Kestrel's Profile

Joined: September 21st, 2012


Latest review:

March 30th, 2025

Carrot Soup with Miso and Sesame from Smitten Kitchen

This was one of the few Smitten Kitchen recipes that we really disliked. I do like miso, carrots, and all the other ingredients on their own, but together they just didn't work for us. I do remember I... read more >


recipe reviews (249)
book reviews (3)
useful review votes (19)

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Updates from Kestrel's favorite members


jenncc reviewed Cottage Cheese pancakes from Cooks Ilustrated/ from A Feast for the Eyes

Really tasty and of the cottage cheese pancakes I have tried these are most like regular pancakes in taste and texture. These are no where near as tender as the Marion Cunningham recipe (NYT), making more »
29th June 2025

jenncc reviewed Marion Cunningham's Lemon Pancakes from The New York Times

These are delicious! This makes a very delicate/tender pancake which practically melts in your mouth. They are a little tricky to flip (at least for me) but if you let them cook long enough and use plenty more »
22nd June 2025

jenncc reviewed Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping from Fifteen Spatulas

These are very tasty and very delicate. Made them in my popover pan for a taller muffin and they looked and tasted great! It was difficult to remove the paper liner and they did fall apart. more »
21st June 2025

jenncc reviewed Perfect Swiss Meringue from Sally's Baking Addiction

This was going so well, looked so promising, then totally fell apart. I heeded all the precautions - carefully separating the yolks from the white, making sure all equipment was clean and cool, wiping more »
21st June 2025

jenncc reviewed Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Butter from Bon Appetit

Loved this. I added a clove of garlic to the sauce and thought it improved it greatly. My potatoes weren't large but did take closer to 35 minutes to steam. I suppose you could also roast them. Simply more »
14th June 2025

jenncc reviewed Lemon Chicken Chickpea Soup from Simply Recipes

Hearty and delicious! Next time I will cut the chicken smaller or shred it. Really enjoyed this. more »
6th June 2025

jenncc reviewed Blueberry Pie Bars from The Food Network

These are EASY to throw together and present nicely. Flavor wise I think a lot depends on your berries - mine were good (not great) so my bars were good (not great). I think I could have added some lemon more »
2nd June 2025

jenncc reviewed Teurgoule (baked rice pudding) from Life's Sweetest Moments: Simple, Stunning Recipes and Their Heartwarming Stories: A Charming Guide to Baking with Stories That Warm the Heart, Share t

This is one of the best baked rice pudding recipes I have tried. It is a touch too sweet for me but I think everyone else that tried it thought it was just right. I did over cook it a bit, so it became more »
22nd May 2025

jenncc added Life's Sweetest Moments: Simple, Stunning Recipes and Their Heartwarming Stories: A Charming Guide to Baking with Stories That Warm the Heart, Share t

22nd May 2025

jenncc reviewed Banana Bread Blondies from King Arthur Flour

I thought these were better than "very good" but not quite "excellent". Mine came out a bit cakier than the ones pictured on the website or a typical blondie. I used walnuts and a very small handful of more »
11th May 2025

jenncc reviewed Roasted Tofu Grain Bowls With Miso-Tahini Sauce from Epicurious

I had to sub the cabbage with brussels sprouts, but otherwise followed the recipe closely. This was tasty and filling. I think you could add other veggies or swap grains and it would still be delicious. more »
7th May 2025

jenncc reviewed Double-Ginger Sour Cream Bundt Cake with Ginger Infused Strawberries from Epicurious

Loved this cake, as did my guest (including one who claimed not to be a fan of ginger -and then came back for seconds!). The cake came out beautiful and moist. The raw sugar made the cake slightly "sparkle" more »
5th May 2025

jenncc reviewed Strawberry Lemonade Bars from King Arthur Flour

These were good and I think I would try them again with a few tweaks. My biggest issue was that they were just too sweet! The cake itself is good, a bit dense but with a nice light lemon flavor. The more »
3rd May 2025

jenncc reviewed Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad from Epicurious

This seems a little fussy at first but it's worth it. Be careful when salting each component and consider the salinity of your feta and olives. Mine was delicious but definitely hit a tiny bit salty. more »
15th April 2025

jenncc reviewed Chicken Piccata from The New York Times

We really enjoyed this dish! I have always used white wine to deglaze the pan but didn't miss it here. I did add a little thinly sliced garlic but otherwise followed the recipe closely. Be sure to slice more »
5th April 2025

jenncc reviewed Greek Olive Bread with Rosemary and Oregano from Milk Street

This was fun to make and tasty to eat! My loaf came out very soft, but well browned at around the 40 minutes mark. Next time I will roll my loaf a little tighter as mine did flatten out just a bit more more »
5th April 2025

jenncc reviewed Rizogalo Greek Rice Pudding from All Recipes

This really hit the spot! I only used 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and I continued cooking for a few minutes after adding it so it would not have the taste or texture of the cornstarch. more »
4th April 2025

jenncc reviewed Nigella Lawson's Very Smart Strawberry Streusel Cake from food52

Love it but honestly, I think I like the all AP flour version (on the NYT Website). It's never a very sweet cake (I have made this more than a few times) but this one had very subtle sweetness. My thinking more »
1st April 2025

jenncc reviewed Smashed chickpea salad from Smitten Kitchen

Simple and delicious! This is infinitely adaptable - I used some jarred spicy Italian antipasto (olives, pickles, red pepper and onion) which was terrific and added a tablespoon of sun dried tomatoes.... more »
28th March 2025

jenncc reviewed Whipped Ganache (Frosting) from Sugar Geek Show

I halved this recipe to top a 8x8 inch single layer chocolate cake. Easy, tasty and exactly the right amount with 4 ounces heavy cream and 4 ounces chocolate. more »
21st March 2025

jenncc reviewed Chewy Brown Butter Cookies (with Oats and Pecans) from The New York Times

This really is a very tasty oatmeal cookie, with the special addition of pecans toasted in brown butter. It's simple to make and they do come out chewy with crispy edges. The author formulated this recipe more »
21st March 2025

jenncc reviewed Galette Bretonnes (Buckwheat Crepes) from Serious Eats

These are wonderful! I did leave batter to "rest" a couple hours before cooking and more importantly I used a French Buckwheat flour. The French flours are lighter both in color and texture and have more »
20th March 2025

jenncc reviewed Charred Leeks with Honey and Vinegar from Epicurious

This was a surprise hit! So delicious and simple, this will be a new grilling staple. more »
20th March 2025

jenncc reviewed Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Cake from food52

Delicious!! For such a showstopper this is deceptively simple. Made with ingredients I always have on hand and ready in no time this will be a repeat for sure. Followed directions to the tee and was... more »
2nd March 2025

jenncc reviewed Brown Rice Pudding from Champagne Tastes

Very simple and really comforting. This was the best brown rice pudding I have had, perhaps because you are starting with cooked rice?? In the past my brown rice pudding has always been a little to al more »
23rd February 2025

jenncc added Champagne Tastes

23rd February 2025

jenncc reviewed Catalonian Rice Pudding from Tartine All Day: Modern Recipes for the Home Cook

This is delicious! Rich, creamy and comforting, this reminds me of a rice pudding my grandmother made. I opted for the original, no-egg version and was very happy with it. I did not have creme fraiche... more »
19th February 2025

jenncc reviewed Traditional Scottish Style Oatmeal with Butter from Serious Eats

This is more technique than recipe. I soaked my oats overnight subbing 1/3 of the water with low fat milk. Cooked for about 5 minutes the next morning with a pinch of salt. This can go savory or sweet more »
5th February 2025

jenncc reviewed Baba Ganoush from The Mediterranean Dish

This is delicious - a zhuzhed up version of baba g. I grew up eating! Mine turned a little pinkish from sumac so I think next time I will just sprinkle some on top rather than mixing it in. more »
4th February 2025

jenncc added The Mediterranean Dish

4th February 2025

jenncc reviewed Broccoli Spoon Salad with Warm Vinaigrette from Epicurious

I thought this was great but docked a star because not everyone loved it as much as I did. Don't skip the dates, I'm not a huge fan but they were perfect here. more »
2nd February 2025

jenncc reviewed Ciabatta Bread from Sally's Baking Addiction

This is a very simple recipe. Time is the one ingredient you certainly cannot skimp on, since it gives this bread it's flavor. Though I didn't find it quite as airy as I would have liked, it was delicious more »
2nd February 2025

jenncc reviewed Classic Rice Pudding from The New York Times

Creamy and delicious. Perfect texture at 35 minute mark and just the right sweetness with 1/4 cup sugar. I did skimp on the salt (used about 1/2 teaspoon) and added a cinnamon stick to the milk and sugar. more »
31st January 2025

jenncc reviewed One-Pan Harissa Orange Chicken and Broccoli from The Kitchn

Easy and delicious one pan meal. I served over rice. more »
8th January 2025

jenncc reviewed The Big Lasagna from The New York Times

This is delicious but fussy. I love a bechamel/white lasagna but not sure how much it added here with the red sauce. The filling is great and egg free. The instructions are clear and the finished product more »
30th December 2024

jenncc reviewed Pecan Shortbread from Preppy Kitchen

These are really tasty, not too sweet -in fact I'm not sure if I skimped but I think it could use a tiny bit more sugar and I never say that! They do soften a bit within a couple days but they can be more »
30th December 2024

jenncc added Preppy Kitchen

30th December 2024

jenncc reviewed French Walnut Tart from Milk Street

This was decadent without being cloying or too heavy. I really had to work on getting the pastry dough to fill the pan up to the rim but it was enough, and resulted in a crust of the perfect thickness. more »
1st December 2024

jenncc reviewed Japanese Milk Bread from Milk Street

Used this recipe to make rolls. They came out beautiful with excellent texture. However I thought they were lacking a bit - needed another pinch salt maybe? I baked the rolls in a deep dish pizza pan more »
28th November 2024

jenncc reviewed Chicken Piccata (Giada) from The Food Network

Even simpler than Ina's version. Very easy, very good. I added some sliced garlic along with the broth, capers and juice. Might double the sauce next time! more »
22nd November 2024

jenncc reviewed Baguette Pan Baguettes from King Arthur Flour

Fail - that said flavor was terrific. I think I messed this up by over-proofing but I will try again and update. more »
21st November 2024

jenncc reviewed Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes from The New York Times

These were not thick and fluffy for me- more thin and eggy. I didn't mind at all, because with a good dose of vanilla the flavor was really nice, however the fluffy pancake lovers were not as impressed.... more »
30th September 2024

jenncc reviewed Lemon Poundcake from The New York Times

Simple and delicious. The lemon soak (not glaze) really helps the lemon flavor, otherwise it would have just tasted like a really good poundcake. Watch the cooking time- mine went from under to almost more »
14th September 2024

jenncc reviewed Chicken Wings with Angry Sauce from Food & Wine

Have made this many times - always a crowd pleaser. Sometimes I use drumsticks. more »
7th September 2024

jenncc reviewed Braised Chicken with Lemon and Olives from New York Times - Recipes

This was delicious! I read many reviews and opted to brown the chicken/crisp the skin before baking in the oven uncovered, then covered, and finish off with a few minutes under the broiler. The meat more »
27th August 2024

jenncc reviewed Sourdough Discard Crackers from Little Spoon Farm

Best discard cracker I have tried so far. This recipe is simple, requires no extra flour and is infinitely adaptable. I made mine with dried thyme, rosemary and a combo of butter and olive oil (mostly more »
24th August 2024

jenncc added Little Spoon Farm

24th August 2024

jenncc reviewed Meera Sodha's Naan from The New York Times

Simple and delicious. Stay soft with just the right amount of chew. Served with Meera Sodha's Chicken curry. more »
14th July 2024

jenncc reviewed Shredded Chicken and Tomatillo Tacos w/ Queso Fresco from The Food Network

This was really simple and delicious! more »
30th June 2024

jenncc reviewed Lemon Rosemary Shortbread from Two Peas and Their Pod

This is a wonderful shortbread. Thin, crispy, buttery and melt in your mouth delicious! I might add more rosemary and lemon zest next time but otherwise really nice. They bake up a little pale in color, more »
23rd June 2024

jenncc reviewed Ding Dong Cake from Sugar Spun Run

This was the second or third Ding Dong Cake I have made. I love the I Am Baker recipe but was curious as to what a little brown sugar, an extra egg yolk and some melted butter would bring. I have to more »
18th June 2024

jenncc reviewed Peanut Butter Crisscrosses from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone's Favorite Treats

Mine took about 10 minutes and had a nice crisp and sandy texture. I made these with crunchy Skippy (recipe calls for natural/smooth) and they were great. more »
18th June 2024

jenncc reviewed Vanilla Ice Cream /The Only Ice Cream Recipe You'll Ever Need from The New York Times

This is an ice cream base recipe - I made the vanilla version. I only had 5 yolks and found it plenty rich and certainly delicious! I don't think it would suffer if you wanted to sub a little of the heavy more »
5th May 2024

jenncc reviewed Light, Fluffy and Rich Pancakes from The New York Times

I love these! They are fluffy and thick, definitely rich, and some how a little custard-y without feeling undercooked. I used cottage cheese and Greek yogurt which I processed, along with the egg yolks, more »
16th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Chimichurri Lamb Chops from food52

Though I am sure this would be great with lamb, I used this sauce as both a marinade and a dressing for skirt steak. It was very good but a bit "sharp" with the red wine vinegar and the lemon juice - more »
15th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Spiced Roasted Cauliflower with Feta and Garlic from The New York Times

Took a little less time in my oven (around 30-33 minutes total) but came out fantastic! Some reviewers did not appreciate the Feta but my household really enjoyed it. I followed others suggestions and more »
12th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Chewy Earl Grey Cookies from The New York Times

These are excellent as long as you don't over bake! Mine took 12-13 minutes for a chewy cooky with crisp edges - any longer they were more of an all around crunchy cookie. The flavors are wonderful (Earl more »
9th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Marinated Olives from Half Baked Harvest

This is excellent! I only had 8.5 oz log of goat cheese so I used 3 oz cream cheese to keep the flavors balanced. The only thing I will do differently next time is either omit the fig jam or be more more »
8th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Thick and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Snacking Bakes: Simple Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cakes, and More

These are certainly thick and slightly chewy. I really enjoyed them but felt they were just a bit too sweet. Do not cook longer than 10 minutes and keep in mind they stay pale and do not spread. more »
7th April 2024

jenncc added Snacking Bakes: Simple Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cakes, and More

5th April 2024

jenncc reviewed Takeout-Style Sesame Noodles from The New York Times

This falls somewhere between good and very good. I stuck close to the recipe - only having to replace Chinese sesame paste with tahini and cutting the sugar a bit since my peanut butter seemed very sweet. more »
2nd April 2024

jenncc reviewed Chewy Lemon Cookies from The New York Times

I thought I was going to love these! I love rosemary in sweets, I LOVE lemon in anything, I love the cornmeal crunch, I love a chewy cookie.... I just do not love these. They spread way too much (almost more »
31st March 2024

jenncc reviewed A Very Banana-y Banana Bread from Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook: A Cookbook

This is a wonderful banana bread with bananas as the star and brown butter in the supporting role. No spice, no chocolate chips and no nuts needed. My 4 bananas came in closer to 400-410 grams and the more »
25th March 2024

jenncc added Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook: A Cookbook

25th March 2024

jenncc reviewed Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo from The New York Times

Not sure if this is authentic but I found it to be simple and delicious! Sauce looked very thin at first but thickened up with the pasta and cheese. Finished with a grate of nutmeg and sprinkle of salt. more »
21st February 2024

jenncc reviewed Fettuccini Romano from food52

I was skeptical but decided to try it - and so glad I did! It was delicious! Creamy but not heavy and the perfect compromise between red sauce and Alfredo. It is quick and simple, and all ingredients more »
14th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Spiced Irish Oatmeal with Cream and Crunchy Sugar from The New York Times

This came together easily and was so comforting, creamy and delicious! I made half a recipe and used a little less than three cups of water (based on others reviews). I never achieved the crunchy sugar more »
12th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Favorite Vanilla Buttercream from Sally's Baking Addiction

This is a nice, typical buttercream that is easy to put together, highly pipe-able but can also be spread smooth. Like most buttercream, I found it too sweet for my taste. I think it worked best on my more »
10th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from Add a Pinch

Smooth and decadent without being overly sweet. I used mostly regular cocoa powder, subbing about 1/3 cup with Hershey's special dark c.p. This frosting was easy to spread with a smooth finish and pipe-able. more »
10th February 2024

jenncc reviewed The Best Chocolate Cake from Add a Pinch

This is a very quick, simple recipe, and a darn good cake too. I made a three layer cake (8 inch) without having to adjust the recipe and filled it with her Perfect Chocolate Buttercream. Moist and chocolatey more »
10th February 2024

jenncc added Add a Pinch

10th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Ginger fried rice from Smitten Kitchen

Really enjoyed this! I used leftover short grain brown rice and added green onion and a little jalapeno. Quick and easy. more »
4th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Chocolate Cake (The I want chocolate cake cake) from Smitten Kitchen

I'm not the chocolate lover in the house, but this was well received by everyone who tried it. I thought it was slightly dense and, at least in my oven was ready by the 25 minute mark. The frosting is... more »
4th February 2024

jenncc reviewed Toasted Rice Pudding from Sweet Enough: A Dessert Cookbook

This was good but not a stand out recipe. Toasting the rice and cinnamon gave it nice flavor for sure but also made the rice break down faster. Not wanting to overcook my rice I took it off while still more »
3rd February 2024

jenncc added Sweet Enough: A Dessert Cookbook

3rd February 2024

jenncc reviewed Nova Scotia Oatcakes from The Spruce Eats

Love these cracker/cookie snacks. They are a little salty, a little sweet and very versatile - great with cheese or fruit but also nice on their own. These came together easily. The flavor is buttery more »
19th January 2024

jenncc added The Spruce Eats

19th January 2024

jenncc reviewed Spicy Garlic Noodles with Crumbled Tofu and Cucumber Salad from food52

This was delicious. I used dried Udon noodles, only making half a recipe and I happily have plenty of leftovers! There are several components but they come together easily. Make sure the mushrooms more »
17th January 2024

jenncc reviewed Brown Butter Blondies from Fifteen Spatulas

These are delicious but not as fudgy/gooey as my usual blondies. This was more of a wonderful brown butter snacking cake with great caramel, brown butter flavor. Perhaps beating the eggs 2 minutes is more »
15th January 2024

jenncc added Fifteen Spatulas

15th January 2024

jenncc reviewed Chickpea Vegetable Bowl with Peanut Dressing from food52

I really enjoyed this salad! It's hearty enough as a stand alone meal but could also be a side or topped off with tofu or chicken. Love the tang and spice of the dressing and it def doesn't hurt to make more »
15th January 2024

jenncc reviewed Taylor Swifts Chai Sugar Cookies from joy the baker

Hmmm.. This should have been everything I love in a cookie, soft/chewy with crispy edges, warm spices and easy to throw together, but they just missed the mark. Mine were very bland even with freshly more »
29th December 2023

jenncc reviewed White Spice Pound Cake from The Cake Bible

This is falls somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. Mine was slightly dry. Liked the flavor - could up the spices a bit. Good use of leftover egg whites. more »
17th December 2023

jenncc reviewed Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Sally's Baking Addiction

These were as promised, soft and chewy, flavor is good and easy to throw together. My first batch spread a little too much perhaps because my dough got a little warm. I refrigerated the rest of the dough more »
17th December 2023

jenncc reviewed Honey Whole Wheat Rolls from Sally's Baking Addiction

Mine were "Four Stars" but this recipe deserves 5! I made the mistake of not covering with foil halfway into the bake (as is recommended in the recipe) and they got too brown. Still delicious, just more »
24th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Cranberry Lemon Bars from The New York Times

These were tart and tasty. I made them in a smaller pan to have nice thick, defined layers which worked out nicely. I liked, not loved, them, but others thought they were great. more »
24th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Double two-Apple Pie from Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe

Wanted to try a different Apple Pie for Thanksgiving, and because I love the Super Pumpkin-y Pumpkin Pie from this book, I thought I'd give the apple a try. It was good but still prefer the Apple- Brown... more »
24th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Best Ever Pie Crust from All Recipes

I never expected this to be "best ever", mostly due to the lack of butter (which IMO gives better flavor to a pie crust). I was short on butter and chose this all shortening crust recipe. It was very more »
18th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Malted Wheat Bread from King Arthur Flour

Followed the recipe exactly and was rewarded with a delicious loaf. Docked one star because the exterior/crust is a little soft (even after extra minutes in the oven). more »
16th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Worlds Best Lasagna from All Recipes

I have made this with meat, without meat (using mushrooms/veggies), with sausage, without sausage, with spicy sausage instead of sweet, etc.. I have even left out the tomato sauce, just using crushed more »
13th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies (Tosi) from The Splendid Table

This is a great recipe but docked a star here because oiling the pan did not work well for me. I baked some on a greased cookie sheet and some on parchment lined sheet. The cookies on the greased sheet more »
11th November 2023

jenncc reviewed Rice Pudding from The New York Times

This is delicious - creamy, comforting and just rich enough without the egg yolks. I made this with Arborio rice and it came out great using the same times, amounts etc. I was operating in an unfamiliar/not more »
1st November 2023

jenncc reviewed Pear Crumb Cake from The New York Times

I followed the recommendations of others and used twice as many pears, otherwise followed the recipe. Mine was cooked in about 55 minutes. It is probably a little denser than the cake pictured (due to more »
24th October 2023

jenncc reviewed Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Galette from Budget Bytes

This was easy and a nice twist on the delicious combination of lemon and blueberry. I used low fat cream cheese and my own pie crust recipe. more »
19th October 2023

jenncc reviewed Seeded Oat Bread from Sally's Baking Addiction

This was a tasty little loaf. It's a bit dense and mine could have used an extra pinch of salt (could have been my error?) but was certainly hearty and delicious. I let this rest overnight in the fridge more »
19th October 2023

jenncc reviewed Easy Banana Bread from The New York Times

I wanted to try this recipe to compare to my usual oil based recipe (Flour Bakery). This one is slightly less fussy, uses brown sugar and less sugar, and calls for double the sour cream (or creme fraiche). more »
16th October 2023

jenncc reviewed Portokalopita - Greek Orange Cake from Souvlaki For the Soul

This was a tasty bread pudding type of dessert. I did not expect this to puff up as much as it did - definitely did not look like the picture. I did notice this recipe called for more baking powder than more »
9th October 2023

jenncc added Souvlaki For the Soul

9th October 2023

jenncc reviewed Coconut Pound Cake from The New York Times

This is a wonderful little cake! It is moist and coconutty with the perfect crumb. I forgot to top with toasted coconut but after reading reviews this may be a good thing as some report it burned (topping more »
4th September 2023

jenncc reviewed Sweet Tart Dough from Dessert Person

This is a very simple, very good tart dough. I love her technique of rolling the dough into strips and pressing into the pan. And truthfully that is probably the only way to work with this very soft more »
2nd September 2023