Author: kimcrossin

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Prosciutto & Melon

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Prosciutto & Melon

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Prosciutto & Melon This is the prettiest salad I have ever made and would be perfect for hosting a ladies brunch or a girls night in. The raw zucchini is so mellow and has a nice subtle crunch to it so …

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

Guinness Shepherd’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 …

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
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Poblano Peppers
  • 8 oz Mushrooms chopped
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves chopped
  • 2 Cups Black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 3/4 tsp Smoked Paprika or Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 15 oz Jar Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
Lime Crema
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice fresh
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest
  • 1 Garlic Clove grated
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp Water or oil to thin as needed
Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro
  • 1-2 Avocados sliced

Equipment

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

Method
 

Roast the Peppers
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. In a blender, puree 1/2 of the mushroom and onion mixture with 1 cup of the black beans.
  3. Returning to the skillet, add the pureed mushroom mixture, the rest of the black beans, spices and stir until combined.
Stuff the Peppers and Bake
  1. Evenly spoon the filling into each poblano half. Pour over the enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  2. Garnish with a lime crema, cilantro and avocado.
Lime Crema
  1. Combine all ingredients for the lime crema in a small bowl and whisk until cohesive.
Bahn Mi Tacos

Bahn Mi Tacos

Bahn Mi Tacos These Bahn Mi Tacos came about after I made a recipe, Bahn Mi Rice Bowls with Spicy Pork and Sriracha Mayo, from the cookbook Healthyish by Lindsay Maitland Hunt. In her recipe she uses ground pork and keeps it simple and still …

Savory Kimchi Soup with Ginger-Soy Pork Meatballs

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 …

Pork Tenderloin with a Cherry Glaze

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 and rosemary. Finished with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, and served over creamy sweet potato puree, this dish is perfect for special gatherings. For an unforgettable meal, serve it alongside my roasted Brussels sprouts with maple vinaigrette—an ideal way to celebrate New Year’s Day in style.

What You'll Need

  1. Pork Tenderloin – Mild, tender, and juicy, serving as a perfect canvas for bold flavors.
  2. Cherry Juice – Sweet with a hint of tartness, adding a fruity depth to the glaze.
  3. Cherry Berry Jam – Sweet, rich, and slightly tangy, enhances the cherry flavor with additional berry notes. I used the Stonewall Kitchen brand but use whatever cherry jam you find or like!
  4. Shallots – Mildly sweet with a delicate onion-garlic flavor.
  5. Garlic – Brings a little warmth and depth to the glaze.
  6. Balsamic Vinegar – Sweet, tangy, and slightly syrupy.
  7. Brandy – Adds a little depth and a warm undertone.
  8. Pomegranate Seeds – Adds a pop of freshness and texture as a garnish.
  9. Parsley – Brings a touch of fresh brightness.

Make it a One-Pan Dinner!

Use a large oven proof skillet – I love my Staub Braiser and use it all of the time! 

  • In your oven proof pan, make the cherry glaze. After it simmers and reduces, pour it into a bowl and set aside. 
  • Wipe the pan clean. 
  • Sear the pork on all sides.
  • Pour the cherry glaze over the pork and finish in the oven. 

Make the Cherry Glaze

Sweat the shallots for 5-7 min, then the garlic for another minute
Add in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for about 8 minutes until reduced

Cherry Glaze: Makes enough for 1 Pork Tenderloin 

1 Shallot, chopped

2 tsp Garlic, minced

1 cup Cherry Juice

1/2 cup Cherry Berry Jam

1 tsp Basalmic Vinegar

2 Tbsp Brandy 

1 Tbsp Rosemary, chopped

Instructions: 

Sweat the shallots in 2 Tbsp of butter for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the cherry juice, jam, vinegar and brandy. Simmer for about 8 minutes until reduced. 

Set Aside. 

Pork Tenderloin

Remove the silver skin on the pork tenderloin
Sear the pork for 2 minutes on all (4) sides
Pour the cherry glaze over the pork, sprinkle in the rosemary. Finish in the oven.

The pork will be slightly pink and extremely tender. If you prefer it to be more well-done cook for a couple extra minutes in the oven. 

Pre-Heat the oven to 375°.

Roast the pork in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 137°. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.  

While the pork is resting, fine tune to the glaze. Strain the glaze through a sieve for a smooth consistency. Bring the glaze to a simmer and mix in a pad of butter to finish.

What should you serve it with?

Sweet Potato Puree - Serves 4

1.5 lbs Sweet Potatoes

4 Tbsp Butter

1/2 Cup Milk  

  • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1 1/2 cubes. 
  • Put the sweet potatoes into a pot filled with cold water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. 
  • Drain the water, place back in the hot pot and allow some of the steam to evaporate. 
  • In a food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato with butter, milk, salt and pepper and blend until smooth. 
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette

This would be excellent served with my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with a Maple Vinaigrette. 

 

Perfectly seasonal, the garnishes work together and the epitome of a beautiful New Year’s Day Dinner.

Tender Cherry Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Tender roasted pork tenderloin topped with a luscious cherry glaze made from cherry juice, cherry berry jam, balsamic vinegar, and brandy. Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pork Tenderloin Serves about 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small children.
  • 1 Shallot chopped
  • 2 tsp Garlic minced
  • 1 Cup Cherry Juice
  • 1/2 Cup Very Berry Jam
  • 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Brandy
  • 1 Tbsp Rosemary

Equipment

  • 1 Large Oven Proof Skillet

Method
 

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 400°
  2. Heat the pan to medium-low and melt a Tbsp of butter. Sweat the shallots for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes longer.
  3. Pour in the cherry juice, cherry berry jam, balsamic vinegar and brandy. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes until reduced. Pour into a bowl and set aside. Wipe the pan clean.
  4. Add 2 tbsp of oil to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Sear the pork on each side (4) for 2 minutes. Pour the cherry glaze over the pork and sprinkle the rosemary over top.
  5. Slide the pan into the oven and finish cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 137°. Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. While the pork is resting, strain the glaze through a sieve (optional). If the glaze appears to be too runny, simmer it for a few more minutes and at the end melt in a pad of butter to finish.
  7. Suggested to serve over a sweet potato puree, drizzle of the cherry glaze and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Croissant Crust Ham, Leek & Gruyère Quiche

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, …

Beef Wellington Bites

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, …

Crispy Phyllo Brie & Jam Bites

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 a touch of sweet jam. Then, we take it up a notch with a drizzle of hot honey, crunchy toasted walnuts, a hint of rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt. These little bites are easy to make but feel fancy enough for any holiday table. Trust me—your guests will be coming back for more!

What You'll Need

Phyllo Sheets – Delicate, paper-thin layers of dough bake up light, flaky, and irresistibly crispy. 

Brie – A soft, creamy French cheese with a buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. When baked, brie becomes rich and gooey.

Jam – A sweet, fruity spread that adds a burst of flavor and a hint of tartness. Choose your favorite variety—like cherry, raspberry, fig, or apricot—to balance the richness of the brie and create a delicious contrast.

Butter – Melted butter is brushed between layers of phyllo ensuring the sheets bake up beautifully golden and crisp. 

Hot Honey – A sweet and spicy drizzle that adds depth, excitement and balances the creamy brie and sweet jam.

Walnuts – They add the perfect bit of crunch to the soft, melty filling and crisp phyllo layers.

Rosemary – Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma and a hint of savory, herbal flavor. Perfectly festive for this appetizer.

Salt –  The finishing touch that makes every bite pop!

Make the Bites

Unthaw the phyllo for 45 minutes before using. 

Preheat the oven to 375°

When you unwrap it from the box all of the phyllo layers will be rolled up in long sheets. 

Cut the sheets into about a 4 x 9 inch rectangles. 

You will need two 4×9 inch rectangles for each bite. 

Brush a sheet of phyllo with butter and lay another phyllo sheet on top.
Put about a teaspoon of jam near the top of one end and a piece of brie on top.
Roll the phyllo over the filling.
Fold in each side.
Continue to roll up the phyllo bite.
Brush with more butter before baking.

Line the phyllo brie bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

Brush with butter

Bake in a 375° oven for 10 min. Flip over and bake for about another 2-5 minutes until golden on both sides. 

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. 

Top with hot honey, crushed toasted walnuts, chopped rosemary and a sprinkle of salt. 

Preparation in Advance

Assemble Ahead: You can fully assemble the bites (with jam, brie, and brushed butter) and store them in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap  in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. 

Freeze for Longer Storage: Assemble the bites and freeze them on a tray until firm. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. 

Baking Tips: 

  • Bake Just Before Serving: For best texture, bake them right before you plan to serve them. Reheating may cause the phyllo to lose it’s crispiness. 
  • Reheat (If Needed): If you must reheat them, place in a 350° oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. 

Crispy Phyllo Brie Bites

Crispy phyllo bites filled with melty brie and sweet jam, topped with hot honey, toasted walnuts, rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt—an irresistible holiday appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 12 full Phyllo Sheets cut into 4 x 9 inch rectangles (48 sheets total for 24 bites)
  • 8 oz Brie
  • 1/3 cup Jam Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Fig etc.
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup Hot Honey
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts toasted and crushed
  • 2-3 sprigs Rosemary chopped for sprinkling on top
  • 1/2 tsp Flaky Sea Salt

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Brush
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Phyllo Sheets: Cut phyllo sheets into 4x9-inch rectangles. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
  3. Layer the Phyllo: Place one phyllo rectangle on a clean surface. Lightly brush with melted butter. Place a second phyllo rectangle on top and brush again.
  4. Add the Filling: Place a bite-sized piece of brie (about 1/2 inch cube) and 1 teaspoon of jam near one end of the phyllo stack.
  5. Fold & Seal: Fold the sides in, then roll up the phyllo to enclose the filling, like a small parcel. Brush the outside with more butter.
  6. Bake: Arrange the bites on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes total, or until the phyllo is golden and crispy. Flip after about 10 minutes.
  7. Finish: Drizzle hot honey over the baked bites. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts, chopped rosemary, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  8. Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm. Enjoy!
Easy Enchilada Skillet (One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner)

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 …