Flavorful Adventures Await

Some of my favorite comfort foods are tied to memories of growing up, and stuffed bell peppers are high on that list. When I was a kid, my mom would make classic stuffed bell peppers for dinner. They were hearty, cozy, and full of flavor—but let’s be honest, they were also a lot  of work. Hollowing out peppers, stuffing each one individually, lining them up just right… totally worth it, but not exactly weeknight-friendly. As I started cooking more for myself, I wanted those s

New Year’s Eve in the US usually calls for champagne, small bites, and a countdown to midnight, often followed by a cheer and maybe some fireworks in the city. Here in the Netherlands, it’s a whole different experience — one that’s loud, lively, and filled with traditions that are fun, daring, and delicious. The Dutch love their fireworks, and many families and friends gather to light sparklers and fireworks well into the night. Some even embrace the chilly waters with the Ni

A Culinary Gem in Amsterdam Tucked inside Amsterdam’s historic Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, The White Room is the Netherlands’ oldest restaurant to hold a Michelin star. Its roots date back to the late 19th century. The dining room itself is a protected monument, blending timeless luxury with modern gastronomy. Today, this one-Michelin-star restaurant continues its legacy by honoring classical French techniques while pushing creative boundaries. This sets the stage for an experi

This recipe was submitted by Laura, who made the very best desserts at our family’s Christmas gatherings. Originally from Louisiana, her baking brings warmth, comfort, and joy to every holiday table. One of the special treats we have always enjoyed at Christmastime is peanut butter cookies.  Simple yet delicious and part of every Christmas! Peanut Butter Cookies Prep:  15 min Chill:  2 hr Bake:  30 min Yields:  About 2 1/2 dozen cookies Ingredients ●       1/2 cup  granulated

I hope you all enjoyed our 12 Recipes of Christmas  segment! It has been a fun journey for everyone involved. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. We hope you enjoyed this series as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. We’ll be back on December 28  with new recipes, and as always, thank you for your support and kind words. This blog began as a way to share family recipes and life here in the Netherlands, and we hope to continue expanding

Here’s a recipe that has long divided families: fruitcake. Some people love it, while others can take it or leave it—it’s definitely an acquired taste. I remember as a child going to the grocery store with my granny a week before Christmas, helping her pick out all the ingredients for these cookies. Sometimes we even had to visit specialty shops to find candied fruit, dates, and rum. While I wasn’t a fan of traditional fruitcake, I always enjoyed these cookies—the texture was

Microwave Holiday Candies were one of the easiest—and most-loved—desserts in our house when I was growing up. My mom would make them as gifts for everyone: my school teachers, our neighbors, family members, and friends at church. They were quick to prepare, created very little mess, and were the perfect way to get the whole family involved. When I was a kid, my favorite part was licking the spoon after the candy was made, and as I got older, I’d help scoop the candies onto tr

As we move into the Desserts  category of our 12 Recipes of Christmas, we’ve finally arrived at the grand finale—the part of the meal so many of us look forward to the most. Desserts have always held a special kind of magic during the holidays. Growing up, we had to patiently wait until every dish was finished before we could dive into the sweets, but the anticipation only made them taste even better. I remember the dessert table from my childhood, overflowing with cakes, can

When I was younger, my mom and aunt would make this dish for the holidays, and as I got older, I eventually took over making it myself. The original recipe called for a Kraft cheese roll—we used the garlic cheese, though there was also a jalapeño version that added a nice little kick. Now that those cheese rolls are no longer available in stores, I discovered that Velveeta works just as well. It’s a great reminder that even when ingredients change, being adaptable ensures the

If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, you probably remember a certain holiday staple— Green Bean Casserole . You know the one I’m talking about—the classic Campbell’s soup version topped with crispy fried onions. It was always on our family’s holiday table and loved by everyone. As I got older and started helping with holiday dishes, I was often in charge of casseroles. This was one of the first I made, but as time went on, I wanted to try something a little different while

As we move into the Casseroles and Side Dishes  category, it’s time to celebrate the comforting flavors that make a holiday meal truly special. From creamy, savory casseroles to classic family favorites, these dishes are the perfect companions to your main courses. They not only add variety and color to the table but also carry memories of traditions, gatherings, and flavors that define the season. Whether you’re keeping it classic or trying something new, these sides are sur

As we wrap up our Main Dishes category, I wanted to show how you can keep your holiday meals festive by embracing seasonal flavors and meats. This Cranberry and Orange Glazed Duck  is a recipe I discovered when we moved to Minnesota in 2020 and were looking for something special to celebrate our first Christmas in a new place. While browsing local grocery stores for inspiration, I came across a whole duck and knew immediately it was exactly what I was looking for. Although it

This recipe was requested by my husband, Japheth . When we lived in Minnesota, we often visited an Argentinian steakhouse that served marinated lamb chops, and we fell in love with the flavors and the tenderness of the meat. Inspired by those memories, I experimented with a marinade that brought out the same delicious taste, and it has been a favorite of ours ever since. Since moving to the Netherlands, we’ve been able to find lamb chops at our local butcher, and I made them

Now that we’ve wrapped up our appetizers, we’re moving into the heartier side of our 12 Recipes of Christmas —the main dishes. While turkey and ham are classic holiday staples, I wanted to step outside the box this year and explore options for anyone craving something a little different for their Christmas table. Whether you’re looking to switch things up, simplify your menu, or surprise your guests with a cozy, unexpected favorite, this next category is all about fresh inspi

Our dear friend Lane , originally from the heart of Louisiana and now making his home in Minnesota, shared today’s recipe and the sweet memory behind it—in the most charming way: through a poem. This family favorite, known as Polish Mistakes  or Party Pizzas , has traveled with him from his grandma’s kitchen all the way to the gatherings he hosts today. Passed down with love and seasoned with nostalgia, this recipe is a true heirloom that brings a little piece of home to ever

This cherished deviled egg recipe was submitted by my cousin, Brittany , who grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Massachusetts with her family. These deviled eggs are a longtime holiday staple in our family, lovingly made by her mom—my Aunt Betty. Brittany will be sharing the sweet memories tied to this dish, along with the recipe that has traveled with her from childhood to her own family’s table. Making deviled eggs with my mom is one of my earliest cooking memories. It w

Appetizers are more than just the opening act of a meal—they set the tone, spark conversation, and instantly make any gathering feel special. During the holidays, especially, these small bites carry big meaning. They invite guests to nibble, mingle, and settle into the warmth of the occasion. Whether elegant or rustic, simple or indulgent, appetizers create a sense of welcome that defines the spirit of seasonal entertaining. Some of my fondest food memories come from watching

The holiday season is all about gathering, sharing, and celebrating the traditions that bring us joy. This year, I'm excited to bring something extra special to the blog! From December 12 through December 24, I'll be sharing one recipe a day as part of my 12 Recipes of Christmas series. These dishes come straight from the heart (and kitchens!) of family and friends who kindly shared not only their recipes, but also the memories and stories behind them. I hope this series brin

This year marks my first holiday season abroad, and being in the Netherlands has given me a whole new appreciation for how other cultures celebrate this magical time of year. Back home, I grew up with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and the smell of gingerbread cookies. As the chill of December settles over the Netherlands, an excitement begins to buzz through the streets, homes, and bakeries. Sinterklaas, the country's most beloved tradition, arrives on his white horse, w

Tired of all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Same here. Don’t get me wrong — turkey and dressing are great, but by the time the week after rolls around, I’m craving something different. My trick? Freeze any leftover turkey for a jambalaya or gumbo later (trust me, your future self will thank you), and treat yourself to something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor. That’s where this Seafood Bisque comes in. A Louisiana favorite, this dish is simple, one-pot, and absolutely delicio

Thanksgiving always seems to carry a certain kind of magic--part nostalgia, part food coma, part family. Growing up in the US, the holiday was anchored by the familiar rhythm of the season: the smell of pies baking, relatives coming through the door with casserole dishes in hand, and the house buzzing with way too many people asking, "Is it ready yet?" When I think back to our family Thanksgivings, they were always small, cozy gatherings with the family who happened to be in

When perusing the grocery store aisles, I tend to look firstly for a good deal and secondly to try something new and different. Recently, I've ventured beyond the usual cuts and picked up a few things I hadn't cooked before, such as deer steak, pheasant, and now, Irish Beef Steak. I wanted to make something simple, yet flavorful, and while a good steak hardly needs much dressing up, I decided to pair it with a rich Guinness cream based sauce. The malty depth of the stout blen

The first time I had Seafood Mushroom Risotto was at the beautiful Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis — one of those cozy, elegant places where every bite feels like a little luxury. The risotto was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with tender seafood and earthy mushrooms. I remember thinking, I have to figure out how to make this at home. After a few tries (and a few too many taste tests!), I finally landed on a version that brings that same fine-dining feel right into m