Do you ever ask your family what they want to for dinner and no one can agree on the perfect meal?  That’s a common occurrence at my house too but recently I received a request for lasagna and thought it was a great suggestion…but what kind should I make?  Andrew is more of a meat eater so I knew he would want a traditional lasagna, but I would prefer something more veggie based.  Luckily, I have the perfect pan for the job, so I was able to accommodate both! ***Disclaimer – if you click on the link to any of the recipes listed in this post you will be directed to the full recipe.  The recipes posted are for use in a 9×13 pan.  Please reduce the recipe to 1/3 if you are using a similar 3-lasagna pan*** All of the recipes I’m going to share with you are delicious!  … Continue reading

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Lemon Orzo with Roasted Vegetables is not your typical pasta salad.  It’s packed with texture and flavor yet is very light and refreshing.  It works well as a side dish or as a standalone meal.  I think it’s best served warm but room temp or chilled is also fine, it’s all about your preference. The vegetables are delicious when roasted because they are slightly caramelized.  I like to use bell pepper, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and red onion but you can substitute any veggies you like – eggplant, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, etc.  You can really make this your own by using the veggies you crave. You can also top this salad with pine nuts for a little crunch or some crumbled feta cheese.  If you choose to skip the cheese, this is a great vegan based dish. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees and lining a baking sheet (or … Continue reading

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Today is National Waffle Day and what better way to celebrate than with some yummy waffles!  Traditional waffles are best when smothered in syrup or topped with fried chicken or fruit.  I bet really anything would be delicious when paired with a waffle 🙂 but I thought it would be fun to try something different.  I’m making Cinnamon Roll Waffles and Hash Brown Waffles to enjoy while observing this fine holiday! Cinnamon Roll Waffles are exactly what you think – waffles made from cinnamon rolls.  These are SUPER easy to make and take about the same amount of time as a traditional waffle when using a waffle iron.  Still undecided?  You don’t need to make any batter because you are using refrigerated, store-bought cinnamon rolls. Open a can of Pillsbury Grand! Cinnamon Rolls and pull each roll apart.  I like to set them on wax paper, so they don’t stick … Continue reading

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Black Bean Brownies are moist, rich, and fudge-y.  I bet you never thought you would hear “black beans’ and “brownies” in the same sentence 🙂  Most people look at me like I’m crazy and ask if they heard right.  Yes – Black Bean Brownies are a thing and they are delicious!  They are also healthy and easy to make. The recipe can be found here. One thing I want to mention is this recipe can be Vegan, if Vegan chocolate chips are used, and it can also be Gluten Free, if the oats used are Gluten Free. Start by preheating the oven and prepping an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, except for the chocolate chips, and process until smooth.  You might need to turn off the food processor and scrape the sides a few times. Once processed, I like … Continue reading

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Today is National S’mores Day.  A s’more traditionally consists of a roasted marshmallow on top of melted chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers.  It’s a very popular campfire treat loved by people of all ages!  It’s ooey, gooey, toasty, deliciousness!  What better way to honor this classic treat than by testing out a few recipes 🙂 First up is No Bake S’Mores.  This recipe only requires 4 ingredients and is the perfect indulgence! The recipe can be found here. I find it easiest to line a bread pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap.  Then place the graham crackers in a plastic bag and smash into fine crumbs.  Melt the butter and add the graham cracker crumbs to the melted butter. Pour the mixture into the bread pan but make sure to reserve 1 Tbsp to sprinkle on top.  Press down to make a flat layer.  If you want a … Continue reading

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Have you ever heard of Jackfruit?  If not, let me fill you in.  It is a meatless alternative (it’s actually fruit) that closely resembles pulled pork.  It’s great for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a little variety.  I was skeptical at first but it’s quite good.  I like to buy canned jackfruit because it’s pre-sliced and easy to work with – all you have to do is cook it and shred it! I want to share my recipe for BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches.  It’s real deal shredded BBQ, loaded with BBQ flavor, but is a plant-based recipe.  It’s a little sweet and savory but looks and tastes like pulled pork. The recipe can be found here. Start by draining and rinsing the jackfruit.  Use forks or your hands to pull the jackfruit apart to resemble pulled pork.  I think a fork works well for finer shreds of meat and … Continue reading

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Right around this time of year I get a craving for a turkey dinner…. a nice plate full of my favorite Thanksgiving foods.  But, that’s just too much food on a hot summer day.  I decided to create a recipe that not only reminds me of Thanksgiving but is light enough for summer.  I give you the Turkey Burger with Cranberry Aioli.   The turkey burger is full of flavorful herbs and when you combine it with the cranberry aioli you have the perfect burger.  It’s a great blend of sweet and savory with a lean and juicy burger. Start by making the cranberry aioli.  Combine the mayo, Dijon mustard and cranberry sauce until well mixed.  It might be a little lumpy and that’s OK.  If you don’t want any lumps use the back of a spook to mash the lumps or whisk the ingredients.  Either set aside until the … Continue reading

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Everyone loves ice cream!  Why you ask?  There are soooooooo many flavors to choose from, it’s refreshing on a hot summer day (but can be enjoyed year round), you can eat it anywhere, it goes with almost any dessert, you can make it at home….really the reasons to enjoy ice cream are endless 🙂 I enjoy making ice cream with my KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker and trying different flavors.  I’ve definitely had a few batches that didn’t turn out how I wanted but let’s be honest, I ate them anyway 🙂  Who would throw away perfectly good ice cream?  I do, however, have 3 favorites I would like to share with you today. Strawberry Ice Cream Pistachio Ice Cream Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream is incredibly flavorful and refreshing!  There is an entire pound of strawberries in this batch of ice cream, so it’s definitely fruity.  … Continue reading

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Who knew National French Fry day was a thing?  I was overjoyed when I found out this information because I love a good french fry.  Imagine the perfectly crisp outside with the light and tender inside, so hot from the fryer you need to dunk in ketchup to cool them down.  Does this make your mouth water? I typically only enjoy french fries when I’m out to eat but thought, why not make them at home?  I have 3 different recipes to share with you today and because french fries come in many different shapes, each is a different variety. Oven Baked French Fries Seasoned Potato Wedges Cajun Potato Rounds   Oven Baked French Fries are crispy, crunchy, salty, and complement any meal nicely.  I also like that they are baked and not deep fried, so they are slightly healthier to enjoy. Start by washing, peeling, and slicing the potatoes.  … Continue reading

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A Mojito is refreshing during any season, but I am partial to enjoying them during the hot summer months.  If you haven’t had one, you’re in for a treat.  Traditionally, a Mojito consists of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.  It’s the perfect combination of sweet and citrus with the wonderful aroma of fresh mint – very refreshing! I want to share with you 4 recipes today: Classic Fresh Mint Mojito Blackberry Mojito Blueberry Mojito Kiwi Blueberry Mojito   Please note: Mojitos typically have a lower alcohol content, but the recipes can be adjusted to meet your individual taste. Classic Fresh Mint Mojito – It’s hard to beat the crisp, fresh taste of this traditional drink. Start by adding the mint leaves and lime juice to the bottom of 2 glasses.  Use a muddler or wooden spoon to blend or mash the mint leaves in each glass.  … Continue reading

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