Cooking Lessons for Dad

Cooking Lessons for Beginners

Savory Gravy

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This healthy, savory gravy is a smooth, flavorful homemade sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Comforting and versatile, it pairs beautifully with everyday meals such as mashed potatoes, roasts, patties, vegetables, grains, and hearty side dishes.

Using easy, straightforward techniques, this recipe creates a rich, classic texture and deep savory flavor without relying on packaged or processed sauces. It’s a dependable homemade gravy that fits naturally into easy, balanced, everyday cooking.

Savory Gravy

Savory Gravy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 teaspoons instant chicken-style broth/seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Bragg Liquid Aminos
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
  • Water to make 4 cups of gravy in total

Instructions

    1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until very smooth.

    2. Add the mixture to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat. Stir or whisk constantly to prevent lumps.

    3. Remove the gravy from the heat when it reaches your desired thickness. It is ready to serve.

Notes

Use any salt you prefer.

Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Add extra nutritional yeast for a more savory flavor.

Add extra onion or garlic powder for a stronger flavor.

Add a splash of Bragg Liquid Aminos at the end for a deeper color.

© Karen Breyer

Pumpkin Pie Spice

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Make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice at home in just a few minutes! This easy blend is perfect for baking, oatmeal, smoothies, pancakes, muffins, and more. You only need a few basic spices, and the flavor is so much fresher than store-bought.

In this cooking video, I’ll show you how to measure, mix, and store your homemade spice blend so it’s ready anytime you want a warm, cozy boost of flavor. It’s simple, quick, and a great way to add delicious spice to your favorite recipes.

If you enjoy simple, healthy recipes made with easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll find more on my YouTube channel, Cooking Lessons for Dad. Happy cooking!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1½ teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cloves

Instructions

    1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the spices until well combined.

    2. Transfer to an airtight container or small spice jar.

    3. Store in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Adjust the spice ratios to your taste — add more cinnamon for warmth or more ginger for bite. For a stronger flavor, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of this blend for every teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice called for in recipes (or as desired).

© Karen Breyer

Curried Corn with Thai Green Curry

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Enjoy this easy, healthy Curried Corn recipe made with simple ingredients and frozen corn! 🌽✨ The curry seasoning adds a delicious twist to tender corn, creating a flavorful and wholesome side dish that comes together in minutes.

This colorful curried corn recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for any meal. It’s a great way to add warmth and spice to your table without a lot of effort. If you enjoy easy, healthy recipes like this one, explore more of my favorites on Cooking Lessons for Dad! 💛

Yield: 8 servings

Curried Corn with Thai Green Curry

Curried Corn with Thai Green Curry

This easy Curried Corn recipe uses frozen corn and a touch of curry for a flavorful, colorful side dish that comes together in minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 10 cups frozen corn
  • 1 tablespoon Thai-style green curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

    1. In a large pot, add the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
    2. Stir in the corn, curry paste, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
    4. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the corn is tender and the flavors come together.
    5. At the end of cooking, remove the lid and stir in the lime juice.
    6. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
    7. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.
Thai-style green curry paste provides both flavor and heat. For a gentler spice level, begin with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
To serve a smaller group, cut the recipe in half for 5 to 6 servings.

© Karen Breyer

Dry Bread Crumbs

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Dry Bread Crumbs

Dry Bread Crumbs

Ingredients

  • 2 slices
  • Bread, white, or wheat

Instructions

    1: Toast bread. Allow to cool.
    2: Break cooled toast into pieces.
    3: Place toast in a food processor or strong blender.
    4: Blend or process until you have fine bread crumbs. If you use a blender, start on low and slowly increase the speed to high.

Notes

Try a variety of breads for different bread crumb textures and flavors. I often use whole wheat bread with a few nuts and seeds.

Learn how to make dry bread crumbs at home with this simple and easy method! Whether you’re looking to avoid food waste or want a quick way to have fresh bread crumbs on hand, this recipe is perfect. Homemade bread crumbs are great for coating, topping, or adding texture to your favorite dishes.

In this cooking video, Karen Breyer will show you how to dry the bread, grind it, and store the crumbs for future use. It’s a basic recipe, but one you’ll be glad to have ready in your kitchen!

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