sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen sides & salads, other Ava Dreessen

My Famous Dill Dip

Disregard what you saw in the first part of this video, okay? Today, for so many reasons other than completely failing on the first recipe, I'm making a tride and true Dreessen recipe! This is a dill dip so simple, yet so delicious, that it'll be hard to find any better. I'm not kidding! This recipe has been from family to family, event to event, and mouth after mouth. It's a hit every time! Although, when you combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together in one of the best dips, how could it not be?? Hope you all enjoy!!

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french, main dishes, breakfast Ava Dreessen french, main dishes, breakfast Ava Dreessen

Croque Monsieur

Long-time fans will know how much love I have for French cooking, and how far that love goes back (Thank you, Julia Child)… Which leads to today’s recipe, something I can’t even believe I haven’t shown you yet! My croque monsieur is absolutely to die for, and is really a recipe that I think everyone should have their hands on, so here you go! Delicious and simple béchamel, golden brown crusts and oozey cheesy topping… it really is the ultimate sandwich. Enjoy!!

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

Tuscan Grilled Flat-Iron Steak with Italian Compound Butter

The girls are BACK in the kitchen! We are so happy to have Ava join us once again and with her some amazing new recipes! This week, that includes this simple and decadent Tuscan Flat-Iron Grilled Steak with this rich and savory Italian Compound Butter to lather over the top. Fit with some grilled Italian loaf, this dish not only makes a great appetizer but is also filling enough for dinner for the family! No matter how you eat it, I'm sure you'll enjoy!The girls are BACK in the kitchen! We are so happy to have Ava join us once again and with her some amazing new recipes! This week, that includes this simple and decadent Tuscan Flat-Iron Grilled Steak with this rich and savory Italian Compound Butter to lather over the top. Fit with some grilled Italian loaf, this dish not only makes a great appetizer but is also filling enough for dinner for the family! No matter how you eat it, I'm sure you'll enjoy!

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

The Perfect Chicken Piccata

You guys. The next recipe I want to share with you is a product of long-time love and attention. I was looking to create the “perfect piccata”. My kids grew up calling it “sour chicken,” and rightfully so. The combination of fresh lemon and briny capers with a perfectly sautéed chicken breast can make someone sing to the heavens. Or, at least, ask for a second plate.

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mexican, breakfast, main dishes, other Ava Dreessen mexican, breakfast, main dishes, other Ava Dreessen

Cast Iron Tex-Mex Potato Hash

I love my one-dish recipes, especially with a cast iron, but this has to be near the top of my list. I mean, with potatoes, bacon, jalapeños, guacamole, and tortillas to top, how could you go wrong?? This dish is not only super easy, (one of the ingredients is store-bought guacamole!) it brings out the best in its simple yet dependable ingredients and makes an absolutely delicious dinner. I might just have to go make a plate with the leftovers... Hope you all enjoy!

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

Lemon Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Happy May to all my Creme foodies! This past week has been somewhat of a struggle, as my kitchen days have been a little slower because of a much needed knee surgery. While I am on the mend, that does not mean good food is still not a priority! And veggies always seem to find a way to my heart— especially Brussels. I can make these into a salad, a main dish, or roasted 100 ways. But one of my favorite ways has a nice little Asian “spin” on it with some white miso paste and fresh lemon. Delicious!

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

Creamy Italian Cannellini Bean Soup with Pasta Abruzzese

Hello, once again, and happy Saturday! The weekend is here and so are cooler temperatures with lots of rainy drizzle. I actually love weather like this. And when there is weather like this, soup comes straight to my mind! But alas... I don’t want to have to go out to the store. (Weekends and grocery stores don’t vibe with me. Too many people) so what is there to do with what I already have?!? Hmmm… Beans. I stocked up recently on some lovely dried Italian Cannellini beans. Cannellini beans, known as “fagioli,” are popular in a lot of French and Italian dishes. They are super creamy and have almost a “nutty” flavor. The perfect star of a cozy little soup!

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

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Basil Aioli and Mayonnaise Taste Test

Do you know if you keep the right mayonnaise in your fridge? Well in this video, I'll let you know! And with the most amazing mayonnaise on hand, I use it for this decadent, cheesy, highly-addictive garlic bread! This isn't something you can pick up at your local pizza store... Watch how it's made and enjoy!!

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

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich


Easter found us soaking in the sun in our lake house in South Dakota. It had to be a record for the nicest weather this early in the spring! Paired nicely with those gorgeous days by the water is nothing but this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. To DIE for! That toasted brioche bun, perfectly marinated, breaded, and fried chicken, and an easy slaw to top it all off... I'm just getting hungry all over again. Watch how to make this amazing fried chicken sandwich and enjoy!

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breakfast, french Ava Dreessen breakfast, french Ava Dreessen

Savory Ham and Gruyere Croissant Bread Pudding

With Easter just around the corner, I tried thinking of great new dishes to celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year (if not the most!), along with the turning of the spring season! Along with being the best Easter brunch dish— and I know I say it all the time— it’s SO easy! Just a few ingredients, a few dishes, and just an hour of your time, it’s sure to wow family and friends alike. So roll up your sleeves, get your eggs out, and I hope you all enjoy this beautiful meal!

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

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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