KISS Cooking | Recipes By Ashley
Roasted Tomato Boursin Appetizer
There is just something about warm, jammy roasted tomatoes and creamy Boursin that feels effortless but impressive. This is the appetizer I make when I want something that looks beautiful on a platter but takes almost no time to throw together. The tomatoes roast down with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs until they’re soft and bursting. Then they’re spooned right over a thick layer of room-temperature Boursin and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve it with toasted baguette slices and watch it disappear. It’s perfect for girls’ night, holiday gatherings, or a slow Sunday afternoon snack. Ingredients 1 package Boursin (let it soften at room temperature) 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon minced garlic Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh basil, chopped Salt and pepper Olive oil Balsamic glaze Baguette, sliced and toasted Instructions Preheat oven to 400°. Place halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil. Drizzle generously with olive oil and toss to coat. Roast for 16–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. Spread the softened Boursin onto a serving platter. Spoon the warm tomato mixture over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add extra fresh basil if desired. Serve with toasted baguette slices. This is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen… but you absolutely did not.
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The Bread Board
There is just something about a beautiful bread board that feels effortless and elevated at the same time. It’s simple. It’s cozy. It’s inviting. And it always disappears first. This is my go-to when I want something that looks impressive but requires almost no actual cooking. Whether you're hosting girlfriends, family dinner, or just setting out something pretty before the main meal — this one never fails. Start With the Bread Pick your favorite varieties and mix textures. I love to: Cut some Break some Leave some whole Having a variety of sizes lets everyone grab exactly what they want — a small piece for a swipe of honey butter or a bigger slice for layering with brie. Try mixing: Crusty French bread Sourdough Mini baguettes Soft dinner rolls Seeded or multigrain loaves The more texture, the better. The Spreads (The Real Star) Here’s what I served: Honey butter Herbed butter Brie Mascarpone cheese Honey Fig preserves (my favorite!) The creamy mascarpone with a drizzle of honey and fig preserves is chef’s kiss. Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy — it hits every note. You can warm the brie slightly if you want it extra soft and spreadable, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature. ✨ How to Style It Start with bread as your base layer. Nestle the cheeses and butters in small bowls. Drizzle honey right over the brie. Spoon jam loosely (don’t over-style — it should feel organic). Let it look abundant and slightly undone. It’s meant to feel inviting, not perfect. This is one of those “why don’t I do this more often?” kind of boards. Easy. Cozy. Elevated. And honestly? It pairs beautifully with a glass of wine and good conversation.
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Ashley’s Classic Caesar Dressing
This is the dressing that turns an ordinary salad into something crave-worthy. Why This Recipe Works What makes this Caesar dressing so good is the balance: The olive oil gives it richness Red wine vinegar adds brightness Mayonnaise makes it smooth and creamy Fresh garlic brings bold flavor Dijon honey mustard adds subtle depth Worcestershire sauce gives that classic Caesar tang It’s everything you love about Caesar dressing — without anchovies, without complicated steps, and without anything you can’t pronounce. Ashley’s Caesar Dressing Recipe Ingredients: 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon Dijon honey mustard ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Instructions: Mince the garlic finely. Add all ingredients to a bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust if needed (a pinch of salt or extra garlic if you like it bold). How to Serve Toss with crisp romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, and crunchy croutons.Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.Use it as a drizzle over roasted vegetables.Spread it on a wrap for a Caesar-inspired lunch. Once you make it homemade, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. There’s just something about simple recipes made from scratch — especially when they come from someone you love.
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Texas Coffee Cake
Some recipes aren’t just desserts — they’re memories. This Texas Coffee Cake is one of those timeless, handwritten recipes that feels like it belongs on the counter while coffee brews and conversations linger a little longer. It’s rich, buttery, lightly tangy from sour cream, and layered with a cinnamon-sugar nut filling that bakes right into the center. Simple, classic, and exactly the kind of cake you make when you want your home to feel extra cozy. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you need a little comfort baked into a pan. Ingredients Batter 2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 8 oz sour cream 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt Filling 1 tsp cinnamon 4 tbsp brown sugar 1 cup chopped nuts Optional: icing for drizzling on top once cooled Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan well. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and sour cream, beating until fully blended. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the batter until just combined. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. Sprinkle evenly over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter over the filling and gently smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Optional but encouraged: drizzle with icing once cooled for a sweet finishing touch. Serving Notes Serves approximately 14 Perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or shared as an easy dessert for guests This Texas Coffee Cake is proof that the simplest recipes are often the ones we return to again and again — familiar, comforting, and always worth making.
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Cherry & Turkey Sandwich
Some of the best recipes are the ones that don’t try too hard. This cherry and turkey sandwich is exactly that—simple ingredients, thoughtfully layered, and full of flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of lunch you make when you want something comforting but elevated, familiar but just a little unexpected. The combination of savory turkey with sweet cherry jam is what really makes this sandwich special. Add in creamy herbed cream cheese, a thin slice of crispy bacon, and fresh sprouts for texture, and suddenly a basic sandwich feels worthy of a café menu. Lightly toasted rosemary bread ties it all together with subtle flavor and warmth. This is a go-to for easy lunches at home, casual entertaining, or those days when you want something quick that still feels intentional. It doesn’t require a long ingredient list or complicated steps—just good components and a few minutes in the kitchen. Ingredients Rosemary bread, lightly toasted Herbed cream cheese Cherry jam Sliced turkey Thin-sliced bacon, cooked Fresh sprouts How to Make It Begin by lightly toasting the bread until just warm and slightly crisp. Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on both slices. On one side, add a spoonful of cherry jam, spreading it gently over the cream cheese. Layer the sliced turkey on top, followed by a thin slice of bacon for a bit of salt and crunch. Finish with fresh sprouts, then close the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread. Slice in half and serve immediately. This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, while the bread is still warm and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Pair it with a simple salad, soup, or a handful of chips for an easy but elevated meal. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones you come back to again and again—and this cherry and turkey sandwich is definitely one of those.
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Cozy Baked Eggplant
There is something about baked eggplant that feels both comforting and elevated at the same time. This dish is layered, creamy, cheesy, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavors — the kind of recipe that fills your home with the best smells and feels special without being complicated. This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something warm and satisfying, whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just making a cozy dinner at home. Roasting the eggplant first adds so much flavor and keeps the final dish from feeling heavy, while the ricotta mixture brings the perfect creamy balance. Why You’ll Love This Recipe • Simple ingredients you probably already have • Comfort food without frying • Easy to prep ahead • Perfect for hosting or leftovers Ingredients • 2–3 large eggplants, sliced • Olive oil • Salt & pepper • 32 oz ricotta cheese • 2 eggs • 2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping • 2 tablespoons dried basil • ¾ cup red sauce Instructions Preheat your oven to 425°. Arrange the sliced eggplant on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 8–10 minutes, flip the slices, drizzle lightly with olive oil if needed, and roast another 8–10 minutes until tender. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, shredded mozzarella, and dried basil. Stir until smooth. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. In a baking dish, layer roasted eggplant, ricotta mixture, and red sauce. Repeat with another layer of eggplant and ricotta, then add another light layer of sauce. Finish with additional shredded mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Serving Tips Serve this baked eggplant with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or alongside a glass of wine for an easy but elevated meal. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day. This is one of those recipes that feels like home — warm, comforting, and meant to be shared.
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Simple Burrata Salad
Simple Burrata Salad (Perfect Appetizer) If there’s one dish I always come back to when hosting, it’s this burrata salad. It’s fresh, simple, and feels just fancy enough without requiring much effort at all. Whether you’re entertaining guests, bringing a dish to a gathering, or just making something special at home, this recipe is always a win. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together in the easiest, most delicious way. It’s best served immediately and pairs beautifully with toasted bread or crackers. Ingredients: 3 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt & pepper, to taste Burrata cheese Balsamic glaze Instructions: In a bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the tomato mixture in a shallow serving dish or bowl. Place the burrata on top and slice halfway through it a few times so the creamy center shows. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This burrata salad is best enjoyed fresh and makes the perfect appetizer for spring and summer gatherings. Simple ingredients, beautiful presentation, and big flavor — exactly how entertaining should be.
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My Aunt’s Classic Layered Salad
Some recipes just feel like home. This classic layered salad is one of those dishes — simple, comforting, and full of memories. It’s the salad my aunt always made when I was growing up, and it’s still a staple whenever we’re hosting or bringing a dish to share. Crisp iceberg lettuce forms the base, layered with peas, cheddar, eggs, bacon, and fresh vegetables. Everything is finished with a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s easy to prep ahead and always disappears fast. Classic Layered Salad Ingredients 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into chunks 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese 2 (10 oz) bags frozen peas 6 green onions, chopped (1 bunch) 6 eggs, boiled and chopped Cherry tomatoes, sliced or chopped (about 1 pint) Avocado, chopped About 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled Dressing ½ cup mayo ½ cup sour cream 3 tablespoons sugar Instructions: In a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order: lettuce, cheese, peas, green onions, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and bacon. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayo, sour cream, and sugar. Spread the dressing evenly over the top of the salad. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Simple, nostalgic, and always a favorite — this layered salad is proof that the classics really are the best.
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Cheers With A Garden Basil Gimlet
There’s something about a fresh cocktail that instantly elevates the moment. This garden basil gimlet is simple, refreshing, and effortlessly chic — perfect for everything from casual happy hours to intimate gatherings at home. The combination of vodka, St. Germain, and fresh lime juice creates a bright, balanced base, while basil adds an herby freshness that feels straight from the garden. Shake it vigorously and adjust the sweetness to taste — this drink is meant to be personalized. Garden Basil Gimlet Ingredients: 3 oz vodka 1.5 oz St. Germain Juice of 1 fresh lime 1 large basil leaf, gently pulled apart Simple syrup, to taste (optional — about ¼ oz if you prefer sweeter) Instructions: Add vodka, St. Germain, fresh lime juice, and basil to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Taste and add simple syrup if desired. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with fresh basil. Light, fresh, and beautifully simple — this is the kind of cocktail that feels just as good to make as it does to sip. Serve beautifully in the Aquarelle Coupe Glasses 🤍
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