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Ember's Kitchen, Evanston, IL (2026)

06/19/2025

🍽️ Spinach And Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups 🍽️

📋 Ingredients:
🌿 Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish.
🧄 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
🥟 24 wonton wrappers.
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
🧀 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed.
🥬 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed.
🍽️ 14 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, chopped.
🧀 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
🌶️ 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese.
🧴 Olive oil spray.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. 🥄
2️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a cupcake tin with olive oil spray and press the wonton wrappers down using your fingers. Bake the wonton wrappers for 5 minutes. 🔥
3️⃣ Fill the wonton cups with 1 tbsp of the filling and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the filling is heated through. ⏰
4️⃣ Garnish with parsley and serve hot! 🍽️

📌Notes:
✔️ These wonton cups can be made ahead and are perfect for parties or as a delicious snack.
✔️ Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

06/19/2025

🥧 Pecan Pie Muffins 🍰
📋 Ingredients:
🧈 2/3 cup butter, softened.
🥚 2 eggs, beaten.
🌾 ½ cup all-purpose flour.
🌰 1 cup packed light brown sugar.
🥜 2 cups chopped pecans.
📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease mini or regular muffin cups generously. 🧑‍🍳
2️⃣ In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and pecans. 🍬
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat the butter and eggs together. 🥄
4️⃣ Stir in dry ingredients just until combined. 🍽️
5️⃣ Spoon batter into muffin cups about 2/3 full. 🧁
6️⃣ Bake for 12-13 minutes for mini muffins or 15-17 minutes for regular size muffins. ⏲️
7️⃣ Run a knife around the edge of each muffin and pop it out. 🍰
📌 Notes:
✔️ Grease the muffin cups well to ensure the muffins do not stick.
✔️ Under-bake slightly for a gooey pecan pie center.

06/19/2025

🎉 Fluffy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie 🎉

📋 Ingredients:
🥜 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
🍬 1/2 cup brown sugar.
🥧 1 (6 oz.) prepared graham cracker pie crust.
🧀 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened.
🍭 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
✨ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
🍶 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided.
🌰 chopped peanuts (optional).

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of whipping cream with an electric mixer at medium speed until mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. 🎂
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat remaining whipping cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar at high speed until stiff peaks form. 🍦
3️⃣ Fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to loosen it up; then fold in the remaining whipped cream. 🍨
4️⃣ Spoon peanut butter mixture into the graham cracker crust. Cover and chill at least 8 hours before serving. ⏰
5️⃣ Serve each slice with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, if desired. 🌰

📌Notes:
✔️ For the best texture result, stick with regular cream cheese rather than substituting lower-fat Neufchatel cream cheese.
✔️ You can substitute an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream, if you'd like. Omit the recipe's whipping cream, as well as the granulated sugar and vanilla extract used to sweeten the homemade whipped cream. Proceed with the rest of the recipe using Cool Whip in the homemade whipped cream's place and using 1/4 cup milk to beat into the cream cheese/peanut butter mixture in step #1.

06/19/2025

🍫 No Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Lush 🍫

📋 Ingredients:
🪣 1 pkg Peanut Butter Oreos, coarsely crushed.
🧈 ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted.
🥛 1¾ cups milk.
🍫 1 (3.4 oz box) instant chocolate pudding mix.
🥜 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter.
🍦 1 (16 oz tub) Cool Whip, thawed.
🍬 1 cup miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped in half.
🍫 Chocolate syrup.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Liberally grease an 8x8" or 9x9" square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. 🍳
2️⃣ In a large bowl, toss together the coarse Oreo crumbs and the melted butter until moistened and combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan, compacting slightly with a measuring cup or your hands. Set aside. 🍪
3️⃣ Wipe out the bowl and add in the pudding mix, milk, and peanut butter. Whisk for 2 minutes or until thickened. 🥄
4️⃣ Fold in HALF (8 oz) of the Cool Whip until creamy and combined. Spread into the prepared pan in an even layer. 🍰
5️⃣ Top with the remaining Cool Whip. 🥄
6️⃣ Sprinkle on the peanut butter cups. 🍬
7️⃣ Refrigerate uncovered for at LEAST 6 hours, preferably overnight, before cutting into squares to serve. 🕒
8️⃣ Just before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup. 🍫

📌 Notes:
✔️ This lush dessert is perfect for peanut butter lovers and is a great make-ahead treat for gatherings.
✔️ For a smoother texture, ensure the peanut butter and Cool Whip are well combined before layering.

06/19/2025

Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

📋 Ingredients:
🍽️ Salt & pepper to taste.
🥬 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach.
🌱 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary.
🍗 4 cups chicken broth.
🍖 1 pound Italian sausage.
🥓 4 strips turkey bacon.
🍫 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini), drained.
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced.
🧅 1/2 medium onion, chopped.
🥕 2 small carrots, peeled & chopped small.
🌿 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Add the sausage meat to a large soup pot, along with the turkey bacon (cut up using kitchen shears). Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage and turkey bacon are somewhat crispy/the fat has been rendered out. 🥘
2️⃣ Transfer the sausage and turkey bacon to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot (spoon any excess out). 🥄
3️⃣ Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes or until softened and starting to lightly brown. 🧑‍🍳
4️⃣ Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. ⏲️
5️⃣ Add the beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well and scrape up any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. 👌
6️⃣ Take the pot off the stove. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture. 🍜
7️⃣ Return the sausage and turkey bacon to the pot along with the chopped carrots. Once boiling, cover with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat, and simmer until the carrots have softened. 🥕
8️⃣ Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately. 🍽️

📌Notes:
✔️ For the sausage, any type around 1 pound is fine. Removing the meat from casings is recommended if not using ground sausage.
✔️ Low-sodium chicken broth is advisable to control the saltiness, especially since turkey bacon and sausages can be salty.

06/18/2025

🍽️ Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad 🍽️

📋 Ingredients:
🍒 1 ½ cups dried cranberries.
🧅 ¾ cup red onion, finely diced.
🍗 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely chopped.
🥬 2 small bags of coleslaw mix, about 12 cups.
🥫 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil.
🌱 4 Tbsp. minced ginger.
🌿 ½ cup balsamic vinegar.
🥜 1 ½ cups toasted sliced almonds, or cashews.
🐚 ¼ cup black sesame seeds, or regular.
🥢 4 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce.
🍯 4 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar.
🧄 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped.
🥢 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil.
🍊 1-2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained (optional).

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with chicken, almonds, cranberries, red onion, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. 🥗
2️⃣ Add mandarin oranges if desired. 🍊
3️⃣ Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil in a blender. 🍶
4️⃣ Add 3 tablespoons of water to the blender. 💧
5️⃣ Blend the dressing until smooth. 🌀
6️⃣ Lightly pour the dressing over the salad mixture to desired moistness. 🥗
7️⃣ Gently toss everything together. 🤲
8️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate to enhance flavors. 🥄
9️⃣ Enjoy this vibrant and crunchy salad at your next gathering. 🎉
🔟 You may have a little dressing left over for later use. 🥡

📌Notes:
✔️ Toast almonds by microwaving on a paper towel for 1 minute or under low broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
✔️ Customize the salad with your choice of nuts and optional ingredients.
✔️ The dressing can be made ahead and stored in a canning jar.

06/18/2025

🍗 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken 🍗
📋 Ingredients:
🍗 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
🍚 1/2 cup brown sugar.
🌿 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix.
📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. ✨
2️⃣ Combine the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Coat both sides of the chicken with the brown sugar mixture. Place in prepared pan. Top chicken with any remaining brown sugar mixture. 🍯
3️⃣ Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. ⏲⏲️
4️⃣ Turn broiler on HIGH. Broil chicken until brown sugar caramelizes, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn! 🔥
📌Notes:
✔️ Use a packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix. Do NOT make the dressing; only use the contents of the packet.
✔️ Lining your pan with foil is highly suggested for easy cleanup. The brown sugar mixture gets sticky as it bakes.
🍗 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken 🍗

06/18/2025

🍰 Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake 🍋

📋 Ingredients:
• 🧈 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 🍬 2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 🥚 6 large eggs
• 🍦 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 🍶 1 8 oz sour cream
• 🍚 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 🍋 1 3.4 oz box instant lemon pudding
• 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
• 🧁 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 🍋 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
• 🍬 Glaze:
• 🍚 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 🍋 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 🧈 1 Tbsp butter, melted

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter and flour a tube pan. Set aside. 🥄
2️⃣ In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour, lemon pudding mix, salt, and baking soda. 🍽️
3️⃣ Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high for 3 minutes until fluffy. ☁️
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Scrape the bowl sides as needed. 🍳
5️⃣ Mix in the sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream on low speed until fully combined. 🔄
6️⃣ Stir in the lemon zest by hand. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. 🍽️
7️⃣ Bake for 1 hour 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. ⏳
8️⃣ Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes then remove the outer ring to cool completely. ❄️
9️⃣ To prepare the glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter. Drizzle over the cooled cake. 🍰
🔟 Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or chilled. 🍪

📌Notes:
✔️ If you don’t have instant lemon pudding, add 2 tsp lemon extract with vanilla and increase sugar to 3 cups.
✔️ This cake freezes beautifully; wrap and store frozen for up to 3 months.

06/18/2025

🍖 Gordon Ramsay Steak Marinade 🍖

📋 Ingredients:
🧂 12 oz Steak.
🍇 ⅓ cup Balsamic Vinegar.
🥢 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce.
🫒 3 tablespoons Olive Oil.
🧄 2 cloves Garlic (Minced).
🌿 2 sprigs Rosemary (Minced).
🍬 ⅔ cup Dark Brown Sugar.
🧂 ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt.
🌶️ ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper.
🌶️ ⅓ teaspoon Red Pepper.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and three tablespoons of olive oil. 🍇
2️⃣ Take two cloves of garlic and two rosemary sprigs, and mince them to prepare the marinade. 🧄
3️⃣ Add minced rosemary sprigs, garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper into the bowl of soy sauce mixture, and mix well. 🌿
4️⃣ Pour the mixture into a zip-lock bag and shake well until combined. 👜
5️⃣ Add the steak to the bag and toss to coat it completely. Place the marinade in the refrigerator for six hours. ⏰
6️⃣ Once refrigerated, take the steak out, pat it dry with a paper towel, and set aside to cook. 🧻
7️⃣ In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, place the steak in the skillet. 🍳
8️⃣ Fry the steak until crispy and it releases its flavors. 🍽️

📌Notes:
✔️ Marinating steak not only tenderizes it but also infuses it with flavor, making it juicier and more delicious.
✔️ For tougher cuts of meat, marinating is essential to break down the fibers and make the meat tender.

06/18/2025

🍏🍎 Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples 🍏🍎

📋 Ingredients:
🌟 2 Tablespoons cornstarch.
🍬 ¼ cup granulated sugar.
🍂 ¼ cup brown sugar.
🍏 3-4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges.
🧈 ¼ cup butter, melted.
🌰 1 tsp cinnamon.
🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract.
🍋 2 tsp lemon juice.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Add apples and cornstarch to slow cooker. Stir to coat apples. 🍏
2️⃣ Pour in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, stirring to mix well. 🥄
3️⃣ Add melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir to mix well. 🍯
4️⃣ Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. ⏲️
5️⃣ When cooking time is complete, stir and serve. 🍽️

📌Notes:
✔️ Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples are great for making fried apples.
✔️ An apple slicer and corer can make it quick and easy.

06/18/2025

🍓🧁 Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins With Streusel Crumb Topping 🧁🍓

📋 Ingredients:
🍚 1 cup all-purpose flour for muffins.
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt for muffins.
🥫 1 teaspoon baking powder for muffins.
🛢️ ¼ cup vegetable oil for muffins.
🍬 ½ cup granulated sugar for muffins.
🥚 1 large egg for muffins.
🌿 ½ teaspoon vanilla for muffins.
🥣 ½ cup Greek yogurt for muffins.
🍓 1 ½ cup diced fresh strawberries for muffins.
🍚 2/3 cup all-purpose flour for streusel.
🍬 1/3 cup light brown sugar for streusel.
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt for streusel.
🧈 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted for streusel.
🧀 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature for filling.
🍬 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar for filling.
🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla for filling.
🌽 1 teaspoon corn starch for filling.
🍬 ¾ cup powdered sugar for glaze.
🥛 1 ½ –2 ½ teaspoons milk or cream for glaze.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 425 F, line a cupcake pan with paper liners, and set aside.
2️⃣ To make the muffins, in a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
3️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together egg and granulated sugar until combined.
4️⃣ Whisk in yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract (mixture should be pale and yellow).
5️⃣ Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix everything together by hand.
6️⃣ Finally, using a rubber spatula, fold in diced strawberries.
7️⃣ To make the cream cheese filling, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, corn starch, and vanilla just to combine.
8️⃣ To assemble the muffins, add 1 Tablespoon of muffin mixture in each cup.
9️⃣ Drop 1 not quite full Tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each muffin.
🔟 Cover cream cheese filling with muffin batter, filling each cup about 2/3 to ¾ full.
1️⃣1️⃣ Generously top each muffin with streusel crumbs.
1️⃣2️⃣ Add a few strawberry pieces on top and gently press the crumbs to stick to the muffin batter.
1️⃣3️⃣ Place in preheated oven and reduce the temperature to 350 F. Bake 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the center has set.
1️⃣4️⃣ Cool 5-10 minutes in the pan, then transfer the muffins on a rack to cool completely.

📌Notes:
✔️ For a richer flavor, let the muffins cool completely before adding the glaze.
✔️ The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch. Don't skip it for the best texture experience.

06/18/2025

🍲 Easy Chicken Taco Soup 🍲

📋 Ingredients:
🥄 1 tablespoon olive oil.
🦙 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded.
🧅 1/2 medium onion, chopped.
🌶️ 1 tablespoon chili powder.
🖤 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed.
🍅 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices.
🌽 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained.
🌶️ 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped.
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
🧂 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
🍃 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
🧀 8 ounces cream cheese (softened).
🥣 3 cups chicken broth.
🧂 Salt & pepper to taste.
📝 Toppings (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Add the oil and onion to a soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. 🥘
2️⃣ Add all the remaining soup ingredients to the pot except for the cream cheese, chicken, and salt & pepper. 🍅
3️⃣ Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Turn down the heat so it's simmering gently (uncovered) for 5 minutes. While the soup cooks, prep your toppings. 🍲
4️⃣ Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the soup. Let it melt in, stirring until fully incorporated. 🧀
5️⃣ Stir in the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until it's warmed through. 🍗
6️⃣ Season the soup with salt & pepper and serve with desired toppings. 🥑

📌Notes:
✔️ Note 1: The cream cheese should be super soft to melt easily. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals if needed.
✔️ Note 2: Use low-salt broth if salt intake is a concern.

Ember's Kitchen

06/19/2025

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