Welcome to Food Above Gold!
I’m Mackenzie Ryan, the recipe creator, photographer, and culinary expert behind Food Above Gold. One of the things I regularly hear when I tell people my profession is: “Oh wow! I wish I knew how to cook, but I never learned and there only seems to be so much time in the day. Culinary school sounds so awesome, but I don’t have the time or the money for it.”
If this is you, then you’ve come to the right spot. This blog was created to give you a modern culinary education at home. All of the things that I paid WAY too much money to learn in culinary school, you can get right here.
When it boils down to it, Food Above Gold is a blog that provides Kitchen Confidence. I want you to be able to see a recipe and predict whether or not it’s going to work. And if it’s not, be able to tweak it with the correct techniques to get the job done. Even if you’re comfortable in the kitchen, readers who love to cook will learn to become a master chef with my tips and techniques.
About the Culinary Techniques
I believe that cooking techniques and skills can be taught in an easy-to-understand yet engaging way, and you don’t have to go to culinary school to be a novice chef. The culinary techniques section is broken down into five categories.
- Basic Techniques. These are essentials for kitchen success. It’s everything from how to make a luxurious golden chicken broth to how to cook eggs in a stainless steel pan.
- Cooking Methods. These are the foundational methods for every savory recipe on the blog. Each of these posts covers a single method, breaking it down into an easy to understand post.
- Baking Methods. If you like to bake as well as cook, I still have you covered. Learn all of the foundations for make terrific baked goods, from cakes and pie to glorious scones and biscuits.
- Knife Skills. Want to wield your knife with the expertise of a samurai warrior? Go here. I’ll have you dicing, slicing, chopping, and mincing like you were born with a chef’s knife in your hand.
- Tips of The Trade. These posts have broader topics that are broken down into easy to achieve tips for success. Some of these are culinary industry secrets, some of them are just good reminders. Using these tips however, will ensure that whatever you cook shines.
- Ingredients. This section explains in detail how to buy, store, and use individual ingredients. It could be as simple as fresh berries, citrus, or herbs all the way to how to rehydrate dried mushrooms.
Ready to start your modern culinary education at home? Click any of the links above to get started!
About The Recipes
This blog offers instructional recipes and cooking how to’s taught by Mackenzie, an expert in cooking and teaching. Think of them as a practical way to put your culinary techniques into action. In every recipe post you’ll find a list of the corresponding skills necessary to make the recipe like a master chef. This allows even those with the least amount of kitchen confidence to achieve success.
Since my background is in the classical French style of cooking, most of my recipes are developed in that style. This means I won’t shy away from delicious fats like heavy cream or butter. I also won’t overdo them either. I try my best to keep all new recipes seasonally inspired and restaurant quality. They often tend to be “foodie” recipes that have a slight twist to help you break away from traditional flavors. Think of them like gourmet comfort food.
If you’re ready to get cooking, go ahead and check out my recipe index for your new favorite recipe.
Want to get in touch? I always love to hear from you! Head over to my contact page to get connected!
#ad If you've struggled to get perfectly pan seared pork chops in the past, look no further! Not only does this recipe give you juicy chops, but it has a sauce made of fresh, in season nectarines and basil that is drizzled with balsamic glaze. It's a delightfully easy dinner that is done in less than an hour. Cook it up in this beautiful blue Rachel Ray Create Delicious cookware for a meal that goes to the table with style. Enter to win a 13 piece set from @potsandpanscom on the blog now. Follow the link in profile or visit: https://www.foodabovegold.com/pan-seared-pork-chops-with-nectarines-and-balsamic-glaze/ #pork #porkchops #nectarine #basil #balsamicvinegar #summerfoods #inseasonnow #wprecipemaker #ericksonwoodworks #feedfeed @feedfeed #foodabovegold #BBxxcreatedelicious #createdelicious #rachelray #instaeats #inmykitchen #panseared #cookware #dinnerideas #dinnertonight #makeitdelicious #foodgawker #foodforfoodie #easyrecipes #babbleboxx @babbleboxxofficial #noleftovers #glutenfreerecipes #dairyfree
If you are still on the fence about what to make for the big game tomorrow, this recipe for fire-roasted jalapeno cheese ball has been ON FIRE for the last three days and is currently my number recipe on the site! Even with the fire-roasting, it only takes 30 minutes to make and has a spice level (almost) everyone can tolerate. It's pretty much a giant jalapeno popper and you can use pretzels, chips, veggies and so much more for dipping. Get the recipe through the link in profile @foodabovegold or https://www.foodabovegold.com/fire-roasted-jalapeno-cheese-ball/ #jalapeno #jalapenopoppers #jalapenos #gameday #football #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #kitchenbowl #girlsonfood #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #forkfeed #hackmyplate #huffposttaste #f52 #BHGfood #thekitchn #gloobyfood #instafood #superfood #foodstagram #foodielife #foodiesofinstagram #instayum #cheeseball #spicyfood #foodabovegold #wprecipemaker #superbowlparty #superbowlfood
#ad Right now is a time for easy and delicious meals, not overly complicated ones. There will be enough of that next week (amiright?). Keep dinner simple with this crazy easy roasted pork tenderloin with apples and veggies recipe. You've never had such tender and juicy pork before, trust me! It is rubbed with mustard before roasting, and the veggies are finished with a white wine mustard sauce that can be drizzled over the pork before serving. Plus, it uses an oven safe @Anolon nonstick pan that can transfer to ANY cooktop. Not only does dinner cook with minimal effort (did I mention that the Brussels sprouts cook in ten minutes?), but the cleanup is a dream. Make sure to head over to the blog @foodabovegold (or use this link: https://www.foodabovegold.com/one-pan-mustard-rubbed-pork-loin/ ) for a chance to enter the GIVEAWAY. #anolon #anoloninspires #kitchencreativity #happyfall #pork #porktenderloin #brusselssprouts @babbleboxxofficial #dinnerideas #nonstick #thekitchn #saveurmag #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #wprecipemaker #realsimple #foodwinewomen #tastemade #foodabovegold #easydinner #mustard #instafeast #onmytable #autumnal #fallfood #comfortfood #inmykitchen
AD: Msg 4 21+ Summer is here, which means parties galore; pool parties, backyard bbq's, holiday events, and beautiful outdoor dinners! Whatever event you may be throwing, keeping it simple is always a must! In partnership with Live Nation, Bacardi is doing their summer music sweepstakes for their summer concert (make sure to enter!). Can't attend? Turn any of your summer parties into your own Bacardi #TheSoundOfRum themed concert with an excellent playlist and a cocktail to keep you and your guests cool and refreshed. Need a great cocktail recipe? Rum cocktails are amongst the most popular, and this blueberry mojito is great for a crowd. It tastes like summer in a glass and features delicious Bacardi rum, the world's favorite and most awarded rum, which mixes into cocktails perfectly! It's light and refreshing for a hot day, and also fancy enough to create a mixologist-worthy drink for a soiree. Make sure to check out my stories for some tips on how to make this cocktail for a crowd without it getting watered down! Summer gives us so many occasions to have fun and #dowhatmovesyou, but don't forget to Live Passionately, and Drink Responsibly. I know I will be! Tell me your favorite Bacardi product to buy or your favorite rum drink to make in the comments! #MixUpYourSummer RECIPE (serves 12): 1 cup of blueberries 3-4 limes, sliced 40 fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup simple syrup 18 oz. Bacardi Superior Rum (1.5 ounces per drink) 3 liters of soda water ice Instructions: In the bottom of a large measuring cup, muddle together the fresh blueberries and lime slices until mashed and juicy. Place the lime leaves in your hands and clap 5-10 times to lightly bruise the mint leaves and release their flavor. Stir in the simple syrup and Bacardi Superior rum and stir. Add in the soda water and serve over ice.
Summer has finally descended on us here in the PNW, and just in time for the holiday (although our local town celebration happens tonight)! I recently acquired 100 pounds of fresh cherries and have been putting them to work making lots of super tasty recipes for you, including this celebratory chocolate fudge cherry cake! The recipe is coming to the blog this week! How are you celebrating the fourth of July? What delicious things are you eating? I still have some ice cream and a pie to make! #cake #cakes #cakecakecake #cakecake #cakesofinstagram #cakelover #cakedecorating #cakesmash #cakeboss #cakestyle #cakestagram #mmm #fourthofjuly #americanflag #america #flag #starsandstripes #redwhiteandblue #oldglory #flagcake #cakesofinsta #cakelover #cakelove #cakeinspiration #chocolatecake #cherries #inseason #independenceday #patriotic #foodabovegold
Happy #BurgerMonth my friends! If you've been with me for a while, you know how much I love to make burgers for you, and this month Kita from #girlcarnivore is gathering a bunch of delicious recipes for her annual burger month collection and giveaway (you heard me right - a giveaway - keep reading for more info!) If you get sick of the same old standby burgers, then this burger is going to be your new favorite; It's a roasted garlic cambozola burger. Even though it may not seem like much, it's delightfully creamy with a sweet and tangy flavor that will have you coming back for more. Serve it with an heirloom salad and rosemary fries for a perfect meal! Want to know more about burger month and the giveaway? Make sure to pop over to Kita's feed (@girlcarnivore) to follow the link to the giveaway (which includes a brand new Weber grill, delicious cheese from Cabot, new knives and pans from Anolon, goodies from Microplane and more...) Want the recipe? Click on the link in profile @foodabovegold or copy and paste this link: https://www.foodabovegold.com/roasted-garlic-burger-recipe/ #f52grams #feedfeed #tastingtable #hamburgers #burgertime #burgerlover #burgerlife #foodshot #foodtography #roastedgarlic #grilling #igfoodie #foodislove #foodiesofinstagram #foodstylist #heresmyfood #foodhunter #instayummy #foodpassion #forkfeed #todayfood #instadinner #garlic #foodgawker #dailyfoodfeed #eatgood #gloobyfood #deliciousfood
When you're married to an engineer and Stephen Hawking dies on pi day, naturally you make a black hole blackberry pie tribute... ⠀ ⠀ “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. ⠀ It matters that you don't just give up.” - Stephen Hawking⠀ ⠀ #pie #pies #pielover #piday #blackberry #blackberries #blackberrypie #blackhole #piecrust #piedough #stephenhawking #ripstephenhawking #foodisart #desserttime #dessertlover #feedfeed #f52grams #foodiesofinstagram #foodandwine #foodabovegold #bonappetit #homemadepie #fromscratch #heresmyfood @wprecipemaker #wprecipemaker
#AD Lunchtime is hard. I either eat junk because I didn't make my lunch, or I get hungry an hour later because I didn't choose the right foods. Sound familiar? Meet your new lunch bff: Curried Avocado & Tuna Stuffed Eggs with Toasted Chickpeas. It's healthy fats and proteins will leave you full for hours to come!⠀ ⠀ The StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. Tuna is my favorite part- it's packed in cold-pressed EVOO instead of water, which makes it blend nicely into this recipe, boosts those healthy fats and mellows the flavor. Plus, it's wild-caught, comes in easy-to-use individual pouches, and you know it's high quality because it comes from StarKist. #StarKistSelectsEVOO #HookedonEVOO #StarKistSelects⠀ ⠀ Ingredients:⠀ ⠀ -1 pouch of StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. Tuna⠀ -1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry⠀ -1/4 tsp garlic powder⠀ -6 eggs⠀ -1 avocado⠀ -1 tsp curry powder⠀ -salt, pepper, & olive oil, to taste⠀ ⠀ Instructions:⠀ ⠀ 1.) Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil and toss them in garlic powder. Add salt + pepper to taste. Bake for 30 minutes or until crunchy.⠀ 2.) Bring a pot of water to boil. Slowly lower in the eggs, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the eggs and put under cool running water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process. ⠀ 3.) Once cooled, peel the eggs. Cut a small sliver from the bottom of the eggs so they stand upright, then cut the top third of the egg off. Scoop the yolks into a bowl and set aside.⠀ 4.) Mix together the egg yolks, avocado, and curry powder until smooth. Flake the StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. tuna into small pieces using a fork and add it to the yolk mixture. Season with salt + pepper. If the filling seems dry, add olive oil 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.⠀ 5.) Spoon (or pipe) the filling into the hollowed out eggs, top them with the chickpeas. Serve.⠀ ⠀ #feedfeed #f52grams #gloobyfood #foodpassion #foodinsta #foodiesofinstagram #foodislife #foodabovegold #lovetoeat #healthyrecipes #cookingtime #foodtime #simplefood #feastagram #foodwinewomen #bareaders #shareyourtable #kitchenbowl #nytcooking #bonappetit #foodandwine #deviledeggs #tuna #curry #avocadolove
Need a good appetizer for game day this weekend? Then try these delicious pesto chicken parmesan sliders. They're pure comfort food in slider form. You can make everything from scratch or pick up easy to purchase ingredients from the store to save time. They're guaranteed to be a huge hit! Get the recipe through the link in profile @foodabovegold or by following this link: https://foodabovegold.com/pesto-chicken-parmesan-sliders #gameday #superbowl #superbowlsunday #superbowl52 #tailgate #tailgating #sliders #slider #appetizer #appetizers #chickenparm #friedchicken #pesto #tomatosauce #foodabovegold #partyfood #partyideas #cheatday #cheatdayeats #goodmoodfood #foodforthesoul #comfortfood #wprecipemaker @wprecipemaker @thefeedfeed #feedfeed#foodinspiration #gif #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood
#ad If you've struggled to get perfectly pan seared pork chops in the past, look no further! Not only does this recipe give you juicy chops, but it has a sauce made of fresh, in season nectarines and basil that is drizzled with balsamic glaze. It's a delightfully easy dinner that is done in less than an hour. Cook it up in this beautiful blue Rachel Ray Create Delicious cookware for a meal that goes to the table with style. Enter to win a 13 piece set from @potsandpanscom on the blog now. Follow the link in profile or visit: https://www.foodabovegold.com/pan-seared-pork-chops-with-nectarines-and-balsamic-glaze/ #pork #porkchops #nectarine #basil #balsamicvinegar #summerfoods #inseasonnow #wprecipemaker #ericksonwoodworks #feedfeed @feedfeed #foodabovegold #BBxxcreatedelicious #createdelicious #rachelray #instaeats #inmykitchen #panseared #cookware #dinnerideas #dinnertonight #makeitdelicious #foodgawker #foodforfoodie #easyrecipes #babbleboxx @babbleboxxofficial #noleftovers #glutenfreerecipes #dairyfree
If you are still on the fence about what to make for the big game tomorrow, this recipe for fire-roasted jalapeno cheese ball has been ON FIRE for the last three days and is currently my number recipe on the site! Even with the fire-roasting, it only takes 30 minutes to make and has a spice level (almost) everyone can tolerate. It's pretty much a giant jalapeno popper and you can use pretzels, chips, veggies and so much more for dipping. Get the recipe through the link in profile @foodabovegold or https://www.foodabovegold.com/fire-roasted-jalapeno-cheese-ball/ #jalapeno #jalapenopoppers #jalapenos #gameday #football #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #kitchenbowl #girlsonfood #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #forkfeed #hackmyplate #huffposttaste #f52 #BHGfood #thekitchn #gloobyfood #instafood #superfood #foodstagram #foodielife #foodiesofinstagram #instayum #cheeseball #spicyfood #foodabovegold #wprecipemaker #superbowlparty #superbowlfood
#ad Right now is a time for easy and delicious meals, not overly complicated ones. There will be enough of that next week (amiright?). Keep dinner simple with this crazy easy roasted pork tenderloin with apples and veggies recipe. You've never had such tender and juicy pork before, trust me! It is rubbed with mustard before roasting, and the veggies are finished with a white wine mustard sauce that can be drizzled over the pork before serving. Plus, it uses an oven safe @Anolon nonstick pan that can transfer to ANY cooktop. Not only does dinner cook with minimal effort (did I mention that the Brussels sprouts cook in ten minutes?), but the cleanup is a dream. Make sure to head over to the blog @foodabovegold (or use this link: https://www.foodabovegold.com/one-pan-mustard-rubbed-pork-loin/ ) for a chance to enter the GIVEAWAY. #anolon #anoloninspires #kitchencreativity #happyfall #pork #porktenderloin #brusselssprouts @babbleboxxofficial #dinnerideas #nonstick #thekitchn #saveurmag #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #wprecipemaker #realsimple #foodwinewomen #tastemade #foodabovegold #easydinner #mustard #instafeast #onmytable #autumnal #fallfood #comfortfood #inmykitchen
AD: Msg 4 21+ Summer is here, which means parties galore; pool parties, backyard bbq's, holiday events, and beautiful outdoor dinners! Whatever event you may be throwing, keeping it simple is always a must! In partnership with Live Nation, Bacardi is doing their summer music sweepstakes for their summer concert (make sure to enter!). Can't attend? Turn any of your summer parties into your own Bacardi #TheSoundOfRum themed concert with an excellent playlist and a cocktail to keep you and your guests cool and refreshed. Need a great cocktail recipe? Rum cocktails are amongst the most popular, and this blueberry mojito is great for a crowd. It tastes like summer in a glass and features delicious Bacardi rum, the world's favorite and most awarded rum, which mixes into cocktails perfectly! It's light and refreshing for a hot day, and also fancy enough to create a mixologist-worthy drink for a soiree. Make sure to check out my stories for some tips on how to make this cocktail for a crowd without it getting watered down! Summer gives us so many occasions to have fun and #dowhatmovesyou, but don't forget to Live Passionately, and Drink Responsibly. I know I will be! Tell me your favorite Bacardi product to buy or your favorite rum drink to make in the comments! #MixUpYourSummer RECIPE (serves 12): 1 cup of blueberries 3-4 limes, sliced 40 fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup simple syrup 18 oz. Bacardi Superior Rum (1.5 ounces per drink) 3 liters of soda water ice Instructions: In the bottom of a large measuring cup, muddle together the fresh blueberries and lime slices until mashed and juicy. Place the lime leaves in your hands and clap 5-10 times to lightly bruise the mint leaves and release their flavor. Stir in the simple syrup and Bacardi Superior rum and stir. Add in the soda water and serve over ice.
Summer has finally descended on us here in the PNW, and just in time for the holiday (although our local town celebration happens tonight)! I recently acquired 100 pounds of fresh cherries and have been putting them to work making lots of super tasty recipes for you, including this celebratory chocolate fudge cherry cake! The recipe is coming to the blog this week! How are you celebrating the fourth of July? What delicious things are you eating? I still have some ice cream and a pie to make! #cake #cakes #cakecakecake #cakecake #cakesofinstagram #cakelover #cakedecorating #cakesmash #cakeboss #cakestyle #cakestagram #mmm #fourthofjuly #americanflag #america #flag #starsandstripes #redwhiteandblue #oldglory #flagcake #cakesofinsta #cakelover #cakelove #cakeinspiration #chocolatecake #cherries #inseason #independenceday #patriotic #foodabovegold
Happy #BurgerMonth my friends! If you've been with me for a while, you know how much I love to make burgers for you, and this month Kita from #girlcarnivore is gathering a bunch of delicious recipes for her annual burger month collection and giveaway (you heard me right - a giveaway - keep reading for more info!) If you get sick of the same old standby burgers, then this burger is going to be your new favorite; It's a roasted garlic cambozola burger. Even though it may not seem like much, it's delightfully creamy with a sweet and tangy flavor that will have you coming back for more. Serve it with an heirloom salad and rosemary fries for a perfect meal! Want to know more about burger month and the giveaway? Make sure to pop over to Kita's feed (@girlcarnivore) to follow the link to the giveaway (which includes a brand new Weber grill, delicious cheese from Cabot, new knives and pans from Anolon, goodies from Microplane and more...) Want the recipe? Click on the link in profile @foodabovegold or copy and paste this link: https://www.foodabovegold.com/roasted-garlic-burger-recipe/ #f52grams #feedfeed #tastingtable #hamburgers #burgertime #burgerlover #burgerlife #foodshot #foodtography #roastedgarlic #grilling #igfoodie #foodislove #foodiesofinstagram #foodstylist #heresmyfood #foodhunter #instayummy #foodpassion #forkfeed #todayfood #instadinner #garlic #foodgawker #dailyfoodfeed #eatgood #gloobyfood #deliciousfood
When you're married to an engineer and Stephen Hawking dies on pi day, naturally you make a black hole blackberry pie tribute... ⠀ ⠀ “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. ⠀ It matters that you don't just give up.” - Stephen Hawking⠀ ⠀ #pie #pies #pielover #piday #blackberry #blackberries #blackberrypie #blackhole #piecrust #piedough #stephenhawking #ripstephenhawking #foodisart #desserttime #dessertlover #feedfeed #f52grams #foodiesofinstagram #foodandwine #foodabovegold #bonappetit #homemadepie #fromscratch #heresmyfood @wprecipemaker #wprecipemaker
#AD Lunchtime is hard. I either eat junk because I didn't make my lunch, or I get hungry an hour later because I didn't choose the right foods. Sound familiar? Meet your new lunch bff: Curried Avocado & Tuna Stuffed Eggs with Toasted Chickpeas. It's healthy fats and proteins will leave you full for hours to come!⠀ ⠀ The StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. Tuna is my favorite part- it's packed in cold-pressed EVOO instead of water, which makes it blend nicely into this recipe, boosts those healthy fats and mellows the flavor. Plus, it's wild-caught, comes in easy-to-use individual pouches, and you know it's high quality because it comes from StarKist. #StarKistSelectsEVOO #HookedonEVOO #StarKistSelects⠀ ⠀ Ingredients:⠀ ⠀ -1 pouch of StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. Tuna⠀ -1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry⠀ -1/4 tsp garlic powder⠀ -6 eggs⠀ -1 avocado⠀ -1 tsp curry powder⠀ -salt, pepper, & olive oil, to taste⠀ ⠀ Instructions:⠀ ⠀ 1.) Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil and toss them in garlic powder. Add salt + pepper to taste. Bake for 30 minutes or until crunchy.⠀ 2.) Bring a pot of water to boil. Slowly lower in the eggs, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the eggs and put under cool running water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process. ⠀ 3.) Once cooled, peel the eggs. Cut a small sliver from the bottom of the eggs so they stand upright, then cut the top third of the egg off. Scoop the yolks into a bowl and set aside.⠀ 4.) Mix together the egg yolks, avocado, and curry powder until smooth. Flake the StarKist Selects E.V.O.O. tuna into small pieces using a fork and add it to the yolk mixture. Season with salt + pepper. If the filling seems dry, add olive oil 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.⠀ 5.) Spoon (or pipe) the filling into the hollowed out eggs, top them with the chickpeas. Serve.⠀ ⠀ #feedfeed #f52grams #gloobyfood #foodpassion #foodinsta #foodiesofinstagram #foodislife #foodabovegold #lovetoeat #healthyrecipes #cookingtime #foodtime #simplefood #feastagram #foodwinewomen #bareaders #shareyourtable #kitchenbowl #nytcooking #bonappetit #foodandwine #deviledeggs #tuna #curry #avocadolove
Need a good appetizer for game day this weekend? Then try these delicious pesto chicken parmesan sliders. They're pure comfort food in slider form. You can make everything from scratch or pick up easy to purchase ingredients from the store to save time. They're guaranteed to be a huge hit! Get the recipe through the link in profile @foodabovegold or by following this link: https://foodabovegold.com/pesto-chicken-parmesan-sliders #gameday #superbowl #superbowlsunday #superbowl52 #tailgate #tailgating #sliders #slider #appetizer #appetizers #chickenparm #friedchicken #pesto #tomatosauce #foodabovegold #partyfood #partyideas #cheatday #cheatdayeats #goodmoodfood #foodforthesoul #comfortfood #wprecipemaker @wprecipemaker @thefeedfeed #feedfeed#foodinspiration #gif #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood
