Chicken, Spinach, & Artichoke Soup

Soup season is slowly making its way to a close, but before it’s over this chicken, spinach, & artichoke soup from Sarah DiGregorio is a MUST MAKE. The recipe can be made on the stovetop, but I made it in the crockpot because nothing is better than low and slow. The recipe calls for frozen spinach, but I used fresh and it still came out great, I used about 2 Cups but it’s totally your call!

Ingredients

  • 2 TBSP Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 3 Celery Stalks, chopped
  • 8 Garlic Cloves, smashed & chopped
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1 Cup Chicken Stock
  • 1/2 Cup White Wine
  • 1/2 Lemon, Juiced
  • 1 TSP Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 10oz Package Frozen Cut Spinach, or 2 Cups Fresh Spinach
  • 1 10oz Jar Marinated Artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/2 Cup Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Fresh Dill or 2 TBSP Dried Dill
  • Scallions & Grated Parm for topping

Let’s Get Cooking

In a large skillet, melt the butter over MED-HIGH heat. Add in the onion and season lightly with salt, stir until soften and translucent. Add in the celery + garlic and stir until soften, lower the heat if needed to avoid burning. Pour the mixture into a slow cooker.

To the slow cooker, add in chicken thighs + stock + wine + lemon juice. Season with red pepper flakes + 1 TSP Salt + black pepper and mix well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. ** The dish can stay on the warm setting for a few hours following the cook time if needed **

About 20 min before you’re ready to eat, add in the spinach + artichoke hearts to the slow cooker and cook on low until the spinach can be stirred into the soup.

Add in the cream cheese + dill and stir until the cream cheese melts in.

Shred the chicken and serve in bowls, topping with parm and scallions.

Made with Love,

Hannah

“Pickle My Funny Bone” Burger

I am a pickle girl, as I am sure I have shared before, so of course I had to make this fried pickle burger by our BFF Bob. It is one of the more simple burgers that Mr. Belcher has to offer, with fried pickles and a spicy mayo being the stars of the show; but don’t let simple fool you, because DAMN it’s good.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable/Canola Oil for Frying
  • 1/3 Cup Flour
  • 1/3 Cup Cornmeal
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 TBSP Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 TSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 16 oz jar Kosher Dill Pickle Chips
  • 4 Hamburger Buns
  • 1/2 Cup Mayo
  • 1 TBSP Frank’s Red Hot
  • 1 TSP Ketchup
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • Green Leaf Lettuce

Let’s Get Cooking

In a deep saucepan, heat about an inch of oil to 350F.

Mix the flour + cornmeal + seasoning + red pepper flakes in a large bowl. In a small bowl, crack the egg and beat it.

Drain the pickle chips and pat dry. Dunk the pickles in the eggs and then dredge in the seasoned flour. Fry the coated pickle chips in small batches until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon. Be sure to check the oil temperature between batches.

In a bowl, mix together mayo + hot sauce + ketchup, adjusting per your taste.

Form the beef into 4 patties, season both sides with salt + pepper, and cook to your liking.

To build the burger: bottom bun, lettuce, burger, fried pickles, spicy mayo, top bun.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Crispy Tofu Bowls

I live by the motto; “I will try anything once”. Well, I tried tofu once, and I fucking hated it. The texture about sent me over the edge. Now I’m always open to second chances so I thought I would try tofu again and I am so happy that I did. I am trying to do a few meatless Mondays and I decided that I would give tofu another shot. I am so grateful for Yummy Bowl’s guidance on making this delicious crispy tofu that makes a perfect weeknight dinner. I also love that since making a large batch, it reheats brilliantly in the air fryer.

Ingredients

  • 1 pack Extra Firm or Firm Tofu
  • 2-3 TBSP Sesame Oil
  • 2 TBSP Cornstarch
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 1 TBSP Soy Sauce
  • 1 TSP Honey
  • 1 TSP Red Pepper Flakes

For Bowls:

  • Cooked Rice
  • Cucumbers, sliced
  • Kimchi
  • Nori
  • Avocado
  • Cream Cheese
  • Edamame

Start with draining the tofu and place it in between paper towels with a weight on top to get out as much water as possible.

Once you have most of the water out, cut the tofu into thick cubes, about 2-3 inches. In smaller batches toss the pieces in cornstarch until fully covered. Season with salt + pepper

Heat the sesame oil in a large non-stick pan. In batches, pan-fry the tofu until they are browned and crispy on all sides, taking about 2-3 minutes on each side. This does take a little more time, but just take a few deep breaths and take a moment to be mindful.

Once all the tofu is cooked, place back into the pan & add in the soy sauce + honey + red pepper flakes. Toss to coat then add to a bowl with the ingredients of your choosing!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Shakshuka

I do not know what it is about Shakshuka, but every time I saw photos of this dish I had a burning desire to make it. Shakshuka is a Maghrebi dish, originating in North Africa. It’s often a dish served for breakfast but I decided to follow Downshiftology’s recipe and create a ‘breakfast for dinner’ moment. I paired this with some homemade sourdough bread, as this dish is perfect for dipping. You definitely do not want any of those eggy-tomatoey bits to go to waste!

Ingredients

  • 2 TBSP Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion, diced
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded & diced
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 TSP Paprika
  • 1 TSP Cumin
  • 1/4 TSP Chili Powder
  • 1 28oz can Whole Peeled Tomatoes/ I used diced tomatoes & worked out perfectly
  • 2 eggs [ it’s just me so obvi of there are more of you cook 2 eggs per person]
  • 1 TSP Cilantro
  • 1 TSP Parsley
  • 1 bunch fresh Mint

Let’s Get Cooking

Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan on MED heat.

Add in the bell pepper + onion and cook for about 5 min, until the onion becomes translucent. Add in garlic + paprika + cumin + chili powder and mix well to incorporate.

Pour in the tomatoes + juice and using a wooden spatula break down the tomatoes, you can skip this part if you are using chopped tomatoes. Season with salt + pepper and bring to a simmer

Using a large spoon, make a well into the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cook the egg for about 5-8 minutes or until your liking.

Top with parsley + cilantro + mint & serve with crusty bread.

I hope this dish lives up to your hopes like it did for me.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Gnocchi Leek Soup with Greens

Wowee, another January means Hangry Hannah turns 4! The final months of 2023 caused me to put this blog on the back burner as I focused on building up clientele in my private practice. During that time I was still cooking, so I am excited to share some of the recipes that I was making. I recently made this soup as during this past weekend we got hit with Winter Storm Ember. It comes from Bon Appetit’s Feb 2024 issue that focuses on ‘cozy’ recipes, which are right up my alley, especially at this time of year. The broth is light and lemony, but fills you up with the kale and gnocchi.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 Large Leeks, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced, divided
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 Lemon, halved, seeds removed
  • 2 TBSP Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Parmesan Rind [optional] + shaved parm for serving
  • 6 Cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
  • 1 1lb package Shelf-Stable Gnocchi
  • 2 packed Cups of torn Tuscan Kale
  • Dill for serving

Let’s Get Cooking

Heat oil in a large pot. Cook 1/4 of the leeks, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain through a fine-mesh sieve and set over a small bowl, immediately season with salt & toss to combine, set aside.

In the same large pot, heat 1 TBSP of the reserved leek oil. Cook lemon, cut side down, until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes, and transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to MED, melt butter in the pot. Add in the remaining leeks, season with salt, and cook until softened, without taking on too much color, about 5 minutes.

Return lemon to pot & add parmesan rind, broth, and few grinds of pepper; season with salt. Increase heat to high and bring broth to boil. Reduce heat to MED; simmer until reduced slightly and broth smells lemonly, about 15 minutes.

Using tongs, fish out lemon halves, squeezing gently to add some juice to pot & discard. Remove parm rind and discard. Add gnocchi to pot and simmer until cooked through about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add kale, and stir until just wilted.

Ladle soup into bowls & top with dill + shaved parm + crispy reserved leeks; season with more pepper.

Cozy up & enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Nashville Hot Chicken Strips

It’s winter here in Ohio, with our first lake-effect snow. I had a lovely morning by skidding into a telephone pole/wire so I figured I deserved all the treats for the rest of the day. I was craving something spicy and fried so I decided to take a shot at making my own Nashville hot chicken, with the help of Delish. The key here, like always, is to BRINE YOUR CHICKEN IN PICKLE JUICE. I am telling you it’s a game changer. I only made a single serving of this so obviously, double if you are making for more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • Reserved Pickle Juice
  • 1 Chicken breast, sliced into tenders
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 TBSP Hot Sauce of your choosing
  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 TSP Paprika
  • 1 TSP Cayenne Pepper
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 4 Cups Vegetable Oil for frying

For Nashville Hot Sauce:

  • 2 TBSP Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 TBSP Brown Sugar
  • 1 TBSP Paprika
  • 1 TSP Garlic Powder [ I didn’t have so I used one clove of garlic]
  • 1 TSP Chili Powder
  • 1 TSP Salt

Let’s Get Cooking

Brine your chicken in pickle juice for about 2 hours. I keep my leftover empty pickle jars and put the chicken into the jar to brine.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a metal rack.

In a shallow bowl whisk together milk + eggs + hot sauce. In another bowl combine flour + paprika + cayenne + salt + pepper. Pat the chicken dry & cut into slices. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the flour once again and place on the wire wrack. Place in the fridge once all dredged for about 20 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat the oil until it reads 350F. Scoop out 1/2 cup hot oil and add to a pot. Working in batches if needed, cook the chicken for about 6 minutes each side.

To make the Nashville hot sauce add the cayenne + brown sugar + paprika + garlic powder + chili powder + salt to the pot with the hot oil. Mix well to combine.

Once the chicken is cooked, brush the Nashville hot sauce over the chicken. Don’t forget to serve with pickles!

Made with Love,

Hannah

“I’ve Created a Muenster” Burger

If you are feeling in a spooky mood this Halloween season this simple burger is a great way to celebrate! I am not a mushroom gal so no mushrooms for me on my burger, but my mom and brother loved them! This is another recipe from Bob’s burger recipe book and he still hasn’t failed me yet; and don’t forget the fries!

Ingredients

  • 1 10oz Package White Button Mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 TBSP Butter
  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 8 Thick Slices Muenster Cheese
  • 4 Buns
  • Green Leaf or Boston Lettuce
  • Ketchup

Let’s Get Cooking

Saute the mushrooms in the butter over MED-HIGH heat until they are limp and light brown

Form 4 patties and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook the burgers to your preferred doneness, I always go for a Medium Rare, so about 6 min per side.

While the burgers are over the heat, put one slice of Muenster on each burger. Then pile on a scoop of mushrooms and then a second slice of Muenster to hold the mushrooms together. [If you’re like me and want no mushrooms, I still went for 2 slices of cheese, the more cheese the better!]

To build the burger: Bottom bun, lettuce, cheesy mushroom burger, a dash of ketchup, and top bun.

Happy Halloween, enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Spicy Sardines Pasta

I am mad at myself for being so late on the tinned fish game. I had these spicy sardines from the Tinned Fish Market and pasta sounded like the perfect thing to add them to. This recipe comes from Crafty Cooking Mama and it turned out great! With it just being me the sauce made enough for left overs for the next night! Feel free to use whatever kind of sardines you like, I used spicy ones to add an extra kick.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Onion, minced
  • 3 TBSP Olive Oil
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1/4 Cup White Wine
  • 3 Cups Crushed Tomates
  • 1 TSP Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 TSP Dried Basil
  • 1/2 TSP Salt
  • 1/2 TSP Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 TSP Dried Parsley
  • 3 Sardines + a little oil from the tin
  • Spaghetti of your choice
  • Salt + Pepper

Let’s Get Cooking

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Saute the onions until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for a minute. Add in the white wine and scrape the pan to deglaze.

Add in the crushed tomatoes + red pepper + basil + salt + oregano + parsley and simmer covered for about 15-20 min.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 Cup of the pasta water and add to the sauce.

After simmering, add in the sardines + a little of the oil and simmer on low for about 10 min, use your spatula to break up some of the sardines. Add more red pepper if needed.

Add in the pasta and stir well to combine.

Plate & enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Crab Cakes

Being in mostly land-locked Ohio, I don’t always get access to seafood, which I love very dearly. I was craving crab cakes the other day and rather than trust a restaurant, I figured I’d make them myself, thanks to a recipe from Instagram by GetFitwithNeil. Check out your local fish monger to get some fresh lump crab!

Ingredients

  • 1 LB Jumbo Lump Crab Meat,
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 1/2 TBSP Mayo
  • 1 1/2 TSP Dijon Mustard, I’ve used whole grain as well and it’s good
  • 1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 TSP Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/4 TSP Salt
  • 2 TBSP Fresh Parsley, I do 1 TBSP Dry
  • 1/2 Cup Panko
  • 1/4 Cup Celery, finely chopped

Aioli:

  • 1/2 CUP Mayo
  • 1/4 CUP Sour cream
  • 1 TSP Lemon Juice
  • 2 TSP Hot Sauce
  • 1/4 TSP Paprika
  • 1 TSP Dijon/Whole Grain Mustard
  • Salt to taste

Let’s Get Cooking

Mix together the eggs + mayo + mustard + Worcestershire + old bay + salt + parsley + celery in a large bowl.

Add in the crab meat, gently breaking some of it up and the panko. Gently mix until it all comes loosely together.

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the crab cakes and place on the baking sheet.

Place in the fridge for at least an hour so they came come together.

Heat a non-stick pan and lightly coat the bottom with oil, when the pan is hot add in the crab cakes and cook for about 3-5 min each side, until the bottoms are golden brown.

To make the aioli: mix all the ingredients in a small bowl together, salt to taste.

Serve warm with aioli.

Enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

BLT Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

When you have all of the ingredients of a BLT just hanging out in your fridge you are obligated to make one; even more so when we will have delicious fresh tomatoes right off the vine! To tie this all together I thought a homemade blue cheese dressing would work perfectly and add a little funkiness.

Ingredients:

Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • 1 Cup Mayo
  • 1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Dried Parsley
  • Juice of 1/2 Lemon
  • 1/2 Cup Blue Cheese Crumbles
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, finely minced
  • 2 TBSP White Onion, finely minced
  • Salt + Pepper, to taste

BLT Salad

  • 2 Heads Romaine, washed & chopped
  • 1 Container of Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Avocado, diced
  • 1 Cucumber, sliced then halved
  • 3-4 Radishes, sliced
  • 3-4 Bacon slices, cooked & chopped

Let’s Get Cooking

In a medium-sized container with a lid, combine all of the blue cheese dressing ingredients. Stir well and taste, add more of whatever you feel it needs! Place it in the fridge and let it all come together for about an hour.

In a large bowl, add in your salad ingredients and mix well! I plated my salad, making sure I had a little bit of everything before topping it with dollops of the blue cheese dressing and extra cracked black pepper.

It’s creamy, it’s crunchy, it’s fresh, & delicious!

Made with Love,

Hannah