spanakopita

 

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) Recipe

Spanakopita is a delicious Greek pastry made with flaky phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It's crispy, savory, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, chopped (or 16 oz frozen, thawed & drained)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp salt (adjust based on feta’s saltiness)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil (for sautéing)
• 10-12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup melted butter (or olive oil for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
   • Add spinach, cook until wilted (if using fresh). Let cool slightly.
   • Mix in parsley, dill, feta, eggs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
   • Brush a baking dish (9x13-inch) with melted butter.
   • Layer 6-7 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
   • Spread the spinach mixture evenly.
   • Layer 4-5 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
4. Bake: Score the top lightly into squares or triangles. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Cool & Serve: Let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Would you like a variation, like mini spanakopita triangles?

pastry cream secret recipe

 

Ingredients:

1 liter (4 cups) whole milk

5 tbsp cornstarch

4 egg yolks

¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean)

2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. If using a vanilla bean, split it open, scrape the seeds into the milk, and add the pod. Heat until steaming but not boiling.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk sugar and cornstarch together.

3. Whisk Yolks: Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth and pale.

4. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour half of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

5. Cook the Cream: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

6. Add Butter & Vanilla: Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract (if using extract instead of a vanilla bean).

7. Cool: Strain through a sieve if needed for extra smoothness. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and let cool completely before using.

Let me know if you need variations or tips!

Panera-style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

1 cup shredded carrots

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds great flavor)

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 3 minutes).

2. Make a Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Cook the Veggies: Add chopped broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender.

5. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup while still leaving some texture.

6. Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted and creamy.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread!

Would you like any variations, like adding potatoes or bacon?

Homemade ice cream with only 3 ingredients

 

Here’s a super easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Ice Cream recipe—no machine needed!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or any flavoring you like)

Instructions

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gently fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
3. Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. Enjoy: Scoop and serve like regular ice cream!

Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder.
• Strawberry: Blend in ½ cup mashed strawberries.
• Cookies & Cream: Fold in crushed Oreos.

Want a specific flavor idea?

Homemade Cheese Recipe

 

Ingredients

4 cups (1 liter) whole milk

2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

2. Add Acid: Turn off the heat and slowly add vinegar or lemon juice, stirring gently. The milk will begin to curdle. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

3. Strain: Line a strainer with cheesecloth and pour the curdled milk through it. Let the whey drain for about 10 minutes.

4. Season (Optional): Sprinkle salt over the cheese and mix gently.

5. Press (For Firmer Cheese): Gather the cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture. If you want firmer cheese (like paneer), place it under a heavy object for 30–60 minutes.

6. Store & Serve: Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Would you like a variation, like adding herbs or making mozzarella?

CARNE ASADA

 

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

¼ cup orange juice (about 1 small orange)

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, and all the spices.

2. Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a large ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure it's well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).

3. Grill the Steak: Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more done.

4. Rest & Slice: Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips.

5. Serve: Enjoy with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sides!

Would you like any topping or side dish suggestions?

No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake

 

Ingredients

2 cups crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers/tea biscuits)

1 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or almonds)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare a Pan: Line a small loaf pan or square dish with parchment paper.

2. Crush the Biscuits: Break the biscuits into small pieces (not crumbs) and mix them with the chopped nuts if using.

3. Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir in cocoa powder, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the crushed biscuits and mix well to coat everything evenly.

5. Press & Set: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly.

6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

7. Serve: Cut into squares or slices and enjoy!

Would you like to add a chocolate glaze or extra toppings like shredded coconut?