Barbara is on a healthy keto diet so naturally, she wanted to turn Grandma Tessie’s Cauliflower Frittata into a healthy keto dish. This is just as good as Grandma’s original but it’s keto, low-carb, and… More
Clear Onion & Mushroom Soup
Clear Soup with Mushrooms & Scallions
Equipment
- 8 quart stockpot
Ingredients
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 cups water
- 2 large sweet onions cut into 12 wedges
- 2 large carrots cut in chunks
- 4-5 large garlic cloves smashed
- 3 inch piece fresh ginger sliced
- 4-5 whole scallions (green onions) sliced thin (green & white parts)
- 10-12 Baby Bella mushrooms sliced very thin
- salt to taste
- French's fried onion pieces
Instructions
- Heat a large 8 quart stock pot until water makes a "pish" sound. The pot is then hot enough to add the sesame oil.
- When the sesame oil is hot enough it will show striations on the bottom surface. Add the onion wedges, ginger slices and carrot chunks until all surfaces are lightly charred. Add the garlic and cook additional 1 minute but don't burn.
- Add the chicken, beef broths and water. Bring to a boil then simmer on low for about an hour.
- Use a strainer to remove the vegetables and toss them or use elsewhere; however, they will be very soft.
- Serve into individual soup bowls with a ladle or two of hot broth. Add some thinly sliced mushroms and scallions. Top with a few fried onions and enjoy!
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Clear Soup is always the first item we order from our favorite sushi restaurant whether it’s dine in or take out. It’s a delicate onion flavor is so comforting on cold days or nights not just for your body but your soul too! Typically it’s topped with thinly sliced mushrooms and scallions. After many tries to duplicate the right flavors, we found the right balance. Now we can enjoy this soup anytime we want it and you can too! It’s quick and very easy.
Exciting Announcement!
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We are excited to announce while Teresa continues cooking with Barbara in Twiins in the Kitchen, she has resumed making custom jewelry. Check out her designs on Facebook by clicking this link: Teresa Stainback Designs.
Her Facebook Page is still a work in progress so stay tuned for more pictures of her work. Any inquiries can be sent to: info@teresastainback.com
Springtime Asparagus & Cheese Tart
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This Easter we tried a new twist on our asparagus side dish and we loved it! We adapted this recipe from Food Network Kitchen making just a few tweaks. The whole family really enjoyed this new dish and requested we make it often. Whether you make it for a side dish, appetizer, or for brunch it will definitely be a hit! Enjoy 😋
Springtime Asparagus & Cheese Tart
Equipment
- 1 large bowl for ice bath
- 1 11" x 15" rimmed baking sheet inside measurement
- parchment paper
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus , trimmed approximately 1-1.5" only.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry , thawed
- all-purpose flour , for dusting
- 1 cup fontina cheese , grated
- 1 cup gruyere cheese , grated
- 2 Tablespoon minced shallot , may substitue with minced onion
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 Tablespoons whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Kosher salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 2 tsp EVOO
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.
- In a large skillet bring 1" of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-5 minutes until bright green, crisp tender depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Drain and transfer to the ice bath to stop cooking; drain & pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- On a lightly floured clean surface, roll out thawed puff pastry into an 11" x 15" rectangle (to fit your pan). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper then transfer the rolled-out pastry into the pan. Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake until light golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan.
- While cooling the puff pastry, mix the fontina, gruyere, shallot or onion, egg yolks, milk, nutmeg, salt & pepper in a bowl until combined.
- Once puff pastry is cooled, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the puffed pastry, leaving a 1" border on all sides.
- Toss the asparagus with EVOO, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange asparagus onto the tart and bake until the cheese mixture is slightly puffy, 15-20 minutes. Garnish with lemon zest.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Easter Breakfast the Whole Family Will Enjoy
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With Easter, only a week away, start getting those ingredients together to make our tasty and fun Italian Easter Egg Breakfast Baskets (Pupa Cu L’ova)
Mediterranean Mujadara: Lentils, Rice and Onions 😋😋
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After recently recovering from Covid-19, I had absolutely no desire to cook! Losing the ability to smell and taste kind of messes with your appetite… I did make 3 batches of chicken soup that I couldn’t taste or smell so not sure if it had any healing powers! Thankfully my senses are back so I was looking for something different to make. I came across a recipe from The Mediterranean Dish for Mujadara. It’s a Lebanese Middle Eastern dish made with black lentils, long grain rice, and onions…lots of onions! Neither Teresa nor I had ever tried this dish before but it sounded really, really good. It was! You can make this as a side with some chicken or as a main dish. All I can say is you have to try it because it’s delicious comfort food with unbelievable flavor and it’s Gluten-free!
Mediterranean Mujadara: Lentils, Rice and Onions 😋😋
Equipment
- 2 large skillets
- 1 small bowl for soaking rice
- 1 small covered saucepan for par-boiling lentils, use to set aside after par-boiling and draining
Ingredients
- 1 cup black lentils (sorted and rinsed)
- 4 cups water , divided
- 1/4 cup EVOO , more for later
- 2 very large yellow onions , large dice (4 cups)
- 1 tsp kosher salt , more to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice , soaked in bowl of water for 10-15 inutes then drained & set aside
- black pepper
- 1/2 - 1 tsp cumin , (I used 1/2 tsp)
- parsley , for garnish
Fried Crispy Onion Garnish
- 2 -3 Tbsp EVOO
- 1 very large yellow onion , cut into very thin rings
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, place the lentils with 2 cups of the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered until the lentils are par-boiled (10-12 minutes). Remove from heat, drain and set aside back in the saucepan.
- Place the long-grain white rice in a small bowl. cover with water and let soak for 15 minutes. Rinse and drain then place back into the bowl and set aside.
- In a large saute or skillet pan with a lid, heat 1/4 cup EVOO over medium-high heat until the oil makes "ribbons". Add the diced onions and cook covered (40 minutes) until dark golden brown, darker than normal caramelized onions. You may lower the heat so they don't burn. Add kosher salt. Stir occasionally and keep the lid on between stirrings.
- Carefully pour the remaining 2 cups of water into the onions. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the rice and par-cooked lentils into the onion mixture. Add a good dash of kosher salt, black pepper, and the cumin.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through. (About 15-20 minutes)
- In a second skillet, heat 2-3 Tablespoons EVOO until hot over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough add thinly sliced onion rings in batches and fry until they are crispy and deeply golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined dish to drain excess oil.
- Let the rice and lentils rest covered for about 10 minutes undisturbed, then garnish with crispy onions & parsley and transfer to serving bowls.
- Optional: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and a nice tomato, cucumber salad. You can also add leftover cooked chicken for those that must have "meat" in the dish.
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
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If you’re a Thai food lover like we are, this recipe is sure to deliver great flavor in a one-pot meal plus cooked rice. It’s so quick and easy to make for any busy weeknight (less than 30 minutes from start to table) or for any special occasion dinner. It touches all the flavors of sweetness, heat, savory, and acidity that you expect from Thai food. You won’t be disappointed… it’s really delicious and naturally gluten free!
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven 8 qt
Ingredients
- 3-4 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, small dice
- 2 lbs. cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1 1/2 Tbsp ginger paste, refrigerated tube
- 2 tsp coriander, ground
- 2 13 oz cans Unsweetened coconut milk, full fat (shake well before opening)
- 1 1/2-2 cups carrots, shredded
- 4-6 Tbsp red curry paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 - 1 tsp black pepper
- 16 oz baby spinach fresh
- 2 limes juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped & divided
- 2-4 Tbsp dark brown sugar, to taste
- 2 cups jasmine rice, white or brown, cooked
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in the dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and saute for about 5 minutes until soft, stirring regularly.
- Add garlic, ginger, coriander, carrots, and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Add the curry paste, brown sugar, salt & pepper, and stir quickly, then add half the chopped cilantro.
- Add coconut milk and stir to combine all. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture come to a gentle boil for approximately 5 minutes or until liquid thickens slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves, lime juice, and cook until spinach is wilted & tender approximately 2-3 minutes.,
- Add the cooked chicken and stir well until the chicken is heated through. Taste to adjust sugar, salt, or curry paste to your liking.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro and serve over cooked rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies – Twiins Style
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It’s hard to believe we are at the end of the first week in December! Time to start baking our family’s traditional Christmas cookies to have ready to mail out to family members on the West Coast & beyond.
If you’ve never tried these recipes before, this is the time to start. Nothing says it’s the beginning of the holiday season like baking our Italian bakery-style cookies. They are delicious! My 8-year-old grandson is visiting from NY and he said the Rainbow Cookies are “Amazing”…music to our ears!
Make sure you have plenty of all-purpose flour, butter, almond paste, chopped pistachios, pignolias (pine nuts), chopped dates, and bittersweet chocolate chips on hand because these cookies fly off the plates.
Merry Christmas and enjoy!
Cannoli Shells – gluten free
The Best Gluten-Free New York Style Black & White Cookies
(not a cookie but a long time Christmas Morning tradition)
Lobster Rolls – Twiins Style
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Goodby summer…There’s no better way to celebrate the end of summer than with an indulgent lobster roll! Whether it’s served as a Labor Day celebration lunch or dinner your family and guests will love them. Our family not only loves them but said “they are better than ‘ Joe’s’ “. This recipe is our version of the classic Connecticut style lobster roll using only butter…NO Mayo. These lobster rolls are so easy to make using pre-cooked lobster meat. We hope you’ll give it a try and let us know.
Happy Labor Day, Stay safe

Lobster Rolls - Twiins Style
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Lobster meat (cooked)
- 2-3 stalks celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup parsely, fresh coursely chopped
- 2-3 Tbsp lemon juice, fresh
- salt & pepper to taste
- 3 sticks salted butter (melted right before serving)
- 3-4 Tbsp softened butter to spread on rolls prior to broiling
- 8-10 buns top split hot dog buns
Instructions
- Place the pre-cooked lobster meat in a large bowl (large chunky pieces)
- Add diced celery, chopped parsely, salt & pepper, juice of half a large lemon. Mix well and set aside.
- Turn oven to broil. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place opened buns on baking sheet then smear both halves of each bun with softened butter. Place on bottom rack of oven until they start to turn golden. Remove immediately.
- Melt 3 sticks of salted butter then pour into lobster mixture. Combine well and fill each bun. Drizzle each lobster roll with the melted butter that pooled at the bottom of the mixing bowl and enjoy!
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Cheesy Zucchini & Chicken Enchiladas
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I haven’t been cooking at all the last 5 weeks due to having a total knee replacement. During that time my better half, Teresa, cooked for all of us. Unfortunately during that same time period our beloved father Joseph passed away at the age of 94. Teresa, Jack, my husband Gary, and my son Jason flew back to NY but I couldn’t travel. My amazing friends came to my rescue by preparing the ice machine for my knee, letting the dog out, bringing lunch, dinners, and most of all, emotional support. I am so very grateful to have them in my life. As I was looking through some of my stacks and stacks of recipes, I came across this recipe from Food Network for Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken ‘Enchiladas’. Since I’m now able to do more & more each day I decided to try cooking this fairly quick & delicious-looking dinner. The key is using rotisserie chicken already cooked. Just shred it up! The step that takes the longest is shaving the zucchini ribbons but it’s worth the effort for this low-carb, satisfying meal. My family loved it.
Cheesy Zucchini & Chicken Enchiladas
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- Y shaped vegetable peeler
- 2-3 quart baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, sliced (white & green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (discard skin)
- 1.5 cups salsa (not chunky)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided in half)
- 3-4 medium zucchini
- dash chipotle hot sauce, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp sour cream (can be used as garnish when serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large skillet heat the oil on medium heat.
- Add the white scallion slices & garlic. Cook, stirring often until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder and cook, stirring until the scallions are coated and the oil is brick red, about a minute. Remove from heat and stir in chicken, 1/2 cup salsa & 1/2 cup cheese. Set aside.
- Cut ends off zucchini. Halve the zucchini lengthwise and arrange cut-side down on a clean work surface. Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to shave off ribbons the entire length of each zucchini half and as wide as possible (the first few may be too skinny & can be discarded). Make 36 ribbons in total.
- Lay out 3 ribbons, slightly overlapping to make a rectangle (ribbons are your 'tortilla'). Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down along one of the short ends of the zucchini tortilla then roll up to enclose the filling.
- Place into an ungreased baking dish, seam side down. Repeat step 6 then arrange them in the baking dish. Top with remaining salsa. Sprinkle with a dash of hot sauce then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot for about 25 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green scallions
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.
Sylvia Pearce’s Spicy Dry Rub for Chicken
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A few weeks ago Jack & I were visiting family in Cary, NC, to celebrate my great-grandson’s 5th birthday. Julian was excited to show me how he swims in the big community pool so, off we went. After sunscreen, earplugs & swim arms, he was ready to have fun. All the while I was a little distracted by the amazing aroma of grilling taking place to my right at one of the grill stations nearby. I could see chicken and steak on the grill which made my mouth start watering. I had to investigate! I then had the pleasure of meeting Dwayne & Sylvia Pearce. Dwayne is the Grill Master but quickly confessed that it’s his wife Sylvia’s homemade rub that makes the food delicious. It was very evident to me that Dwayne was enjoying every moment at the grill in spite of the 90º temperature outside. Their generosity extended to me a sampling of their chicken drumsticks and I was hooked! The chicken was grilled to perfection, full of spicy flavor, and very moist. Like many accomplished cooks, Sylvia uses a little of this and a little of that until the taste is just the way they like it. Thanks so much to Sylvia & Dwayne for sharing your good nature, spice rub ingredients, and chicken with me. I love it!
Sylvia Pearce's Spicy Dry Rub for Chicken
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl or plastic zip-lock bag
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Adobe seasoning
- 1 packet Sazon seasoning
- 1 1/2 tsp jerk seasoning (if using jerk in a jar, omit the brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayene pepper
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the above ingredients and blend well.
- Using paper towels, pat dry your chicken, then generously rub the spicy dry rub on both sides.
- Heat your grill to medium-high then lightly oil the grates.
- Place the chicken on the grill and grill for about 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees for dark meat or 160 degrees for white meat.
- Rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Please note: Although the Nutritional Facts are provided, we are not nutritionists and therefore cannot verify the accuracy of these calculations. Please verify any data you see here with your favorite nutrition calculator.