my way of bringing that moment home, but turning it into something even easier and cozier for everyday cooking. Instead of a traditional crust, we’re using flattened croissants for a buttery, flaky base that feels just as special as the memory behind it.

Ingredients you'll need

  • 6–7 large croissants (for the crust)
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 3/4 cup leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup ham (or bacon)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme

How to Make the Croissant Crust

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  • Use a rolling pin to flatten each croissant until about ¼-inch thick.
  • Press the flattened croissants into a 9-inch pie dish, overlapping as needed to fully cover the base and sides.
    Tip: Tear or trim sections if needed to help them fit and mold smoothly.
  • Sprinkle lightly with Gruyère cheese and bake for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts. This helps “glue” the crust together.
  • While still warm, use the bottom of a measuring cup to gently press and smooth the croissants into the dish, fully shaping your crust.

How to make the ham, leek and Gruyere quiche

Sauté the Leeks

Sauté the leeks and shallots in 2 Tbsp of butter for about 7 minutes.
Add the thyme and cook 1-2 more minutes.

Mix the Egg Custard

Whisk the corn starch into the half and half until dissolved.
Crack in the eggs.
Add the dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Whisk until cohesive.

Make the Quiche

  • Preheat your oven to 350°
  • Distribute the sautéed leeks in the bottom of the pie dish
  • Pour in the egg custard. 
  • Sprinkle in the chopped ham and then the gruyere cheese overtop. 
  • Place the quiche on a sheet pan to catch any drippings.
  • Bake the Quiche for 35-45 minutes until the edges are set and the middle is just slightly jiggly. 
  • Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into.
  • Garnish with sliced chives. 

Croissant Quiche with Ham, Leeks & Gruyere Cheese

Indulge in this holiday croissant quiche, filled with savory ham, tender leeks, and rich Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a buttery croissant crust. Perfect for festive brunches!
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Breakfast, brunch, lunch
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Croissant, Gruyere Cheese, Ham, Leeks, Quiche
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • 9 inch Pie Plate
  • Rolling Pin
  • Medium Saute Pan
  • Cutting Board
  • Chefs Knife
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 6 Large Croissants
  • 1 Cup Half and Half room temperature
  • 1 tsp Corn Starch
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 3/4 Cup Leeks sliced
  • 2 tsp Thyme chopped
  • 1 small Shallot diced
  • 1/3 Cup Thin Sliced Ham Off-The-Bone chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°
  • Use a rolling pin to roll out and flatten each croissant. Form 4 of the croissants around the sides of the pie plate and lay the other two on the bottom. Press them into the pie plate.
  • Sprinkle with gruyere cheese and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese just melts.
  • While the pie plate is still warm. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the croissants into the pie dish further flattening and forming the crust. Set aside.
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of butter. Saute the leeks and shallots for about 5-7 minutes. Add the thyme and cook a minute longer.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the corn starch into the room temperature half and half until it dissolves. Add in the eggs, dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper and whisk until cohesive.
  • Distribute the leeks into the bottom of the pie plate then pour in the egg custard. Sprinkle in the ham and then the gruyere cheese.
  • Place the pie plate on a sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven at 350° for 35-45 minutes until the outter edge is set and the middle is just slightly jiggly. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into.
  • Garnish with sliced chives and serve with a simple arugula side salad.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Breakfast & Brunch, Christmas, Mains, Spring, Spring/Summer Feature
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by kimcrossin
Beef Wellington Bites
December 5, 2024

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites Looking for an appetizer that will truly impress your guests? These Beef Wellington bites take all the flavors of the classic dish and transform them into elegant, easy-to-serve morsels. Flaky puff pastry cradles savory prosciutto, rich mushroom duxelles, and tender reverse-seared filet, …

Appetizer, Christmas
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by kimcrossin
Crispy Phyllo Brie & Jam Bites
December 4, 2024

Crispy Phyllo Brie & Jam Bites

Crispy Phyllo Brie & Jam Bites The holidays are all about bringing people together over delicious food, and these crispy phyllo brie and jam bites are the perfect way to kick off any gathering. Imagine warm, melty brie wrapped in flaky, golden phyllo, paired with …

Appetizer, Christmas
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by kimcrossin
Easy Enchilada Skillet (One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner)
December 3, 2024

Easy Enchilada Skillet (One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner)

The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Skillet

This ultimate chicken enchilada skillet is made in one pan and has endless flavor! We sauté red onions, red bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño peppers as well as corn, pinto beans and garlic. I like to use a combination of red and green enchilada sauce throughout the recipe but if you want to just use one of the two, that is completely acceptable and will still be delicious! We layer the chicken mixture into our skillet with flour tortillas and a melty trio of Monterey Jack, Pepper jack and cheddar cheese then bake in the oven until bubbly. While the enchilada skillet is baking we are going to make a quick avocado aioli to top it off with and then garnish with some vibrant and crunchy radish as well as cilantro. You need this one on your menu!

What You'll Need

Chicken Enchilada Skillet 

  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Sliced Canned Poblano Peppers, chopped or Green Chilies if you can’t find poblano 
  • 1/2 Jalapeño, diced
  • 1/2 cup Frozen Corn 
  • 1/2 cup Pinto Beans 
  • 3 Cups Shredded Chicken 
  • 2 cups Enchilada sauce – I like to use one cup of red and one cup of green.
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika 
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 8, 8 inch Flour Tortiallas
  • 3 cups of a Mexican Cheese Blend – I use a combination of Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheeses. You can use pre-packaged as well!

Avocado Aloi

  • 1 Ripe Avocado
  • 1/4 cup of Sour Cream 
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 Lime, about 1 Tbsp
  • 1/2 Jalapeno, diced
  • 2 Tbsp Cilantro 

Make the Chicken Enchilada Filling

Sauté the Red Onion, Red Pepper, Poblano Pepper and Jalapeño Pepper
Add the Garlic
Add the Pinto Beans & Corn
Mix in the Chicken, Enchilada Sauce, Cumin & Paprika

Assemble the Enchilada Skillet

Overlap tortillas on the bottom of the pan to cover.
Sprinkle with cheese to keep the tortilla bottom from getting soggy.
Top with 1/2 of the chicken enchilada filling.
Sprinkle with more cheese & enchilada sauce.
Do another layer of tortillas & sprinkle with cheese.
Add the rest of the chicken enchilada filling.
Pour over more enchilada sauce.
Sprinkle with cheese & bake!

Make the Avocado Aioli

1 Ripe Avocado 

1/4 Cup Sour Cream, light, regular or plain greek yogurt. 

1 Tbsp Garlic, minced

1 Lime, squeezed over top

1/2 Jalapeno, diced

2 Tbsp Cilantro

Salt & Pepper to Taste!

Blend the avocado, sour cream, garlic and lime juice until smooth.
Add in the cilantro & diced jalapeño & pulse a few times.

The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Skillet

This chicken enchilada skillet is a one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, peppers, corn, and beans, coated in a red enchilada sauce. We layer up the enchilada skillet with the flavorful filling, flour tortillas a a melty trio of cheeses and more enchilada sauce. Top it with a homemade avocado aioli, thinly sliced radishes and fresh cilantro. Flavor packed and perfect for any night!
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: enchilada, enchilada skillet, one-pan meal
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • 10 inch Oven Safe Skillet Such as a cast iron skillet

Ingredients

The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • 1/2 Red Onion   chopped
  • 1/2 Red Pepper chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Canned Poblano Peppers chopped
  • 1/2 Jalapeno diced
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic minced
  • 1/2 Cup Frozen Corn
  • 1/2 Cup Pinto Beans
  • 3 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
  • 1 Cup Red Enchilada Sauce or Green
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 8 Flour Tortillas 8 inch
  • 3 Cups Mexican Cheese Blend Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Cup Green Enchilada Sauce or Red

Avocado Aioli

  • 1 Ripe Avocado
  • 1/4 Cup Sour Cream light, regular or plain greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic chopped
  • 1/2 Jalapeno diced
  • 2 Tbsp Cilantro

Instructions

The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Preheat your oven to 425°
  • Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add in 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil and sauté the red onion, red peppers, poblano peppers, jalapeño peppers.
  • Add the garlic, corn and pinto beans to the pan and stir to combine cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, cumin and paprika. Mix until well combined. Remove the filling from the skillet.
  • Overlap 3-4 tortillas on the bottom of the skillet to cover. Sprinkle lightly with cheese. Spread over 1/2 the chicken enchilada filling. Sprinkle more cheese on top and then pour over some green enchilada sauce. Repeat the layers: tortillas, cheese, chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven at 425° for about 25 minutes until bubbly and browned on top.

Avocado Aioli

  • While the enchilada skillet is baking, combine the avocado, lime juice, garlic and sour cream in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the Jalapeno and cilantro and pulse a few times. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve

  • Serve family style in the skillet and top with some thinly sliced radishes and cilantro. Slice pieces to serve and top with the avocado aioli and garnishes!

Notes

NEED TO DOUBLE THE RECIPE? 
If you wanted to double the recipe for larger gatherings you can use a 9x13 casserole dish. It might require a little more baking time because it will be a little thicker. To ensure proper doneness you can check by ensuring the cheese is melted and bubbly and the center is hot. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Fall/Winter Feature, Winter
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by kimcrossin
Chicken Cutlets topped with Roasted Peppers and Provolone cheese
November 12, 2024

Chicken Cutlets topped with Roasted Peppers and Provolone cheese

Chicken Cutlets Topped with Roasted Peppers and Provolone cheese This recipe came about when my husband put me on a quest to recreate a dinner that he got at a local Italian restaurant called, Chicken Philly.  This is like Chicken Parm’s brother from another mother …

Fall, Mains, Winter
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by kimcrossin
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli
November 12, 2024

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli If you’re looking for something healthy, quick, easy and very satisfying I’ve got you covered. This spaghetti squash gets filled with chicken and broccoli and smothered in a creamy cashew Alfredo sauce. Oh also, it’s also made …

Healthy-ish, Mains
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by kimcrossin
Creamed Spinach
November 12, 2024

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach is a variation of the creamed spinach my Aunt has kept on her Thanksgiving menu over the years.  Her creamed spinach has always been a fan favorite year after year. It’s indulgent yet you don’t feel too guilty because it is loaded with spinach. 

Of course I had to ask her for the recipe.  She gave me two separate recipes that were printed out and the pages were well used. Stains and hand written notes covered the recipes.  It was a little bit difficult to tell the exact ingredients that she kept or omitted and how much of the ingredients she used. I asked to clarify some things about the recipe but she kind of kept it casual and just said, you can’t really screw it up.  So, I set off to make it and it took a couple of tries until I came upon a recipe that I liked and wanted to keep. So behold my version of creamed spinach! Now I can always know the exact measurements and whip it out when needed.

This recipe is so great because I have served it as a side paired with steak or pork tenderloin on a special occasion. Or, I have also served it as a dip for a party and used pita chips to scoop up the goodness with.  This recipe is so easy and a lot of the ingredients can be a pantry pull. I love the small effort for big flavor here.

Ingredients

  • Spinach – Frozen spinach is perfect and easy to keep on hand for an easy app when you want it! All you want to do is pop it into the microwave to unthaw it. Place it into a shed free towel and then ring all of the excess water out of it. 
  • Butter – For flavor and richness
  • Shallot – Shallots are great because they have a more mild onion flavor and they’re smaller so you don’t need to keep 1/2 of an unused onion in your fridge that may or may not go bad. 
  • Garlic 
  • Peppadew or Sweet and Spicy Peppers – These are so good because of they are sweet and spicy! Just give them a little chop.
  • Red Chili Flakes – For a little heat 🙂 Use as much or as little as you like. I prefer just a hint of heat.
  • Dijon Mustard – Dijon mustard is creamier and contains less vinegar than yellow mustard. It also has a really nice spicy heat to it as well.
  • Heavy Cream – Creamed spinach needs that creamy component and this recipe goes all in with heavy cream. You can also use light cream if you want to ditch a few calories. 
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese has a more distinct flavor that you get from the aging process. Fun fact: the only difference between the orange and white cheddar cheese that you see in the grocery store, is the natural vegetable food coloring they use to achieve the orange color. So, either works although I prefer white just for color purposes.
  • Parmigiana Reggiano – Parmigiana Reggiano is more expensive than Parmesan cheese because it is held to higher standards within the cheese making process. They follow a more specific process to make it and is produced only in a certain region of Northern Italy. It also happens to be more flavorful. However, if you want substitute Parmesan here you can 🙂 
  • Cream Cheese – This helps add a nice thick creaminess to the dish and a touch of tang.
  • Sour Cream – More creaminess and tang!
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – The texture of panko makes it extra crunchy. 

Make it as a Dip

When serving this as a dip, I have personally left the quantities the same. However, if you prefer a creamier, silkier dip texture, you can increase the measurements of the cream cheese, sour cream and heavy cream in this recipe to achieve that!

Suggested Increases: 

8 oz Cream Cheese

6 oz Sour Cream

1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream 

To make the Creamed Spinach

  • Make the topping. Combine some of the sharp cheddar cheese with a little of the parmigiana reggiano,  the panko bread crumbs and a little softened butter. Mix together until crumbly.
  • Sauté the onions. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and sauté the onions in some butter. Once they have become translucent add in the garlic and chili flakes for a minute or two.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan (minus the sour cream). Add the spinach, pimentos, dijon mustard, heavy cream, cream cheese and grated cheeses. Continue to mix everything together until the cheese melts and everything gets nice and coated.
  • Stir in the sour cream. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
  • Transfer & Top it. Transfer it to an oven safe dish and sprinkle the top with the panko and cheese mixture.
  • Bake. Bake in the oven at 400° for 20-30 minutes until browned and bubbly. 

Is it Make-Ahead?

This recipe is perfect to make in advance and pop it into the oven when you want to serve it.

  • Fully prepare the creamed spinach all the way up to transferring it to an oven safe dish and topping it with the cheese and bread crumbs.
  • Cover it with plastic wrap or tin foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it into the oven.
    • Don’t forget to remove said plastic wrap or tin foil before baking it 🙂 

Can you Freeze it?

You can even freeze it for up to 3 months if you really want! You can freeze it before you bake it or even after you bake it.

  • Freeze it before you bake it. Make the creamed spinach and once cooled transfer it into a gallon size freezer bag.
    • To Serve – Unthaw it in the refrigerator over night. Put the creamed spinach into a casserole dish. Top it with the breadcrumb mixture and bake!
  • Freeze it after you bake it. Let it get to room temperature and then place it in the refrigerator to get cold before putting it in the freezer. Cover the entire casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then tin foil to freeze it.
    • To serve – Unthaw it in the refrigerator over night. Bake it!

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach is always a hit and can either be served as an appetizer or a side. It's creamy cheesy and oh so good. Bonus points for being easy and make-ahead friendly!
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese, Creamed, Dip, Side, Spinach
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish Medium

Ingredients

Creamed Spinach

  • 2 10 oz Packages of Frozen Spinach squeezed of excess liquid
  • 6 Tbsp Butter Divided: 4 + 2 for the breadcrumb mix
  • 1 Large Shallot Diced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
  • 1/4 Cup Peppadew, Sweet and Spicy Peppers Diced
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 1/4 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grated, Divided 1 cup + 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/4 Cup Parmigiana Reggiano Grated, Divided 1 cup + 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 4 oz Sour Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

SUGGESTED INCREASES TO SERVE AS A DIP — SEE *NOTES*

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • 6 oz Sour Cream
  • 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmigiana Reggiano along with the panko bread crumbs and 2 tbsp softened butter and mix together.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium low and melt 4 tbsp of butter. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and chili flakes and sauté another minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and pimentos and mix while sautéing to warm through. 
  • Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, the remaining 2 cups of grated cheeses, and dijon until it's all mixed together. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
  • Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the cheese and bread crumb mixture.
  • Bake in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes until browned on top and bubbly.

Notes

SERVING THE CREAMED SPINACH AS A DIP:
If you would like to achieve a creamier, silkier texture you can increase the amount of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream to achieve that. Simply increase the amount of those ingredients to the suggested measurement increases listed under the ingredients section (8 oz Cream Cheese, 6 oz Sour Cream, 1 1/4 cups Heavy Cream). 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Appetizer, Christmas, Sides, Spring, Vegetarian
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by kimcrossin
Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Moroccan Carrots & Chickpeas
November 12, 2024

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 …

Healthy-ish, Mains, Spring
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by kimcrossin