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My mom was the queen of apple pies during the holidays, and then we bought Hotel Di Prima and opened as The Would Restaurant in 1974, where she became the pie-making legend for all our customers. Back when we were kids, she'd send us out to the orchard to gather drops from the trees. It was her way of giving us a little punishment, hahaha! This pie is super simple. My mom would just use whatever was growing in our backyard. The restaurant was smack in the middle of an apple

A summer jalapeño plant can go from “cute little harvest” to “what do I do with all these peppers?” almost overnight. That is the fun part. Jalapeños are easy to use fresh, simple to preserve, and flexible enough for snacks, sauces, jars of nacho toppings, and bright pickles with big flavor. The key is to treat them like more than heat. Jalapeños can taste grassy, smoky, sweet, tangy, or rich depending on how you cook and season them. These fresh ways to enjoy your summer jal

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Chef Claire, and I’m thrilled to share my culinary world with you. Cooking is more than just preparing food - it’s about creating moments, sharing stories, and bringing people together. Whether you’re here to learn new recipes, join a cooking class, or enjoy a cozy dinner party, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the flavors, techniques, and warmth that make my kitchen a special place. Exploring the Chef Claire Website - Your Gateway to Flav

Freezing Corn Without Blanching: A Simple Guide Freezing corn can be super easy! Here’s how you can do it without the hassle of blanching. What You Need Fresh corn on the cob Freezer bags or airtight containers Steps Shuck the corn and remove all the silk. Cut the kernels off the cob. You can use a knife or a corn stripper. Spread the kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer the kernels to freezer bags or containers o

Baking is more than just mixing ingredients and heating them up. It’s a joyful, creative process that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas. If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own bread, cakes, or pastries, now is the perfect time to start. Thanks to the rise of online classes, you can begin your baking journey right from your kitchen. Whether you’re a complete novice or just looking to sharpen your skills, a beginner online baking workshop can open up a world o

Great sourdough pizza in an Ooni is all about timing. The oven cooks fast, the crust chars fast, and the dough tells on you fast if it is too cold, too wet, or under-fermented. That is also what makes it so rewarding. A good sourdough dough brings flavor that regular same-day dough cannot match. The Ooni brings the heat for a blistered, airy crust with crisp edges and a soft center. Put the two together well, and you get pizza that feels close to a wood-fired pizzeria pie wit

There is something wonderfully comforting about pulling a baking dish of stuffed peppers from the oven. The peppers soften and sweeten, the sausage filling turns savory and rich, and the cheese melts into every little pocket of rice and tomato. It is the kind of meal that feels generous without being fussy. This recipe makes classic stuffed peppers with sausage filling, using bell peppers, Italian sausage, rice, tomatoes, herbs, and a golden layer of cheese. It is cozy enough

Asian Cucumber Salad Ingredients 2 large cucumbers, remove seeds and julienne 1 cup julienne carrots 1 cup julienne bell peppers (red and yellow) 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Dressing 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon minced garlic Instructions In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, julienne carrots, bell peppers, green onio

Cherry tomatoes do something special in a hot oven. They wrinkle, burst, and turn sweet at the edges while their juices mingle with olive oil and garlic. Add cool fresh mozzarella and a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you have a simple dish that tastes like late summer on a plate. This roasted cherry tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and balsamic glaze recipe works as an appetizer, side dish, light lunch, or topping for toasted bread. It is unfussy, colorful, and ready in

There is a point in summer when zucchini stops feeling like a vegetable and starts acting like a roommate. It appears on the counter, in the crisper drawer, on the porch from a generous neighbor, and somehow under a dish towel you forgot about. The good news is that zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to turn into dinner, snacks, breakfast, and dessert. Its mild flavor works with cheese, herbs, garlic, browned butter, cinnamon, chocolate, and lemon. Its high water conte

What Makes Old-Fashioned Italian Squash Blossoms So Good Old-fashioned Italian cooking has a way of making the most out of what is right in front of you. Squash blossoms are a perfect example. The blossoms are delicate, but they have a mild flavor that works beautifully with a thin batter. They should not be buried under heavy breading or too much cheese. When made well, the flower stays tender inside while the outside turns light and crisp. Aunt Maddie’s and Aunt Pat's versi

Why Choose Spatchcock Chicken? Why spatchcock chicken? Well, it cooks more evenly and faster than roasting a whole chicken. Plus, it's perfect for a summer dinner and saves you money since buying it pre-spatchcocked costs a lot more. It's super easy to do, and if you love cooking, it's a fun little adventure! The Benefits of Spatchcocking Spatchcocking is a technique that involves removing the backbone of the chicken. This allows the bird to lay flat while cooking. Here are s

How to use scapes

Spatchcocking a chicken transforms the way you cook poultry. Instead of roasting a whole bird the traditional way, spatchcocking involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken. This technique helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. If you want to elevate your chicken dishes with minimal effort, learning how to spatchcock a chicken is a must. Spatchcocked chicken ready for seasoning and cooking What Is Spatchcocking an

Cherry pitting can be a tedious task, but mastering the right techniques makes it faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re preparing cherries for pies, jams, or fresh eating, removing the pits efficiently is key to a great result. This guide covers everything you need to know about cherry pitting, from tools and methods to tips that save time and reduce mess. Cherry pitter tool in action removing pit from ripe cherry Why Proper Cherry Pitting Matters Pitting cherri

Peaches are a delicious summer treat, but their fuzzy skin can sometimes get in the way of enjoying their juicy flesh. Whether you're preparing peaches for a pie, jam, or simply want to enjoy them fresh without the skin, knowing how to peel peaches properly makes a big difference. This guide walks you through simple, effective methods to peel peaches perfectly every time. Peach being peeled with a paring knife Why Peel Peaches? Peach skin is edible and packed with nutrients,

Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that often flies under the radar in many kitchens. Its slightly bitter flavor and tender stalks make it a unique ingredient that adds depth to a variety of dishes. Beyond its distinctive taste, broccoli rabe offers a range of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. This post explores what makes broccoli rabe special, how it supports health, and practical ways to enjoy it in your cooki

Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit loved by many, but cutting them can often feel tricky and messy. Their large seed and slippery flesh make it hard to get perfect slices without wasting fruit or struggling with your knife. If you’ve ever hesitated to prepare a mango because of the hassle, this guide will change that. You will learn simple, effective ways to cut mangoes with ease, making your experience enjoyable and efficient. While there are over 1,000 varieties of mang

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