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Raclette

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We want to introduce a remarkable kitchen tool to you: the bench scraper! We know it will instantly improve your <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/our-10-most-loved-cooking-techniques-tips-tricks">cooking flow</a> and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/need-more-everyday-cooking-tips-here-are-23-of-our-favorites">at-home-chef skills</a>. It may seem like a very simple gadget, but we have plenty of ideas for how you can make it work for you.

Buying a bench scraper is one of the quickest, simplest upgrades you’ll make in your kitchen... You’re going to love adding this tool to your kit, not only because it’s super accessible, but it will save you lots of time. There’s no user manual needed for a bench scraper, it simply works as an extension of your hands. Think of it as a supporting tool that is a mix between a blade and your hands. Once you get one, it will be a kitchen staple for life.

3 ways a bench scraper will change your life:

1. Easily transport any ingredient from your cutting board

Move piles of freshly chopped ingredients from chopping board to pan, without leaving anything behind!

Easily chop any dough into perfect pieces, or any soft ingredient for that matter.

Truly clean kitchen surfaces are everyday scenes in a kitchen with a scraper. No leftover dough or sticky bits on the counter here.

Silicone dough scrapers, also known as bowl scrapers, are firm but flexible. You can clean your bowl to get every scrap of food or dough left at the bottom with them. Metal bench scrapers are great for cleaning up surfaces, especially if you like to bake often. There are so many styles to choose from as well, with metal handles or wooden.

- Incorporate the scraper into what you need. Use it like a knife if you are portioning <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-complete-guide-to-types-of-dough-and-batters">dough</a>, or mix in ingredients. Whether it&#x27;s <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/bread-baking">bread</a> or <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/cake-baking">cake</a>, your dough will turn out great! - Swipe your chopped up <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/vegetable-recipes">veggies</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/its-time-to-revive-fruit-salad">fruits</a> or <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/17-of-our-favorite-herbs-and-how-to-use-them">herbs</a> to the scraper and let it carry them to your pan or oven tray. - Clean up your surfaces using your scraper to pile up your scraps and keep your work space clear. - If you make a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/ask-a-pastry-chef-week-3-how-to-decorate-a-cake-like-a-pro">cake with a lot of frosting</a>, a bench scraper is handy to shape it neatly for you.

A very wide knife with a dull blade should get the work done. However, a bench scraper itself is more versatile than that and has more uses. It&#x27;s safer than a knife to scoop up ingredients too. Overall if you‘re looking for a kitchen gadget that is very accessible, inexpensive, and brings so much to the table, a bench scraper is your next best friend. The bench scraper really shone through for us in these recipes:

Chocolate-strawberry naked cake

Easy crispy cheese straws

Skillet pull-apart wild garlic bread

Handbrot (German stuffed bread with ham and cheese)

Homemade sweet potato gnocchi

Steven makes vegan döner kebab

Spinach pici pasta

Cream-filled doughnuts

Do you already own a bench scraper? Do you think we should all have one in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments!

Simple but effective, bench scrapers will upgrade your cooking

Why the Humble Bench Scraper Is My Secret Weapon in the Kitchen

Eid al-Fitr is fast approaching, and so are the festive meals that come with it. If you have been fasting this time of year, you’re probably looking forward to big meals for the bayram (holiday). We have you covered with these recipes. Save your favorites and plan the celebration.

Eid-al-Fitr, which roughly means “festival of breaking the fast”, marks the end of Ramadan, a month in which Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset. It’s celebrated as the beginning of the 10th month on the Islamic calendar by breaking the fast with delicious meals and sharing meaningful gifts with loved ones.

This holiday is celebrated by many Muslim cultures. Each bringing their own delicious dishes from Southeast Asia, Middle East, and the Arab world to name a few.

In my family, food has always been the heart of Eid celebrations. We start the day with an elaborate breakfast spread that includes everything from fresh börek to egg plates. Following breakfast, we prepare a variety of dishes to welcome guests throughout the day. This includes sweet treats for everyone and cozy dishes for guests who traveled far to visit us. My favorite to help prepare is always the baklava with my grandmother! During the afternoon, visits to relatives and friends are a must.

At its core, Eid is about the joy of sharing the food you love with everyone around you. If you&#x27;re looking for inspiration on what to serve your guests, here’s my selection of our favorite recipes.

Shakshuka

Turkish-inspired scrambled eggs

Chicken biryani

Easy Simit (Turkish sesame bagel)

Devan makes fatteh (Crispy flatbread with chickpeas and yogurt)

Turkish red lentil soup (Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası)

Quick cauliflower tabbouleh

5-ingredient sweet potato lentil curry soup

Beef kofta in homemade flatbread

Falafel

Roasted potato salad with baba ganoush dressing

Lahmacun (Turkish pizza)

Muhammara (Middle Eastern walnut and roasted bell pepper dip)

5-ingredient manakish (Lebanese flatbreads)

Braised chickpeas with herby rice

Moroccan-inspired chickpea stew

Middle-Eastern couscous salad with figs

Chicken pilaf

Lamb and quince tagine

Spiced sheet pan chicken with dates and beans

Green Shakshuka

Turkish cheese rolls

If the classics are all set, these next dishes are perfect to serve your guests or bring with you when you’re visiting close ones.

Honeyed almond baklava

Tahini cookies with orange zest

3-ingredient pistachio halva

Hazelnut macaroons

Easy vanilla crescent cookies

How will you celebrate Eid al-Fitr? Let me know in the comments which dishes you’re looking forward to!

After a month of fasting, celebrate Eid al-Fitr with these recipes for family and friends

27 Recipes to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr: Ending Ramadan with a Great Feast

Summer is my favorite time of year. I could go on about why, but the thing that tops the list is nature! Flowers and trees are in full bloom, the sun shines all worries away, and the blue, sparkling lakes and seas are at their most inviting. And I can&#x27;t think of a better way to fully immerse myself in nature than going camping. Whether you pitch a tent yourself, use an RV (which you can rent e.g. via <a href="https://paulcamper.com/rent-camper/?_ga=2.173673699.178941087.1688050119-1966538634.1688050118" rel="nofollow">PaulCamper</a>) or scale it up and go glamping, it&#x27;s a great opportunity to take time away from the city and the everyday routine, and draw closer to natural surroundings. While out there, cooking and eating can pose a challenge, perhaps even getting in the way of connecting with nature. After all, it’s hard to enjoy anything on an empty stomach! To help, I&#x27;ve come up with these outdoor cooking tips and camping recipes, so that you can enjoy culinary delights in nature with limited equipment and ingredients. There&#x27;s more to campsite cooking than soup sachets and canned meals, I promise.

You don&#x27;t have to pack half your kitchen to cook a great meal while camping. To make tasty and quick camping recipes, all you really need is some basic equipment: a gas stove, a pot with a lid, a wooden spoon and maybe some cooking tongs, if we&#x27;re getting fancy. Now that you have the basics, you can dive into the many wonders of <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/19-one-pot-pastas-you-can-make-tonight">one-pot recipes</a>! As the name suggests, these dishes are prepared in just one pot, so you save packing weight, space and also reduce the time and water needed for washing up. For barbecue fans, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/grilled-meats">grill recipes</a> are a must to prepare delicious and wholesome meals. And if you don&#x27;t feel like cooking the next day, you can always whip up a simple sandwich using the leftover meat.

The early bird catches the worm. And in this case, early preparation certainly allows you to eat better! For maximal enjoyment of your time, you should pre-prepare as much as possible at home. This includes planning your meals. That way, you know what you need to buy and pack for each day and avoid overspending or overpacking, while making sure you won&#x27;t go hungry. For a short trip, I recommend pre-cutting your ingredients (like vegetables), pre-seasoning or marinating them if necessary, and portioning them out. This means you&#x27;ll only bring what you will definitely use. And remember, the best camping recipes require few ingredients. Try a 5-ingredient recipe:

5-ingredient pasta e ceci (Pasta with chickpeas)

Simple and quick camping recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Depending on how long your camping adventure is, and how much time you like to spend cooking and eating, we have ideas for all three meals of the day, plus <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/snacks">snacks</a> (important!). <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/sandwiches">Sandwiches</a> can be a great solution that tick multiple boxes: suitable for any time of day, adaptable but simple. Whether for breakfast or as a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/quick-lunches">quick lunch</a>, they take no time to assemble, don&#x27;t need to be cooked, and are super versatile thanks to the endless choices of savory and sweet toppings. Another great option that requires no cooking is salads. The possibilities are infinite, but I am particularly keen on <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-cobb-salad-proof-that-salads-can-be-main-dishes-too">filling salads</a> when it comes to camping. Try this <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/summer-pasta-salad-with-zucchini">summer pasta salad with zucchini</a> or <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/tangy-marinated-lentil-salad-with-feta">aromatic lentil salad with feta</a>. Almost as low-effort: <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-best-summer-pastas-start-with-a-no-cook-sauce">no-cook pasta dishes</a>. Here, only the pasta is cooked and mixed with the sauce. And of course, if you don’t feel like cooking at all, there’s no shame in opting for <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/4-summer-snack-plates-you-can-and-should-eat-for-dinner">snacks for dinner</a>–after all, you ARE on holiday! Suitable for any meal:

Pesto egg bagel sandwich

Gnocchi pesto salad with snap peas

Especially during the warm season, plenty of <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/summer-recipes">summer dishes</a> can be made vegetarian or vegan, thanks to the range of seasonal produce available. <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/grilled-vegetables-with-roasted-garlic-butter">Grilling vegetables</a> is a great way to get the best flavor out of fresh produce, and make a satisfying, meat-less meal. You can discover more tips and recipes for vegetarian and vegan barbecue <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/vegetarian-grilling-tips-and-recipes-for-the-hottest-veggie-bbq-party">here</a>. And the possibilities don’t end there. How about <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/baked-potatoes-with-corn-and-beans">stuffed baked potatoes</a> wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked on the grill instead of in the oven? Veggie burger fans can also enjoy <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/the-best-vegan-burger">this burger</a>, if you prepare the burger patties at home. Or maybe you&#x27;re in the mood for something Asian? This <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/cold-noodle-salad-with-peanut-sauce">spicy cold noodle salad with creamy peanut sauce</a> is just the thing! As you can see, vegetarian and vegan camping recipes can be just as varied and satisfying as their counterparts. One-Pot veggie power:

One-pot creamy chickpea and spinach curry

One-pot creamy cauliflower rice with asparagus

During warm summer evenings, it&#x27;s important to keep all fresh and perishable foods cooled in a portable fridge or icebox. This includes pre-cut fruits, vegetables and prepared sauces. If you&#x27;re cutting or cooking something, make sure you do it on a leveled and stable surface so you don&#x27;t hurt yourself. Be sure to pack a jar or two of ready-made pesto or other dips and sauces, plenty of pasta, biscuits, crispbread, or cookies. This way, you can be sure you won&#x27;t go hungry in case one of your camping recipes doesn&#x27;t quite work out, or you’re simply too busy enjoying nature to cook!

If your appetite for outdoor adventure has been awakened or you’ve got a roadtrip in mind, take a look at <a href="https://paulcamper.com/" rel="nofollow">PaulCamper</a>, the platform that brings together owners and renters of private camping vehicles. You’re sure to find a vehicle that perfectly suits your holiday needs, so you can experience unique camping trips without owning your own vehicle. Looking to start your camping adventure away from home? No problem. You&#x27;ll find over 12,000 individual vehicles located all throughout Europe. Where do you like to go camping and what are your favorite campsite recipes? Let us know in the comments!

More than canned beans and cup noodles

5 One-pot Camping Recipes & Tips for Fuss-Free Outdoor Cooking

As someone who lived through the previous lockdown hoarding supplies and is now facing the reality of soaring food prices, I find myself relying more on a well-stocked pantry. Canned food, in particular, has become a staple in my kitchen in recent years. They are convenient, cheap, and have an extended shelf life - what&#x27;s not to love? Looking at <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/50-affordable-recipes-guaranteed-to-keep-you-full-and-happy">our latest budget-friendly recipes</a> and my own cooking repertoire, there are a few pantry staples and recipes I reach out to again and again for a quick budget meal - from newfound love for tinned fish to my trusted old friend, instant ramen. Add them to your shopping list next time for affordable but satisfying dinners!

My obsession with tinned fish must have started with Devan&#x27;s <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/nicoise-ish-salad">Niçoise-ish salad</a>, which also coincided with the renaissance of tinned fish on social media (a trend I fully endorse). From flavor-enhancing anchovies to more substantial canned tuna,<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/sardine-pasta-with-olives-and-garlicky-breadcrumbs"> sardines</a>, and more, they&#x27;re not only on top of my list for my regular grocery trips, but also on the list of souvenirs to bring back from vacation in seaside destinations such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy. My go-to is a can of oil-packed tuna, which can be used in a range of cuisines. If you&#x27;re looking for quick and easy lunch ideas that use canned tuna, think about <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/pantry-tuna-pasta-a60d">a quick pasta</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-toasted-green-goddess-and-tuna-salad-sandwich">sandwich</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/make-kimbap-with-devan">kimbap</a> (or onigiri), or even fried rice.

Make a Niçoise-ish salad with Devan

My love for <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/cooking-with-chickpeas">canned chickpeas</a> can probably be traced back to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaN3qsqXt38" rel="nofollow">Alison Roman&#x27;s stew,</a> a flavorful spiced chickpea dish that has won the internet and been on my winter cooking routine since 2019. The lockdown hoarding craze solidified this relationship as I marveled at <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chana-masala-en">Chana masala</a> and other dishes featuring <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-red-cabbage-steaks-with-crispy-chickpeas">crispy chickpeas</a>. The same goes for canned white beans, which I have been praising since I tried these <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-roasted-white-beans-with-tomatoes">Mediterranean-y baked beans</a>. When I don&#x27;t know what to cook, I grab one or two cans of beans and think from there. If you have enough time to soak them overnight, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/spilling-the-beans-a-guide-to-our-favorite-legume">dried beans</a> are great options too.

I can&#x27;t overstate the joy of biting into a plump and juicy tomato. Tomatoes are essential in my kitchen for some of my favorite dishes, from a nostalgic <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/tomatoes-and-egg">tomato egg stir-fry</a> to<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/meatballs-in-marinara-sauce"> a quick tomato sauce.</a> Their versatility extends to pizza, stew, quick lunch, and more. However, the peak season for tomatoes here in Germany is only a few weeks, and for the rest of the year, they taste bland.

Using canned tomatoes is not just a dupe for the fresh ones at off-seasons, they in fact have a ton of flavor. <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/penne-allarrabbiata-en">This pasta with spicy tomato sauce</a> that I make on repeat is an excellent example. If you already have a stash of canned tomatoes, adding a tube of tomato paste (preferably a tube to a can for longer shelf life) can bring the sunny, zesty flavor of tomatoes to the next level.

Penne all’Arrabbiata

Even as someone who would gladly go through the trouble of <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chinese-jiaozi-pork-and-cabbage-dumplings">making dumplings</a> and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/xueci-makes-sichuan-chili-wontons">wontons</a> from scratch, I have my lazy days too. My freezer mainstay, a bag of frozen dumplings from Asian grocery stores, is there for emergencies, either in <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/quick-brothy-dumpling-soup">a bowl of warming soup</a>, or on a plate of restaurant-grade crispy potstickers. They&#x27;re not jaw-droppingly cheap, but if you compare the price point of a plate of gyoza from delivery, they are fairly affordable for the effort-to-impressiveness ratio.

Crispy skirt potstickers

Instant noodles are my ultimate comfort food after a long day of meetings and shoots. For those who aren&#x27;t familiar with them, there’s a whole industry with various offerings across different cultures and flavor profiles. Shin Ramyun, among them, is a Korean brand that makes noodles in intense, spicy broth that you can make within 10 minutes. It has accompanied my teenage years and continues to come to my rescue while living abroad.

I often top it with an egg, vegetables (like napa cabbage), beef slices, fish balls, rice cake, and kimchi: in the end, it looks fancier than what the package indicates! I also love <a href="https://amzn.to/3JIhiyW" rel="nofollow">these laksa noodles</a> as a shortcut to<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/weeknight-chicken-laksa-malaysian-curry-noodle-soup"> Ruby&#x27;s weeknight laksa</a>. There are <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/make-instant-noodles-into-instant-magic-with-these-upgrades">so many ways to dress up your instant noodles</a> that don&#x27;t look too shabby compared to the ones served at restaurants, and taste just as good too. If you’re still skeptical, a good alternative would be stacking up <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/oodles-of-asian-noodles">bags of dried soba or udon noodles</a> so you can combine them with sauce or broth to make a quick noodle dish anytime.

5-ingredient stir-fried udon noodles with spinach and beef

If you’re looking for more inspirations, here’s a list of ingredients that make regular appearances in my pantry: – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/11-hot-sauces-that-are-on-fire-with-flavor">Hot sauces and condiments</a>, such as <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/my-favorite-chili-crisps-that-you-should-be-obsessed-with">chili crisp</a>: to add heat to all kinds of food – Coconut milk: to make <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-one-pot-halloumi-curry">creamy curry</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/creamy-zucchini-soup">soup</a> and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/spicy-coconut-marinated-grilled-shrimps-en">marinate your protein</a> – Kimchi: from<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/sundubu-jjigae-korean-soft-tofu-stew"> stew</a> to<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/buttery-kimchi-fried-rice"> fried rice</a> to pasta What’s your favorite pantry staple to make cheap meals? Let us know in the comments!

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These ingredients are unsung heroes amidst inflation

My Top 5 Pantry Staples for Cheap But Good Meals

What might have been an issue towards the end of the month has now become a topic that challenges us almost daily: How can I <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/grosser-genuss-fur-kleines-geld-ein-monat-voller-smarter-rezepte">eat well while spending as little money as possible</a>? And by &quot;eating well&quot; I mean filling, nutritionally balanced, and above all, of course: delicious!

When I first moved out of home, I used to invite myself to dinner at my mom&#x27;s house whenever money became tight. A saving measure, on which since I now live in Berlin and have become a &quot;grown up&quot;, I can no longer rely on. Fortunately, time has also made me smarter and better at managing my spending – and that applies to my food budget. Cooking for yourself at home (our mission at Kitchen Stories!) is actually already the first small but essential step in the right direction for saving money on food. But it doesn&#x27;t mean we have to miss out on taste or quality! For that purpose, I&#x27;ve collected my favorite budget-friendly recipes based on my personal experiences and what I&#x27;ve learned at Kitchen Stories (starting <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/die-besten-tipps-wie-du-beim-essen-geld-sparen-kannst">here</a>).

Budget recipes and money-saving tips for cooking:

In addition to affordability, these recipes have one thing in common: they are satisfying, packed with nutrition and fully convincing in terms of taste. Saving money doesn&#x27;t mean you have to go hungry!

<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/all-the-ways-to-cook-fry-and-roast-potatoes">Potatoes</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/nudeln-gehen-immer">pasta</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/wie-dir-der-perfekte-reis-garantiert-immer-gelingt">rice</a> and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/20-spannende-rezepte-mit-ei">eggs</a> are the basis of many dishes almost everywhere. Why? They are usually cheap and filling! While they seem rather bland on their own, they can be spiced up with a few tricks and easily become exciting meals. Instead of a simple baked potato, you can upgrade them with sour cream, cheese and fresh and canned veggies to turn them into <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/baked-potatoes-with-corn-and-beans">a delightful and filling dish</a> . <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/korean-marinated-eggs-mayak-eggs-with-rice">Pickle eggs</a> with soy sauce and garlic for a change and eat with rice or fry them quick and hot into <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chinese-sweet-and-sour-omelette">a sweet and sour omelette</a>? As you can see, it pays to get creative with the familiar staples and think outside the box.These inexpensive basics come with the wow-factor:

Baked potatoes with corn and beans

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chinese-sweet-and-sour-omelette">Chinese sweet and sour omelette</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/korean-marinated-eggs-mayak-eggs-with-rice">Korean marinated eggs (Mayak eggs) with rice</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/mexican-chicken-and-rice-casserole">Mexican chicken and rice casserole</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/keema-curry-spiced-ground-beef-with-potatoes">Keema curry (spiced ground beef curry with potatoes)</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/tomato-and-egg-noodle-soup">Tomato and egg noodle soup</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/hash-brown-pizza-with-bacon">Hash brown pizza with bacon and sour cream</a>

2. Make canned and frozen vegetables your friends

Admittedly, it also took me a while to really appreciate the wonders and the convenience of canned and frozen treasures. Now, cans and jars filled with <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/mit-kichererbsen-kochen">chickpeas</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/wie-aus-einer-dose-weisse-bohnen-dein-nachstes-lieblingsessen-wird">beans</a> and tomatoes, as well as frozen vegetables such as peas and frozen herbs, make up pillars of my cooking. They are also usually very cheap, available in large quantities, and have a long shelf life. In short: my most reliable kitchen accomplices. Recipe favorites thanks to can and freezer:

Pasta e fagioli – the italian classic

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-pepper-and-butter-bean-stew">Roasted pepper and butter bean stew</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-roasted-white-beans-with-tomatoes">Easy roasted white beans with tomatoes</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/veggie-burrito-bowl">Veggie burrito bowl</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/one-pot-creamy-chickpea-and-spinach-curry">One-pot curry with chickpeas and spinach</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-one-pot-halloumi-curry">Easy one-pot halloumi curry</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/risi-e-bisi-italian-rice-and-peas">Risi e bisi (Italian rice and peas)</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/creamy-parmesan-polenta-with-asparagus-and-broccoli">Creamy parmesan polenta with asparagus and broccoli</a>

3. Big flavor, small price: Choose and adapt recipes according to the season

You&#x27;ve probably heard one too many times: consider seasonal harvests when it comes to fruits and vegetables. But I&#x27;m always amazed at how<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/wann-ist-welches-obst-und-gemuse-in-saison"> buying and using seasonal produce</a> can actually make a big impact on your wallet. Either pick recipes directly to match the season or adjust ingredients accordingly. You&#x27;ll be surprised how many recipes can be easily modified seasonally, opening up new worlds and combinations of flavors for you. Another bonus: In season, produce is not only less expensive, but also richer in flavor. (Adjustable) seasonal recipes:

Sheet pan spring vegetables with miso-tahini sauce

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-lemony-green-asparagus-pasta">Easy lemony green asparagus pasta</a> (or with green beans) – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-vegetable-couscous">Roasted veggies couscous</a> (or with roasted root vegetables) – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/summer-pasta-salad-with-zucchini">Summer pasta salad with zucchini</a> (or with asparagus) – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/orzo-salad-with-harissa-roasted-pumpkin-and-brussels-sprouts">Orzo salad with harissa-roasted pumpkin and brussel sprouts</a> (or with zucchini and eggplant) – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/oat-pancakes-with-fresh-strawberry-sauce">Oat pancakes with fresh strawberry sauce</a> (or with apples and pears)

4. Also for your meal prep routine: (pre)cook large portions

Preparation is half the battle! <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/meal-prep-fur-einsteiger-so-kochst-du-entspannt-fur-die-woche-vor">The whole topic of meal prep</a> has been in vogue for a few years now, but it&#x27;s currently picking up steam again. No wonder, because <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/notes-from-a-chef-my-weekly-meal-plan">preparing and planning your meal in advance</a> saves not only time, but also money! I do however find the idea of preparing a stack of tupperware days in advance a little daunting, and therefore consider meal prep more of a mindset: <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/your-big-batch-freezer-friendly-weekly-meal-plan">Cook a larger batch in advance</a> and enjoy longer. Especially stews, soups and curries are perfect for this and there is nothing like a portion of reheated lasagna from the day before. Perfect dishes to prepare in larger quantities that taste even better later:

Vegan massaman-style curry

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chili-con-carne">Chili con carne</a> or <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/warming-sweet-potato-and-bean-chili">Warming sweet potato and bean chili</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/creamy-coconut-pumpkin-and-lentil-stew">Creamy coconut, pumpkin and lentil stew</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/german-style-leek-and-cheese-soup">German-style leek and cheese soup</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/kohlsuppe-german-cabbage-soup">Kohlsuppe (German cabbage soup)</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chana-masala-en">Chana masala</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-italian-lasagna">Easy Italian lasagne</a>

5. Try "chain cooking" and leave no leftovers behind!

It was only in my research for this article that I came across the (admittedly not too melodious) name of this practice. Unconsciously, however, I have been practicing it for a very long time. Chain cooking means that you actively plan your leftovers and turn them into new dishes. To do this, you add a new component or replace an old one the following day. Here&#x27;s an example: I turn jacket potatoes with cottage cheese into <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/loaded-smashed-potatoes">smashed potatoes</a> the next day, accompanied by a salad. This salad accompanies a pasta dish the following day, the leftovers of which are then used to bake a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/pesto-baked-rigatoni-with-mushrooms">pasta casserole</a>. An almost playful challenge that I personally enjoy immensely! Are you in? I&#x27;m curious to see how many days of chain cooking you can manage! Try your hand at these leftover recipes:

Christian makes pasta al forno (Italian pasta bake)

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/lazy-pasta-bolognese">Lazy pasta bolognese</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-honey-soy-glazed-meatballs">Easy honey-soy glazed meatballs</a> → <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/xueci-makes-chinese-egg-fried-rice">Fried Rice</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/buttery-kimchi-fried-rice">Buttery kimchi fried rice</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/honeyed-carrot-risotto">Honeyed carrot risotto</a> → <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-mozzarella-arancini">Mozzarella arancini</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/bombay-style-potatoes">Bombay-potatoes</a> → <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/loaded-smashed-potatoes">Smashed potatoes with pesto</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/cacio-e-pepe">Cacio e pepe</a> → <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/frittata-di-pasta-crispy-leftover-pasta-omelette">Spaghetti Frittata</a>

You don&#x27;t need to be a math genius to work out this formula. Of course, it also depends on which products are used, but you can use this rule of thumb in most cases. The easiest way to do this is with our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/search?search=5%20ingredient">5-ingredient recipes</a>. The beauty of these dishes for me is that they both work and taste great in their simplicity, but you can also spice them up at any time with whatever you have at home. You only need 5 to bring out full flavor:

5-ingredient cacio e pepe pizza

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-gnocchi-with-burst-cherry-tomatoes">5-ingredient gnocchi with burst cherry tomatoes</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-baked-gnocchi-with-italian-sausage">5-ingredient baked gnocchi with Italian sausages</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-one-pan-smoky-chicken-and-rice">5-ingredient one-pan smoky chicken and rice</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-classic-blt-bacon-lettuce-and-tomato-sandwich">5-ingredient classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich)</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/5-ingredient-curried-pork-meatballs-with-rice">5-ingredient curried pork meatballs with rice</a>

<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/vegan-dishes">Vegan food</a> can be quite affordable (contrary to prejudices)! Since (meat) substitute products are unfortunately often expensive, I prefer to replace meat simply with natural plant products such as vegetables, mushrooms or legumes. My wallet thanks me–alongside animals and the environment! Vegetable recipes that are completely without meat (or meat substitutes):

Meatless meatballs with tomato sauce

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-red-cabbage-steaks-with-crispy-chickpeas">Roasted red cabbage steaks with crispy chickpeas</a> –<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/vegan-mushroom-goulash-with-dumplings"> Vegan mushroom goulash with dumplings</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/vegan-swedish-meatballs">Vegan Swedish meatballs</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/de/rezepte/blumenkohl-kung-pao">Kung Pao cauliflower</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/spinach-and-mushroom-lasagna">Vegan spinach and mushroom lasagne</a>

It&#x27;s not only better to enjoy food together, but also to save money! How about a dinner where everyone brings something? But I&#x27;m not talking about a traditional potluck: As the host, you provide the basis for your little dinner party and your guests bring different toppings or additions. This way, the costs are shared and you can still enjoy a diverse selection. In my experience, this works especially well for pizza, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/how-to-make-fresh-spring-rolls-at-home">summer rolls</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/how-to-set-up-your-own-taco-bar">tacos</a>, wraps, and waffles (sweet AND <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/mexican-chicken-with-corn-waffles">savory</a>!). Perfect recipes for shared cooking and eating

Lemongrass chicken summer rolls

– <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/tinga-de-pollo-tacos">Tinga de pollos tacos</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/grandma-style-pizza">Make grandma-style pizza with Ruby</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/fresh-mango-mint-wrap">Fresh mango mint wrap</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-homemade-flatbreads-with-burst-cherry-tomatoes">Easy homemade flatbreads with burst cherry tomatoes</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/breakfast-blueberry-waffles">Blueberry waffles</a>

In addition to my personal money-saving tips and favorite budget-friendly recipes, we have of course even more articles on the topic of frugality in the kitchen. More tips here: – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/an-honest-guide-to-saving-money-on-food">An Honest Guide to Saving Money On Food</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/7-tips-for-saving-energy-in-the-kitchen">7 Tips for Saving Energy in The Kitchen</a> …and more budget-friendly recipes: – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/10-tasty-recipes-under-2-euro-2-35-a-portion">10 Tasty Recipes Under 2 Euro ($2.35) a Portion</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/14-cheap-eats-that-arent-pasta">14 Cheap Recipes That Aren&#x27;t Pasta</a> – <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/25-cheap-eats-we-ve-always-relied-on">25 Cheap Eats We&#x27;ve Always Relied on</a> What are your favorite cheap recipes and tips for saving money while still allowing yourself to feel full and indulgent? Let me know in the comments!

Über Amazon

Schwarze Bohnen aus der Dose

From Amazon

Canned kidney beans

Meal Prep Behälter

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I feel that I have to start this story out with a confession: I&#x27;m not a big fan of Valentine&#x27;s Day and all the typical romantic trappings it holds. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up at the thought of bouquets of red roses, giant teddy bears, lovey-dovey Hallmark cards, and heart-shaped chocolate boxes—and not in a good way.

However, I’m not one to put down any food-filled occasion, so I can put my critiques aside when it comes to using Valentine’s Day as another excuse to have a special, delicious meal with people I love. If there&#x27;s one thing that gives me even more joy than treating myself to a home-cooked meal, it&#x27;s cooking for my loved ones. But that doesn&#x27;t mean it has to be a particularly elaborate or decadent meal; let alone heart-shaped, but of course you could go this route. For me, it’s more about putting some thought and (at least a little) effort to show your love through food.

If you’re not sure where to start, I have some suggestions sourced from all over the Kitchen Stories team. From melted cheese to handmade sweets, we see a wide variety of preferences—so there’s sure to be something that catches your eye, and will win your family and friends’ hearts!

Sebastian, Head of Creative: &quot;Scallops are probably one of the most straightforward dishes ever, but still feel fancy and fancy. They&#x27;re super quick to prepare, so you don&#x27;t have to spend the whole evening in front of the stove, and they really make something special. It feels like you&#x27;re at a restaurant, although they&#x27;re just as easy to make at home (with our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/perfect-pan-seared-scallops">video instructions</a>, you really can&#x27;t go wrong!). Especially with <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012796-sea-scallops-with-brown-butter-capers-and-lemon" rel="nofollow">lemon, capers and butter</a>, they&#x27;re simply delicious.&quot;

Or, serve them alongside pasta and try our easy 5-ingredient recipe:

5-ingredient scallop linguine with lemony brown butter

More “restaurant-vibes at home” recipes

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/id/2d0f28ee-0695-45ed-93ea-17c353c94e2d?draft=1&amp;v=1643024289">Classic steak au poivre</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/roasted-red-cabbage-steaks-with-crispy-chickpeas">Roasted red cabbage steaks with crispy chickpeas</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/beetroot-carpaccio-with-salmon-tartare-and-wasabi-cream">Beetroot carpaccio with salmon tartare and wasabi cream</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/scallops-and-sauteed-swiss-chard-over-polenta">Scallops and sautéed Swiss chard over polenta</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-chicken-piccata">Classic chicken piccata</a>

Philipp, Partner Operations Assistant: &quot;I prefer to be the cook, but if someone’s cooking for me, I have to say: pasta alla carbonara! It’s always a winner. I’ll show you how to recreate my personal favorite version of the Italian classic in my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEUizyup0mU" rel="nofollow">own YouTube video</a>.&quot;

Classic spaghetti carbonara

Sebastian, Head of Creative: &quot;Homemade <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/lasagna">lasagna</a> is actually unbeatable! First and foremost, a good lasagna feels like a hug in the form of a meal. After all, to make a really good lasagna, you have to put a lot of love and effort into it, too. Whoever you make it for, the love will definitely be noticeable. It&#x27;s also super easy to prepare ahead, so you hardly have to worry about it on the night itself.&quot;

Make classic lasagna Bolognese with Hanna

Me (Caro, Editorial Assistant): &quot;Personally, I’m happy about (almost) anything that has been prepared especially for me. However, I’m particularly impressed with homemade stuffed pasta or dumplings. From <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/swabian-maultaschen">maultaschen</a> to <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/make-your-own-tortellini-ravioli-and-mezzelune">ravioli</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/now-s-the-time-to-throw-a-dumpling-party-here-s-how">dumplings</a> to <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/kayseri-mantisi-turkish-style-potato-dumplings">manti</a>—I love all equally. The fact that someone would go through the trouble of preparing the dough and filling themselves, and then use tons of patience and dedication to wrap each dumpling up… the thought alone makes my heart beat faster!&quot;

Christian makes vegan German ravioli

More pastas and dumplings for your Valentine&#x27;s Day

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/rezepte/rotwein-pasta-mit-parmesan-haselnusse-aa58">Red wine pasta with parmesan &amp; hazelnuts</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/pasta-al-limone">Pasta al limone</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/italian-sausage-and-sage-lasagna">Italian sausage and sage lasagna</a>— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/timballo-italian-eggplant-pasta-bake">Timballo (Italian eggplant pasta bake)</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chinese-jiaozi-pork-and-cabbage-dumplings">Chinese jiaozi</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/potato-and-mint-ravioli-with-sage-butter">Potato and mint ravioli with sage butter</a>

Luise, Senior Marketing &amp; Communications Manager: &quot;I think any meal that *forces* you not to get up from the table after 10 minutes, has the makings of a great Valentine&#x27;s Day dinner. Instead, you can stay seated for a long time and have time to talk. So, it may sound weird, but I&#x27;m a big fan of homemade <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/pizza-recipes">pizza</a> for this occasion. You can top it with anything the other people love, share it, and even make it together (preferably with a glass of wine). Plus, as we found out last year during our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/were-dedicating-an-entire-month-to-everyones-favorite-food-pizza">pizza issue</a>, pizza is a love story that touches us all.&quot;

Elise, Frontend Engineer: &quot;For me, that&#x27;s a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/your-quick-guide-to-the-most-popular-pizza-styles">Neapolitan pizza</a> with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella like from Gazzo, one of my favorite pizzerias in Berlin. Best of all, it comes along with instructions for <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/all-the-answers-to-your-burning-pizza-questions">how to pimp out your own oven</a> so it actually gets hot enough to make the pizza fluffy and crispy at the same time.&quot;

Neapolitan-style pizza with Lisa

“When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/easy-white-pizza">Easy white pizza</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/cheesy-cauliflower-pizza-with-shaved-asparagus">Cheesy cauliflower pizza with shaved asparagus</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/red-beet-and-goat-cheese-tarte-flambee">Red beet and goat cheese tarte flambée</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/caesar-salad-focaccia-en">Caesar salad focaccia</a>

A heart of gold? How about a heart of cheese!

Kirsten, Head of Cross-Channel Communications: &quot;For me, it doesn&#x27;t have to be particularly fancy at all. The first thing that comes to mind is cheese. Isn&#x27;t there just something <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-comfort-food-issue-recipes-that-are-there-for-you">comforting and heartwarming</a> about melted cheese? It&#x27;s also simple: just pick your favorite soft cheese (maybe something fancier if you want to impress) and pop it in the oven. Serve with some grapes and<a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/bread-baking"> really good bread</a>, not to mention a bottle of rosé. Anyone can do this without much effort and it&#x27;s absolutely sure to succeed and stress-free.&quot;

Want to give your cheese more texture? Then coat it with a crunchy breading, like in this recipe:

5-ingredient crispy Camembert

More cheese-y, not “cheesy” Valentine’s Day recipes:

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-cheese-fondue-en">Classic cheese fondue</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/ruby-tries-to-make-german-cheese-spaetzle">German cheese spaetzle</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/spinach-and-cheese-dumplings-with-tomato-date-sauce">Spinach and cheese dumpling with tomato-dates sauce</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/baked-gnocchi-with-gorgonzola-and-spinach">Baked gnocchi with gorgonzola</a>

Melina, Food Editor: &quot;Personally, I love everything that has to do with pistachios. It doesn&#x27;t matter if the dish is sweet or not. You might think I&#x27;m crazy, but it&#x27;s because, in my mind, I imagine someone having to open each individual pistachio by hand—something I hated as a kid. Since love is largely about effort, I think pistachio-anything is pretty fitting.&quot;

Orange, pistachio, and polenta loaf cake

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/parchment-baked-feta-with-raspberries-and-pistachios">Parchment-baked feta with raspberries and pistachios</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/orecchiette-with-pistachio-pesto">Orecchiette with green beans and pistachio pesto</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/quick-cheesecake-in-a-glass">Quick cheesecake in a glass</a>

Volha, Product Designer: &quot;This beautiful, delicious, and simple recipe for <a href="https://momsdish.com/recipe/177/cottage-cheese-pancakes" rel="nofollow">pancakes with cottage cheese</a> can win anyone&#x27;s heart; I can confirm from personal experience! Although it&#x27;s not particularly complex, a lot of care goes into it, and it’s even healthy. If you like, you can serve it with <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/homemade-jam-its-easier-than-you-think">homemade raspberry jam</a>.&quot;

Thick American-style Pancakes

Breakfast recipes for Valentine&#x27;s Day, or the morning after

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/apple-and-cinnamon-french-toast-roll-ups">Apple and cinnamon French toast roll-ups</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/breakfast-blueberry-waffles">Blueberry waffles</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/breakfast-quiche-cup">Breakfast quiche cups</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/make-the-perfect-breakfast-burger-with-ruby">The perfect breakfast burger</a>

Devan, Managing Editor: &quot;I&#x27;m going to go the most obvious route and say chocolate! Not the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, which I&#x27;m not a fan of (maybe I&#x27;m just not romantic), but something with less sweetness and more depth, like a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/flourless-chocolate-cake">flourless chocolate cake</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chocolate-mousse">mousse</a>, or cute handmade <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chocolate-truffles">chocolate truffles</a>.&quot;

Flourless five-spice chocolate cake with ginger cream

Ruby Goss, Food Editor: &quot;It may be a little cheesy to say, but Hanna absolutely &quot;captured my heart&quot; with her raspberry, rose, and Earl Grey truffles she made for Valentine&#x27;s Day (catch the video on Youtube!) They&#x27;re like the gourmet version of Lindt balls that are perfectly melt-in-the-mouth. I’m obsessed with them and could easily eat 20 in one sitting. I would recommend washing them down with some <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/joy-in-a-glass">champagne</a>. For digestion, of course.&quot;

Simple Earl Grey truffles

More sweet recipes for Valentine’s Day

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-tiramisu">Classic tiramisu</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/zabaione-with-sour-cherries">Zabaglione with sour cherries</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-creme-brulee">Classic crème brûlée</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/baked-vanilla-pudding-with-hot-raspberries">Baked vanilla pudding with warm raspberries</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/tarte-tatin">Tarte tatin</a>

Compliments of KS — Happy Valentine’s Day!

To complement the inspiration from our team, here are a few ideas to round out your special Valentine&#x27;s Day cooking experience with a few tasty accompaniments. This includes drinks of course (both with and without alcohol), some edible gift ideas that can be nibbled on in the evening as a <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/dessert">dessert</a> or used as a sweet <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/categories/snacks">snack</a> while watching a movie.

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/cosmopolitan">Cosmopolitan</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/red-currant-margarita">Red currant margarita </a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/classic-negroni">Classic Negroni</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/kir-royal">Kir Royal</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/aperol-and-elderflower-cocktail">Aperol and Elderflower cocktail</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/strawberry-lemonade">Strawberry lemonade</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/asian-inspired-lemonade">Asian-inspired lemonade</a>

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/chocolate-peppermint-bark">Chocolate-peppermint bark</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/white-chocolate-christmas-bark">White chocolate bark with cranberries and pistachios</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/rose-cupcakes">Rose cupcakes</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/pistachio-macarons-with-lemon-buttercream">Pistachio macarons with lemon buttercream</a>

Love is in the air! Here’s even more Valentine&#x27;s Day inspiration

— <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/a-valentine-s-day-dinner-menu-fit-for-a-night-with-friends">A Valentine&#x27;s Day Dinner Menu Fit for a Night with Friends</a> — <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/a-decadent-valentines-day-menu-for-two">A Decadent Valentine’s Day Menu for Two</a>

I hope I was able to whet your appetite, whether you&#x27;re a romantic* or not, for Valentine&#x27;s Day to give someone special a personal culinary treat. Of course, I also want to know: How do you cook your way into your heart? Let me know in the comments!

Recipes to show your love

40+ Valentine’s Day Recipes From Our Hearts to Yours

This article is part of our monthly issue &quot;A Culinary Christmas Carol,&quot; in which we explore traditional and modern takes on holiday dishes from around the world. Using the framework of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, we&#x27;ll share fun recipes, last minute gift ideas, tips for cooking a small feast in case you&#x27;re social distancing, and plenty of light-hearted holiday content for you to unwind with. Check out <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/letter-from-the-editor-a-culinary-christmas-carol">this link</a> to find an overview of all our weekly topics, stories, recipes, and more.

As 2020 draws to a close, I hear more and more sighs around me. It’s been an exhausting year, so full of surprises, so often of a negative nature. But that’s not to say everything was bad. When I look back on my year, one constant pops up in my memories in between lockdowns and bad news: good food. Though the first few days at home in March were still a challenge—I&#x27;ve always loved to cook, but not every single day, out of convenience—my everyday cooking skills have gotten better by the week and I&#x27;ve come to hone more pragmatic aspects of cooking. Whether it was making a feast out of leftovers like left-over, dry rice or making spring onion greens of sprout up on my windowsill, I&#x27;ve learned many practical tricks of the trade out of &quot;necessity&quot; that will stay with me beyond this year.

Zero waste roast chicken

The lockdown from March also meant that our new videos, hosted by our chefs and editors, had a bit of a bumpy start. While the first episodes were filmed in our usual Kitchen Stories kitchens we had to think fast. With an ad-hoc home filming setup, our cooks and editors came onto your screens straight from their home kitchens—which brings us to one of the most important topics of 2020: the baking projects. Whether it was on our app, website, or Instagram: we let our <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-simplified-guide-to-making-sourdough-starter-at-home">sourdough starters</a> bubble, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/no-knead-bread">baked loaves of bread</a>, tried out <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/the-simplified-guide-to-making-sourdough-starter-at-home">Grandma-style pizza</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/homemade-croissants">rewarding croissants</a>, and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/homemade-croissants">rustic galettes</a> and found ourselves swept up in all manner of daily experiments with doughs and batters. I, like many others, confronted—and overcame—my long-held fear of dough while cooped up in lockdown.

Even if all we were sharing were the small, photographic victories of everyday life on our plates, it was clear: If there’s something that unites us even in times of crisis and across contact restrictions, it’s food. The first big hit of the year came just at the right time for all of us: Dalgona Coffee. No matter what platform I looked at, my feeds were full of friends and strangers alike using the forgotten pack of instant coffee from their pantry to whip together this frothy, creamy—and incredibly sweet—drink. I was along for the ride, of course. The great thing was that it didn&#x27;t require complicated ingredients or preparation methods, and most importantly, the success rate was almost guaranteed, with near identical results, wherever you were. And so, a simple food trend provided what we so often lacked during the quarantine period: a shared experience.

Internet-famous frothy Dalgona coffee

These &quot;social&quot; online cooking projects continued into the early summer: There were countless <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/recipes/vegan-banana-bread">banana breads</a>, fluffy cheesecakes, colorful <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/whats-the-deal-with-garden-focaccia">garden focaccias</a>, and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/pickle-me-this-an-introduction-to-pickling-plus-how-to-make-pickles-at-home">home-pickled and fermented</a> vegetables—and not just at my house. But in June, we came together to talk about an oft-neglected topic that in our 2020 society concerned us more than ever: the future. Our &quot;Food for Future&quot; issue explored the ever more lingering, uncomfortable questions: What does it actually mean to responsibly consume <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/de/stories/essen-fur-den-planeten-weil-es-nicht-egal-ist-was-wir-essen">meat</a>, <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/de/stories/essen-fur-den-planeten-die-sache-mit-fisch-und-meeresfruchten">fish</a>, and <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/de/stories/essen-fur-den-planeten-die-sache-mit-den-milchprodukten">dairy products</a>? And what about the <a href="https://www.kitchenstories.com/de/stories/essen-fur-den-planeten-die-sache-mit-soja">environmental footprint of plant-based alternatives</a>? In a series of articles, recipes and countless, sometimes controversial conversations with you, our community, we were able to agree on one thing: Responsibility doesn&#x27;t necessarily mean prohibitive eating, and thanks to good alternatives, it doesn&#x27;t feel like missing out either.