Cooking Lessons for Dad

Cooking Lessons for Beginners

Easy Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

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This easy creamy garlic potato soup is simple, comforting, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s a smooth, cozy soup that’s perfect for a quiet dinner at home or anytime you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

This recipe is budget-friendly and made using instant potato flakes to keep things simple. It’s a great option for beginner cooks or anyone who enjoys easy, homemade meals with rich flavor and minimal prep.

Below you’ll find the full recipe, along with a step-by-step video showing exactly how I make it. The video includes helpful tips and visual cues to make sure your soup turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

If you’re looking for a comforting soup that’s easy to customize, this one is a favorite.

Easy Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

Creamy garlic potato soup in a bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1½ cups plain instant potato flakes
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (use vegan butter if preferred)
  • 2–3 tablespoons dried chives (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low simmer.
    2. Slowly whisk in the instant potato flakes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
    3. Once the mixture is hot and smooth, stir in the milk and butter.
    4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep the texture creamy.
    5. Stir in dried chives and adjust seasoning to taste. Add more milk if the soup is too thick.
    6. Continue cooking until heated through. Serve.

Notes

This soup works well as a main dish or a side.
Pair it with bread, salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.
For a richer soup, stir in a little extra butter or milk.
You can easily double the recipe to serve more.
Leftovers reheat well and make a great quick meal.

© Karen Breyer

Cranberry Fruit Relish

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This easy cranberry fruit relish is fresh, bright, and naturally sweet — with no cooking required.

It comes together quickly in a food processor and tastes even better after chilling, making it a great make-ahead recipe. While it’s often served during the holidays, this cranberry fruit relish is delicious year-round alongside everyday meals.

Cranberry Fruit Relish

Cranberry Fruit Relish

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
  • 5 medium sweet apples (4–5 cups chopped)
  • 2 oranges, peeled
  • ¼ whole orange rind (grated or finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup orange juice concentrate
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt

Instructions

    1. Chop the cranberries in a food processor or strong blender, then transfer them to a large bowl.
    2. Chop the apples in a food processor and add them to the bowl.
    3. Chop the peeled oranges in a food processor and add them to the bowl.
    4. Finely chop or grate the orange rind and add it to the bowl.
    5. Add the orange juice concentrate, honey, and salt.
    6. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
    7. Chill for at least 2 hours to blend the flavors.

Notes

Sweet apple varieties such as Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well for the best texture and flavor.
Leave the peel on the apples for color and flavor.
Store the cranberry fruit relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

© Karen Breyer

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

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