Sometimes I write recipes for fun!

Chewy and Slightly Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Chewy and Slightly Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone has their own definition of what the perfect chocolate chip cookie is. Since this is my show I wanted to share MY perfect cookie. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to make at home (no mixer needed!)

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Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a completely underrated snack cake. It’s perfect for breakfast, with afternoon tea, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

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Strawberry Basil Gin Smash
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Strawberry Basil Gin Smash

It’s sweet, herby, and refreshing. I will be remaking this drink more and more as the weather gets warmer. 

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Super Simple Apple Crisp
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Super Simple Apple Crisp

This crisp recipe originated from my time on Star Island. Famously crisp our “If All Else Fails Recipe”. If you burn the cupcakes, torch the pies, and totally mess up the cookies and are on the brink of having nothing to serve for dessert you can always whip up some fruit crisp. It requires no special baking tools or techniques. It’s a very intuitive recipe so trust your gut and make your apple crisp the exact way that makes you happy. And it can easily be made vegan if that’s your thing.

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Mediterranean Breakfast Burrito
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Mediterranean Breakfast Burrito

This burrito is easy to whip up and can be made in bulk to meal prep for the week. I’ve been eating my breakfast burritos with hot sauce made by one of our good friends.

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Cheddar Fennel Crackers
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Cheddar Fennel Crackers

I love crackers. They are truly the perfect food - crunchy, salty, perfect for dips and spreads. *chefs kiss*

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Simple Chai Spiced Hot Toddy
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Simple Chai Spiced Hot Toddy

The hot toddy has been my favorite winter cocktail for a long long time. I’m already an avid black tea drinker. This drink has a dash of nostalgia since the first time I ever had it was made by my wonderfully talented bartender friend Connor. This drink reminds me of curling up in front of a fire, playing board games with friends, and big fat snowflakes falling from the sky.

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Roasted Carrot and Date Winter Salad
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Roasted Carrot and Date Winter Salad

I added lots of heavy spices like cinnamon, chili powder, and cumin which gave the carrots a really rich savory flavor. The dates and citrus gave a great sweetness and mix of texture. It’s bold, salty, sweet, and heart warming.

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All Butter Pie Dough
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

All Butter Pie Dough

This is my go to pie dough recipe. I’ve probably used it 1,000 times. Making pie dough is so relaxing for me. It’s simple, it doesn’t need any fancy equipment besides your fingers and a mixing bowl.

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Lemon Chicken Risotto
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Lemon Chicken Risotto

I love making risotto. It’s a labor of love. It requires you to stand over the stove for a long time patiently stirring in ladle fulls of stock over and over again. Once it all comes together it feels so wonderful to present your guests (or just yourself) with a warm bowl of comfort. It’s magical how lemon juice also transforms this dish.

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French Silk Pie
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

French Silk Pie

Happy Pie Day! Pie is one of my favorite genre of desserts. Making pie dough is what I consider one of the most therapeutic acts.

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Butternut Squash Soup
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Butternut Squash Soup

This is a recipe I adapted from my mom. She always made rich and creamy butternut squash soup during the cold winter months. I love this recipe because it’s really really easy and can be scaled up and down easily.

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Za’atar Crispy Potatoes
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Za’atar Crispy Potatoes

These have become a staple in my house this winter. I usually pair them with roasted chicken or salmon. This recipe is extra easy for a weeknight dinner especially since it uses a premixed za’atar blend. I add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to give the potatoes a bright note.

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Sweet Potato and Molasses Cookies
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Sweet Potato and Molasses Cookies

Sweet potatoes are a winter cooking staple for me, so why not add them to a cookie. The mashed sweet potato adds a richness and subtle earthy flavor that marries great with the molasses and spices.

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Lemon Caper Chicken Thighs
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Lemon Caper Chicken Thighs

I know there is this super cheesy trend of Mommy-bloggers sharing “Marry Me Chicken” recipes (that usually just look like insta-pot chicken stews). If I’m going to hop on this cringe trend I would call this chicken “Date Me Chicken”

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Cozy Sausage Meatball Soup
Samantha Dunnigan Samantha Dunnigan

Cozy Sausage Meatball Soup

For this soup I made mini meatballs with some sausage meat and added canned tomatoes for a minestrone-esque. The turmeric and cinnamon to make it feel extra warm and cozy during a cold Sunday night.

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