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 Doesn't this beautiful maple dijon salmon make you want to dive right in? That's because it was cooked to a perfectly moist and flaky temperature using the integrated sous vide function of the new Souspreme Multi Pot from @fisslerusa. They're the only brand I trust when it comes to pressure cookers, so I knew that this all-around cooking tool had to be part of my kitchen, and that sous vide function feeds my foodie soul (literally!). Head over to the blog to find out how to win one for yourself. That way you can start making this recipe ASAP. It will be your new favorite tool, trust me! (Pssstt...Christmas is right around the corner and it makes a great gift!) . #souspreme
https://www.foodabovegold.com/maple-dijon-sous-vide-salmon/
#kitchengadgets #sousvide #sousvidecooking #salmondinner #seafoodie #fissler #freshfish #dinnerisserved #foodielife
#ad I am particularly excited to share this recipe with you guys because it rolls up (haha, get it 🤓) everything about my culinary background. 🔪
This stuffed pork tenderloin has it all; my favorite sweet prunes from @caprunes , salty pancetta, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy hazelnuts. It gets seared to golden-brown perfection on the stove top, then finished in the oven for a tender and moist entree that is literally bursting with flavor. All of this gets rounded out with a simple white wine pan sauce to complete the dish. 🍁
If you haven't cooked with prunes before, this recipe is a great introduction. They pair well with both sweet and savory dishes and bring a depth of flavor to this recipe that makes it phenomenal. 🍽️ The recipe is up now on the blog and I am so excited for you to try it.
https://www.foodabovegold.com/stuffed-pork-tenderloin-with-california-prunes/
I know that chestnuts are one of those foods that you feel like you have to wait for the holiday season to eat. However, the department stores have decided the holidays are here, so I have too. Plus, if they're already in stores, why wait to eat them?
If you've been nervous to try making your own roasted chestnuts, it's actually very easy. The hardest part is removing the shells, and I give you all the best tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible.
Get my recipe for oven roasted chestnuts on the blog now and feel autumn fully descend on your home.
https://www.foodabovegold.com/how-to-roast-chestnuts/
Raise your hand if you've started eating fall foods yet? 🙋
Once the clouds and the rain came in, I was all ready to indulge in the cozy and comforting tastes of autumn. 🍁 That's part of why I love the delicious fall flavors from @WholeFoods. They give me a simple way to indulge in those flavors for every meal. They seriously have you covered from breakfast to dinner, with snacks, drinks and treats in there too!
I'm especially a fan of the pumpkin cardamom sauce. The cardamom gives it a unique flavor unlike other pumpkin sauces out there. It doesn't need to be loaded with cheese and shines as it is. Plus, the zucchette pasta is adorable, it looks like little pumpkins.
Make sure to pop into your local #WholeFoodsMarket for these limited-time offerings. They're in stock now and ready to be eaten while curled up in a blanket and a good book. (Or at least that's how I eat them...). Can't make it to a store? Check out the link in my bio, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can have it delivered right to your door (available in select zip codes)! Talk about a time saver! Look in my stories for a sneak peek into everything in the box. 🎁
Which fall flavor you are most excited about? Pumpkin spice? Caramel apple? Maple? Pear? Tell me in the comments so I can eat it all! 🍐🤤 #Sponsored #WFMFallFlavors #MakesMeWhole
#ad Only a few minutes into the game and the Seahawks have already scored! Woohoo! Football season is back and I am so happy because that means the return of tailgating foods.
I don't know about you, but when I think of tailgating I usually only think about savory foods. But the desserts are my favorite part. That's why I like to pack along FatBoy super thick ice cream sandwiches and use fun seasonal sprinkles to showcase my favorite team. (Blue and green today!). You can use all kinds of sprinkles to make it fun and even host a "best decorated" contest between your friends. (Winner gets a whole box of @fatboyicecream to themselves?) . It's a such fun way to celebrate tailgating and football season!
What teams are you rooting for today? How would you show off your best decorated ice cream sandwich? I want to know!
#fatboyicecream #freezepops #fatboycones #fatboytailgating #fatboyfootball
#ad This easy one pot / one pan pumpkin pasta is everything you need for a simple vegetarian dinner.
The pumpkin pasta sauce made creamy with delicate triple-creme brie cheese, and it is bulked with lightly sautéed spinach and topped with toasted walnuts and parmesan. I mean, seriously, what more could you need in a dinner?
This recipe finished out this years #pumpkinweek celebrations, but you can still go to the blog to get a chance to earn a bunch of great swag. Now, go eat pasta!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/one-pot-creamy-pumpkin-pasta-brie/
#ad Prepare yourself for the most fantastic pumpkin soup ever! Instead of going for the ultra creamy bisque-style that is so common, this recipe is like a loaded potato soup.
Top it with traditional goodies like bacon, cheddar, potatoes, and sour cream or mix it up with one of 6 different recommended varieties.
This loaded pumpkin soup is so delicious you'll want a second bowl...and not feel guilty about it!
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now, and don't forget to sign up to try to get some #pumpkinweek swag!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/loaded-pumpkin-soup-recipe/
#ad This fancy overnight pumpkin french toast is so simple and so decadent. It is elegant enough to be served for a holiday morning, and easy enough to be made during the week.
Plus, did I mention it is made with REAL pumpkin and topped with a rich pecan praline topping? This recipe is seriously dreamy and I could easily eat it every single morning.
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/pumpkin-overnight-french-toast-recipe/
#ad Have you ever tried shakshuka before? It's a a delicious breakfast of poached eggs in tomato sauce.
In celebration of pumpkin week, I'm mixing it up a bit with this autumnal twist that uses pumpkin puree, fire roasted tomatoes, and smoked paprika. It gets a sweet and smoky flavor that is phenomenal.
There's nothing like a good hearty breakfast to start the day, and this one is no exception. Serve it over potatoes, with a crusty bread, or on warm pita for a filling and veggie-packed meal. It's one of my absolute favorites and always makes me wish that my husband wasn't allergic to tomatoes so I could eat it more often!
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/pumpkin-shakshuka-recipe/
#ad Doesn't this beautiful maple dijon salmon make you want to dive right in? That's because it was cooked to a perfectly moist and flaky temperature using the integrated sous vide function of the new Souspreme Multi Pot from @fisslerusa. They're the only brand I trust when it comes to pressure cookers, so I knew that this all-around cooking tool had to be part of my kitchen, and that sous vide function feeds my foodie soul (literally!). Head over to the blog to find out how to win one for yourself. That way you can start making this recipe ASAP. It will be your new favorite tool, trust me! (Pssstt...Christmas is right around the corner and it makes a great gift!) . #souspreme
https://www.foodabovegold.com/maple-dijon-sous-vide-salmon/
#kitchengadgets #sousvide #sousvidecooking #salmondinner #seafoodie #fissler #freshfish #dinnerisserved #foodielife
#ad I am particularly excited to share this recipe with you guys because it rolls up (haha, get it 🤓) everything about my culinary background. 🔪
This stuffed pork tenderloin has it all; my favorite sweet prunes from @caprunes , salty pancetta, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy hazelnuts. It gets seared to golden-brown perfection on the stove top, then finished in the oven for a tender and moist entree that is literally bursting with flavor. All of this gets rounded out with a simple white wine pan sauce to complete the dish. 🍁
If you haven't cooked with prunes before, this recipe is a great introduction. They pair well with both sweet and savory dishes and bring a depth of flavor to this recipe that makes it phenomenal. 🍽️ The recipe is up now on the blog and I am so excited for you to try it.
https://www.foodabovegold.com/stuffed-pork-tenderloin-with-california-prunes/
I know that chestnuts are one of those foods that you feel like you have to wait for the holiday season to eat. However, the department stores have decided the holidays are here, so I have too. Plus, if they're already in stores, why wait to eat them?
If you've been nervous to try making your own roasted chestnuts, it's actually very easy. The hardest part is removing the shells, and I give you all the best tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible.
Get my recipe for oven roasted chestnuts on the blog now and feel autumn fully descend on your home.
https://www.foodabovegold.com/how-to-roast-chestnuts/
Raise your hand if you've started eating fall foods yet? 🙋
Once the clouds and the rain came in, I was all ready to indulge in the cozy and comforting tastes of autumn. 🍁 That's part of why I love the delicious fall flavors from @WholeFoods. They give me a simple way to indulge in those flavors for every meal. They seriously have you covered from breakfast to dinner, with snacks, drinks and treats in there too!
I'm especially a fan of the pumpkin cardamom sauce. The cardamom gives it a unique flavor unlike other pumpkin sauces out there. It doesn't need to be loaded with cheese and shines as it is. Plus, the zucchette pasta is adorable, it looks like little pumpkins.
Make sure to pop into your local #WholeFoodsMarket for these limited-time offerings. They're in stock now and ready to be eaten while curled up in a blanket and a good book. (Or at least that's how I eat them...). Can't make it to a store? Check out the link in my bio, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can have it delivered right to your door (available in select zip codes)! Talk about a time saver! Look in my stories for a sneak peek into everything in the box. 🎁
Which fall flavor you are most excited about? Pumpkin spice? Caramel apple? Maple? Pear? Tell me in the comments so I can eat it all! 🍐🤤 #Sponsored #WFMFallFlavors #MakesMeWhole
#ad Only a few minutes into the game and the Seahawks have already scored! Woohoo! Football season is back and I am so happy because that means the return of tailgating foods.
I don't know about you, but when I think of tailgating I usually only think about savory foods. But the desserts are my favorite part. That's why I like to pack along FatBoy super thick ice cream sandwiches and use fun seasonal sprinkles to showcase my favorite team. (Blue and green today!). You can use all kinds of sprinkles to make it fun and even host a "best decorated" contest between your friends. (Winner gets a whole box of @fatboyicecream to themselves?) . It's a such fun way to celebrate tailgating and football season!
What teams are you rooting for today? How would you show off your best decorated ice cream sandwich? I want to know!
#fatboyicecream #freezepops #fatboycones #fatboytailgating #fatboyfootball
#ad This easy one pot / one pan pumpkin pasta is everything you need for a simple vegetarian dinner.
The pumpkin pasta sauce made creamy with delicate triple-creme brie cheese, and it is bulked with lightly sautéed spinach and topped with toasted walnuts and parmesan. I mean, seriously, what more could you need in a dinner?
This recipe finished out this years #pumpkinweek celebrations, but you can still go to the blog to get a chance to earn a bunch of great swag. Now, go eat pasta!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/one-pot-creamy-pumpkin-pasta-brie/
#ad Prepare yourself for the most fantastic pumpkin soup ever! Instead of going for the ultra creamy bisque-style that is so common, this recipe is like a loaded potato soup.
Top it with traditional goodies like bacon, cheddar, potatoes, and sour cream or mix it up with one of 6 different recommended varieties.
This loaded pumpkin soup is so delicious you'll want a second bowl...and not feel guilty about it!
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now, and don't forget to sign up to try to get some #pumpkinweek swag!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/loaded-pumpkin-soup-recipe/
#ad This fancy overnight pumpkin french toast is so simple and so decadent. It is elegant enough to be served for a holiday morning, and easy enough to be made during the week.
Plus, did I mention it is made with REAL pumpkin and topped with a rich pecan praline topping? This recipe is seriously dreamy and I could easily eat it every single morning.
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/pumpkin-overnight-french-toast-recipe/
#ad Have you ever tried shakshuka before? It's a a delicious breakfast of poached eggs in tomato sauce.
In celebration of pumpkin week, I'm mixing it up a bit with this autumnal twist that uses pumpkin puree, fire roasted tomatoes, and smoked paprika. It gets a sweet and smoky flavor that is phenomenal.
There's nothing like a good hearty breakfast to start the day, and this one is no exception. Serve it over potatoes, with a crusty bread, or on warm pita for a filling and veggie-packed meal. It's one of my absolute favorites and always makes me wish that my husband wasn't allergic to tomatoes so I could eat it more often!
Get the recipe and the free printable grocery list on the blog now!
https://www.foodabovegold.com/pumpkin-shakshuka-recipe/
