Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza

I have this Habanero Hot Honey from Akron Honey and I have been dying to use it! Akron honey is a local business that has the best honey & I love their seasonal flavors. I knew I wanted to make a pizza with it but I wanted to go a little extra with it. I got some inspiration for a Nashville Hot Chicken pizza but I decided that I wanted to make it my way. My way includes brining the chicken breast in pickle juice for 4-6 hours, a ranch base for the sauce, and using a homemade sourdough crust. If you want to make your own crust be sure to start a day early!

Ingredients

The Chicken

  • 1 Chicken Breast, cubed
  • 1 Cup Pickle Juice
  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 Cup Milk
  • 2 TSBP Your Favorite Hot sauce
  • 2 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 TBSP Chili Powder
  • 1/2 TBSP Paprika
  • 1/2 TBSP Garlic Powder
  • Salt & Pepper

The Pizza

Let’s Get Cooking

Brine your chicken breast in pickle juice for 4-6 hours.

Afterwards, Rinse and cube. Prep your dredge. In one bowl, combine flour + salt + pepper + chili powder paprika + garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and hot sauce. Finally, pour the panko bread crumbs onto a plate.

Time to dredge your chicken. Start by dredging the chicken in flour, then the egg mixture, and finally, in the panko. Once all coated, place on a lined baking sheet and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

After the 30 minutes, air fry the chicken in batches at 400F for 15-20 min. Once all cooked, toss in the Nashville hot sauce.

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Place your pizza dough on a prepared pan. Spread ranch on the dough, then add sliced red onions, the cooked chicken, pickles, and blue cheese crumbles. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and drizzle over the hot honey & extra Nashville hot sauce.

Resist the temptation and wait a few moments before biting into this deliciousness so you don’t burn off your taste buds!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Sourdough Blueberry Lemon Loaf

A friend recently requested a blueberry lemon loaf and I was more than happy to oblige as blueberry + lemon is the supreme combo. I have my tried and true recipe, however, I have been wanting to use my sourdough starter in more recipes and I figured this was the perfect opportunity. Shout out to Idie’s Farm for the guidance on how to make this recipe starter-friendly! I went with the long-fermented option because I wanted that tangy sourdough taste.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1 TSP Baking Soda
  • 1/2 TSP Salt
  • Zest of 1 Lemon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Sourdough Discard or active starter
  • 3/4 Cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Melted Butter
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 1/4 Cup Milk
  • 1 Cup Blueberries

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 TBSP Lemon Juice

Let’s Get Cooking

Begin the batter 16-18 hours before you plan to bake!

In a large bowl whisk together 2 Cups All Purpose Flour + 1 TSP Baking Powder +1 TSP Baking soda 1/2 TSP Salt + Zest of 1 Lemon.

In another bowl combine 1 Cup Sourdough Discard or active starter + 3/4 Cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar+ 1/2 Cup Melted Butter+ 2 Large Eggs + Juice of 1 Lemon + 1/4 Cup Milk.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until the batter has just come together. Be aware to not over mix. Fold in the blueberries and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Allow to rise for 4-6 hours, I like to put mine in the oven with the light on. Place dough in the fridge for a second rise overnight or for 12 hrs.

The next day; preheat the oven to 350F.

Give the dough a few good stirs and then pour it into the prepared pan.

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.

Combine the glaze ingredients and pour over the blueberry loaf.

Slice and enjoy!

Made with Love,
Hannah

Spicy Potsticker Soup

My dog, more like little brother, Cooper crossed the rainbow bridge early in December. I am so grateful for the 15 years we spent together but it has not made the loss any less devastating. My grief brain has made it hard to complete any one task and I end up looking lost with many unfinished projects. Cooking is always something that is grounding for me and though it has taken some time to get my appetite back, there is nothing like a comforting soup when you are feeling sad. This spicy potsticker soup was helpful for me to take some time to care for myself and it was not a complicated recipe for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 3 TBSP Sesame Oil
  • 2 TSP Fish Sauce
  • 1 Bok Choy, greens chopped
  • 2 Shallots, chopped
  • 1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Inch Fresh Ginger, peeled and grated
  • 6 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 3 TBSP Soy Sauce
  • 2 TBSP Rice Vinegar
  • 20-30 Frozen Wontons/Dumplings/Potstickers
  • Chili Oil, I love Lao Gan Ma

Let’s Get Cooking

Heat 2 TBSP sesame oil over MED-HIGH heat in a large pot, add in the bok choy and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Remove and transfer to a plate

Add the remaining 1 TBSP of sesame oil to the same pot. Add in the mushrooms + shallots + garlic + ginger. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Add in the wontons and cook until the float, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the bok choy + soy sauce + rice vinegar + fish sauce. Remove from heat.

Serve in bowls and top with the chili oil.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Vitamin C Juice

Everyone is getting sick & I just do not have time for that. I know sometimes catching these nasty bugs is completely out of our control; so I like to do what is within my control and that involves making this drink. This juice is packed with oranges, lemons, grapefruits, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. It provides us with antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties that keep us nice and healthy in the upcoming cold months. I like to drink the juice with some lemonade warmed up in the microwave as a nice tea, or you can drink it cold on its own.

Ingredients

  • 1 Grapefruit
  • 2 Oranges
  • 3 Lemons
  • 1 Knob of Fresh Ginger
  • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 TSP Turmeric
  • 1 TSP Cinnamon
  • 1 TSP Black Pepper
  • Water

Let’s Get Juicing

Prep all your fruits by removing the rind and cutting them into slices.

Place all the ingredients into a blender and fill the blender 3/4 full of water, leaving the top of the fruits uncovered.

Once completely blended, prepare a pot with a strainer over top. Strain the juice to remove all the pulp.

After straining, jar the juice to store and place it in the fridge for up to a month.

Drink with lemonade or own it’s own!

Stay warm out there.

Made with Love,
Hannah

Anthony Bourdain’s Candied Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving, the Chef’s Holiday, is on it’s way.

My mom’s side has been doing an early Thanksgiving for 3 years now and honestly, it has been so nice! Way less pressure and no lines at the grocery store! What I love about Thanksgiving is all the sides, though the turkey is the main the side dishes are really the stars of the show! These sweet potatoes from Anthony Bourdain deserve their own recognition as one of the best. They feature apple cider and bourbon giving you a perfect taste of fall! A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving Day menu!

Ingredients

  • 3 LBS Sweet Potatoes, cut into quarters
  • 6 TBSP Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, Packed
  • 1/3 Cup Apple Cider
  • 1/4 Cup Bourbon
  • Pinch of Salt

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat the oven to 375F

Place the sweet potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to HIGH simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes. At this point the sweet potatoes should be cooked through but offer some resistance to a fork. Drain and once they are cool enough to handle, peel the potoates and cut them into 1-inch chunks.

Use 1 TBSP of Butter to grease a roasting pan thats large enough to hold the sweet potatoes in a single layer, place the sweet potatoes in it.

In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 5 TBSP of Butter + 1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, then whisk in 1/3 Cup Apple Cider + 1/4 Cup Bourbon + Pinch of Salt. Let bubble on the stove top for 1 minute, then remove and drizzle over the sweet potatoes, tossing gently to coat. Roast in the oven, stirring with a wooden spoon every 10 minute for about 40 minutes, until the sweet potoates are tender.

Serve with the rest of your delicious thanksgiving meal!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Cracked Pepper Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Spinach, & Sundried Tomatoes

I have been scrounging around in my kitchen because I do not have the motivation to do a full grocery hull even though I should. Instead, I have been attempting to make new creations out of the ingredients I have and this may be one of my favorite things I have come up with. This cracked pepper pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prep for the week! This recipe is written out as a single serving as I am a single person so feel free to tweak as needed!

Ingredients

  • 1 Serving Pasta of your choosing, cook per package instructions
  • 1 Hot Italian Sausage Link
  • 1.5 TBSP Black Pepper Boursin Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Spinach
  • 1 TBSP Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water
  • Salt + Pepper

Let’s Get Cooking

Cook your pasta per package instructions, reserve 1/2 Cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet brown your sausage, making sure to break it down into small pieces. Once mostly browned add in the 1 TBSP of sun-dried tomatoes.

When the sausage is fully cooked add in the reserved pasta water + 1/2 cup spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted. Stir in the 1.5 TBSP of bourisn cheese and simmer until the sauce as thicked.

Stir in your pasta and ensure that it is fully coated.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta

Fall is officially here and I could not be happier. I love nothing more than being cozy, snuggled up, with a hearty and comforting meal. In trying out some new recipes this year I stumbled across a few recipes for butternut squash pasta and I figured I had to try it, and I had these super cute Halloween-shaped noodles.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 Cups Butternut Squash, cubed
  • 1 Yellow Onion, chopped into halves then quartered
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 TBSP Olive Oil + 1 TBSP
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 16 oz Hot Italian Sausage
  • 2 TBSP Butter
  • 1 TBSP Dried Sage
  • 1/2 TSP Nutmeg
  • Salt + Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan
  • 1lb Pasta, cooked according to package
  • 1/4 Cup Pasta water

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Place butternut squash + onion + whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Toss with 2 TBSP of olive oil and toast for 15-20 minutes.

Once roasted, add to a blender + 1/2 Cup chicken broth and blend until creamy.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking add the remaining 1 TBSP of olive oil and cook the sausage. Remove and set aside.

In a large skillet, turn the heat to MED-LOW and add in butter. Once it begins to melt add in the 1 TBSP of sage and cook until fragrant. Add in the squash puree + salt + pepper + 1/2 TSP nutmeg. Slowly add in the reserved pasta water and allow to thicken up. Add in cooked pasta + cooked sausage + parmesan and toss to coat.

Serve immediately & enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Creamy Boursin Spaghetti Squash

I am here with another easy weeknight dinner; the hardest part of this recipe is cutting the squash. This recipe is everything you need, it’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and you’re getting some vegetables in. Also, great meal-prep if you’re a single person like me; enjoy half for dinner and lunch the next day! I got this recipe from @themodernnonna on TikTok.

Ingredients

  • 1 Spaghetti Squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 1 Boursin Cheese, [I used Garlic and Fine Herbs]
  • 1 Container of Cherry Tomatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt + Pepper

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat the oven to 400F

Place your halved spaghetti squash on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil + salt + pepper. Flip the squash over and puncture the hard outer skin with a fork a few times.

In a separate baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes + borsin cheese + olive oil + salt + pepper.

Bake both the squash and tomatoes for about 45 minutes. Remove the squash from the hard outer shell with a fork, making spaghetti-like strands, and place it into the dish with the cheese + tomatoes. Mix until the squash is well coated with the sauce. I like to top it with a little extra parm.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Gochujang Pasta

I live for an easy weeknight recipe that spices up the usual weeknight routine. This gochujang pasta is the perfect switch-up, it’s spicy, it’s creamy, it’s savory and oh-so-delicious. If you want to surprise your taste buds I would add this dish to your weeknight routine.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz Pasta of your choice
  • 1 TBSP Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 Small Shallot, diced
  • 1 Garlic Clove, Minced
  • 3 TBSP Gochujang
  • 2/3 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 3 TBSP Freshly Grated Parmesan

Let’s Get Cooking

Fill a large pot with water + salt and bring to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

In a small pan, stir in 3 TBSP gochujang + garlic and toast for about 1 minute.
Stir in the 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and mix until smooth. Stir in 2/3 cup heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute. Add in the 3 TBSP of Parmesan and continue to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.

Toss the pasta into the sauce until coated evenly.

Divide the pasta into the bowls and top with more parm.

Enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

“New Bacon-ings” Burger

The moment I built this burger I was singing the intro to the Krabby Patty in the Krusty Krab training video … DA DADUM DUM DUM DUM DAA. This right here is a classic burger – there’s no way you can fuck this up. I made a few changes when cooking this burger – like swapping cheddar for pepper jack and not making Bob’s fancy bacon fries because I was too tired. This burger is a good reminder that the classics are delicious for a reason.

Ingredients

  • 1 LB Bacon
  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 4 Buns
  • Green Leaf Lettuce
  • 1 Large Tomato, sliced
  • 1 Red Onion, sliced
  • 4 Slices of Cheddar Cheese [or Pepperjack]
  • Par-baked French Fries

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat your oven to 400F.

Chop up all but 8 slices of bacon and fry over MED heat until almost crisp. Drain the chopped bacon on paper towels, wipe out the skillet, and fry the remaining slices until crisp.

Par-bake your french fries, or par-fry them and set aside.

Combine milk + egg in a large bowl. Coat the par-baked french fries in the mixture and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss the coated fries with the chopped bacon and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the fries are extra crispy.

While the fries are cooking, make 4 patties and season both sides with salt and pepper and cook to your doneness. When they’re just about finished cooking, top with your cheese slices.

To build your burger: bottom bun, lettuce, cheeseburger, tomato, bacon slices, onion, top bun.

Serve with your bacony fries & enjoy… you’re going to need to unhinge your jaw for this one.

Made with Love,

Hannah