The Small Town Chef

A Festive Holiday Upgrade Let’s be honest—cranberry sauce has been misunderstood for far too long. That wobbly, canned cylinder we grew up with? It’s time to leave it in the past. Just in time for the holidays, I’m bringing you a cranberry sauce that’s bursting (literally!) with fresh flavors, warm spices, and a touch of elegance. This Rustic Cranberry Sauce with Mandarin Juice, Grand Marnier, and Toasted Walnuts is everything you didn’t know cranberry sauce could be: bright, zesty, perfectly sweetened, and with just enough sophistication to make your guests swoon. But don’t let the fancy ingredients fool you—it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the canned stuff. The Inspiration Every year, I look for ways to elevate the holiday classics while keeping them approachable. This sauce is a perfect example. It starts with fresh cranberries (because no one ever said, “Mmm, I love that metallic can aftertaste”), gets a citrusy boost from freshly squeezed mandarin ora...

Fire-Roasted Enchilada Sauce that's Bold & Flavorful Ever have those days where you look in the fridge and find just enough leftovers to spark some culinary creativity? That’s exactly how this homemade enchilada sauce came to be. With some leftover roasted chicken and gravy, a fresh garden jalapeño, and a few pantry staples, this sauce is full of smoky, savory goodness with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or even as a base for a Tex-Mex-inspired stew!   Why Make Your Own Enchilada Sauce? While store-bought can be convenient, a homemade sauce brings so much more depth and flavor – healthy is an added bonus! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and give your enchiladas that extra layer of homemade goodness. This recipe is smoky, spicy, and velvety, thanks to the addition of gravy, and it’ll elevate any dish you pair it with.   Recipe: Fire-Roasted Enchilada Sauce Ingredients: 2 15oz cans fire-roasted tomatoes ½ cup homemade chicken gra...