Author Archives: Laura Youngquist

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet, peppermint-flavored delights that capture the magic of Christmas. This year, we’re turning to no-bake treats and easy desserts that are as festive as they are delicious! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a little extra cheer, these recipes will have you covered. From the rich and creamy No Bake Peppermint Oreo Cheesecake to the decadent No Bake Andes Peppermint Crunch Cheesecake, we’re serving up peppermint perfection. Pair these with a luscious Candy Cane Marshmallow Dip for the ultimate dip-and-dunk experience or enjoy a frosty Candy Cane Milkshake that feels like sipping Christmas in a glass. These recipes are simple to make, full of holiday flair, and guaranteed to delight everyone on your “nice” list this season! Let’s dive into the peppermint wonderland. The recipes can be found here: No Bake Peppermint Oreo Cheesecake No Bake … Continue reading

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Capture the vibrant flavors of summer with this Heirloom Tomato Basil Pasta. Rigatoni is tossed with a burst of sweetness from roasted cherry tomatoes and a savory kick from garlic and oregano. Fresh basil brings a fragrant, herbaceous note, while a sprinkle of breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch. With a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat and a generous finish of shredded Parmesan cheese, this simple yet elegant dish will elevate any weeknight meal. The recipe can be found here. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.  Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release … Continue reading

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If you’ve watched The Bear, you know that the kitchen is a place of creativity and flavor. One standout dish that embodies this spirit is the Copycat Omelet, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This omelet is a perfect harmony of rich, creamy Boursin Garlic & Herb Cheese and fluffy eggs, elevated with a touch of white pepper and a sprinkle of fresh chives. But what truly sets this dish apart is the unexpected crunch from crushed Ruffles Sour Cream & Onion Chips, adding a savory finish that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing brunch guests, this omelet is sure to bring a taste of The Bear right into your home. Get ready to whip up a breakfast that’s as flavorful as it is fun! The recipe can be found here. Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and whisking … Continue reading

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Get ready to cool off with a tropical twist on your favorite bourbon cocktail! This Bourbon Pineapple Slush combines the rich, smooth flavors of high-quality bourbon with the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple and fresh orange juice. The cream of coconut adds a luscious, silky texture, while orgeat syrup and honey lend a subtle nutty sweetness. A dash of cinnamon gives it a warm, cozy finish, making it a perfect sipper for both summer days and cool fall evenings. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting friends, this refreshing frozen drink is sure to impress! The recipe can be found here. Start by adding all the ingredients to a blender and blending until smooth. Cover the blender and place in the freezer until completely chilled and extremely cold. This will take about 2 hours. Add 4-5 cups of ice and blend until the mixture has a slush like consistency. … Continue reading

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If you’re looking for a fresh and smoky twist on a classic salad, these Grilled Romaine Wedges are the perfect solution. Crisp romaine hearts are lightly charred on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a subtle smokiness. A zesty dressing made with grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lemon juice takes this dish to the next level, while the umami-rich soy sauce adds depth. Topped with crunchy slices of toasted baguette and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, these wedges offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal, whether served as a side or a light main course. The recipe can be found here. You want to start by making the dressing.  Combine the garlic, parmesan, mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, and soy sauce in a dressing shaker or mixing bowl.  Shake or whisk to combine.  Season with a pinch of salt and … Continue reading

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Fire up the grill for a delicious summer-inspired meal with these Peach & Balsamic Chicken Kabobs! Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and ground ginger, then paired with sweet, ripe peaches for a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors. Freshly chopped basil adds a bright, herbaceous touch, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze gives these kabobs a sweet, tangy finish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these kabobs are sure to be a hit! The recipe can be found here. Start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken into large chunks and add to a Ziplock bag with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, ground ginger, and basil. Seal the bag, toss to coat the chicken, and massage the chicken. Let sit for about 30 minutes. Next, slice the peaches into large chunks, about … Continue reading

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Looking for a cocktail that’s as colorful and fun as it is delicious? Meet the Lifesaver Gummy Cocktail—a tropical, fruity blend that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant drink features light rum, tangy pineapple juice, and a splash of lime for a citrusy twist, while the bold blue hue of Blue Curacao adds a playful touch. A dash of triple sec and a hint of simple syrup balance the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness. The finishing touch? A garnish of Life Saver™ gummies that not only adds a nostalgic candy vibe but also makes this cocktail irresistibly fun. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a laid-back evening, this drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! The recipe can be found here. Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the light rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, blue Curacao, triple sec, and simple syrup to the cocktail … Continue reading

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If you’ve ever craved a sweet, nostalgic treat that combines the best of chocolate cake and marshmallow fluff, this Hostess Cakes Sheet Cake is for you! Inspired by the beloved Hostess snack cakes, this homemade version delivers the same indulgent flavors but with an extra touch of love and freshness. Start with a rich chocolate cake that’s both moist and tender, thanks to a perfect blend of sugar, butter, and a hint of instant coffee to deepen the flavor. As the cake bakes, you’ll prepare a fluffy, marshmallow filling that’s reminiscent of the classic Hostess filling but made from scratch with marshmallow fluff and a buttery creaminess. Finally, top it all off with a decadent chocolate frosting that’s smooth and silky, with just the right amount of cocoa to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood snacks or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this Hostess Cakes Sheet … Continue reading

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Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these irresistibly moist and spiced Frosted Pumpkin Bars! Made with pure pumpkin and a warming blend of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, these bars are a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The batter comes together easily with simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, and a touch of vegetable oil to keep them soft and tender. Once baked, they’re topped with a rich, creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, whipped up with just the right hint of vanilla. The frosting can be doubled for an extra-thick, dreamy layer if you’re in the mood for an extra touch of indulgence! Perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert spreads, or a cozy treat with coffee, these pumpkin bars are bound to be a seasonal favorite. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 11×17 baking … Continue reading

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Craving a comforting bowl of childhood nostalgia? These Homemade Spaghetti-O’s are the perfect way to recreate that classic taste with a fresh, flavorful twist. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe brings a rich, savory sauce to life. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tang, while bouillon cubes and water build a deep base of flavor. Large ring noodles soak up the goodness, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives it that cheesy finish you’ll love. It’s an easy, homemade version of a timeless favorite! The recipe can be found here. Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.  Add red pepper flakes, tomato paste, onion powder, and pepper, and stir to combine.  Continue to cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the apple cider … Continue reading

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