This was inspired by the dessert we enjoyed at Verjus is Paris the night we ran into Ina and Jeffrey but we’ve turned the volume up for this not-too-sweet layered showstopper.
My Recipes
Easy Jerk Burger Recipe with Mango Habanero Pepper Jelly
This Jamaican-inspired jerk burger is made with juicy beef patties seasoned with hot jerk paste, melted pepper jack cheese, grilled fresh pineapple, red onion, lettuce, and sweet-spicy mango habanero pepper jelly. It’s a bold summer burger recipe with heat, sweetness, and just enough resort-vacation energy to ruin regular burgers.
Hazelnut-Miso Puppy Chow Bars: A Twist on a Nostalgic Classic
These Hazelnut-Miso Puppy Chow Bars turn the classic muddy buddy snack into a crisp, sliceable dessert with a baked Chex crust, rich Nutella-miso ganache, and crunchy hazelnut topping. Sweet, salty, chocolatey, and nostalgic, they’re a grown-up twist on puppy chow that’s ideal for parties, holidays, and make-ahead desserts.
Carrot Cake Trifle: The Ultimate Easter Showstopper Dessert
This Easter-ready Carrot Cake Trifle layers cinnamon-spiced cake, roasted pecans, and a cloud of cream cheese whipped cream. What started as a save-the-day dessert has become a showstopping staple. With carrots, pineapple, and plenty of nostalgia, it’s rich, light, and guaranteed to be the star of your spring table.
Reuben Quesadillas: A Crispy Corned Beef Twist for St. Patrick’s Day
These crispy Reuben quesadillas pack chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Gruyère, and sharp cheddar into buttery toasted tortillas. Toasted caraway seeds bring classic rye flavor, while a punchy Russian dipping sauce with pickles, horseradish, mustard, and sauerkraut brine ties everything together.
Easy Weeknight Pozole Verde–Style Chicken Chili
This Weeknight Pozole-Style Green Chili blends the bright, herbaceous flavors of pozole verde with the hearty texture of white bean chili. Roasted tomatillos, hominy, and tender shredded chicken simmer into a thick, cozy stew, finished with lime and piled high with crunchy, creamy toppings.
Spicy Coconut Broth Ramen with Pork and Marinated Eggs
This Spicy Coconut Broth Ramen with Pork and Marinated Eggs was inspired by Deb Perlman’s braised ginger meatballs with coconut broth – which quickly became a favorite in our house. The broth combines chicken stock, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime zest, turmeric, and Fresno peppers. Served with soy-marinated eggs, it’s a spicy dish for those who enjoy heat.
A Simple but Special Steak Dinner: Filet Mignon with Cacio e Pepe Sauce
This filet mignon dinner feels steakhouse-special but stays weeknight-doable. Pan-seared steaks are finished in the oven, then topped with a bold cacio e pepe Mornay and served alongside charred broccolini with lemon and chile flakes. It’s rich, peppery, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any Friday night in.