West Loop Wine And Spirits Festival
  • Blog
  • Blog
  • Author's Blog
  • Gourmet Dreams Kitchen
  • Lava Crown

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

12/19/2025

0 Comments

 

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Enjoy the creamy and cheesy goodness of scalloped potatoes made in a slow cooker. This dish is simple to make and great for a cozy family dinner or a big holiday meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups milk

  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Grease the slow cooker with butter


Layer half of the potatoes and onions in the slow cooker


In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat


Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth


Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened


Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes and onions in the slow cooker


Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top


Pour the remaining sauce over the top


Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender


Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking


0 Comments

Classic Donuts

12/17/2025

0 Comments

 

Classic Donuts

Savor these traditional donuts any time of day as a sweet treat or for breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Oil for frying

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt


In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract


Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms


Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out donut shapes


Heat oil in a deep pan to 350F 175C


Fry donuts until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side


Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar


0 Comments

Paleo Spaghetti and Meatballs

12/15/2025

0 Comments

 

Paleo Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with this Paleo Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. Tender spaghetti squash serves as the base for flavorful homemade meatballs made with ground beef, almond flour, and savory spices. Top it off with marinara sauce and fresh basil for a nutritious and comforting dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 spaghetti squash

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1/4 cup almond flour

  • 1 egg

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups marinara sauce sugar-free for keto

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional

Instructions:

Turn on the oven and heat it up to 400F 200C


Split the spaghetti squash in half down the middle, and then scoop out the seeds


Put the squash halves on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper, cut side down


Place the squash in an oven that has already been heated up


Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is soft and a fork can easily go through it


Get the meatballs ready while the squash is baking


Put the ground beef, almond flour, egg, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried oregano and basil, and garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl


Mix everything together well


Make meatballs out of the mixture that are about 1 to 2 inches across


Put the meatballs in a pan that is on medium heat


Turn the food over every so often for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it's browned all over and cooked all the way through


When the spaghetti squash is done cooking, use a fork to pull the flesh apart into strands that look like spaghetti


Put spaghetti squash on plates, cover with marinara sauce, and top with meatballs


If you want, you can add fresh basil leaves as a garnish


Have fun with your Paleo spaghetti and meatballs!


0 Comments

Vegan Tzatziki

12/14/2025

0 Comments

 

Vegan Tzatziki

A refreshing and dairy-free version of the classic Greek tzatziki sauce, perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a healthier alternative. This vegan tzatziki is creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of vegan yogurt

  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the vegan yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill


Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated


Season with salt and pepper to taste


Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together


Serve chilled as a dip or condiment with your favorite vegan dishes


0 Comments

Spicy Jackfruit Sushi

12/13/2025

0 Comments

 

Spicy Jackfruit Sushi

Spiced jackfruit and creamy avocado are wrapped in nori seaweed sheets and sushi rice in this vegan and gluten-free sushi recipe. With spicy sriracha mayo and sesame seeds on top, these rolls are full of flavor and great for a plant-based sushi night!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sushi rice, cooked

  • 4 nori seaweed sheets

  • 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and shredded

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

  • 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons vegan mayo

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

  • Salt to taste

  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix shredded jackfruit with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce


Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat


Spread a thin layer of sushi rice on the nori sheet, leaving a small border at the top edge


Arrange a layer of marinated jackfruit and avocado slices along the bottom edge of the rice


Roll the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, sealing the edge with a little water


Repeat with remaining nori sheets and ingredients


In a small bowl, mix vegan mayo, 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce, lime juice, and salt to make sriracha mayo


Slice the sushi rolls into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife


Drizzle sriracha mayo over the sushi rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds


Serve immediately and enjoy!


0 Comments

Meatball Stuffed Shells Stirfry

12/12/2025

0 Comments

 

Meatball Stuffed Shells Stirfry

A quick and delectable dinner option that combines the convenience of a stir-fry with the flavors of stuffed shells is Easy Meatball Stuffed Shells Stirfry. The whole family will enjoy this ideal weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cooked meatballs

  • 1 lb jumbo pasta shells

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Cook pasta shells according to package instructions


Drain and set aside


In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat


Add minced garlic and ginger, saut for 1 minute until fragrant


Add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper


Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender


Add broccoli florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften


Slice the cooked meatballs into halves or quarters and add them to the skillet


Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes


In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil


Pour this sauce mixture over the ingredients in the skillet


Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined


Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through


Season with salt and pepper to taste


Garnish with sesame seeds


Serve hot and enjoy your Meatball Stuffed Shells Stirfry!


0 Comments

HUGE Orchid Arrangement Sushi

12/11/2025

0 Comments

 

HUGE Orchid Arrangement Sushi

Make a beautiful sushi platter that looks like a HUGE bouquet of orchids. Fresh sushi rice, nori, and different fillings come together in this dish to make a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups sushi rice

  • 4 cups water

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • Nori sheets

  • Assorted sushi fillings e

  • g

  • , cucumber, avocado, smoked salmon, tuna, crab sticks

  • Soy sauce, for serving

  • Pickled ginger, for serving

  • Wasabi, for serving

Instructions:

Run cold water over the sushi rice until the water is clear


In a rice cooker, put the rice and water together and follow the cooker's directions for cooking


Melt the sugar, salt, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat


Leave to cool


After the rice is done, put it in a large bowl and slowly mix in the vinegar mixture


Wait until the rice is cool enough to touch


On a bamboo sushi mat, put a piece of nori


Cover the nori with a thin layer of rice, leaving a little space at the top


Put the fillings you want in a line down the middle of the rice


Use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi up tightly, and use a little water to seal the edge


With a sharp knife, cut the sushi roll into small pieces that are easy to eat


Do it again with the rest of the nori sheets and fillings


Add soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi to the sushi before you serve it


0 Comments

Toasted Penne with Chicken Sausage

12/10/2025

0 Comments

 

Toasted Penne with Chicken Sausage

This toasted penne with chicken sausage dish is a hearty and tasty pasta recipe that's great for a cozy dinner during the week. When you mix soft penne pasta, tasty chicken sausage, and fragrant herbs, you get a meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta

  • 2 chicken sausages, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can 14

  • 5 oz diced tomatoes

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente


Drain and set aside


In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat


Add sliced chicken sausages and cook until browned, about 5 minutes


Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet


Cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes


Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper


Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld


Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce


Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the pasta


Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired


0 Comments

Classic Guacamole

12/9/2025

0 Comments

 

Classic Guacamole

With this easy recipe, you can make guacamole at home and enjoy its classic, creamy goodness. It's a great dip for parties or a tasty way to top tacos and burritos.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe avocados

  • 1 small red onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced

  • 1 jalapeo pepper, seeded and minced

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cut the avocados in half, take out the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl


Use a fork to mash the avocados until you get the texture you want


Dice the tomatoes, mince the jalapeo pepper, add them to the mashed avocados, and then chop the cilantro


Add the juice of two limes and salt and pepper to taste


Make sure that everything is well mixed


To keep the guacamole from turning brown, cover it with plastic wrap so that it touches the top


Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving


Add it to tortilla chips or your favorite Mexican dishes to make them even better


0 Comments

BBQ Chicken Salad

12/8/2025

0 Comments

 

BBQ Chicken Salad

Every season, this BBQ Chicken Salad is a family favorite. It has the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken and the fresh tastes of corn, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and more. This salad is the best salad ever because the BBQ ranch dressing gives it a tasty kick.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup corn kernels, cooked and cooled

  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

  • 4 cups mixed greens lettuce, spinach, arugula

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Dice the chicken and put it in a large bowl


Add the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and chopped cilantro


Gather the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a small bowl


Mix them together to make the salad dressing


Add the dressing to the chicken and vegetable mix


Toss everything to cover it all


Put the mixed greens on plates or a big salad bowl to serve


Put the chicken and vegetable mix that has been dressed on top of the greens


Add crispy bacon bits and shreds of cheddar cheese on top


Add pepper and salt to taste


Serve your BBQ chicken salad right away and enjoy it!


0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    October 2024

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Blog
  • Blog
  • Author's Blog
  • Gourmet Dreams Kitchen
  • Lava Crown