Chicken Piccata: A Classic Italian Dish Ready in 30 Minutes

Chicken Piccata

 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

 Iron Skillet Apple Cake

We don’t bake apple cake often, usually only when fall rolls around and we’re craving something warm and comforting. But whenever we do, my family always asks for seconds. This Iron Skillet Apple Cake is my go to it’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dessert.

I think my family loves it so much because it’s simple and satisfying. There’s something about the combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a tender cake that feels like a special treat. Plus, baking it in an iron skillet gives it a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.

Iron Skillet Apple Cake

Why Iron Skillet Apple Cake?

Iron skillet desserts have a unique charm—they’re rustic, easy to make, and perfect for serving straight from the pan. This apple cake is no exception. It’s moist, packed with fresh apples, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want a comforting dessert, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Butter

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Milk 

  Ingredients Needed for Iron Skillet Apple Cake

• How Do You Make Iron Skillet Apple Cake?

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.

3. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and milk, then mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Assemble the Cake: Arrange the apple slices in a buttered iron skillet. Pour the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Serve: Let the cake cool slightly, then serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

   
   
   

7. Serving Suggestions

   This Iron Skillet Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• A drizzle of caramel sauce or honey.

• A cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy treat

• This Iron Skillet Apple Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #WestSlopefood. Enjoy

Recipe Card

Iron Skillet Apple Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 8

 There’s something about lasagna that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just a craving for comfort food, lasagna never disappoints. Sure, you could grab a frozen one from the store or order it at a chain restaurant, but nothing beats the satisfaction of making it from scratch at home.

homemade lasagna recipe

I grew up in a household where lasagna was the ultimate celebration dish. My mom would layer it with love (and a lot of cheese), and the smell of it baking in the oven would bring everyone to the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe to make it my own, and now it’s a family favorite in my home too.

This recipe is for a classic, meaty, cheesy lasagna that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese—what’s not to love?

• Great for Leftovers: Lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, switch up the meat, or make it vegetarian—it’s versatile!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic lasagna that serves 8-10 people:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Layer:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled, depending on your preference)

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

2. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Noodles (if not using oven-ready):
If you’re not using oven-ready noodles, boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents the noodles from sticking. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by:

• 1/3 of the meat sauce

• 1/2 of the ricotta mixture

• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese

Repeat the layers: noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. For the final layer, add the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to impress. And don’t forget a glass of red wine—it pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This lasagna is the perfect balance of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. It’s a labor of love, but the steps are straightforward, and the result is worth every minute. Plus, it’s a great way to bring people together—there’s something magical about sharing a homemade lasagna with loved ones.

So, the next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the frozen aisle and make this lasagna instead. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Enjoy!

 We don’t make beef stew often, usually only when the weather turns cold and we’re craving something warm and comforting. But whenever we do, my family always asks for seconds. This Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Hearty Beef Stew

I think my family loves it so much because it’s simple and satisfying. There’s something about the combination of tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why Beef Stew?

Beef stew is one of those classic recipes that everyone seems to love. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, serve it with crusty bread, or pair it with mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect recipe for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday dinner.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Beef chuck (cut into cubes)

• Olive oil

• Onion

• Garlic

• Carrots

• Potatoes

• Celery

• Beef broth

• Tomato paste

• Flour

• Bay leaves

• Thyme

• Salt and pepper

How Do You Make Beef Stew?

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Flour and Tomato Paste: Stir in flour and tomato paste, coating the vegetables and creating a thick base for the stew.

4. Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This Beef Stew is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls.

• Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

• A side of steamed green beans or a fresh green salad.

This Beef Stew Recipe is a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #WestSlopefood. Enjoy

Recipe Card

Hearty Beef Stew
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Serves: 6

 We don’t make Alfredo sauce often, usually only when we’re craving something rich and comforting. But whenever we do, my family always asks for seconds. This Alfredo Sauce Recipe is my go-to—it’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for pasta, chicken, or even vegetables.

Creamy Alfredo Sauce

I think my family loves it so much because it’s simple and indulgent. There’s something about the combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese that feels like a special treat. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why Alfredo Sauce?

Alfredo sauce is one of those classic recipes that everyone seems to love. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly versatile. You can toss it with pasta, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for breadsticks. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy date night at home.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Butter

• Heavy cream

• Garlic

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: nutmeg, parsley, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

How Do You Make Alfredo Sauce?

1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Pour in the Cream: Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Season: Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices (like nutmeg or red pepper flakes) to taste.

6. Serve: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Alfredo Sauce is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with:

• Fettuccine or your favorite pasta.

• Grilled chicken or shrimp.

• Steamed broccoli or asparagus.

• A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

This Alfredo Sauce Recipe is a simple, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #WestSlopefood. Enjoy! 🧀✨

Recipe Card

Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4