Friday, April 19, 2019

WATERMELON LEMONADE WITHOUT ADDED SUGAR



This refreshingly sweet watermelon lemonade is made with only two ingredients and contains no added sugars, It is the perfect drink for hot summer days.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 kg watermelon cleaned *
  • 4 lemons
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Half your watermelon and scoop the flesh into a blender. Process until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
  2. Juice the lemons and add them to the watermelon juice and a generous amount of ice cubes to a large pitcher.

Crockpot Pizza Casserole



The ORIGINAL Crock Pot Pizza Casserole recipe that the internet fell in love with!! This is an incredibly easy and delicious meal for the entire family to enjoy! It is kid friendly and perfect for busy days!

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 box Barilla Penne Pasta or any shaped pasta of choice, really, cooked el dente
  • 2-3 cans pizza sauce
  • 1 lb. beef browned
  • 1 package pepperoni
  • 16 oz. mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTION
  1. Start by cooking your pasta.
  2. While the box of pasta is cooking, start browning your beef, then add in one jar of pizza sauce and stir well.
  3. Once your pasta is cooked, mix the meat mixture (above) and pasta together, then pour into the slow cooker.

Dorito Chicken Casserole



Dorito chicken casserole is a weeknight casserole that my family loved.  This is a cheesy chicken dish that has the crunch of Doritos and the spice of rotel tomatoes. All our favorite flavors together in one dish. 

INGREDIENTS
  • Dorito Chicken Casserole Ingredients:
  • 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
  • 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
  • 1 large bag Doritos, medium crushed
INSTUCTION
  1. How to make Dorito Chicken Casserole:
  2. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray and set the oven to 350.
  3. Combine the shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream in a large bowl.
  4. Fold in the can of drained Rotel tomatoes and the taco seasoning.
  5. Crush the Doritos to medium bite sized pieces and spread 1/3 of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5 Minute Buffalo Chicken Wraps



Spicy buffalo chicken wraps with ranch dressing are bursting with flavor and made in just 5 minutes! 

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cup cooked chicken shredded or chopped (rotisserie, shredded, or grilled)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce or 1/3 cup hot sauce + 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • Optional fillings: tomato onion, shredded cheese
INSTRUCTION
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.

Lasagna Stuffed Chicken



This keto + low carb lasagna stuffed chicken breast is the dinner recipe the whole family will fall in love with! Stuffed with cheesy deliciousness, topped with marinara, and baked to perfection, what's not to love?

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Cup Ricotta
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 Cups Marinara * I used my low carb pizza sauce
  • 1 Cup Mozzarella
  • 5 Chicken Breasts medium
  • Fresh Basil to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Set aside, this is your “lasagna stuffing”.
  3. Generously salt and pepper each side of the chicken breast and gently pat to adhere.
  4. Slice chicken breast in half to form a “pocket”.

Banana Almond Flax Smoothie



Banana Almond Flax Smoothie is like dessert for breakfast and I just can’t get enough of it! Once you try this smoothie you’re going to have to keep an extra stock of frozen bananas on hand at all times, it’s definitely a smoothie you’ll want to make regularly. It has a deliciously nutty flavor and it’s perfectly complimented by the sweet bananas.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 medium well ripened banana, peeled diced into pieces, frozen
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/3 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp creamy almond butter
  • 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 - 4 drops almond extract*
  • 4 ice cubes (optional)
INSTRUCTION
  1. To a blender add banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, ground flaxseed, honey and almond extract. 

Pear Ginger Smoothie



This refreshing Pear Ginger Smoothie is packed with greens, healthy protein and fiber! Perfect for breakfast, snack or even a healthy dessert! 

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 heaping cup diced frozen pears
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Get isntruction at https://reciperunner.com/pear-ginger-smoothie/

15 Minute Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Pizzas (Freezer Friendly!)



The thing I really love about these mini breakfast pizzas is that they are entirely freezer friendly.  If you’re not going to be eating them all at once, wrap them tightly in saran wrap (I usually also put them in large Ziploc bag or an airtight container, just to be safe) and freeze.  These work out well defrosted in either the microwave or in a toaster oven.

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 plain bagels, sliced
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • ⅛ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 10 fully cooked bacon slices (microwaved according to package instructions), crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTION:
  1. Preheat oven to 415° F
  2. Place bagels on an ungreased cookie sheet and set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, garlic pepper, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook/scramble in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Remove eggs from heat and evenly distribute scrambled eggs over bagels.

Baked Cheesy Chicken Pasta



Creamy Baked Cheesy Chicken Pasta that is so easy to make. Made with two types of cheeses, this is the ultimate comfort food casserole for dinner. 

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 lb pasta (I used rotini)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 Tbsp butter
  • 5 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
INSTRUCTION
  1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, boil the pasta until al dente. Set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, on a skillet, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until the insides are no longer pink. Remove from the skillet, and slice into small pieces. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add in the flour and garlic, and mix together for about 1 minute. Gradually add in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a simmer, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Full read at https://www.atasteofmadness.com/2014/09/baked-cheesy-chicken-pasta.html

Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs



These Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs are packed with flavor and super easy! They are the perfect way to make dinner on the grill when you are busy yet these skewers are fancy enough to serve at your next BBQ!

INGREDIENTS
  • 12 oz smoked sausage rope
  • 12 oz shrimp jumbo, tail-on, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp Barbecue Seasoning
INSTRUCTION
  1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees F. Make sure grill grates are clean.
  2. Cut sausage into about 1'' slices, the same thickness as the shrimp.
  3. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place shrimp in bowl. Add sausage, olive oil and Barbecue Seasoning, toss to combine.
  4. Tuck the sausage slices in the "C" curve of the shrimp and then thread them onto skewers.


MAKES 1 mini loaf
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon almond or hazelnut flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch salt
Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced scallions or herbs
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Whisk the egg, milk, oil, coconut flour, nut flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl. Add the cheese and scallions or herbs, if using, and stir to combine.
  2. Pour into a tall microwave-safe mug and tap the bottom firmly on the counter a few times to force any air bubbles to rise and pop. Microwave on high for 1 minute, 30 seconds.

5 Ingredient Vegan Crème Brûlée



This 5 Ingredient vegan Crème Brûlée can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature or cold. The hubby preferred it hot whereas I thought the texture is much nicer when served cold. This treat would make an amazing after dinner dessert when you want something sweet yet light. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (235ml) canned light coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp coconut or brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp agar agar powder 
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla paste OR 1 tsp vanilla extract 
  • Pinch of turmeric 
Method:

Pour the milk in a saucepan and add in the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high mixing continuously ensuring there are no lumps of agar agar. Take off the heat just before it starts to boil.

Easter Chex™ Party Mix



The Easter version of one of our favorite holiday snack mixes, perfect for any party this spring. Chex™ cereal, marshmallows and pretzel twists are coated in vanilla almond bark and sprinkles and tossed with pastel chocolate candies.

INGREDIENTS
  • 6 cups Rice Chex™ or Corn Chex™ cereal
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows (from 10.5-oz bag)
  • 1 cup mini pretzel twists (from 16-oz bag)
  • 15 oz vanilla candy coating (almond bark) (about 9 cubes from 20-oz package)
  • 3 tablespoons holiday-colored sprinkles or nonpareils
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup holiday-colored candy-coated chocolate candies
PREPARATION
  1. Line large rimmed cookie sheet with waxed paper. In large bowl, mix cereal, marshmallows and pretzels.
  2. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating uncovered on High 60 to 90 seconds, stirring after 1 minute, until almost melted. Stir until smooth. Pour onto cereal mixture; mix well.

LEMON BLUEBERRY TRIFLE



Fresh, juicy blueberries and bright, tart lemon pudding combine in a stunning dessert that will wow your guests. This mouthwatering lemon blueberry trifle is impressive yet incredibly easy!

INGREDIENTS
  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 block, softened
  • 6.8 oz instant lemon pudding 2 (3.4oz) boxes lemon pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk brought to room temperature
  • 8 oz whipped topping 1 tub, thawed
  • 2 Angel food cake 2 loaves or 1 tube cake, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups blueberries 2 pints fresh blueberries
  • Sliced lemon for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Beat the cream cheese, pudding mix and room temp milk until smooth. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping.
  2. In a 3-quart bowl, layer 1/3 of the cake, 1/3 of the pudding and 1/3 of the blueberries. Repeat layers two more times. Garnish with reserved whipped topping and lemons.

White Chocolate Blueberry Lasagna



White Chocolate Blueberry Lasagna is perfect summer dessert recipe- light, easy and no oven required!!! It starts with Golden Oreo crust and just keeps getting more delicious with every layer- cream cheese, blueberries, white chocolate and blueberry pudding, cool whip and a generous layer of white chocolate curls on top! Everything’s just better with chocolate, right?!

INGREDIENTS
For the Crust:
  • 36 Golden Oreo cookies ( whole cookies with filling )
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter-melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter-softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz. cream cheese-softened
  • 1 ¼ cup Cool Whip
  • 1 to 1 ½ cup blueberries fresh or thawed (I used 1 ¼ cup frozen wild blueberries)
For Pudding Layer:
  • 2 – 3.9 ounce packages White Chocolate Instant Pudding
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 2 oz. freeze dried blueberries- powder (pulse blueberries in a food processor to make the powder)
Topping:
  • 1 ½ cup Cool Whip
  • white chocolate bar to make the curls (or sprinkle with 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips)
INSTRUCTION
  1. In a food processor ground whole Oreo cookies with the filling to get fine crumbs.
  2. Combine Oreo crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter and stir until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of 9 x 13 inch dish. Set in the fridge to firm while making the filling.
  3. In a bowl mix together cream cheese, ½ cup softened butter and powdered sugar and beat well. Mix in 1 ¼ cup Cool Whip. Fold in blueberries. NOTES: If you use frozen blueberries you must thaw them first and rinse with water if you don’t want to get dark purple color for your filling than drained them well at several layer of paper towel!!!
  4. Spread the mixture over the crust.

Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats + Cucumber Nutrition



Enjoy these low-carb Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats made with high-protein, probiotic-rich Greek yogurt and anti-inflammatory wild-caught tuna fish and learn more about the nutrition benefits of cucumbers and why they make the perfect gluten-free sandwich alternative. Recipe options for the Paleo diet, Keto diet and more included.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 2 cans wild-caught white albacore tuna, drained
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • ¼ cup white onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: fresh garden herbs like parsley, or dill and freshly sliced tomatoes
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Slice the cucumbers down the middle length wise. Using a spoon, gently scrape out the insides.
  2. Discard (or compost!) the scooped seeds and set the remaining cucumber aside.
  3. Add the tuna to a large bowl. Using a fork, gently mash the tuna until it is flaked.
  4. Add the celery, onion, Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, salt and pepper (and fresh herbs if you plan to use any).

Baked Chicken Wings - Extra Crispy, Like Deep-Fried



A recipe for the best baked chicken wings that are extra crispy on the outside and very tender and most on the inside.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (tips removed, separated into wingettes and drumettes)
  • 1 Tbsp BAKING POWDER (whatever you do, do NOT use baking soda)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1/3 cup hot wing sauce (e.g. Duff's hot sauce)
INSTRUCTION
  1. Preheat oven to 450F
  2. Dry chicken with a paper towel really well. Place the wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle baking powder over the wings. Toss until all wings are evenly covered in baking powder. Better yet, mix by hand to ensure even coverage.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a cooling rack (see note) on top and spray with Pam or rub with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Lay the chicken wings on the rack, leaving space between the wings.

CHEESY TACO PASTA RECIPE



Cheesy Taco Pasta is my nod to the hamburger helper I grew up consuming as a child. at the same time as this isn’t precisely the “crunchy taco hamburger helper” because I skipped adding the tortilla chips on top, the ooey gooey meat and cheese sauce continues to be the equal and with only a few substances.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 pound large shells pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup jarred salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Cook the shelled pasta in step with the guidelines at the container and drain.
  2. Add the ground pork to the pan and brown well.
  3. Drain the fats.
  4. Add the taco seasoning and three/4 cup of water, stir and prepare dinner till water is long gone.

Mississippi Mud Cheesy Potatoes



These 5 ingredient potatoes came from an old family recipe box with the note that they were named after the Mississippi River for being "long on taste and mighty good." It's so easy, it may just become a holiday staple!

INGREDIENTS
  1. 8-10 Cups potatoes, diced finely
  2. 16 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
  3. 1 Cup mayonnaise (real)
  4. 1 package bacon, cooked and torn into large bits
  5. 1/2 Cup green onions, chopped
INSTRUCTION
  1. In a 9x13 pan or 3 quart casserole dish, mix potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
  2. Stir in mayonnaise.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings



Toss out that deep fryer, just like last year’s jeans. We’ve got the solution to crispy chicken wings without the hassle of deep frying. These ones are baked but use a secret technique to make them extra crisp.

INGREDIENTS:
  • 10 whole chicken wings, cut into flats and drumettes (here's how to do it). Discard tips or use for a stock. That leaves you with 20 wing pieces total
  • 1 Tbsp. aluminum-free* baking powder (NOT baking soda)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • sauce or dry rub
DIRECTION:
  1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
  2. Place a rack onto a cookie sheet.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the flats and drumettes with the baking powder and salt. Place wings on the rack in single layer and cook for 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken



A fast and easy chicken dinner with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with chopped spinach. We like to eat this chicken and sauce with fettuccine noodles or with mashed potatoes. 

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless breasts sliced into 1/2 inch filets 
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 oz coarsely chopped spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
To make with pasta:
  • 10 ounces uncooked fettuccine noodles or linguine noodles
  • 3 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting (more). When the display reads HOT add in the butter. Once the butter is melted add in the onions and saute for about 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add in the chicken broth, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Stir. Add in the mushrooms (if using) and chicken.
  2. Optional: If you want to cook pasta at the same time and in the same pot you can. Just get a pan that will fit inside your Instant Pot* and fill it with 3 cups or water and then break 10 ounces of fettuccine or linguine noodles to fit inside the pan (see my note below). Carefully place the pan on top of the chicken. I use a homemade silicone sling that I cut from a silicone baking mat* to lower my pan down onto the chicken. You can also make a foil sling.

No-Bake Breakfast Cookies



These No-Bake Breakfast Cookies Are Easy To Make, Healthy, Packed With Protein And Simply Delicious. They Can Be Whipped Up In Less Than 5 Minutes And Stored For Up To Two Weeks.

These breakfast cookies are an absolute favorite in my house. We make them ALL the time for a quick breakfast or snack, as well as chocolate peanut butter protein balls, no-bake energy balls, overnight oats and mini egg frittatas.

INGREDIENTS
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-3 Tablespoons chia seeds
  • 3/4  cup old fashioned oats
  • OPTIONAL MIX IN'S: 1/4 CUP MINI CHOCOLATE CHIPS, CHOPPED ALMONDS, RAISINS, PUMPKIN SEEDS, PROTEIN POWDER, FLAXSEEDS
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Place the peanut butter, honey and vanilla in a microwavable bowl and microwave the ingredients for  20 seconds.
  2. Stir the mixture until well combined then add in the remaining ingredients (and any extra mix-in's).
  3. Stir well and ensure everything is well incorporated.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob



Boiling corn with a cup of milk and a stick of butter creates the most delicious corn imaginable. Truly the BEST way to cook corn on the cob!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Calories: 110 kcal
Author: Christin Mahrlig

INGREDIENTS
  • 6-8 ears of corn, husks and silks removed and cut in half (if desired)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 stick Challenge butter
INSTRUCTION
  1. Fill a large pot about halfway with water. 
  2. Bring water to a boil.
  3. Add milk and butter. Add corn and reduce heat.

How to Make Cinnamon Milk For Weight Loss and Healthier Skin



Having a glass of warm milk before going to bed is an incredibly relaxing and healthy routine, and if you add cinnamon to it, you will boost the healing qualities of the drink.

Cinnamon milk is one of the healthiest beverages you can consume daily. This spice has been popular for centuries, dating as far back as ancient Egypt, and is derived from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. When the bark dries, cinnamon strips start to curl into rolls, which are afterward ground up into powder.

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder (organic, lightly processed)
  • one cup warm milk
  • Honey (to taste)
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
INSTRUCTION:
Add cinnamon to the milk, sweeten with honey, and enrich the taste with the vanilla extract.

SUNSET SANGRIA



This Sunset Sangria is made with orange, strawberry, rum and will quickly become a favorite!

INGREDIENTS
  • 3/4 a pound of strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 3 medium navel oranges sliced (ends sliced off and discarded)
  • 1/2 cup citrus rum
  • 2 oz orange liquor
  • 3/4 a 1.5L bottle of Moscoto I use Barefoot brand
  • {or better yet, buy three 750 ml bottles and make two batches!}
  • lemon-lime soda diet or regular
INSTRUCTION
Mix the wine, rum, and orange liquor. Add the strawberries and oranges. Top with a little more wine to make sure the fruit is all covered with liquid. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe



This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is the ultimate appetizer! This CopyCat recipe from BoneFish is going to win you over! Crispy fried shrimp coated in a homemade sweet and spicy - pure perfection.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb shrimp, deveined & peeled
Milk mixture-
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
Flour mixture-
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp table salt
  • ¼ tsp ground paprika
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Sauce-
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp Sriracha (use less if you don't like spicy)
  • canola oil for frying
INSTRUCTION
  1. Devein and remove tails on the shrimp. Pat shrimp completely dry. 
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the milk mixture in bowl 1 and the flour mixture in bowl 2.
  4. Dredge shrimp in the milk mixture, then, generously coat in the flour mixture. Place onto a platter. Continue with remaining shrimp.