When avocado toast hit the scene, it became a lifestyle, not just a snack. Around the early 2010s, this bright green, creamy spread on crusty bread turned into the poster child for millennial brunches and Instagram feeds. But where did it all begin? Avocado toast’s rise to fame can be traced back to cafes in […]
If you’ve never had a lamington, allow me to introduce you to one of Australia’s most beloved desserts. A classic lamington is made from squares of light vanilla sponge cake, dipped in a rich chocolate coating, and rolled in finely shredded coconut. Simple? Yes. Swoon-worthy? Absolutely. Made with three of my favorite things—sponge, chocolate, and […]
The Daisy is what cocktail historians might call an “old-timer”—a drink with serious staying power that’s been making the rounds since the late 19th century. Thought to have originated sometime in the 1870s or 1880s, the Daisy was part of the post–Civil War cocktail boom, when bartenders began experimenting more creatively with citrus, liqueurs, and […]
If there’s one food trend that has taken over in recent years, it’s the rise of healthy, protein-focused bowls. From poke bowls to grain bowls, these all-in-one meals have become a go-to choice for busy individuals seeking something fresh, flavorful, and nourishing. This spicy ginger salmon bowl is a perfect example—tender, seared salmon bites infused […]
When the summer heat peaks and turning on the oven feels like a personal offense, semifreddo comes to the rescue. Italian for “half cold,” semifreddo is a classic, no-bake dessert that lands somewhere between ice cream and mousse. Its silky texture and softly frozen form make it a refreshing change from heavier frozen desserts—lighter than […]
Ceviche is one of those dishes that feels as fresh in concept as it tastes on the plate. Though its origins are debated, most culinary historians trace it back over 2,000 years to the coastal regions of Peru, where indigenous cultures “cooked” raw fish in the acidic juice of fermented fruit. When the Spanish arrived […]
Savor the taste of summer with a timeless classic: fresh cherry cobbler. Beloved for generations, this comforting dessert originated in the United States back during the pioneer era. Its popularity soared as families embraced its rustic charm, simplicity, and fruity sweetness. Crafting a cherry cobbler is a breeze – all you need is fresh ripe […]
A fun way to enjoy matcha is by combining cooled matcha tea with boba pearls. The taste is refreshing, and the matcha gives a slightly earthy flavor. Matcha milk tea boba is a delicious, energizing drink that comes with all the added benefits matcha green tea offers and is a great go-to option in the […]
Savor the irresistible combination of perfectly cooked steak and Romesco sauce, a flavorful specialty from Catalonia, Spain. This rich, nutty sauce enhances every bite, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your plate. Traditionally served alongside grilled meats and seafood, Romesco sauce boasts a simple yet sensational blend of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, almonds (sometimes […]
For those who relish the bold flavors of an antipasto platter but seek a healthier alternative, this antipasto salad is a revelation. This contemporary rendition captures the essence of the classic Italian antipasto with a modern twist, celebrating the robustness of salami while maintaining a mindful approach to ingredients. Salami, with its origins tracing back […]
Peanut butter pie: the no-fuss, no-fruit dessert of the summer. Let’s be honest—pies can be a little intimidating. Those who have mastered the art of a perfectly flaky crust are kitchen wizards, and we respect them. But for many, pie often means sweating over pastry dough, dealing with finicky fillings, and somehow ending up with […]
Spring is a season of contrasts—warm days and cool nights, bright blooms and lingering rain showers. It’s also the time when two opposites in the produce world come together in perfect harmony: strawberries and rhubarb. While strawberries bring sweetness and a juicy, candy-like freshness, rhubarb offers a tart, almost citrusy bite that keeps things exciting. […]
Overnight sausage and egg breakfast casserole (or strata, popularized in the 1984 Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins) is the morning hero you didn’t know you needed in your life. Nothing beats the overnight breakfast casserole for an effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfast. It’s the dish that lets you do all the […]
A bourbon Old Fashioned is one of those cocktails that never goes out of style—and in our house, it’s one of my husband’s favorites. He’s not a huge drinker day to day, but when he does pour an occasional after-dinner cocktail, it’s often a carefully crafted Old Fashioned. It’s simple, elegant, and lets the bourbon […]
When dinner needs to be quick, satisfying, and a little elevated (for the foodies in your family), pork chops with white wine and capers deliver every time. This 20-minute meal is a weeknight dream—light, flavorful, and elegant without all the fuss. In this dish, lean, boneless pork chops are the star, seared quickly until golden […]
Welcome to my blog Simmer + Sauce. I always thought I was going to be a lawyer, but going to culinary school was one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m a former professional chef from NYC who loves to eat, cook and talk about food. My focus is great food, with solid recipes and reasonable ingredient lists. Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Many of my recipes are family friendly and often on the healthy(ish) side.