Author Archives: Laura Youngquist

As the moon rises and the shadows deepen, it’s time to unleash your inner ghoul with a Halloween gathering that will delight your guests and send chills down their spines! This year, we’re conjuring up a frightfully delicious spread that includes creepy cocktails and eerie eats that are sure to be the talk of the afterlife. Sip on a chilling Zombitini, a green-hued concoction that’s equal parts refreshing and spine-tingling or quench your thirst with the gruesomely delightful Halloween Blood Bag, served in playful IV bags for that extra scare factor. For those with a sweet tooth, our Spider Peanut Butter Blossoms will wrap you in a web of flavor, while the Halloween Bruschetta offers a savory bite that’s perfect for any haunt. And let’s not forget the showstopper—Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Skulls that bring a little heat and a lot of fun to your festive feast. Join us as we … Continue reading

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Get ready to elevate your game day or backyard barbecue with a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite! Our Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip combines tender rotisserie chicken, zesty Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce, and creamy cheeses, all kissed with hickory smoke for that irresistible smoky flavor. Whether you’re dipping into it with crunchy tortilla chips or spreading it over a sliced baguette, this dip is sure to be the MVP of your next gathering. Let’s fire up the smoker and dive into this delicious recipe! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating your smoker to 250 degrees F with hickory woodchips. Layer the ingredients in a 9×13 aluminum foil pan with the chicken on the bottom, then the buffalo sauce, then the ranch, then the cubed cream cheese, and finish with the 2 cups of shredded cheese. Place the pan in the smoker and smoke for 1 … Continue reading

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Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy steak bites simmering away in your slow cooker. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Slow Cooker Steak Bites recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, including top sirloin, savory au jus gravy mix, and a rich beef broth, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The steak is slow cooked to perfection, soaking up the delicious flavors of the onion soup mix and buttery goodness. Garnished with fresh chopped parsley, these steak bites are a comforting and satisfying meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious! The recipe can be found here. Start by slicing the steak into 1-inch cubes and placing them in the slow cooker.  I don’t trim too much of the fat … Continue reading

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If you’re looking to elevate your homemade pizza game, look no further than this Grilled Pizza Dough recipe. Imagine a dough that’s perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and grilled to golden perfection. Made with simple ingredients like 1/3 cup warm water, instant yeast, and 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, this dough comes together effortlessly. The addition of cold water gives it the ideal texture for grilling. Once the dough is grilled and ready, it’s time to get creative with toppings. Brushed with olive oil, this pizza features a delicious combination of shredded fontina and Romano cheeses that melt into bubbly perfection. But the real star of the show? A sprinkle of kettle-cooked potato chips adds an unexpected layer of crunch, while fresh rosemary and flat-leaf parsley bring an earthy, aromatic finish. The contrast of textures and flavors makes each bite of this pizza unforgettable. The … Continue reading

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Looking for a low-carb, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on taste? These Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution! Using large, crisp romaine or cabbage leaves as your bun, you’ll enjoy all the savory satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger without the extra carbs. Whether you’re using ground beef, ground chicken, or plant based Beyond Meat, these wraps are seasoned to perfection with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Top it off with your favorite cheese, fresh slices of onion, tomato, crunchy pickle chips, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a customizable, guilt-free meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, these wraps offer all the cheeseburger goodness in a healthier package! The recipe can be found here. Start by forming the ground beef, chicken, or beyond meat into 4 patties and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet … Continue reading

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Looking for a fresh, vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any meal? This Caprese Asparagus recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining tender, seasoned asparagus with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a sweet balsamic glaze. The combination of Italian seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil adds rich flavor, while the honey-balsamic reduction brings a touch of sweetness. Finished with fresh basil, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Caprese Asparagus is sure to impress! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F.  Add the asparagus to one side of a baking sheet and add the cherry tomatoes to the other side of a baking sheet.  Drizzle both with olive oil.  Toss to coat with the olive oil but make sure … Continue reading

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Welcome to my newest blog, where the sizzle of chicken meets the sweetness of caramelized onions and the tang of balsamic cream sauce. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for Pan Fried Chicken with Onion & Balsamic Cream Sauce that will elevate your weeknight dinner game. To start, we’ll need some key ingredients: juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a few seasonings, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, a touch of sugar, chopped white onion, balsamic vinegar (a star ingredient), and heavy cream (the pièce de resistance). Whether you’re serving this with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, this Pan Fried Chicken with Onion & Balsamic Cream Sauce is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Let’s get cooking! The recipe can be found here. Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Next, heat … Continue reading

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Discover a delightful twist on a classic Caprese salad with our Ground Caprese Chicken recipe! This dish transforms juicy ground chicken into a savory sensation, perfectly seasoned and topped with all the fresh flavors you love. Sauteed with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce infused with balsamic vinegar, it’s a symphony of Italian-inspired tastes. Tender mozzarella pearls and vibrant cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while a sprinkle of basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevate each bite. Ready to elevate your dinner repertoire? Let’s dive into this delicious creation! The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F and prepare all your ingredients; chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the tomatoes, and chop the basil.  Then, set all the ingredients aside so you can grab them as you work. Next, heat oil in a large, … Continue reading

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When it comes to transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, these Chicken Pesto Meatballs are a game-changer. Ground chicken, delicately seasoned with shallots, Parmesan, and a burst of basil pesto, forms the heart of this savory dish. Whether nestled atop a bed of angel hair pasta or served as a standalone appetizer, these meatballs promise to elevate any meal with their robust flavors and comforting appeal. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds craving more. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the ground chicken, shallot, breadcrumbs, parmesan, 1/3 cup pesto, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.  Use a spoon or your hands (I prefer my hands) to mix until well combined.  Then, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form meatballs, about … Continue reading

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When it comes to crafting the perfect burger, sometimes it’s the unique toppings and flavors that make all the difference. Enter the Pimento Cheeseburger—a southern twist on the classic burger that’s sure to become a favorite at your cookouts. This delicious burger (or chicken sandwich) combines the rich, savory taste of seasoned ground beef with the creamy, tangy goodness of pimento cheese spread. Whether you opt for Pawley’s Original, Pepperjack, or your own homemade pimento cheese spread, this burger promises to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. In addition to the delectable pimento cheese, this burger is topped with fresh, crisp vegetables, including sliced tomato, lettuce, and both regular and green onions. Nestled in a soft hamburger bun, this Pimento Cheeseburger is a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your burger game with this easy-to-follow recipe … Continue reading

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