Stuffed Shells

The first time I whipped up these Stuffed Shells, I was a little nervous. Could I really get that cheesy blend just right? And what if they ended up being too runny? Well, I nailed it, just like a boss! The biggest surprise was how the cheese turned into little pockets of gooey joy, combining with the marinara sauce in such a magical way. I didn’t have ricotta, so I swapped it out for cottage cheese—that might sound daring, but it actually worked like a charm! I also added a sprinkle of Italian herbs to the mix for that extra … Read more

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Italian Comfort Food / Pasta Recipes / Stuffed Shells / Vegetarian Pasta

Honey Garlic Shrimp

So, the first time I tried to whip up this Honey Garlic Shrimp, I was a *little* nervous. It felt like a chemistry experiment, mixing sweet and savory. But let me tell you, it was like magic! I nailed it on the first go! The shrimp were perfectly cooked, the sauce was just right, and my house smelled like a dream. There were a couple of surprises, like realizing I had run out of fresh garlic, so I grabbed some garlic powder instead. Also, I decided to throw in a splash of soy sauce for that extra umami punch. Honestly? … Read more

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Asian Seafood Dish / Easy Shrimp Recipe / Honey Garlic Shrimp / Quick dinner

Skirt Steak Tacos

Let me tell ya, my first time making these skirt steak tacos was a bit of a roller coaster ride! I followed the recipe to a T but ended up adding a bit too much spice to the marinade. Whoops! The result? A delicious, albeit hot, taco that had my friends sweating and laughing! After some tweaks, like reducing the spice and mixing in some fresh lime juice, I finally nailed it! The second batch? Absolute perfection – juicy, flavor-packed, and oh-so-satisfying. Oh, buckle up for a flavor explosion! Skirt steak tacos are like a party in your mouth with … Read more

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beef tacos / easy taco recipe / homemade tacos / Mexican Food / skirt steak tacos

Taco Empanadas

So, let me spill the beans! The first time I whipped these up, I was feeling pretty cocky. I had all my ingredients laid out and was ready to impress. But, surprise! I realized I had picked up the wrong type of dough. It was a learning moment, folks! I ended up using pre-made pie dough for the first batch – and wow, it still turned out delish, just a bit thicker than I’d like. After a little tinkering with the recipe, I honed in on using a homemade empanada dough, which truly brought the flavor to a whole new … Read more

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easy empanadas recipe / Mexican snack / Taco Empanadas

White Chicken Chili

The first time I made this White Chicken Chili, I totally nailed it – but not without a couple of surprises! I wasn’t sure how the spices would blend, but oh boy, was I in for a treat! The unexpected zest from lime and creaminess of the beans made my taste buds do a happy dance! I did tweak the recipe slightly the second time around by adding more garlic and a pinch of cumin for that extra warmth. Trust me, it made a world of difference! Hey there, chili lovers! Get ready to warm up with a big bowl … Read more

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Comfort food / Easy Chili Recipe / White Chicken Chili

BBQ Chicken

So, a little while back, I decided it was time to make some BBQ chicken, and let me tell you, I had a blast! The first time I made it, I went a little overboard with the spice, and let’s just say the chicken was a bit fiery. But after some adjustments (like toning down the chili powder), I nailed it! It was a total hit with my friends during our weekend barbecue. Oh boy, get ready to fire up the grill and dive into a BBQ Chicken recipe that'll make your taste buds dance! This recipe is a mouthwatering … Read more

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BBQ Chicken / Easy Chicken Recipe / Grilled Chicken / Summer Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

let me tell you, when I first decided to whip up this Skillet Lasagna, I was just looking for a simple way to make dinner without dirtying every dish in the house. Did I nail it on the first try? Well, mostly! The first time, I forgot to break the noodles into smaller pieces, so they took longer to cook. Surprise! Everyone loved it anyway, but it definitely needed a few tweaks. After some experimenting, I found the sweet spot! I made sure to break the noodles (they cook more evenly that way) and added a pinch of Italian seasoning … Read more

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Comfort food / easy recipes / Lasagna / One-Pan Meals / Skillet

Octopus Salad

Let me tell you, when I first attempted making this Octopus Salad, I was filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness. Using octopus in cooking sounded intimidating, right? But hey, I nailed it on my first try! The octopus turned out perfectly tender, and the balance of flavors was nothing short of spectacular. However, there was a little surprise waiting for me. When I was prepping, I realized just how much time it takes to get the octopus cooked just right. But don’t fret! Each step is worth it. I did tweak the dressing a bit, adding a dash of … Read more

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Healthy recipe / Mediterranean / Octopus / salad / Seafood salad

Instant Pot Rice

If you've ever struggled with making rice, you're in for a treat! Cooking rice in an Instant Pot turns the usually tricky task into a breeze. Whether you're whipping up a simple side dish for dinner or prepping rice for meal prep, this foolproof recipe will ensure perfectly fluffy rice every single time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newly acquired rice-cooking skills! Type of Rice Water Ratio Cook Time (minutes) White Rice 1:1 4-6 Brown Rice 1:1.25 22-25 Jasmine Rice 1:1 4-6 Basmati Rice 1:1 4-6 Quinoa 1:1 1:1 Nutritional Facts Nutrient Amount Per Serving … Read more

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Easy Rice Recipe / Fluffy Rice / Instant Pot Rice / Rice Cooking Tips

Marry Me Chicken

The first time I made Marry Me Chicken, it was a total hit at the dinner table. I remember my partner’s eyes lighting up when the aroma filled the kitchen—best feeling ever! But, surprise surprise, I didn’t quite nail it on the first try. The sauce was a little thin, and my chicken might have been a tad overcooked. But hey, cooking is all about learning, right? The next time, I added a splash more cream and kept a closer eye on the chicken. Nailed it! Now, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat. Alrighty, friends! Let’s talk … Read more

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chicken dinner / creamy chicken recipe / Easy Chicken Recipe / Marry Me Chicken