Ham and Bean Soup

 Ham and Bean Soup 😋😍

INGREDIENTS:

8 cups low sodium chicken broth can sub water, beef, or vegetable broth for added flavor

1 leftover ham bone with meat or ham hocks, diced ham or

1 lb. cooked sausage

1 clove garlic minced

1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 lemon juiced

1 onion diced

1 package Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup

Optional: Hot sauce or crushed red pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

-After rinsing and draining the beans, sort any unwanted debris and set it aside.

-In a slow cooker, place beans, diced ham, onion, broth, garlic, and chili powder. (you can use ham bone instead of diced ham).

-Cook for 7-8 hours on low (or 4.5-5 on high) or just until beans are tender.

-Once your beans are soft and tender if you used the hambone remove it and chop any meat left on to add it back to the pot.

-Stir in diced tomatoes, Ham Flavor packet, and lemon juice.

-Cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Mallow

Mallow (Malva Sylvestris): The Overlooked Powerhouse Herb

Often overlooked in the wild, mallow (Malva sylvestris) is a true gem hiding in plain sight. With its delicate purple flowers, soft heart-shaped leaves, and mild, mucilaginous texture, this plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and folk remedies across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. But beyond its beauty and history, mallow offers a wealth of nutritional and medicinal benefits that make it a valuable addition to modern diets and wellness routines.

**A Glimpse Into History

Mallow has been known since antiquity. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to soothe inflammation, ease coughs, and calm digestive troubles. In traditional Moroccan, Persian, and European herbalism, both the leaves and flowers were steeped into teas, used in poultices, or eaten as food during times of scarcity.

**Nutritional Benefits

Mallow is more than just a medicinal herb—it’s also a nutritious wild green. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium, it can support immune function, bone health, and cellular repair. The leaves contain mucilage, a soothing gel-like substance that aids digestion and coats irritated tissues.

Key nutrients include:

Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and skin health

Calcium & Magnesium: Essential for bones and nerve function

Iron: Supports red blood cell production

Fiber & Mucilage: Aid digestion and soothe the gut

**Medicinal Uses

Traditional healers have long used mallow to treat a variety of ailments, many of which are now supported by science:

Respiratory relief: Mallow tea can ease dry coughs, bronchitis, and throat irritation

Digestive aid: Its mucilage calms gastritis, ulcers, and constipation

Skin soother: Applied topically, it can reduce inflammation, eczema, and insect bites

Urinary health: Helps flush the urinary tract and reduce inflammation

**How to Use Mallow

Both the leaves and flowers of Malva sylvestris are edible and can be used in various ways:

Raw in salads: The young leaves add a mild, slightly sweet flavor

Cooked as greens: Use like spinach in soups, stews, or sautés

Mallow tea: Steep dried leaves or flowers for a calming, anti-inflammatory drink

Poultice or salve: Mash fresh leaves for a soothing compress for the skin

> Tip: Harvest leaves from clean, pesticide-free areas, preferably before the plant flowers for the most tender texture.

Final Thoughts

In a world increasingly turning to natural remedies and nutrient-rich foods, mallow deserves a place at the table. Whether you forage it from the wild or grow it in your garden, this beautiful herb can enrich your health in gentle yet powerful ways. It’s a testament to how nature often provides everything we need—if we only take the time to notice.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Lime

Servings: 2–4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Total Time: 25–30 minutes

🌿 Ingredients:

1 whole white fish (like sea bass, snapper, or tilapia), cleaned and scaled (or 2 fillets if preferred)

2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly julienned

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

2 limes (juice of 1, slices of 1 for garnish)

2 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tsp sugar

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil

🍋 Instructions:

1. Prep the fish:

Rinse and pat dry. Make a few shallow slits on both sides if using whole fish. Place on a heatproof plate that fits in your steamer.

2. Season:

Rub the fish with lime juice and sprinkle lightly with salt. Scatter the ginger and garlic over and inside the fish (if whole).

3. Mix sauce:

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and the juice of 1 lime. Set aside.

4. Steam:

Set up a steamer or place a rack inside a large pot with 1 inch of water. Bring water to a simmer. Place the plate with the fish in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 12–15 minutes (longer for thicker fish). Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

5. Finish:

Once cooked, pour the prepared sauce over the fish. Heat the sesame oil until just smoking, then drizzle it over the top to sizzle the aromatics. Garnish with scallions, fresh chili, lime slices, and cilantro.

🍚 To Serve:

Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Spoon the sauce over the rice — it's too good to waste!

Italian Pinwheels

 Italian Pinwheels

Ingredients:

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

8 oz herbed cream cheese (store-bought or homemade)

12 slices Genoa salami

12 slices deli pepperoni

8 slices provolone cheese

1 cup fresh spinach or arugula (optional for a fresh crunch)

1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)

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Instructions:

1. Spread the base

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese all the way to the edges.

2. Layer the meats and cheese

Place 3 slices of salami, 3 slices of pepperoni, and 2 slices of provolone over the cream cheese in a single layer. Add a small handful of spinach or arugula if using.

3. Season (optional)

Sprinkle with a little Italian seasoning for added flavor.

4. Roll it tight

Starting at one end, roll the tortilla up tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas and ingredients.

5. Chill for easy slicing

Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (this helps with clean slicing).

6. Slice and serve

Unwrap and slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips:

Use flavored tortillas (like spinach or sun-dried tomato) for added color.

Secure with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.

Make ahead: store pinwheels in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes

Greek Octopus Stew with Potatoes

🧺 Ingredients:

2–2½ lbs (1 kg) octopus, cleaned and cut into large pieces

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

1 large onion, finely chopped

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup olive oil

½ cup dry red wine

1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 bay leaf

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: pinch of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for extra depth

Water as needed

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Pre-cook the octopus (optional but recommended):

Place octopus in a dry pot over medium heat (no oil). Cover and let it cook in its own juices for about 30–40 minutes, or until it turns deep pink and releases liquid. Remove, reserve the juices, and cut into large chunks.

2. Sauté the base:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute.

3. Add the octopus:

Stir in the octopus pieces and cook for a few minutes to let them absorb the onion-garlic flavors.

4. Deglaze with wine:

Pour in the red wine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to burn off the alcohol.

5. Add tomatoes & seasonings:

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, salt, pepper, and (if using) a cinnamon stick or pinch of cinnamon. Add any reserved octopus liquid if you have it.

6. Simmer:

Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water.

7. Add the potatoes:

Add the potato chunks, stir, and add just enough water to barely cover them. Continue simmering for another 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes and octopus are tender.

8. Taste & finish:

Adjust seasoning as needed. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

9. Garnish & serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or a light Greek salad.

Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

 

Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

 Ingredients

 

 Lasagna noodles  

 Cooked chicken, shredded  

 Broccoli florets  

 Ricotta cheese  

 Mozzarella cheese, shredded  

 Parmesan cheese, grated  

 Marinara sauce  

 Garlic, minced  

 Onion, chopped  

 Olive oil  

 Salt  

 Pepper  

 Italian seasoning  

 

 Directions

 

 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your baking dish ready.

 2. Warm a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing gently until they’re soft and fragrant.

 3. Stir in the shredded chicken and broccoli florets. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for a few minutes, just until everything is heated through.

 4. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

 5. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, then layer on half of the chicken and broccoli mixture. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and a little Parmesan cheese on top.

 6. Repeat the process: noodles, sauce, the rest of the ricotta, the remaining chicken and broccoli, and more cheese. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan to make the top nice and cheesy.

 7. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

 8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top turns golden and bubbly.

 9. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it up warm and enjoy!

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

🧀🥩 Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Creamy Southern Twist

🍝 Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced ribeye steak

2 tbsp olive oil (if using steak)

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, diced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded provolone cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions for Southern crunch

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13" baking dish.

2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare meat and veggies:

In a skillet, cook ground beef (or sear thinly sliced ribeye in olive oil) over medium-high heat until browned.

Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and garlic. Cook until veggies are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Make the creamy sauce:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.

Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

Add provolone, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

5. Assemble the casserole:

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat and veggie mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir to coat everything well.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.

(Optional) Sprinkle with crushed Ritz or French fried onions for a crispy Southern touch.

6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.