Stella

Stella is the founder and recipe curator of MyDishSpin, a culinary space where cooking is celebrated as both an art form and a personal journey. Inspired by her early experiences in her grandmother’s kitchen, she blends tradition with innovation, sharing recipes that span comforting classics to bold global flavors.

Through MyDishSpin, Stella offers approachable, step-by-step guides, seasonal inspirations, and nutritious options to suit every taste and skill level. She invites readers into a vibrant community built on the joy of cooking, cultural exploration, and the belief that food connects us all.

Latest from Stella

$To make these tasty muffins, you need the following ingredients: - 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 small to medium zucchini) - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) Zucchini adds moisture and nutrition to baked goods. It keeps your muffins soft and fluffy. Here are some health benefits of zucchini: - Low in calories: Zucchini is low in calories and high in water. This helps you enjoy muffins without guilt. - Packed with vitamins: It has vitamins A and C. These support your immune system and skin health. - Rich in fiber: This helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Adding zucchini is a smart way to boost nutrition in your treats. Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Fresh zucchini has more moisture and taste. Here’s why fresh matters: - Better flavor: Fresh ingredients enhance the taste of your muffins. They make each bite delicious. - Nutritional value: Fresh foods have more vitamins and minerals. This means healthier muffins for you. - Texture: Fresh ingredients provide the right texture. You want your muffins to be soft and moist. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results in your baking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets everything ready for baking. Next, take your muffin tin. Line it with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will help the muffins come out easily after baking. Grab one small to medium zucchini. Grate it until you have about one cup. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl. Add ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of brown sugar to the bowl. Mix these well to blend the flavors. Now, crack two large eggs into the bowl. Pour in ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it is smooth. This mix brings moisture and flavor to your muffins. In another bowl, you’ll mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until well mixed. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts if you like. Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready! Let them cool in the tin for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious double chocolate zucchini muffins! To keep your muffins moist, use fresh zucchini. Grate it right before mixing. Remove excess water by using a clean kitchen towel. This way, you will not add too much liquid. The eggs and oil also add moisture. If you want a richer taste, try using melted coconut oil. It pairs well with chocolate. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients blend in. Overmixing makes muffins tough. Another tip is to check your oven temperature. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy. If your oven runs hot, reduce the baking time. This helps your muffins bake evenly. To test if your muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If not, bake a few more minutes. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess on the bottom. Enjoy the delicious aroma as they cool! Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Make sure to use fresh, firm zucchini for the best flavor and texture in your muffins. Don't Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid tough muffins; a few lumps are okay! Storage Tips: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist! {{image_2}} You can make these muffins even better by adding nuts or mix-ins. Walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor. If you want a different nut, try pecans. You can also use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added texture. For a fun twist, mix in some dried fruit, like cherries or raisins. Each option gives your muffins a unique taste. You can make these muffins healthier with a few swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also replace half the sugar with applesauce or mashed bananas. This keeps the muffins sweet but lowers the sugar content. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of oil. This adds moisture without extra fat. Adding spices can enhance the flavor of your muffins. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth and depth. You can also try adding a pinch of chili powder for a surprise kick. If you love coffee, mix in some espresso powder for a rich taste. These small changes can make your muffins stand out and excite your taste buds. To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture. You can also layer the muffins with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freezing muffins is simple. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pull them out and thaw them. Reheating your muffins can bring back their fresh taste. You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. They will be warm and delicious, just like fresh out of the oven. Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just thaw it first and drain the excess water. Frozen zucchini works well if you don’t have fresh zucchini. It keeps the muffins moist and adds great flavor. To make these muffins vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil, if desired. You can use whole wheat flour or almond flour. Both options change the texture slightly. Whole wheat flour gives a nutty flavor, while almond flour adds moisture. Adjust the liquid in the recipe if needed. In this post, we explored the tasty journey of making double chocolate zucchini muffins. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about the health benefits of fresh zucchini and how to store your muffins. Remember, using fresh ingredients boosts flavor and nutrition. Experiment with mix-ins for fun twists. Enjoy baking and share these yummy muffins with friends and family!$

Delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins Recipe

If you love chocolate and want a healthier treat, you’re in for a delight! My Delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

$To make creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish. The gnocchi serves as a soft base, while the spinach adds color and nutrition. The feta brings a salty tang that pairs well with the cream. You can add these optional ingredients to enhance the dish: - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Fresh parsley, for garnish Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the sauce. Fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color and flavor on top. To prepare this dish, have these tools ready: - Large pot for boiling water - Large skillet for sauce - Colander for draining gnocchi - Wooden spoon for stirring These tools make cooking easier and help you create a delicious meal. Having everything on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add the potato gnocchi. Cook them as per the package instructions. The gnocchi will float when they are done, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Drain them well and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells great. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and let it warm up. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor. Now it's time to add the good stuff. Slowly mix in two cups of chopped spinach and one cup of crumbled feta cheese. Cook this mixture until the spinach wilts and the cheese begins to melt. This should take about two to three minutes. Gently stir it all together. After that, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything together so the gnocchi gets coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To cook gnocchi just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi gently. Watch them closely. They usually float to the top in 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are done. Drain them well, but don’t rinse. This keeps the sauce from slipping off. You can swap some ingredients while keeping great flavor. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese. It melts well and adds a tangy taste. For the heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter option. If you don’t like spinach, kale works too! Just chop it roughly and cook it until tender. Plate the creamy gnocchi in a shallow bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. You can also add extra feta on top if you like. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light salad on the side adds a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a nice pairing! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Ensure you only add the gnocchi to boiling water, and once they float, they are done! Overcooking can make them mushy. Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can make the dish watery and affect the creaminess. Cheese Variations: If you want a different flavor profile, try substituting feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill along with the spinach for an extra burst of flavor in your creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out feta cheese for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese gives a rich, smooth texture. Parmesan adds a salty kick. Use mozzarella for a melty, stretchy bite. Each cheese changes the flavor but keeps it creamy. Want more protein? Add cooked chicken or shrimp. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. You can also use cooked sausage for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or sweet potatoes. You can also make your own gnocchi using gluten-free flour. The recipe stays delicious and creamy while meeting gluten-free needs. To keep leftover gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. The gnocchi will stay good for about 3 days. Avoid letting it sit out at room temperature, as this can spoil it quickly. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to help it heat evenly. Cook it on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep it creamy and tasty. If you want to save gnocchi for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them straight from the freezer. Follow the package instructions. They usually take a little longer to cook. You can tell they are done when they float to the top. This makes it easy and quick for a busy day. This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses spinach and feta. Just be sure to check the feta cheese label. Some brands might add animal rennet. If you want to switch things up, try adding mushrooms or bell peppers. They will add great flavor and texture. Creamy gnocchi pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. These options complete your meal and make it more filling. This blog post covers all you need for making creamy gnocchi. We discussed key ingredients, tips for perfect cooking, and variations for every taste. You can easily customize this dish to your liking, whether using different cheeses or adding proteins. Don't forget about proper storage for leftovers. With this guide, you're ready to enjoy a rich and tasty meal. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!$