Butter Bon appetite

Last night, as I stood in my kitchen preparing polute a la creme for the very first time, Something magical happened some where between the soft sizzle of chicken. of the chicken browning in butter and the aroma of mushrooms rising with the steam , I felt the unmistakable presence of Julia Child herself. It was as if her warm spirit had slipped into my kitchen, guiding my hands and whispering ” be fearless “

I imagined her in her own kitchen – tall ,joyful, and fully alive in her craft- making this exact dish for the family she loved so dearly. That vision gave me courage . I love head first into this classic French recipe with the same bold enthusiasm Julia became famous for.

Cooking, after all, is an art . It’s not just mixing ingredients. or following steps – It’s a form of manifestation. You take simple , humble foods and transform them into nourishment for both the body and the soul. When you cook with love, that love becomes part of the dish. And last night, every stir , every seasoning, every drop of cream felt like a little prayer.For comfort and joy.

There’s something healing about it too. When your having a tough day . You can step into the kitchen , close the world out for a while , and let the alchemy of butter, herbs,and a good sauce remind you that beauty still exists, By the time the velvety, creamy sauce came together-Thick ,glossy, and just slightly nutty- I could feel my whole spirit soften.

I folded in the tender chicken,the earthy mushrooms ,the fragrant herbs and suddenly the bad parts of the day didn’t feel so heavy anymore. Poulet a la creme .has that kind of magic , flavorful, comforting, elegant without trying too hard- It’s the kind of dish your family will love and remember.

I served mine with garlic mashed potatoes enriched with a little butter and a splash of cream.The way the sauce melted into the potatoes…unforgettable.

Last night wasn’t just dinner. It was a moment of connection- with a classic dish , with my own creativity, and with a culinary legend who continues to inspire cooks like me to be brave ,bold, and full of heart in the kitchen.

Bon appetite, Julia And thank you for cooking with me .

To all my fearless readers I bid you a good night and a Bon appetite.

A cozy fireside dinner that feels like home

There’s something timeless about a ribeye sizzling in a cast iron skillet. The sound alone feels like a promise – of comfort, of warmth, of a meal meant to be savored slowly add a fluffy baked potato and tender asparagus, and you’ve got the kind of rustic dinner you’d expect to find waiting after a long winter walk , the table set, candles glowing,and stories ready to be told.

This is simple food done beautifully no fus just honest ingredients

Ingredients

2 Ribeye steaks ( 1 – 1 1/2 inches thick room temperature)

1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter

2 cloves of garlic smashed

salt ( sea salt)

fresh cracked black pepper

fresh rosemary and thyme

Directions

1. Heat cast iron skillet over medium high heat until very hot
2. pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper
3. add oil or butter to the skillet
4. place the steaks in the skillet dont move them
5. sear 3 – 4 minutes per side for medium rare ( adjust for thickness)
6. add garlic and herbs during the last minute spooning the hot butter with herbs bathing the ribeye steak
7. remove steaks and let rest 5- 10 minutes before cutting steak

This is when the kitchen smells like comfort and everyone wanders in asking “is it ready yet.

There’s something timeless about chicken parmesan it’s the real kind of meal that feels the kitchen with comforting aromas, draws everyone closer to the table and turns an ordinary evening into a memory . This version is made the old fashioned way – simple, hearty, and full of love- using organic crushed tomatoes , real parmesan cheese, and just the right touch of red wine.

1. 4 boneless ,skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
3. 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided
4. 3 cloves of garlic minced
5. 1 (28oz) can organic crushed tomatoes
6. 2 tablespoons of tomatoes paste
7. 2 tablespoons of Italian herbs
8. olive oil
9. salt to taste

1. Prepare chicken preheat oven to 375 degrees F lightly season the chicken breasts with salt in a shallow bowl mix the bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
2. press each chicken breast into the bread crumbs mixture coating both sides generously
3. Heart olive oil in a skillet over medium heat sear the chicken for 3- 4 minutes per side just until golden .Transfer to a baking dish

Build the sauce

in the skillet add a little more olive oil saute the garlic until fragrant- about 30 seconds

Stir in the tomatoe paste , letting it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor . Add the crushed tomatoes italian seasoning red wine and a pinch of salt . Simmer gently for 10- 15 minutes ,letting the sauce thicken and mellow.

Assemble and bake

Spoon the warmth tomatoe sauce over the chicken sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese generously on top.

Bake uncovered for 25- 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden .

Serve it with love

serve your chicken parmesan with buttered pasta , crusty bread, or a simple green salad .This is the kind of meal that invites lingering at the table – second helpings encouraged

A cozy kitchen tip

chicken parmesan tastes even better the next day if you’re lucky enough to have left overs ,reheat gently and enjoy another moment of comfort.

There are recipes that live in cookbooks, and then there are, recipes that live in our hearts. Boiled custard is one of those – soft, sweet, and silky the kind of drink your grandmother poured into little glasses when the tree lights were glowing and carols floated through the house. The kind of holiday comfort that warms your soul before you even take a sip.

Today I’m taking you back to those old days… but with a simple modern twist that makes this custard even creamer, richer, and more magical.

So step into my kitchen for a moment Imagine a cold December morning, the windows fogging up as the pot warms . The smell of milk and vanilla drifting through the air, and that familier sense of peace filling the room this is the recipe that takes us all back home.

Ingredients

1. 4 cups of whole milk
2. 1 cup of heavy cream
3. 6 large egg yolks
4. 1 cup granulated sugar
5. pinch of salt
6. 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract ( or 1 vanilla bean )

Modern southern twist

A pinch of nutmeg & a drop of almond extract

A little orange zet for a bright holiday lift.

Directions

1. Warm the milk and cream then in a bowl whisk the egg yolks 1 c of sugar,and pinch of salt whisk until pale and silky.
2. Slowly ladle hot milk into the egg mixture , whisking constantly this warms the eggs so they dont scramble this is called tampering.
3. pour tempered mixture back into the pot.
4. cook on low , heat stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
5. you’ll know when it’s ready when it coats the back of the wooden spoon, or running your fingers through it leaves a line.
6. Do not let it boil
7. Remove from heat and stir in your favorite twist.
8. 1-2 tbsp bourbon or brandy
9. pinch of nut meg
10. 2-3 drops og almond extract
11. 1/4 tsp orange zest
12. 1 tsp of butter

Chill or serve warm

Bonus ideas

pour into a mason jar tie with twine give as a gift.

pour over a homemade pound cake.

serve as a holiday drink add bourbon or rum.

to my fearless readers merry christmas and a Bon Appetite.

Ingredients

1. 4- 5 large yellow onions , thinly sliced
2. 3 tbsp butter
3. 1 tbsp olive oil
4. 1 tsp sugar
5. 2 cloves of garlic minced
6. 1/4 cup of brandy
7. 1/2 cup of white wine
8. 6 cups of beef broth
9. 1 bay leaf
10. 2- 3 sprigs of thyme (or 1/2 tsp of dried)
11. salt and pepper

for the topping

1 French baguette sliced and toasted

2 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese ( or Swiss)

1/2 cup parmesan

Instructions

1. Caramalize the onions melt butter and olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions , sugar , and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook slowly for 35- 45 minutes , until the onions turn deep, golden, sweet and jammy.
3. Add garlic and brandy , and wine stir in the garlic and cook one minute pour in the brandy – let it bubble with excitement and cook off the white wine and scrape the brown bits from the bottom for xtra flavor.
4. make a broth Add the beef broth , bay leaf , thyme , salt and pepper simmer uncovered for 25- 30 minutes remove the bay leaf and thyme stems
5. lattle soup in a oven safe bowl place your French baguette on top with your Gruyere cheese and place in oven on broil until the cheese is bubbly brown and serve with a fresh green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

There’s something magical that happens when onions, butter, and time comes together. The kind of magic that fills your kitchen with a smell so warm and comforting that you feel like you’re being wrapped in a soft blanket on a cold night. That’s exactly what happened to me as I stood in my kitchen preparing this French onion soup – a dish that feels both elegant and homey, like something you’d find in a tiny Cafe tucked along a cobblestone street in Paris.

But tonight, that little Cafe was my kitchen I love recipes that give your heart a moment to slow down. French onion soup is one of those it’s not rushed it’s not complicated it’s simply patient- Just like the best things in life.

As the onions slowly caramelized in butter , turning from pale golden ribbons into deep , sweet jam – colored perfection, I felt myself slipping into a peaceful rhythm, stirring , inhaling watching them transform, cooking really is its own kind of therapy.

Then came the brandy

The moment I splashed that warm amber liquid into the pot , it released a soft luxurious aroma that instantly made my whole kitchen smell like a French bistro in winter , the onions sizzled and sighed as if saying Ah….. Now we’re getting to the good part ” And they were right.

what comes next is simple broth , thyme, a bay leaf and time . A slow simmer that deepens every flavor and makes the soup taste like it’s been gently cared for.

And then the best part- the toasted baguette with melted Gruyere cheese when you slide those bowls under the broiler and the cheese starts to bubble brown and stretch into gooey strings thats the moment you know you’ve created something special.

A bowl to warm the soul.

This soup tastes like winter, evenings soft sweaters, candlelight, and comfort in every bite, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug – and sometimes, we need that more than anything.

There’s something magical about a chilly day, the kind that makes you reach for your softest blanket, and your favorite mug. That’s when I step into my kitchen and make a pot of homemade hot cocoa – the kind that fills the whole house with the smell of choclate and childhood memories,

This recipe is simple budget- friendly , and tastes like the hot cocoa your grandmother would make ….Rich velvety, and made with love.

So grab your mug and let’s stir up something warm together.

Ingredients

1. 2 Tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2. 2-3 Tablespoons of granulated sugar
3. 1 pinch of salt
4. 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
5. 1/2 cup of whole milk
6. 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
7. 1 cup of semi sweet or milk chocolate chips.

Instructions

1. Start with the choclate in a small sauce pan whisk together the cocoa powder ,sugar,and salt .
2. Add a Splash of heavy cream and whisk until it becomes a smooth shinny chocolate paste- the moment where it already smells like Christmas.
3. Add the warmth pour in the rest of the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir in the choclate chips and warm gently over medium heat until every thing melts into a velvety, rich cocoa do not boil- just let it steam like a cozy winter chimney
4. Add the love remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract this is the spoonful of holiday spirit that brings it all together.
5. Serve with a little magic pour into your favorite mug top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and maybe add a sprinkle of cocoa on top hold the warm mug between your hands, breathe in the choclate, and let the world slow down for a moment.

This isn’t just hot cocoa – it’s a memory waiting to happen. Maybe it reminds you of childhood Christmas mornings, Snow days , or warmth of family gathered around the fire place , or maybe this will be the year It becomes your new tradition- something sweet to end every chilly night.

A cozy soul- warming classic that turns a ordinary night into something special.

There are some dishes that dont just feed the body- they feed the heart. Tonight was one of those nights . As the sun dipped behind the hills and kitchen lights glowed warm ,and soft I found my self chopping vegtables and slipping into that comforting rhythm of cooking something slow, rich and made with love .

Spaghetti Bolognese has always been one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter where you are. But tonight, I elevated it with fresh mushrooms and a sweet tender leek letting them melt right into the sauce. The mushrooms added earthiness and depth , while the red wine brought warmth and richness that made the whole house smell like an Italian kitchen at dinner time. This recipe is simple , comforting , and absolutely unforgettable.

This recepie is simple ,comforting ,and absolutely unforgettable

Ingredients

1. One leekcleansed well ,thinly sliced
2. 1 cup of fresh mushrooms sliced ( baby Bella cremini, or white mushrooms)
3. one small onion diced
4. one carrot finely chopped
5. one celery stalk finely chopped
6. 1lb of organic grass fed beef or ( half beef and half Italian sasuage.)
7. 2-3 garlic cloves minced
8. 1/2 to 1 cup of red wine
9. one can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
10. 2 tbsp tomatoe paste
11. 1 cup of beef broth
12. 1 top sugar
13. 1 top italian seasoning
14. 1 bay leaf
15. salt & pepper
16. olive oil
17. spaghetti noodles
18. parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare your leek and mushrooms slice the leek in half lengthwise rinse between the layers and cut into thin half moon. clean and slice your mushrooms

2. Saute the vegtables base heat olive oil in a large pot add the leek, onion ,carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until soft , golden , fragrant- about 8- 10 minutes the mushrooms will release their juices, deepen in color,and create a beautiful earthy foundation.

3. Brown the meat add the ground beef season with salt and pepper.cook until browned stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook 1- 2 minutes to bring out the flavor.

4. Add the red wine pour 1/2 to 1 cup of red wine Let it simmer until the alcohol cooks off and the sauce turns deep and fragrant.

5. Build the sauce add crushed tomatoes ( sundried tomatoes) beef broth , sugar, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, turn heat to low and let it simmer 20- 45 minutes the longer it simmer the richer it becomes.

6. Cook the spaghetti

Boil salted water cook until al dente, then drain

7. Serve with love

Twirl the spaghetti on the plate

spoon that silky, mushroom kissed Bolognese right over top. Finish with parmesan and a pinch of fresh herbs.

Today, as I was driving through town, I stumbled upon something I didn’t even realize I needed – Our little annual Christmas parade . I didn’t plan to go , didn’t bundle up in festive sweaters or bring a folding chair like everyone else. I was simply passing through… . But sometimes the best gifts are the unexpected ones.

The moment I turned onto the town square, I could feel it – that soft hum of holiday magic that you can’t quite put into words. Vendors were lined up selling home made hot chocolate, the kind that warms more than your hands , Christmas music floated through the chilly air, mixing with the smell of. brownies , and sweet cookies baked with real love.

Church bells rang from the steeple behind the old court house , calling out like they’ve done for generations . And oh. that court house… It was shining wrapped in twinkling lights , crowned with evergreen , garland , and standing proud beside the nativity scene of Bethlehem- baby Jesus lying peacefully in the manger. It felt like the whole story of Christmas was glowing right there on the lawn.

Families gathered together in their folding chairs , bundled in blankets , children ran joyfully up and down the sidewalk, their cheeks rosy, their eyes bright with that pure excitement only children seem to have – Waiting for Santa to wave from the big red fire truck. Vendors held up handmade ornaments crafted with heart and tradition, each one reminding me of simpler times .

As I drove past the court house and saw it all- the lights , the laughter, the love – something inside me shifted. It was soft it felt real for the first time. In five long years, I felt a spark of the Christmas spirit I thought I had lost , A warmth washed over me .the same warmth I remember feeling as a little girl when the world felt safe and magical and full of wonder.

And I smiled.

Not the polite smile you give a stranger, but the kind that rises from your heart and reaches your eyes, the kind that says ” I remember ”

In that moment ,driving through my little town , watching Christmas unfold like a scene from a memory book.I realized something important. The spirit of Christmas never leaves us , sometimes it just gets buried under life – stress, loss , responsibility, the weight of the world , but all it takes is a little light , a little music, a little community…and suddenly the magic finds its way back.

Today mine did.

And I am grateful.