Minestrone is the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge soup—hearty, comforting, and endlessly adaptable based on what you have on hand. At its core, it’s an Italian vegetable soup, often with beans, pasta, and a tomato-based broth, but no two recipes are exactly alike. This minestrone soup recipe, sent to me by longtime reader Carol Winkelman (thank you, Carol!), […] The post Minestrone Soup appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Many years ago, when I was an apprentice at L’Auberge Chez François, one of my nightly tasks was prepping the chocolate soufflé dishes for evening service—there were always a lot, since soufflés are the kind of dessert people tend to order at restaurants rather than make at home. They have a reputation for being fussy—there’s […] The post Chocolate Soufflés appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

This easy potato soup recipe from my second cookbook is so creamy and comforting, it practically wraps you up in a big hug. My kids say it tastes just like a baked potato with all the fixings, thanks to addition of butter, sour cream, cheese, and crispy bacon. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner […] The post Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Fettuccine Alfredo was my all-time favorite food as a kid—the only thing I ever ordered when I went out to dinner with my parents. Back then, I didn’t think twice about calories; I was just all about that rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce and perfectly tender pasta. Originally from Rome, this dish started as a […] The post Fettuccine Alfredo appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Making homemade pasta might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you’d think—and so rewarding! With just a few pantry staples, you can create fresh pasta with a texture and quality that’s impossible to get from dried pasta. When it comes to kneading the dough, you can use a stand mixer to make things easier or […] The post Homemade Pasta appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying breakfast that’s more substantial than regular oatmeal, steel cut oats are the perfect choice. A hearty, minimally processed form of whole oats, steel cut oats are chopped into pieces instead of being rolled or steamed, giving them a chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor. They take a bit longer […] The post Steel Cut Oats appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Taco soup is like a quicker, soupier version of chili, ready in just 45 minutes. Made with homemade taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, your choice of ground meat—turkey, beef, chicken, or pork all work nicely—plus beans and corn, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your favorite taco flavors in a hearty soup. What […] The post Taco Soup appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

The espresso martini is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is super easy to make. With its perfect blend of vodka and espresso, it’s ideal for a little boost after a long day, as an after-dinner drink, for brunch, or even as a batch cocktail for a party. Fun fact: The espresso martini […] The post Espresso Martini appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Simple syrup is a kitchen essential, and it’s as easy as it sounds—just sugar and water, but the possibilities are endless! In cocktails, it’s a must for adding sweetness without the grittiness of granulated sugar, and pastry chefs rely on it to keep cakes moist and fresh for days. Whether you’re stirring it into iced […] The post Simple Syrup appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more

Mulled wine is a classic holiday drink that instantly fills your home with warmth and comfort. It’s known by many names around the world—glühwein, vino caliente, glögg, vin chaud, vinho quente—and that’s just the start! It seems like everyone, no matter where they are, has their own version of spiced hot wine. With a rich […] The post Mulled Wine appeared first on Once Upon a Chef ..read more