Author Archives: Laura Youngquist
If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful salad that combines the savory richness of Parmesan-encrusted chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of Caprese, then look no further! This Parmesan Encrusted Chicken Caprese Salad is a delightful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or a side to impress guests. Tender chicken breasts, coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, are paired with peppery arugula, creamy mozzarella pearls, and juicy cherry tomatoes. A zesty dressing of garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar ties everything together in the most delicious way. Ready to add a burst of flavor to your meal? The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Add the tomatoes to a mixing bowl. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Toss to coat the ingredients. Pour into a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 … Continue reading
April 20, 2025
Ramen Reimagined: A Creamy Carbonara Twist

If you love the creamy, comforting goodness of traditional carbonara, but want a fun twist, this Ramen Carbonara is the perfect dish to try! Combining the beloved instant ramen noodles with the rich flavors of crispy bacon, garlic, and a creamy egg-and-Parmesan sauce, this recipe is a speedy and delicious fusion. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this ramen-based version of the classic Italian pasta will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. The recipe can be found here. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water then drain. Add the olive oil to the noodles to prevent them from sticking and toss to coat. Set aside Add the chopped bacon (uncooked) to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and crisp. Add the garlic … Continue reading
Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with the flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan! This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup is a creamy, savory delight that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With tender chicken breasts, a rich tomato base, and plenty of Italian seasoning, this soup captures all the delicious elements of your favorite pasta dish, but in soup form. The addition of rotini pasta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying, cheesy texture, while breadcrumbs and croutons give it the perfect crunch. Whether you’re serving it with a crusty baguette or just enjoying it as-is, this soup is sure to become a family favorite in no time! The recipe can be found here. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce over … Continue reading
April 12, 2025
Sweet Summer Bliss: The Ultimate Peach Crisp Recipe

This Peach Crisp is the perfect way to celebrate the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches, especially during the warm months. With just the right balance of cinnamon-spiced fruit and a crisp, buttery topping, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Made with simple ingredients like fresh peaches, sugar, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, this treat is easy to throw together and will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this Peach Crisp is sure to become a favorite summer dessert. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F and spray a 10×7 or 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish and set aside. Combine the sliced peaches, sugar, 2 Tbsp flour, cornstarch, 1 tsp cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour … Continue reading
April 10, 2025
Cozy Up with Butternut Squash Lasagna: A Fall Favorite

Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with this indulgent Butternut Squash Lasagna. Packed with layers of tender roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, and a medley of melted cheeses, this dish is the perfect combination of savory and slightly sweet. Fresh sage, a hint of nutmeg, and the brightness of lemon zest bring warmth and depth to every bite, while the golden layers of mozzarella and Parmesan create an irresistible finish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a seasonal twist on a classic, this lasagna is sure to steal the spotlight on your table. It’s a cozy, cheesy masterpiece that will make you savor every forkful. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare the squash. Peel the squash and cut into ½-inch cubes. I find it easiest to use a potato peeler to peel the squash but use whatever … Continue reading
Easter is all about sweet treats, pastel colors, and indulging in seasonal flavors that make the holiday feel extra special. Whether you’re filling baskets, hosting a festive gathering, or simply treating yourself, these Easter-inspired desserts are sure to delight. From soft and zesty Lemon Crinkle Cookies to creamy Cadbury Mini Egg Ice Cream, there’s something for every sweet tooth. And let’s not forget the adorable Robin Eggs No-Bake Cheesecake, packed with malted milk flavor, or the rich and decadent Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups—a homemade twist on a classic favorite. Get ready to celebrate Easter with these irresistible treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat! Lemon Crinkle Cookies Cadbury Mini Egg Ice Cream Robin Eggs No-Bake Cheesecake Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Bright, citrusy, and perfectly sweet, these Lemon Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate springtime treat! Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest, these … Continue reading
If you’re craving a meal that’s flavorful, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, these Loaded Beef Burrito Bowls or Loaded Chicken Burrito Bowls are the answer! Packed with seasoned ground beef (or ground chicken), fluffy basmati rice, and topped with your favorite fresh ingredients, these bowls are a complete and satisfying meal. With a mix of Monterey Jack cheese, Pico de Gallo, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a family dinner, these Loaded Beef Burrito Bowls or Loaded Chicken Burrito Bowls are as delicious as they are versatile! The recipes can be found here: Loaded Beef Burrito Bowls Loaded Chicken Burrito Bowls Cook the rice … Continue reading
March 31, 2025
Flavorful Pepper Steak: A Savory, Quick Weeknight Dinner

Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. This recipe combines tender flank steak with a savory hoisin sauce, fresh bell peppers, and aromatic green onions, all cooked in a rich broth. The result is a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, this Pepper Steak is a delicious one-pan meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The recipe can be found here. Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Slice the green onions. Mince the garlic. Slice the steak into 1–2-inch pieces. Set all ingredients aside. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Add the hoisin sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and vegetable oil to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Add the steak and stir … Continue reading
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the bold, creamy flavors of Cacio e Pepe with the crispy deliciousness of pizza, this homemade Cacio e Pepe Pizza recipe is the perfect indulgence! With a golden, fluffy pizza dough as the base, topped with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a generous dose of black pepper, this pizza brings all the comforting flavors of the beloved Roman pasta dish into a warm, cheesy bite. The balance of simplicity and flavor in each slice will make this pizza a new favorite for your weeknight dinner or pizza night celebration. The recipe can be found here. Start by making the pizza dough. Add the yeast, water, pizza flour, olive oil, salt, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the dough hook to mix until well combined, which should take about 6 minutes. A ball of dough will … Continue reading
There’s something undeniably magical about the nutty aroma of browned butter mingling with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash. This Brown Butter Orzo & Butternut Squash recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, earthy flavors with just a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Silky orzo, cooked to perfection in a garlic-scented broth, gets elevated by the addition of grated Parmesan and a tangy splash of white balsamic vinegar. The dish is finished with crispy sage ribbons for a burst of freshness and a sprinkle of flakey salt for that final touch. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant side dish, this recipe brings the warmth and comfort of autumn to your table. The recipe can be found here. Melt the 5 Tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, let cook for 1-2 additional minutes until it starts to turn brown. … Continue reading
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