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Pinch and Swirl

The best meals don’t come from restaurant kitchens. They come from home cooks like you who take simple ingredients and turn them into something worth sharing. My specialty is making global cooking approachable, from beloved American classics to exciting international flavors. I create recipes that make it simple to cook memorable, restaurant-quality dishes, so you can feel confident and inspired in your own kitchen.

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☕️ Bite-Sized Sundays: The Crispy Chicken Secret Everyone Should Know

Happy Sunday, Friends. This week: A chicken cutlet technique that changes everything, the salad recipe people actually ask for, and dinner combinations that feel fancy but aren't fussy. "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 🌟 Recipe of the Week: Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets Here's the dinner that proves "light" doesn't mean boring and "baked" doesn't mean bland. These cutlets come out golden and crunchy every time - no frying needed....

Happy Sunday, Friends. This week: The homemade treats that taste better than anything you'll find in a store, and they're easier to make than you think. "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." — Lucy Van Pelt in Peanuts 🌟 Recipe of the Week: Date Caramel (4 ingredients, naturally vegan and gluten-free, ready in 20 minutes) Difficulty: Easy Active time: 20 minutes Perfect for: Drizzling over ice cream, filling thumbprint cookies, gift-giving, or straight...

Hey there, Take a world tour of comfort foods without leaving your kitchen. These cozy soups, paired with pillowy-soft homemade bread, are exactly what January calls for. Global Comfort: West African Peanut Soup with Chicken Chicken Pozole Verde Albondigas Soup European Classics: Tomato Bisque Butternut Squash Bisque Classic French Onion Soup Easy Vegetarian French Onion Soup Tuscan White Bean Soup Perfect for Dunking: Easy Brioche Bread (using the genius Tangzhong method - a simple 5-minute...

Happy Sunday, Friends. This week: I love having a few great burrito recipes - they're perfect for everything from quick dinners to casual entertaining. Add homemade salsa, and suddenly they're restaurant-worthy. "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a salad, asking it to be a burrito." — Julia Roberts as Anna Scott in Notting Hill The Burritos: Chorizo Burritos Carne Asada Burrito Chorizo Breakfast Burritos (we love these for any meal - not just breakfast!) Fresh Salsas: Pineapple Salsa Pico...

Hey there, Chili Poll Results (thanks for weighing in last week!): 43.9% of you prefer it "Thick Like a Stew," 56.1% prefer "Somewhere in the Middle" and just 0% 👀 prefer "Brothy and Soup-Like." January doesn't have to mean sad salads. These recipes are packed with protein, grains, and plenty of fresh ingredients - substantial enough for dinner but still light and fresh. Fresh & Light Main Dishes: Ahi Tuna Salad Greek Chicken Salad Easy Italian Chopped Salad Grain-Based Goodness: Greek Farro...

Happy Sunday, Friends. This week: If you're feeling a little cooked out, you're not alone. These are the meals I turn to when I want real food without much effort—done in 30 minutes or less. "I hate when I go to the kitchen looking for food and all I find are ingredients." — Rebel Circus 🌟 Recipe of the Week: Italian Chopped SaladCrisp, briny, and endlessly riffable—this is the kind of salad that is the meal. More Fast Favorites: Sausage and Broccoli Pasta – Bold flavor, one pan, no fuss Kung...

Hey there, Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chili with warm cornbread on a cold winter day. I love how these recipes make the whole house smell amazing - whether it's chili simmering on the stove or cornbread baking in a hot skillet, they just feel right in January. 🤔 Let's Settle This: My perfect bowl of chili is... Thick Like a Stew Somewhere in the Middle Brothy and Soup-Like Hearty Chilis: Pulled Pork Chili Easy Chorizo Chili White Chicken Chili White Bean Turkey Chili (just 15 minutes...

Happy Sunday, Friends. This week: Build-your-own bowl basics, the meal prep secret that keeps things interesting, and why January doesn't have to mean boring food. "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates 🌟 Recipe of the Week: Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl Fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable - this is how we start the year right. Tender Greek-marinated chicken pairs with fluffy quinoa and crisp vegetables in...

Hey there, Don't you love recipes that work hard for you. I sure do! Make any of these carnitas recipes once, and you've got the foundation for multiple delicious meals - from crispy nachos to fresh salads. Start with the Base - Carnitas Three Ways: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Chicken Carnitas Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas (just 10 minutes of prep!) Turn It Into: Easy Pulled Pork Nachos (ultra-crispy!) Shredded Chicken Nachos Easy Pulled Pork Quesadillas Shredded Chicken Quesadillas Carnitas Salad...

Hey there, New Year's Day's not just the start of a brand new year - it's game day! Whether you're hosting friends or bringing a dish to share, these crowd favorites have you covered. Wing It - Crispy Baked, Not Fried!: 🌟 Cajun Wings (NEW This Week!) Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Garlic Parmesan Wings Loaded Nachos: Easy Pulled Pork Nachos (ultra-crispy!) Carne Asada Nachos Shredded Chicken Nachos Shrimp Nachos (ready in 20 minutes) More Game Day Heroes: Easy Pork Belly Sliders Garlic Butter...