Bechamel Sauce

Bechamel Sauce

Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel Sauce

February 13, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the magic of Béchamel Sauce! This creamy, smooth classic is a culinary staple, perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

25 min

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Embark on a culinary journey with the classic Béchamel Sauce, a cornerstone of French cuisine. This creamy, smooth sauce is not just a recipe – it’s a gateway to elevating your meals. Whether you’re dressing up a lasagna or making a rich, savory Croque Monsieur, Béchamel Sauce brings a touch of elegance and flavor to your dishes. It’s simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.

Pour it over vegetables for a comforting gratin, use it as a base for creamy pasta dishes, or layer it in lasagnas and moussakas for a moist, flavorful experience. It’s also perfect for creating a luxurious mac and cheese. The key is to let the sauce slightly thicken to coat your spoon, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your dish, enhancing every bite.

To keep your Béchamel Sauce fresh, cool it at room temperature before refrigerating in a tightly sealed container. It lasts up to 3 days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Béchamel Sauce
Infused Béchamel Sauce

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Béchamel Sauce

Bechamel Sauce


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • small pot
  • whisk
  • small wooden spoon

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 500 milliliters full-fat cow milk
  • 50 grams unsalted butter
  • 50 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 nutmeg
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3/8 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic clove and fry briefly in the butter. Remove the garlic clove.
  2. Now add all the flour to the melted butter and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until smooth. The consistency should be like a paste. Remove the pot directly from the heat and stir in the first 100ml of milk with a whisk until smooth. Place the pan back on the stove and bring to a boil briefly, stirring constantly. Now remove the pot from the heat and pour in the next 100ml (3 fl oz) of milk. Stir well, place the pot back on the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Now do the same with the next 3 rounds of 100ml (3 fl oz). Remove from the heat, pour in, stir, return to the stove, bring to the boil, remove from the heat and so on…
  3. After about 20 minutes, the sauce should have a consistency similar to melted cheese. You should no longer be able to taste the flour. The sauce can now be removed from the heat and seasoned to taste. To do this, grate the nutmeg freshly and add 3/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
  • Cook Time: 25 min

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Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

February 2, 2024 by Kimberly

Experience the luxurious taste of Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta, a creamy delight that’s simple to prepare and perfect for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

55 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Dive into the world of gourmet cooking with my Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta, a dish that promises a luxurious taste experience. Perfect for those who adore the rich, earthy flavors of truffles and the creamy texture of mascarpone, this easy Truffle Pasta is a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine. Its decadent mushroom blend is sure to impress, offering a quick yet elegant meal option for any occasion. 

You can use broth or stock for this dish. Just note that if you use stock, you will need to season the whole dish more strongly. As always, homemade broth or stock will make the dish taste a thousand times better than store-bought. Chopped truffle pieces in oil and truffle oil are a much cheaper and very tasty alternative to fresh truffles. You can order the products online or in a supermarket.

To elevate your dining experience, serve it hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine to complement the richness of the truffles and mascarpone. It’s a Luxury Pasta Dish that’s perfect for intimate dinners or as a sophisticated centerpiece for your gatherings.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down and then store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or a dollop of mascarpone to retain its creamy texture. This Truffle Pasta delight remains a tantalizing treat, even as leftovers!

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta
Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

Truffle Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large pan
  • large pot

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 500 grams spaghettoni
  • 500 milliliters vegetable or chicken broth
  • 100 milliliters white wine
  • 100 grams mascarpone
  • 200 grams mushrooms
  • 70 grams parmesan
  • 2 tsp minced truffle in oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1-2 stems thyme
  • truffle oil, for topping

Instructions

  1. Cut the shallot into very small pieces.
  2. Cut the mushrooms into very small pieces.
  3. Finely grate the parmesan.
  4. Heat the butter with the truffle oil in a large pan. Sauté the finely chopped shallots over a medium heat for approx. 3 minutes until translucent.
  5. Now add the chopped mushrooms. Allow to brown for a few minutes so that the mushrooms turn golden brown. Add the peeled garlic cloves as whole and one to two stalks of fresh thyme and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Then deglaze with white wine and let it boil for about five minutes on a medium heat, then stir.
  6. Now add the hot chicken stock and cook over a medium heat until only 1/3 is left. This will take about 15 minutes.
  7. In the meantime, cook the pasta in a pan in boiling salted water until al dente.
  8. Now add the mascarpone to the sauce, stir and heat gently. Remove the garlic clove and thyme from the pan. Now add the chopped truffle. Stir well and remove the pan from the heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter to the sauce. Truffle butter is best for this, but normal butter will also work. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  9. Add the pasta to the sauce in the pan. Stir well. Now add the grated Parmesan and approx. 150 ml of the pasta cooking water to the pan and stir everything until creamy using tongs. This may take a few minutes. Now serve on deep plates. Top with truffle oil and a few mushrooms.
  • Cook Time: 40 min

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Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

January 31, 2024 by Kimberly

Experience the cozy delight of baked pears enhanced with rich maple, creamy yogurt, and crunchy pistachios – a perfect, healthful dessert for any occasion!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

50 min

SERVES

2 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Savor the warmth and sweetness of this Maple Baked Pears, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of comfort desserts. This healthy baked fruit recipe marries the natural succulence of pears with a rich maple glaze, topped with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios. Ideal for those seeking a nutritious pear dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this easy fruit dessert is a testament to simple ingredients creating exquisite tastes.

Serving this warm pear treat is a delightful experience. Present these Maple Baked Pears fresh from the oven, accompanied by a generous scoop of creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness. The gourmet pistachio garnish not only adds a textural contrast but also a pop of color, making it an elegant dessert option for dinner parties or a comforting treat on a cozy night in. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup or honey for added decadence. This dish is sure to impress, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Keep the baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to one day. Gently reheat before serving to revive the warm, comforting essence of the dish. This makes this Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios a convenient, ready-to-indulge dessert, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings any day of the week.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios
Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios

Maple Baked Pears with Yogurt & Pistachios


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • sharp knife
  • chopping board
  • casserole dish

 


Ingredients

Scale
PEARS
  • 2 ripe pears
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
 
TOPPINGS
  • 1 tbsp pistachios
  • 2 tbsp yogurt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Peel the pears, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  • Crack the pistachios out of their shells and roughly chop.
  • Mix the water and maple syrup in the casserole dish. Turn the pear halves in the sauce.
  • Pour a little vanilla extract and cinnamon over the pears and place a small piece of butter on top of each one.
  • Roast the pears for 25 minutes, then turn each pear over and bake for a further 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pears from the oven and arrange on plates. Scrape the sauce out of the baking dish and spread over the pears. Top with yoghurt, a little maple syrup and chopped pistachios.
  • Passive Time: 40 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min

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Classic Cucumber Salad

Classic Cucumber Salad

Classic Cucumber Salad

Classic Cucumber Salad

January 28, 2024 by Kimberly

Relish in the fresh, crisp taste of Classic Cucumber Salad, an effortlessly light and healthy dish, perfect for any meal or as a refreshing snack!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

30 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegan

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Discover the timeless appeal of classic Cucumber Salad, a dish celebrated for its simplicity and freshness. This healthy salad, made with crisp cucumbers, is the epitome of a light side dish that complements any meal. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious vegetable salad that is both easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.

Serving this classic Cucumber Salad is all about embracing its fresh and natural flavors. It’s an excellent addition to any table, be it for a casual lunch or a more formal dinner. This refreshing salad recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish for a light meal. Its versatility also makes it a favorite in vegan salad ideas, appealing to various dietary preferences. For an enhanced experience, serve it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a moreish, refreshing treat that’s sure to please any palate.

Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and freshness. Ideally, it should be consumed within a day or two to enjoy its optimal taste and texture. This simple salad preparation ensures that you have a healthy, ready-to-eat option on hand.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Classic Cucumber Salad
Classic Cucumber Salad

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Classic Cucumber Salad

Classic Cucumber Salad


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • Mandolin (or sharp knife)
  • sealable glass
  • salad bowl

 


Ingredients

Scale
SALAD
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 small onion
  • chives
DRESSING
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • chives

Instructions

  • Wash the cucumber thoroughly.
  • Slice the cucumber into very thin slices. Finely chop the onion.
  • For the dressing, pour the vinegar, oil, salt, sugar and crushed garlic into a sealable jar and shake well. Flavour the dressing and season with salt and ground pepper to taste.
  • Mix the cucumber slices and onion pieces with the dressing in a bowl and leave to stand in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  • Passive Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min

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Basic Chicken Broth

Basic Chicken Broth

Basic Chicken Broth

Basic Chicken Broth

January 11, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the warm, comforting embrace of Chicken Broth. It’s simple, nourishing, and versatile, perfect for soups, stews, or just sipping. A timeless kitchen staple!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

2 hrs + 30 min

SERVES

3 liters / 3 quarts

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Embark on a culinary journey with the timeless classic, Chicken Broth. This simple yet profound staple is the heart of countless recipes, offering a warm, soothing base that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, transforming basic ingredients into a versatile foundation for a myriad of dishes.

Serve this comforting Basic Chicken Broth as a warming start to your meal, or use it as a versatile base for soups, stews, and sauces. Its delicate flavors complement a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for enhancing your favorite recipes. For a simple yet satisfying experience, enjoy it hot with a sprinkle of herbs, a dash of salt, and a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

To store, cool the broth and then transfer it into airtight containers or deli container. It can be refrigerated for up to 6 days or frozen for up to 6 months. The broth can also be preserved using canning methods for long-term storage. When ready to use, thaw or reheat as needed.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Basic Chicken Broth
Basic Chicken Broth

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Basic Chicken Broth

Basic Chicken Broth


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 2-4 hrs
  • Yield: 3 liters / 3.17 quarts 1x

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large pot with lid
  • large bowl
  • fine sieve

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 liters water
  • 1.5 kilograms of any kind of chicken parts with bones and a bit of fat (e.g. stewing hen)
  • 800 grams mixed vegetables of your choice (e.g. carrots, onions, celery root, parsley, leeks)
  • 1 bundle of fresh herbs of your choice (e.g. thyme, parsley, cilantro, chives)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 cloves
  • 1/4 tsp coriander seeds
  • 5 allspice
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp avocado oil or clarified butter
  • 22 grams salt, optional

Instructions

  1. Wash your vegetables, leave their skins on, and chop everything into large pieces. Also, wash the herbs because we’ll use them whole, including their stems.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with kitchen paper. Then heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot and fry the vegetables until they get a little nice browning. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and add 3 liters of cold water.
  3. Add 2 dried bay leaves, 5 allspice berries, 3 cloves, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander seeds, and the herbs to the pot.
  4. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer with the lid on for at least 2 hours. For the best results, I recommend letting it cook for 4 hours.
  5. After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Take out the chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices. If you’ve used chicken parts with meat on, don’t forget to save the meat for other recipes.
    Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into another pot. Season the broth with salt if desired. I usually add 6–8 g (approximately 1 teaspoon) of salt per liter (4 cups) of broth.
  6. Let the broth cool completely. Skim off any fat floating on top, or if your pot fits in the fridge, let it rest overnight. The fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to remove.
  7. The broth is now ready to use. Alternatively, pour it into sealable jars or deli containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to 6 days or freeze it for up to 6 months.

Notes

If you cook on a regular basis, you’ve probably noticed how many vegetable scraps end up in the trash, e.g. onion skins, carrot peels, leek ends, herb stems, and more. Instead of tossing them, grab a large ziplock bag and store all your scraps in the freezer. Over time, you’ll collect a substantial amount of veggie and herb scraps, which are perfect for making your next broth at home. No need to defrost them, simply toss the frozen scraps directly into a pot, cover them with water and go for it. Use them alone for a flavorful vegetable stock or pair them with chicken or beef bones for a rich, meaty broth. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to ensure you always have homemade stock for literally no cost!

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Passive Time: 2-4 hrs

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Basic Vegetable Broth

Basic Vegetable Broth

Basic Vegetable Broth

Basic Vegetable Broth

January 5, 2024 by Kimberly

Vegetable broth is a delicious, nourishing base for soups and stews, made by simmering fresh veggies and aromatic herbs. It’s easy, versatile, and full of flavor!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

3 hrs + 30 min

SERVES

3 liters

DIET

vegan

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Discover the magic of homemade vegetable broth! This simple, yet flavorful liquid gold is crafted by gently simmering a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Not only is it a healthier and most clean alternative to store-bought ones, but it also infuses your dishes with a depth of flavor that can only come from fresh, natural ingredients.

Vegetable broth is incredibly versatile. Use it as a rich base for soups and stews, adding layers of flavor to each spoonful. It’s perfect for deglazing pans, lending a savory note to sautéed dishes. Alternatively, enjoy it as a warm, comforting drink on its own, especially during chilly evenings. Mix in a dash of your favorite herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing!

Vegetable broth keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container. For longer storage, the broth can be preserved in boiled jars. This way, you’ll always have handy, homemade broth ready for your next culinary adventure!

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Basic Vegetable Broth
Basic Vegetable Broth

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Basic Vegetable Broth

Basic Vegetable Broth


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 3 hrs + 30 min
  • Yield: 3 liters 1x

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large pot with lid
  • large bowl (or a medium-sized pot)
  • fine sieve (or a kitchen towel)

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
VEGETABLES
  • 400 grams carrots
  • 2 onions
  • 200 grams celery root
  • 100 grams leek
  • 2 garlic cloves
HERBS & SPICES
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 stem thyme
  • 1 large bunch of parsley
  • 5 cloves
  • 1/4 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 22 grams salt (approx. 2 1/2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp clarified butter

Instructions

  1. Wash the carrots, celery root, leek and parsley thoroughly and chop everything roughly.
  2. Halve the onions and leave the skin on.
  3. Heat 1 tsp clarified butter in a large pan and fry the onions, carrots, celery root, leek and garlic cloves until they are browned.
  4. Fill the pot up with 3 liters of cold water and add the bay leaf, 5 cloves, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns and 1 bunch of parsley.
  5. Now put the lid on and bring to the boil once at a high temperature. As soon as it boils, turn the flame down to the lowest setting and leave the liquid to simmer in the pan with the lid on for 2 hours.
  6. After the 2 hours, remove the pot from the heat. Now remove the overcooked vegetables, herbs and spices from the broth.
  7. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or kitchen towel into a medium-sized pot. Then season with salt. Add between 5g and 7g of salt per liter of broth, depending on taste. Allow the broth to cool completely.
  • Passive Time: 3 hrs
  • Cook Time: 30 min

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