My Favorite Recipes

Presenting My Favorite Recipes thus far! This roundup has a delightful mix of desserts, salads, and dinners to suit every craving. Let this collection inspire you if you’re stuck and unsure what to make in the kitchen.

Hey there! This week, I’ve been experimenting with a few new recipes that turned out pretty tasty. First up, my eggplant parmesan is seriously good stuff—you might want to consider making extra for leftovers because it’s that good. Then, there is my pink smoothie drink, which is pretty and tasty. It’s a winner in my book. Anyway, feel free to check out the rest of my favorite dishes below!

Saturday Chitchat with Janine

I love this thought, and it’s so true!

“Cooking is love made visible.” – Unknown

So, let’s shower our family and friends with love and food!

A Personal Note from Janine

It’s been one of those crazy weeks where it felt like nothing was going right with my projects. I had a few things completely flop, and I was pretty discouraged thinking about all the time and money I’d put into them. But instead of giving up, I decided to keep going, and thankfully, things started to turn around. I finally had a few successes, which was just what I needed!

Now I’m more than ready to slow down and enjoy the weekend. We love to cook and bake on Sundays, and this weekend I’m hoping to make Eggplant Parmesan. I recently picked up some gluten-free pasta, and I love the idea of serving the crispy eggplant parmesan right on top. It sounds like the perfect cozy Sunday dinner.

So here’s to a quiet weekend, some good food, and a little time to unwind. I hope you have a relaxing one too!

I’ll probably share a bit on my Instagram stories, so if you’re interested, come on over to my IG account.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,

This Week’s Inspiration – My Favorite Recipes

EGGPLANT PARMESAN PASTA RECIPE

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta showcases crispy eggplant slices atop a savory homemade marinara sauce, all smothered in gooey melted mozzarella cheese, creating the quintessential comfort dish!

GRILLED SALMON BOWL

This Grilled Salmon Bowl recipe is simply irresistible! The honey-sweetened sauce perfectly complements the grilled fish. Inside the bowl, you’ll find a blend of pine nuts, cranberry couscous, creamy avocado slices, roasted yams, and sweet potatoes. The fresh microgreens and a drizzle of naturally sweet reduced balsamic vinegar complete the dish perfectly. You’ll want to go back for seconds!

CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA RECIPE

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe with White Wine perfectly combines flavors and textures. I love how the creamy feta cheese sauce pairs with the sweet and briny shrimp, and the addition of tomato, basil, and chili pepper flakes really takes it to the next level. Serving it all over penne pasta is just the perfect complement.

MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE SAUCE

Moule Marinere is a favorite dish we love to order at a French restaurant in San Francisco. My husband was determined to replicate the flavors of this dish and spent countless attempts perfecting his recipe for Mussels in White Wine Sauce. His persistence paid off, as he could match and even surpass the quality of the mussels we typically order from Chez Maman in San Francisco. The recipe features fresh mussels swimming in a deliciously buttery and oniony white wine sauce that will leave you slurping up every last drop.

This recipe matches any of the French mussel dishes we have ordered in San Francisco!

BANANA CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING

Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. It combines rich, indulgent chocolate with bananas’ natural sweetness, all nestled in a warm, custardy, delectable treat.

By the way, this recipe is inspired by a Burmese restaurant we love in Corte Madera, just outside of San Francisco.

RASPBERRY TART RECIPE

CRINKLE CAKE WITH PHYLLO DOUGH

This delightful Crinkle Cake with Phyllo Dough is a simple culinary masterpiece that’s all the rage in the baking community. Experience this delicious dessert, a blend of crispy, flaky layers of phyllo dough with the sweet, indulgent flavors of crinkle cake, creating a dessert that’s not just delicious but also creamy with an egg custard.

THE BEST LEMON SOUR CREAM PIE

Today, I’m sharing the Best Lemon Sour Cream Pie recipe. This lemon pie has a rich, smooth flavor similar to my favorite English Lemon Curd recipe. Of course, this homemade pie has sour cream, which mellows the sweetness and creates a luscious taste.

OVERNIGHTS OATS RECIPE WITH YOGURT

Overnight Oats Recipe with Yogurt is one of the easiest and most delicious make-ahead breakfast ideas, creating a creamy, protein-packed oatmeal that’s perfect for busy mornings. Made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, Greek yogurt, and almond milk, this healthy overnight oats recipe softens beautifully in the fridge while developing a rich, slightly tangy flavor. We love this recipe so much, that I know the ingredients and measurements by heart! I hope you like it!

Boutique of the Week – Flannels for Women

Walmart Flannels for Women

Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out the cozy layers and autumn colors with Walmart Flannels for Women. Whether you love classic plaid, oversized fits, or warm fall colors like brown, burgundy, and olive green, there are plenty of options to help you create effortless outfits for the season.

My Favorite Things – My Favorite Recipes from Others!

REFRESHING SUMMER MOCKTAILS

While cocktails are frequently the preferred option for many, mocktails have surged in popularity recently as a non-alcoholic alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste and enjoyment. Check out this great collection from my friend, Leslie, from My 100 Year Old Home.

BAKED SWEET AND SOUR WITH FRIED RICE

I love these recipes from Life in the Lofthouse, especially the fried rice—it’s both simple and tastes like a restaurant dish. I’m confident you’ll enjoy them as much as my family does!

HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH BREAD, STEP BY STEP

This recipe taught me how to make sourdough—it’s simply the best! The detailed tutorial guides you through every step, ensuring you bake a fantastic loaf of mouthwatering sourdough. If you’re into bread-making, this recipe is a must-try. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like the incredible taste of freshly baked bread straight out of the oven!

This Week’s Tip – Drying Cast Iron Pans

HOW TO DRY CAST IRON

Have you avoided owning cast iron pans due to rusting issues? After years of struggling with rust on my pots and pans, I’ve finally discovered the optimal drying method. This technique will help preserve your cast iron cookware for many years.

Drying cast iron pans properly is crucial to prevent rusting and maintain their seasoning. Here’s the best way to dry them:

1. After washing the cast iron pan with warm water and mild soap (if necessary), rinse it thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
2. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the pan immediately after rinsing.
3. Place the pan on a stove burner and set to low heat for a few minutes. This will help evaporate any remaining moisture and ensure the pan is completely dry.
4. Alternatively, place the pan in a warm oven (around 200-250°F or 95-120°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry it thoroughly.
5. Once the pan is dry, turn off the heat and allow it to cool down before storing it.

Remember never to air-dry cast iron pans, which can lead to rusting. Also, avoid using high heat to dry the pans, which may damage the seasoning. Following these steps will help keep your cast iron pans in great condition.

Latest Obsession – Pappardelle Noodles

PAPPARDELLE NOODLES

I have a recipe that calls for these unique Pappardelle noodles. I bought them and recently tried them with my eggplant parmesan, and I was hooked. I must admit that I love it when the pasta comes in little nests. It makes it easy to judge how many to cook for each person. Anyway, you’re probably wondering what these fabulous noodles are.

Pappardelle noodles are wide, flat pasta ribbons, similar to fettuccine, but wider. They’re ideal for holding hearty sauces and are popular in Tuscan cuisine for dishes like pappardelle al ragù, showcasing their ability to perfectly complement rich meat sauces.

Well, the good thing is, these noodles are pretty hefty, so you don’t need a lot to feel satisfied—they fill you up!

My Amazon Finds – I Love These Items

Please tap on the photos below to shop the link.

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I’m heading out to Seattle today, but don’t worry—I’ll still be available for work all next week. Enjoy your time with your family, and have an awesome weekend!

Happy Saturday!