Spring Archives - Cooking with Cassandra

The Best Au Gratin Potatoes (Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe)

The Best Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this Au Gratin Potatoes recipe is pure comfort food. Tender Yukon Gold potatoes are layered with Gruyere cheese and a spiced cream sauce, making it the perfect side dish for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something extra special. 3 pounds Yukon Gold (peeled and sliced into ⅛ slices (approx 8 medium yukon gold potatoes))2 ½ cups Gruyere cheese (grated)Spiced Cream3 cups heavy cream/whipping cream1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)3 bay leaves6 garlic cloves (minced)2 teaspoons dried...

Best Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a cake that’s perfectly moist, full of banana flavor, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is exactly what you need! With its soft texture and sweet, subtle notes of maple syrup, this cake is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Whether you're baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this one will have everyone asking for your recipe! It’s always a hit at my gatherings. This easy banana cake is made in a 9×9-inch pan, keeping things much simpler than a traditional layer cake, making it a go-to...

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

One of the best things about spring and summer is the abundance of fresh, vibrant fruits, and one of my favorites to bake with is strawberries. My family loves to remind me that as a baby, they called me "Strawberry Lips" because I was so obsessed with strawberries that I would leave a red mess all over my lips. But that love for strawberries has never faded, and it’s what makes this recipe so special. There’s just something about the combination of juicy strawberries and zesty lemons that truly screams sunshine. If you’re a fan of desserts that are soft and moist, this easy dessert is...

Quick & Easy Blueberry Pancakes (The Fluffiest!)

Pancakes with blueberry toppings | cookingwithcassandra.com

I made a trip to the farmer’s market last weekend, ready to welcome a warm Summer's day. I was greeted by the prettiest vegetables there, but the thing that really caught my eyes was the blueberries. Sitting proudly in a pile were cute tiny blueberries, all proudly handpicked by these independent farmers. Of course, I thought to myself. Blueberries are in season, and that can only mean one thing: HELLO, blueberry pancakes! I love this recipe for pancakes loaded with blueberries. Every bite promises a burst of sweet and sour blueberries accompanied by a buttery pancake and...

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo

Homemade Pico De Gallo Recipe | cookingwithcassandra.com

What’s a tangy, fresh dip that goes super well with chips? You guessed it – salsa! No more buying bottled salsa, my friends. Today, I’m showing you exactly how to make authentic pico de gallo. It isn’t exactly salsa, though it is just one step shy. The only difference is that salsa is a puréed form of the same ingredients, whereas pico de gallo (or salsa fresca) keeps its vegetables in solid form. In Mexican restaurants and fast food joints, pico de gallo is found in fish tacos and meat burritos, acting as a sweet and spicy relish. Plus, it’s the perfect dip for tortilla...

Warm Potato Salad (Earls Restaurant Copycat)

Earls Copycat Warm Potato Salad | cookingwithcassandra.com

This potato salad is the MOST delicious potato salad from Earls Kitchen + Bar, a Canadian casual dining restaurant. I managed to recreate a version of it here! Every time I go with Walt or my girlfriends, I always make sure I get the Blackened Chicken, as the potato salad comes as a side with it. I took the opportunity to go to Earls for a few dinners and extra wine nights with the girls so that I could do some very important research on recreating this potato salad recipe at home. Fun was had! Walt now only wants this version. The secret? The bacon grease. SO GOOD!...

Strawberry Baked Brie

Strawberry Baked Brie This strawberry baked brie is a delicious twist on an old favorite. Instead of sugar laden store bought jellies to top your brie, whip up this fresh strawberry topping for the perfect sweet and savory combination. 1 Large brie round (approx 600 gram / 21 oz )1 ½ cups Strawberries (hulled and quartered)3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar3 tbsp Liquid honey2 tbsp Sliced almonds for topping6 Basil leaves (chiffonade / torn) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with rack in the center of the oven.In a medium bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined. Add in...

Healthy Turkey Burgers With Spinach, Feta & Tzatziki

Spinach Feta Turkey Burger Patty | cookingwithcassandra.com

These spinach feta turkey burgers will transport you straight to Greece! They’re a classic family favorite at our house, with juicy patties and buttery burger buns. Slather the burgers generously with a refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce made of yogurt, lemon, herbs and voila! This recipe is a tribute to Greek cuisine which is rich with cheeses, meat, olive oil, herbs, yogurt and citrus flavors. Still, Greek recipes are quite balanced, providing the nutrients our bodies need! These burgers are far from those at any fast food joints. I try to avoid highly processed foods when...

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

So, here is my recipe for fresh asparagus with puff pastry, a lovely side dish for any dinner party. I’ll be honest: it doesn’t look like much at first, and it’s definitely not as tantalizing as a colorful berry salad. But don’t be fooled, one bite into this asparagus with puff pastry and you’ll be amazed: glazed with honey, oozing with the best cheese mixture, and simply robust asparagus, this is definitely going to be one of the most memorable dishes you’ll ever have. It is very similar to cheesy asparagus tarts, except this one has already been apportioned and is shaped...

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture and cuisine, and what better way to honor the occasion than with a feast of delicious dishes? As a lover of Mexican food, I've curated a list of my favorite recipes that are perfect for celebrating this festive day. From traditional classics to creative twists, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and bring the flavors of Mexico to your table. Whether you're planning a fiesta with friends or a cozy dinner at home, these Cinco de Mayo recipes are guaranteed to make your celebration unforgettable! If you give any of these...

Best Turkey Taco Salad

Taco night holds a special place in my heart—it's more than just a meal, it's a nostalgic tradition that brings back memories of family gatherings and fun-filled evenings. There's something comforting about the simplicity of tacos, and this Turkey Taco Salad recipe offers a modern twist on this classic favorite that is always a hit. For taco salad lovers looking for a healthier option, this Turkey Taco Salad recipe is the answer. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime yogurt dressing, this salad is a flavorful and satisfying meal. What's more, it's easy...

Earls Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Earls Restaurant Copycat)

For the Canadians frequenting this site, you are no doubt familiar with Earl’s restaurant. Earls changed their recipe for this and the salad, sorry Earls, just doesn't taste the same anymore. I went on a mission to recreate this recipe at home. After many attempts and ingredient variations, I finally crafted the perfect replica of Earls' famous Santa Fe Chicken Salad. The taste testers—the girls I went and had this with for so many years—couldn't believe it. Dare we say this version is even better than the original. I'm so excited to share it with you here! This salad is truly a must-try!...