Chef John’s Pavlova with Strawberries
With whipped cream and strawberries, this delicate meringue dessert has a sweet, gooey crunch that goes perfectly.

Set the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees C).

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line a baking sheet.

In a bowl, stir together cornstarch and sugar.

Place aside.

Egg whites should be beaten in a bowl for two to three minutes, or until foamy and ribbon-like in texture.

Pour a quarter of the sugar mixture into the egg whites and whisk for 30 seconds or until completely combined.

Repeat with the remaining sugar mixture, whisking after each addition, until the egg whites are glossy and thick.

Pour the vinegar and vanilla into the egg white mixture, and whisk until the egg whites form a sharp peak that holds its shape for two to three minutes.

ArnoldGreg July 18, 2024

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Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Ginger-Shiitake Brown Butter
A sake-mirin browned butter sauce lends an Asian touch to these lovely filet mignons.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat until lightly smoking.

Season filets to taste with salt and pepper.

Sear until golden brown on both sides about 3 minutes per side.

Transfer to oven and cook to desired doneness about 12 minutes for medium-rare.

When done allow steaks to rest out of the pan for 5 minutes.

ArnoldGreg July 17, 2024

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Pecan Crusted Chocolate Truffle Pie
As a pastry chef, I’ve created a variety of desserts that can be served during Passover. This should be made all year long and not just for the holiday! Add any fresh berries in season as a garnish.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a medium bowl mix together the pecans 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter and miniature chocolate chips.

Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Cool completely.

In a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water combine 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips and 1/2 cup butter.

Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

ArnoldGreg July 16, 2024

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Homemade Elderberry Gummy Vitamins
Try making your own gummy vitamins without artificial colors and flavors. This version contains elderberries, hibiscus flower, rosehips, ginger, and honey.

In a large saucepan, combine the elderberries, distilled water, rosehips, hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves.

Bring to a boil.

Simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally at low heat.

Squeeze all the juice from the berries out of the mixture and strain it through a sieve into a bowl.

Throw away solids.

Refill the saucepan with liquid and heat it gently.

Gelatin should be sprinkled on top and whisked into solution.

Once the mixture is warm but not hot, turn off the heat and let it cool.

Add honey or strawberry puree and stir until combined.

Pour the mixture right away into 9×13-inch baking pan that has been lightly greasing with coconut oil, fun silicone molds.

Spend about 30 minutes in the refrigerator to harden.

Cut gummies into pieces or remove them from the molds.

Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

ArnoldGreg July 15, 2024

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Butternut Squash Caprese Salad
This butternut squash salad is a great way to add vegetables to your Thanksgiving holiday dinner table or for a vegetarian feast.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place butternut squash in a bowl and toss with olive oil salt and black pepper.

Spread onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven until tender 25 to 30 minutes.

Cube avocado and place in a salad bowl.

Add roasted squash tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Combine olive oil vinegar mustard and garlic in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Pour dressing over salad and toss.

ArnoldGreg July 14, 2024

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Grilled Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter
Fresh corn on the cob’s sweet flavor is accentuated by being grilled in their husks and served with a cilantro and lime compound butter.

Cream butter in a bowl until smooth; mix in cilantro lime juice and cayenne pepper until thoroughly combined.

Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to blend flavors.

Peel husks back from ears of corn starting at the top leaving the husks attached at the bottom of the ears.

Remove all the corn silk and close husks over the ears again.

Cover corn ears with cold water in a large bowl until husks are thoroughly soaked about 20 minutes.

Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.

Place the corn in husks onto the hot grate and grill covered until husks are charred and the corn kernels are tender 20 to 25 minutes turning often.

Strip off husks and serve corn with cilantro lime butter.

ArnoldGreg July 13, 2024

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Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
Boxed Swiss chocolate cake mix and homemade chocolate whipped cream are used in this chocolate rendition of a traditional Mexican dessert.

Set oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees C).

Butter, flour, and a 9×13-inch pan should be prepared.

With an electric hand mixer set to low speed, combine cake mix, chocolate milk, canola oil, eggs, and espresso powder in a large bowl.

Continue mixing until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional two minutes before pouring into the prepared pan.

About 35 minutes into baking in the preheated oven, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Once the cake is no longer hot to the touch, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan.

Make numerous holes in the cake with a small skewer or a fork while it’s still warm.

ArnoldGreg July 12, 2024

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Easy White Chicken Enchiladas
These white chicken enchiladas are a cinch to make with ingredients right off the shelf. The only skill required is in measuring, the rest just works itself out!

Set oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees C).

Spray some cooking spray in an 8×8-inch glass baking dish.

Salsa, sour cream, and softened cream cheese are blended together.

Stir in the chicken and cheese shavings.

The bottom of the baking dish should be coated with a thin layer of white cheese sauce.

Divide the filling among the tortillas evenly, and then roll each into a sturdy cylinder.

Place in the baking dish that has been prepared and top with remaining sauce.

Bake for about 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until golden and bubbly.

5 minutes of rest is required before serving.

ArnoldGreg July 11, 2024

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Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are baked with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese for an easy family-pleasing dinner.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pesto sauce onto each flattened chicken breast.

Place one slice of cheese over the pesto.

Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.

Place in a lightly greased baking dish.

ArnoldGreg July 10, 2024

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Red Velvet Cheesecake with Buttercream Frosting
This towering red velvet cake with cheesecake layers and buttercream frosting is similar to the one served at The Cheesecake Factory.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place a pan of hot water in the bottom of the oven.

Line two 9-inch springform pans with aluminum foil; grease with cooking spray.

Beat cream cheese in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth about 3 minutes.

Add 1 1/2 cup white sugar and cornstarch; beat until smooth.

Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Beat in 2 eggs and 2 egg whites 2 at a time until batter is creamy.

Add heavy cream; beat just until batter is free of lumps and fluffy.

Divide batter between the prepared pans.

ArnoldGreg July 9, 2024

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