Top Kitchen Community Recipes and WorththeWhisk.com
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A big welcome to all WorththeWhisk.com readers. We have been big fans of Patti Londre for ages and welcome you to our site. Going forward you will see more amazing recipes and travel to highlight some of our best ideas. Keep reading for more great recipes. Our specialty is recipes, substitutes, international foods, vegan food, baking, and side dishes/appetizers/desserts.
Whether you’ve been cooking for decades or you’ve recently developed a passion for creating your own delicious meals at home, the chances are you’re always on the hunt for new and exciting recipes. I have found Hello Fresh as a great way to make food. They are many good Hello Fresh recipes. They also have some great ideas for skillet recipes.
This is especially true if you’re planning your menu for the entire day, or if you’ve got a dinner party that you’d like to use as an opportunity to amaze your friends and family with your cooking skills. And if you want to take your cooking skills to the next level, don’t forget about culinary arts schools. You may find the next easy sheet pan dinner.
To help you in your quest for culinary perfection, we’ve put together a list of top Kitchen Community recipes. From the first meal you cook in the morning, to the indulgent last course of the day, you’re guaranteed to find a recipe that you’ll love.
You might even find something that you’ve never tried before which, for any food-lover, is akin to stumbling across a hidden treasure. As always know your measurements like tbsp to cup and how many ounces in a shot and ounces in a quart.
Make sure you use the appropriate cutting tools. Also, find a good cheese grater. It’s not only for cheese. Since we’re talking about cheese, get a cheese slicer as well. You’ll need a food strainer and a spider strainer is also a good idea. While we’re on the subject of cheese, there are many tasty cottage cheese recipes. Make sure you know how to make cheesecake.
Make sure to season your cast iron pans appropriately before use. If you’re making Indian food a good dosa pan is essential. I love a pie iron for camping. A ceramic frying pan is always useful in the kitchen. Buy yourself a good oven safe skillet too. Our camping food ideas are a great place to start.
A good hand mixer is always a good tool to have in your kitchen. If you’re baking a cake, make sure you have a good 9×13 pan. It’s a necessity. Take a look at a good Danish dough whisk too. They make for an easy bake. Of course you can always try a bundt cake recipe too. Our applesauce baking recipes are also delicious.
And if you need placemats we can help too.
Use a decent 4 door refrigerator to store your cooking ingredients. Use a good grill griddle combo if appropriate. Check out our flat top grill recipes too.
Don’t forget the butcher paper and freezer paper and watch the Styrofoam containers. They end up in landfills.
Starting Your Day Off Right
Let’s kick things off by taking a look at the most important meal of the day. A good, hearty breakfast will give you the energy and mental focus you need to tackle whatever the day decides to throw at you. Different types of bread are awesome for breakfast. You can’t go wrong with our ciabatta recipe. I love my Keurig K cup instant coffee in the morning. Take a look at our protein breakfast. Our breakfast crockpot recipes are also worth a look.
No matter how much you love food, many people still find it quite difficult to find the time to make themselves breakfast in the morning. Sometimes I just prefer porridge oats or rolled oats. I have to admit, I am enjoying keto breakfast ideas. Also check out our high protein low carb snacks.
I’ve always been a fan of the Portuguese breakfast. It’s tasty and different. Mexican breakfast recipes can be equally delicious.
It’s for this reason that the first recipe on our list is Fluffy Pancakes with Pancake Mix. This recipe isn’t only delicious, but it’s super-speedy. You can always have breakfast for dinner too! A camping breakfast can be very hearty. Don’t forget the waffles and pancakes.
From start to finish, you’ll only need to allocate a total of 20 minutes to get a stack of pancakes that the whole family will love. Check out this small compact toaster comparison as well.
A German breakfast is typically loaded with meats and pastry but low on healthy options.
What’s more, the topping possibilities are endless when it comes to pancakes.
You can scatter some fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries over the top if you’d like to try and get some more fruit into your diet. You can even add guava too. Don’t forget to use any stale bread for French toast if you have it available. We’ve got some great blueberry dessert recipes too. Our instant pot brownies are to die for.
There are many Polish dishes that you can have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure to try our recipes for lunch at home. Of course our easy healthy lunches are delicious. we even have healthy lunch ideas for kids. Some also work as amazingly easy weeknight dinners. Take a look at our amazing French recipes as well.
Or, for a more indulgent weekend treat, you drizzle them with maple syrup or chocolate sauce! If you’re looking for a healthy sugar alternative, agave nectar and monk fruit sweetener are options.
These pancakes are also delicious when served with bacon and maple syrup. It might seem like an odd combination, but the sweet and salty flavors come together to create something that is truly sensational. And if butter is a problem for your breakfast diet, butter substitutes are plentiful and delicious. You can also find a healthy substitute for heavy cream. Healthy evaporated milk substitutes are also available like almond milk. Does almond milk go bad? yes it does so store wisely. Check out our condensed milk recipes for more ideas.
If you like the idea of a stack of pancakes to start your morning off right, but you’d prefer something with a little more crunch, waffles are an excellent choice.
But, imagine the disappointment of craving waffles and finding that you’ve run out of milk!
Luckily, our Light & Crispy Waffles Without Milk recipe is here to save the day! Simply switching milk for water will give you those perfect waffles you’ve been dreaming of. You can also use buttermilk for extra yum.
We’ve also got you covered if you’ve got everything you need to make delicious, crispy waffles without baking powder. Don’t worry if you’re out of baking powder or baking soda. You can use substitutes like almond flour.
Just like pancakes, the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to choosing a waffle topping. Fresh fruit, chocolate, peanut butter, or bacon, and maple syrup are all fantastic choices. Try these bacon dishes.
You can also go full Leslie Knope of ‘Parks and Rec’ fame, and slather them in lashings of whipped cream!
Or, if you have a particularly sweet tooth and simply can’t get through your mornings without a little sugar to help you on your way, French toast is a great breakfast option.
However, while most French toast recipes call for vanilla extract, this does limit the number of topping possibilities you have. Pairing bacon with vanilla, for example, may not be to everybody’s taste!
If you’d like to treat yourself to French toast for breakfast, but you don’t want that hint of vanilla, our recipe for French Toast Without Vanilla is an essential addition to your collection.
Cinnamon rolls are also a good choice for anybody who needs a hit of sweetness in the morning.
But, if you’d like to try and make them that little bit healthier, try this recipe for Cinnamon Roll Icing without Powdered Sugar.
A bagel covered with lashings of cream cheese is another fantastic way to start your day. If you’re a vegan you can always go with a vegan cream cheese replacement too.
However, it can be quite hard when you take it out of the refrigerator and not many people have the time to contend with it in the rush of the morning.
This doesn’t mean you have to go without, though! Instead, check out these tips on How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly.
You can also really impress by serving a classic American breakfast. The components can differ depending on your personal tastes, but if you’d like to know the possibilities and combinations available to you, take a look at this Ultimate Guide to an American Breakfast. It will give you many delicious breakfast sandwich ideas too.
Within this, you’ll also find a recipe that teaches you how to make American Breakfast Pancakes from scratch.
Also, don’t forget the bacon. It has many uses in the kitchen at breakfast. Bacon in the oven is great! If you’re cooking bacon on the stove, you’ll need a splatter guard.
If you can’t get through the day without your coffee, you’ll be happy to learn there are several healthy coffee sweeteners out there.
Lunches, Dinners, & Dinner Party Meals That Will Amaze Your Guests
Whether you’re cooking just for yourself, or you have a large family to feed, creating a home cooked meal comes with multiple rewards.
You’ll know exactly what ingredients have been used, so there’s no need to worry about preservatives or additives. You’ll have more control over allergies and preferences, too. I have to say I’m really developing a love of Korean black bean noodles or Jajangmyeon for lunch. It’s so much better than regular ramen and is more versatile.
And, you’ll have that rewarding feeling of satisfaction as you watch everybody devour your meals with gusto. For great birthday dinner recipes see our curated list. Yum!
The same principle applies to any dinner parties you’re throwing. If you have a guest with a food intolerance, or you’ve invited a particularly fussy eater to dinner, home cooking gives you the opportunity to create the perfect meal. Don’t forget the romantic dinner too. I prefer low carb dinners myself.
You’ll also be able to bathe in the glow of success that comes from the praise that your guests will shower you in when they can’t quite believe that you cooked something so delicious in your very own kitchen. For lunch don’t forget about hard salami or Genoa salami, yum! And for all that is good and holy learn the difference between salami vs pepperoni. Your guests will thank you. It’s a great picnic idea too.
Below, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite recipes that are ideal for solo meals, family cooking, and dinner parties. Make sure you know the difference between heavy cream vs heavy whipping cream. And if you’re asking how to make icing thick, we’ve got you covered.
And, to make things even easier, we’ve broken these recipes down into different categories. This gives you the opportunity to find the perfect recipe in line with what you’d like to eat, or what you know your family and guests will love.
Breaking things down into these categories also gives you the ability to create a recipe using any leftover ingredients in your refrigerator. Don’t forget the brie. My family loves Muenster cheese too. Now that we’re talking cheese, what goes with Mac and Cheese? I’m getting hungry. Say what you want, but I still enjoy a good frozen corn dog.
This is something that many people are striving to do in a bid to reduce their food wastage and, ultimately, their carbon footprint. Try adding ripe pineapple to your recipe. It’s a tasty treat.
If you’re looking for something more continental, try an Italian breakfast.
And if you enjoy Indian food, take a look at Indian side dishes. Something to please every palate is on the list. Our Indian dessert recipes are also delicious. You’ll find some amazing coconut milk dessert recipes there too. Try our easy healthy desserts. For less healthy desserts try our Nutella recipes.
Chicken
Let’s start by taking a look at one of the most popular ingredients used in any cuisine. Chicken can be turned into so many different dishes that the possibilities are practically endless. If you’re frying chicken, make sure you have a good deep fryer pot or pan for deep frying. Canola oil is one of the best oils to fry chicken. It’s always important to use a healthy substitute for vegetable oil when frying. Our easy chicken breast recipes are awesome.
I find chicken is a key ingredient in some of the best sandwich recipes. Try our best bagel sandwiches too.
Side dishes for chicken parmesan apply to most chicken main courses. Give them a try.
I love my Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi. Take a look at Ninja Foodi pressure cooker recipes. Yes, easy air fryer recipes are everywhere. make sure you check out Ninja Foodi Air Fryer recipes.
You can do some amazing things with leftover chicken recipes for dinner. If you buy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, recipes using rotisserie chicken are a great addition to your cookbook. You can also look an canned chicken breast recipes too. Many of these recipes can also be made using an electric skillet.
It also absorbs flavor like no other type of meat, making it one of the best ingredients to use if you’d like to put more of a focus on the flavor that the other ingredients you’re using are bringing to your dish. Thyme and thyme substitutes do well with chicken. Thyme is an excellent tarragon substitute as well.
Make sure you check out our easy chicken thigh recipes. Awesomeness! Check out our healthy shredded chicken recipes and our best chicken dishes too. Our easy chicken meals are amazing. Our tasty baked chicken ideas are also delicious.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy dish that you can throw together after a long day at work, this recipe for Pan-Seared Chicken Breast is perfect and it takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. If you really want to ad some zing, add smoked paprika. Nice! You could also add some All Purpose seasoning for flavor.
What goes with chicken wings you ask? Just about any typical comfort food will do the trick.
This recipe for Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Chicken is also a great choice if you’re short on time. It’s big on flavor, using ingredients such as garlic, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Try our healthy eggplant recipes too.
If you like Chinese food, learn the difference between Hunan Chicken vs Szechuan Chicken. They’re both different and both delicious. And use the best saffron rice you can find. It just tastes better. Give our Asian food recipes a try. Our Chinese recipes are also a winner.
It’s also got a comforting, thick texture provided by heavy cream. But, most importantly, it only takes 30 minutes to create. Check out Chicken Pasta Recipes too. If you like rice vermicelli noodles and pasta dinner ideas our site has many options. Don’t forget sides for meatballs.
When making Chicken Marsala, you may need a marsala substitute.
Speaking of chicken, who doesn’t like chicken soup on a cold day. You can find a substitute for cream of chicken soup if you desire. Along those lines feel free to use a good chicken broth substitute. Of course, the best instant pot soup recipes usually contain some sort of chicken. Try our simple soup recipes too. Our best healthy soups are also a winner.
Pasta dishes are a guaranteed hit with family and friends alike. And, while there is a belief that you need to spend hours watching a pan of ragu simmering and feeding it with herbs and spices, it doesn’t have to be this way!
This recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta is another great choice if you’re short on time but want an impressive dish that’s big on flavor, as is this Louisiana-Style Chicken Pasta.
And, if it’s pasta you’re craving, this Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta is another fantastic recipe to try.
Chicken and bacon are perfect flavor partners and work with the notes of garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning to immediately transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
When you’re making chicken or turkey it’s good to use poultry seasoning or a poultry seasoning substitute. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with stovetop stuffing. If you’re looking at what to do with leftover turkey, we have the answer here. Don’t forget our easy ground turkey recipes as well.
While we’re on the subject of pasta, it’s a good idea to talk about Alfredo sauce. This is commonly used as a pasta sauce and it’s traditionally made using parmesan, eggs, and heavy cream.
However, if you’d like to keep things a little lighter, you can switch the heavy cream for milk. Take a look at this recipe for Alfredo Sauce without Heavy Cream to find out how.
Sticking with an Italian theme, which is always a guaranteed win for any dinner party or family meal, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is yet another time-saving recipe that everyone will love. If you don’t have parmesan cheese for the recipe, I have found asiago cheese will do. Check out side dishes for lasagna as well. We have a curated list of family meals. Make sure to check out healthy dinner for kids. make sure you check out our graduation party food too.
It’s particularly popular with children, so it’s a good one to try if you have a child that is going through the fussy-eater stage.
While the three recipes listed above would be great choices for family meals and dinner parties, you may want to ramp the wow-factor up a little more if you’ve got guests that you’re really trying to impress.
These Rosemary Chicken Thighs look mouth-wateringly good and, more importantly, they taste as good as they look! You can substitute oregano as well.
Of course if you’re looking for dinner recipes for two, soul food dinner ideas are always an option. You can also look at easy sous vide recipes.
Make sure you understand the difference between garlic powder vs garlic salt.
These are a good choice if you’d like to go crazy with your side dishes, as they’ll pair perfectly with almost anything. This could be string beans, steamed broccoli, or almost any kind of potato dish. Try our broccoli dishes. Our healthy vegetable dishes are also very good. Try our lentil dishes. Of course our tasty leftover mashed potato recipes are delicious.
Let’s take a moment to look at how to cook a chicken. Certain recipes call for a chicken to be par-boiled before being roasted or fried, and this helps to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. Check out smoked turkey too!
I like turkey deli meat. Can you freeze lunch meat? Yes, you can.
If you’re not sure how to go about this process, take a look at this instructional guide on How to Parboil Chicken for Mouth-Watering Dishes.
Beef
Beef is another really popular ingredient in many cuisines and, while it is naturally more flavorful than chicken, it is also capable of absorbing and enhancing the flavor of any herbs and spices you use alongside it. Just about any beef recipe can be made better with rosemary or a rosemary substitute. I particularly find it useful with Italian food recipes. Of course you can’t go wrong with it in easy Italian appetizers. Many easy party appetizers have an Italian flair too. They’re great finger foods for a party too. Take a look at our easy dip recipes. Take a look at our high tea menu. Try our make ahead appetizers.
We all love ‘Taco Tuesday’(try our authentic tacos), but if you’d like to add another dish to any Mexican-themed evening, Beef Burritos are a great place to start. You’ll need cilantro or a cilantro substitute. Cilantro is also delicious in pho noodles if you don’t like Mexican food. Chili is a great Tex-Mex food. The best beans for chili are pinto in my opinion. What goes with chili is varied and very tasty. You’ll find it in our ground beef dishes list. Make sure you check out what to serve with tacos for some amazing ideas. Don’t forget the Mexican alcoholic drinks. They include some of our easy drinks to make.
love beef enchiladas in a red enchilada sauce. Yum! If poblano peppers are too hot for your Tex-Mex recipe, you can always use a poblano pepper substitute. Don’t forget the Velveeta cheese.
You’ll also be amazed at the huge amount of flavor that these give you, especially if you’ve only ever been used to eating the frozen, grocery store-bought alternatives.
Burritos aren’t as complicated to make as you might think, either. The entire filling goes into one pot, which helps save on the washing up too!
As with taco toppings, you’ve got a lot of choice over the other fillings that accompany your beef burrito mix. Get a good chili powder or chili powder substitute too. Can you freeze shredded cheese? Yes, you can so have fun. You can also freeze tamales. How to reheat tamales is very simple.
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and smashed avocado are great for adding extra texture. They are also quite useful if you’re cooking for somebody with a lower tolerance for spice, as they’ll help to cool the burritos down a bit. Take a look at our delicious green tomato recipes.
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, but still want to impress, you can’t go wrong with a simple sirloin steak. The best sides for steak are typically vegetables that complement the meat flavor. I like our Paula Deen corn casserole recipe. If you like casseroles, our tasty tater tot casserole is divine.
Serve it alongside some fries and a side salad, and you’ve got a really easy-to-make dish that will look as though you’ve put a ton of effort into it. Popeyes cajun fries are always an option. They have the best biscuits. Of course our Bisquick chicken and dumplings are the bomb.
Remember, there are many types of edible mushrooms that are delicious. I really like savory shiitake mushrooms. Take a look at Asian enoki mushrooms, large King oyster mushrooms, earthy oyster mushrooms, and unusual lion’s mane mushrooms.
When is comes to burgers, make sure you know how to grill burgers. A burger grill time chart is very helpful. Make sure you have a decent burger spatula for cooking burgers. Side dishes for burgers are very important and can make the meal.
Or, if you’d really like to go the extra mile and create a home cooked sirloin steak dish that is packed with flavor, this recipe for Sirloin Tip Steak is definitely one to try out. Try our chuck steak too.
It’s also accompanied by Napa cabbage and grilled onions, which give it that extra-special finishing touch.
You can also find some fantastic tips on how to cook a sirloin steak perfectly here.
Perhaps you want to gather your family together on a Sunday afternoon for a weekly catch-up where all technology is banned. In theory, this is a great way to reconnect.
But, in reality, you’ll need to have a dish on the table that catches their attention and that is delicious enough to stop them from running back to their smartphones. A Korean BBQ grill would work great for this. (Try the Korean BBQ sides as well) Make sure you try side dishes for BBQ chicken too. Check out our smoked meat recipes too. Our best BBQ sides are also a treat. Make sure you try our BBQ food ideas as well. Our cookout appetizers are to die for. It can help with what to bring to a cookout.
This is where a Bottom-Round Roast needs to be your weapon of choice. This cut of beef is succulent and full of natural flavor. It also requires hardly any extra ingredients as the flavor of the beef itself shines all on its own. I like the leftovers on a sandwich with a Dijon mustard substitute. It’s great if you’re looking for how to make a panini.
Beef brisket is great for barbeque. The side dishes for brisket are plentiful and tasty. You can reheat brisket in the oven.
Serve with multiple sides, such as mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, broccoli, and string beans. Dinner ideas for tonight has some great options too. You can always find uses for leftover prime rib. Don’t through it out.
Your family will be so focused on the delicious meal you’ve put in front of them, that they may not even realize you’ve placed them on a temporary digital detox! Check out our cheap easy dinner ideas for added inspiration.
Don’t let these side dishes play second fiddle to your roast beef, though. Take your eye off them for longer than you meant to and you could be serving overcooked (or worse, undercooked) dishes!
This is especially important if you’re serving mashed potatoes, which are the one side dish that everybody usually heads straight for.
Maybe it’s time to think about corned beef and cabbage. Can you freeze cabbage? Yes sir, if you know what you’re doing.
If you want to get perfect potatoes every time, take a look at this Mashed Potato Recipe. You can make things even easier for yourself by learning How to Cook a Potato in the Microwave. And yes, you can freeze potato salad, but you need to reheat carefully.
A beautifully cooked Beef Wellington would also be a good tool for keeping your family engaged in what they are eating, and there are lots of delicious side dishes that accompany Beef Wellington perfectly.
We couldn’t talk about beef without giving a mention to meatloaf. This has been a family favorite for generations, and it’s one of those nostalgic meals that will take you straight back to your childhood as soon as you taste it! Meatloaf with onion soup mix is always a crowd pleaser in my house. Also look at cooking frozen lasagna faster.
Take a look at this recipe for Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs to learn how to make it. It’s also a good choice if you’ve got everything you need except breadcrumbs. Make sure you also check out meatloaf sides.
Here’s a great list of leftover roast beef recipes. Yum! And if you’re making a pizza, don’t forget the Old World Pepperoni. Maybe add some white pepper or a white pepper substitute. They’re great if you’re wondering what to serve with pizza.
Speaking of pork and beef, it’s good to know the difference between what is a gyro and what is shawarma. They’re both mouth wateringly delicious, but are slightly different.
Don’t forget about the humble burger. There are many fun and easy burger toppings to make your burger night a success.
Pork
Pork is one of the most forgotten-about meats when it comes to home cooking, with many people navigating straight to chicken or beef as their preferred ingredient. I love glazed pork tenderloin. Give it a try. Don’t forget the tasso.
When thinking of pork, there are so many delicious types that it’s hard to choose. I love longaniza.
This may be because there is a bit of a myth surrounding pork, with many people believing that it’s difficult to cook. But this really isn’t the case. Unless you’re trying to make lechon from Filipino food, you have many choices when working with pork. Learn how to steam tamales. It’s an easy dish once mastered. Leftover pulled pork can be very tasty.
Pork has a natural, slightly salty flavor that you can use to enhance the flavor of your dish.
It’s not so salty that it drowns other ingredients out, though. This makes it a great choice of meat for many different types of cuisine.
Take this Pork Chops in a Creamy White Wine Sauce, for example. Not only is it incredibly easy to cook, but it’s full of flavor provided by Italian herbs, garlic, onion, and white wine sauce.
One of the things that many home cooks struggle with when it comes to pork is what to serve it with.
Again, this fear is unfounded, as it can be served with exactly the same kind of side dishes you’d use for chicken or roasted beef.
In fact, there are some side dishes that go incredibly well with pork and help to enhance its delicious, natural flavor. These include:
Another fantastic flavor combination that is perfect for pork is honey and balsamic vinegar. The sweetness of the honey and the sourness of the balsamic vinegar work in harmony with the natural saltiness of the pork to create something that is truly magnificent. You can even substitute apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar. The easiest substitute for white wine vinegar will be lemon juice.
This recipe for Honey Balsamic Pork Chops is a great one to try if you’re a little hesitant about prepping pork, as it only takes 15 minutes to put together.
It also has a delicious sauce that is packed with flavor and will leave your family or your dinner party guests hounding you for a second helping.
If you’re looking for maximum flavor, these Pork Chops with Garlic Mushrooms are also a fantastic choice. Speaking of pork chops, don’t miss side dishes for pork chops. They’re yummy.
Alongside this recipe, you’ll also find everything you need to help you cook your pork perfectly, and stop it from going dry or chewy. My easy crockpot recipes are filled with ideas on what to do with pork. Vegetarian slow cooker recipes are equally delicious. Our vegetarian friendly food is very nice. (Check out our vegetarian finger food). Our veggie sandwiches are equally delicious. Don’t forget to check our crockpot party food as well.
Of course the crockpot was built for soups. Try making crockpot soups. Many of these recipes make easy casseroles. It’s worth a try to check out beef slow cooker recipes. For added inspiration check out chicken crock pot meals. Also check out our crockpot dump recipes. Related to the crock pot is the Dutch oven. Try our Dutch oven recipes. You can always use a Dutch oven if you’re trying to figure out what to make with stuffed peppers.
Pork chops are one of the most versatile cuts of meat available, and they absolutely drink up any flavors that you use to cook them with.
Below, you’ll find some more pork chop recipes that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds:
- Easy Pan-Seared Pork Chops
- Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Honey Lime Glaze
- Instant Pot Creamy Pork Chops
- Pork Chops in Brown Sugar and Wine Glaze
- Bacon and Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops
- Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Irish Whiskey Sauce
While each of the recipes above calls for pork chops, if you’re really looking to impress, then cooking a whole pork loin is the way to go.
Again, there’s nothing to be scared of here and, arguably, it’s even easier than cooking a joint of beef or a whole chicken. This is because it doesn’t require regular monitoring or basting.
This recipe for Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork is a fantastic one to try if you’d like to try cooking a pork loin.
Not only is it straightforward, but the combination of salty pork and sweet brown sugar work perfectly together.
Finished with a hit of dijon mustard, it’s unlike anything you’ve tried before and is guaranteed to get you thinking about pork in a whole new way.
As with all types of meat, there are many different cuts to choose from when you’re looking at pork.
One of the most overlooked cuts is the jowl, which comes from the pig’s cheek. It would be easy to think of this as a cut that should be discarded, but it’s actually packed with flavor.
Some fantastic pork jowl recipes can be found here, including Thai Pork Jowls, Sweet, Savory, and Spice Pork Jowls, and a British Pork Jowl Bacon Sarnie.
Sausages are also a great pork-based ingredient that can be incorporated into almost any meal. If you’re looking for something extra special, however, we recommend trying Italian sausages. Ground pork recipes are numerous and delicious. Ground sausage dinner recipes are some of my family’s favorites. Try our Polish sausage recipes too.
They have a slight taste of fennel or anise that gives them a certain tang. They can also be cooked in a variety of ways, and this guide on How to Cook Italian Sausage will show you each of them. Speaking of Italian sausage, what is pepperoni made of anyway?
One fantastic way of using pork sausage is to add them into a comforting pasta dish, and this recipe for Pasta with Vodka Sauce will show you exactly how to do it. The best vodka sauce is probably something from Raos. Rao’s sauce is a great store bought brand too.
It would also be foolish to not give a mention to bacon, here. Potentially the most famous of all pork cuts, bacon can be used in almost every course.
It’s even started finding its way into sweet dishes, such as maple syrup and bacon cupcakes. The versatility of bacon also means it can be cooked in a variety of different ways including frying and in the oven.
While pork isn’t a particularly unhealthy meat, if you’re looking for a super healthy pork recipe we’d recommend these Keto Pork Chops. I love these chops as a Sunday dinner recipe. It works well as a low carb crock pot recipe too. In a pinch they can be a keto lunch too. What do you use a food processor for? Low card and keto recipes are ideal.
They are low carb and gluten-free, so they’re also a great choice for anybody with a gluten intolerance or allergy. Our list of delicious gluten free snacks is filled with great ideas.
Whichever pork recipe you decide upon, it’s always going to be the star of the show. However, it does need something to accompany it to make the meal complete. Sides for ham are an important part of the meal. Ham recipes for dinner is a great place to start. Interestingly, ham is a key ingredient in Spanish dishes. (Though there are some amazing Spanish desserts too). The Spanish candies are easy to make.
Ham is an important ingredient in many Hawaiian food recipes. They are delicious.
Also make sure you freeze your cooked ham. Since we’re talking about storage, can you freeze bacon? Yes, you can.
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside pork, take a look at these Delicious Timeless Pork Side Dish Recipes. Also check out leftover pork recipes. They’re great. Another great pork option is side dishes for ribs. And while we’re looking at pork, don’t miss leftover pulled pork. Yum! The best buns for pulled pork are brioche buns in my opinion.
For health reasons you may want a substitute for ricotta cheese. It has a high fat content.
Seafood
Like pork, seafood is another ingredient that many people are scared to include in their home cooking or when they are catering a dinner party. I like it as a main ingredient for birthday party food, particularly shrimp. You can use pre cooked shrimp recipes and also sides for shrimp. I find shrimp dishes some of my family’s favorite. Shrimp is always a treat in my house and an excellent weekend dinner idea.
But imagine how pleased you’ll feel if you’re able to convert somebody who hates fish into a seafood lover! Remember, canned tuna is a great option for fresh tuna if cooked correctly. Just make sure you don’t have bad canned tuna. Canned crab meat or imitation crab meat can be used successfully in recipes. It’s essential to learn how to make crab cakes. Just a reminder, our crab meat recipes are to die for. For more inspiration try our sides for fried fish.
One of the best fish to attempt doing this with is salmon. Its meaty texture gives it some substance. And, as a food lover, you’ll find it hard to resist the lure of its coral-pink appearance if you’re looking for what to do with canned salmon. I find Jasmine rice works best with seafood dishes. Rice is one of many excellent sides for fish. Try our easy rice cooker recipes. Our Thai rice noodles recipes are always a hit.
If you’re hankering for a seafood or crab boil, make sure you have some Old Bay seasoning or at the very least an Old Bay seasoning substitute. Be careful not to use freezer burnt shrimp.
The flavor of salmon isn’t overly ‘fishy’, either. But, if you still have concerns over the flavor, try a recipe such as this Baked Cajun Salmon. It’s one of my family’s favorite Cajun meals. Take a look at our leftover salmon ideas.
If you’re making fish, eventually you’ll need to sear it. Make sure you have the proper pans for cooking fish. Canola oil is a great oil for frying fish. It’s healthy and easy to use.
The mixture of spices, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley all come together to work with the natural flavor of the salmon while muting its ‘fishiness’ at the same time.
If you simply can’t stand the idea of using fish in your cooking, or you know that you’ll be cooking for someone with a particularly strong aversion to fish, shrimp is another great seafood choice. Make sure your shrimp is fresh and properly stored.
This recipe for Hawaiian Shrimp is light and packed with flavors that will remind you of summer.
It also makes a great appetizer, so if you’re hosting a dinner party and want to include multiple courses, this is a good one for whetting your guest’s appetites without filling them up too soon. Easy canapes can be made quickly if you follow the steps.
Shrimp is also a surprisingly versatile ingredient that can be paired with other foods that might surprise you. It’s great with chicken, chorizo, and almost every type of vegetable. There are few veggie side dishes it doesn’t go well with. Give Ethiopian cuisine a try. The veggies are delicious. For more inspiration try our African recipes.
Not to mention it goes with pasta, rice, couscous, noodles. Practically anything, really! It can also be cooked in a variety of ways, including how to cook shrimp on the stove.
This recipe for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage shows you another surprising way to use prawns.
It’s also really lovely as a main dish at a beach-themed dinner party, or simply as a midweek treat to congratulate yourself on getting past hump-day.
Calamari is another favorite seafood dish and it can even be cooked from frozen in a variety of ways to give it an extra dimension of flavor. How to cook calamari is easy once you learn how to prep it. This recipe for Sautéed Chili Calamari is definitely one to try if you’re a squid fan.
If you’re really looking for a way to impress your dinner guests, or if you simply want to treat yourself to something a little different at the end of a busy week, crab legs are a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget the salmon prep. When it comes to side dishes, sides for salmon are varied and delicious.
Learn the difference between trout vs salmon if you want to make fish. The flavors are varied and cooking each will be a unique experience.
However, if you’re not sure how to cook them, check out these Tips & Tricks for Steaming Crab Legs.
Don’t forget the Sushi or Sashimi. They’re an acquired taste. Try oyster sauce or an oyster sauce substitute with your sushi. It can be quite tasty. Leftover rice recipes are an option with sushi. When cooking rice know the water to rice ratio. You should also try it with lobster. What does lobster taste like? It tastes like a cross between crab and shrimp.
And what about a Louisiana Crawfish Boil. Now that’s tasty.
And if you enjoy scallops, here’s a nice post on what to serve with scallops.
Try octopus. What does octopus taste like? It has the taste and consistency of lobster.
Sweet Rosé wine pairs well with fish and lamb. Moscato sweet wine pairs well with fun and easy desserts and Asian cuisine. Italian food has some tasty sides for lamb chops too.
When it comes to fast food, I do love the salmon at Texas Roadhouse, but Texas Roadhouse vegan and vegetarian options are lacking. Are Doritos vegan? Some options are.
Plant Based
An increasing number of people have started turning to plant-based diets as the amount of evidence the food industry has on the Earth’s climate continues to grow. If you like stir fry, the best stir fry sauces are here.
If you’re into baking bread, make sure you store yeast properly to avoid it going bad. you can freeze yeast.
As we enter the New Year, many people resolve to lose weight. Fruits and vegetables are a great place to start. Vegetables are great keto snack ideas. They can also be part of a low calorie dinner idea. You can add a delicious low carb soup recipe or try some of our best juice recipes to help get trim in the New Year. Try our easy vegan soups too. of course you can always default to Baby Bella mushroom recipes.
If you’re looking to eat less meat, or you’re cooking for somebody following the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, there are some fantastic recipes you should try out. Indian appetizers are mostly vegetarian and are absolutely delicious. For fast food Panda Express vegan is my favorite. Subway vegan options are limited.
Sesame oil or a sesame oil substitute are very healthy. It’s great as one of the best oils for popping popcorn. The best flax seed substitute is chia seeds.
As for storage, most vegetables freeze well if prepped correctly. Can you freeze salad? Absolutely, if prepped properly. Try our best salads for more ideas.
These Easy Thai Noodles with Peanut Sauce will transport your taste buds to Thailand, and they are 100% free of any meat. Add a Spring Roll or Egg Roll and you’ve got a meal. It’s also good to learn the difference between chow mein vs lo mein noodles. Hard boiled eggs are very popular in Asian cuisine. How long are hard boiled eggs good for? About one week refrigerated. Use them in your egg dishes.
If you like peanuts, try some organic peanut butter too. Yes, you can freeze peanut butter.
They are also quick and easy to cook and, as long as you use noodles that are made from plant-based ingredients, it’s easy to transform this dish into a vegan meal as well. Take a look at adding mirin or a mirin substitute to your recipes. Rice vinegar or rice vinegar substitutes can add a zing too. And yes, you can use a cumin substitute if desired.
There are many herbs you’ll need to know how to use properly. Learn how to dry basil for future use. Basil is excellent. Get your paprika and paprika substitute to make your recipes spicy. Find a tomato paste substitute as real tomato paste can be filled with salt and sugar. Crushed tomatoes are great to use is sauces. There are plenty of substitutes for crushed tomatoes too. It would be wise to know the difference between bisque vs soup. Both feature prominently in delicious Italian soup recipes. Try our Campbell’s cream of chicken soup recipes.
Beets are a great plant-based ingredient that can be used as the main star of the show, as well as a side dish. Try using banana peppers or pepperoncini peppers.
Other popular plant based ingredients include tofu options, yellow squash when in season, and look to add delicious mushrooms when possible. I love our best Portobello mushroom recipes.
Know the difference between a gherkin vs pickle.
However, many people shy away from beets as they simply aren’t 100% certain on how to cook them, which is a real shame as their delicious, earthy flavor is something that should never be missed out on. So, if you’d like to include more beets in your plant-based diet, take a look at this guide on How to Cook Beets.
Following a plant-based diet doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on dessert, either. Don’t forget the sweet potatoes. Bananas are also great. You can refrigerate bananas and store bananas in the fridge. I love bananas in desserts. Banana dessert recipes always get me. Our best moist banana bread recipe will have you over the moon. Try the German dessert recipes too. Our bite sized desserts are equally delicious.
If you’re cooking for vegan friends or you’re simply trying to eat more plant-based meals yourself, finish your dinner party off with a serving of this delicious Ice Cream without Cream.
It tastes just like the real thing but contains absolutely no animal byproducts. Make sure you try tofu too! We’re big fans of hummus in my house. Try small white beans too. What to eat with hummus should be kept vegan.
Potatoes are great too! One question we see alot is how long to microwave a potato. It’s quite easy and delicious. You can put aluminum foil in an air fryer to make an awesome baked potato. As long as we’re talking about potatoes, check out chives vs green onions. Find a decent onion cutter. It’s a life saver.
You may enjoy the taste of truffles. Though they can be expensive.
When it comes to nuts, know the difference of the pecan vs walnut.
Try papaya. What does papaya taste like? It tastes like a pumpkin or sweet type of carrot.
For those who like fast food, McDonald’s vegan options are few. You’re better off eating at home.
Fake-Out
There may come a time when you and your family are craving the sort of food you would usually order in from your favorite take out restaurant. I enjoy takeout, but reheating fast food properly is a chore. You can reheat fries in an oven and you can also reheat fries in an air fryer. However, the rest is probably best put in the microwave.
But, as with processed foods and convenience meals you’d buy from a grocery store, you still can’t be 100% certain of the ingredients.
This is one of the reasons why creating your own ‘Fake-Out’ is becoming a popular trend. As with all home cooking, you have more control over the ingredients and the portion sizes. Friday night dinners will never be the same.
It’s also much more cost-effective. Why pay upwards of $7 per dish when you can make it yourself at home for a portion of the price?!
What’s more, cooking your own favorite take out dishes at home is a great way to expand your culinary horizons. Don’t forget the keto sides. They’re great for loosing weight.
Craving sushi but don’t want to save yourself some money? Try making these Boston Sushi Rolls.
They are a lot like the California Rolls that you’re probably used to eating, but instead of using crab, they contain poached shrimp. This keeps the cost down while keeping the flavor big!
Of course, no Japanese take out ever consists of just one type of sushi. So, to add a little more variety to your homemade fake-out, you could also make these Dragon Rolls. I prefer our delicious hibachi recipes as well.
It’s easy to make chop suey and chow mein once you get the hang of using a wok.
Crab sticks, avocado, and sushi rice are the main elements, but you can also play around with different variations. A privilege you’re not afforded when you order from a set menu!
Sticking with a theme of Asian-inspired cuisine, this Healthy Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is another fantastic take out alternative that you can make in your own kitchen.
You’re also only looking at around 394kcal per serving with this recipe, too. This makes it an ideal choice for anybody trying to eat a little healthier, but not wanting to sacrifice their favorite foods.
If the Colonel and his fried chicken are calling out to you, you’ve also got a couple of good take-out alternatives that will save you money and give you more control over the ingredients. Fried chicken sides are also delicious.
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Mayo have a super-satisfying crunch that is guaranteed to appease your fried-chicken cravings. And, since they are baked instead of fried, they are a much healthier alternative.
Or, if you’re a huge fan of Ranch dressing (and, let’s face it, who isn’t?!) these Baked Ranch Chicken Breasts are a real treat that is unlike anything you’ll find on a regular take out menu.
If the reason you’re tempted by a takeout meal is simply that you don’t have the time to cook from scratch, try cooking this recipe for Corned Beef with Cabbage.
It’s super healthy and, most importantly, requires very little effort. Simply add all of your ingredients to a slow cooker and it will do the rest for you.
Craving the fiery heat of chipotle is another reason why many people turn to ordering takeout. But, did you know that it’s actually really easy to make your own at home?
Whether you’re cooking chicken, beef, fish, or something plant-based, giving your ingredients a good coating of Homemade Chipotle Seasoning is a great alternative to an expensive take out.
It’s not only dishes that you can order-in that are easy to replicate in your own kitchen.
If you’re craving that famous Olive Garden salad, but don’t want to make the trip, you can make your own copycat version by following this recipe.
Another ingredient that you’ll see more commonly on a restaurant menu than in your grocery store is rabbit. If you’ve eaten rabbit before, you’ll know that it has a rich, gamey flavor and a texture that isn’t dissimilar to chicken.
This recipe for Rabbit in Wine Sauce is an excellent one to try if you’d like to recreate a restaurant- standard rabbit dish in your own home.
So, save yourself some money the next time you have that take out craving, and try one of the recipes above instead! If you’re looking to save money there is always cup noodles too! You can always reheat fries in the microwave as well.
Sweet Treats & Delicious Desserts
Let’s be honest. No dinner party or family meal is complete without something sweet to eat at the end of it. I love pecan pie. Does pecan pie need to be refrigerated? Not necessarily. Though it is a darn good pie.
Lots of people struggle when it comes to thinking up and creating the perfect, delicious dessert, though. Think sherbet vs sorbet. You can also look at sarsaparilla vs root beer.
For a nice summer treat, you can also try orange desserts. They’re light and tasty. Try our things to bake too. You will find that many tasty puff pastry desserts are easy to make.
It’s worth noting that many people have embraced the vegan lifestyle today. If that’s you or your family, you’ll need to find a buttermilk substitute that works for your baking recipes. You may also need to find a replacement for vanilla extract and find a vanilla extract replacement. Baking powder and baking powder substitutes are important in most dessert recipes. Find one that works for you. And if you need a substitute for milk in baking they are plentiful. For a real treat, try making French cookies. You’ll enjoy them. Of course the easiest cookies seem to be the no bake variety. Also, don’t forget to try our easy Italian desserts.
If you like to bake it’s important to find a good melting white chocolate and a decent white baking chocolate. If you need dark chocolate for melting, you have many options. Make sure you check out our chocolate recipes.
Kosher salt should not be used when baking due to its anti-caking agent. A kosher salt substitute would be best.
For certain recipes you’ll need to know where to buy a cheesecloth.
If you’re baking a nice apple or pumpkin pie, it’s important you understand flavors. Allspice and allspice substitutes are important parts in baking recipes. So is cake flour. A cake flour substitute is always useful. Given health concerns you’ll probably want to find a corn syrup substitute as well.
Arrowroot powder substitutes include tapioca flour and cornstarch. They work in the same way as arrowroot powder. You may need to adjust your quantities slightly.
This is fair, as many recipes call for an exact measurement while cooking main courses allows you to be a little more flexible, tasting, and adjusting as you go.
There’s no need to go to a great amount of effort when it comes to dessert, though. Take this Jello Chocolate Pudding Pie No Bake Chocolate Dessert as a prime example. You can add Oreos to this recipe too. Are Oreos vegan? Not in this recipe. I’m still waiting for Cold Stone vegan options. Though I do like Sonic vegan options.
It’s incredibly easy to make, takes only a matter of minutes to whip up, and it can be frozen. This means you can make it in advance, or even make a whole batch, and keep them on hand for the future.
Like the idea of a no-bake dessert but want something a little more ‘showy’? This No Bake Oreo Dessert with Cream Cheese and Cool Whip will become your new, go-to recipe when you want to make a show-stopping dinner party dessert.
Marshmallow is a dessert ingredient that has a love-hate relationship. Some love it, others hate the taste. For those who are health conscious, vegan marshmallows are quite good and worth a try. Take a look at Thai dessert recipes. Some use marshmallow.
You should give the sweet Mexican dessert a try. It’s delicious.
It’s also a great alternative to a traditional birthday cake. So, if you’d like to mix it up a bit this year, or you simply can’t be bothered to bake, cool, and frost an entire birthday cake, this is a great way to impress and save time.
Sometimes using sour milk is a great addition to a dessert recipe. Check out Sour Milk recipes. They’re surprisingly delicious. Our cream cheese dessert recipes are also great.
Make sure you know how to zest a lemon and what lemon zest is used for. It’s very helpful with desserts. Also know the difference of lime vs lemon. Try our best lemon desserts. They’re healthy vegan desserts. It’s also a tasty dinner party recipe.
If you’re cooking for somebody with a dairy allergy, you may think that your options are limited. But, this isn’t necessarily true. What to do with buttermilk can help.
This recipe for Fudge Cake without Condensed Milk can be adapted to exclude all forms of dairy without sacrificing any flavor.
Remember there are literally hundreds of different types of cake to make and try.
Of course, if you really struggle with desserts and want to make things as easy for yourself as possible, you can adapt a store-bought cake and put your own stamp on it using this recipe for Homemade Chocolate Frosting.
This is also really useful for covering a baking attempt that has gone a little wrong, as the thick, chocolatey paste will cover a multitude of sins! So does whipped cream.
It doesn’t always have to be a huge dessert that satisfies your guests’ need for sweetness, though. These Sugar Cookies without Butter are the perfect accompaniment to after-dinner coffee. Try our best coffee recipe. Also check out Sugar Cookie recipe without baking powder.
They are also vegan, so they would make a good option for any vegan dinner guests or anybody with a milk allergy.
If those don’t quite fit the bill, why not give these Oatmeal Cookies without Brown Sugar a try. You can also try Chocolate Chip cookies without brown sugar. Switching the brown sugar for white gives them a little extra fluffiness, which is ideal for satisfying that sweet craving after dinner without becoming over full. Don’t forget to use molasses when needed.
Try malted milk powder in your desserts too. It’s not just for ice cream.
Or, if you’re looking for ultimate convenience, these No Bake Cookies are the ideal after-dinner treat. As their name suggests, you don’t even need to switch your oven on to make these. But you’re not limited to dinner. Many easy sweet breakfast recipes use the same ingredients.
Simply combine all of the ingredients together, shape them, and pop them in your refrigerator. It really couldn’t be easier.
You can also whip up a sweet treat even if you’re short on certain ingredients. These Chocolate Chip Cookies without Baking Soda or Powder are the perfect choice if you’ve forgotten to pick up either ingredient on your last visit to the grocery store. For the health conscious, you can also use sugar free chocolate chips.
Or, if you’re out of vanilla extract, follow this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies without Vanilla to find out what you can substitute it for.
It’s also possible to make Banana Bread without Baking Soda, which is ideal if you’re craving this delicious sweet treat, but you’re short on ingredients. When baking you can always spice things up by adding colors to your frosting and batters.
Cook dough is another delicious dessert that is loved by adults and children alike. However, there can be some hesitation when it comes to making it and serving it to guests, as the raw eggs that are usually called for can create concern over food poisoning.
But, there is a way you can have your cookie dough and eat it. Follow this recipe for Edible Cookie Dough and give your guests a delicious, nostalgic treat without worrying about giving them salmonella!
If you’re baking an apple pie for dessert don’t forget to use a good apple slicer. It will be very helpful.
Finally, presenting a glorious cheesecake at the end of a meal is a sure-fire way to bring a smile to everybody’s face. Don’t forget the caster sugar.
Cheesecake traditionally calls for the inclusion of sour cream, however, it’s not actually an essential ingredient.
If you don’t like sour cream, or if you simply don’t have any, take a look at this recipe for Cheesecake without Sour Cream. Remember, when working with cheese, you may need a cheesecloth or cheesecloth substitute.
Don’t forget Jell-O for dessert. You can always freeze yogurt for dessert too! Don’t forget the ice cream as well.
If you’re in the mood for something more international, try Chinese desserts. They’re very filing. Korean desserts are also very tasty. you should give them a try. Make sure you try Japanese desserts as well. they’re great fun to make. And as long as we’re in Asia, Filipino dessert recipes are phenomenal.
If you’re talking about desserts, you can’t forget baklava and other tasty Greek dessert recipes. Russian desserts are similar in taste, but less sweet and I find them more interesting to make. Of course no trip around the Mediterranean would be complete without mentioning Turkish desserts. Similar to both Russian and Greek desserts, they have their own distinct flavor. I love these phyllo dough desserts.
Make sure you try some of our easy Vietnamese desserts. They’re the bomb.
Special Occasions
Certain foods go hand in hand with the holidays that map out the year. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without a turkey as the centerpiece, and Independence Day without hotdogs is something that should never be considered!
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a 5 course meal is a nice evening but a lot of work.
During the holidays I find myself using more cooking sherry in my recipes. A substitute for cooking sherry can be as easy as using fruit juice or drinking sherry.
During the holidays I really enjoy Baileys Irish cream in coffee. Does Baileys go bad? Yes, so take precautions. Baileys is also found in many Irish desserts too. Don’t forget our curated list of the best gin cocktails too. Our list of simple cocktails is delicious.
Try our best tequila drinks for added inspiration. The sweet and fruity cocktails are delicious. For something less sweet try our best vodka drinks, whiskey cocktail recipes, rum drink recipes, or our best mocktails.
Of course you can’t go wrong with our best bourbon cocktail recipes. I enjoy our blue curacao cocktails. Our orange liqueur cocktails are very good. They work as our best summer cocktails. Our fancy upscale drinks are also very good. The mojito is my favorite.
If you like interesting cocktails, make sure you try ginger beer mixed drinks. I have always found ginger beer refreshing and those cocktails are always good. Many of these cocktails are delicious keto cocktails as well. Of course I do enjoy delicious amaretto in my drinks. A good amaretto cocktail is a delight. Though I have to tell you, I really don’t like harsh tasting Jagermeister. It smells and tastes like cough syrup to me. Try our Mezcal cocktail recipes.
If you enjoy good martinis, our guide to the popular martini recipes is extensive. I find martinis a bit too dry. I prefer grand mariner recipes and in a pinch crown royal recipes will do. For after dinner, I really enjoy Baileys Cocktails. Enjoy! If you prefer a chocolatey taste try creme de cacao drink recipes. For a little more potency, try our Classic Hennessey cocktails.
You do, however, need to make sure that the food you’re serving at each special occasion is perfect, and we’re here to help you do that. I have found rabbit to be great for special occasions. Rabbit recipes are delicious.
Let’s start with the 4th of July celebrations. As we know, hot dogs are a must.
But, if you’re unsure of the best way to cook them, or you’re simply wanting to try something else, follow this guide on How to Boil Hot Dogs. Using this guide, you’ll learn how to cook hot dogs using three different techniques. It’s very similar to cooking brats in the oven.
You also need to serve a variety of different drinks to keep your guests refreshed when you’re hosting a party. And, on the 4th of July, nothing quite beats a delicious cocktail. Lemonade and Pink lemonade are delicious 4th of July drinks everyone can enjoy. There are many types of alcohol to try. Our list of alcohol and liquor names may help.
In the summer I prefer a nice daiquiri or a mixed drink with orange juice in it. For the Fall, you need to try RumChata cocktail or a delicious kahlua cocktail.
You may also want to learn how to make Starbucks drinks at home. It’s great if you’re looking for how to make a Frappuccino.
You’ll need a white wine substitute for those who don’t drink. The best brandy substitute is rum (alcohol) and apple juice (non alcohol). Our brandy mixed drinks are very good. Make sure you know the difference between tequila vs vodka.
For those with a classier palate, you can give cognac a go. You can learn how to drink Hennessy and have an interesting evening. Check out Fall cocktail recipes.
To save yourself time, however, it’s a good idea to make a large quantity of cocktails that everybody can help themselves to. This is known as an Irish Trash Can.
Below, you’ll find 8 different Irish Trash Can recipes that will really help get your party swinging:
- The Irish Trash Can
- Orange Trash Can
- Apple Jacks Trash Can
- Jungle Juice
- Trash Can Lemonade
- Fruit Punch
- Grateful Dead Trash Can
- Bucanero Trash Can
Don’t forget your Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Yum. Also, give grenadine a try in your next drink recipe. It’s delicious.
Now, let’s look at that famous Thanksgiving turkey! There are a ton of different recipes to choose from, but if you’re after simplicity and great results, we’d recommend cooking individual turkey breasts rather than an entire bird.
This is much easier, will save you loads of time, and helps to reduce your food waste. Check out this guide on How to Roast A Boneless Turkey Breast and your friends and family will be blown away by both its flavor and succulence.
International Food
Sometimes the easiest way to be a great chef is try recipes and dishes from other cultures. Many cultures outside of the west make it easy to follow their traditions and welcome a flavorful exchange of ideas.
Cuban Food
From Ropa Vieja to the Cubano sandwich what’s not to love about Cuban recipes. Cuban dishes are delicious and varied based on the time of year and ingredients. You haven’t tried Cuban food before, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did.
Greek Food
Greek cuisine has some of the most iconic recipes in the world. From tasty lamb dishes to the tantalizing baklava, who can resist. I’m always a sucker for desserts and Greek desserts are no different. Yum! If you like Greek desserts, you should also check out Turkish sweets. They’re very similar.
Guatemalan Food
Guatemalan food is some of my favorite. Between the spicy meat, rice and the vegetables there’s always something tasty to eat.
Guyanese Food
Due to the abolition of slavery, many immigrants moved to Guyana from places such as India, China, and Portugal. And where there are people- there is food. People from all over the world brought their own dishes and recipes to Guyana, creating the versatile range of cuisine now associated with the country. Guyanese food is delicious.
Jamaican Food
When people hear ‘Jamaican food’ most people think of Jerk chicken or Jamaican rum. But Jamaican food offers so much more. Diverse cultures have come together to make a great flavor combination.
Japanese Food
I’ve always been a big fan of Japanese food. the dishes are always so healthy and flavorful. I really enjoy sushi. Try Nigiri and Sashimi. Give fish sauce or a fish sauce substitute a try for added flavor. When cooking Japanese food dashi or a dashi substitute are musts. Find a good ramen bowl set to eat your Japanese food.
For Asian desserts, Japan has some interesting options.
Nasty Food
If you’re looking for some unusual inspiration, take a look at Nasty Food. It’s full of the some of the most disgusting dishes served on the face of the earth. Don’t make them unless you have a very strong stomach.
Nigerian Food
Due to the diverse ethnic communities in Nigeria it has a wonderful collection of food and recipes. The food is heavily vegetarian and you can find something that will fit any palate. Try Nigerian food.
Puerto Rican Food
As a United States Territory, Puerto Rico has a fusion of American and Caribbean that can’t be beat. The food of this lovely island is the same. There’s something for everyone. You really need to give Puerto Rican food a try.
Romanian Food
Romanian food is similar to its Eastern European counterparts. Cabbage and beef play a central roll, but the desserts are surprisingly unique and tasty.
Turkish Food
Turkish food is similar to Greek and Romanian in that grain and vegetables are a very important part of many of their recipes. Turkish recipes are interesting to make and Turkish desserts are sweet and tasty. You should definitely give Turkish food a try.
Ukrainian Food
Ukrainian food is similar to Russian and Romanian in that grain is a very important part of many of their recipes. From breakfast to dinner you can count on Ukrainian food to provide many tasty surprises.
Foods that start with letters of the alphabet
It’s surprising how many people are searching for lists of various foods by letter of the alphabet they can make, bake, or use as substitutes in recipes. With that in mind, here are our top resources:
- Foods that start with A
- Foods that start with the letter B
- Foods that start with C
- Foods that start with D
- Foods that start with E
- Foods that start with F
- Foods that start with G
- Foods that start with H
- Foods that start with I
- Foods that start with J
- Foods that start with K
- Foods that start with L
- Foods that start with M
- Foods that start with N
- Foods that start with O
- Foods that start with P
- Foods that start with Q
- Foods that start with R
- Foods that start with S
- Foods that start with T
- Foods that start with U
- Foods that start with V
- Foods that start with W
- Foods that start with X
- Foods that start with Y
- Foods that start with Z
I hope these lists provide useful inspiration.
Food For Thought
Home cooking is fun and, when you find the right recipes, you can enjoy food from all over the world.
Each of the recipes we’ve listed above is great for broadening your culinary horizons and, ultimately, they’ll teach you new things about flavors and cooking techniques.
One thing that you should always remember when you’re looking for recipes to add to your collection is not to dismiss something that you wouldn’t usually cook. Home cooking is all about trying new things, after all.
So, if seafood is something that you would normally avoid based solely on a past experience, we would recommend that you give it another try. You may just surprise yourself!
It’s also worth remembering that the food you make doesn’t always have to be universally appealing.
If you’ve seen a recipe above that you know you would love to try, but your family would be unlikely to eat it, keep a note of it and cook it for yourself one day.
Most importantly, however, make sure that the recipes you’re choosing are going to be fun to make!
If you’re just starting out on your home cooking journey, go for something a little more simple, to begin with.
Doing this will stop you from getting overwhelmed when you’re cooking and taking all of the fun out of it.
Start small and, eventually, you’ll be moving onto more complex recipes that you can use to really impress your friends and family.