Recipes

Watermelon Agua Fresca

by John K. 2 Comments

The weather has been pretty punishing lately and I’ll gladly jump as any opportunity to cool down. What better way than with a delicious natural drink made from fresh ingredients?! Agua fresca is a street cart staple but I got to admit feeling more comfortable having made it myself in my own kitchen. I used...

The weather has been pretty punishing lately and I’ll gladly jump as any opportunity to cool down. What better way than with a delicious natural drink made from fresh ingredients?! Agua fresca is a street cart staple but I got to admit feeling more comfortable having made it myself in my own kitchen. I used…

Cute Cupcakes

by jkanell 4 Comments

I made a shag cake like this a while back and instantly knew the decoration scheme would be perfect for cheerful little cupcakes! I whipped up a batch of tender, fluffy lemon cupcakes and topped them with a poof of multicolored buttercream. This decoration scheme is so easy; it might be the perfect way for...

I made a shag cake like this a while back and instantly knew the decoration scheme would be perfect for cheerful little cupcakes! I whipped up a batch of tender, fluffy lemon cupcakes and topped them with a poof of multicolored buttercream. This decoration scheme is so easy; it might be the perfect way for…

Brie Quesadilla

by John K. 2 Comments

So just in case you didn’t know, brie and grape quesadillas are a thing. I didn’t make them up. The first one I had was at this amazing little restaurant upcountry in Maui, but I believe the recipe originated in California. Anyhow, these come together in a snap and your guests will be gobbling these...

So just in case you didn’t know, brie and grape quesadillas are a thing. I didn’t make them up. The first one I had was at this amazing little restaurant upcountry in Maui, but I believe the recipe originated in California. Anyhow, these come together in a snap and your guests will be gobbling these…

How to Decorate a Cake

by John K. 8 Comments

How to Decorate a Cake Check the above video out for all of the cake decorating tips and tricks I could think of! Starting off with a good foundation is really important so I always use cake strips to get a nice flat layers, which are easier to stack and more tender as well! Click...

How to Decorate a Cake Check the above video out for all of the cake decorating tips and tricks I could think of! Starting off with a good foundation is really important so I always use cake strips to get a nice flat layers, which are easier to stack and more tender as well! Click…

Easy Canapés

by jkanell 7 Comments

Some neighbors are coming over in a bit to see the new place. I figured it would be nice to have some scrumptious bites ready to go along with a glass of wine! Or two… I’ve decided to forgo a more complicated option, and instead throw together some canapés. They’re simple and delicious! If you’ve...

Some neighbors are coming over in a bit to see the new place. I figured it would be nice to have some scrumptious bites ready to go along with a glass of wine! Or two… I’ve decided to forgo a more complicated option, and instead throw together some canapés. They’re simple and delicious! If you’ve…

Peach Popsicle

by John K. 3 Comments

If you’ve tried these popsicles then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! Steps to Make These Popsicles Peel the skin off of the peaches. Save a few slices for large chunks. Add the entire can of coconut cream...

If you’ve tried these popsicles then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! Steps to Make These Popsicles Peel the skin off of the peaches. Save a few slices for large chunks. Add the entire can of coconut cream…

Strawberry Cake

by John K. 4 Comments

I partnered with Wilton, who sponsored this post, showing you how to make this beautiful strawberry birthday cake! Part of the reason I call my blog Preppy Kitchen is the belief that you can make anything if you’re properly prepared, and that starts with having the right tools for the job. Wilton makes great products...

I partnered with Wilton, who sponsored this post, showing you how to make this beautiful strawberry birthday cake! Part of the reason I call my blog Preppy Kitchen is the belief that you can make anything if you’re properly prepared, and that starts with having the right tools for the job. Wilton makes great products…

Potato Tart

by John K. Leave a Comment

A while back I had an amazing pizza with slices of creamy potatoes covering the top, so delicious I was inspired to make this tart! I thought a fish scale pattern would be easy to render given the shape of the potato slices and it was! Alternating between the purple and white slices definitely adds...

A while back I had an amazing pizza with slices of creamy potatoes covering the top, so delicious I was inspired to make this tart! I thought a fish scale pattern would be easy to render given the shape of the potato slices and it was! Alternating between the purple and white slices definitely adds…

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

by John K. 2 Comments

How good is this simple sandwich? I actually got a euphoric feeling after my first bite and finished the whole thing in moments. That’s how good it was. The sharp cheddar CREAMY double cream gouda and rich Jarlsberg all melted into a dream-like pool of wonderment. When paired with a sweet and spicy jalapeño jam,...

How good is this simple sandwich? I actually got a euphoric feeling after my first bite and finished the whole thing in moments. That’s how good it was. The sharp cheddar CREAMY double cream gouda and rich Jarlsberg all melted into a dream-like pool of wonderment. When paired with a sweet and spicy jalapeño jam,…

Sautéed Scallops

by John K. 5 Comments

When those super-sweet strawberries are in season you find ways to sprinkle them into your meals! I made a fresh strawberry vinaigrette and threw a generous handful into the salad. I loved the play of creamy and crunchy in this dish. It was fresh and light but I felt sated; this is a perfect story....

When those super-sweet strawberries are in season you find ways to sprinkle them into your meals! I made a fresh strawberry vinaigrette and threw a generous handful into the salad. I loved the play of creamy and crunchy in this dish. It was fresh and light but I felt sated; this is a perfect story….

Burrata Pizza

by John K. Leave a Comment

I love creamy things so any excuse to use burrata will be taken post haste! This recipe is kind of like a pizza, a salad and a giant ball of gooey burrata decided to get together and make the best thing ever! The cheese, and heirloom tomatoes really helped to balance out the strong flavors...

I love creamy things so any excuse to use burrata will be taken post haste! This recipe is kind of like a pizza, a salad and a giant ball of gooey burrata decided to get together and make the best thing ever! The cheese, and heirloom tomatoes really helped to balance out the strong flavors…

Sautéed Shrimp Recipe

by John K. 2 Comments

If you’re looking for a light summery dish full of flavor and pretty darn gorgeous then look no further! I came across some squash blossoms at the farmer’s market and snapped them right up some I could make a delicious side dish with them. Originally I planned on baking them but after stuffing them I...

If you’re looking for a light summery dish full of flavor and pretty darn gorgeous then look no further! I came across some squash blossoms at the farmer’s market and snapped them right up some I could make a delicious side dish with them. Originally I planned on baking them but after stuffing them I…

Chocolate Beet Cake

by John K. 4 Comments

I was doing some recipe testing for a Red Velvet cake, trying to use natural ingredients to get a reddish color and I both failed and succeeded!! One of my cakes turned out totally brown but was so soft, fluffy, moist and delicious that there was no way I wasn’t going to share the recipe...

I was doing some recipe testing for a Red Velvet cake, trying to use natural ingredients to get a reddish color and I both failed and succeeded!! One of my cakes turned out totally brown but was so soft, fluffy, moist and delicious that there was no way I wasn’t going to share the recipe…

How to Make Buttercream Flowers

by John K. 22 Comments

I’ve had SO many requests for a more detailed how to video on buttercream flowers! I’ve embedded a video in the recipe so scroll down for the full tutorial. Most of the problems I hear about relate to the consistency of the buttercream and the shape of the flower. It’s really important to create a...

I’ve had SO many requests for a more detailed how to video on buttercream flowers! I’ve embedded a video in the recipe so scroll down for the full tutorial. Most of the problems I hear about relate to the consistency of the buttercream and the shape of the flower. It’s really important to create a…

Best Red Velvet Cake

by John K. 16 Comments

I did a lot of recipe testing for this much-requested cake but in the end I lightly adapted the recipe for the batter from a New York Times recipe. Wonderful moist fluffy sponge, and I loved the typo saying it made 8 inch layers! LOL, even the best of us make mistakes… Anyhow it’s the...

I did a lot of recipe testing for this much-requested cake but in the end I lightly adapted the recipe for the batter from a New York Times recipe. Wonderful moist fluffy sponge, and I loved the typo saying it made 8 inch layers! LOL, even the best of us make mistakes… Anyhow it’s the…