Courtney Kassel’s Kitchen: Delicious and Easy Recipes for Every Occasion
Welcome to Courtney Kassel’s Kitchen, your go-to source for simple, yet delicious recipes that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Courtney’s approachable style and easy-to-follow instructions will have you creating culinary masterpieces in no time. This blog post is dedicated to showcasing some of her most popular recipes, complete with detailed steps and tips to ensure success. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these incredible dishes!
About Courtney Kassel
Courtney Kassel is a passionate home cook with a knack for creating recipes that are both flavorful and accessible. Her love for cooking began at a young age, inspired by her grandmother’s traditional family recipes. Courtney believes that anyone can cook delicious food with the right guidance and a little bit of confidence. She shares her culinary creations on her blog and social media platforms, inspiring thousands of people to get into the kitchen and start cooking.
Featured Recipes
Here are some of Courtney Kassel’s most beloved recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips:
1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This comforting classic gets a gourmet upgrade with Courtney’s signature grilled cheese croutons. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 4 slices bread
* 2 slices cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. **Simmer and Blend:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.
4. **Stir in Cream:** Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently, but do not boil.
5. **Prepare Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top each slice with a slice of cheddar cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
6. **Grill the Croutons:** Cook the grilled cheese sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let cool slightly.
7. **Cut into Croutons:** Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into small cubes to make croutons.
8. **Serve:** Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. Top with the grilled cheese croutons and serve immediately.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* Use different types of cheese for the grilled cheese croutons, such as Gruyere or mozzarella.
2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This recipe is a weeknight winner! It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with flavor. The chicken and vegetables roast together in one pan, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
* 1 lemon, halved
* 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
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
2. **Stuff the Chicken:** Squeeze the juice from one lemon half over the chicken. Place the lemon halves, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
3. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes, carrots, and onion quarters with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Spread the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
4. **Roast the Chicken:** Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist.
5. **Rest the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
6. **Carve and Serve:** Carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted vegetables. Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* Add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
* For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken very dry before roasting.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt
These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies! Courtney’s recipe includes a sprinkle of sea salt, which enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and creates a perfect balance of flavors.
**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
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
* Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt:** Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
* Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
4. Quick and Easy Guacamole
This guacamole recipe is perfect for a party or a quick snack. It’s fresh, flavorful, and takes just minutes to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 ripe avocados
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Mash Avocados:** Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork until desired consistency is reached (some people prefer it chunky, others prefer it smooth).
2. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Add the chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to the mashed avocados. Season with salt to taste.
3. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately with tortilla chips, vegetables, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* To prevent the guacamole from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole.
* Add a diced tomato for extra flavor and texture.
* Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired level of spiciness.
5. Simple Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. It’s perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* 1 pound ripe tomatoes, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves
* Balsamic glaze
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Arrange the Ingredients:** Arrange the mozzarella slices and tomato slices on a platter, alternating between the two. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
2. **Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Olive Oil:** Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
3. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use high-quality mozzarella cheese and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
* Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the balsamic glaze and olive oil.
6. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
A healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes! The salmon and asparagus bake together in the oven, making it a convenient and flavorful dinner option.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 lemon, sliced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Garlic powder to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Arrange Salmon and Asparagus:** Place the salmon fillets and asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the salmon and asparagus with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
5. **Top with Lemon Slices:** Place a few lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use skin-on salmon fillets for extra flavor and moisture.
* Add other vegetables to the baking sheet, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
* Squeeze the juice from the baked lemon slices over the salmon and asparagus for extra flavor.
7. Creamy Pesto Pasta
This pesto pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy pesto sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. **Prepare Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
3. **Add Pasta to Sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use homemade or store-bought pesto.
* Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the pasta for a more complete meal.
* Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
8. No-Bake Energy Bites
A healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for a quick energy boost. These no-bake energy bites are packed with nutrients and are easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
3. **Roll into Balls:** Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. **Store:** Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use different types of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
* Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins.
* Roll the energy bites in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
9. Sheet Pan Fajitas
These sheet pan fajitas are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. The chicken and vegetables roast together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* Tortillas, for serving
* Toppings of your choice (such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Sheet Pan:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, bell pepper slices, and onion slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
4. **Spread on Sheet Pan:** Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Use different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
* Add a squeeze of lime juice after baking for extra flavor.
* Serve with Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
10. Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning
This simple and healthy breakfast or snack is a favorite of Courtney’s. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread, toasted
* 1 ripe avocado, mashed
* Everything bagel seasoning
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast Bread:** Toast the bread to your desired level of doneness.
2. **Mash Avocado:** Mash the avocado with a fork until desired consistency is reached.
3. **Spread Avocado on Toast:** Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread.
4. **Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
5. **Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips from Courtney:**
* Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
* Drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze.
* Use different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Conclusion
Courtney Kassel’s recipes are proof that delicious and easy cooking is within everyone’s reach. From comforting classics to quick weeknight meals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, get inspired, head to the kitchen, and start creating your own culinary masterpieces with Courtney’s guidance. Happy cooking!