Founder & cook

Ally

Hi, I'm Ally - the cook, photographer and writer behind every recipe on CookingMyRecipes. I test each one until it's foolproof in a normal home kitchen, then write it up the way I'd explain it to a friend. No filler, no fabricated reviews - just food I'd happily cook for you.

  • Founder & head cook
  • Every recipe tested 3+ times

Recipes by Ally

200 recipes
A close-up shot showing vanilla ice cream melting into dark espresso in a glass.
Affogato (Vanilla Espresso)
Freshly baked apple crumble in a baking dish showing a golden crust.
Apple Crumble with Brown Sugar Oats
A freshly baked apple pie with a golden lattice crust
Apple Pie (Classic, Golden Baked)
A vibrant green salad topped with red apple slices, cranberries, and candied walnuts in a large serving bowl.
Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
Close-up of freshly tossed avocado and cucumber salad with herbs.
Avocado Cucumber Salad (Creamy)
Baked white fish topped with a lemon cream sauce and fresh parsley.
Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce (12 Minutes)
A large spoonful of baked mac and cheese with melted cheese stretching from the dish.
Baked Mac and Cheese from Scratch
Golden brown baked ricotta in small dishes ready to be served.
Baked Ricotta Dip with Lemon and Garlic
A vibrant spread of baked salmon fajitas with colorful vegetables and toppings on a table.
Baked Salmon Fajitas (Sheet Pan)
A golden baked vegetable frittata topped with browned mushrooms and feta cheese.
Baked Vegetable Frittata
A bowl of freshly made basil pesto.
Basil Pesto (Classic, with Pine Nuts)
Assembled bibimbap bowl with colorful vegetables and a sunny side up egg on top.
Beef Bibimbap with Crispy Fried Eggs
A baking dish full of beef enchiladas smothered in red sauce and melted cheese.
Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce
Dark brown beef rendang coated in a thick, dry curry paste served next to white rice.
Beef Rendang (Stovetop)
A bowl of rich beef stew with tender chunks of meat and vegetables over creamy mashed potatoes
Beef Stew with Red Wine, Carrots and Potatoes
Close-up of tender beef strips in a creamy mushroom gravy served over pasta.
Beef Stroganoff with Mushroom Gravy
A whole Black Forest Cake topped with fresh cream rosettes, maraschino cherries, and chocolate curls.
Black Forest Cake with Fresh Cream
Braised beef short ribs served in a rich red wine sauce.
Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce
A close-up of a rich, creamy coconut fish stew garnished with fresh cilantro.
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)
A stack of freshly cooked Parmesan garlic broccoli fritters.
Broccoli Fritters with Parmesan and Garlic
Shiny brown sugar glazed carrots with deep brown roasted edges on a white plate.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Roasted)
A large serving bowl filled with bruschetta pasta salad topped with fresh basil
Bruschetta Pasta Salad (Summer)
Close-up of creamy burrata center oozing over roasted cherry tomatoes and pesto.
Burst Tomato Burrata Salad
Close-up of rich, vibrant orange butter chicken.
Butter Chicken (Creamy, Homemade)
A bowl of glossy spaghetti tossed with chunks of tuna, capers, and fresh parsley.
Canned Tuna Pasta with Capers and Lemon
A heavily frosted carrot cake cupcake sprinkled with chopped pecans.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
A fully assembled, juicy homemade hamburger with melted cheese.
Cast-Iron Hamburgers (Juicy Beef Patties)
Golden baked cauliflower cheese in a ceramic baking dish
Cauliflower Cheese Bake
A bowl of leftover celery salad with fresh dill and caraway seeds.
Celery Salad (10-Minute, Relish Style)
A close-up view of fresh fish ceviche mixed with avocado, jalapeño, and red onion.
Ceviche with Avocado (10 Minutes)
Plated Chow Mein garnished with fresh scallions.
Chicken Chow Mein (Saucy, Quick)
A baking dish filled with hot, cheesy chicken enchiladas.
Chicken Enchiladas in Red Sauce
A colorful spread of chicken fajitas with tortillas and assorted toppings.
Chicken Fajitas with Charred Peppers
Golden brown marinated chicken breasts served on a white platter with fresh lemon slices.
Chicken Marinade for Tender Skillet Chicken
Baked chicken parmigiana with melted mozzarella and fresh basil
Chicken Parmigiana from Scratch
A large serving platter piled with crustless chicken sandwiches cut into triangles.
Chicken Sandwiches for a Party (Classic)
Pile of Thai chicken satay skewers next to a bowl of peanut sauce.
Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce
A tightly rolled chicken shawarma wrap cut in half
Chicken Shawarma with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
A freshly baked chicken and spinach bread casserole in a square baking dish.
Chicken and Spinach Strata (Make-Ahead Casserole)
Overhead view of chicken and vegetable ramen noodles garnished with green onions.
Chicken and Vegetable Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
A warm bowl of chickpea and potato curry topped with fresh herbs
Chickpea Potato Curry (Chana Aloo)
Steamed Chinese broccoli drizzled with garlic ginger oyster sauce on a serving plate.
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Whole chocolate cream pie topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Chocolate Cream Pie from Scratch
A batch of moist chocolate cupcakes topped with swirls of chocolate frosting.
Chocolate Cupcakes from Scratch (Easy, Moist)
Whole chocolate fudge cake topped with swirled ganache frosting
Chocolate Fudge Cake (Dense and Moist)
Whole chocolate mirror glaze cake reflecting light
Chocolate Mirror Glaze Cake
A large rectangular no-bake cheesecake topped with whipped cream, berries, and rosemary.
Christmas Cheesecake Slab with Spiced Crust
A close-up view of crisp caramel-coated popcorn studded with almonds.
Christmas Popcorn Candy (Spiced)
A festive whole roasted duck garnished with pomegranate seeds on a serving platter.
Christmas Roast Duck with Apple Cider Drizzle
A stack of moist apple muffins topped with sparkling sugar.
Cinnamon Apple Muffins (Tall and Moist)
Whole classic baked cheesecake garnished with fresh berries and powdered sugar
Classic Baked Cheesecake (Creamy)
A whole baked lasagna in a baking dish showing a browned cheese topping.
Classic Beef Lasagna
Golden brown corn fritters stacked on a plate and topped with chunky avocado salsa.
Corn Fritters with Avocado Salsa
A large bowl filled with vibrant corn salad featuring diced avocado and tomatoes.
Corn Salad with Avocado
Close-up of a serving of cottage pie showing the rich beef filling and fluffy potato topping.
Cottage Pie (Classic Beef)
A small bowl of speckled cowboy butter.
Cowboy Butter for Steak
A generous scoop of creamy broccoli casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping.
Creamy Broccoli Casserole with Panko Crust
A large serving bowl filled with creamy, fresh coleslaw made of shredded green cabbage and carrots.
Creamy Coleslaw with Homemade Dressing
A jar of creamy French dressing next to a leafy green salad.
Creamy French Dressing (Homemade)
Rich, creamy mushroom sauce presented in a gravy boat.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Creamy garlic shrimp spooned generously over mashed potatoes
Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Garlic Prawns)
A close up view of a creamy macaroni salad mixed with diced red peppers, celery, and shredded carrots.
Creamy Macaroni Salad
A steaming bowl of creamy mushroom pasta.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
A plate of pan-fried fish with fresh tomato salsa over charred eggplant.
Crispy Fish with Spicy Salsa and Charred Eggplant
A pile of golden, crispy french fries in a serving bowl.
Crispy French Fries (Double-Fried)
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts coated in parmesan and breadcrumbs, served in a bowl.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A bowl of thick curried sausage gravy with chunks of sausage, peas, and carrots over mashed potatoes.
Curried Sausages in Thick Gravy
A two-layer dog cake covered in fluffy white frosting
Dog Birthday Cake (Two-Layer, Dog-Safe)
Close up of a highly textured, crunchy, golden brown roasted potato.
Duck Fat Potatoes (Extra Crunchy)
A round loaf of artisan crusty bread baked to a deep golden brown.
Dutch Oven Bread with Crackly Crust
Finished creamy chicken curry served over rice in a bowl.
Easy Chicken Curry (Weeknight Skillet)
Thick eggplant curry served in a rustic bowl.
Eggplant Curry (Spiced, Slow-Simmered)
Plated Eggs Benedict covered in rich yellow sauce and fresh herbs on a plate.
Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise
Thinly sliced fennel salad flat on a plate with cheese and dressing.
Fennel and Parmesan Salad with Lemon Dressing
French fries coated in homemade seasoning.
French Fries Seasoning (Homemade Blend)
Close-up of golden French onion soup with melted cheese toast.
French Onion Soup from Scratch
A stack of freshly baked chocolate brownies with crinkly tops and fudgy centers
Fudgy Chocolate Brownies (One Bowl)
A close-up of glossy garlic buttered peas in a bowl
Garlic Butter Peas from Frozen (5 Minutes)
A close-up view of bright green sautéed spinach with specks of cooked garlic in a serving bowl.
Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Close-up of garlic shrimp drizzled with browned butter on a bed of cauliflower puree.
Garlic Shrimp in Brown Butter on Cauliflower Purée
A serving bowl filled with red Goan fish curry and fresh garnishes.
Goan Fish Curry with Coconut
Platter of assembled Greek Chicken Gyros wrapped in parchment paper
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
A fresh Greek salad with chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cubes, red onions, and black Kalamata olives.
Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing
Sliced beef burrito showing layers of seasoned beef, rice, beans, and fresh vegetables.
Ground Beef Burritos (Crispy, Make-Ahead)
Five different creamy yogurt salad dressings arranged in small glass jars.
Healthy Yogurt Salad Dressings (Creamy)
A perfectly golden brown roast chicken sitting on a platter.
Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Pan Juices
Close-up of a rustic dish filled with dried Herbes de Provence.
Herbes de Provence Seasoning (Homemade)
A clear glass jug filled with dark amber homemade beef stock.
Homemade Beef Stock
A jar of clear homemade chicken stock surrounded by fresh root vegetables.
Homemade Chicken Stock
A serving bowl filled with mixed homemade granola.
Homemade Granola (Build Your Own)
Perfectly scoopable homemade mango ice cream served in a bowl
Homemade Mango Ice Cream
A freshly baked pizza with golden puffy edges on a wooden board.
Homemade Pizza Dough for a Home Oven
A small jar of homemade teriyaki sauce.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Thick and Glossy)
A corn chip scooping up hot, cheesy buffalo chicken dip.
Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip (Baked)
A corn chip holding a generous scoop of hot corn dip
Hot Corn Dip (Cheesy, Baked)
A stack of glossy hot cross buns.
Hot Cross Buns from Scratch
Sliced poached egg on toast with liquid yolk oozing out
How to Poach Eggs (Reliable Method)
Glazed Huli Huli chicken thighs served with grilled pineapple slices on a platter.
Huli Huli Chicken with Pineapple Glaze
Overhead view of chewy Italian almond cookies on a serving platter.
Italian Almond Cookies (Ricciarelli)
Plated Italian marinated chicken alongside a fresh zucchini salad.
Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade (Skillet)
A close-up of dark brown, sticky Jamaican jerk chicken drumsticks.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
A colorful bowl of Korean Japchae noodles with beef and vegetables.
Japchae (Korean Beef and Vegetable Noodles)
A deeply browned lamb shank smothered in rich massaman curry sauce
Lamb Shanks Massaman Curry (Oven-Braised)
Slow cooked lamb shank with red wine sauce on mashed potatoes.
Lamb Shanks in Red Wine Sauce
Crispy leftover pasta fritters stacked on a plate.
Leftover Pasta Fritters
Whole lemon coconut almond cake topped with toasted almond flakes
Lemon Coconut Almond Cake
A vibrant green bean salad topped with diced tomatoes, red onions, and a lemon mustard dressing.
Lemon Green Bean Salad
A bowl of warm lentil soup served with crusty bread.
Lentil Soup (Hearty Stovetop)
A large baking sheet of baked beef nachos with cheese sauce, grated cheese, and beef layered on corn chips.
Loaded Beef Nachos (Double-Stacked)
A bright, colorful bowl of mixed pasta salad.
Make-Ahead Pasta Salad for a Crowd
Bright yellow mango daiquiri in a martini glass with strawberry garnish.
Mango Daiquiri (Frozen)
Golden chunks of roasted pumpkin topped with crumbled feta, walnuts, and fresh chili.
Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Chili
A slice of moist meatloaf coated in a sticky red glaze.
Meatloaf with Sweet Tomato Glaze
A large serving bowl filled with Mediterranean brown rice salad topped with halloumi.
Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad
A bowl of warm Middle Eastern rice topped with crispy onions and fresh cilantro.
Mejadra (Middle Eastern Lentil Rice)
Tender Mexican beef short ribs smothered in a dark red chipotle sauce.
Mexican Braised Beef Ribs (Fall-Apart)
A serving bowl filled with creamy Mexican corn salad topped with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Mexican Corn Salad (Skillet)
Middle Eastern lamb and lentil rice pilaf garnished with crispy shallots and served with fresh sliced tomatoes.
Middle Eastern Lamb and Lentil Rice Pilaf
A vibrant Middle Eastern spiced chickpea salad served in a wide bowl.
Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpea Salad
A stack of freshly baked blueberry muffins with golden brown tops.
Moist Blueberry Muffins (Tall, From Scratch)
Overhead view of fluffy mushroom rice served in a large ceramic bowl.
Mushroom Rice with Garlic Butter (One Pot)
A bowl of creamy mushroom risotto generously topped with golden brown pan-seared mushrooms.
Mushroom Risotto with Garlic Butter
A fully decorated no bake mango cheesecake ready to serve
No-Bake Mango Cheesecake
Perfectly scooped homemade strawberry ice cream in a cone.
No-Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
A round loaf of freshly baked crusty bread heavily topped with melted, browned cheese
No-Knead Cheese Bread (Dutch Oven)
A baking sheet filled with twelve perfectly baked, golden no-knead dinner rolls.
No-Knead Dinner Rolls (Soft)
A bright and crunchy shredded cabbage, fennel, and apple slaw in a serving bowl.
No-Mayo Coleslaw with Shaved Fennel
A serving of creamy lemon and herb baked risotto in a shallow bowl.
No-Stir Baked Lemon Herb Risotto
A stack of thick, golden oatmeal raisin cookies on a flat surface.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Thick and Chewy)
Close up of cheesy Cajun beef pasta.
One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta with Vegetables
A warm bowl of creamy tomato beef pasta garnished with parsley.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Finished one pot pasta bolognese in a serving bowl with parmesan garnish.
One Pot Pasta Bolognese
A decadent slice of frosted chocolate cake on a dessert plate.
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake from Scratch
A bowl of moussaka beef rice pilaf topped with fresh parsley
One-Pot Moussaka Beef Rice Pilaf
Perfectly caramelized roasted eggplant cubes served in a rustic bowl.
Oven Roasted Eggplant Cubes
A stack of golden, crispy oven-baked beef quesadillas served with avocado dip.
Oven-Baked Beef Quesadillas (One baking sheet)
Golden, crispy oven baked chicken tenders stacked on a plate next to honey mustard sauce.
Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders (Extra Crispy Panko)
A plate of Pad See Ew with chicken and Chinese broccoli
Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)
Close-up shot of Thai glass noodle stir fry highlighting the transparent noodles.
Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)
Close up of buttery parmesan shortbread cookies stacked on a table.
Parmesan Shortbread (3 Ingredients)
A fully decorated pavlova with a high pile of whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Pavlova with Fresh Fruit (Marshmallow Center)
Vibrant green pea puree smeared artistically on a white plate.
Pea Purée (Silky, Buttery)
A large bowl of vibrant peach salad topped with poppyseed dressing
Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing
Frosted dog cupcakes stacked on a wooden board
Peanut Butter Pupcakes (Dog Cupcakes)
A bowl of creamy pink taco sauce ready for dipping or drizzling.
Pink Taco Sauce (Creamy and Mild)
A glass jar filled with homemade poppyseed dressing.
Poppyseed Salad Dressing (Creamy, Homemade)
Stack of freshly cooked quesadillas.
Quesadillas (Beef, Chicken or Veggie)
A large bowl of quinoa salad topped with crushed wasabi peas.
Quinoa Salad with Toasted Sesame and Crunchy Veg
A bowl of vibrant ratatouille garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Ratatouille (Thick French Vegetable Stew)
A whole frosted red velvet cake sitting on a cake stand garnished with red crumbs.
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A colorful bowl of roast pumpkin, baby spinach, and feta salad ready to be served.
Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad
A serving platter filled with bright green roasted asparagus, seasoned and topped with grated parmesan cheese
Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
Roasted cauliflower served in a bowl.
Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
A bowl of vibrant Spanish Romesco sauce ready to be served.
Romesco Sauce with Roasted Almonds
A bowl of bright green rosemary salt next to fresh rosemary.
Rosemary Salt (5 Minutes)
Rotisserie-flavored chicken roasted over creamy potato gratin in a large skillet.
Rotisserie-Style Chicken and Potato Bake
Overhead view of a juicy Salisbury steak covered in dark mushroom gravy.
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Pan-seared salmon fillet topped with creamy herb sauce
Salmon with Herb Garlic Cream Sauce
A sliced loaf of sandwich bread without yeast next to butter.
Sandwich Bread Without Yeast (One Bowl)
A bowl of glossy vegetable stir-fry served over steaming white rice.
Saucy Vegetable Stir Fry
A serving dish filled with bright green sauteed beans and golden garlic bits.
Sautéed Green Beans with Crispy Garlic
A warm pita bread stuffed with lamb kofta meatballs, roasted peppers, and drizzled sauce.
Sheet Pan Spiced Meatball Dinner (Tray Bake)
Baked Shepherd's pie potato skins with crispy mashed potato tops on a plate
Shepherd's Pie Potato Skins
A scoop of hot Shepherd's Pie with a crispy golden potato crust revealing a rich meat and vegetable filling.
Shepherd's Pie with Crispy Potato Top
A stack of tender, pale golden shortbread cookies on a plate.
Shortbread Cookies (Pan-Baked)
Halved shredded beef burritos stacked on a wooden board.
Shredded Beef Burritos (Freezer-Friendly)
A close-up view of a bowl of thick shredded beef chili topped with cheese and sour cream
Shredded Beef Chili Con Carne
A fork lifting a wide ribbon of pasta coated in a thick, rich shredded beef sauce.
Slow Cooked Shredded Beef Ragu
A glistening, slow-cooked beef brisket glazed with thick barbecue sauce.
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce
Golden brown slow cooker turkey breast on a platter ready to be carved.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Juicy, Golden)
A whole slow-roasted lamb shoulder on a wooden carving board.
Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Garlic and Rosemary
Smashed cucumber salad in a bowl ready to eat
Smashed Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
A flaky puff pastry sandwich filled with soft scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and crème fraîche.
Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Mille-Feuille
Stack of large, soft chocolate chip cookies with melted chocolate chips on a surface.
Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies (Easy)
A stack of freshly cooked, pliable flatbreads with golden brown spots.
Soft Flatbread (No Yeast, Stovetop)
A bowl of rich spaghetti bolognese garnished with parmesan and parsley.
Spaghetti Bolognese (Weeknight)
Cheesy baked spaghetti nests in a muffin tin with a bowl of marinara sauce
Spaghetti Nests (Muffin Tin, Cheesy)
A thick, golden Spanish tortilla served on a platter
Spanish Tortilla (Potato Omelette)
Finished steak fried rice in a ceramic serving bowl.
Steak Fried Rice
A wide overhead shot of steamed mussels in a white wine broth served with bread and lemon.
Steamed Mussels in White Wine Garlic Broth
Sticky stovetop balsamic chicken drumsticks on a plate, gleaming with a thick dark glaze.
Sticky Balsamic Chicken Drumsticks (5 Ingredients)
A plate of deeply golden, sticky Chinese chicken wings topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings
A thick slice of dark sticky date pudding smothered in butterscotch sauce with vanilla ice cream
Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce
Sweet potato salad in a large bowl
Sweet Potato Salad with Wild Rice
Homemade taco seasoning in a small ceramic bowl with lime wedges and cilantro
Taco Seasoning (Homemade Mix)
A vibrant red and orange layered Tequila Sunrise cocktail with an orange slice and cherry garnish.
Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Close-up of vibrant orange Thai coconut pumpkin soup topped with a coconut milk swirl, fried shallots, and fresh herbs.
Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Close up of caramelized Thai grilled chicken with bronzed edges.
Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Thai turmeric chicken thighs arranged on a platter.
Thai Turmeric Chicken (Baked Gai Yang Khamin)
A scoop of creamy tuna pasta bake with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Tuna Mornay with Panko Crust
A slice of soft vanilla cake showing an even crumb
Vanilla Cake with Buttercream (Fluffy)
A frosted vanilla cupcake with a bite taken out to show the interior texture.
Vanilla Cupcakes (Light and Tender)
A rustic bowl of hearty vegetable beef soup with chunks of tender meat and potatoes.
Vegetable Beef Soup (Slow-Simmered)
Bowl of vegetarian chow mein with tofu, bok choy, peppers and bean sprouts, chili oil on the side
Vegetarian Chow Mein
Close-up of golden-brown stuffed mushrooms on a serving platter.
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms with Garlic Panko
A tall veggie burger with melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun.
Veggie Burgers (Thick and Crispy)
A colorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken salad topped with peanuts.
Vietnamese Chicken Salad
A glass jar filled with pickled carrots and daikon radish in clear liquid.
Vietnamese Pickled Carrots and Daikon
A thick slab of white chocolate rocky road filled with red cherries, green pistachios, and marshmallows.
White Christmas Rocky Road
Whole baked zucchini tian with a golden crust in a baking dish.
Zucchini Tian with Parmesan Rice