Author Archives: Laura Youngquist
May 23, 2018
Baked Chicken Wings

There’s no denying it – I love chicken wings! With so many flavor varieties and dipping sauces, they’re not only a delicious meal but allow you to try something different each time. Think potluck, football party, backyard BBQ, afternoon snack, etc. Chicken wings fit the menu for most occasions. I have 4 baked chicken wing recipes to share with you today. These are some of my favorite recipes, so I hope you enjoy them. Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings are super easy to make. You basically toss the chicken wings and oil and bake until crispy, then toss in a delicious combination of hot sauce and melted butter. These are probably the most popular wings around due to the mildy sweet and sour taste with a spicy aftermath. I prefer to dip mine in ranch dressing, but blue cheese dressing is a great alternative. Because the wings can be spicy it’s … Continue reading
May 18, 2018
(Chicken) Burger Bar

There is nothing like a juicy burger hot off the grill, chilled cocktail in hand, and warm weather to cure those winter blues. I want to share some of my favorite chicken/turkey burger recipes with you now that it’s starting to feel like summer! These are all a nice break from typical hamburgers and healthier for you (well, maybe not once you add all the toppings). I think they are very flavorful, simple to make, and delicious to eat. The first recipe I want to share is for Buffalo Chicken Burgers. These are ¼ pound burgers that taste just like buffalo wings but without the mess. Who wouldn’t want that? I like to top my burger with extra buffalo sauce and a little ranch dressing, then add a small amount of each onto my plate for extra dipping sauce. This burger would also pair well with blue cheese. The recipe … Continue reading
May 9, 2018
Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers are all the rage…in my life 😊 I know, I know…why would you want to eat a bland black bean burger when you could eat a juicy beef burger, you ask? Because they are quick and easy to make, packed with flavor, and a delicious (meatless) option. I dare you to give them a try! Plus, these are a great alternative to the frozen kind and will make you never want to eat a frozen burger again. The recipe can be found here. The recipe involves mixing all the ingredients in a food processor, forming into patties, refrigerating, frying, and enjoying – all in 15 minutes! Forming the patties can be slightly sticky so I recommend coating your hands with oil and forming the mixture into 4 balls, then flattening into patties. Allow the patties to cool for at least 1 hour but keep them in the … Continue reading
May 2, 2018
Cinco de Mayo

How much Mexican food do I plan to eat this Cinco de Mayo, you ask? That’s nacho business! Break out the margaritas! Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious food and refreshing cocktails. I have a handful of recipes that are full of flavor and easy to throw together for a last-minute party. Here’s what’s on the menu: Chunky Guacamole with Tortilla Chips White Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips Mexican Corn Tostadas Chicken Taquitos Mexican Pasta Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing Cubano Style Tacos Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Tequila Sunrise Not only are these great recipes for Cinco de Mayo, but they are light and refreshing options for any summer dinner. Plus, you can make them as mild or spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of seasoning you add. First up is Chunky Guacamole. This is … Continue reading
March 18, 2018
Chicken Chili Cook-Off

Winter is the best time of year to have chili! It’s hearty, delicious, keeps you warm on a cold day, and is super easy to make. One thing I love about chili is the “set it and forget it” mentality. Once you combine the ingredients and set the timer, the slow cooker does all the work and you have a wonderful meal 4-8 hours later. I personally like this on busy weekends because we don’t have to worry about dinner, spend time planning and cooking, etc. but still get to enjoy a nice meal. I have two different chicken chili options to share with you. I like a bit of heat/spice in my chili and think both recipes have the perfect amount. You get an amazing combination of chicken, veggies, and spices without it being too overwhelming. If you are anything like Andrew and love spicy food, you can always … Continue reading
February 11, 2018
Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I’m feeling the love. Our house is decorated with everything red and pink, I’ve picked out the perfect Valentine for my sweethearts (yes, I’m including the dog 😊), and we have a wonderful menu planned. A lot of people like to go out to eat on Valentine’s Day and there is nothing wrong with that, but we usually opt to stay in and prepare a nice meal together. It takes away from the rushed atmosphere you often feel at a restaurant on a busy day and allows you to really spend time together and do something fun together. We both love to cook so it’s the perfect option for us! The menu we prepared has a few new items, but everything is easy to make. We’ll start with a Caprese Salad appetizer and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make the … Continue reading
December 15, 2017
Christmas Dinner

Christmas is my favorite holiday to host. I think it’s due to my love of Christmas lights and decorations, so our house is always over the top! Plus, there are so many festive serveware options available that you can change up your table display as often as you like. (New Christmas plates…hint hint, Andrew 😊) Sometimes I like to go all out with appetizers and the main course but there isn’t anything wrong with keeping it simple if you prefer. I truly enjoy cooking for others and putting on a big spread but also want to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. So, I decided to keep my menu simple this year. I’ll be serving a few appetizers with some of the drinks from my Christmas Cocktails blog post. The first appetizer I’m going to make is Ricotta and Prosciutto Crackers. This is a light appetizer because it’s not … Continue reading
December 14, 2017
Christmas Cocktails

The holidays are upon us and Christmas is fast approaching. It’s a busy time of year for most; decorating the house, buying a tree, wrapping gifts, finalizing plans with family, etc. so I want to offer a few drink options you can serve at your get-togethers this year. I have 4 recipes below, 2 are adults only (sorry kids) and 2 can be for either adults or kids, so there is something for everyone. I mean, it is the most wonderful (and booziest) time of year! Grinch Punch 2 – 13oz. Packets Unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid 2 Cups Sugar 1 – 12oz. Can Pineapple Juice 1 – 12oz. Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, thawed 1 – 2 Liter Sprite Ice Red Rim Sugar, add red food coloring to white sugar and mix together in a bowl Pour 2 quarts of water in a 2-gallon pitcher. Add the Kool-Aid packets and sugar, and … Continue reading
November 11, 2017
A Thanksgiving Feast

I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. Not just for the delicious feast, but because it’s a time to get together with family and friends. For some it’s also about football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which I too enjoy. I’ve put together a handful of my favorite recipes and ideas you can use to host the perfect Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving. What’s a party without some appetizers? Two of my favorite appetizers for Thanksgiving are Cranberry Crescent Bites and Brie and Apple Crostinis. I think they are sweet and savory but also a little salty. Both fit the holiday theme, are easy to make, and can feed a crowd. The recipes can be found below. Cranberry Crescent Bites Brie and Apple Crostini I’m a huge fan of sangria so I like to make a big batch of Cranberry Sangria to … Continue reading
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