mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Two-Cheese Quesadilla With Charred Pepper Crema

In one of the easiest recipes I think I've ever published, I'm making an easy and delicious quesadilla, vamping up a simple recipe to be used in any kitchen! The magic comes from that charred pepper crema... probably the star of the show. I can't get enough of eat! For a simple mexican lunch or dinner, this is the exact recipe for you. I hope you all enjoy!!

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mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Spicy Garlicky Pork and Green Chili Stew

Let’s face it. I love stew. I love anything soup stew or chili— comfort in a bowl. Of course, in the winter, it warms your belly and fills your soul! But now spring is upon us and honestly, I feel like it’s good any time of the year! So, bring. It. On. This time I had a little help in my kitchen— my Mom. Growing up, she always had me in the kitchen with her so it was fun to prep and chop and chat away. Nothing better!

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drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen

The Best Barbecue Chicken and Bacon Potato Cups With a Smokey Cheese Sauce

This has to be one of my favorite creations to date... of course, it's pretty much just a hodge-podge of all my favorite ingredients (I mean... bacon, potatoes, and cheese? there's nothing better.) All fit into a nice serving, perfect for parties, appetizers, or a midnight snack! Who cares? When you're using ingredients as good as these, there's really no shame... So enjoy!!

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Almond Crusted Pan Sautéed Tilapia with the Easiest Lemon Creme Sauce

We celebrated our yearly Fat Tuesday this week with a bunch of yummy Creole food, the go-to menu with Shrimp Po’ Boys and Sausage Chicken Gumbo. Always finishing, of course, with a King Cake. (Imagine finding out that you ran out of purple sanding sugar the day of—good luck!) Now the Lenten season is upon us and I love creating special meals for Friday’s during this time. If you aren’t able to get to a fish fry this year, I’ve got an amazing fish recipe to share! Simple and yet oh, so sophisticated and yummy. Delicate white fish, like walleye or tilapia, pan seared with a light and crispy almond coating, then drizzled with a rich and creamy lemon sauce. Can you say YUM!!?

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mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen mexican, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Carne Asada Tacos with Salsa Fresca

It would only be once in a blue moon that we don’t have Mexican on the weekly menu, and this week is no exception! Today, I’m featuring a delectable recipe for something that I’ve dearly loved since I lived in San Diego in my twenties… Carne Asada! And what better way to enjoy carne asada than taco-style? Paired with the fresh and simple Salsa Fresca, you’ll have a hard time finding any better. Enjoy!!

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italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Ground Turkey Lasagna Soup

Lasagna and soup combined?? Say no more... Two of my favorite things ever, combined make a glorious soup. Especially on these COLD winter days we have been having. And leftovers?!? You’ll hope you have some! I think this soup is almost better the next day!

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drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen drinks & appetizers, sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen

Valentine's Day Charcuterie Snack Board

With valentine's day *just* around the corner, it's time to plan the most important part of the evening... food!! Not only have charcuterie boards gained popularity over the past few months, they're easy, delicious, and show your family, friends, and significant others just how special they are to you! And for a day that's all about love, what better way to celebrate?

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asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen

Chicken Satay and Cucumber Salad

Oh friends, I cannot begin to tell you how much this family adores satay.

The mere mention of it and the crowd goes wild!! To accompany this savory chick-on-a -stick, one can only add a cool crisp and slightly spicy cucumber salad. My cucumber salad takes a tiny bit of a detour from the traditional cucumber shallot combination—I love to add fresh bell pepper. And lots of it. And if you don’t have any shallots on hand, go ahead and substitute thinly sliced red onion. Let it sit and chill and this side dish with the satay is next-level.

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desserts, other Ava Dreessen desserts, other Ava Dreessen

The Best Strawberry Cheesecake For Your Valentine

Valentine's Day is just around the corner... what better way to spread the love than with a delicious dessert? Strawberry cheesecake has never been more decadent than with the addition of some special ingredients, elevating a classic! And with a few simple and easy steps, it is sure to make the upcoming holiday extra special! Hope you all enjoy!

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italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen italian, main dishes Ava Dreessen

Italian Sausage and Pepper Subs

Feeling hungry again? After we toured our home in the snow, hats and mittens on, we headed back to my current kitchen to warm up! And what better way to warm up than with some Italian Sausage and Pepper Subs. Squishy white hoagies, buttered with a garlic herb spread, and topped with a quick and easy way to prepare savory sausage and peppers. Spread some mozzarella and Parmesan and put under the broiler briefly, and with one bite you will be transported to sausage heaven. I’m not kidding. Enjoy!

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main dishes, other Ava Dreessen main dishes, other Ava Dreessen

Perfect Sauerkraut and Czech Roasted Duck

Hello, once again! If you asked my kids what their favorite meal on our recent trip to the lake house was, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that they would say the Czech dinner! I made it special for Christmas night, upon request. It had been almost a year since we last had it! Perfect roasted duck, and the most amazing and simple sauerkraut you could ever make, it really was the best meal to celebrate another Christmas spent with family. Hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did!

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Ava Dreessen Ava Dreessen

Italian Herbed Ribeye Roast with Garlic Butter

Hello, friends! This recipe was one of the many that my family and I enjoyed during our Christmas weekend on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota! The meal was requested by my Sophia who wanted it with Mac & Cheese! I’d have to say it was a match made in heaven, sided with Roasted Baby Broccoli to make the perfect family dinner!

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other, asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen other, asian, main dishes, drinks & appetizers Ava Dreessen

Oven Crisped Miso Glazed Wings

Hi friends— hope you are having an amazing start to your week! We had so much success cooking in the kitchen this weekend, and one of the things I created I wanted to share with you. How would you feel about Oven Crisped Miso Glazed Wings. Marinated with ginger, garlic and a splash of sake (just so there’s enough left over to cheers with!) Sooo tender on the inside after a crisping in the oven. Tossed in a slightly sweet and savory glaze with a hint of spice. Nothing more needed, I promise.

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mexican, sides & salads Ava Dreessen mexican, sides & salads Ava Dreessen

Mexican Street Corn Couscous Salad

Hi Creme friends! I hope you are enjoying the start of the holiday season. It’s my favorite time of year! Recently, I went to a small gathering for a holiday “Favorite Things” party. You bring three of your “favorite” gift ideas to the party, draw names, and then pass out the gifts! There was food and wine and great conversation with lots of laughter, of course! But the main event for me was—you guessed it—the food.

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sides & salads, drinks & appetizers, other Ava Dreessen sides & salads, drinks & appetizers, other Ava Dreessen

Kettle Chips with Blue Cheese Drizzle

Birthdays are a big deal over here. Like, huge. Food, family, and usually something fun to do! Recently, one of my five had a birthday—my Sophia. What was her request for dinner you ask? A good old fashioned cheeseburger. Only melted American cheese on top will do. Sautéed onion and jalapeño draped over the melted cheese And a grilled soft and squishy bun. Skip the butter and spread it with some Hellman’s mayo and put it upside down on a skillet until golden brown. I promise you won’t regret it.

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