Author Archives: Laura Youngquist

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is my new favorite soup.  It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with the perfect toppings.  It’s a made from scratch soup but it’s SO SIMPLE, so please keep reading.  It’s hearty, can be a main entrée or served as a side dish/starter, reheats well so it can be enjoyed for lunch throughout the week, and makes a lot.  When I first thought about making a baked potato soup, I thought this is just going to be like eating mashed potatoes.  But it’s not!  It has all the flavors of mashed potatoes but with a different consistency.  It’s yummy and perfect for this time of you. The recipe can be found here. Start by washing and peeling the potatoes.  I prefer to peel my potatoes but if you like to leave the skin on, that’s just fine.  Then, slice into 1-2-inch pieces.  Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add the potatoes, garlic, onion, chicken broth, salt, and … Continue reading

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Festival Foods sells these wonderful extra meaty baby back pork ribs.  They are approximately 3lbs per package and have the most tender meat.  I bought 2 packs and cooked them in a slow cooker with different BBQ sauce recipes.  They were phenomenal!  The key is low and low for tender meat.  The meat falls right off the bone and melts in your mouth.  If you like ribs, you must try these recipes! Slow Cooker BBQ Dr Pepper Baby Back Ribs Slow Cooker BBQ Root Beer Baby Back Ribs Both are finger lickin’ good!  And super easy to make with only 5 ingredients each.  It’s a reasonably priced meal that will please anyone in your household.  Make sure to purchase the EXTRA MEATY ribs.  Let’s walk through how to make each recipe. Slow Cooker BBQ Dr Pepper Baby Back Ribs are sweet and tangy with a rich cola flavor. Start by seasoning both sides of the ribs with salt … Continue reading

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Bacon wrapped anything is good, but a variety of bacon wrapped appetizers to serve at a holiday gathering or tailgating party is even better!  You and your guests will devour each recipe I’m going to share with you today.  I don’t remember when the “bacon craze” started but it seems to be sticking around, and I’m here for it!  These recipes are all fairy easy to make, can be made ahead of time, are bite-sized / finger foods, and make a decent amount so you shouldn’t have to double or triple the recipes (but you can if you want). Here are the recipes and we’ll walk through how to make each one: Glazed Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Cups Brown Sugar Bacon Crackers Parmesan Bacon Crackers Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Lit’l Smokies   One thing I want to point out is you want to use normal, everyday bacon that is thin or … Continue reading

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We were craving chili this week and decided to try making Chicken Jalapeno Popper Chili.  It’s incredibly flavorful without being too spicy.  It’s loaded with tender chicken, beans, salty bacon, and creamy/brothy goodness.  And it comes together so quickly!  No slow cooking all day or simmering on the stove.  You basically combine all ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven, simmer for a short while, and dig in.  It’s perfect when you want a warm and hearty meal but don’t have a lot of time.  It also makes great leftovers to enjoy the next day or to freeze for a future meal. The recipe can be found here. Start by prepping your ingredients.  This makes cooking go much faster and you are prepared to add ingredients when the recipe calls for them.  Remove the rotisserie chicken from the bones and shred.  You should have about 4 cups of chicken, which is the perfect amount for this recipe.  Cook the bacon … Continue reading

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Open Faced BBQ Chicken Sandwich are a great addition to any weekly menu!  Simple to prepare, hearty, and comforting on a cold night.  These open-faced sandwiches are very flavorful; crispy toast, melted cheese, BBQ rotisserie chicken that’s piled high, what’s not to love?  They are yummy and come together in about 20 minutes (including prep and cook time). The recipe can be found here. Start by removing the rotisserie chicken from the bone.  Shred it and set aside.  You will only need about ½ the rotisserie chicken for this recipe.  The recipe makes enough for 4 open-faced sandwiches.  If you need more than 4, adjust the ingredients accordingly.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.  Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the paprika and Worcestershire sauce.  Stir to combine.  Add the … Continue reading

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Italian Nachos are simple and easy to make!  They are loaded with crispy fried wonton wrappers, spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, banana peppers, melty cheese, and marinara sauce for dipping.  They make a satisfying meal or can be served as an appetizer.  They are also great for game day, a potluck, family game night…anytime you want yummy snacks 😊 They are delicious and packed with tasty ingredients. The recipe can be found here. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat.  Add the spicy pork sausage or plant-based meat and cook until cooked through, about 8 minutes.  Remove from the heat and set aside.  I did use Impossible Meat when I made this recipe (the spicy ground package) however you can use any spicy ground meat of your choosing.  I had always wanted to try the spicy plant-based meat, and this gave me a good excuse to try it.  It was quite spicy and tasted just like ground pork. Heat oil … Continue reading

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I previously posted a blog called Individual Dessert Cups where I discuss easy, no bake desserts that are mini-sized and served in 2oz cups.  They are perfect for a holiday gathering (especially with Christmas and NYE coming up) or would make great treats for a birthday party, picnic, or even a bake sale.  I think they are JUST the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth yet are small enough that you can have more than one without feeling bad about overindulging. You can make them in a variety of flavors, complete with cookie base, creamy filling, and themed toppings.  Here are the recipes I’ll be walking you through today: Individual Cookies & Cream Dessert Cups Individual Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Cups Individual Pumpkin Spice Dessert Cups   Let’s start with Individual Cookies & Cream Dessert Cups.  These are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any Oreo lover! There is an Oreo crust, creamy … Continue reading

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Chocolate Peppermint Trifles are a wonderful no bake dessert for the holidays!  Think layers of cookie crumbs, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes…it’s delicious!  It’s a simple recipe that takes about 15 minutes to make and then sets in the fridge until ready to serve.  I like to serve mine in 4-8oz trifle containers, but you could divide the pudding between 8-4oz containers to stretch it further. The recipe can be found here. Start by adding the Oreos to the bowl of a food processor.  Pulse into fine crumbs then divided between 4 8oz trifle dishes (or 8 4oz dishes) and use the back of a spoon to press into the bottom.  If you don’t care for mint flavoring, you can use regular Oreos for the base. Add the milk, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, and peppermint extract to a large mixing bowl.  Whisk to combine and set aside.  The mixture will become thick.  Same as before if you … Continue reading

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We are fast approaching my favorite time of year – Christmas!  The decorations, lights, and carols all put me in a festive mood.  And one of my favorite things this time of year is Christmas cookies and other goodies.  It’s a busy time of year for most and sometimes the stress of baking or spending hours in the kitchen is just too much for some.  That’s why I want to share with you a few recipes for QUICK yet delicious holiday treats.  Chocolate is involved (lots of chocolate is involved).  And the kids can help with decorating if you need an extra hand or 2. You’ve probably seen some of these treats around before or perhaps you’ve made them yourself but here are the recipes if you are interested: Holiday Rolo Pretzels Holiday Peppermint Pretzels Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Clusters Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers   Let’s walk through how to make them! Holiday Rolo Pretzels These are super simple to … Continue reading

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My new favorite obsession (aka quick and easy weeknight meal) is Naan Flatbread.  You can create so many different variations by swapping out toppings and utilizing premade / store-bought naan flatbread.  My most recent creation is Walnut, Pear & Gouda Naan Flatbread.  It’s perfect for pizza night, to serve as an appetizer, or to serve alongside a salad or pasta dish.  Think fresh, juicy pears on top of warm, chewy flatbread with spicy arugula, walnuts, and a savory balsamic glaze.  It’s yummy! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place both flatbreads on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil (drizzle on both). Divide the shredded cheese evenly between the flatbreads.  I like to use gouda, but crumbled gorgonzola would also like well if you like a flavorful and strong (yet stinky) cheese. Top each with red … Continue reading

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