Al Dente Gourmet Catering

18/01/2025

Chicken Alfredo Air Fryer Calzones
These golden and crispy calzones are stuffed with creamy Alfredo chicken and cheese, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

Directions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into an oval about 6–8 inches in diameter.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
4. Place a generous spoonful of the filling on one side of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
6. Brush the top of each calzone with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
7. Place the calzones in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4 calzones | Kcal: 420 kcal per calzone

18/01/2025

Succulent Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
Full recipe and directions available here:
https://novelcooking.com/succulent-garlic-butter-steak-bites-with-creamy-cheesy-smashed-potatoes-a-perfect-pairing-of-flavor-and-comfort/

08/01/2025

🦐 Simple Garlic Shrimp 🦐
A quick and delicious recipe for garlic lovers - juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce!

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- salt to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon caper brine
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces, divided
- ⅓ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 1 teaspoon water, or as needed

Directions:
1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Place shrimp in an even layer on the bottom of the pan and cook for 1 minute without stirring.
3. Season shrimp with salt; cook and stir until shrimp begin to turn pink, about 1 minute.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir for 1 minute.
5. Stir in lemon juice, caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and 1/2 of the parsley; cook until butter has melted, about 1 minute.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining 3 pieces butter. Cook and stir until butter has melted, sauce is thick, and shrimp are pink and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl; continue to cook butter sauce, adding water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if too thick, about 2 minutes.
8. Season with salt to taste; serve shrimp topped with the pan sauce and remaining parsley. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cooking Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

🍰 Cream Puff Cake 🍰
A delicious and easy-to-make cream puff cake that will melt in your mouth with every bite!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 3.9 oz box instant vanilla pudding (2 small packages)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, very soft
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, defrosted
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F and grease a 9×13" baking pan.
2. Boil together water, butter and salt. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl.
3. Add flour and beat by hand until it forms a ball or beat for a couple of minutes with an electric mixer until very well mixed.
4. Cool dough for 10 minutes.
5. Add eggs to dough and beat until thick and smooth. Dough surface should have a satin sheen.
6. Cool again for about 5 minutes.
7. Transfer into a greased pan and press out until flat. Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F.
8. Prick with a knife about 15 times in the center that is puffed up to allow air to escape. Reduce oven heat to 350°F and bake another 20 minutes.
9. Allow pan and dough to cool for about 30 – 45 minutes before adding cream filling.
10. Beat softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
11. Whisk together pudding and milk. Mix well. Add to cream cheese and mix slowly at first and then beat well. Pour over baked cream puff.
12. Cover with Cool Whip and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Store in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 12

08/01/2025

🥚 The Best Deviled Eggs 🥚
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Try these delicious deviled eggs that are perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:
- 12 hard boiled eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3-4 tbsp room temperature cream cheese
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- salt to taste
- paprika for dusting on top (optional)

Instructions

How to cook your eggs:
1. Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with water by about 1 inch. Cover with lid.
2. Place on stove top over high heat until water begins to boil. Once it starts to boil, remove from heat.
3. Allow to sit for 13-14 minutes, then drain and transfer to an ice bath.
4. Peel eggs and set aside.

How To Make Deviled Eggs:
1. Slice eggs in half lengthwise.
2. Remove yolks and transfer to a medium-sized bowl and mash with a fork.
3. Add mayonnaise, cream cheese, dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, and pepper until well combined. Taste filling and decide if you need to add salt.
4. Spoon filling into egg whites or use a piping bag for filling. Dust with paprika if using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 servings

08/01/2025

🍪 Peanut Butter Blossoms 🍫
Try these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms for a sweet treat that will melt in your mouth!

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
- 45 - 50 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer until well combined. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar, if desired. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 45-50 cookies

08/01/2025

🥦 Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole 🧀
A deliciously comforting cheesy chicken and broccoli bake that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10.1 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 pound processed cheese food

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let the rice stand for 5 minutes.
3. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the prepared rice, chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, broccoli, onion, and processed cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 36 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. It’s a good idea to stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time to help the cheese melt evenly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 36 minutes | Total Time: 51 minutes | Servings: 6 servings

02/12/2024

🍫 Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars 🍬

Indulge in these gooey and crunchy bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
3. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using) evenly across the top.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the layers for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the toppings are melted and gooey.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes | Total Time: 30-35 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

01/12/2024

🥘 Amish Country Casserole 🥘
A cozy and comforting beef and noodle bake that will warm your soul!

Ingredients:
- 12 ounce bag medium egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10.75 ounce can tomato soup
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions and drain well.
3. In a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
4. In a large bowl, stir together tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and dried onion flakes.
5. Stir in cooked egg noodles and ground beef. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Then top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve with garlic bread and a salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 servings

24/11/2024

🍔 Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe 🍔
A delicious and easy twist on a classic favorite!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped finely
- 3 cups rotini pasta (sub penne or medium shells)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Heat a pan over medium high heat. Spray the pan with olive oil cooking spray.
2. Brown ground beef and onion in the pan until cooked through- about 10 minutes.
3. Add in the seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, raw uncooked pasta, broth, tomato paste and water. Stir, cover and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, remove cover and reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 12-14 minutes or until pasta is done and liquid is reduced by 3/4.
5. Move the pan off the heat and add in shredded cheese.
6. Stir until combined, taste for salt and pepper and add more as desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

24/11/2024

🍫 Nanaimo Bars 🍫

A classic, no-bake Canadian treat featuring a chocolate coconut base, a custard buttercream middle, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for those who love a sweet, layered dessert without the need for baking!

Ingredients:
Base:
1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈
1/3 cup cocoa powder 🍫
1/4 cup sugar 🍬
1 large egg 🥚
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 🍪
3/4 cup shredded coconut 🥥
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional) 🌰
Middle Layer:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
2 tablespoons custard powder (or vanilla pudding mix) 🍮
3 tablespoons heavy cream 🥛
1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar 🍬
Chocolate Topping:
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate 🍫 (or 50-60% dark chocolate)
2 teaspoons oil 🛢️
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Base:

In a saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa powder, and sugar together over low heat.
Add the egg, stirring quickly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and mix in graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and walnuts (if using).
Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Middle Layer:

In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, custard powder, heavy cream, and powdered sugar.
Spread this custard mixture over the cooled base, smoothing it into an even layer.
3️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Topping:

Melt the chocolate and oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the custard layer, spreading it evenly.
4️⃣ Chill:

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 1/2 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
5️⃣ Serve:

Once chilled and set, cut the Nanaimo bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
These Nanaimo Bars are a rich, indulgent treat with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut. Perfect for any occasion! 🎉

24/11/2024

🥘 Healthier Easy Chicken Paella 🍗
A delicious and lighter version of traditional paella, this easy chicken paella is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups bell peppers, thinly sliced in strips (approx 2 peppers)
- 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup short grain brown rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas

Directions:
1. Cube chicken into 1 inch pieces. In a large pan heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook chicken for 15 minutes until browned.
2. Once cooked, remove chicken from the pan + set aside.
3. Add in remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent. (Approx 5-7 minutes)
4. Add in peppers and sugar snap peas to the pan. Sauté uncovered for 4-6 minutes (until vegetables are slightly tender.. don't over do the veggies, they will continue to cook in the broth later).
5. Stir in dry rice with sautéed vegetables. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
6. Add in chicken stock, lemon juice, spices + cooked chicken. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover the pan then lower heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until rice is cooked. Stir every 5-10 minutes.
7. Once rice is cooked, stir in frozen peas + enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

24/11/2024

🥟 Dumpling Soup 🥣

A comforting and easy dumpling soup that will warm you up in no time! Perfect for a quick meal or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 c. shredded carrots
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 c. white miso paste
- 6 c. chicken or vegetable broth, divided
- 1 lb. frozen mini dumplings
- 3 c. baby spinach
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, plus more to serve
- Hot sauce or chili oil, to serve

Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, green onion whites, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, combine the miso paste with 1/2 cup broth, whisking until the miso paste is dissolved. Add the miso mixture and the rest of the broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the dumplings and bring to a simmer. Heat until the dumplings are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach, cooking until the greens are wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the soy sauce and green onion greens. Serve hot with hot sauce or chili oil, and extra soy sauce.

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cooking Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

21/11/2024

Cinnamon Kissed Cheesecake Donut Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a creamy cheesecake center and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar crust, offering the perfect combination of flavors!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce (optional):

1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easy filling.

Shape the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten each one. Use a large cookie cutter to shape them into circles.
Pipe the cheesecake filling around the sides of each circle, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling, pressing to seal. Cut out the center to form a donut shape.

Coat the Cookies:
In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.

Optional Caramel Sauce:
If desired, drizzle the cookies with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Enjoy these cinnamon-sugar kissed treats, filled with a creamy cheesecake surprise!

21/11/2024

🌮 Easy Ground Beef Taco Pasta Recipe 🍝
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Easy Ground Beef Taco Pasta recipe that combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz)
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Brown the Beef and Veggies: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, add ground beef, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until beef is browned.
2. Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix well.
3. Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
5. Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4