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Showing posts from July, 2025

What Side Dishes Go with Goulash? Delicious Pairings to Complete Your Meal

Goulash is a beloved comfort dish known for its rich, hearty flavors and soul-warming qualities. Originating from Hungary, this stew-like meal is usually loaded with tender beef, sweet paprika, onions, and peppers. While goulash is satisfying on its own, serving it with the perfect side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with goulash , whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a cozy dinner party. 1. Buttery Egg Noodles Egg noodles are one of the most classic sides for goulash. Their soft texture soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. Toss them with a little butter and fresh parsley for a simple yet irresistible pairing. 2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes The creamy, fluffy nature of mashed potatoes balances the bold, spicy notes of goulash. For extra flavor, you can add roasted garlic or sour cream to your mash, making it even more indulgent. 3. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls A hearty slice of cru...

How To Thicken Enchilada Sauce - I Test 10 Methods [Pics]

  If you’ve got a watery bowl of enchilada sauce staring at you right now, fear not, It’s quick and easy to get it to just the right consistency. In this article, I share 10 different methods to thicken up your enchilada sauce, no matter what ingredients you have in your kitchen cupboard. In a rush? Here’s the short answer. The best way to thicken enchilada sauce is using a cornstarch slurry.   Other methods for thickening enchilada sauce include using a flour slurry, reducing the sauce, using xanthan gum, using a puree, adding rice or grated potatoes, and by mixing in instant potato flakes.

Easy Dinner Ideas for Beginners: Simple, Tasty Meals Anyone Can Make

Starting your cooking journey can feel overwhelming. Between complicated recipes and unfamiliar techniques, it’s easy to feel discouraged before you even pick up a spatula. The good news? Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious! Whether you're a college student, a busy professional, or someone who just wants to gain confidence in the kitchen, these easy dinner ideas will help you prepare satisfying meals without the stress. 1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken This dish is a beginner’s dream. You only need a single pan, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal cleanup. How to make it: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Sear in a skillet for a few minutes on each side. Add some chopped veggies (like broccoli or bell peppers), cover, and let everything cook through. Serve with rice or crusty bread. 2. Veggie Stir-Fry A stir-fry is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table quickly. You can use...

BEST Substitutes For Masa Harina + 1 To Avoid

  I personally taste-tested a variety of masa harina substitutes to find the best one for every occasion. Whether you’re on the hunt for the closest flavor match, in need of a last-minute pantry substitute, or want a swap that fits your diet, I’ve got the answers. The best substitute for masa harina is to find hominy (whole nixtamalized corn kernels) and grind them into a powder or paste yourself. You can also use cornmeal as long as you don’t expect authentic results. Crushed corn chips are great if you need an alternative thickener.

Your Complete Guide to Filipino Cooking: Recipes, Culture and Techniques

  The History and Cultural Significance of Filipino Cuisine Filipino cooking is a flavorful reflection of the Philippines’ complex and multicultural history. Long before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, early Filipinos were trading goods—and recipes—with China, India, Japan, Thailand, and the Malay Peninsula from around 200 to 1100 AD. These culinary exchanges shaped what we now know as traditional Filipino cuisine . Colonization brought deeper culinary influence. When the Spanish ruled for over 300 years (1521–1898), they introduced iconic dishes and ingredients like tomato-based stews, chorizo-style sausages, and paella-like rice meals. You’ll still hear Spanish words in Filipino kitchens today—and still taste their legacy in beloved Filipino dishes like  callos ,   relleno , and  lechon . The American colonial period (1898–1946) added fast food elements and modern technology. Iconic chains like Jollibee combine American-style burgers and fried chicken with unique...

Top 10 Bring a Plate Ideas for Any Budget & Occasion

  Ever been invited to a kid’s birthday party or a friend’s barbecue and think to yourself, “What in the world am I supposed to bring to this?” Or maybe you’ve been looking for a delicious dish on a budget or a dish to impress a special someone but just don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we have you covered. This is part one of our Top 10 Bring a Plate Ideas for every Budget and Occasion . Without any further ado, here’s the first category. Best for a Friend’s Barbecue A barbecue is a great time to connect with friends and create memories that could last forever. It’s also a great opportunity to wow your friends with your impressive cooking skills. Here are 10 simple dishes you could bring to a barbecue. These dishes pack big, bold, and delicious flavors that will definitely impress everyone at the barbecue!

BEST Substitutes For Parmesan + 1 To Avoid

  I personally taste-tested a variety of Parmesan substitutes to find the best one for every occasion. Whether you’re on the hunt for the closest flavor match, in need of a last-minute pantry substitute, or want a swap that fits your diet, I’ve got the answers. The best substitute for Parmesan is Grana Padano, which is normally much cheaper. Pecorino Romano is also good if you don’t mind a sharper flavor. Nutritional yeast mixed with ground nuts, salt, and garlic powder is a great vegan alternative. And for a really cheap option, try salt-cured egg yolk or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Exactly How To Soften Stale Burger Buns - I Test 4 Methods [Pics]

  We all know the struggle. There’s that one person in the household who refuses to cinch and tuck the bread bag. The result? Crumbly, stale burger buns that aren’t edible. Luckily for you, I’ve tested four different ways to revive stale buns so you can enjoy a tasty burger. I’ve also included tips on storing and freezing hamburger buns to keep them fresh. Ready? Let’s jump right in. The best way to soften burger buns is in the oven. First, spritz your buns lightly with water. Next, wrap them in foil and place them on a wire rack. Heat your burger buns on 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. If the bread is a little soggy, leave them in the oven uncovered for 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Exactly How To Soften Marshmallows - I Test 5 Methods [Pics]

  Over time, marshmallows tend to go stale – especially if they’re not stored properly. But this doesn’t mean you should chuck them out. There are quite a few ways to restore them to their former soft, gooey texture. Whether they’re cold or just a little old, this article addresses different ways to soften stubborn marshmallows. In a rush? Here’s the short answer. The best way to soften marshmallows is in a hot water bath. Transfer your stale or cold marshmallows into an airtight freezer bag. Submerge them in a bowl of warm water, holding them under so they don’t float. After approximately a minute, the marshmallows will be soft and pliable.