
Hello! Do you enjoy Cooking?
This page is all about sharing my favorite recipes. Kind of a cooking Vlog! Here I will share recipes, blogs, and instructional videos on various cooking techniques and recipes. You will see me try, fail, and hopefully succeed some of the time.

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Taco Pie with Mushrooms
Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we're diving into the world of savory comfort food with a twist – Taco Pie featuring mushrooms and adobo seasoning! This recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Join us as we take you through each step of creating this mouthwatering dish. From sautéing the earthy mushrooms to seasoning them with aromatic adobo spices, every moment in the kitchen is a culinary adventure. What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of ingredients – the umami-rich mushrooms complemented by the bold flavors of adobo seasoning, all nestled within a golden, flaky crust. Whether you're cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this Taco Pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. As we cook, we'll share helpful tips and tricks to ensure your Taco Pie turns out perfectly every time. Plus, we'll discuss the versatility of adobo seasoning and how it can elevate a wide range of dishes beyond just tacos. So, grab your apron and join us in the kitchen as we embark on a flavor-packed journey. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration. Let's cook up something amazing together!
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Shepherds Pie... or is it?
Join me on Simmer and Smile with Jess as I navigate the hilarious and hearty world of Shepherd’s Pie! We'll sort out the difference between Shepherd’s Pie (with lamb) and Cottage Pie (with beef), then dive into a step-by-step (and laugh-filled) guide to making this comfort food classic. From peeling Yukon Gold potatoes to mastering the art of browning ground beef and creating a savory sauce, this recipe is packed with tips, tricks, and a few kitchen mishaps. Perfect for family dinners or impressing your friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Check out the full post for all the details, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own pie-making adventures!

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Million Dollar Spaghetti & Sourdough Focaccia
Welcome to another delicious episode of Simmer and Smile with Jess! Today, I'm whipping up one of my family's all-time favorites: Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish is perfect for any family gathering, and we’re preparing it for our late Valentine's Day celebration with my brother-in-law, his wife, my mother-in-law, my niece and nephew, and my husband. As a special bonus, I'm also baking some focaccia bread using my sourdough starter discard. I'll show you how to measure ingredients accurately with a food scale and mix the dough using a stand mixer. Join me in the kitchen as we create this hearty, cheesy spaghetti bake and a flavorful focaccia bread.
Happy cooking!
Healthy Dinner Eats Series: Recipe 1 - Delicious Bruschetta Chicken under 500 Calories
Welcome to the first installment of my Healthy Dinner Eats series! I’m kicking things off with a recipe that’s as flavorful as it is nutritious: Bruschetta Chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for something fresh and satisfying. Even better, it’s under 500 calories, making it a guilt-free choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
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Fresh and Flavorful: A delicious medley of juicy tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze takes center stage.
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Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it keeps you full and energized.
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Simple to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip this up in no time.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
For the Chicken Marinade:
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3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bruschetta Topping:
1 cup Mozzarella cheese
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1 cup diced Roma tomatoes (about 2-3 medium tomatoes)
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1 Red onion
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1 small garlic clove, minced (I love garlic, I do 3 or 4)
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2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (Again, I add more cause basil is my fave)
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Marinate the chicken thighs for at least an hour (the longer, the better) with the olive oil and seasonings above.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 2: Make the Bruschetta Topping
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While the chicken bakes, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
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Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
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Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and spoon the bruschetta topping over each piece.
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Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Place back into the oven for about 10 minutes, long enough to warm the tomatoes and melt the cheese.
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Serve immediately with zucchini noodles, quinoa, or a salad. And garnish with balsamic glaze.
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Calories: ~475 (if you add a side dish it will increase all these numbers)
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Fat: 26g
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Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success:
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Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
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Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil to make the bruschetta topping shine.
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Customize: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping if you like a bit of heat.
This Bruschetta Chicken recipe is proof that healthy eating can be exciting and full of flavor. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—share your creations and variations in the comments or on social media using #HealthyDinnerEats. Stay tuned for more tasty recipes in this series!
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