Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Since I had made some flatbread pizza, I started thinking about breadsticks. Breadsticks always seem to go quickly and they're so tasty! I had made some cheesy peppered breadsticks before, but this time, I wanted something like a less greasy version of the traditional garlicky breadsticks you can get when you order pizza. I have to say, these breadsticks definitely qualified, and, they were tastier too! These breadsticks finished in almost no time at all, especially since I used some of the instant flour mix. I opted to twist the breadsticks so that they would look nicer, but it's certainly optional. If you wanted to bring the twisted ones to a party or gathering, you certainly don't have to tell anyone there how quick and easy these breadsticks were to make!

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

by CJ Huang

Quick and easy breadsticks - a tastier and less greasy version of the traditional breadsticks.

Materials:

Mass	Weight	Volume	Number	Material	Notes
		2 cups		instant flour mix	Or Bisquick
		1/2 cup		water
		1 teaspoon		pepper
		1 tablespoon		garlic
				red pepper flakes	optional
				cheese, grated	I used Romano.

Methods:

1. Combine instant flour mix and water.
2. Add in black pepper, red pepper flakes, cheese, and garlic.
3. Mix well and roll dough out to about a half inch thickness.
4. Cut into strips about 1 inch across to make breadsticks. At this point, I opted to twist them a bit. You could do the same thing to make them look "fancier" without much extra work!

Rosemary Baked Chicken

An easy method for oven-baked rosemary drumsticks encased in crispy skin.

Caramelized Banana and Pecan Oatmeal

Add some fun flavor to your oatmeal with bananas, caramelized in their own sugar, roasted nuts, and dash of cinnamon.

Sesame Chicken

One of the most popular recipes here is my Sesame Chicken Sauce, and one questions I often get is "How do I make Sesame Chicken with this Sesame Chicken Sauce?" Well, here's your answer! I opted for pan frying since I don't have a deep fryer. Plus, it's easier and healthier, although most restaurants will deep fry the chicken. I also didn't marinate the chicken ahead of time (didn't have time), but you could freezer marinate for a last minute meal full of flavor. Serve with some rice and greens, and you've got a meal tastier and healthier than take out!

What are some of your favorite things when ordering takeout?

Sesame Chicken

by CJ Huang

Make yourself some Sesame Chicken that's better than takeout!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Materials:

Mass	Weight	Volume	Number	Material	Notes
				chicken, cut into chunks
			1	egg, beaten
				Sesame Chicken Sauce
				flour
				cornmeal	optional - I like to include some because of the texture it provides.

Methods:

	1. Gather all materials.
	2. Dip the chicken into the eggs and then cover with flour.
	3. Pan fry the breaded chicken chunks in a bit of oil until crispy and cooked through.
	4. (optional) Drain off a bit of the oil on paper towels. I like to save on paper towels by using one layer of paper towel on top of newspaper so the newspaper does most of the work.
	5. Pour the Sesame Chicken Sauce into a pan, and add the chicken, mixing until chicken covered with sauce.

Brown Butter

If you know me, then you know I like butter. But you know what's even better than regular ol' butta? BROWN butter.

Also known as beurre noisette, or hazelnut butter in French. It's got a bit of nutty flavor just packed with yum. Use it on all sorts of things - veggies, pasta, fish, chicken, or even just on a spoon. No judgement here! Fortunately for you, it's also really simple to make. Afterall, what you're doing is simply heating butter until it browns - easy enough, right?

As you heat butter, an emulsion, the water evaporates and the milk proteins separate out and begin to brown. The milk proteins browning gives brown butter it's wonderfully nutty flavor. The only crucial part? Removing the butter from the heat before you get black butter. And one good way to know when to remove your butter from heat is to be smarter than me and use a light colored pan. It'll make your life a lot easier. Trust me.

What are some simple ways to level up your ingredients?

Brown Butter

by CJ Huang

Level up your butter to the nutty, toasted, magical awesomeness of brown butter!

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: just under 8 ounces

Materials:

Mass	Weight	Volume	Number	Material	Notes
227 grams	8 ounces	1 cup		butter

Methods:

	1. Gather all materials.
	2. Melt butter. It'll make your life a lot easier if you're smarter than me and use a light colored pot. :)
	3. Continue heating and stirring butter until slightly browned. Then remove from heat.
	4. Filter out browned milk solids.

Roasted Banana Bread

Flavorful banana bread made from roasted bananas.

Mexican Pizza

An easy "Mexican" pizza - two crisp corn tortillas filled with ground beef and refried beans, then topped with cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and any other taco toppings you'd like!

Taquitos

These flavorful and cheesy taquitos make an amazing on the go snack or meal. Almost like a taco burrito!

Meatballs with Hoisin Cilantro Sauce

Asian-inspired, flavor-loaded meatballs with scallions, ginger, and sesame oil in a Hoisin based sauce.

Avocado Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese made creamier with avocado.