Food and Drink Recipes from The Gardening Cook

It’s time to learn how to cook garlic with this easy roasted garlic recipe. The roasting process bring out the garlic’s natural sugars, producing cloves which have a deep, mellow and slightly sweet flavor. While some recipes can benefit from the sharp bite of fresh garlic, roasted garlic has a more nuanced flavor that enhances any …

This recipe for scallops with white wine sauce is perfect for an elegant dinner party or date night meal. The dish is on the table in less than 20 minutes but tastes like you spent hours making it! The scallops are gently seared and served with a sauce that combines butter, white wine, garlic and …

You might already know how to freeze lemon juice but what about the zest? If you find yourself wondering “Can you freeze lemon zest too?”, you’ll be excited to know that you can! Not only can you freeze lemon zest, but the process of freezing it is easy and will give you flavorful citrus zest …

If you have too many lemons, you may have wondered “Can you freeze lemon juice?”. The answer is yes, and luckily, freezing lemon juice is easy! It’s always tempting to buy lemons in bulk instead of individually, because it’s so much more cost effective. However, if you’re not careful, you can be left with a …

This recipe for salmon with mango salsa is refreshing and super quick to prepare. The dish pairs perfectly baked salmon with a vibrant salsa that is full of summer’s best produce. The juicy sweetness of mango, the crispness of fresh corn, and the creamy texture of avocado unite to create a salsa that is sure to …

Loaded baked potatoes (AKA twice baked potatoes and stuffed baked potatoes) are the ultimate comfort food. If you love them as much as my family does, these variations on loaded baked potato recipes are sure to please. Cooking potatoes this way – baking them first, then scooping out the potato filling and adding other flavors – …

These vegetarian twice baked potatoes are a favorite in my house. We love the texture and taste that comes from potatoes cooked with this technique. Twice baked potatoes are a cross between a normal baked potato and a creamy potato casserole. The potato is baked and then, when it has cooked, you scoop out the …

This recipe for vegetarian stuffed portobello mushrooms has been adjusted for a meatless diet without sacrificing any of the delicious taste of a meaty dish. I love portobello mushrooms in just about any dish that calls for mushrooms. They are hearty, filling, and just delicious. The next time you want something different for dinner, instead …

This recipe for stuffed eggplant with ground beef uses small eggplants that hold the fillings perfectly. The individual-sized servings are colorful and the look is the ultimate in comfort food recipes. The dish is packed with nutritious ingredients that will tempt even the fussiest of eaters. It’s a tasty way to encourage kids to try …

Today, let’s explore a variety of creative ways to make use of cooked rice in some of my favorite leftover rice recipes. What to do with leftover rice is something I ask myself all the time. We order Chinese, Indian and Thai takeout often and always have an extra container of cooked rice when we …

Let’s have a look at cooking with bay leaves. These little green leaves pack quite a punch when it comes to adding flavor and aroma to your recipes. Bay leaves are commonly used in soups and stews, sauces, and marinades, where they simmer alongside other ingredients. Whole bay leaves are most commonly used due to …

Summer just got a little more special with our recipe for stuffed zucchini flowers. The savory blend of creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs, and spinach goes beautifully with the crispy Panko breadcrumb coating. This elegant appetizer showcases the edible flowers of summer squash and is sure to impress your guests. It also gives us a …

These stuffed yellow squash boats are the perfect way to use up a plentiful harvest of summer squash that seems to happen this time of the year. One of our good friends showed up yesterday with a bag of yellow summer crook neck squash. We all know the story of locking your doors so that …

This vegetable manicotti recipe is loaded with the wonderful taste of fresh vegetables to delight vegetarians, but the richness that comes from the sauce and cheese that will delight even meat eaters. My whole family is very fond of Italian meals. We are also trying to eat a bit less meat, so Italian vegetable recipes …

These easy egg recipes are some of my favorites.  Most take no time at all and some are even good alternatives to fast food take away breakfasts. There is nothing like an egg to start the day off right.  I love them, especially when the yolks are runny and perfectly cooked.   Protein-rich eggs are taking …

This baked barramundi recipe is quick and easy to prepare. In fact, it’s on the table in less than 20 minutes! Barramundi is a sustainable fish with a mild and delicate taste. Normally, I cook it on the stove top with a garlic lemon butter sauce. Today we’ll take the recipe to a new level …

This easy cheese quiche combines cream, eggs and onions for a simple breakfast that is also hearty enough for brunch. I get tired of the same old traditional egg breakfast. A quiche makes a nice change of pace. Today we’ll be making a basic quiche. It is how all quiches start, but you can add …

This vegan broccoli pasta is an adaptation of the regular recipe that contains full cream and butter. It’s a great choice for those who don’t eat dairy products. This dish is the epitome of comfort and flavor. It has perfectly cooked pasta coated in a velvety sauce infused with the rich aroma of garlic, onions …

This manicotti with meat recipe adds a nice mix of veggies to the normal manicotti recipe that is made with pasta and ricotta cheese.  It is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables and not complain. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and enjoy experimenting with flavors, then this recipe is …

This tasty Mediterranean Greek Salad combines juicy tomatoes, green peppers and fresh cucumbers in a tangy dressing. It is a great addition to my collection of Mediterranean recipes. The flavors are delightful and combine creamy goat cheese and tangy kalamata olives for a nice change to a normal tossed salad. It makes a great side …

I really love stuffed portobello mushrooms. They are so creamy, warm and delicious. I am always looking for new ideas on how to prepare them. We often have meatless Mondays at our house and this is a recipe that I make often. These stuffed Portobello mushrooms with Laughing Cow cheese make an impressive appetizer or …

As Easter approaches, many families are looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate the holiday. One popular activity is an Easter egg hunt, but why not add a twist to the traditional hunt with some Easter egg hunt clues and riddles? In our blog post, we’ll be sharing ideas and tips for an Easter …

  Are you planning a camping trip and looking for some easy campfire recipes that your family will love? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 15 food ideas for camping that are sure to satisfy your appetite and make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable. From breakfast to dessert, these recipes require minimal …

This delicious gluten-free apple crumble is full of flavor but contains no wheat at all. What do you do when you are pining for a pastry-style crumble but are following a gluten-free diet?  No problem at all with substitutes like oat flour and gluten-free oatmeal. I love using apples in the fall.  I’ve even been …

These basics will help you learn how to grill like a pro. Included are my top 25 grilling tips to make sure that your next barbecue is something your friends will rave about. It’s that time of the year again. One only has to be outside around 6 pm to smell the aroma of someone …

Looking for a sweet dessert to serve as the ending to a romantic dinner? The easy strawberry cheesecake swirl brownie bars recipe are the perfect choice! These cream cheese brownies are rich and delicious and make a great addition to your collection of cheesecake recipes. I love any desserts that are strawberry flavored. This easy …