Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Sweet Potato Greens If you grow sweet potatoes, then you know how fast their vines can wildly take over your gardening space. But that could be considered a good thing, because not only are sweet potato tubers edible, but the entire plant is too! Plus, they can be fed to livestock such as chickens, hogs, cattle, goats, etc. It's important to note that the vine and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. However, cats and dogs can eat sweet potato tubers once they've been cooked. Nutrients in Sweet Potato Leaves: The leaves of the sweet potato plant are loaded with nutrition; they contain niacin, vitamins B6, B2, B1, C, and E, pantothenic acid, beta-carotene, and biotin. The leaves also contain more riboflavin, vitamin B6, and vitamin C than the sweet potato itself. Preparing Sweet Potato Greens Sweet potato greens taste very similar to other popular greens that you may already eat, such as mustard, turnip, spinach, and dandelion greens. The smaller leaves are milder in...

Planting Sweet Potatoes We are nearing the end of May, the perfect time to plant sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) are a root vegetable that's native to Central and South America. They thrive in the heat and humidity because they are tropical plants. In actuality, sweet potatoes are not part of the potato family. They are part of the morning glory. The part of a sweet potato plant that we harvest is a tuberous root. There are several different varieties of sweet potatoes that you can grow, but today I will be planting Centennial sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes don’t start from a seed like the majority of other vegetables do. Instead, they grow from what are referred to as “slips." Slips are the green shoots that sprout from the tops of a sweet potato.  Planting your sweet potatoes to grow slips You can place a sweet potato in a glass or jar of water or lay it directly in a container of dirt (as I am doing here today). I prefer starting my sweet potatoes directly i...

Sweet Simplicity: How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Nothing says comfort like a warm, sweet dish of candied yams on the holiday table or as a cozy side. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a deliciously decadent dish that everyone will love. Let’s walk through how to craft this classic treat that’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Ingredients You’ll Need Yams (or sweet potatoes) Brown sugar Marshmallows or marshmallow cream Optional: butter, cinnamon, or vanilla for extra flavor Step-by-Step Preparation Cook and Mash the Yams Start by peeling the yams and boiling them until tender. Once cooked, mash the yams until smooth and creamy—think of a consistency similar to mashed potatoes. This forms the base of your candied yams. Sweeten the Yams Stir in a generous amount of brown sugar to add richness and depth of flavor. For an extra layer of warmth, consider incorporating a dash of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla ex...

Deliciously Irresistible: Meat and Cheese-Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells (Conchiglie) If you're looking to elevate your pasta game with a dish that marries comfort, sophistication, and hearty flavors, then meat and cheese-stuffed jumbo pasta shells—also known as conchiglie—are your new best friend. This classic dish, versatile enough for weeknights or special gatherings, offers a delightful combination of tender pasta shells filled with savory meat and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. Let’s explore how you can craft this culinary masterpiece and why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Table of Contents Introduction to Jumbo Pasta Shells (Conchiglie) The Art of Preparing Meat and Cheese Filling Choosing the Right Pasta and Cheese Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling and Baking Tips for Perfect Results and Variations Serving Suggestions and Pairings Conclusion: Elevate Your Pasta Night Introduction to Jumbo Pasta Shells (Conchiglie) Conchiglie, known globally a...

How to Grow Lemon Balm: Unlock Its Health Benefits and Delicious Recipes Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, cultivating lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) offers a delightful way to enhance your health and kitchen. This aromatic herb, with its lemony scent and versatile uses, has been treasured for centuries, not just for its pleasant aroma but also for its remarkable health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover how to grow lemon balm successfully, explore its myriad health advantages, and learn tasty recipes to incorporate this herb into your daily routine. Table of Contents Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tips for Growing Lemon Balm How to Harvest and Use Lemon Balm Delicious Lemon Balm Recipes Conclusion Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Beyond its fragrant appeal, lemon balm is packed with compounds that promote health and wellness: Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction: Lemon balm has calming properties, helping to ease anxiety and promote re...

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite If you're a fan of comforting, cheesy, and hearty dishes, then this creamy chicken lasagna is about to become one of your new favorites. Unlike traditional lasagna that relies on a rich tomato-based sauce, this version layers tender chicken and pasta with a luscious white cheese sauce, creating a smooth and indulgent flavor profile perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Ready to elevate your lasagna game? Let’s dive into this flavorful, wholesome recipe that’s sure to impress. Table of Contents Why Choose a White Cheese Sauce for Lasagna? Ingredients Needed Preparing the Chicken Making the White Cheese Sauce Assembling the Creamy Chicken Lasagna Baking and Serving Tips Final Thoughts Why Choose a White Cheese Sauce for Lasagna? Traditional lasagna often features a vibrant tomato sauce that adds acidity and freshness. However, opting for a white cheese sauce creates a rich, velvety back...