Category Archives: Uncategorized

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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I recently felt the need to get out my Mini Scone Pan and try my hand at a festive breakfast of Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Glaze.  The result was super yummy!  They taste similar to a gingerbread cookie; packed with cinnamon, ginger, and clove flavors, but make a tasty breakfast or treat.  I think these are slightly more moist than traditional scones and have a nice texture.  They pair well with some scrambled eggs and bacon or could be added to your brunch menu. Click this link for the Mini Scone Pan. The recipe can be found here. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.  Generously brush the scone pan with vegetable shortening.  I find vegetable shortening works best when removing the scones after baking.  The pan is a little hard to clean because of the corners but if you soak it in warm soapy water for a short while it will clean up … Continue reading

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Elevate your next hotdog by smothering it with cheese and wrapping it in a tortilla before cooking.  Sounds good, right?  I give you the Quesadilladog!  It’s basically a Tex-Mex mashup of hotdogs, spicy nacho cheese, jalapenos, and warm tortillas.  It’s a great afterschool snack or can be served for lunch or dinner.  You can use any kind of hotdog – all beef franks, turkey franks, etc.  And any kind of nacho cheese – mild, spicy, etc.  I recommend fajita size tortillas because they work will with the length of the hotdogs.  You can also customize the dish if preferred.  Spread some refried beans on the tortilla, add some black beans before wrapping the hotdog, perhaps serve with salsa for dipping…you get the idea!  It’s a wonderful meal for picky kids or when your family can’t decide on one thing to have.  Simply combine 2 favorites (hotdogs and quesadillas) and you have a win. The recipe can be found here. Start by … Continue reading

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Bruschetta is a staple of summer meals.  I know it’s fall, and the days are getting colder, the sun is setting earlier, and you are probably thinking of warm, hearty meals…not fresh, summer sides.  BUT…bruschetta can be enjoyed in many ways.  Including being used as a pizza topping. If you have a vegetable garden in your backyard or perhaps like to visit your local Farmer’s Market, you can make bruschetta with some wonderfully fresh produce.  This time of year, you most likely have to purchase the ingredients at your local grocery store.  And that’s OK!  You’ll still have incredibly flavorful and fresh bruschetta to enjoy.  Now for this recipe, the bruschetta will be used as a pizza topping but you will have leftovers.  What to do with the leftovers you ask?  Add as a topping on a grilled chicken breast, serve as a salsa with tortilla chips, or serve with toasted baguette slices. This recipe combines the bruschetta with rotisserie chicken … Continue reading

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We made Taco Rice with Queso earlier this week and it’s probably one of my favorite new recipes we’ve tried lately!  It’s a one-pan recipe with meat, taco seasoning, and rice that is coated in warm, melted queso.  Talk about delicious!  The rice is perfectly seasoned and tender, and pairs well with the meat, but my favorite part is the queso.  You drizzle some over the top of the dish before serving and then add more and more and more until you have the appropriate amount (aka a lot) of queso on your plate. Don’t mistake this recipe for a burrito bowl.  You don’t add lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, etc. on top (but you sure can!).  You simply enjoy a bowl of taco meat, rice, and queso.  And it’s amazing. The recipe can be found here. I did use plant-based meat for this recipe.  You can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork – whatever … Continue reading

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