Mia

Mia Miller is a self-taught cook and Pacific Northwest native who learned the art of turning backyard produce into comforting meals while spending Sundays in her grandmother’s kitchen.

Guided by her grandmother’s mantra, “Cooking well, live well,” Mia’s mission is to empower everyday cooks with accessible, joyful, and sustainable recipes. Every dish on Cooking Wells is rigorously tested, photographed step-by-step, and paired with budget-friendly tips and dietary swaps so readers can cook confidently with what they have on hand, minimize waste, and bring people together around the table.

Latest from Mia

$To make the Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tart, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pre-made puff pastry sheet - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh arugula for garnish (optional) You can change some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Puff pastry: You can use a pie crust or phyllo dough instead. - Olive oil: Any cooking oil works, like vegetable or canola oil. - Goat cheese: Try feta or cream cheese for a different taste. - Thyme: Use rosemary or oregano for a new flavor profile. - Honey: Maple syrup can add a sweet touch as well. When serving, add some fresh toppings for extra flair: - Fresh arugula: This adds a nice peppery bite. - Chopped herbs: Parsley or chives can brighten the dish. - Balsamic glaze: Drizzle this for added sweetness and tang. - Toasted nuts: Walnuts or pine nuts bring crunch and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Next, add 2 large onions, thinly sliced. Cook these onions gently for about 15-20 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them to turn soft and golden brown. This step makes them sweet and rich in flavor. After they caramelize, add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Let this mixture cool slightly while you prepare the pastry. Roll out your pre-made puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it to fit your tart pan. Place the pastry into the pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess pastry. Don’t forget to prick the bottom with a fork. This helps prevent bubbling. Now, spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the pastry. Crumble 4 ounces of goat cheese on top. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over everything for a nice touch of sweetness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tart in the oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes. You want the pastry to look golden and puffed up. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, add fresh arugula on top for a peppery flavor. Now, slice the tart and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this tasty dish! Caramelizing onions takes time and care. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir them often. This keeps them from burning. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking brings out a rich, sweet flavor. After they start to brown, add balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for five more minutes. This adds depth and aroma to the dish. To create a flaky crust, use a pre-made puff pastry. Roll it out on a floured surface until it fits your tart pan. Press the pastry into the pan edges. This helps keep the filling in place. Prick the bottom with a fork. This prevents bubbles when baking. Bake it until golden and puffed, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. This gives you a nice, crisp texture. When serving your tart, consider adding fresh arugula. Its peppery taste balances the sweetness of the onions. You can also pair it with a light salad or a glass of white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works well. For extra flavor, drizzle more honey on top before serving. This enhances the dish’s sweetness and adds a lovely shine. Pro Tips Choose the Right Onions: For the sweetest flavor, use yellow onions. They caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall taste of the tart. Don’t Rush the Caramelization: Allow the onions to cook slowly over medium heat. This process can take up to 30 minutes, but the deep flavor is worth the wait. Experiment with Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile while still maintaining creaminess. Serving Suggestions: This tart pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a glass of white wine, making it perfect for entertaining. {{image_2}} You can swap goat cheese for other cheeses. Feta cheese adds a tangy touch. Cream cheese gives a smooth, rich base. If you want a stronger flavor, try blue cheese. Each cheese brings a unique taste to the tart. Herbs can change the whole flavor. Try rosemary for a warm, earthy taste. Oregano adds a sweet, floral note. For a bit of heat, use red pepper flakes. Mix and match to find your perfect blend. Add seasonal veggies for more color and taste. Spinach or kale work great in spring. In summer, try zucchini or bell peppers. Roasted tomatoes add sweetness in fall. These veggies boost nutrition and make your tart even better. To store leftovers, let the tart cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. The tart will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the pastry crisp. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may change. If you choose the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until warm. To freeze the tart, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil for extra protection. Label the package with the date. The tart can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use various types of pastry. I like to use puff pastry for its light and flaky texture. You can also try phyllo dough or a shortcrust pastry. Each type brings a different taste and feel to the tart. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed. The tart is done when the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Look for a rich color and a crisp texture. You can gently press the center with a fork. If it feels firm, it is ready. The cheese should be melty, and the onions will smell sweet and savory. This tart pairs nicely with a fresh salad. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. You can also serve it with a bowl of soup, like tomato or butternut squash. A glass of white wine works well too. The flavors balance beautifully together. This blog post offered a detailed guide on making a delicious caramelized onion goat cheese tart. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for success. I hope you feel ready to try different variations and enjoy every bite. Remember, the right toppings or herbs can elevate your dish even more. Store leftovers properly to savor later. Enjoy baking and sharing this yummy tart with others!$

Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tart Flavorful Delight

If you love savory treats, you’re in for a real treat with my Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tart! This dish

$To make Caramelized Banana French Toast, gather these key items: - 4 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah) - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - Maple syrup (for serving) These ingredients create a sweet and comforting dish. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness. The brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor. The thick bread holds the egg mixture well. For some extra flair, consider these garnishes: - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) - Fresh berries (such as strawberries or blueberries) - Whipped cream - A sprinkle of powdered sugar These toppings add color and texture. They also enhance the dish's flavor profile. You can mix and match to suit your taste. You can customize this recipe with these alternatives: - Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option. - Swap the milk for oat milk or coconut milk for different flavors. - Replace bananas with other fruits, like peaches or apples. These substitutions keep the dish exciting and adaptable. You can enjoy Caramelized Banana French Toast no matter your dietary needs or preferences. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the caramelized bananas, start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 sliced ripe bananas and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the bananas to become soft and golden. When done, remove the skillet from heat and set the bananas aside. The sweet smell will fill your kitchen! Now, let’s make the French toast. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk (or almond milk if you prefer), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is combined. Next, heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of thick bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Place the soaked bread in the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Once the French toast is ready, transfer it to a serving plate. Top it generously with the caramelized bananas you made earlier. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness. If you like, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish. Enjoy your delicious treat! Choose thick bread for the best French toast. Brioche and challah are perfect. They soak up the egg mixture well. This makes them soft and fluffy. Other good options include Texas toast or sourdough. Avoid thin bread; it may get too soggy. To caramelize bananas, use ripe ones. They are sweeter and softer. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar and sliced bananas. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently. Watch them closely; you want a golden color. They should be soft and sweet. Try adding spices to your egg mix. Nutmeg or cocoa powder adds depth. You can also mix in some orange zest for a fresh taste. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Consider different syrups too. Maple syrup is classic, but honey or agave works well. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture and flavor, opt for thick slices of brioche or challah. These breads soak up the egg mixture beautifully, creating a soft and delicious French toast. Perfect Caramelization: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the bananas and sugar. This helps achieve a lovely golden color and enhances the flavor through caramelization. Soak Time Matters: When dipping the bread in the egg mixture, let it soak for a few seconds on each side. This allows the bread to absorb the mixture without becoming too soggy. Serving Suggestions: For an extra treat, serve the French toast with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the maple syrup and caramelized bananas. {{image_2}} You can make this French toast dairy-free and vegan. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. For the egg, try flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a great egg substitute. Use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking. This gives a nice flavor too. Want to change the taste? Add spices like nutmeg or cocoa powder. Just a pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. Cocoa powder gives a nice chocolatey twist. Mix one teaspoon of either into the egg mixture. You can also try a splash of orange juice for a fresh flavor. This makes your French toast unique and fun. Maple syrup is a classic choice, but there are many options. Try honey or agave for a different sweetness. Whipped cream adds a fluffy touch. Fresh berries or sliced strawberries are great for extra color and taste. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for crunch. These options make each serving special and exciting. To store leftovers, let the French toast cool down first. Place the slices in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you have a few simple options. You can use a toaster or a microwave. If you choose the toaster, it will help keep the outside crisp. For the microwave, place the French toast on a plate and heat for about 30 seconds. Check and heat more if needed. Freezing is a great option for later use. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For French toast, thick bread works best. I love using brioche or challah. They soak up the egg mix well. This gives the toast a soft center and a crisp outside. You can also use sourdough or Texas toast. These options add their own flavor too. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. You can slice the bananas and mix the egg mixture the night before. Just store them in the fridge. But, I suggest cooking the French toast fresh. This keeps it warm and crisp. To avoid soggy French toast, don’t soak the bread too long. A quick dip in the egg mixture is best. Also, use a hot skillet. This helps cook the outside quickly. Finally, don’t stack the toast right after cooking. Let it sit on a plate to stay crisp. This blog post covered all you need to make great French toast. We explored key ingredients, like the best breads and tasty garnishes. Step-by-step, you learned how to prepare caramelized bananas and make French toast. I also shared helpful tips for perfect texture and flavor. In the end, you now have options for different diets and flavors. Remember to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy your cooking and have fun creating your own tasty variations!$

Caramelized Banana French Toast Irresistible Treat

If you crave a breakfast that sings with flavor, look no further! I’m excited to share my Caramelized Banana French

← Newer 1 … 132 133 134

Mia

Latest from Mia

Our Policies

More Information