Love and Lemons
Recipes and tips from Jeanine Donofrio, writer of The Love and Lemons Cookbook. Includes vegetarian recipes, gluten free recipes, and vegan recipes.
These black bean tacos are a really easy, SUPER flavorful dinner. They’re packed with a delicious combination of simple ingredients: black beans, pickled cabbage, cilantro, jalapeños, and Cotija cheese. A hefty drizzle of my cilantro lime crema takes them over the top. I love the balance of textures and flavors here. These black bean tacos are creamy AND crunchy, earthy AND bright. The component that really makes them pop is the pickled cabbage. It adds a burst of sweet, tangy flavor that, if you’re me, will keep you piling on more and more. I recommend prepping the pickled cabbage ahead. […]
I know what you’re thinking—“Soup?! But isn’t it spring??” It’s certainly felt like it in Chicago over the past few days. We’ve had a gorgeous stretch of sunny weather that’s made me start craving asparagus, carrot cake, and other spring-y things. But I’m not switching over into full-on spring mode just yet. I’m holding onto soup season until at least March 17. That’s because I make this cabbage soup for St. Patrick’s Day each year. Packed with potatoes, carrots, and a full pound of cabbage, this humble, hearty dish is a delicious way to honor my Irish heritage. My favorite […]
Have you ever tried pickled cabbage? If you like dill pickles, pickled red onions, or pickled anything, really, you’re going to love this pickled cabbage too. It’s tangy, it’s crunchy, and it has the most amazing bright red color. When I have a jar in the fridge, I pile it onto everything—sandwiches, tacos, grain bowls, you name it. It’s a super easy, super delicious way to give a simple meal a little extra pop. I’m sharing my pickled cabbage recipe at the bottom of this post. Along the way, you’ll find tips for making it and a few tasty variations. […]
Did you know that homemade biscuits are easy to make? Well, they are! If the thought of making flaky, buttery biscuits from scratch feels impossible or intimidating to you, I hope you’ll try this easy biscuit recipe. It calls for 6 basic ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes—no special equipment required! Jack and I both grew up eating canned biscuits (think Pillsbury). The first time we made homemade biscuits, we couldn’t believe what we’d been missing. They are simply so much better. With this biscuit recipe, they have crisp, golden brown edges and moist, tender middles. Serve them alongside […]
Our Cooking Club is a fun way to celebrate the Love & Lemons community of readers. The concept is super simple—each month, I choose a recipe. You make it, and you leave a comment on the recipe’s blog post. At the end of the month, I randomly select one winner to receive a prize. I love the sense of community that comes from so many people cooking one recipe each month. We’re kicking off our March challenge today with our overnight oats recipe, and I hope you’ll join in the fun. Here’s how it works: The Prize: A $100 Whole Foods […]
Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time! Below, I’m sharing my go-to method for how to cook white rice on the stove. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, and it always yields tender, fluffy rice. Sooo many people think that it’s impossible to cook perfect rice on the stove. I’m on a mission to change that! While there are some common pitfalls to cooking rice, this foolproof white rice recipe is easy to master. And once you have it in your back pocket, you can quickly whip it up to serve with curries, stir fries, and more. You […]
I make this easy fried rice recipe whenever I have leftover rice in the fridge. If you ask me, this Chinese inspired-dish is the best way to use it up. When the dried-out rice is cooked in a hot skillet, it takes on a delicious lightly crispy texture. Mixed with veggies, scrambled eggs, and seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil, the humble rice becomes an incredibly flavorful side dish or quick meal. I’m sharing my basic vegetable fried rice recipe at the bottom of this post, but don’t feel like you have to follow it to the letter. One […]
This tofu scramble is one of my favorite vegan breakfast recipes, if not one of my favorite breakfasts, period. I think it’s just as delicious as classic scrambled eggs. It’s soft and creamy, and it has a rich, eggy flavor thanks to nutritional yeast and a few key spices. Bonus: it’s also high in protein! I love having it in my rotation for mornings when I’m in the mood for a savory breakfast that doesn’t involve eggs. It’s easy to make in one pan, so you can throw it together on a weekday, but with the right fixings, it’s totally weekend-worthy too. […]
Have you ever tried a breakfast quesadilla? I recently started making them, and I’m totally obsessed. They consist of soft scrambled eggs, flavorful veggies, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crisp, golden brown tortilla. They’re a filling, high-protein breakfast that still feels fresh! This breakfast quesadilla recipe is quicker than making breakfast burritos. And unlike breakfast tacos, it’s great for meal prep. So if you’re a fan of Mexican or Southwest-inspired breakfasts, it’s a nice addition to the rotation—delicious, easy, AND easy to make ahead. I hope you love it as much as I do! Breakfast Quesadilla […]
These homemade flour tortillas are soft, pliable, and delicious. They’re like an entirely different food from store-bought tortillas—they’re chewier, more rustic, and far more flavorful. Try one while it’s warm from the stove. You won’t believe how good it is! I started making homemade flour tortillas years ago, back when I first moved to Austin, Texas. I imagined that it would be a major cooking project that would require special ingredients and hours in the kitchen. But to my surprise, it turned out to be incredibly simple. So simple, in fact, that I’ve made flour tortillas many, many times since. I’m sharing […]
This easy stir fry recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, flavorful, and healthy too, packed with colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers. Add your favorite protein and serve it over rice for a satisfying 20-minute meal! Years ago, when I first started cooking for myself, I made a veggie stir fry nearly every night. It was the easiest (and cheapest) thing I knew how to make, so I put it on repeat. Fast forward to now, and stir fry is still a staple in my weeknight rotation…but it’s gotten a lot tastier. I’ve perfected my sweet and […]
A good stir fry sauce is the secret to a delicious stir fry. I should know, because I made my fair share of disappointing stir fries when I was learning how to cook. Nine times out of ten, when one fell flat, it was because the sauce was too bland, too salty, or too watery. But over the years, I’ve developed a homemade stir fry sauce I love. It’s nicely balanced, with a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor. It has a perfect texture too. A little cornstarch helps it thicken in the pan, creating a glossy coating for any combination of […]
This fresh ginger tea recipe has been on repeat in our house this winter. It’s soothing and warming, filled with a delicious spicy flavor from the fresh ginger root. Sweetened with a little honey and topped with a slice of lemon, it’s the perfect nourishing drink for a cold day. I bought ginger tea bags for YEARS before I started making this recipe. Let me tell you, I was missing out. The fresh tea has a bolder, spicier flavor, and it’s almost as easy to make. I’m sharing my simple method for how to make ginger tea below, along with a […]
A Manhattan cocktail is one of Jack’s favorite drinks. Bold and sophisticated, this classic cocktail is a simple combination of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. According to Jack, it’s not complete without a cocktail cherry for garnish—brandied or maraschino, take your pick. When I think of a Manhattan, I immediately picture a dark, wood-paneled cocktail bar. But lately, we’ve actually been making this classic drink at home. Easy but elevated, it’s perfect for a low key date night in. I’m sharing our go-to Manhattan recipe below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! What’s in a Manhattan? The […]
I’ve been on a white pizza kick lately. Sorry, pizza sauce, but right now, this white pizza recipe has me hooked. It’s loaded with garlicky olive oil, lemony ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese. I love to top it off with a sprinkle of arugula or fresh basil leaves. If you’ve never made white pizza at home, I hope you’ll try this recipe. It’s a fun alternative to typical red sauce pizza, and it’s SO delicious. The ricotta creates an amazing creamy contrast with the chewy crust. Serve this white pizza with a big chopped salad for a perfect pizza night! […]
Chocolate lovers, these double chocolate chip cookies are for you! Made with a chocolate cookie dough and PACKED with chocolate chips, they have a rich chocolate flavor (think brownies!). These double chocolate chip cookies have a delicious texture too. They’re lightly crisp around the edges and thick, soft, and chewy in the middle. You can make this recipe in 30 minutes or less. That’s right—you don’t have to chill the dough! It’s simple to mix up with a stand mixer (or hand mixer) using basic baking ingredients. Bookmark this recipe for the next time you have a major chocolate craving. Quick, easy, […]
Let’s make gnocchi! My homemade pasta is one of the most popular recipes on Love & Lemons, so it’s about time I shared my favorite potato gnocchi recipe too. These homemade gnocchi are soft, pillowy, and light. Served with a flavorful sauce, they’re absolutely delicious. If you think you like store-bought gnocchi, prepare yourself: this homemade version is so much better. This simple recipe calls for 4 basic ingredients—flour, potatoes, eggs, and salt. It’s a bit of a project, so I’d save it for a weekend or date night, but it’s 100% worth the effort. These potato gnocchi are like […]
I love a gimlet cocktail. Made with just 3 ingredients—gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup—this sour cocktail is bright, botanical, and refreshing. I often order a gimlet when I’m out, but because this drink is so simple, it’s also easy to make at home. I’m sharing a classic gin gimlet recipe below. This recipe uses ratios I like, skewing heavier on the gin to let its floral flavor shine. If you prefer a sweeter drink, or a tangier one, feel free to add an extra splash of simple syrup or lime juice. Cheers! Gimlet Cocktail Ingredients Here’s what you’ll […]
Our Cooking Club is a fun way to celebrate the Love & Lemons community of readers. The concept is super simple—each month, I choose a recipe. You make it, and you leave a comment on the recipe’s blog post. At the end of the month, I randomly select one winner to receive a prize. I love the sense of community that comes from so many people cooking one recipe each month. We’re kicking off our February challenge today with our easy pancake recipe, and I hope you’ll join in the fun. Here’s how it works: The Prize: A $100 Whole Foods […]
This pancake recipe has become a family favorite. These homemade pancakes are thick and fluffy, with a delicious buttery flavor. Our kiddo requested a stack for breakfast twice this week! This pancake recipe calls for 7 basic ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen right now. It’s the simplest pancake recipe I’ve ever shared, perfect for whipping up on a lazy weekend morning or cooking with kids (Ollie loves to stir the batter!). Try these homemade pancakes once, and you’ll never get a store-bought mix again. This easy recipe is SO much better! Ingredients for Homemade Pancakes Here’s what […]
I look forward to Super Bowl Sunday every year. Not for the big game…but for the snacks. If you’re anything like me, you start planning your snack spread weeks in advance. Maybe you’re making guacamole, deviled eggs, or buffalo cauliflower. Those are all great picks! But today, I’m making the case for adding one other snack to your game day menu: Jalapeño popper dip! It captures all the flavors of a perfect popper (smoky! spicy! tangy!), but delivers them in creamy, scoopable form. If that sentence alone hasn’t convinced you to try it… Here are 3 reasons why I love […]
Super Bowl snacks are the best part of any Super Bowl party! Ok, for many people, the football is a highlight too, but I think we can all agree that the snacks are still important. To help you celebrate this year’s big game, I’ve rounded up my best Super Bowl food ideas below. They include everything you need to put together an epic game day spread—finger foods, delicious dips, salty snacks, desserts, and more. These Super Bowl recipes are easy, flavorful, and—most importantly—fun. Whether you’re tuning in for the halftime show, the commercials, or the game itself, they’ll make your Super […]
Cacio e pepe is like mac and cheese’s cool Italian cousin. It’s creamy and comforting, sure, but it’s also simple and elegant. Traditionally, this Roman dish consists of three ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and pasta. A little pasta water helps the cheese and pepper come together to form the pasta’s silky sauce. I’ve been a fan of cacio e pepe since I first tasted it on a trip to Rome years ago. I love the salty funk of the cheese against the bite of the black pepper. I’ve made it at home many times…with mixed success. Despite […]
Every January, I have the same goal: to eat lots of vegetables. For the first few weeks, it’s easy. I get a kick of New Year’s energy and toss together salads and blend up smoothies on repeat. The fact that it’s ten degrees outside doesn’t phase me. But once we get to the second half of the month, the…well, winteriness of the season sets in. I don’t want a salad for dinner—I want something comforting and warming. Bonus points if it comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s when I turn to this easy dumpling soup. It’s still loaded with […]
By popular request: air fryer sweet potatoes! I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to cook a sweet potato in the air fryer, so today, I’m finally sharing my go-to air fryer sweet potato recipe. It’s super simple. I use the same method that I do in my baked sweet potato recipe: Poke holes in the sweet potatoes Cook them (with no foil!) until puffed and fork-tender I won’t say that one is better than the other—oven or air fryer. Both yield perfect baked sweet potatoes with lightly crisp, puffy skins and soft, flavorful insides. But if you’re only […]
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