Phoenix Sketches

This Beef Steak Sushi is a unique take on traditional sushi. It has tender beef steak slices with a homemade teriyaki sauce on top. When you wrap savory beef, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber in sushi rice, you get a great mix of tastes and textures.

Ingredients: 200g sushi rice. 300g beef steak, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup soy sauce. 2 tbsp mirin. 2 tbsp sake. 2 tbsp brown sugar. 1 tbsp grated ginger. 4 nori sheets. 1 avocado, thinly sliced. 1 cucumber, thinly sliced. Sesame seeds, for garnish. Sushi vinegar. Salt and pepper, to taste.

Instructions: Follow the directions on the package to cook the sushi rice. Add sushi vinegar and let it cool after it's done cooking. Put sake, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and grated ginger in a bowl and mix them together. This will make the teriyaki sauce. Add salt and pepper to the beef steak slices. When the pan is hot, add the beef slices and cook for one to two minutes on each side, until they are browned. Take it off the heat. Cover nori sheets with sushi rice, leaving a little space around the edges. On top of the rice, put slices of beef, avocado, and cucumber. Pour your own teriyaki sauce over the vegetables and beef. Use a bamboo mat to roll the sushi up tight. Cut the sushi rolls into small pieces that you can easily eat. Add sesame seeds as a garnish. If you want, you can serve it with extra teriyaki sauce to dip it in.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

If you're in a hurry during the week, these Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are a quick and tasty take on the classic sandwich. When you mix spicy buffalo sauce with creamy ranch dressing, you get a filling that is sure to please.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken. 1/2 cup buffalo sauce. 1/4 cup ranch dressing. 1/4 cup diced onion. 1/4 cup diced celery. 4 hamburger buns. 1/2 cup shredded lettuce. 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese.

Instructions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken until no longer pink. Add diced onion and celery to the skillet, cooking until softened. Stir in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, simmer for 5 minutes. Toast hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster. Place a scoop of buffalo chicken mixture onto each toasted bun bottom. Top with shredded lettuce and crumbled blue cheese. Cover with bun tops and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

A healthier twist on the classic margarita, using fresh citrus juices and agave nectar for sweetness.

Ingredients: 2 oz silver tequila. 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice. 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice. 1/2 oz agave nectar. Ice cubes. Salt optional, for rimming. Lime wedge optional, for garnish.

Instructions: In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar. Add ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously until well chilled. If desired, rim the glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into salt. Strain the margarita into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired. Enjoy responsibly!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

This vegan Peanut Mango Salad from Lathi's Kitchen is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Ripe mango, crisp cucumber, and colorful bell peppers are tossed in a zesty dressing and topped with roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. It's the perfect summertime salad that's quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients: 2 cups diced ripe mango. 1 cup chopped cucumber. 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper. 1/4 cup chopped red onion. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. 1/4 cup roasted peanuts. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. 2 tablespoons maple syrup. 1 tablespoon soy sauce. 1 tablespoon sesame oil. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine diced mango, chopped cucumber, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together gently to coat. Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Peanut Mango Salad!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

These General Tso Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty mix of traditional American sandwiches and General Tso's chicken flavors. The General Tso sauce on the chicken is tangy and a little spicy, and it is served in a bun with green onions and fresh lettuce. The flavor of this sandwich is so good that it will make you want more!

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 cup all-purpose flour. 2 eggs. 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 cups vegetable oil for frying. 4 hamburger buns. 1 cup shredded lettuce. 1/2 cup sliced green onions. 1/4 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons General Tso sauce. Sesame seeds for garnish.

Instructions: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and General Tso sauce. Toast the hamburger buns lightly in a toaster or on a grill. Spread the General Tso mayo sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun, followed by shredded lettuce and sliced green onions. Drizzle a bit more General Tso sauce on top of the chicken. Place the top bun half on each sandwich. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve the General Tso Chicken Sandwiches immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Create your own delicious Homemade Bacon with Tenderquick! This easy recipe yields flavorful, perfectly cured bacon that you can enjoy at home. It's a satisfying culinary project that's worth the wait.

Ingredients: 5 pounds pork belly. 1 cup Morton Tender Quick curing salt. 1/2 cup brown sugar. 1/4 cup maple syrup. 2 tablespoons black pepper. 2 tablespoons garlic powder.

Instructions: To make the bacon curing mixture, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, garlic powder, and Morton Tender Quick curing salt in a bowl. Put the pork belly into a non-reactive container or a sizable plastic bag that can be sealed. Make sure the pork belly is thoroughly coated by rubbing the curing mixture over it in an even layer. For seven days, keep the bag sealed or the container covered and refrigerated, turning the belly daily to distribute the curing mixture. Once the seven days have passed, take the pork belly out of the bag and give it a good rinse under cold water to get rid of any remaining salt and seasoning. Utilizing paper towels, pat it dry. Use your preferred wood chips to preheat your smoker to 200F 93C hickory, apple, or cherry work well. After the cured pork belly has reached an internal temperature of 150F 65C, place it on the smoker rack and smoke it for two to three hours. After taking the bacon out of the smoker, allow it to come to room temperature. To let the flavors meld, once the bacon has cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. Once the homemade bacon has been sliced to the appropriate thickness using Tenderquick, it can be baked, fried, or added to your favorite recipes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 180 minutes

Herbed Potatoes Anna is a delightful and elegant side dish perfect for any holiday gathering. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are brushed with a flavorful herb-infused butter, resulting in a crispy and savory potato masterpiece.

Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped. 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Turn on your oven and heat it up to 375F 190C. Add the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and rosemary to a small bowl and mix them together. Put a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish or skillet that can go in the oven that has been greased. Use the herb-infused butter mixture to cover the potatoes, and then add salt and pepper to taste. Layer and brush the potatoes again and again until all of them are used up. Add one more layer of potatoes on top to finish. Place the pan or dish in a preheated oven and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Take off the foil and bake the potatoes for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. After taking the potatoes out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully flip them over onto a serving platter so the crispy side is on top. If you want, add more fresh herbs as a garnish. As a tasty holiday side dish, serve hot!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

A satisfying vegan breakfast burrito made with JUST EGG, black beans, and a flavorful medley of vegetables. Perfect for a hearty and cruelty-free start to your day.

Ingredients: 1 cup JUST EGG vegan egg substitute. 1/2 cup black beans, cooked and drained. 1/4 cup diced tomatoes. 1/4 cup diced onions. 1/4 cup diced bell peppers. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Salt and pepper to taste. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. 1 large whole wheat tortilla. 1/4 cup vegan cheese, shredded optional. Salsa and avocado for serving.

Instructions: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, saut until softened. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Push the bean mixture to one side of the skillet and pour JUST EGG into the empty side. Scramble the JUST EGG until fully cooked, then mix it with the bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped cilantro. Warm the whole wheat tortilla in the skillet or microwave for about 15 seconds. Place the egg and bean mixture onto the center of the tortilla. If desired, sprinkle vegan cheese over the mixture. Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll it up into a burrito. Serve with salsa and sliced avocado on the side. Enjoy your delicious JUST EGG Vegan Breakfast Burrito with Beans!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This creamy corn dip is a delightful vegan alternative to traditional dairy-based dips. It's packed with flavor and perfect for parties or snacking.

Ingredients: 2 cups corn kernels. 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise. 1/4 cup nutritional yeast. 1 tablespoon lemon juice. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh chopped chives for garnish.

Instructions: Use a blender or food processor to pulse the corn kernels until they are just barely mashed. Put the mashed corn in a bowl for mixing. Nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper should all be added. Mix everything together well. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to mix the flavors. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. Pair it with the crackers or chips of your choice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

A light and refreshing cucumber salad with a burst of herb flavors and a hint of tanginess from the white wine vinegar. Perfect for a quick and healthy side dish!

Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion. Add the chopped fresh parsley and dill to the bowl. Drizzle olive oil and white wine vinegar over the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Herb Cucumber Salad!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

This Viet Crab Soup is a delicious mix of sweet, sour, and savory tastes. It has soft crab meat in a fragrant broth that has been flavored with spices and lemongrass.

Ingredients: 2 crabs, cleaned and chopped. 1 liter chicken broth. 2 tomatoes, diced. 2 shallots, finely chopped. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 lemongrass stalks, crushed. 2 tablespoons fish sauce. 1 tablespoon tamarind paste. 1 teaspoon sugar. 1 bird's eye chili, sliced. Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. Saut until fragrant. Add chopped crabs and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and chili slices. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

These fresh fruit and cream tarts are perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery tart shells, fluffy whipped cream, and vibrant fresh fruits creates a delightful dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients: 1 package pre-made tart shells. 1 cup heavy cream. 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Assorted fresh fruits e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi. Optional: fruit preserves or glaze for topping.

Instructions: Bake the tart shells according to package instructions and let cool completely. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fill each tart shell with a dollop of the whipped cream mixture. Arrange assorted fresh fruits on top of the whipped cream. Optional: Warm fruit preserves or glaze in a small saucepan and brush over the fruit for a glossy finish. Chill tarts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This quick glass noodles stir-fry with vegetables is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce for a delicious meal that's ready in no time.

Ingredients: 200g glass noodles. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. 1 small onion, thinly sliced. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced. 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced. 1 carrot, julienned. 1 cup broccoli florets. 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed. 3 tablespoons soy sauce. 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. 1 teaspoon sesame oil. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional. Salt and pepper to taste. Chopped green onions for garnish.

Instructions: Boil a pot of water and cook the glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrot, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked glass noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Toss everything together to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the quick glass noodles stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious and speedy stir-fry!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

These Greek Salmon Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger. Made with fresh salmon, feta cheese, and Mediterranean spices, they're a healthy and delicious choice for any meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skinless. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp dried oregano. 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Salt and pepper, to taste. 4 burger buns. Tzatziki sauce, for serving. Lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices, for garnish.

Instructions: Chop the salmon fillet into small pieces. In a bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, red onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Form the mixture into 4 burger patties. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the salmon burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred. Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or until they're lightly browned. Assemble the burgers by placing lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices on the bottom half of each bun. Place a grilled salmon burger on top of the veggies. Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the burger patties. Add the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Greek Salmon Burgers!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This Chipotle Crema is animal-free! is a smoky, creamy, and tangy sauce that goes well with chips, tacos, burritos, or by itself. Cashews that have been soaked, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic are used to make this sauce, which is dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotle peppers. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons lime juice. 1/4 cup water. Salt to taste.

Instructions: Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt as desired. Transfer the chipotle crema to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

These White Chocolate Brownies are a delicious change from regular brownies. They taste rich and creamy, with a touch of sweetness from the white chocolate. They're great for people who love white chocolate and are a great treat for any event.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter. 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 2 large eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 cup all-purpose flour. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional.

Instructions: Warm the oven up to 175F 350C. A square 8-inch baking pan should be greased and floured. While the butter and white chocolate melt over low heat in a medium saucepan, stir them all the time until the mixture is smooth. Take it off the heat. Whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until everything is well mixed. Add the melted chocolate mixture slowly and stir until the mixture is smooth. The flour and salt should be just barely mixed in. If you want to use chopped nuts, stir them in. Spread the batter out evenly in the baking pan that has been prepared. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out with wet crumbs still on it. Before cutting the brownies into squares, let them cool all the way in the pan on a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

The Pickle My Funny Bone Burger is a delicious and savory burger that combines the juiciness of beef patties with the tanginess of diced pickles and onions. Topped with cheddar cheese and a special burger sauce, it's a flavor explosion that will tickle your taste buds!

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef. 1/2 cup diced pickles. 1/4 cup diced onions. 4 slices cheddar cheese. 4 hamburger buns. 1/4 cup mayonnaise. 2 tablespoons ketchup. 1 teaspoon yellow mustard. Salt and pepper to taste. Lettuce and tomato slices for garnish.

Instructions: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine ground beef, diced pickles, diced onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 4 burger patties. Grill the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the grill to melt the cheese. While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill until they are lightly browned. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard to make the burger sauce. Assemble the burgers by placing a lettuce leaf and tomato slice on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked burger patty with melted cheese. Spread the burger sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the patty. Serve the Pickle My Funny Bone Burgers hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes