The broth for creamy saffron and fennel mussels is golden and aromatic, built on a base of garlic, white wine, lemon, and fennel, then finished with a pinch of saffron that turns everything into liquid gold. Tender chunks of potato soak up all that flavor, making each spoonful hearty and satisfying. And to top itContinueContinue reading “Creamy Saffron and Fennel Mussels”
Author Archives: alifranzen
Red Curry Dumpling Soup
If you’re in the mood for something cozy, comforting, and just a little spicy, this Red Curry Dumpling Soup is everything you didn’t know you were craving. It’s got the comfort of a classic dumpling soup, but with the bold, fragrant kick of Thai red curry. The broth is rich and creamy—thanks to coconut milk,ContinueContinue reading “Red Curry Dumpling Soup”
Violette Martini
The Violette Martini (also known as the Atty cocktail) is a drink from the early 20th century. It is often overlooked but impossible to forget once you’ve tasted it. It’s a close cousin to the Arsenic and Old Lace and the Corpse Reviver No. 2, walking that fine line between herbal, floral, and boozy withContinueContinue reading “Violette Martini”
Blackened Chicken Po’ Boys
I love New Orleans for a bunch of reasons, but probably at the top is the food. We’ve been lucky enough to have some really tasty meals there, and po’ boys are a classic. These Blackened Chicken Po’ Boys have everything you want in a sandwich. Crusty French bread, bold seasoning, juicy chicken, and allContinueContinue reading “Blackened Chicken Po’ Boys”
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you love Buffalo chicken but want something lighter than the usual wings or sandwiches, these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect fix. Juicy, spicy chicken, crisp lettuce, pickled red onions, coleslaw, and crispy onion straws—every bite is packed with heat, crunch, and freshness. Plus, they’re low-carb, high-protein, and come together in under 30ContinueContinue reading “Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps”
Seared Steak Bites with Garlic Herb Butter
If you’re looking for something fast, yet deeply satisfying, these Seared Steak Bites with Garlic Herb Butter are it. Bite-sized pieces of steak get a quick, hot sear to develop a gorgeous crust, while staying juicy and tender inside. The melting pat of butter, packed with chives, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, chili flakes, Dijon, andContinueContinue reading “Seared Steak Bites with Garlic Herb Butter”
Pineapple Kimchi
When I wrote my post on making kimchi at home, I promised I’d share this recipe soon for making pineapple kimchi. When I first saw this idea, I wasn’t sure what to think. The longer I thought about it though, I realized that the flavor profile has some similarities to the Mexican Chamoyada, which myContinueContinue reading “Pineapple Kimchi”
Shrimp Salad with Panko Fried Tomato and Avocado Puree
This shrimp salad with panko fried tomato and avocado puree is an amazing spring/summer lunch or dinner. The shrimp salad has crunchy celery and seared shrimp in a lightly creamy sauce with scallions and a hint of tomato. It is served over a panko fried tomato with arugula and creamy cilantro avocado sauce. This recipeContinueContinue reading “Shrimp Salad with Panko Fried Tomato and Avocado Puree”
Sichuan Sour Cocktail
I was really excited about this Sichuan Sour cocktail recipe when I saw it. We love Sichuan peppercorns. One of the dishes I make that my family most asks for is this Crispy Chili Chicken, which is full of Sichuan pepper. I wasn’t sure how this would work in a cocktail, but knew I wantedContinueContinue reading “Sichuan Sour Cocktail”
Authentic Miso Soup
My family loves authentic Japanese miso soup. It is super simple in process and number of ingredients, but it is complex in flavor. If you haven’t had miso soup before, it is a delicate, savory broth made with fermented miso paste dissolved into a light dashi stock (a broth traditionally made from kombu seaweed andContinueContinue reading “Authentic Miso Soup”