Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

I’m a big fan of making cake recipes from scratch. While box mixes are convenient, you just can’t beat the taste of a dessert that is truly homemade. They’re just so much better!

Soft and amazingly tender, perfectly sweet, deliciously indulgent, this cake is everything you could want in a yellow cake and more. Plus it's easy to prepare!

Its tantalizing flavor will leave you convinced this homemade cake is the only way to go. No matter the occasion, this moist yellow cake recipe is always a crowd pleaser.

With its homestyle sweet vanilla flavor, paired with that sophisticated rich chocolate flavor atop, it is destined to impress. This cake proves that sometimes it's the simplest things that are the best!

What is Beef Shawarma?

If you’ve never had beef shawarma, you’re in for a treat.! A famous Middle Eastern street food, shawarma is made with chicken or beef that is heavily marinated in oil, lemon juice, and warm spices. Then, it is placed on a vertical rotisserie or spit and slow-roasted for days until it is unbelievably tender. 

Most commonly, it is shaved off and served stuffed into bread with fresh toppings and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki. However, you can also find it presented as part of a platter along with sides like tabbouleh and hummus. No matter how it’s plated, it’s always incredible and is guaranteed to leave you coming back for more. 

Don’t worry, though. You don’t need a fancy spit to make your own beef shawarma at home. I’ll show you how to create the same bold flavor and tender texture by searing on the stovetop instead! 

What Is Shish Tawook?

In the Turkish language, “shish” means skewer, and “tawook,” also sometimes spelled tauk, means chicken. Put together, the two translate to mean chicken skewer or chicken kebab. 

Believed to have first been served during the Ottoman Empire, shish tawook quickly became popular throughout the entire Middle East, spreading into Egypt and Levant during the Ottoman’s rule. 

It features pieces of chicken that are soaked in a yogurt marinade infused with garlic, lemon juice, and lots of warm spices. It is then grilled or baked until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. 

Thanks to the marinade, chicken shish tawook always turns out juicy and is virtually fail proof. It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes and is always what I order when we dine at Middle Eastern restaurants. Luckily, it’s simple to make at home, too! 

What’s the difference between chicken shish tawook and chicken shawarma? 

Both dishes are made with boneless skinless chicken and Middle Eastern spices, but they are not the same. There are key differences in how the two recipes are created and prepared. 

• Shish tawook is created with a creamy, yogurt-based marinade that features garlic, warm seasonings, and tomato paste. As a result, it has a rich, bold flavor and a distinct hue. 
• Alternatively, shawarma does not use yogurt or tomato paste. Instead, an olive oil-based marinade creates a stronger citrus flavor with warmer seasonings and a slightly spicier flavor. 
• Traditionally, shish tawook is grilled on skewers, and shawarma roasts long and slow on a spit. Although, you can also make oven baked chicken shawarma at home.

What Is Tabbouleh? 

Tabbouleh, also known as tabouli or tabbouleh salad, is a popular Middle Eastern side dish. No matter how it is spelled, the root of the word comes from the Arabic word ‘taabil’ which means to season or spice. The dish is believed to be more than 4,000 years old, having first been eaten by people in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria. 

Today, there are many variations of the dish, but it always consists of fresh produce and contains a few staple ingredients such as bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice.

With its satisfying texture and a bright, savory flavor, it’s not hard to see why tabbouleh has quickly grown in popularity throughout the world. In fact, it’s won over the heart of so many that the first Saturday of July is known as National Tabbouleh Day in Lebanon. 

If you’ve never had it, tabbouleh is sure to become a fast favorite in your home.  

Is It Healthy? 

Generally speaking, tabbouleh is an extremely healthy dish. Naturally nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian, it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, making it a nutritious option. 

What Is Honey Cake? 

The origins of honey cake recipes can be traced all the way back to ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures. In its first stages, the dessert is believed to have been made out of honey and mashed yeast or barley.

During the 12th century, it was developed into a dessert similar to what we make today thanks to bakers in Italy. Soon, it was adopted by the Jewish culture and quickly became a custom surrounding the study of the Torah. 

Over time, the cake has been incorporated into a wide variety of cultures across the globe and can be found in many different variations. In fact, it is the dessert that spurred the creation of gingerbread. However, no matter how it is made, honey cake always comes together with a simple, spiced batter that is naturally sweetened. 

Soft, sweet, and incredibly tender, it’s one dessert that truly stands the test of time and remains a favorite in many homes, including our own! 

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta 

This tomato pasta recipe is one of my go-to options for busy weeknights. Made with just one pot and a saucepan, it’s ready in just a little over 30 minutes. You really can’t go wrong. 

If you’ve never had sun-dried tomatoes in pasta, prepare to be amazed. They’re one of my favorite ways to spruce up a simple dish with a pop of color and a rich, savory, slightly smokey flavor. 

I love to include them in recipes like my sun dried tomato basil and Parmesan orzo with chicken and this spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. However, this tomato pasta might be my favorite sun-dried tomato recipe yet. 

Made with al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s rich, creamy, and unbelievably satisfying. Plus, it features fresh spinach for a boost of nutrients and fiber. 

Basically, this sun dried tomato pasta has everything you could want in a homemade dinner and more. Quick to make, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. It’s sure to have all of your guests coming back for more!  

The Best Easy Risotto Recipe

So, what is risotto, anyway? Risotto is sometimes described as being the rice version of mac and cheese. A northern Italian dish, it is made by cooking starchy, short-grain rice with stock or broth until it becomes tender and creamy. It is also often given a boost of flavor with butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese as you’ll find in this recipe. 

If you’re wondering if risotto is difficult to make, the answer is not at all. A cross between rice and pasta, it comes together on the stovetop for a fairly hands-off recipe. You’ll find that one batch makes enough to feed up to 6 people, making it perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals. You can also easily half or double the recipe to fit your needs. Plus, it stores and reheats well, meaning you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. 

Simple yet elegant, the tender rice bursts with savory flavor and a satisfying, creamy texture. Warm and satisfying, this Parmesan risotto recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will make you feel like you’re dining at a 5-star restaurant. 

One bite and it will become a new favorite in your recipe lineup. 

What Are Blondies? 

A truly mouthwatering dessert, blondies are often confused with brownies and are even sometimes called blondie brownies. To be clear, blondies and brownies are not the same things, but they do have similar ingredients. 

Both desserts are made with a base of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. However, blondies do not contain cocoa powder, which is a key contributor to any good brownie recipe. Instead, the star of the show in blondie recipes is browned butter which is made with butter and brown sugar.  

As a result, blondies have a rich, indulgent flavor and a soft, slightly chewy texture. They’re typically baked into bars and often contain a variety of different mix-ins. You’ll find white chocolate chips and walnuts in this easy blondie recipe.

No matter how you prepare and serve them, blondies are truly a unique dessert that is perfect for every occasion from holiday parties to afternoon snacks. 

Blondie Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: I use unbleached flour although bleached would be fine. I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but it should work with a 1:1 alternative. Please let us know how it turns out if you do. 

• Salt: Regular table salt works well here. 

• Baking soda: There's just a hint of this used in the recipe for a denser bar, similar to a brownie. You can increase to 1/2 tsp for a fluffier blondie.

• Unsalted butter: I recommend using unsalted butter to avoid overpowering the flavor but salted can be used as long as you reduce the amount of extra salt included. 

• Light brown sugar: This is used to create browned butter, creating the distinct, decadent flavor blondies are known for having. 

• Eggs: These help provide structure to the recipe, allowing the bars to hold their shape. I haven’t tested these blondies with any vegan substitutes. I’m not sure how well it would work since most of them tend to require a lot of liquid. 

• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract and not imitation varieties. 

• White chocolate chips: Include whatever brand you like best.
• Walnuts: Although optional, these provide a nice crunch to offset the delicate texture of the blondie bars.

How To Make The Best Blondie Recipe

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking dish, arrange parchment paper on top and butter the paper liberally before setting the dish aside. 
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until smooth. 
3. Brown butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and melt it in the microwave. Set it aside to slightly cool. Then, stir in the brown sugar. 
4. Mix wet ingredients: Add the eggs and vanilla to the bowl with the butter sugar mixture. Break the yolks with a spoon, and stir just until the ingredients are combined. 
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently pour the flour mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients, and stir just until they’re smooth. 
6. Fold in extras: Mix the white chocolate chips and walnuts into the blondies batter, distributing them evenly. 
7. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, and bake until a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Serve: Set your white chocolate chip blondies aside to cool before slicing and serving. 

Possible Variations

• Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if preferred.  
• Replace the walnuts with chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds. 
• Sprinkle in pieces of a candy bar. 
• Add butterscotch or toffee chips. 
• Top with colorful sprinkles before baking.

Helpful Tips 

• Avoid over-mixing: For the best blondies recipe, it’s imperative that you mix the ingredients just until they are smooth and no streaks remain. Continuing to stir will overwork the gluten in the flour causing the blondies to become tough and dense once baked. 

• Keep an eye on the oven: Blondies are a bit temperamental, and every oven bakes differently. Given that we want the center to still be slightly gooey, it can be difficult to judge when blondies are done baking. For the best taste and texture, remove them from the oven as soon as the top looks set, and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If it’s coated with batter, pop the baking dish back in the oven for a few extra minutes. 

• Cool completely: It can be tempting to dig in right away, but it’s important to allow enough time for the blondies to cool and set completely so they don’t fall apart. 

How long do white chocolate chip blondies last?

• Transfer cooled white chocolate chip blondies to an airtight container. 
• Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.  

Should you refrigerate blondies? 

It’s not necessary to keep them fresh, but refrigerating leftover blondies can help extend their shelf-life, allowing them to last for up to 1 week. 

Can I freeze them? 

• Yes, kept in a freezer-safe container, blondies can be frozen for up to 3 months. 
• I like to slice the bars and wrap them individually or place a piece of parchment paper between them to prevent them from sticking together before transferring them to a sealable bag or container. 
• To eat, let frozen blondies thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy them cold, set them out to come to room temperature, or warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave. 

More Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Bar Recipes To Try

• Nanaimo Bars

• Sugar Cookie Bars 

• Peanut Butter Bars

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars 

• Banana Bars with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 

• Carmelitas 

Club Chicken Pasta Salad

This is a family favorite pasta salad! It's similar to the taste of a club chicken sandwich meets a ranch salad. In other words it's completely irresistible!

It has all the best flavors including the unmistakable taste of dill, sweet corn, vibrant tomatoes, crave-able cheese, meaty bacon, bone-in cooked chicken, and a rich tangy dressing. And if you want one more summery mix-in you can also include in a buttery avocado.

It makes an extra large batch which is perfectly fitting for a summer cook out of about 12 people, but the recipe can easily be halved as well for a smaller family lunch or dinner (amounts are included at the bottom of the recipe).

Though you'll find it also keeps well in the fridge so you may opt to just make the full batch and have the extra for lunch that's ready to go the following few days.

This chicken pasta salad is chilled and refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Plus it's such a tasty upgrade from traditional pasta salad. So much delicious goodness in every serving!

Simple Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

This is a staple recipe for a quick weeknight side dish. This garlic parm pasta is similar to cacio e pepe but includes butter and has less black pepper (unless you prefer an abundance for that kick).

It's amazing how you can get such a delicious dish with exceptional flavor out of so few ingredients.

You can also easy modify the recipe and include cooked shredded chicken, fresh bright lemon or try it with roasted garlic. Or just serve as is and pair it with roasted broccoli for a simple vegetarian dinner.