TAJ Culinary Creations

TAJ Culinary Creations Home chef and baker. Home-Based baked goods delivery

A lot of have been asking why I don't write a cookbook. The answer is complicated, but the main reason is the investme...
01/17/2024

A lot of have been asking why I don't write a cookbook. The answer is complicated, but the main reason is the investment of time to produce a quality book.

But I will start to share some of my secrets with y'all.

1. I repurpose a lot of what I make into newer meals. So if I prepare some Tequila Lime Chicken with rice for one meal, best believe you're gonna see it re-imagined as sometthing else a few days later.

2. I use a LOT of handy shortcuts when I can and where it works. So something like a chicken salad can begin with a purchased rotisserie chicken.

3. I RARELY cook with recipes. Only with baking do measurements need to be precise. I know what flavors I like, and what flavors compliment each other. So I'll get inspired to use one ingredient in particular and build a dish around it.

4. I'm a HUGE believer in pantry staples. There are just some items I always have handy. Frozen, fresh canned and dry goods, as well as spices. I'll share a list with you guys one day. If you have the staples, you can always make something fabulous with little stress about gathering up ingredients.

5. Know how to incorporate "scraps." Don't waste food in your kitchen. If you see your bread is going stale, make some bread pudding, or toast it and make croutons and breadcrumbs for a future dish. Last tomato and bit of fresh herbs? Be sure to throw them into your next meal.

This dish reflects all those tips. I made a cheesy rice bake out of the remaining Tequila Lime Chicken and Rice, by simply adding a small can of gandules (pigeon peas), the last tomato I had, the last handful of a shredded Mexican cheese blend and the last couple of tablespoons of salsa in the fridge. I garnished with the remaining cilantro.The chicken was brushed with a little grapeseed oil, wrapped in foil and placed in the oven to re-crisp and reheat.

Lastly, take the time to plate your meal. Trust me, you'll love to pamper yourself like this and you won't miss restaurants if you're tightening your belt.

Thanks to EVERYONE who has left a kind word or compliment. It's meant the world to me. Cooking is both a stress reliever and my love language. I share what I create to tell y'all how much I care.

A good start to the day...Breakfast potatoes, basted eggs, brown sugar ham and fresh tomato slices. This is enough for b...
12/27/2023

A good start to the day...
Breakfast potatoes, basted eggs, brown sugar ham and fresh tomato slices.

This is enough for breakfast, plus a late lunch sammie.

Public Service Announcement:Has anyone else received a DM like this? FYI: It's a SCAM!!!
12/12/2023

Public Service Announcement:

Has anyone else received a DM like this? FYI: It's a SCAM!!!

Hello allIf you've ordered from me, or enjoyed my baking, please take a moment to leave me a review. It would really h...
12/06/2023

Hello all

If you've ordered from me, or enjoyed my baking, please take a moment to leave me a review. It would really help me to increase visibility and sales. Thank you all for your support and patronage.

If you're in the Capitol Region area (Albany NY) hmu for a brownie, cookie or brookie order!!!
12/06/2023

If you're in the Capitol Region area (Albany NY) hmu for a brownie, cookie or brookie order!!!

I'm baking today and tomorrow. The All About the Peanut Butter Peanut Butter cookies are 25.00/dozen, plus 12.00 shippin...
11/30/2023

I'm baking today and tomorrow. The All About the Peanut Butter Peanut Butter cookies are 25.00/dozen, plus 12.00 shipping. The Brown Butter Brownies are $40.00/dozen, plus $15.00 shipping. The Peanut Butter Brookie (brownies plus peanut butter cookie) are $55.00/dozen, plus $19.99 shipping. Just send a DM with your order request. I can accept Venmo, PayPal or CashApp. Links and QR codes included in the photos.

Holiday cookies coming next week!

Gingerbread,
Holiday Brown Butter
Gochugang Carmel Cookies
Peppermint Brownies

I absolutely love potatoes. I'll eat them in whatever form you give them to me. In this case, I made some smashed potato...
11/21/2023

I absolutely love potatoes. I'll eat them in whatever form you give them to me. In this case, I made some smashed potatoes with garlic butter and paired with soft scrambled eggs. Yes, that's bbq sauce on my plate. Don't judge me, judge yo momma. Delicious

A Day of Gratitude recipe for yall. Try something different than that traditional green bean casserole. These green bean...
11/19/2023

A Day of Gratitude recipe for yall. Try something different than that traditional green bean casserole. These green beans are fresh, and add a more flavorful profile to your holiday meal.

First, take about 2 tablespoons of tuxedo sesame seeds (both white and black) and toast them in a large enough pan that they can move around easily. Turn the heat up to high and constantly stir the seeds around the pan so they don't burn. When they begin to give off a nutty aroma, and the white seeds get a bit darker, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Use fresh green beans. (I used 2 lbs of beans). Prepare them by cutting off the ends and rinsing thoroughly in cold water. Drain. Prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice. A LOT of ice. Set on counter next to stove.

Bring a large pan of salted water (just filled halfway) to a boil. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will prevent the beans becoming discolored. Blanch the beans by dropping them in the boiling water, allow them to boil for 90 seconds, then remove immediately and place in an ice water bath to prevent further cooking. Drain.

In the same large pan the beans were blanched in, remove any remaining water. Turn the heat up to high. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil. When light smoke begins to rise from the pan, add the green beans. Stir fry the green beans for about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is fine), and 1 tablespoon of chopped or crushed garlic. (I used garlic paste). Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar

(how sweet you want them is a personal choice. I used 2, but less is fine. You can also probably use Splenda brown sugar substitute).

Remove from heat. Add the roasted sesame seeds. Season with pepper, salt shouldn't be necessary, I'd recommend MSG (Accent). Add crushed red pepper, if desired.

Day of Gratitude 2023Smothered turkey wings Macaroni and cheese Garlic sesame green beans Orange cranberry compoteNext ...
11/17/2023

Day of Gratitude 2023

Smothered turkey wings
Macaroni and cheese
Garlic sesame green beans
Orange cranberry compote

Next up: sweet potato pie

Ok y'all... dinner time:Lemon thyme chicken, curried potatoes, lentil soup and salad.
11/12/2023

Ok y'all... dinner time:
Lemon thyme chicken, curried potatoes, lentil soup and salad.

To everyone who ordered cookies or brownies this week...THANK YOU!!!I have packaged all orders and they are ready to shi...
11/11/2023

To everyone who ordered cookies or brownies this week...THANK YOU!!!

I have packaged all orders and they are ready to ship. But I forgot about Veterans Day. So your orders will be shipped tomorrow. I will provide tracking numbers at that time.

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you.

Also, I have about 3 dozen additional cookies baked. Anyone else want to place a last minute order? Hit me up on my main page. For some reason, I cannot access FB messages for this professional page.

Website coming soon. 🥰

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Rensselaer, NY
12144

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