Chef Boiled His Wife for Days to Conceal Murder

For 12 years, Chef David Viens maintained silence over the horrific reality of his wife's brutal demise.

In his 2013 trial for the second-degree murder of his spouse, Dawn, Viens stated, “I loved my wife; I didn’t cook my wife.” He was found guilty and received a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment. Twelve years into his incarceration, during a parole hearing, the restaurant owner from South told his story again. California Finally disclosed how he had 'cooked' his victim following her demise and subsequently disposed of her liquefied remains by pouring them into his eatery's grease trap.

In October 2009, Dawn, who worked as a hostess at Viens' restaurant, disappeared without a trace. The owner of Thyme Contemporary Café, Viens, informed his employees that she had departed following an incident where he insisted she get treatment for substance abuse issues. This explanation raised eyebrows among the staff members when they discovered Dawn’s vehicle parked at their residence in Torrance. Adding to the mystery, Dawn did not retrieve money she had entrusted to a friend—several hundred dollars intended for use should she and her spouse separate.

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When she received texts purportedly from Dawn stating that she couldn’t take her to a medical appointment due to an incorrectly spelled nickname, my friend became concerned. The messages also indicated that Dawn appeared oblivious to her friend’s battle with cancer, further heightening suspicions.

Lastly, Dawn's concerned sister, Dayna Papin, submitted a missing person’s report. When Dawn's acquaintances, the duo Karen Patterson and Mike Wade, inquired with Viens about his wife's vanishing act at his eatery, he appeared “exhausted.” Subsequently, it came to light that the cause behind Viens' unkempt appearance was because he had disposed of Dawn's remains just prior to their confrontation.

In August 2010, homicide investigators assumed control of the missing persons case following the discovery of blood spatters within the couple’s previous residence. Upon learning that he was under suspicion for his spouse's disappearance, Viens attempted suicide by leaping from an 80-foot high cliff at Pelican Cove.

The botched suicide led to severe injuries, such as multiple fractures. After confessing to being involved in the incident, Viens revealed what happened. The police then used tools like shovels and brought in cadaver dogs to tear apart the floor and walls of the café, searching intensively for traces of Dawn, though they discovered nothing.

After he ultimately admitted to disposing of his wife’s remains gruesomely, Viens stated: “I used some items such as weights that we typically employ and placed them over her body. Then, I gradually heated it until she was eventually cooked for four consecutive days.”

Viens asserted that her remains were deliberately positioned alongside other refuse in the dumpster behind the café. He mentioned that since her cranium stayed whole, he secreted it away in his mother’s loft; however, it hasn't resurfaced. According to Viens, during the incident, following a dispute with his spouse—who he claimed was behaving recklessly due to alcohol consumption, cocaine use, and being intoxicated—he used duct tape to secure her mouth, hands, and feet. Despite hearing her claim she could not breathe, he disregarded her cries for help. Taking an Ambien later, he slept through the night only to find upon waking up that she had succumbed to asphyxiation.

“I didn’t intend to kill her,” Viens stated to the parole board in 2024, describing the incident as an outcome of “a drunken outburst within the cycle of domestic abuse.” He added that his behavior—his reckless indifference toward her well-being—led to her death.

The first admission came two years following the homicide — where Vivens admitted to encapsulating his spouse’s remains within several plastic sacks and transporting them to his workplace — was replayed during the trial. This prompted the accused individual to retract his previous statements, asserting that they were not accurate as he had allegedly experienced hallucinations when making those claims initially.

However, he dismissed that unconvincing argument during the September hearing, expressing to his wife’s relatives that his conduct made him feel “terrible, embarrassed, appalling.” This honest confession was coupled with an apology to the victim's family and provided previously undisclosed details about the case. This occurred over ten years prior when law enforcement could not locate a body.

Dawn's sibling, Dayna Papin, was among multiple family members present during Viens' much-anticipated admission. However, everyone at the scene doubted that the inmate confessed sincerely; instead, they suspected he aimed to appear deserving of leniency before the California Parole Board panel. Even though he admitted guilt and expressed regret, portraying himself as someone fit for an earlier release, his application was denied.

“I contemplated suicide,” Viens told the three-member panel, as stated in a transcript acquired by The Mercury News. “I returned to the house where Dawn’s body was — the sun was beginning to set — and I experienced a panic attack; I was completely losing my composure,” he stated.

I was speaking aloud to myself, ‘Oh my goodness, you must take action. You absolutely have to do something.’ It was at that instant that I recalled seeing something on television. Right then, I resolved to proceed with boiling the remains.

“I felt terrified; panic set in. I had just moved to Los Angeles and barely knew anyone. Earlier that day, I had deceived everyone about her departure,” he added. “I committed this act and now I’m filled with remorse.” Following his confession, the victim’s relatives spoke to Mercury News expressing their wish for Viens to stay incarcerated.

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4 Surprising Foods That Belong Outside Your Fridge

Low temperatures can indeed harm certain types of fresh produce.

The most disappointing aspect of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables is seeing them deteriorate quickly within your fridge drawers and eventually being discarded. You could inadvertently accelerate their spoiling due to incorrect storage methods. Surprisingly enough, certain types of fruit and vegetables should not be kept in the cold environment of a refrigerator.

On average, Americans discard about 6.2 cups of food weekly, and nobody wishes to toss out both their food and cash into the trash. Efficiently storing fresh produce can significantly reduce this wastage. Additionally, having a strategy for using perishable items increases the likelihood of consuming them before they spoil, thereby allowing you to enjoy the nutritional advantages they offer. Here are four types of fruit and veggies that should not be refrigerated along with recommendations on alternative storage methods.

Related: The Optimal Method for Storing Fruits and Vegetables

Tomatoes

If you have experience growing tomatoes, you understand that they thrive in warmth and despise the cold. This preference persists even once they’re picked from the plant; they continue to dislike cool temperatures. Storing them in the refrigerator isn’t recommended as it can affect their flavor negatively. If you choose to refrigerate them anyway, you'll likely end up with less tasty tomatoes. perfect tomatoes Transform into a soft letdown. They will remain suitable for cooking, yet won’t be ideal for consuming raw. Rather than refrigerating, keep them on the countertop away from direct sunlight and relish them once they reach ripeness.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs Similar to basil, parsley and cilantro should not be kept in the fridge. Storing these herbs in a cold place such as a refrigerator for long durations makes them wilt more quickly. To preserve their freshness optimally, treat them akin to fresh-cut flowers by keeping them at room temperature. You can maintain a new bundle of basil by placing it in a jar of water—refresh this water daily or bi-daily—and ensure it’s out of direct sunlight. Loosely covering it with a plastic bag aids in retaining moisture; however, remember to leave the bag slightly open to permit airflow.

Bananas

Bananas Like a pleasant moderate temperature, since they originate from tropical regions. If you refrigerate bananas, it slows their ripening but causes the peel to become brown. This browning is known as chilling injury, leading to a bitter taste and quicker deterioration. For optimal storage, keep bananas at room temperature away from direct sunlight—ideally near your tomatoes.

Onions

Onions Don’t let those onions emerge from the soil wrapped in their delicate paper-like covering. They require a dry atmosphere to maintain their exterior shell and should thus be stored in a pantry rather than a humid refrigerator. Insufficient airflow promotes decay, as does keeping them close to potatoes, since spuds emit moisture and gases that accelerate onion deterioration. Keep your onions in a spot that’s cool, dry, dark, and properly ventilated instead. In contrast, scallions and chives possess greater water content, get damaged more readily, and have less longevity; therefore, store these particular alliums refrigerated.

Related: 5 Common Fruit Storage Errors You Might Be Overlooking, Says a Specialist

The Bottom Line

Storing certain produce outside the refrigerator can enhance both their quality and longevity. Items such as avocados and stone fruits can remain on the countertop to fully mature before being transferred to the fridge to decelerate further ripening. Therefore, place firm, unripened avocados, peaches, and similar stone fruits on your counter until they reach optimal ripeness; subsequently move these fruits to the refrigerator if you won’t consume them immediately. The same rule applies to any sliced fruits or vegetables—you should keep them refrigerated for future consumption.

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Resep Cepat Sayur Asem: Nikmat dan Segar Hanya Dalam 30 Menit

Siapa yang tak menyukai sayuran asam? Sayur asem merupakan salah satu masakan tradisional Indonesia yang membangkitkan selera makan. Hidangan ini pas dijadikan pilihan untuk makan siang, dinikmati bersamaan dengan nasi panas dan sambal teri kacang.

Dalam setengah jam, Anda sudah dapat menghidangkan masakan sayur asem di atas meja. Nah Jika Anda mau menyajikan sayur asem yang sederhana, coba ikuti saja resep serta petunjuk simpel berikut ini.

Resep Sayur Asem Jawa

Menyukai penambahan asam jawa pada sayuran? Coba masak sayur asem Jawa agar menyajikan hidangan yang lebih lezat.

Bahan Utama:

• 1 ikat kacang panjang, dipotong menurut keinginan Anda
• 2 buah jagung manis, dipotong menjadi 4 atau 5 bagian
• 150 gram kacang tanah
• 100 gram melinjo muda
• 1 buah labu sementara, dipotong menjadi dadu atau menurut keinginan Anda
• 5 cm lengkuas, dimemarkan
• 1 sendok makan cuka jawa
• 1 buah tomat, dipotong jadi empat bagian
• gula merah secukupnya
• garam secukupnya
• air secukupnya
• kaldu ayam bubuk secukupnya

Bahan Halus:

• 5 biji cabai merah, angkat danbuang isinya
• 3 buah cabai rawit
• 5 siung bawang putih
• 7 siung bawah merah
• 5 buah kemiri (secukupnya)
• 4 cm kunyit

Langkah-langkah untuk menyiapkan sayur asam Jawa:

1. Tuangi dengan jumlah air yang cukup lalu pemanaskan pancinya.
2. Didinginkan air sampai mencapai titik didih. Setelah itu, campurkan seluruh bahan bumbu yang telah dihaluskan serta beri garam dan gula merah sesuai dengan kebutuhan.
3. Rebus semua bahan sampai mencapai tingkat keematangan separuh. Kemudian tambahkan komposisi seperti jagung manis, biji melinjo, labu siam, serta kacang panjang.
4. Diamkan sampai racikan rempah menyerap dan seluruh bahannya sudah masak.
5. Masukkan bahan tambahan seperti terasi, tomatserta lengkuas.
6. Agar semakin lezat, beri kaldu ayam bubuk dan masak sampai aromanya keluar.
7. Sayuran asam Jawa sudah siap disajikan di atas meja.

Resep Sayuran Asam dengan Kacang Merah Versi Jawa

Siapa bilang sayur asem nggak Bolehkah menambahkan kacang merah? Tentu saja boleh dan sangat sesuai, kok.

Bahan-bahan:

• 50 gram kacang merah, direndam sepanjang malam.
• 2 lembar daun salam
• 2 cm lengkuas
• 1 buah tomat, dipotong jadi 4 bagian
• 3 buah cabai keriting
• 2 siung bawang merah, dipotong halus
• 2 siung bawang putih, dipotong halus
• 3 buah cabai keriting
• 2 bulatan gula merah
• 1 takar gula pasir
• 1 batang daun bawang, dipotong halus
• Garam serta penyedap rasa, sesuai selera
• Air asam jawa, secukupnya

Berikut adalah langkah-langkah untuk membuat sayur asem dengan tambahan kacang merah Jawa:
1. Cuci bersih semua bahan.
2. Rebus air dalam panci besar hingga mendidih.
3. Masukkan jagung dan kacang panjang ke dalam air yang sudah mendidih.
4. Tambahkan labu siam setelah beberapa menit.
5. Berikan garam secukupnya sesuai selera.
6. Setelah semuanya empuk, masukan daun melinjo dan sayuran sawi.
7. Aduk rata lalu matikan api.
8. Sayur asem Anda telah siap disajikan.
Selamat mencoba!

1. Rebus air bersama bawang putih, bawang merah, jahe, daun salam, serta kacang sampai sudah setengah lembut.
2. Tambahkan rempah-rempah berikutnya lalu tes dan sesuaikan rasanya.
3. Masak hingga seluruh bahannya lunak dan meresap.
4. Letakkan di tengah meja bersama hidangan pendamping lainnya.

Cara Memasak Sayur Asem Khas Sunda Versi Bening

Bedanya dengan sayuran asam biasa, sayuran asam Sunda yang kadang dikenal sebagai sayuran asam bening memiliki kuah yang lebih jernih dan bahan-bahannya tidak secukupnya seperti dalam versi standarnya.

Bahan Utama:

• 3 sendok makan melinjo
• 2 sendok makan kenari
• 4 batang kacang panjang, iris menurut keinginan Anda
• 1 buah jagung manis, iris menurut keinginan
• 1 genggam daun melinjo
• ½ bagian labu siam, dikupas lalu dipotong menjadi dadu
• 
  Jus buah naga segar dengan irisan jeruk nipis untuk hiasan atasannya.
  Maaf, tampaknya ada kesalahan dalam permintaan Anda karena kalimat yang diberikan sudah berbahasa Indonesia dan tidak mengandung informasi tentang bagaimana cara memasak atau menggunakan nangka muda seperti pada contoh aslinya. Berikut adalah versi yang dimaksudkan menurut instruksi awal:
  "Nangka muda secukupnya, dipotong sesuai selera lalu direbus."
• Air secukupnya

Bumbu Utuh:

• 2 buah asam jawa, direndang dengan air mendidih
• 1 ruas lengkuas, dimemarkan

Bumbu Halus:

• 5 siung bawang merah
• 2 siung bawang putih
• 2 buah cabai merah besar
• 2 sendok teh terasi (goreng sebentar)
• 1 sendok makan gula jawa
• Garam dan gula secukupnya

Cara memasak sayur asem sunda bening:

1. Siramkan air ke dalam panci dengan jumlah yang cukup lalu didihkan.
2. Masukkan bahan-bahan seperti labu siam, melinjo, jagung, dan kacang tanah ke dalam air yang sudah mendidih
3. Tumis sampai separuh matang lalu tambahkan bumbu yang sudah dihaluskan beserta lengkuas.
4. Tambahkan ke dalam campuran kacang panjang, nangka yang sudah direbus, serta daun melinjo. Setelah itu, beri garam dan gula sesuai selera.
5. Taste-adjustment. Setelah sesuai, angkat dan sajikan.

ternyata ada berbagai macam pilihan resep untuk membuat sayur asem. ya . Dimanakah resep untuk memasak sayuran asam kesukaanmu, Bela? Semoga berhasil dicoba dan dinikmati bersama keluargamu dalam menyantap hidangan sejuk ini.

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How to Select the Perfect Benchtop for Your Kitchen

It appears that discussions often revolve around kitchens and how they are utilized – which is justified. Kitchens stand out as among the most functional areas within a house, heavily trafficked zones that also serve as gathering spots.

However, it must still maintain a stylish appearance since it serves as the heart of the home. As one of the most frequently used features in your house, the kitchen benchtop faces constant challenges like grease marks and wine spills (trust me, I know). Given the vast array of options available, selecting one that perfectly matches your specific requirements can be quite daunting.

With limitations in funding and visual effects at stake, numerous factors come into play when making your selection. the right kitchen benchtop For the core area of your living space, particularly if you're embarking on a significant renovation kitchen renovation .

Looking to get clarity on kitchen benchtops? Continue reading for our comprehensive guide.

Top choices for kitchen countertop materials

It’s tempting to fall for the allure of selecting the priciest option available, but it’s crucial to stay informed about recent advancements in the marketplace—some new arrivals might just rival the time-honored favorites.

Ranging from classic favorites to modern options, we've outlined the advantages and disadvantages of the top kitchen benchtop materials.

Natural stone

There’s nothing like genuine stone when it comes to aesthetics – from its inherent variations in color and surface feel to how a single large piece can dominate an area and define a space.

Granite boasts an exquisite appearance and typically appears at the top tier in terms of design quality. kitchen budget Spectrum. Granite boasts exceptional toughness and is available in classic shades. Its durability ensures it will last longer than most household items within the family. Additionally, it offers an array of attractive colors. Nonetheless, since granite is supplied in large pieces, expect visible seams on your countertop surface. Furthermore, due to its permeable nature, regular sealing is essential to prevent staining; this process needs periodic repetition.

Alternative choices among natural stones encompass limestone, known for its softness and rich variety in color, texture, and hue, providing a contemporary and polished appearance. Another option is marble, essentially a more durable version of limestone, that commands an elegant presence and remains highly desirable.

Nevertheless, marble falls short when compared to granite in terms of toughness and can easily become stained, chipped, cracked, and scratched. It reacts badly with acidic substances, requiring prompt cleanup of spills; thus, it appeals particularly to those fond of cleaning duties (despite being incompatible with certain cleansers).

Alice Ko states, "There’s an inherent value in utilizing natural stone. Each slab is distinct, making every piece one-of-a-kind and visually appealing. This can turn your design project into a masterpiece." Artedomus .

There is a vast array of various stones available, and the smartest move would be to source from top suppliers like Artedomus , CDK Stone and Skheme , and see for yourself.

• Stone is porous and all natural stone will need a sealer and some regular upkeep. Acidic foods and stains can damage stone, so I recommend sealing your benchtops at least once a year.

• Keep clear of softer stones like soapstone and limestone if you're aiming to be a serious competitor on MasterChef and use your kitchen frequently.

• A properly cared-for natural stone benchtop can endure for many years. Expect to shell out significant money for premium materials like high-grade marble and custom quartz, yet a basic granite option might be priced at around $700 per square meter.

Points to remember

Concrete

Handcrafted concrete graces our Pinterest boards and glossy magazines. From subtle pastels to vibrant terrazzo , a concrete benchtop is no longer just a dull gray block cast by hardworking men dressed in high-visibility gear and boots (my apologies to all concrete workers). Instead, it has become an intricate craft, harmonizing the rugged with the sophisticated.

Concrete is typically poured on site using selected aggregates and oxides (such as stones and colors), however, increasingly often, specialized craftsmen are producing bespoke items at external locations. Covet and Skheme provide stunning terrazzo options, whereas Concreate and 2 Barrows The best locations to begin with for on-site concrete pouring are here.

• Just like any other permeable rock, concrete requires annual sealing along with routine maintenance. It adapts well to outdoor settings provided it gets occasional cleaning.

• Reinforced concrete, being particularly weighty, might necessitate the inclusion of extra structural elements.

• Similar to any bespoke construction project, a concrete benchtop is ideally handled by experts and can come with a price tag exceeding $1000 per square metre.

Points to remember

Timber

Timber benchtops have been experiencing a revival, particularly due to the rise in popularity of mid-century modern design Still, without constructing a kitchen reminiscent of a post-war butcher shop, wood can prove challenging to manage. It scratches, discolors, and is susceptible to damage — yet it develops an attractive aged look that’s difficult to imitate. So, don’t worry too much about dings in your wooden countertop; the charm of timber often grows better with use and years.

"Wood is frequently an eco-friendly material to use," states Graeme Metcalf. Dan Kitchens Australia It stands out visually and complements both contemporary and classic kitchen designs.

Wood tends to get scratched and scorched easily; however, the positive aspect is that you can fix any damages by sanding down the affected area followed by recoating with either oil or polyurethane. Regular upkeep will be necessary to maintain its look.

Sparse-growth hardwoods are ideal due to their density and lack of open pores, which prevent them from absorbing moisture easily. Always make sure the wood is FSC certified and sourced sustainably.

When it comes to cost, prefabricated countertops fall into the more budget-friendly category, whereas bespoke options crafted from exclusive or uncommon woods tend to be priced higher on the scale.

• Opt for a lightweight matte oil to seal the surface rather than using heavy polyurethane. Osmo produces top-notch sealants that are crafted to highlight the wood’s features and safeguard your valuable asset.

• Should they get damaged, timber benchtops can be refinished through sanding.

• The cost of timber fluctuates, and its limited availability has driven prices higher. Expect to pay over $1000 per square metre for completed work.

Points to remember

Stainless steel

For many years, this has been the cornerstone of bustling commercial kitchens globally. However, through smart design and adding elements of softness and warmth, a stainless-steel kitchen can seamlessly integrate into any residential space.

Durable and highly sanitary, steel can be shaped into sinks and countertops, closing off tiny spaces where germs typically flourish. Despite having an overtly industrial appearance, steel can complement smoother and less conspicuous materials for a balanced look. Do not use stainless as a result. splashback As scratches are more difficult to conceal.

• Stainless steel appears particularly impressive in a 10mm thick-solid steel design.

• If you desire a 'fresh' appearance, stainless steel can be readily refinished.

• It comes at a premium price, starting around $1000 per square metre.

Points to remember

Laminate

If you’re on the lighter side of the budget spectrum A laminated benchtop can offer the appearance and texture akin to a pricier choice. This material consists of multiple layers of paper bonded onto particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), then sealed with a protective coating of melamine. You can find it in virtually every design imaginable, ranging from realistic stone finishes to Scandinavian and modern aesthetics. industrial .

Traditionally, laminates have been considered a more affordable option compared to wood and stone. However, recent advancements have ensured that they now match higher-end materials in terms of appearance, texture, and usability.

"Laminates have made significant progress in recent years and offer an excellent, budget-friendly option," he states. Jono Fleming An interior stylist mentioned, "These options offer a vast array of hues and designs, providing a robust, enduring, and reliable surface for your countertop."

This material resists stains and most marks can easily be removed from it. Nevertheless, dropping items onto it may cause chipping. Once the melamine surface breaks, water has the potential to penetrate beneath it, leading to swelling.

Laminate is the most budget friendly Among them, Laminex and Formica are the top brands.

As an exemplary tale of Australian achievement, Laminex The selection includes countless choices that cater to all styles and aesthetics. Among these, Figured Limestone stands out like a designer’s utopia; it complements any wood shade effortlessly and brings about a feeling of tranquility wherever it is used.

• Laminate does not stain easily.

• It's far from perfect when dealing with heat or scratches.

• The prices begin at just $150 per square metre.

Points to remember

Porcelain

Thanks to its nearly unbreakable quality and extensive range of finish options, porcelain is rapidly gaining popularity as the crème de la crème in countertops. This ultra-flexible material stands out due to its light weight, resistance to heat, ease of maintenance, and suitability for outdoor applications.

Ceramic porcelain can handle significant temperature changes, making it ideal for areas near stovetops and exposed flames. However, since it is available in slimmer sizes compared to engineered or natural stones, it might be more challenging and consequently pricier to install. Smartstone and Dekton It seems like you've pretty much nailed down the range aspect.

• Ceramic is among the most durable materials available today.

• It’s amazingly resistant to heat.

• Since it is a high-end item, it comes with a top-tier cost, beginning at $500 per square metre just for the supply.

Points to remember

Solid surface

A solid-surface benchtop consists of formed acrylic resin created using resins and minerals mixed with an alumina filler. This material appears smooth and unblemished. Additionally, it has a translucency that allows for backlighting, adding a distinctive visual impact. As it is manufactured artificially, this versatile substance finds use across numerous applications; however, it is particularly popular as a choice for kitchen countertops.

"Solid surfaces offer seamless design possibilities," according to Simona Castagna. Minosa Design You can get long stretches of countertop that look like one continuous piece, without any visible seams or joints for the sink areas. This makes cleaning easier as there are fewer spots where dirt can accumulate. In my opinion, this looks great. The surface isn’t rough; it has a smooth, silky feel.

Smooth surfaces are simple to clean, hygienic, nonporous, and occasionally recyclable. These countertops can be fixed by an expert should they get scratched or dented. Additionally, they resist ultraviolet light, making them suitable for various applications. outdoor kitchens .

The primary attractions include the absence of joints or miter cuts involving several parts, along with the capability for thermally forming the solid surface to produce various shapes. This allows for manufacturing countertops as single, uninterrupted sections regardless of their dimensions. Additionally, sinks can be seamlessly molded directly into the countertop, and superficial scratches can be quickly polished away without much effort.

Disadvantages include the relatively restricted range, the cushioned surface of the workbench being too yielding, and its susceptibility to temperature changes.

Corian and Laminex Offering the top-notch items currently available in Australia might come with a higher price tag, particularly when you're looking for hues that aren’t common.

• A solid-surface benchtop isn’t ideal for placing hot pots and pans directly on it, but it’s relatively simple to fix any scratches that appear. Additionally, it boasts excellent hygiene properties.

• The mid-range price begins around $500 for each square meter.

Points to remember

The post What to consider when selecting the perfect countertop for your kitchen appeared first on Homes To Love .

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Crave-Worthy Pesto Vegetable Bake: A Game-Changing Recipe

This delightful recipe brings together the deliciousness of zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and spinach, all enveloped in a fragrant basil pesto dressing. It’s topped with thin slices of sweet potato, a creamy blend of three cheeses, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled pieces of sourdough bread, and finished off with a dash of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, cut into thick slices

2 green bell peppers, cut into strips

2 red bell peppers, cut into strips

2 red onions, cut into slender circles

450 grams of frozen spinach, thawed and drained

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 Tbsp cornflour

150 grams of tubbed fresh basil pesto

Flaked sea salt and newly ground black pepper, for seasoning.

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into extremely thin slices

300 grams of pre-grated three-cheese blend from the store (mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan)

250g cherry tomatoes, halved

2 slices sourdough bread, torn into small chunks

1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Method

Step 1

Heat the oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional). Mix together the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, spinach, garlic, and cornstarch. bowl And mix to coat. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the pesto, then incorporate the rest. Add seasoning.

Step 2

Season the sweet potatoes with salt. Place half of them at the bottom of a 10-cup capacity baking dish Sprinkle with half of the cheese blend. Layer with the vegetable-pesto mixture. Cover with the rest of the cheese blend, followed by sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bread slices, and Parmesan. Pour half of the oil over the top.

Step 3

Cover tightly with 2 layers of foil. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is golden. Meanwhile, combine remaining oil and pesto in a small bowl. Serve vegetable bake drizzled with pesto oil.

The post Best-ever pesto vegetable bake appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens .

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