Salami and Cream Cheese Stuffed Pepperoncini

Brats, Onions, and Apples

This brats with apples and onions recipe makes a very hearty meal that's good in the autumn or winter. It has lots of flavor and is very much a comforting meal after a long day in the cold. It pairs well with coleslaw.

Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings

These glazed honey sriracha wings are quite delicious and incredibly simple, but the sauce is merely an afterthought here. The real star of the show is the strange, but effective technique of coating the wings with a baking powder-laced spice rub before baking. Through the magic of chemical reactions, the surface of the chicken becomes bone-dry, and eventually crisps up to something very similar to what would come out of a deep fryer.

Brazilian Style Flan (Pudim de Leite Condensado)

I learned to make this Brazilian-style flan (pudim de leite condensado) when we lived in Brazil. It has a wonderful creamy texture without being too heavy. The melted syrup will run down the sides, forming a caramel sauce. Serve cool with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Top it with toasted coconut and garnish with tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple. Uma delicia!

Loaded Beef Nachos

I’ve made many, many plates of loaded nachos before settling on this version. Many variations are possible, and I have personally made them vegetarian, turkey, and beef. I load them with sour cream, salsa, sliced olives, jalapenos, and chopped green onion, but all these toppings are optional - use what you like.

Mason Jar Instant Noodles

This recipe for mason jar instant noodles is written for 1 mason jar, and you can easily scale it for the number of jars you would like to make. My noodles come in an 8-ounce box, so I typically prepare 4 jars at a time. Fresh bean sprouts were not available to me at this time but they make a great addition here.