Why You’re Going to Love These Buttermilk Biscuits

• Tender and Flaky: These biscuits have that melt-in-your-mouth texture with buttery layers that pull apart effortlessly.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for complicated ingredients—just pantry staples like flour, butter, and buttermilk.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving them with breakfast, alongside dinner, or as a savory snack, they’re the perfect versatile treat.
• Foolproof Recipe: With clear steps and a few simple tips, you’ll achieve perfect biscuits every time, even if you’re new to baking.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
• Cold buttermilk
• Frozen unsalted butter
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda

Garnish:

• Butter
• Honey

How to Make Buttermilk Biscuits

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking tray or dish with butter.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add the Butter: Shred frozen butter using a box grater or food processor. Add the shredded butter to the flour mixture and use a fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Incorporate the Buttermilk: Create a well in the center of the mixture, then pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently fold everything together until it forms a shaggy, sticky dough.
5. Bring the Dough Together: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together with your hands. Flatten and fold the dough over itself a few times, adding more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
6. Cut the Biscuits: Roll the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or cup to cut out the biscuits by pressing straight down—don’t twist, or the biscuits won’t rise as well. Continue until you’ve used up all the dough.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the biscuits on the buttered baking tray so that they’re just slightly touching. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8. Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and serve with honey on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

• Keep Everything Cold: To achieve the perfect flaky texture, it’s essential to keep your ingredients cold. Cold butter creates steam when baked, forming those irresistible layers. Shred frozen butter directly into the flour mixture, and don’t overwork the dough—this helps prevent the butter from warming up too quickly. You can even chill the dough again before baking if needed!
• Storage Instructions: These biscuits are best served fresh out of the oven, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

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Buttermilk Biscuits

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits. These tender, flaky, and buttery biscuits are perfect for any meal—from breakfast to dinner. With a simple combination of cold buttermilk and frozen butter, you’ll achieve those signature layers that make every bite heavenly. Serve them warm, slathered in butter and honey, and watch as they disappear from the table in an instant!

Course Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine American

Keyword biscuits

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 14 minutes minutes

Servings 6 Biscuits

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the work surface
• 1 cup cold buttermilk
• 1 stick frozen unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Garnish

• Butter
• Honey

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Whisk together until fully combined.
• Using a box grater or food processor, shred the butter into small pieces.
• Add the shredded butter to the flour mixture. Use a fork to cut the butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs form.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk.
• Gently fold everything together until you get a wet, shaggy dough. It should start to form into a sticky ball.
• Transfer the dough to a floured working surface and gently bring the dough together.
• Flatten the dough out and fold it over itself a few times. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
• After folding a couple of times, roll the dough out into an even ½-inch thick sheet.
• Using a biscuit cutter or a cup with straight edges, push straight down into the dough without twisting. Repeat until all the dough is used.
• Transfer the biscuits to a butter-lined baking tray or dish. Space them out, but ensure they touch slightly.
• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
• Once baked, brush with melted butter.
• Serve immediately with a side of butter and honey. Enjoy!

A perfect blend of tangy citrus and rich, buttery goodness. Each bite of this moist, dense cake bursts with fresh lemon flavor, thanks to the generous use of zest and juice. Topped with an unforgettable lemon cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a true showstopper. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet escape or impressing guests with a delightful finale to any meal, this lemon pound cake promises to be a bright and irresistible highlight.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice infuses every bite with vibrant citrus notes.
• Moist and Tender: The perfect balance of ingredients ensures a moist and dense texture that’s utterly satisfying.
• Showstopping Frosting: The lemon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that elevates this cake to a whole new level.
• Simple and Elegant: With straightforward steps, this cake comes together effortlessly while still impressing with its elegant presentation.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a midday treat, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.

Ingredients

Lemon Pound Cake Batter:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Whole milk or yogurt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla
• Baking powder
• Salt

Lemon Syrup:

• Lemon juice
• Powdered sugar

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla

Instructions

Lemon Syrup:

1. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice and powdered sugar. Set aside.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a stand mixer or bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.
3. Continue mixing until smooth and soft to medium peaks form. Set aside.

Lemon Pound Cake Batter:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, lemon zest, and sugar until fully incorporated.
3. Add yogurt (or whole milk), lemon juice, salt, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Whisk in eggs until everything is fully combined.
5. Fold in flour and baking powder until incorporated.
6. Transfer the batter to a parchment-lined 9×6 loaf pan.
7. Spread the batter evenly and create a line down the center to allow air to pass through.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and poke holes throughout the cake.
10. Brush on the lemon syrup and allow the cake to absorb it all. Set aside to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, remove from the pan and top with lemon cream cheese frosting.
12. Slice into pieces and enjoy!

Tip: Pierce the center with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through. Look for loose crumbs on the toothpick. If it’s wet batter, return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

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Lemon Pound Cake

A perfect blend of tangy citrus and rich, buttery goodness. Each bite of this moist, dense cake bursts with fresh lemon flavor, thanks to the generous use of zest and juice. Topped with an unforgettable lemon cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a true showstopper. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet escape or impressing guests with a delightful finale to any meal, this lemon pound cake promises to be a bright and irresistible highlight.

Course brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword lemon, lemon pound cake, pound cake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6 slices

Author kingcooks

Equipment

• 9×6 loaf pan

Ingredients

Lemon Pound Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk or yogurt
• 1/2 cup butter unsalted softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Lemon Syrup

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Lemon Syrup

• In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients listed under “LEMON SYRUP” and set aside.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a stand mixer or bowl, start by whipping the cream cheese until it’s smooth.
• Then add in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla.
• Continue to mix until it’s nice and smooth and forms soft to medium peaks.
• Once peaks are achieved, set aside.

Lemon Pound Cake Batter

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, lemon zest and sugar. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Then, add in yogurt (or whole milk), lemon juice, salt, vanilla and continue to mix.
• Now, whisk in the eggs until everything is fully combined.
• Finally, fold in flour and baking powder.
• Once incorporated, transfer to a parchment lined 9×6 loaf pan.
• Spread the batter out evenly and make a line going down the center to allow air to pass through.
• Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and poke holes throughout the cake.
• Then, brush on the lemon syrup and allow the cake to it all up.
• Set aside to cool completely.
• Once cooled, removed from the pan and top with the lemon cream cheese frosting.
• Slice into pieces and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tip: Pierce the center with a toothpick to assure that it’s cooked through.

Loose crumbs is what you what to see on the toothpick. If it’s wet batter, return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Storage Suggestions

• Room Temperature: Store the lemon pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Ensure it is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost with the lemon cream cheese frosting before serving.

Few dishes can evoke the same sense of comfort and nostalgia as sweet and sour pork. This beloved classic balances the tangy and sweet with a satisfying crunch, making it a favorite in many households. Today, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to crafting this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1 lb pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup onion
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ginger
• 2 tbsp garlic
• 1 tsp pepper

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

For the Slurry:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple, chunks
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 white onion, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by blending all marinade ingredients (onion, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pepper) until smooth. Pour this over the pork pieces and mix until thoroughly coated. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, let it sit for up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the pork will be.

2. Batter and Fry the Pork:
After marinating, coat the pork pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well covered. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water to achieve a tight batter. Heat a pot of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the pork in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Place the fried pork on a cooling rack for a few minutes before frying again at 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra crispy crust.

3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
In a pan over medium heat, combine ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and water. Whisk the mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to boil. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, then add it to the sauce, continuing to whisk until it thickens.

4. Combine and Serve:
Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before adding the crispy pork. Toss everything together until the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.

5. Enjoy!
Serve your sweet and sour pork with a bowl of steamed rice and savor each flavorful bite.

Tips and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: This recipe works wonderfully with chicken or shrimp as substitutes for pork.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Making sweet and sour pork at home may seem daunting at first, but with these straightforward steps, you’ll master this classic dish in no time. The result is a delightful meal that brings the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory to your dining table. Happy cooking!

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Sweet and Sour Pork

Delight in the harmony of flavors with sweet and sour pork. Tender pork pieces are coated in a crispy batter, then tossed with bell peppers, pineapple, and a vibrant, tangy sauce. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and zing, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.

Cuisine American, Asian

Keyword crispy, Crispy pork, sweet and sour

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1/2 white onion chopped
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

Marinade

• 1 lb pork shoulder or butt cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup onion
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ginger
• 2 tbsp garlic
• 1 tsp pepper

Sweet & Sour Sauce

• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Slurry

• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

Marinade

• Add all ingredients (except the pork) into a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour over the pork and mix until full incorporated.
• Set to marinate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. The long it sits the more tender it becomes.
• Once marinated, add the pieces to some cornstarch and mix until a tight batter forms. Add a little water if needed to loosen things up.
• Heat a pot of oil to 350F and fry in batches for 6-8 minutes. Fry until golden brown. Let sit on a cooling rack for a 1-2 minutes after frying.
• Then fry a second time at 375F for 2-3 minutes to get that extra crispy crust.
• Once cooked set aside.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

• To a pan over medium heat, add all ingredients listed under “Sweet & Sour Sauce.”
• Whisk and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Once the sauce starts to boil, mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour into the sauce and continue whisking.
• Now, add the chopped bell peppers, onions and pineapple.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes and finally add the crispy cooked pork.
• Toss in the sauce until each piece is coated.
• Serve with a bowl of rice and enjoy!
• Note: you can easily sub the pork for another protein. Shrimp and chicken are amazing alternatives.

Video

Notes

Note: you can easily sub the pork for another protein. Shrimp and chicken are amazing alternatives.

There’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing drink to beat the summer heat, and today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite – Watermelon Lemonade. This blend of fresh watermelon, lemon juice, crisp cucumber, and aromatic mint is the perfect way to quench your thirst and indulge your senses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Refreshing and Hydrating: The juicy watermelon and cool cucumber provide a refreshing hydration boost, making it perfect for hot summer days.
• Burst of Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy lemon, and aromatic mint creates a delightful and complex flavor profile.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious drink in no time.
• Versatile: Serve it as a non-alcoholic beverage for all ages, or add a splash of your favorite spirit for a grown-up twist.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the watermelon, cucumber, and mint make this drink as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

• fresh watermelon
• fresh lemon juice
• cucumber
• fresh mint leaves
• honey to taste

Instructions:

• Prep the Watermelon
  Begin by selecting the perfect watermelon. Look for one that feels heavy for its size, with a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground ripening. When tapped, it should sound hollow – a sign that it’s juicy and ripe. Once you’ve got your watermelon, cut it into cubes.

• Blend and Strain:
  In a blender, combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber and mint. Blend until smooth. For a clearer drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp. If you prefer a more rustic, pulp-filled beverage, feel free to skip this step.

• Mix the Lemonade:
  In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon mixture, lemon juice, cucumber slices, and fresh mint leaves. Add honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

• Chill and Serve:
  Refrigerate the lemonade for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve over ice, garnished with additional mint leaves, lemon and cucumber slices if desired.

Tips for Picking Out a Sweet and Juicy Watermelon:

1. Check the Field Spot:
   The creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon indicates where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. The darker the yellow, the sweeter the watermelon.
2. Feel the Weight:
   A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. This indicates a high water content, which means it’s juicy.
3. Give It a Tap:
   Tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound, indicating it’s full of water and ready to eat.
4. Look for Sugar Spots and Webbing:
   Brown, rough patches on the skin, known as sugar spots and webbing, indicate where sugar has seeped out, suggesting a sweet interior.
5. Uniform Shape:
   Choose a watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape. Irregularities can mean it grew unevenly, potentially affecting the taste and texture.

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Watermelon Lemonade

Imagine the sweetness of fresh watermelon mingling with the bold, tangy kiss of lemon juice, creating a dance of flavors on your palate. The crisp cucumber notes weave through, adding a whisper of cool elegance, while fresh mint leaves flirt with your senses, offering a refreshing embrace. Perfect for summer nights, intimate gatherings, or when you simply want to elevate your everyday moments. This Watermelon Lemonade is an irresistible temptation in every sip. Let this enchanting beverage sweep you away.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword lemonade, watermelon juice

Author kingcooks

Equipment

• blender

Ingredients

• 5-6 cups of watermelon chopped
• 1 cup cucumber chopped
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mint fresh
• honey to taste

Garnish

• slices of lemon
• slices of cucumber

Instructions

• In a blender, add the chopped watermelon, cucumber and mint. blend until fully incorporated.
• Pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheeseclot to separate the juice from the pulp.
• If using a strainer repeat until a majority of the pulp is removed.
• Transfer to container of choice and add 1 cup of lemon juice and honey to taste.
• This juice blend will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days in an air tight container.
• serve over ice and enjoy!

Video

This watermelon lemonade is not just a drink; it’s an experience. The juicy watermelon, tangy lemon, and crisp cucumber blend together seamlessly, while the mint adds an aromatic touch that is simply irresistible. Perfect for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or a quiet afternoon on the porch, this drink is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every sip!