Classic Pancakes: Fluffy and Perfect Every Time

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons (45g) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
6. Serve with syrup, butter, or fresh fruit.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp turn pink (2-3 minutes per side).
4. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley on top before serving.

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Classic Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (125ml) tomato sauce
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
2. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
3. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough. Top with mozzarella slices.
4. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
5. Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

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Homemade Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
3. Stir in sugars, egg, and vanilla. Mix in baking soda, salt, and flour until just combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.
5. Cool before slicing and enjoy!

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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
2. Add diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and basil.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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Simple Guacamole

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 small lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Mash avocados in a bowl.
2. Stir in lime juice, onion, tomato, and cilantro.
3. Season with salt. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.