Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

A Recipe for Love and Kindness This Holiday Season As the holiday season wraps us in its warm embrace, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you, my dear blog readers. Your support, kindness, and enthusiasm inspire me every day. From the bottom of my heart, Happiest of Holidays! to you and your loved ones. Today, I want to share not just a recipe, but a heartfelt formula—an ingredient list for creating love and kindness that can transform your holidays and beyond. Table of Contents Introduction The Secret Ingredients The Heartwarming Recipe Serving with Love and Kindness Conclusion A Heartfelt Thank You This year has been a journey filled with highs and lows, lessons learned, and moments cherished. Your presence here on this blog has been like a cozy fire during winter—comforting and inspiring. As we celebrate this special time, I want to encourage us to extend the warmth and love we feel to others. After all, the greatest gift we can give i...

Homemade Cat Food: A Nutritious and Loving Choice for Your Feline Friend As devoted cat owners, we all want to provide our feline companions with the best possible care — and that includes nourishing, wholesome food that supports their health and happiness. While commercial cat foods are convenient and formulated to meet nutritional standards, more pet parents are discovering the benefits of preparing homemade cat food. Not only does it allow for complete control over ingredients, but it also provides a heartfelt way to express love for your feline friend. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of homemade cat food, offering practical tips, nutritional insights, and a step-by-step approach to making nutritious meals tailored specifically for your cat. Table of Contents Why Choose Homemade Cat Food? Essential Nutrients Your Cat Needs Choosing the Right Ingredients Sample Recipes to Get Started Safety and Storage Tips Conclusion: A Loving, Healthy Choice Why Choo...

Wholesome and Delicious: Homemade Dog Food Recipes You Can Trust As pet owners, our dogs are more than just pets—they're family. Providing them with nutritious, home-prepared meals not only ensures they get the best ingredients but also strengthens the bond you share. If you're considering transitioning your furry friend to homemade dog food, you're in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore easy, balanced recipes that are as delicious as they are beneficial for your dog's health. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes will help you serve up love, one meal at a time. Table of Contents Why Choose Homemade Dog Food? Essential Nutrients for a Balanced Diet Simple Homemade Dog Food Recipes Tips for Preparing and Storing Consulting Your Veterinarian Final Thoughts Why Choose Homemade Dog Food? If you've ever watched your dog eagerly gobble up a homemade meal, you know it’s more than just good tasting—it'...

Indulge in a Deliciously Fresh Apple Dump Cake: A Homemade Twist on a Classic Favorite There's something truly satisfying about a warm, flavorful dessert that combines the comforting aroma of baked apples with the crispy topping of a cake.  Today, we're diving into a delightful recipe for Apple Dump Cake — but with a twist. Instead of relying on canned apples, we'll be crafting a fresh filling from scratch, making this treat even more special. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a dessert that's both simple and irresistibly delicious. Plus, I’ll share some nifty tips to help you Cook Exceptionally With Gin Lee and elevate your baking game!' Table of Contents Why Use Homemade Apples? Ingredients You’ll Need Preparing the Homemade Apple Filling Assembling Your Apple Dump Cake Baking Tips & Tricks Serving Suggestions & Final Tips Why Use Homemade Apples? Pre-made canned apple p...

Holiday Fruit Salad The holiday season is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. One delightful dish that embodies the spirit of festivities is a vibrant holiday fruit salad. Bursting with colors and flavors, this refreshing salad combines an array of fruits such as fruit cocktail, sliced peaches, diced apples, grapes, sliced oranges, and bananas, all topped with a luscious layer of Cool Whip. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste, this fruit salad not only adds a festive touch to your table but also serves as a healthy option amidst the holiday indulgences. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, it’s sure to please guests of all ages. Introduction to Holiday Fruit Salad  If there's one dish that captures the spirit of the holidays, it’s a vibrant fruit salad. Picture it: a cheerful medley of colors, textures, and flavors that not only looks good but also tastes like a festivit...

Yummy Pasta Salad Introduction to Pasta Salad Pasta salad is a versatile and delightful dish that can be enjoyed at any gathering, from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties. With its colorful mix of ingredients and the ability to customize flavors, pasta salad offers a refreshing alternative to heavier sides, and it just happens to be my absolute favorite recipe for our Christmas dinner. History of Pasta Salad Pasta salad has humble origins, likely dating back to the 19th century when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America. It quickly morphed from simple pasta dishes into the vibrant, colorful salads we know today—glistening with olive oil and packed with fresh veggies. Once a staple in Italian-American picnics, it solidified its spot in the culinary world as the perfect party dish, adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. Popular Variations While the classic Italian pasta salad reigns supreme, variations abound across the globe! From Greek pasta s...

Decadent Chocolate Mousse Chocolate mousse is a classic dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a light, airy texture, making it a favorite among chocolate lovers.  Originating from France, this indulgent treat has evolved into various versions, offering a delightful experience for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, preparing chocolate mousse from scratch is both rewarding and surprisingly easy. In this article, allow me to guide you through a complete list of ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to create the perfect chocolate mousse that will impress your friends and family. Introduction to Chocolate Mousse Chocolate mousse is not just a dessert; it’s a silky, dreamy experience that has captured hearts (and taste buds) since its inception. With its rich flavor and airy texture, this delightful treat epitomizes the art of indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treat...

Vintage 1979 Miss Fluffy Rice/Pineapple Rice Delight In 1979, Ruth Taylor distinguished herself as a prominent contestant in the Miss Fluffy Rice pageant, where she presented the Pineapple Rice Delight as her dessert entry. This recipe is, without a doubt, the finest "pink stuff" I have ever tasted. It was introduced to my family in the late 1970s and has since become a cherished Christmas dessert. Miss Fluffy Rice Contestants in 1979 Overview The Miss Fluffy Rice pageant is a local event in Cross County, Arkansas, celebrating community spirit and culture. In 1979, Ruth Taylor was one of the contestants in this unique pageant. Contest Details Event Name: Miss Fluffy Rice Pageant Location: Cross County, Arkansas Year: 1979 Notable Contestant: Ruth Taylor Significance The pageant is part of local traditions, often highlighting the agricultural heritage of the region, particularly rice farming. It serves as a platform for community engagement and showcases local talent and beaut...

Old-Fashioned Sugar-Free CoCoa Oatmeal Candy This is my adaptation of my family's favorite holiday candy. It can be spooned out in the shapes of cookies, or spread out evenly in a pan, then cut into squares. Today, I made it both ways. Notes: I use old-fashioned oats for my recipe and I add them to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking the candy mixture. If you prefer, you can use quick oats instead. If using quick oats, turn the burner off before adding them into the pan. Regardless of what type of oats I use in the recipe, I always bring the candy mixture to a boil and finish cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes more before adding the oats. Ingredients: 2 ½ cups of granulated white Splenda or granulated monk fruit  ¼ cup of cocoa powder, add additional if you prefer. ½ cup of evaporated milk 2 cups of peanut butter (can be smooth or crunchy). 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extra 2 tablespoons of honey 4 cups of old-fashioned oats Instructions: In a large saucepan, add 2...

Effortless No-Cook Christmas Candy Recipes Prepare your chocolate chips for these seven straightforward chocolate-coated Christmas candy recipes. These delightful treats are crafted without the need for eggs, powdered sugar, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, or frosting. 1. Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows Ingredients : Marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles or other candy toppings (optional) Instructions : Melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Dip marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkle with toppings. Let cool until set. 2. Nut Cluster Candies Ingredients : You can use various types of nuts for this recipe such as: pecans, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, or your favorite mixed nuts. Chocolate chips Instructions : Melt chocolate chips, mix in peanuts, and drop spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until set. 3. 3-Ingredient Mounds Bars Ingredients : Sweetened shredded coconut, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, coconut oil Instructions : Mix coconut with a little coconut oil. Shape into...

Homemade Turkey Chili With Beans Here is my complete turkey chili recipe that uses 2 pounds of dried pinto beans and 2 pounds of ground turkey sausage. This recipe feeds a crowd and stretches well for leftovers. You can use mild, medium, or hot spiced turkey sausage, depending on your preference. Servings: 12–16 Total time: about 2.5–3.5 hours (hands-on 1.5–2 hours, plus soaking and simmering) Ingredients: 2 pounds dried pinto beans, rinsed, sorted, and checked for any stones 2 pounds ground turkey sausage (usually 93% lean) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium red bell peppers, diced 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with their juice 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed) 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) Seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Opti...

Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup: A Simple and Healthy Recipe This recipe provides a delicious and nutritious homemade vegetable soup that is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for multiple meals. It's packed with healthy vegetables and is sure to become a family favorite. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped, or sliced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 8 cups of vegetable broth (low sodium preferred) 1 teaspoon of dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary Seasoning salt and black ground pepper, to taste Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Instructions: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Po...

Homemade Venison (Deer) Stew Today, I would like to share my recipe for a hearty, rustic venison stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, and mushrooms in a savory broth. This recipe is flavorful, simple to prepare, and yields a comforting meal for cold wintery days. Ingredients: 2 pounds ground venison (deer) 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 2 small yellow onions, diced 4 cups beef broth (more as needed to cover ingredients) 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening) Instructions: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground venison over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to sof...