Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade CroutonsSplit Pea Soup with Bacon
Homemade Croutons

Velvety, savory, and deeply comforting, Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul. While its muddy yellow-green hue and sludgy appearance may not win beauty contests, one spoonful is enough to transport you to a world of rich, satisfying flavor.

More than just a dish, split pea soup carries nostalgia in every bite. It’s not the kind of soup that reminds you of a five-star restaurant or a once-in-a-lifetime meal—it’s the kind that makes you feel at home. It soothes, comforts, and wraps you in a sense of warmth and familiarity.

This version takes things up a notch with cherrywood-smoked bacon from Nashville’s Porter Road Butcher, adding depth and smokiness, while crispy homemade Old Bay croutons introduce the perfect crunch. Together, they elevate this humble classic into something truly special—still simple, still nostalgic, but with just the right touch of indulgence. It’s the ideal soup to enjoy as winter comes to a close.

Wine Pairing

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

This Oregon Pinot Gris balances the soup’s richness with bright acidity and complements the smoky bacon with its fresh, fruity character. It’s a well-balanced pairing that enhances both the wine and the dish.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

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Spicy Albacore Bowl

Spicy Albacore Bowl

🌶️ 🐟 Spicy Albacore Bowl 🐟 🌶️

This Spicy Albacore Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, creamy and slightly fiery seafood experience. Served over a bed of seasoned rice, the dish features tender cubes of raw albacore tuna marinated in a chili-infused blend that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.

A drizzle of spicy sauce adds another layer of heat, while thin slices of jalapeño provide a bold bite and refreshing crunch. Crisp cucumber and peppery radish round out the bowl, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory tuna. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, this dish is satisfying, invigorating, and easy!

Spicy Albacore Recipe

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Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Kansas City Strip Steak and Broccoli

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I could have just as easily prepared a Philly Cheesesteak dish, having no particular allegiance to either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs. But I did have a fabulous dry-aged Porter Road Kansas City Strip in my freezer, begging to come out for this spectacular annual event.

In terms of origin, the Kansas City strip steak is named after Kansas City, a city historically known for its stockyards and meatpacking industry.

The Kansas City strip comes from the short loin, the same area as the New York strip, and is traditionally served bone-in. It features a good amount of marbling with a signature strip of fat along one side, contributing to its deep, beefy flavor and firm yet tender texture.

We’re all familiar with Beef & Broccoli, the classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef, marinated and stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory, soy-based sauce. The sauce includes garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce, creating a balanced umami flavor.

Here is a unique approach to the classic Beef & Broccoli dish. As the Kansas City Strip is traditionally served bone-in, the meaty bone is brushed with marinade and roasted, served atop the dish to savor the last bits of meat off the bone. Meat lovers will definitely approve, perhaps swoon over this rendition…

Kansas City Strip and Broccoli Recipe

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Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée

Soupe à l'Oignon GratinéeSoupe à l’Oignon Gratinée
French Onion Soup

Few dishes encapsulate comfort and elegance quite like French onion soup. This rich, savory broth, brimming with caramelized onions and crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, has captivated food lovers for centuries. A staple in French cuisine, its origins are humble, yet its depth of flavor and satisfying warmth make it a beloved dish across the globe.

French onion soup dates back to at least the 17th century, though some variations can be traced to Roman times. Originally a dish for the working class, it was made using simple, inexpensive ingredients: onions, bread, and broth. Over time, it evolved into a refined culinary treasure, finding its place in Parisian cafés and fine dining establishments alike. Today, it remains a cherished part of French gastronomy and an enduring comfort food worldwide.

The soul of French onion soup lies in its deeply caramelized onions. Achieving this rich flavor requires patience, as onions must be cooked slowly over low heat until they develop a deep golden brown hue. This process can take much more than an hour, but the result is an intensely sweet and savory base that defines the soup’s character.

French Onion Soup Recipe

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Sultry Coconut Curry Noodles with Shrimp

Sultry Coconut Curry Noodles with Shrimp

Sultry Coconut Curry Noodles with Shrimp

This yellow curry noodle dish carries a sultry allure, with its velvety textures and deeply spiced flavors that envelop the palate in warmth.

It has a fragrant, creamy broth with a balance of spice and richness. The aromatic shallots, ginger, garlic, and jalapeño are sautéed in olive oil. Curry powder and ground turmeric deepen the flavor before coconut milk and chicken stock create a smooth, flavorful base. A touch of cornstarch thickens the broth, while fish sauce adds serious umami notes.

Plump shrimp are simmered until just cooked, absorbing the warm, spiced broth and taking on the gorgeous golden color. Served over chewy-tender noodles, this dish is comforting, super flavorful, and mildly spicy. A garnish of fresh cilantro and basil add bright herbal notes while red jalapeño brings a bit more color and heat.

Coconut Curry Noodles with Shrimp Recipe

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