Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a robust and rich chili made with beef roast that includes deeply flavored Mexican chilies and spices all simmered together in a stew-like dish. This is a Texas style chili and it's made of mostly beef and chili sauce without lots of added fillers.

It uses a generous amount of browned beef chuck chunks rather than ground hamburger and this really builds up the meaty flavor. Whole dried chilies are used in place of pre-ground store-bought chili powder, and those chilies are toasted in a skillet then soaked in liquid and pureed in a blender to build the base of this hearty chili.

The chili is simmered low and slow on the stovetop for well harmonized depth of flavor and to tenderize the beef.

It's an impressive made from scratch chili that may seem intimidating at first but once you try it you'll see it's easier to make than you'd think.

It's also a tasty change from the original style chili and you may find tasters to love it even more, especially meat lovers! Plus it could just win your next chili cook off!

Chicken Noodle Soup with Corn and Bacon!

Can you add corn to chicken noodle soup? Absolutely and it makes such a delicious soup!

That's just what you get in this soup recipe. It's like chicken noodle soup upgraded with fresh juicy corn, plus we dot it in some bacon and blend in some cream for good measure.

It's also similar to a chowder, and it's adaptable to what you have on hand (as usual see ideas below). For instance you can replace bacon with ham or make this Pennsylvania Dutch style with homemade mini dumplings called rivels in place of noodles (making the soup completely from scratch!).

Pair it with a slice of buttered homemade bread and a simple garden fresh salad with a homemade herby ranch for the most comforting homestyle dinner!

A Summery Corn Salsa Recipe

Corn salsa that's much better than Chipotle! It's a healthy dip that also doubles well as a side dish.

Fresh corn and bell pepper are fire roasted over a hot grill or gas stove flame for a beautiful smokey char, then it's tossed with a colorful plethora of other complementary fresh Mexican-style ingredients.

It has such a tantalizing blend of flavors that's is makes the perfect chip dip, or its delicious served over salmon, shrimp, chicken or beef (we love the salmon option).

Plus it's a versatile salsa with lots of ways to switch things up (see ideas below).

It's best made in season when you can get prime sweet yellow corn, but during the colder months try it with frozen corn too.

Homemade Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving Chipotle but want to eat at home. Made with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, tender chicken, and all the best toppings, it’s nutritious and delicious recipe the whole family will agree on. 

Plus, it’s easy to customize and great to make ahead of time for meal prep. You’ll find this chicken burrito bowl recipe is the perfect option to feed a crowd, pack for lunch, or whip up for a quick weeknight meal. 

In fact, these burrito bowls are so tasty you may never go back to restaurant versions again! I’ll show you how to cook, assemble, and store them for easy meals whenever a craving hits. 

What is an Elote?

Elotes, also known as grilled Elote Mexicano, Mexican street corn, or Mexican grilled corn, is a popular Mexican street food. “Elote” means “corn on the cob” in Spanish, and the recipe consists of corn on the cob that has been grilled and slathered with a mayo or crema sauce, topped with Cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder.

In Mexico, it is sold to locals and tourists from street carts much like pretzels or hot dogs in New York. Once you try elotes for the first time you'll be wondering "Where has this been all my life?!"

It's perfectly juicy and crisp, it has a delicious balance of sweet and spicy heat, the creamy coating with a zip of lime and chili powder perfectly compliments it's mellow flavor, and the cheese finish makes it amazingly crave-worthy.

This is a side dish you do not want to miss out on! I'd dare say it's a summer staple and should regularly be added to the dinner rotation.

Where Did Cucumber Sandwiches Originate? 

Cucumber sandwiches are often thought of as an English tradition. So, you might be surprised to learn that they were originally created in India. From there, they spread to China, the Middle East, and Europe. 

It is said that the sandwiches were created by British colonists in India who were trying to find foods that would fill their bellies and relieve them from the intense heat. The sandwiches then made their way back to England and became a staple component of Victorian-era high teas. 

Today, they remain a popular recipe and are enjoyed all over the world. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s not hard to see why they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. I’ll show you how to make them in minutes for the perfect snack, appetizer, or light lunch! 

What is Beef Shawarma?

If you’ve never had beef shawarma, you’re in for a treat.! A famous Middle Eastern street food, shawarma is made with chicken or beef that is heavily marinated in oil, lemon juice, and warm spices. Then, it is placed on a vertical rotisserie or spit and slow-roasted for days until it is unbelievably tender. 

Most commonly, it is shaved off and served stuffed into bread with fresh toppings and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki. However, you can also find it presented as part of a platter along with sides like tabbouleh and hummus. No matter how it’s plated, it’s always incredible and is guaranteed to leave you coming back for more. 

Don’t worry, though. You don’t need a fancy spit to make your own beef shawarma at home. I’ll show you how to create the same bold flavor and tender texture by searing on the stovetop instead! 

What Is Shish Tawook?

In the Turkish language, “shish” means skewer, and “tawook,” also sometimes spelled tauk, means chicken. Put together, the two translate to mean chicken skewer or chicken kebab. 

Believed to have first been served during the Ottoman Empire, shish tawook quickly became popular throughout the entire Middle East, spreading into Egypt and Levant during the Ottoman’s rule. 

It features pieces of chicken that are soaked in a yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon juice, and lots of warm spices. It is then grilled or baked until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. 

Thanks to the marinade, chicken shish tawook always turns out juicy and is virtually fail proof. It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes and is always what I order when we dine at Middle Eastern restaurants. Luckily, it’s simple to make at home, too! 

What’s the difference between chicken shish tawook and chicken shawarma? 

Both dishes are made with boneless skinless chicken and Middle Eastern spices, but they are not the same. There are key differences in how the two recipes are created and prepared. 

• Shish tawook is created with a creamy, yogurt-based marinade that features garlic, warm seasonings, and tomato paste. As a result, it has a rich, bold flavor and a distinct hue. 
• Alternatively, shawarma does not use yogurt or tomato paste. Instead, an olive oil-based marinade creates a stronger citrus flavor with warmer seasonings and a slightly spicier flavor. 
• Traditionally, shish tawook is grilled on skewers, and shawarma roasts long and slow on a spit. Although, you can also make oven baked chicken shawarma at home.

What Is Tabbouleh? 

Tabbouleh, also known as tabouli or tabbouleh salad, is a popular Middle Eastern side dish. No matter how it is spelled, the root of the word comes from the Arabic word ‘taabil’ which means to season or spice. The dish is believed to be more than 4,000 years old, having first been eaten by people in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria. 

Today, there are many variations of the dish, but it always consists of fresh produce and contains a few staple ingredients such as bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice.

With its satisfying texture and a bright, savory flavor, it’s not hard to see why tabbouleh has quickly grown in popularity throughout the world. In fact, it’s won over the heart of so many that the first Saturday of July is known as National Tabbouleh Day in Lebanon. 

If you’ve never had it, tabbouleh is sure to become a fast favorite in your home.  

Is It Healthy? 

Generally speaking, tabbouleh is an extremely healthy dish. Naturally nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian, it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, making it a nutritious option. 

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta 

This tomato pasta recipe is one of my go-to options for busy weeknights. Made with just one pot and a saucepan, it’s ready in just a little over 30 minutes. You really can’t go wrong. 

If you’ve never had sun-dried tomatoes in pasta, prepare to be amazed. They’re one of my favorite ways to spruce up a simple dish with a pop of color and a rich, savory, slightly smokey flavor. 

I love to include them in recipes like my sun dried tomato basil and Parmesan orzo with chicken and this spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. However, this tomato pasta might be my favorite sun-dried tomato recipe yet. 

Made with al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s rich, creamy, and unbelievably satisfying. Plus, it features fresh spinach for a boost of nutrients and fiber. 

Basically, this sun dried tomato pasta has everything you could want in a homemade dinner and more. Quick to make, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. It’s sure to have all of your guests coming back for more!