Melissa Johnson Recipes

05/07/2026

03/28/2025

Delicious recipe for Lasagna Bolognese with Ground Beef, perfect for a special lunch or dinner! 🍽️✨
Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce
500g ground beef (rump or chuck)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 grated carrot (optional, for a sweet touch)

1 can (400g) chopped peeled tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the White Sauce (Bechamel)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons wheat flour

500ml milk

1 pinch nutmeg

Salt and black pepper to taste

Assembly
300g lasagna pasta (pre-cooked or fresh)

300g sliced ​​or grated mozzarella cheese

100g grated parmesan cheese

Preparation
Bolognese Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion until translucent.

Add the garlic and grated carrot and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Add the ground beef and cook until golden brown.

Mix in the tomato paste and sauté for 1 minute to intensify the flavor.

Add the peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, oregano, black pepper and bay leaf.

Simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you get a thick sauce.

White Sauce (Béchamel)
In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the wheat flour, stirring for 1 minute to form a roux.

Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Cook until thickened and season with salt, black pepper and nutmeg.

Assembling the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 200°C.

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom.

Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles.

Add more Bolognese sauce, followed by white sauce and a layer of mozzarella.

Repeat the layers until finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.

Extra Tip
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting so that it becomes firmer.

Serve with a green salad and enjoy! 😋🍷

03/24/2025

Gourmet Burger with Huge Meat and Special Sauce 🍔🔥

If you're a burger fan and want something really impressive, this recipe is for you! A juicy burger with giant meat, full of flavor and perfect texture.

Ingredients: (For 1 giant hamburger)
For the meat:
300g of ground beef (blend of sirloin and rib-eye or pork steak and sirloin for more flavor)

50g ground bacon (optional, for extra juiciness)

1 teaspoon ground coarse salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional, enhances the flavor of the meat)

For the special sauce:
3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 pinch brown sugar

To assemble
1 large, sturdy brioche bun 🍞

2 slices of aged cheddar cheese 🧀

3 slices of crispy bacon 🥓

1 slice of tomato 🍅

2 crispy lettuce leaves 🥬

3 pickle slices (optional, for a sweet and sour touch)

Ingredients: (For 1 giant burger)
For the meat:
300g of ground beef (blend of sirloin and rib-eye or pork steak and sirloin for more flavor)

50g ground bacon (optional, for extra juiciness)

1 teaspoon ground coarse salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional, enhances the flavor of the meat)

For the special sauce:
3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 pinch brown sugar

To assemble
1 large, sturdy brioche bun 🍞

Directions
1. Preparing the meat
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with the ground bacon (if using).

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dijon mustard. Mix everything gently, without kneading too much so as not to lose the juiciness.

Shape a large, thick burger, at least 2 cm high and 14 cm in diameter. Make a slight depression in the center of the burger with your fingers to prevent it from shrinking on the griddle.

Let the meat rest in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up and intensify the flavor.

2. Preparing the special sauce
Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

Refrigerate while the burger is being prepared.

3. Grilling the burger
Heat a griddle or iron skillet over high heat until hot.

Brush a little butter or oil on the surface.

Place the burger on it and don't move it for 3-4 minutes to form a caramelized crust.

Turn and grill the other side for another 3 minutes.

In the last 2 minutes, place the cheddar cheese on top and cover the pan to melt it well.

4. Assembling the monster!
Cut the brioche bun in half and brown in the pan for 1 minute.

Spread the special sauce on both halves of the bun.

Add the lettuce and tomato slice to the base.

Place the gigantic meat with the melted cheese.

Add the crispy bacon slices and pickles.

Close with the top of the bun and get ready for the best bite of your life! 🤤

Gourmet Tip:
🛑 Want an extra touch? Add a caramelized onion or a fried egg with soft yolk on top of the meat!

🔥 Do you want it smoked? Use a blowtorch or put wood chips on the griddle while you grill!

This burger is huge, juicy and full of flavor, perfect to impress any meat lover. If you make it, let me know how it turns out! 😍🍔🔥

03/21/2025

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Garlic and Lemon! 🍤🍝

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):
250g spaghetti noodles
300g cleaned shrimp (medium or large)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves minced garlic
Juice of 1 Sicilian lemon
Zest of 1 Sicilian lemon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Calabrian pepper (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/2 cup cream (optional, for a creamier version)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or cilantro to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Directions:

Cook the pasta:

In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil.

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water and drain the rest.

Prepare the shrimp:

Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and half of the lemon juice.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add the shrimp.

Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until pink. Remove and set aside.

Sauce and finishing:

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until lightly browned.

If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and reduce for 1 minute.

Add the chili flakes (if desired), the remaining lemon juice, and the zest.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
Add the drained spaghetti and a little of the cooking water to help coat the sauce.
If you want a creamy version, add the cream and mix well.
Finish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately, accompanied by a good white wine! 🍷😋

03/17/2025

CLASSIC TIRAMISU
Ingredients (Serves 6 to 8)
Mascarpone Cream:
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
250g mascarpone cheese
200ml fresh cream (very cold)
1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)

Assembly:
200ml strong coffee (espresso or boiled)
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or rum (optional)
200g champagne biscuits (or savoiardi)
Cocoa powder for sprinkling

Preparation Method
1. Preparing the Mascarpone Cream
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until a white, fluffy cream forms.
Add the mascarpone and gently whisk until incorporated.
In another bowl, beat the fresh cream until stiff peaks form.
With consistency, incorporate the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, using gentle movements to maintain lightness.
Add vanilla essence, if desired.

2. Assembling the Tiramisu
Mix the coffee with the liqueur (if using) and let cool.
Quickly dip the biscuits in the coffee (without filling them) and place a layer on the bottom of a baking dish.
Cover with half of the mascarpone cream.
Repeat the process with another layer of moistened biscuits and finish with the remaining cream.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally leave it overnight to enhance the flavors).

3. Finishing
Before serving, sprinkle cocoa powder generously over the tiramisu using a sieve.
For an extra touch, add dark chocolate shavings or coffee beans.

This dessert is creamy, balanced and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion! 😍🇮🇹✨

03/15/2025

Oven-Baked Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce and Sesame Seeds

Ingredients:
1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork ribs
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
200g (3/4 cup) barbecue sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 sprig of rosemary (optional)

Instructions:
Prepare the ribs:

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if necessary.
Season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil.
Let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or ideally 4 hours in the fridge).
Bake the ribs:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the ribs on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, bone side down.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.

Glaze with barbecue sauce:

Mix the barbecue sauce with honey and apple cider vinegar.
Remove the aluminum foil and brush the sauce over the ribs.
Increase the temperature to 220°C (425°F) and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until caramelized.
Final touch:

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Carrot, Green Leaf, and Cherry Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
2 medium carrots, grated
1 cup arugula or lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the carrots, green leaves, and cherry tomatoes.
In a small container, mix olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss well.
Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Plating:
Serve the sliced ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Add the fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Enjoy this delicious dish! 😋🔥

03/12/2025

Carrot Cake with Chocolate Frosting! 🥕🍫

Ingredients
For the cake:
3 medium carrots (approx. 250g), peeled and chopped
3 eggs
1 cup (tea) of oil
1 and 1/2 cups (tea) of sugar
2 cups (tea) of wheat flour
1 tablespoon (soup) of baking powder
For the chocolate frosting:
1/2 cup (tea) of milk
3 tablespoons (soup) of chocolate powder or cocoa
2 tablespoons (soup) of butter
1/2 cup (tea) of sugar
Preparation
Cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a medium pan with butter and flour.
In a blender, beat the carrots, eggs and oil until you get a homogeneous mixture.
In a bowl, mix the sugar and wheat flour. Add the mixture from the blender and stir well.
Add the baking powder and mix gently.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the cake.
Topping:
In a saucepan, heat the milk, cocoa powder, butter and sugar, stirring constantly.
Cook until the mixture thickens slightly (approx. 5 minutes).
Pour the still-hot topping over the already-baked cake.
Tip: For a creamier topping, add 1 carton of heavy cream after turning off the heat.
Now all you have to do is enjoy this fluffy and delicious cake!
😋🍰.

03/11/2025

Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes!

Ingredients:
250g pasta
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
½ cup diced feta or mozzarella cheese (optional)
¼ cup sliced ​​black olives (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or basil

Directions:
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Steam or boil the broccoli for about 3 minutes, just until tender and still vibrant. Drain and cool in cold water to retain color.
Toss the pasta, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
Prepare the dressing: mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
Add the dressing to the salad and mix well.
Add cheese and olives if desired.
Serve cold or at room temperature.
This salad is light, nutritious and can be served as a side dish or main course.😋

03/10/2025

Strawberry Cheesecake 🍓
Ingredients:
Base:
200g of cornstarch cookies
100g of melted butter
Recipe:
500g of cream cheese
1 can of condensed milk (395g)
1 box of cream (200g)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
1 envelope of colorless gelatin (12g) + 5 tablespoons of water
Topping:
300g of chopped strawberries
½ cup of sugar
Juice of ½ lemon

Preparation method:
1. Preparing the base:
Crush the cookies in a blender or food processor until they become flour.
Mix with the melted butter until a moist dough forms.
Line the bottom of a 20 cm diameter cake pan, and cover well.
Place in the freezer while you prepare the filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
Soak the gelatin in water and microwave for 15 seconds to dissolve.
In a blender, beat the cream cheese, condensed milk, cream, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.
Add the dissolved gelatin and beat a little more.
Pour over the cookie base and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.

3. Preparing the topping:
In a saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, sugar and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat until a thick syrup forms (approximately 10 minutes).
Let cool completely and pour over the cheesecake that has set.

Finishing:
Carefully unmold and serve chilled.
Decorate with whole strawberries for a special touch!
This cheesecake is super creamy and the combination of sweet and sour strawberries is irresistible! 😋🍓

03/09/2025

Roast Pork Loin with Rustic Potatoes and Bacon Flour

Roast Pork Loin
Ingredients:
1 piece of pork loin (1.2 kg)
3 chopped garlic cloves
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
Sprigs of rosemary and thyme

Directions:
Season the loin with garlic, lemon juice, mustard, soy sauce, paprika, salt, pepper and olive oil. Leave to marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).
Preheat the oven to 200°C .
Place the loin on a tray, pour over the white wine and add sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, basting with the stock from the tray until golden brown.
Leave to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Rustic Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 large unpeeled potatoes, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Rosemary sprigs

Directions:
Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain.
In a baking dish, mix the potatoes with olive oil, salt, paprika and pepper.
Distribute the rosemary sprigs on top and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

Bacon Farofa
Ingredients
100g chopped bacon
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 chopped onion
1 cup cassava flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green smell
Directions:
In a frying pan, fry the bacon until golden brown. Set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until wilted.
Add the cassava flour, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.
Stir in the fried bacon, adjust the salt and pepper and finish with the green peppercorns.
Assembling the dish
Arrange the loin slices on the plate.
Serve with the rustic potatoes and a portion of farofa.
If desired, finish with a herb or chimichurri sauce.

Enjoy! 🍽😋

03/08/2025

Gourmet Cheese Balls

Ingredients:
For the dough:

500ml milk
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablet of chicken stock (optional)
Salt to taste
2 cups sifted wheat flour
1 egg yolk

For the filling:
300g diced mozzarella cheese
100g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon of cream cheese (to make it creamier)

For breading:
2 beaten eggs
1 cup panko (or traditional) breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Directions:
Preparing the dough:

In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter, chicken stock and salt.
As soon as it comes to the boil, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until it forms a homogeneous mass and comes away from the bottom of the pan.
Remove from the heat and add the egg yolk, mixing well to incorporate.
Allow the dough to cool slightly before shaping.

Assemble the balls:

Take small portions of the dough, roll them out in your hand and fill them with a cube of mozzarella and a little Parmesan cheese.
Close tightly and shape into balls.

Breading:
Roll each ball in beaten egg and then in panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy breading.

Frying:

Heat the oil over medium heat and fry the balls until golden and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Finishing:
Serve hot and, if you like, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
This recipe is perfect as a snack or starter for a special occasion. If you want to innovate, you can mix different types of cheese into the filling, such as gorgonzola, provolone or brie. 😋