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

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!

Gnat Trap Recipe

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Gnat Trap Recipe

Gnat Trap Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • A few drops of dish soap
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions

    1: Add the apple cider vinegar to a small container or bowl and stir in the sugar.
    2: Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
    3: Gradually add 1/4 cup warm water.
    4: Stir the mixture so the sugar dissolves and the
    dish soap is evenly distributed.
    5: Stir in more water to achieve the desired
    consistency. The mixture should be liquid enough to
    release its scent into the air but not too watery.
    6: Cover the container with plastic wrap and secure
    it with a rubber band or tape.
    7: Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small
    holes in the plastic wrap.
    8: Place the trap in areas where gnats are present,
    such as near houseplants or in the kitchen.
    9: Check the trap regularly and empty it out as
    needed, replacing the vinegar mixture as it becomes
    full.

Notes

Adjust the amount of warm water based on your preferences and the trap's effectiveness. It
is best to start with smaller amounts of water and gradually add more until you reach the
desired consistency.
You can double or triple the recipe (or more) to make as many gnat traps as you like.
You don't have to put plastic wrap on the container; it will still catch gnats.

© Karen Breyer

Tired of pesky gnats buzzing around your home? In this video, you’ll learn how to make a quick and easy DIY solution to trap and eliminate gnats using simple household ingredients. This method is effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly! Follow along as Karen Breyer shows you step-by-step how to make this gnat trap that works!

Gnats can be a nuisance, especially during warmer months. Instead of using chemical sprays or expensive traps, create a simple and natural gnat trap with items you probably already have at home. Karen Breyer demonstrates how easy it is to set up this DIY gnat trap in just a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how effectively it attracts and traps gnats, helping you reclaim your space. Say goodbye to gnats for good with this easy DIY gnat trap!

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