• Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

    We all have fond memories of our favorite dishes growing up. For us, one recipe that stuck with us throughout the years, and still shows up regularly on our household menu, is Salisbury Steak. Rich, hearty, and smothered in savory mushroom gravy, this nostalgic dish is pure comfy vibes on a plate. Often confused with Swiss Steak, which is usually a tenderized cut of round or chuck simmered in a tomato-based sauce, Salisbury Steak is all about that thick brown gravy magic. We like to take it a step further by serving it over our favorite mashed potatoes, turning it into a dish that’s as warm & cozy as it…

  • Boeuf Bourguignon delicious plate
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon – Classic French Comfort Food

    Ah, Boeuf Bourguignon. Just saying it sounds like you’re stepping into a grand French bistro, right? The rich, aromatic smell of beef simmering away in a medley of red wine and herbs — like a cozy, savory hug. And yet, when you think of making this classic French dish, you might imagine hours of complicated prep, a delicate dance of wine pairings, and maybe even a little bit of stress. But what if we told you that you can make this delicious masterpiece in a slow cooker, effortlessly? Perfect for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or any time you crave that rich, luxurious French comfort food without the…

  • A plate with three blue cheese popovers and red radishes with green onions
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Irresistible Blue Cheese Popovers: Quick, Easy, & Decadent

    Whether it is a last-minute gathering by the pool, a quick lunch, or just a case of the munchies, there are many occasions when you need to whip up something tasty and quick. Enter these irresistible Blue Cheese Popovers! With maximum decadence, minimal prep time, and a handful of ingredients, these popovers are a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy Blue Cheese Popovers on their own or pair them with cold cuts, fruits, veggies, or other snacks. California produces exquisite blue cheeses, so we will recommend a few locally-produced varieties along the journey, and even beyond our State. Blue Cheese Popovers Recipe (Excellent to Share) PREP TIME: Under 10 minutesCOOK TIME: 20 minutesSPECIAL EQUIPMENT:…

  • Braised Turkey Necks and Buckwheat
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Braised Turkey Necks with Buckwheat Recipe

    We became intrigued by the idea of Braised Turkey Necks after spotting a package of necks at our local butcher shop. Completely forgetting the original purpose of our visit, we grabbed it and quickly ran home with them, eager to give our exciting new find a try. We discovered Braised Turkey Necks are much more flavorful and meatier than we expected. And with a simple buckwheat side dish to go with it, it made for an easy, fun (and filling) meal. Little did we know, this unusual new recipe would become a delightful addition to our rotating dinner menu. So let’s get started with the braised turkey neck recipe, and…

  • Two fillets of sand dabs with arugular and tartar sauce
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Quick and Easy Pan-Fried Sand Dabs

    One of the many benefits of living in California is the State’s 840 miles of Pacific coastline. So, needless to say, finding fresh seafood, including Sand Dabs and Crab, is a pretty common thing. Whether you go out and catch it yourself or pick it up from the market, freshly caught fish is relatively easy to come by. Our neighbor, who occasionally takes chartered fishing trips out of our local Monterey Bay, often shares some of his catch with us. Fresh-caught Ling Cod, Rock Fish, and Halibut are always thoughtful and appreciated gifts. Recently, he surprised us with a big bag of Sand Dabs and two Crabs. We made a…

  • Quick & Easy Baby Bok Choy with a Chicken Cutlet photo
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Quick and Easy Baby Bok Choy Recipe

    This quick and easy baby bok choy recipe makes a great side dish with virtually any main protein, especially when the main dish requires a longer time and more effort to cook. Ready in 10 minutes, this sauteed baby bok choy is easy to prep and impossible to mess up (trust us — we tried 😊).  By the way, bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable (like cabbage, cauliflower, or broccoli), tracing its origins to China. Low in calories, it packs a TON of good stuff in a small package: vitamin A, C, K, B6, E, calcium, folate, and beta-carotene. Bok choy is at the top of multiple lists of ‘healthiest…

  • Chorizo Al Vino tapa dish
    Fun Projects,  Recipes from Monkeys' Kitchen

    Spanish Tapas: Chorizo Al Vino

    One of the perks of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is the exposure to so many different cultures and cuisine. In our particular area, we have some phenomenal Spanish restaurants that serve great authentic tapas. (Shoutout to our all-time favorite spot, La Catalana in San Jose – you’re awesome!) Even before traveling to Spain, Chorizo Al Vino (also known as Chorizo Al Tinto) was always our first choice when it came to tapas.  On our trip to Barcelona, we literally ate this dish on a daily basis, and from every place that had it on their menu. Though each restaurant had its own take on the recipe, they…