Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Partnership Behind A Couple Cooks

Alex and Sonja Overhiser constitute the vibrant partnership behind the well-known culinary site, A Couple Cooks. As the authors of two celebrated cookbooks, busy parents, and an actual couple who share a love for cooking, they have established a platform that honors the delight of preparing and enjoying meals together.

The adventure of Alex and Sonja commenced in 2010 when they founded A Couple Cooks with the goal of sharing straightforward, seasonal recipes that anyone can savor. Over time, their website has expanded to include thousands of unique recipes, each made with care, tested on their family, and beautifully captured by the couple themselves.

Their cooking philosophy is rooted in ease and seasonality, emphasizing the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients to create delightful meals that can be easily duplicated at home. From speedy weeknight dinners to extravagant weekend gatherings, Alex and Sonja present a broad range of options that cater to varying tastes and dietary needs.

Beyond recipes, A Couple Cooks provides essential cooking tips and meal planning suggestions that assist readers in navigating the often daunting realm of home cooking. Whether you are an experienced chef or a kitchen beginner, their advice and insights make cooking a pleasurable and accessible endeavor.

Alex and Sonja’s cookbooks further enhance their culinary principles, providing readers with a concrete resource brimming with inspiration and actionable guidance. Their work reflects not only their expertise but also their authentic passion for food and the bonds it creates.

Through their website and publications, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have fostered a lively community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking. Their commitment to making cooking fun and approachable has turned A Couple Cooks into a cherished resource for anyone seeking to infuse more joy and flavor into their kitchen.

# Air Fryer Potatoes: The Quickest Roast Potatoes You Can Prepare

Air fryer potatoes are arguably the quickest roast potatoes you can prepare, making them an ideal side dish for any potluck or BBQ. These crunchy, crispy, garlic-onion air fryer potatoes have become a beloved snack for many. They provide a delightful alternative to conventional chips, offering a more fulfilling and thoughtful eating experience.

## The Allure of Air Fryer Potatoes

If you’re a fan of potatoes, air fryer potatoes are perfect for you! The air fryer eliminates the requirement to preheat the oven, yet produces results that are just as tasty—if not better. The circulating hot air forms a crispy outer layer while maintaining a tender interior. Moreover, air fryer potatoes are healthier than deep-fried alternatives, as they require very little oil. The cooking time in an air fryer is also reduced, thanks to its compact size, which heats up more quickly than a traditional oven.

## How to Prepare Air Fryer Potatoes

### Ingredients
– 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

### Instructions
1. **Prep**: Clean, dry, and halve your baby potatoes. If using larger potatoes, cut them into consistently sized pieces.
2. **Toss**: In a bowl, mix the cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Air Fry**: Put the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, stirring or shaking halfway through.
4. **Eat**: Take the potatoes out of the air fryer and savor them while hot!

## The Best Potatoes to Choose

Baby or new potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their small size and creamy texture. When halved, they provide both a smooth surface and a bit of skin for extra flavor. Regular potatoes can also be used, provided they are chopped into small, equal-sized pieces.

## Cooking Duration and Temperature

– **Cooking Time**: 20 minutes is adequate for achieving perfectly tender and creamy insides with a crispy, golden-brown surface.
– **Temperature**: The ideal temperature for air frying potatoes is 400°F.

## Flavor Variations

You can easily adjust the taste of your air fryer potatoes with an array of seasonings:
– **Ranch**: Incorporate 1 tsp each of buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dried dill, and onion powder.
– **BBQ**: Blend in 1 tsp each of smoked paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
– **Sour Cream and Onion**: Use 1 tsp each of buttermilk powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
– **Spicy**: Mix together 1 tsp each of smoked paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.
– **Everything Bagel**: Add 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning.

## Serving Ideas

Air fryer potatoes serve as a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses. They can enhance grilled meats, salads, or can even be enjoyed alone as a snack.

## Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
– **Calories**: 100
– **Total Fat**: 3.6g (6% DV)
– **Saturated Fat**: 0.5g (3% DV)
– **Cholesterol**: 0.01mg (0% DV)
– **Sodium**: 12mg (1% DV)
– **Potassium**: 482mg (14% DV)
– **Total Carbohydrates**: 15.1g (5% DV)
– **Dietary Fiber**: 2.9g (12% DV)
– **Sugars**: 0.4g (0% DV)
– **Protein**: 3.1g (6% DV)

These crunchy, crispy, garlic-onion air fryer potatoes are not only quick and simple to prepare but also a tasty and healthier substitute for traditional snacks. Relish them at your next gathering or as a gratifying treat any time!

A fast and fancy at-home cocktail you can serve all year long. Egg white included!
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### Hearty Pork and Beans Recipe

This recipe for pork and beans is a cozy dish that merges shredded pork roast, crunchy bacon, and robust canned beans, all baked together with a mix of seasonings to develop a sweet, smoky, and savory flavor profile. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this dish improves in flavor the following day, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals.

#### Flavor Profile
– **Sweet, Smoky, and Tangy**: The sauce enriched with traditional BBQ flavors elevates the beans and pork, producing a richness that is both satisfying and delightful.

#### Ingredient Swaps
– **Meat Alternatives**: If you have leftover ham, sausage, or pulled pork, don’t hesitate to swap them for bacon to make the dish your own.

#### Serving Suggestions
– Complement this dish with cornbread to absorb the savory sauce or serve it atop a bed of rice for a complete dish.

#### Make Ahead
– This dish can be assembled as much as two days before serving. Just cook, cool, and reheat when it’s time to serve.

### Hearty Ingredients for Pork and Beans

1. **Pork**: The mix of pork roast and diced bacon offers a flavorful foundation. For extra smokiness, consider using leftover ham or even hot dogs for a more economical alternative.

2. **Beans**: Canned baked beans provide ease and flavor, while adding navy beans contributes texture and heartiness. You can also include pinto or great northern beans as well.

3. **Sauce**: The sauce is composed of bacon, onion, and garlic simmered with ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, resulting in a thick, tangy-sweet base.

### Easy Variations

– **Hidden Veggies**: Enhance nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers, frozen corn, shredded zucchini, or diced carrots.

– **No Molasses?**: Replace it with maple syrup or honey for a similar sweetness.

– **Spicy Kick**: For those that prefer heat, stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

### Cooking Tips

– **Low and Slow**: Cooking the pork on low heat allows it to become tender and the sauce to thicken, infusing the beans with flavor.

– **Searing**: Brown the pork thoroughly before introducing any liquid to enhance the flavor with caramelized bits from the pan.

– **Bean Preparation**: Drain and rinse canned beans (except for baked beans) to manage saltiness and prevent a gummy texture.

– **Pork Preparation**: Searing the pork develops a golden crust that enhances the flavor. Cut the shoulder into pieces for uniform roasting.

### Storing and Saving
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the mix is too thick. For prolonged storage, freeze portions in zippered bags or freezer-safe containers for up to six months.

### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 222
– **Carbohydrates**: 24g
– **Protein**: 16g
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Sodium**: 496mg
– **Fiber**: 1g
– **Sugar**: 20g

This delicious pork and beans recipe is not only versatile but also simple to prepare, making it a favorite for any home cook aiming to delight family and friends with a comforting meal.