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Classic Martini

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best martini recipe

How about a martini? Sometimes a martini sounds just right. I’m often disappointed by restaurant martinis (unless I’m at The Campground in Kansas City—Chris makes the best martini of all time).

So, I’ve been studying the martini and perfecting my at-home martini game. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned!

martini ingredients

While martinis may seem intimidating, they are actually the perfect cocktail to make at home. The ingredient list is short and basic. The method is easy—stirred, not shaken, to bring out gin’s best flavors.

Now then, the “perfect” martini is very much determined by your personal preferences. I’ve typed up a foolproof classic martini recipe below. I’ve also provided suggested ingredients and details to help craft your perfect martini.

Whether you like your martini with gin or vodka, wet or dry, with a lemon twist or dirty with olives, this recipe is for you.

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Italian Dressing

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Italian dressing

Italian dressing has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember. My mom always served a simple green salad with dinner, and I gravitated toward Wish-Bone’s Italian dressing for drizzling on top. I was especially glad to reach for the extra zesty variety when we had it.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—homemade salad dressings taste so much better than store-bought. This classic Italian vinaigrette is bold, lively and irresistible! My collection of salad dressing recipes was incomplete without it.

Italian dressing ingredients

This dressing is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and dried oregano. You’ll also reach for salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if you like mild heat). Finely grated Parmesan is entirely optional, but lends a familiar Olive Garden vibe.

The beauty of making your own Italian dressing is that you know exactly what’s going into it—like real olive oil and no preservatives.

You can also adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you like extra zesty or more mellow dressing, you’ll find guidance in the simple recipe below. It’s ready in under five minutes and keeps for a week!

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Perfect Baked Sweet Potato

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baked sweet potato recipe

Some baked sweet potatoes are better than others, and these are downright perfect. These baked sweet potatoes are silky-smooth all the way through. They’re sweet, creamy and delicious.

Baked sweet potatoes are always a nice side dish. They also make a great weeknight meal if you top them well. You’ll find several of my favorite flavor variations below.

sweet potatoes before and after baking

In my baked sweet potato recipe testing, I was surprised to find so many parallels to baked potatoes. It’s easy to lump sweet potatoes (commonly called yams) and potatoes together, but they come from different plant families. They’re only distantly related, but I’ve realized that they do bake up similarly.

Both are best baked in the oven without foil, directly on the rack, at high heat. You’ll learn why and find the full recipe below!

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Favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette

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balsamic vinaigrette recipe

This balsamic vinaigrette recipe deserves a moment in the spotlight. When you’re improvising a seasonal salad, no matter how simple or elaborate, balsamic vinaigrette is always an excellent choice. It’s a classic for a reason, and I love the lightly figgy flavor that balsamic vinegar imparts.

This balsamic dressing strikes a delicate balance between tangy and sweet. It’s just right.

balsamic vinaigrette ingredients

This homemade balsamic vinaigrette calls for basic pantry ingredients, yet tastes far superior to any store-bought dressing. This is true for all homemade salad dressings, even when they’re made exclusively with pantry ingredients like this one.

I can’t entirely explain why freshly-combined basic ingredients taste so much better than pre-made dressing from the same pantry shelf, but the difference is undeniable. It’ll smack you right over the head.

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What to Cook This December

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December recipes

December has arrived quicker than ever! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. This year, I have much to be thankful for, including your patience as I ramp back up on recipe development. Each post is a full production starting with recipe brainstorming and research, grocery shopping, testing (lots of testing), photography, photo editing and finally, writing!

Did you know that some recipes are in the works for over a year, sometimes two? It’s true. I’m learning how to work through this process with an adorable and busy baby girl nearby. She’s really more of a toddler these days, which is hard to believe.

More recipes will be coming your way soon, including a few yet-to-be-seen recipes saved from maternity leave. I’ve also been working on some brand new recipes that my trusty assistant, Megan, is testing from home. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you in the New Year.

Below, you’ll find a collection of healthy recipes to carry us through December and the holiday season. Cooking with fresh, seasonal produce is generally more delicious and also more affordable. One last thing—if you’re shopping for a gift for a loved one or coworker or host, I hear that my cookbook makes a great one. It’s on sale for about $15 on Amazon right now. Stay well, eat well, and happy holidays!

Apples

Gluten-free apple crisp recipe, perfect for the holidays!

Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)

“Amazing recipe (as always!!). I followed exactly, including the 2 tbsp of water and 2 whisky (Canada) as per recommendations. I used Courtland apples and also added the Greek yogurt to the topping which I have never done in a crumble and it was amazing. Honestly best crumble hands down (GF or otherwise!)” – Giselle

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35+ Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes

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vegetarian thanksgiving recipes

Thanksgiving is just two days away! What are you making? We’re attending a big family dinner and everyone is bringing a dish—we’ve been asked to bring this arugula and wild rice salad again this year. Whether you’re vegetarian/vegan or interested in fun veggie-forward dishes, I hope you’ll discover the perfect last-minute recipe in this roundup.

You’ll find plenty of colorful main dishes in the list. From veggie lasagna to stuffed acorn squash, these recipes will appeal to everyone. My cookbook, Love Real Food, offers some delicious entrées as well: Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (page 144), Roasted Eggplant Lasagna (page 163), and Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas, and Herbed Tahini Sauce (page 186).

You’ll also find hearty green salads, many of which could serve as a main in sufficient quantity. Plus creamy soups, a whole section for potatoes and sweet potatoes, and more savory side dishes. The recipes that are gluten free and/or vegan are labeled accordingly.

At the end of the post, you’ll find links to recipes that will round out Thanksgiving Day, including breakfast options and appetizers. Check out Thanksgiving-worthy cocktails here. For even more ideas, see my full Thanksgiving archives or use the search bar if you’re looking for something in particular. Enjoy!

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