Creamy Risotto with Thyme-Scented Cremini

Creamy Risotto with Thyme-Scented CreminiCreamy Risotto with Thyme-Scented Cremini

A generous container of mushrooms from a Costco run, leftover from our fabulous Filet Mignon Stew, inspired this risotto — a way to turn extra cremini into something both comforting and refined.

Creamy Arborio rice embraces a full pound of thyme-scented cremini, enriched with a pat of butter and a touch of Parmesan, while fresh parsley adds a bright, finishing note. Familiar ingredients come together in a way that feels elevated, making this classic risotto special enough to share.

Creamy Risotto with Thyme-Scented Cremini Recipe

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Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle, Ricotta & Mint

This ragù smells like it’s been simmering all afternoon, but it comes together quickly — thanks to fully cooked braised lamb shanks from Costco. Tender and deeply flavored, the meat is simply shredded and folded into the sauce, where it soaks up all the tomato, wine, and variety of spices.

The sauce starts with a classic soffritto of onion, celery, and carrot softened in olive oil until golden and aromatic. A splash of red wine and a spoonful of tomato paste deepen the flavor, followed by fire-roasted tomatoes and a bit of beef broth. The mixture comes briefly to a boil, then simmers for about 20 minutes — enough time for the flavors to meld into a beautifully rustic ragù.

Tossed with fresh pappardelle and finished with a bit of butter, each ribbon of pasta clings to the rich sauce. A scoop of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh mint brighten the dish, while chili flakes on the side add optional heat.

In under an hour, this Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle delivers all the warmth, depth, and soul of a slow-cooked Sunday supper — no hours required, just smart shortcuts and robust seasoning.

Rustic Lamb Ragù with Fresh Pappardelle

Rustic Lamb Ragù Recipe

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Burnt Ends Wedge Salad

Burnt Ends Wedge Salad

Burnt Ends Wedge Salad

Inspired by Eater Vegas, which recently highlighted the Burnt Ends Wedge Salad as one of the best salads in Las Vegas at both the Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse pop-up at Wynn and Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar at Mandalay Bay, this version brings the indulgent dish to life at home.

The salad masterfully combines two comfort-food favorites—the classic steakhouse wedge and smoky, tender barbecue. Crisp iceberg lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while the creamy, spicy tang of Tabasco Blue Cheese Ranch dressing sets the stage for the star ingredient: juicy, caramelized beef brisket burnt ends. Rich, unctuous, and utterly mouthwatering, the burnt ends elevate the salad into a truly crave-worthy experience.

Burnt Ends Wedge Salad Recipe

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Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri
Garlicky Smoked Creme Fraiche & Lemony Arugula Salad

Juicy lamb rib chops are cut from the rack and cooked to medium with a nice crust. Each chop gets a spoonful of chimichurri right on the tip of the meat for a fresh, herby kick. They’re served over a bed of peppery arugula tossed with lemon, and come with a side of garlicky smoked crème fraîche for dipping. It’s an impressive yet effortless starter guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri

Chops go straight from the fridge into a hot pan—rubbed with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and seared over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side. Rested before serving so they stay tender and flavorful.

Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri Recipe

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Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce
Spiced Saffron Basmati with Lentils and Golden Raisins

This quick lamb shank dinner joins my Lamb Shanks with Smoky Cassoulet Beans, Kalamata Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes, and another for Lamb Shanks over Boursin Cheese Polenta. The lamb shanks are slow braised in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pomegranate juice and figs. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. It comes 2 shanks to a package and can be found in the refrigerated section at Costco under the “A La Carte” brand.

The dish Braised Lamb Shank with Pomegranate Fig Sauce and Spiced Saffron Basmati is not a traditional recipe from one specific culture, but is strongly inspired by Persian and broader Middle Eastern flavors.

Sumac — a deep red, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine adds another layer of intrigue. The lamb is very savory and rich, the rice is fragrant and slightly sweet, together they welcome a dusting of sumac to balance and enliven the dish.

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Lamb Shank Dinner

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