Recipes

Dinner, Pasta and Noodles Ginna Dinner, Pasta and Noodles Ginna

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini with Chicken Meatballs

The Trader Joe’s roasted red pepper soup works really well as a pasta sauce once it cooks down a bit. The tortellini absorbs some of the liquid as it cooks, so it turns into a creamy roasted red pepper coating instead of being a soup. Add air fried chicken meatballs, ricotta, basil, and spinach and it feels like a full comfort meal with very little effort.

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Dinner, Lunch Ginna Dinner, Lunch Ginna

Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls

Chipotle had this hot honey chicken for a limited time and I immediately knew I was going to miss it once it disappeared from the menu. I kept thinking about the sweet heat combo, so I ended up marinating some chicken thighs at home and turning it into these rice bowls for lunch prep during the week.

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Dinner Ginna Dinner Ginna

Yum Yum Shrimp Rice Bowls

I love hibachi restaurants, especially the shrimp with yum yum sauce. I kept craving those flavors at home and started wondering if I could make my own version that felt a little easier for a weeknight. That’s how this bowl came together. It has the buttery rice, grilled shrimp, and creamy yum yum sauce I love, but in a simpler, cozy-at-home version.

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Lunch, Salads, Dinner Ginna Lunch, Salads, Dinner Ginna

Copycat Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

I have a soft spot for the Panera Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. It is one of those lunches I used to grab constantly because it felt fresh but still filling. After making it at home a few times, I realized it tastes nearly identical for a fraction of the price, and now I make it whenever I want something easy that still feels a little elevated for lunch.

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Dinner, Mains Ginna Dinner, Mains Ginna

Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy

Bangers and mash is one of those dishes that sounds humble on paper and then completely delivers on the plate. Juicy sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich, deeply savory onion gravy that ties the whole thing together - it is pure comfort food, and it is easier to make at home than most people expect. This is the version I come back to every time.

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Dinner, Mains Ginna Dinner, Mains Ginna

Classic Corned Beef & Cabbage

Corned beef and cabbage is the St. Patrick's Day dish. The one that fills the whole house with that unmistakable savory, spiced aroma the second it hits the pot. This version keeps everything approachable. No specialty ingredients, no fuss. Just a beautifully briny brisket, tender vegetables, and a pot of braising liquid that tastes like it's been going all day (because it has, and that is the whole point).

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Dinner, Mains Ginna Dinner, Mains Ginna

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you’ve ever wanted to make something that feels like you ordered takeout but better, these sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are it. The glaze is sweet, garlicky, a little tangy, and it caramelizes in the oven like magic. And the best part? It’s all done on one sheet pan with easy-to-love chicken thighs that come out juicy every time.

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Dinner, Lunch Ginna Dinner, Lunch Ginna

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

These classic stuffed bell peppers are simple, hearty, and full of everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese makes this a dependable, satisfying meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a small gathering.

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Dinner Ginna Dinner Ginna

Simple Blackened Salmon with Garlic-Lime Butter

This is my go-to blackened salmon recipe for when I want something bold, fast, and packed with flavor—no fancy pans required. You don’t need a cast-iron skillet to get that crispy, spicy crust. A good nonstick pan and high heat do the trick beautifully. This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like something you'd get at a restaurant

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Dinner Ginna Dinner Ginna

Weeknight Chicken Korma

If you’ve been craving something cozy but not overly spicy, Chicken Korma hits the spot. The sauce is velvety and warm with spices like cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon — and the chicken stays juicy from simmering low and slow in that creamy base. It’s a great intro dish if you're new to Indian cooking but still want something with depth and comfort built in.

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Dinner, Sides Ginna Dinner, Sides Ginna

Creamy Homestyle Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is one of those dishes that just works — rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple once you get into the rhythm. This version keeps things straightforward with no shortcuts on flavor. The spinach is fresh, the paneer gets a quick pan-fry for texture, and the spices hit that balance of warming without being over the top.

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Dinner, Mains Ginna Dinner, Mains Ginna

Oxtail Risotto Inspired by Bokeria in Split

I remember walking into Bokeria in Split—warm lights, chatter, and the promise of something new. I’d never tried oxtail before, but one bite of their risotto, with tender braised tail and creamy rice, sealed the deal: I was a fan—for life. Now I bring that moment back home with this cozy, indulgent recipe.

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