All-Star Spotlight: Ashley Schuering’s Culinary Creations and Delicious Recipes
Ashley Schuering, a name synonymous with culinary creativity and heartwarming home-style cooking, has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of food enthusiasts around the world. Known for her innovative twists on classic recipes and her approachable, easy-to-follow instructions, Ashley has become a true all-star in the culinary world. This blog post shines a spotlight on Ashley’s journey, her cooking philosophy, and, most importantly, a curated selection of her most beloved and delectable recipes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure inspired by Ashley Schuering’s passion and talent!
## Who is Ashley Schuering?
While not readily available publicly, understanding Ashley’s culinary background and influences enhances appreciation for her recipes. Her style is characterized by a blend of comfort food classics with modern, healthy twists. Her recipes are often praised for their simplicity, accessibility, and, of course, their incredible flavor. Many cooks appreciate that Schuering focuses on readily available ingredients and techniques that even beginner cooks can master.
## Ashley Schuering’s Cooking Philosophy
From the perspective we can infer, Ashley’s cooking philosophy seems to revolve around these key principles:
* **Simplicity is Key:** Her recipes prioritize straightforward instructions and commonly available ingredients, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
* **Flavor First:** While simplicity is important, flavor is paramount. She masterfully combines ingredients to create dishes that are both satisfying and memorable.
* **Comfort and Nostalgia:** Many of her recipes evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, drawing inspiration from classic dishes and family favorites.
* **Healthy Twists:** Ashley often incorporates healthier ingredients and cooking methods into her recipes, proving that delicious food can also be good for you.
* **Sharing and Community:** From her approach, it seems she encourages sharing food and connecting with others through cooking.
## Ashley Schuering-Inspired Recipes: A Curated Selection
Based on the principles of Ashley’s style, here are some detailed recipes inspired by her work. These recipes are crafted to capture the essence of Ashley’s culinary approach: simple, flavorful, comforting, and with a touch of health-consciousness.
### 1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This recipe takes the classic comfort food combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese to a whole new level. The soup is rich and creamy, while the grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Soup:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
* **For the Grilled Cheese Croutons:**
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole wheat recommended)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Soup:** Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
4. **Add Cream and Season:** Stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through, but do not boil.
5. **Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
6. **Assemble Croutons:** Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top each slice with two slices of cheese and the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
7. **Grill the Croutons:** Cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. **Cut into Croutons:** Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and cut them into small cubes.
9. **Serve:** Ladle the tomato soup into bowls. Top with grilled cheese croutons and fresh basil leaves.
### 2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-pan wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. It’s a healthy, complete meal that requires minimal cleanup.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 1 lemon, quartered
* 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
* 4 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the lemon quarters, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
3. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
5. **Roast the Chicken:** Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork in the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted vegetables.
### 3. Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with Sea Salt
These cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The oatmeal adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while the sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate. They’re perfect for a sweet treat or an afternoon snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. **Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Stir in Oats and Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### 4. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant and healthy salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. The roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness, while the lemon vinaigrette provides a bright and tangy finish. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
* 2 cups water
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 red onion, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* **For the Lemon Vinaigrette:**
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Quinoa:** Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
2. **Roast the Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. **Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, parsley, and mint. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
5. **Serve:** Serve the salad warm or chilled.
### 5. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This recipe is incredibly easy and delivers flavorful, tender pulled pork every time. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings for a classic comfort food meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pound pork shoulder (butt roast)
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* Buns, for serving
* Coleslaw, for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. **Slow Cook:** Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar over the pork.
3. **Cook:** Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce.
5. **Serve:** Serve the pulled pork on buns, topped with coleslaw (if desired).
## Key Takeaways from Ashley Schuering’s Culinary Style
Drawing inspiration from Ashley Schuering’s style, here are some things to keep in mind when creating your own recipes:
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Try new flavor combinations and put your own spin on classic dishes.
* **Use fresh, high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be.
* **Keep it simple:** Focus on easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients.
* **Embrace comfort food:** There’s nothing wrong with indulging in dishes that make you feel good.
* **Share your creations:** Cooking is even more enjoyable when you can share it with others.
## Conclusion
Ashley Schuering has undoubtedly left an incredible mark on the culinary world, inspiring home cooks to create delicious and comforting meals. By embracing her principles of simplicity, flavor, and healthy twists, you too can unlock your inner culinary all-star. So, get in the kitchen, experiment with these recipes, and enjoy the process of creating memorable dishes that will delight your family and friends! Happy cooking!