Insanely Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake With Apples And Pecans

Insanely Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake With Apples And Pecans combines the flavors of fall like apple and pecan together with refrigerated cinnamon rolls for an easy ooey gooey breakfast cake or quickie coffee cake.

Trust me – stop what you’re doing and make this recipe!

This easy country coffee cake cheats by calling for refrigerated cinnamon roll dough that, once combined with ripe apples and sweet pecans, becomes a coffeetime indulgence you’ll not soon forget.

One bite of a homemade cinnamon roll and you’ll swear you’re going to learn to bake come hell or high water.

Hey, in my case, there’s a first time for everything! But seriously…

Prep Time: 10mins

Cook Time: 40mins

Cooling: 10 mins

Total Time: 1hr

Servings: 8 servings 

INGREDIENTS:

for the cinnamon roll cake

2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided; 1 tablespoon melted, the other at room temperature

1 ½ cups apples peeled, cored, and chopped

1 can (roughly 10 ounces) canned cinnamon rolls

⅛ cup brown sugar light or dark, firmly packed

1 teaspoon cinnamon

⅓ cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon whiskey may substitute apple brandy, pear cognac or any orange-flavored liquor such as Cointreau

2 large eggs

¾ cup pecans halves and pieces

for the glaze

⅓ cup Confectioners sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 teaspoons milk reduced fat or full fat

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat oven to 350°F. Use 1 tablespoon of the butter which has softened to room temperature to butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round or 8 x 8-inch cake/baking pan. **NOTE in Not Entirely Average test kitchen trial bakes, this cake baked ooey gooey at 350°F with the apples in tact and texture maintained. We also baked this cake at 375°F for the same amount of time and yielded a less ooey gooey cake with slightly broken down apples. Oven accurateness plays a major role in how recipes finish. Take all into consideration when determining the best temperature to set your oven within the 350°F to 375°F range for this recipe.

Spread 1 cup of the apples in the bottom of the pan. Separate the canned cinnamon rolls and cut each into 4 pieces. Arrange cinnamon roll pieces point side up over the apples. Scatter remaining apples.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining tablespoon of butter which you have melted, brown sugar, cinnamon, corn syrup, whisky, and the eggs. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture to 2 to 3 minutes until the brown sugar is visibly at least partially dissolved.

Stir in the pecans and pour over the assembles apples and cinnamon roll points being sure to fill all of the peaks and the valleys.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F or until the top of the cake has turned a deep golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes. Cake will have puffed up significantly.

While the cake cools, prepare the sugar icing by whisking all of the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until very smooth. Drizzle over warm coffee cake.

Serve warm with hot coffee as a breakfast, Brunch, or mid-morning treat, or serve warm with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot caramel sauce as a dessert.

Notes:

Substituting Alcohol use apple or orange juice in equal measure in lieu of any alcohol if preferred.

Substituting Pecans use walnuts, macadamias, or whole or chopped almonds in lieu of pecans if preferred.

Make Ahead by one day and refrigerate uneaten portions for up to three days. Reheat in microwave for several seconds to serve warm.

To Freeze use a vacuum sealing system if possible. May also freeze in a plastic freezer bag or casserole dish with a lid.

Nutritional Info:

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Pressure Cooker Breakfast Bundt Cake

Here’s a yummy pressure cooker breakfast bundt cake full of eggs, biscuits, ham or bacon & more! Make it in your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi and enjoy it for brunch today.

Here’s a yummy pressure cooker breakfast bundt cake full of eggs, biscuits, ham & more! Load it up and enjoy it for brunch. 30 minutes in your Instant Pot! 

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 28 mins

Total Time: 35mins

Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 

INGREDIENTS:

1 tube refrigerated biscuits I used Grands, only used 7 out of 8 biscuits

1/4 onion diced

3/4 c ham precooked, diced – could use 1/2 c. real bacon bits instead

1 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp seasoned salt I used Lawry’s

4 eggs

1/4 c cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

Scramble your eggs in a bowl.

Cut each Grands refrigerated biscuit into 9 pieces and put into the bowl with the egg.

Add your diced ham, garlic and seasoned salt and diced onions. (could add 1/4 c. cheese too, I didn’t this time for pics but have other times and it is great)

Fold this mixture together until biscuits are coated well with egg.

Spray the inside of your 7″ bundt pan with non stick spray and pour your mixture in.

Cover it with foil allowing the top to be a bit domed so it can rise inside the pan a bit.

Put 1 1/2 c. of water inside your pressure cooker and put a trivet at the bottom.

Make a sling out of foil and lower your breakfast bundt cake down on to the trivet.

Set to pressure high for 30 minutes.

Allow it to naturally release (I waited 20 minutes).

Uncover and cool a bit so when you flip it over it stays in tact.

Slice and enjoy!

Nutritional Info:

Serving: 3oz | Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1556mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3.2mg

Rustic Beef Stew Recipe

Blustery fall days make us want to eat something that warms the soul, and nothing says warm and cozy like beef stew. This time, we give the slow cooker a rest and let the Dutch oven do the work. Throw a few ingredients into a pot and the kitchen will soon be toasty and smell delicious as this hearty meal bubbles away on the stove.

A good old-fashioned beef stew is delicious, but we love a more rustic take on the traditional recipe. Here’s how we like to put a little twist on it: skip the carrots and celery for fire-roasted red peppers, and instead of potatoes to “thicken” everything up, we add something completely different – cream of mushroom soup. Changing up the classic ingredients with the peppers and creamy soup really offers a deliciously new pop of flavor. C’mon…can you think of a better way to end a fall day?!? Grab a slice of crusty bread and enjoy!

Serves 8

Total Time: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups beef broth

2 pounds beef chuck, cut in 1-inch cubes

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoon canola oil

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

1 shallot, diced

1 (14 oz.) can fire roasted red bell peppers

1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

PREPARATION:

Place flour in a large bowl and toss beef until coated.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, and, working in batches, brown beef. Set aside.

Add diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.

Add garlic, stirring frequently for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Mix in fire-roasted bell peppers, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire, and browned beef, stirring to pick up additional flavor from the beef bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, stir in cream of mushroom soup and continue cooking for 30 minutes.

Ladle into serving bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy!

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

This recipe is exactly the way my mom has always made it – who learned it from my Grandma B! It’s thin, crispy around the edges, and is a staple at every single holiday get together.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Prep Time: 1hour 30minutes 

Cook Time: 1hour 

Servings: 24

INGREDIENTS:

Turkey Stock

3 lbs turkey thighs

2 large yellow onions roughly chopped

6 stalks celery roughly chopped

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing

1.5 cups yellow onions diced

1.5 cups celery diced

1.5 cups green peppers diced

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoon bacon fat

15 oz canned very young small sweet peas drained

6 cups cooked cornbread crumbled

12 oz Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing mix

8 cups turkey stock

1 tablespoon ground sage

2 tablespoon poultry seasoning

8 tablespoon melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

Turkey Stock

Add turkey thighs, 2 large yellow onions (roughly chopped), 6 stalks of celery, 1 tablespoon sea salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to pot. Add 12 cups of water, cover with lid, and bring up to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until the turkey thighs are falling apart (about 90 minutes).

Remove turkey and (once cool enough to touch) finely shred the meat. Discard the skin and bones.

Pass the stock through a strainer to remove any onions and celery. Note: If you’re making the stock ahead of time (like I always do), transfer to airtight containers and allow to cool for a while. Then refrigerate until ready to use. I also like to store the meat submerged in stock so that it doesn’t dry out.

Dressing

Using medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to large pan along with diced onions, peppers, and celery. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook just until vegetables release their juices, about 5 minutes. You’re not trying to cook them fully, you just want them to release their liquids. This step can also be done well in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Preheat oven to 375 F. In a very large mixing bowl, add shredded turkey, sautéed veggies, and peas – mix well to combine.

Add crumbled cornbread and stuffing mix to bowl, along with 4 cups of the turkey stock, and mix well to combine.

Then add poultry seasoning, sage, and melted butter to bowl and mix again.

Finally, add remaining 4 cups of turkey stock and mix one last time. I know it seems like a lot of mixing, but you really want everything evenly distributed in every bite.

Spray two half size sheet pans (18″x13″) with nonstick cooking spray. Pour dressing mixture into pans, divided as evenly as possible.

Place pans on the middle and lower racks of oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then rotate the pans, bring the pan on the bottom up (and vice versa), and bake for another 30 minutes or so. It’s almost impossible (within reason) to overcook this, so you may way to leave it in longer if you prefer crispier edges like my family.

Notes:

Expert Tips

I recommend using a non-sweet cornbread for this dressing. I believe that sugar will take away from the savory goodness of what this recipe is all about.

While it is entirely possible to use store-bought broth, the depth of flavor from making your own is unmatched; but, it should still work! And since you’re not cooking you’re own turkey, you may as well cut another corner and buy a rotisserie chicken. Use the meat for the dressing and discard the skin and bones.

I recommend two specific brands in making this dressing. For the stuffing mix, my mom swears by Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing. And Le Sueur Very Young Small Sweet Peas are the best peas on the market.

I know they are a non-traditional ingredient in dressing/stuffing, but the peas really add depth in three different ways: heartiness, moisture, and texture.

FAQs

Can I leave out the peas? Yes, you can leave them out – I understand that they are not common in dressing. But you’ll really be missing out on part of what sets this dressing apart from the rest.

Can I make this in a casserole dishes? Yes, you will want to use two 13×9 dishes. And the baking time will vary up, but probably needs an extra 15 minutes or so.

Can I make a smaller portion? If you halve all the ingredients, the proportion will equal a single casserole dish or a single half sheet pan. My family always demands leftovers, so this is barely enough!

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes! This is a big portion. But the beauty is… If you make both pans at Thanksgiving, you can freeze the second to warm up and serve at Christmas! I would recommend slicing the dressing, wrapping in plastic wrap, and storing in an airtight container until you’re ready to reheat.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 909mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

Crepes Recipe

A basic recipe for savory french crêpes. The instructions show you how crêpes are made in a skillet.

Prep Time: 20mins

Cook Time: 1hr

Resting Time: 15mins

Total Time: 1hr 35mins

Course: Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine: French

Servings: 6 crepes

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl

1 Hand Mixer or Whisk

1 Silicone Spatula easier to clean out the bowl

1 Wood or Bamboo Spatula to flip

1 Stainless Steal Non-Stick PFOA-free Frying Pan large

1 Soup Ladle

1 Plate to stack them

INGREDIENTS:

1½ Cup All-purpose Flour unsifted

2 Piece Eggs

2 Cups Milk

pinch Salt

6 Tablespoon Butter to fry, 1 tablespoon per Crepes

INSTRUCTIONS:

To make the Crepes Batter:

Keep all your ingredients on stand-by. Break the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk or blend with a hand mixer foamy. The eggs have to be beaten until they turn pale yellow.

2 Piece Eggs

Stir some of the flour with the salt into the beaten eggs, together with some of the milk. Don’t add everything in at one time.

1½ Cup All-purpose Flour,2 Cups Milk,pinch Salt

Blend with the hand mixer until it gets thick and then add more milk. Blend and keep on adding all the flour and milk and keep on mixing until it’s well incorporated and you left with a lump-free thin batter.

Leave the batter to rest for 15 minutes.

To fry the Crepes:

Keep the skillet on the stove and the batter nearby with a ladl in it.

Heat up the skillet to a medium-hot setting and stir in a table spoon butter. Wait for it to melt and spread it well. The skillet should be hot but not smoking!

6 Tablespoon Butter

Take the skillet into your hand and pour with the other hand a ladle of batter into the hot pan and move around the pan in a circling motion quickly to spread the batter evenly to all ends. Don’t waste time!

Once your batter has spread and stopped moving around in the pan, take the skillet back to the heat. Keep over a medium-hot setting.

Cook on one side until the crepes turns a bit brown in some spots. The sides will start to detach themselves, making it easier to flip it.

Flip it carefully with a wooden spatula and cook on the other side. Keep on the same heat setting.

Fry your crepes on both sides until done, or they turn a bit brown in some places. It takes about 10 minutes to cook one crepes on a medium-high heat setting on both sides. One side takes about 5 minutes more or less. The crepes should be crispy on the thinnest parts.

Take the crepes from the griddle and place it with a wooden spatula on an empty plate. Reduce stove heat to medium.

Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Always add about 1 tablespoon butter to fry each savory crepes. Keep the skillet on the heat but control the heat, the pan and butter should never smoke (that would be a health hazard)! A little sizzle from the butter is ok.

Notes

If the batter is too thick, add some more milk. It should be the consistency of a syrup falling off a spoon.

Whisk the batter every time quickly before pouring it with the ladle into the skillet.

Don’t over fill the ladle, fill it to 90% because that’s all you need for a thin crepes and it’s also easier to move around the ladle without making a mess (I’m guilty of that!)

See savory filling ideas and serving instructions in the post.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 561IU | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 2mg

Brown Sugar Pound Cake with Butter Pecan Glaze

Y’all are going to love this recipe for brown sugar pound cake with butter pecan glaze. The cake is dense, but moist, and is topped with a smooth, creamy, and sweet buttery pecan glaze.

PREP TIME: 25 minutes

COOK TIME: 55 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

Pound Cake

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

2-1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 eggs

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup of sour cream

Butter Pecan Glaze

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup half and half

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Brown Sugar Pound Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour a 10 inch, or larger bundt pan.

Add the softened butter and the brown sugar to a large bowl and cream for one to two minutes.

Next, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture in the mixing bowl and mix.

Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, and mix well.

Finally, add the sour cream and mix well. Pour the batter into the greased and floured bundt pan and place in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 55 minutes or until a cake tester or inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes and invert onto a cake plate.

Butter Pecan Glaze

Add the butter to a saucepan and melt.

Next, add the brown sugar and combine.

Pour the half and half into the pan and combine.

Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to simmer.

Simmer for five minutes and remove from heat. Stir in pecans and pour over the top of the cake.

Notes:

TIP: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use yogurt instead.

TIP: Pour the glaze over the cake after adding the pecans because the glaze will thicken fast.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 16 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 429TOTAL FAT: 28gSATURATED FAT: 17gTRANS FAT: 1gUNSATURATED FAT: 9gCHOLESTEROL: 128mgSODIUM: 283mgCARBOHYDRATES: 41gFIBER: 1gSUGAR: 23gPROTEIN: 5g

Chicken Noodles Soup Recipe

One pot chicken noodle soup – Cold kicker soup loaded with chicken, carrots, celery and broth.

COURSE Main Course

CUISINE American

SERVINGS 4 people

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken thighs or breasts

¾ cup carrots sliced

¾ cup celery sliced

½ cup onion (yellow or white) chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

8 cups chicken broth

1 cup egg noodles

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon parsley dried or ½ tablespoon fresh

1 teaspoon thyme dried or ½ tablespoon fresh

salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients to your dutch oven or stock pot EXCEPT for the egg noodles and bring to a low simmer.

Cover and cook for about one and a half hours, stirring occasionally.

When done, chicken and veggies will be tender.

Easily shred the chicken with two forks. Add the egg noodles and bring to a boil for about 10 minutes until tender.

Taste soup and salt to taste.

Be careful soup is hot! Remove soup from heat and serve.

Insect Repellent Are You Out Of Repellent An Open Vicks Jar Helps Prevent Mosquitoes And Other Insects

For Headaches:

Feeling that pesky headache? The menthol in search Vicks can ease your pain. Just rub a little on your temples.

Pamper Your Feet:

Want soft feet? Slather some search Vicks on them before bed, pop on some old socks, and wash it off in the morning. For super soft heels, scrub with a pumice stone and moisturize.

Train Your Pets:

Keep your pets from marking inside by applying Vicks to their usual spots. Its strong scent keeps both cats and dogs at bay.

Protect Your Furniture:

Save your furniture from your cat’s claws! Dab some Vicks on their favorite scratching posts.

Fade Stretch Marks:

Regularly applying Vicks can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks over time.

Battle Toenail Fungus:

Apply search Vicks every night, wear socks, and trim the affected nail in the morning. Keep at it until it’s gone.

Heal Bruises Faster:

Speed up your bruise recovery and reduce swelling with a little search Vicks.

Earache No More:

Temporary earache? Try placing a Vicks-coated cotton ball in your ear for a few hours. But if it lingers, see a doctor.

Clearer Skin:

Combat acne by applying a thin layer of Vicks overnight. Wash it off in the morning for cleaner skin with consistent use.

Muscle and Back Pain Relief:

Vicks’ natural ingredients can soothe muscle and back pain. Rub it into areas like sore elbows for relief.

Trim That Belly:

Mix one tablespoon each of crushed camphor, alcohol, and baking soda with half a jar of search Vicks. Apply it to your tummy, wrap in plastic before a workout, and rinse off afterward. Doing this 2-3 times a week can help in toning, just like some commercial creams.

Always do a patch test before trying out new search Vicks uses to ensure your skin loves it as much as you do!

Million dollars Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is an easy hearty casserole that is both budget-friendly and easy to make. This casserole is simple and a delicious way to feed a family or a crowd!

PREP TIME: 40 minutes

COOK TIME: 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1hour 25 minutes

SERVINGS: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

16 ounces dried spaghetti noodles

1 large yellow onion chopped

4-6 cloves garlic minced

1 ½ pounds sweet Italian sausage casing removed

3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning divided

48 ounces spaghetti sauce 2 jars, divided

8 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

¼ cup sour cream

3 cups mozzarella shredded, divided

½ cup butter cut into slices, divided

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package, drain well and return pasta to original pot. Add 1 jar of prepared spaghetti sauce and combine. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add sausage and 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning to skillet, and cook until no pink remains. Drain well. Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Place half the slices of butter in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the spaghetti in dish, then spread cheese mixture evenly over spaghetti. Spread remaining spaghetti over cheese mixture. Top with the remaining butter slices.Pour tomato meat sauce evenly over top layer of spaghetti.

Top with remaining mozzarella and bake in preheated oven until casserole is heated through, about 35-45 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 583, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 39g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 826mg, Potassium: 337mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 745IU, Vitamin C: 2.5mg, Calcium: 209mg, Iron: 1.7mg

Home-made Salted Caramel Candy

Homemade caramels from scratch, for a fun homemade holiday gift-giving! Surprisingly easy with one special tool!

The only thing you need to make homemade caramels is a candy thermometer. I have one of those clip-on candy thermometers, but I also really love this one with the thermometer inside the spatula! Either will work for this recipe.

For homemade chewy, sticky, creamy BEST EVER caramels, you just have to be able to boil a mixture. Twice. To two different temperatures. I think we can handle that, yes?

Homemade caramels recipe, plus variations.

When you make your own homemade caramels, you no longer have to ask a Trader Joe’s employee if they could give you all of the boxes of fleur de sel caramels they have in stock and a bigger shopping cart. (Guilty).

I want to try making all sorts of flavored caramels now. Even if you leave the vanilla out of the batch (like I did the first time), the caramels still taste great. I’ve got my eye on apple cider caramels next. I’m not from a state with abundant apples, so I’m not well versed in apple treats, but I want to be! Would you believe I’ve never had a proper apple cider donut? I’m on a mission!

Please, friends, be careful when making these caramels. Boiling things are, um, hot. Don’t burn yourself. When the sugar gets to the right temperature, move quickly but skillfully. And please, whatever you do, do not scrape the pan! You will burn your fingers!

Use both hands to steady the pot of boiling hot stuff, and then be done with it. Let the caramels cool a few hours, or overnight (unconvered)

A small batch of homemade caramels with just 5 ingredients. Optional sea salt sprinkle on top!

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 15 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 tablespoon water

½ teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:

Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch bread loaf pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.

In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, add the heavy cream, butter and salt. Microwave in 30 second pulses until melted and steaming. Set aside.

In a 2-quart saucepan (seriously, don’t use a smaller one-it boils up), add the sugar, corn syrup and water. Turn the heat to high, and cook without stirring until it reaches between 290-295 degrees.

Turn the heat off.

Slowly stream in the heavy cream mixture, and whisk gently. Turn the heat back to high, and cook without stirring until it reaches 240 degrees.

Turn off the heat, and add the vanilla. Whisk gently to combine.

Immediately pour the mixture into the loaf pan; do not scrape the bottom of the pan.

Let sit for at least 30 minutes until firm but somewhat soft. This might take a few hours on humid days. You can always leave them overnight, too.

Slice into desired shapes and wrap individually in wax paper.

Nutritional Info:

YIELD: 20 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 66TOTAL FAT: 3gSATURATED FAT: 2gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 1gCHOLESTEROL: 10mgSODIUM: 30mgCARBOHYDRATES: 9gFIBER: 0gSUGAR: 9gPROTEIN: 0g

 

Meditarean Falafel Burger Recipe

This insanely tasty falafel burger is easy and bursting with Mediterranean flavor! Smother in sauce for an epic vegetarian or vegan dinner

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 

INGREDIENTS:

For the falafel burgers (double to make leftovers*)

15-ounce can chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 large carrot

½ red onion

3 garlic cloves

1/2 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or parsley)

6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons coriander

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil (for frying)

For serving

4 buns

Tomato

Cucumber slices

Red onion slices

Lettuce

Quick Cucumber Sauce, Dill Sauce, Tahini Sauce (vegan) or Cilantro Sauce (vegan)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dab the chickpeas with a paper towel to remove extra moisture, then place them in the bowl of a food processor. Add the sesame seeds, then process until a paste-like consistency is formed. (If you don’t have a food processor, use a potato masher or fork to mash them in a bowl until they’re mostly mashed.) Scrape the mixture into a bowl.

Add the carrot, red onion, garlic, and cilantro to the bowl of the food processor; pulse until finely ground. (If you don’t have a food processor, use a large size grater to grate the onion and carrot, then finely grate the garlic and finely chop the cilantro.) Scrape the vegetables into the bowl with the chickpeas.

Stir in the flour, cumin, coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix with a spoon until combined, then form 4 round patties and place them on a baking sheet.

In a medium frying pan, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Carefully add the patties to the pan. If you have one, top with a splatter screen. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, turning down the heat as necessary.

Transfer the patties to a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and baked through. Remove the patties from the oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Meanwhile, make the falafel sauce. To serve, place on a bun with tomato, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce, and top with sauce. The burgers save well in the refrigerator for 1 week, so they’re great to make ahead and eat throughout the week. They also freeze well!

Notes:

*It’s easy to make 8 and freeze the rest for eating later: they also save well refrigerated for up to 1 week. Just double everything!

Nutritional Info:

Serves 4

Calories Per Serving: 281

% DAILY VALUE

20%Total Fat 15.4gSaturated Fat 2.1g11%Total Carbohydrate 30.2g25%Dietary Fiber 6.9gSugars 1.8g17%Protein 8.3g18%Vitamin A 159.5µg4%Vitamin C 4mg9%Calcium 111.9mg19%Iron 3.5mg0%Vitamin D 0µg14%Magnesium 58.2mg7%Potassium 324.6mg39%Vitamin B6 0.7mg0%Vitamin B12 0µg

Butter Cookies Recipe

Butter Cookies are buttery, tender cookies that can be enjoyed as-is with a cup of coffee or tea or as a base for decorating holiday cookies.

Prep Time: 15mins

Cook Time: 15mins

Total Time: 30mins

Course: Dessert

Keyword: butter cookies, christmas cookies, cookie exchange

Servings: 16 cookies 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened

⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

2-3 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolks and vanilla. Mix until combined.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and salt.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Working 1 tablespoon at a time, add milk until the mixture is sticky, thick, and well combined. Set aside.

This is a very thick batter, so you will need a heavy-duty piping bag, or you can use the double bag method. To do that you will need two piping bags, one fitted with a large star tip and one that has not been cut. Transfer the batter to the piping bag with no tip. Clip the tip of that bag and place it inside the second piping bag that is fitted with the star tip.

Pipe the batter into a circular pattern onto the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch in between each cookie.

Bake 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Roll-Ups

French Toast Roll-Ups have cream cheese, fruit, or whatever fillings you like rolled up in cinnamon sugar bread. Impressive and crowd pleasing, you’ll love these French Toast Roll-Ups for breakfast.

These French Toast Roll-Ups have cream cheese, fruit, or whatever fillings you like rolled up in cinnamon sugar bread.

PREP TIME: 5MINS

COOK Time: 10MINS

TOTAL TIME: 15MINS

SERVINGS: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

8 slices white sandwich bread

softened cream cheese, diced strawberries, or Nutella

2 eggs

3 tablespoons milk

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon

butter, for greasing the pan

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut the crust from each slice of bread and flatten it out with a rolling pin.

Place about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen filling 1 inch from one end of the bread in a strip. Roll the bread up tightly and repeat with the remaining pieces of bread. I really like cream cheese with diced strawberries as one combination and Nutella with diced strawberries as another combination.

In a shallow bowl whisk the eggs and milk until well combined.

In a separate shallow bowl mix the sugar with the cinnamon.

Heat a skillet set over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter.

Dip each bread roll in the egg mixture coating well and then place them in the pan seam side down. Cook in batches until golden brown, turning them to cook and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add butter to the pan as needed.

Add cooked rolls immediately from the pan to the cinnamon sugar and roll until completely covered in sugar. You can serve with syrup for dipping but I think they’re perfectly good all by themselves.

NOTES:

Source: inspired from Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

serving: 1grams

Mini Quiche Recipe

This easy mini quiche recipe comes together quickly using mini phyllo shells and an assortment of simple ingredients that you may have on hand. Toss these bite size quiches together for an easy appetizer or breakfast item that will please a crowd.

 Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Total Time: 30 min

Yield: 30 Category: appetizer

Method: bake Cuisine: French

INGREDIENTS:

2 boxes (15 count) mini phyllo shells

1 small broccoli floret finely chopped

5–6 baby spinach leaves finely chopped

2 tablespoons cheddar finely shredded

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped ham

1 mushroom finely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons Swiss Cheese finely shredded

1 slice crispy cooked bacon finely chopped

1 green onion finely chopped

4 eggs

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray mini muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.

Add a pinch of broccoli, spinach, and cheddar to 10 phyllo shells. Add a pinch of ham, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese to 10 phyllo shells. Add a pinch of bacon, green onion, and cheddar cheese to the remaining phyllo shells.

In a medium whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Using a teaspoon pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the shell. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until set and golden brown.

NOTES:

Phyllo shells can be found in the freezer section of most finer grocery stores. If you can not find the phyllo shells at your local grocery store, you can substitute ready-made pie crust or puff pastry. Cut the dough with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter or biscuit cutter and press the rounds into the muffin cups. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

These should not be assembled in advance because the moisture from the veggies, meat, cheese and eggs will start to break down the shells. However, they are easy enough to assemble that even older children can help.

When I say chop everything very fine, I mean really super crazy fine.

The amount of each ingredient added to the quiche is very small, so look around your fridge and see what you keep on hand.

Other add-ins for Mini Quiche might include red or green pepper, onions, tomatoes, asparagus cooked sausage, gouda, gruyere, or Monterey Jack.

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe

No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is an easy summer dessert recipe.

Prep Time: 20mins

Additional Time: 6hrs

Total Time: 6 hrs 20mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 15 servings

INGREDIENTS:

For the Crust

½ cup butter melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 cups graham cracker crumbs finely crushed

For the cheesecake

1½ cup powdered sugar

11 ounces cream cheese softened

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

16 ounces whipped topping

For the blueberry topping

2 cups blueberry pie filling (this is one recipe’s worth)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Stir together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.

In a large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk and vanilla until smooth. Carefully spread on top of the crust, being careful not to break it. Top with the whipped topping or homemade whipped cream.

Carefully spread on the blueberry pie filling. Chill for at least 6 hours before serving. Store in the refrigerator. Best eaten within a few days.

Nutritional Info:

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 185mg | Sugar: 18g

Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe

Brownie Bomb Bars are perfect for football season, my favorite time of year. Football season here in Wisconsin is a sure sign that fall has officially arrived. Football season also signals that comfort food is back on the menu and “grilling time” is reserved for brats on Sunday before the big game. The hot, humid days of summer are replaced with cool, crisp days. Lazy days of summer are gone and school is back in session. I can hear all you Mom’s cheering, Yippee!!

Three layers of goodness!

Course: Bar, Dessert

Cuisine: All-American

Servings: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 18 oz box double chocolate premium brownie mix with chocolate chips

1 egg

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

1 7 oz jar jet-puffed marshmallow creme

1/3 to 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 cup chunky peanut butter

3 1/2 cups cocoa krispies cereal

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bottom Layer:

Heat oven to 325º Lightly grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish/pan.

In a medium bowl, stir together brownie mix, egg, oil and water until fully blended.

Spread brownie batter into prepared dish/pan.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Do not over bake.

Let cool completely.

Middle Layer:

When cool, spread jet-puffed marshmallow creme on brownies.

Sprinkle coconut over marshmallow creme.

Top Layer:

Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a medium size microwave safe bowl. Microwave until well blended and smooth, stopping at 1 minute intervals to stir. Once melted and smooth, stir in cocoa krispies cereal.

Spread evenly over marshmallow/coconut layer.

Cover and chill for 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Smoked Mackerel Caesar Salad Recipe

Total time: 25 mins

Serves 2

This is an upgraded classic that’s perfect for summer with smoked mackerel and crispy onions. The caesar dressing also works well with chicken salads, new potatoes or salmon

Try this smoked mackerel caesar salad, then check out our smoky bacon caesar salad with parmesan croutons, Thai chicken salad and more summer salad recipes.

INGREDIENTS:

2 slices of seeded bread

2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp mixed seeds

1 tbsp ready-made crispy fried onions

1 little gem lettuce, leaves separated and torn if large

2 smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed, broken into bite-sized pieces

2 cooked crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)

chives, snipped

DRESSING

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

4 tbsp greek yogurt

3 anchovies in oil, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed

20g parmesan, finely grated, plus some shavings to serve

½ lemon, juiced

2 tsp Dijon mustard

Method

STEP 1

Toast the bread, then cut into 1cm cubes. Tip into a bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, then add a pinch of salt, the seeds and crispy onions. Toss to coat the croutons in the seeds and onions.

STEP 2

In another large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Loosen with 1-2 tbsp of water to make a drizzling consistency if needed, and season with a little salt (the anchovies will add plenty) and lots of cracked black pepper. Remove half of the dressing from the bowl.

STEP 3

Toss the lettuce, mackerel and bacon, if using, in the dressing, and toss to coat everything evenly. Divide between plates and scatter with the seedy croutons and chives, and some parmesan shavings to serve, alongside the extra dressing to add if people prefer.

Nutritional Info:

kcal583fat43gsaturates11.5gcarbs20gsugars5.5gfibre4.1gprotein26.8gsalt2.6g

Low Syn Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake – Are you looking for a scrumptious and hassle-free family meal that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds? Look no further! We have a mouthwatering treat for you – Imagine flavourful taco meat sauce, tangy salsa, and al dente spaghetti baked together to perfection, topped with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese and colorful bell peppers. It’s a delightful blend of Tex-Mex flavors that will instantly become a family favourite.

The magic of this Baked Cheesy Taco Spaghetti lies in its incredible flavor fusion. When it comes to satisfying my family’s taste buds, there’s nothing quite like a variety of tacos—they simply adore the delicious combinations. With this recipe, I aimed to bring a fresh twist to the table by blending the best elements of a taco with the comfort of pasta. It’s a delightful fusion dish that promises to be a new family favourite!

 

Jump to:

Calories in Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Family-Friendly and Easy to Prepare

Variations on the Recipe

Sides for Taco Spaghetti Bake

More Pasta Bake Recipes

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Calories in Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Enjoy this cheesy taco pasta bake, which serves four people and has 542 calories per serving.

 

If you’re looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you’ll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.

 

If you’re following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it’s important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

 

close up of taco spaghetti bake in white oven proof dish

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

To prepare this delectable Taco Spaghetti Bake, here are some notes on the ingredients used:

 

Ground Beef (beef mince) – Opt for 5% fat extra lean beef mince for a healthier option, but any ground meat will work just as well. Feel free to switch to turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Garlic and Onion – Essential base ingredients for enhancing the flavour of most recipes. For the best taste, use fresh ingredients.

Taco Seasoning – You can either my suggested blend of spices for taco seasoning or a ready-made taco spice mix for convenience.

Fresh Salsa – For optimal flavor, choose a mild fresh salsa from a tub. However, jarred salsa works fine too. If you enjoy spicier dishes, you can swap for a medium or hot version instead of mild

Variations on the Recipe

Here are some delicious variations you can try for the ingredients in the Taco Spaghetti Bake:

Meat Variations:

Diced Chicken: Swap the ground meat for some diced uncooked chicken and fry it in the taco spices. Chicken thigh will offer better flavor, but chicken breast is fine too.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, cooked lentils, or black beans for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Pasta Variations:

Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta to make the dish healthier or suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Lower Carb Ideas: If you are trying to reduce the carbs or calories, you could also try swapping out the pasta for some spiralized vegetables or spaghetti squash if it is available.

Spice Level:

Extra Spicy: If you love heat, add chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the taco meat sauce and use hot salsa for an extra kick.

Cheese Variations:

Pepper Jack Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese to add a spicy and zesty flavor to the dish.

Monterey Jack: Use Monterey Jack cheese for a milder and creamier cheesy topping.

Vegetable and Bean Additions:

Corn: Add sweet corn kernels to the taco meat sauce for extra texture and sweetness.

Zucchini or Spinach: Incorporate grated zucchini or chopped spinach to sneak in some extra veggies.

Beans: Half the ground meat used and instead add in some black beans to bulk out the dish.

Soured Cream Alternatives:

Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk instead of soured cream for a unique and slightly tropical flavor profile.

Low-Fat Single Cream or Half and Half: If you prefer a creamier dish, you can swap the soured cream for some single cream or half and half.

Light Cream Cheese: Light cream cheese is also a great addition instead of soured cream. However, if you opt for this, you may need to stir in a little more stock.

Yoghurt: If you prefer to use yoghurt instead, I recommend skipping the step of stirring it into the sauce to prevent curdling. Instead, serve a dollop on top of the dish once it’s dished up.

Seasoning Experimentation:

Homemade Taco Seasoning: Create your own custom taco seasoning blend using your favorite spices and adjust the flavors to your liking.

Chipotle or Smoked Paprika: Introduce a smoky element by adding chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly when making these variations to ensure a well-balanced and delicious Taco Spaghetti Bake that suits your preferences. Enjoy experimenting and creating your perfect family meal!

serving of taco spaghetti bake in white oven proof dish on turquoise and white plate with fork to left

Sides for Taco Spaghetti Bake

For a family meal centered around Taco Spaghetti Bake, you can complement the main dish with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some ideas to serve in the middle of the table:

Mixed Salad – this is my preferred choice as it’s so quick and easy to prepare and can combine any salad items you like. For my mixed salad I use crisp romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, red onion slices, baby cucumber, and shredded carrot. Add it to a big bowl and place in the middle of the table with the spaghetti bake.

Mexican Corn Salad: A refreshing and colourful salad made with grilled corn kernels, finely diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and chopped cilantro, dressed with a little lime juice and salt and pepper. This side adds a burst of freshness and balances the richness of the bake.

Cilantro-Lime Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made with plain fat free yoghurt, lime juice, cilantro, honey, and a dash of hot sauce. The crisp and refreshing coleslaw complements the rich and cheesy bake.

Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Lightly grilled or roasted vegetables, such as courgette (zucchini), bell peppers, and onions, add a healthy touch to the meal and bring a burst of natural sweetness to counterbalance the spices in the bake.

Remember, the key to a balanced and filling meal is to pair the main dish with some low-calorie sides, such as vegetables, which will bulk out your plate and add extra nutritional value.

With this diverse selection of sides, your Taco Spaghetti Bake family meal is sure to be a hit, satisfying everyone’s taste buds and creating a memorable dining experience. Enjoy!

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake – flavourful taco meat sauce, tangy salsa, and al dente spaghetti baked together to perfection, topped with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese and colourful bell peppers. It’s a delightful blend of Tex-Mex flavors that will instantly become a family favourite.

INGREDIENTS:

455g (1lb) of extra lean ground beef (mince)

1 onion, finely diced

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

250g (8.5oz) of uncooked spaghetti

4 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 cup (250g) of salsa (mild of medium)

1 cup (240ml) of chicken or beef stock

6 tablespoons of reduced fat soured cream

50g (1.8oz) of mozzarella, grated

50g (1.8oz) of cheddar or red leicester, grated

½ red bell pepper, finely diced

½ green bell pepper, finely diced

salt and pepper

olive oil spray

For the Taco seasoning:

1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)

1.5 teaspoon of cumin

1.5 teaspoon mild chilli​ powder

½ teaspoon of oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (can add more or less depending on your preferred spice level)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl

Heat a frying pan over a medium high heat, add the mince, onion and garlic and fry until mince is browned and onion is softened.

Add in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa and stock, bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 mins

Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water as per package directions, reserve ⅓ cup (80ml) of pasta water, drain, spray spaghetti with olive oil spray and toss to coat.

Add the pasta to the meat mixture with the soured cream and reserved pasta water and mix to combine. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Preheat oven to 190c, 170c fan, 375f or gas mark 5

Add spaghetti mixture to an ovenproof dish and top with cheese, add diced bell peppers

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 mins then remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Serve and enjoy

Notes:

WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs: due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values

Gluten Free Friendly – use gluten free pasta and stock

Suitable for Freezing ❄️

If you wish to share this recipe, then please do so by using the share buttons provided at top of this post.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 SERVING

Amount Per Serving

Calories:542Total Fat:16gSaturated Fat:8gTrans Fat:0gUnsaturated Fat:7gCholesterol:56mgSodium:427mgCarbohydrates:56gFiber:5gSugar:6gProtein:41g

Spanakopita Triangles Recipe

This spanakopita recipe is sauteed spinach, feta cheese and seasonings, all wrapped up in phyllo dough and baked until golden brown and crisp. A savory and hearty appetizer or main course option that always gets rave reviews!

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Prep Time: 45minutes

Cook Time: 25minutes

Total Time: 1hour 10minutes

Servings: 30

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil divided use

2 pounds fresh spinach leaves

1/2 cup onion finely chopped

1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

8 ounces feta cheese crumbled

1 egg lightly beaten

salt and pepper to taste

1 pound phyllo dough sheets thawed

3/4 cup butter melted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add half the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Add the remaining spinach to the pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until all of the spinach is wilted.

Remove the spinach from the pan and let it cool. Wring out excess water. Coarsely chop the spinach.

Wipe out the pan with a paper towel. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Stir in the green onions, garlic, parsley and dill and cook for 30 seconds.

Transfer the onion mixture to a bowl along with the chopped spinach, feta cheese and egg. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Take the phyllo dough out of the package and unroll it onto a flat surface. Keep the phyllo covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel when you’re not working with it.

Lay out one sheet of dough with the long end facing you. Brush the melted butter over the dough.

Add a second layer of dough on top of the first, then brush the second layer with butter.

Cut the dough vertically into 3 inch wide strips.

Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of filling on one end of the dough strip. Fold one corner of the dough over the filling to make a triangle shape.

Fold the strip of dough over itself the same way you’d fold a flag until you reach the end. Brush a little melted butter over the top and place the triangle on the prepared sheet pan.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Arrange the triangles 1 1/2 inches apart on the sheet pans. Bake one pan at a time for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

NOTES

It’s imperative that you squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cooked spinach so that your filling isn’t watery. I use a potato ricer to press the liquid out, you can also use your hands or a thin kitchen towel to gather the spinach and wring out the liquid.

I think this recipe tastes best with fresh spinach. You can substitute frozen spinach if you prefer, just use 2 10-ounce boxes. Be sure to thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 16mg | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Sliced Baked Potatoes Recipe

These baked potatoes topped with bacon, melted cheese, green onions and sour cream make a great side for steak or light dinner. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Baking potatoes

Cheddar cheese, grated

Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Green onions, sliced

Sour cream

PREPARATION:

STEP 1

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Brush both side of potato slices with butter; place them on a cookie sheet.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned on both sides, turning once.

When potatoes are ready, top with crumbled bacon, cheese, green onion.

Return to oven and continue baking until the cheese has melted.

Add a dollop of sour cream when done and enjoy!

Note:

You can also poke holes in the potatoes and microwave them for six minutes instead of baking.

 

Syn Free Slow Cooker Maxican Casserole

This is the first time I have tried quinoa in this type of dish and it’s ideal- it provides a filling bulk that cooks nicely but doesn’t go mushy or squishy, and actually quinoa itself is packed full of protein and high in fibre. If you feel a bit unsure about the quinoa I urge you to try it- it’s a common enough ingredient that you can buy it almost anywhere these days and it is such a useful ingredient! It’s great for bulking out a meal like this, but also as an alternative to breadcrumbs or pasta.

You may think it odd that I have used cup measures here when I usually use grams for my recipes, but this one is ideal for the easy of using a cup- if you don’t have an ‘official’ measuring cup, a regular sized teacup or coffee cup will do- one of the joys of this recipe is that there is no need to be precise- it’ll taste great even if you end up with a bit extra of one ingredient.

I use 2 chicken breasts in this (which feeds 4 people)- there is extra protein in both the black beans and the quinoa and once shredded this is plenty of chicken. It really does make a difference buying free-range fillets- they are more expensive (hence using less), but at least you know that they aren’t factory farmed, and they have the consistency and taste that chicken should have.

If you end up with leftovers of this, you can use it to fill wraps, cook into a quesadilla… it’s a great easy lunch to reheat too!

 Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 

A tasty Mexican ‘dump dinner’

Syn-free

INGREDIENTS:

1 large onion (finely diced (or 1 cup of frozen pre-chopped onion))

2 chicken breasts

1 tin black beans (drained)

1 red pepper (1 green pepper, deseeded and diced)

1 cup frozen sweet corn

1 tin chopped tomatoes (refill with water, and also add 1 tin of water)

1 cup uncooked quinoa

Juice of 1 lime

1 tsp garlic granules

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp cumin

1/2 cup pickled jalapenos (roughly chopped)

salt & pepper

Low calorie cooking spray (or spray oil if you prefer)

Coriander to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

Into your slow-cooker pot add in the onion, whole chicken breasts, quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, pepper, chopped tomatoes, water, lime juice

Add in the garlic granules, paprika, oregano, cumin, jalapenos and salt and pepper

Give everything a little mix together, and put the slow-cooker on

Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 7-8 hours.

Once cooking time is finished, shred the chicken breasts using 2 forks and mix everything together

Serve with fresh lime wedges and chopped coriander.

Notes:

If you want to take it to the next level then serve into portions, cover with grated cheddar, and pop under the grill to melt the cheese before serving.

 

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Pecan pie cheesecake bars are made with a graham cracker crust. Then, we top it with a smooth cream cheese filling. And finally, the top layer is a pecan pie caramel topping! These bars are DIVINE!

How far in advance can I make pecan pie cheesecake bars?

The thing I love most about this recipe is that you can make these pecan pie cheesecake bars up to 4 days in advance. I find that cheesecake most often tastes better the day after it was made, so this is the ideal make-ahead dessert recipe!

How long will these pecan cheesecake bars last?

I mean, if you have any left, you can store them covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. But I highly doubt you’ll have nay for that long!

How do I ensure I get clean cuts?

To make clean cuts, I suggest using a very sharp knife and wiping the blade on a piece of paper towel in between cuts.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can! We have a large batch stored in the freezer, and when you’re ready to eat, you can do a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave or allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight! These pecan pie cheesecake bars are super low maintenance!

I really hope you won’t let this year go by without trying my favorite dessert – seriously though, and this is by far the best dessert I’ve ever made!

YIELD: 24 BARS

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

prep time 20 MINUTES

cook time 50 MINUTES

total time 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES

Pecan pie cheesecake bars are made with a graham cracker crust. Then, we top it with a smooth cream cheese filling. And finally, the top layer is a pecan pie caramel topping! These bars are simply DIVINE!

INGREDIENTS:

Cheesecake:

1 (13.5-ounce) box graham cracker crumbs (or 3 ¼ cups)

1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar, divided

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted

4 packets (2 pounds) softened cream cheese

2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks, room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

¼ cup sour cream, room temperature

Pecan Pie Topping:

½ cup EACH: diced salted butter, light corn syrup, AND heavy cream

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups of toasted pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

PREP: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 13×9 square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over on all sides, so it’s easy to remove later, set aside.

CRUST: In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Make sure all the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a baking pan in an even layer and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow for it to cool while you prepare the filling.

FILLING: Beat the cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup of sugar together for a minute until smooth. Then, add the eggs + yolks, one at a time, waiting a few seconds, and allowing each egg/yolk to incorporate before adding the next. Add the sour cream, then add the vanilla extract and continue to mix for a few additional seconds. It’s okay if the batter has a few small lumps. When mixed, pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker base and bake for 40-42 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and not wet. Mine was just barely jiggly in the center, and that’s perfect.

PECAN PIE LAYER: Add the butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to boil while you stir it continuously. When boiling, whisk in the heavy cream and allow for the caramel mixture to cook for 4 minutes on medium-high while you whisk continuously. Remove the pot from the heat and pour in the vanilla extract and stir in the pecans. Then, continuously stir the pecan pie mixture for 5 minutes. Pour the prepared pecan pie layer over the cheesecake and let cool completely to room temperature. Allow the bars to cool in the refrigerator for several hours (ideally overnight), so they are completely set. Remove by gently lifting the parchment and place on a clean flat surface. Cut them into bars and serve!

Notes:

Bars are best when removed from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving. The pecan pie mixture softens a bit and is much easier to break with a fork!

Harissa Maple Glazed Pork Chops Recipe

These maple glazed pork chops are infused with flavorful harissa for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and you only need 5 ingredients to make it.

spooning extra pork chop glaze onto maple glazed pork chops in a skillet

Why I love this spicy glazed pork chops recipe

When it comes to dinner, I tend to go for one of two categories. Easy one-pot-type meals like chicken and broccoli or a meat-starch-veggie combo plate, and I have honestly always found the latter to be boring.

Until I realized that a few simple ingredients can turn bland meat into a phenomenal dinner. I did it with my baked mahi mahi recipe and my favorite garlic baked chicken legs, and I think the possibilities are endless.

spicy glazed pork chops in a cast iron skillet with a serving bowl of mashed potatoes, fresh herbs and a blow of glaze to the side

These maple glazed pork chops combine super flavorful and spicy harissa with sweet maple syrup for the perfect sweet and savory recipe. The simple, seasoned pork chops only take 10 minutes to cook and then they’re drenched it a thick, beautiful glaze that packs so much flavor.

Serve them with creamy, dairy free mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable or salad. If you’re not in the mood for mashed, try crispy roasted potatoes or wild rice pilaf, instead.

 Should you rinse pork chops before cooking?

No. Rinsing any raw meat increases the chances of contaminating your kitchen. Simply remove them from their packaging and blot any excess liquid with a paper towel before seasoning.

How long do you cook pork chops for?

1-inch thick pork chops will generally take about 4 – 5 minutes per side to cook (bone-in) or 3 – 4 minutes per side (boneless). If your chops are a different thickness, you will need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

What temperature do you cook pork chops to?

Pork chops need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145˚F to be considered safe to eat. I recommend using a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature 

These maple glazed pork chops are infused with flavorful harissa for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and you only need 5 ingredients to make it.

 Prep Time: 10 minutes

  Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

  Yield: 4 servings 

INGREDIENTS:

For the pork chop glaze:

6 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 tablespoon harissa powder

1 teaspoons minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

For the pork chops

4 bone-in pork chops

1/2 – 1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon harissa powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

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INSTRUCTIONS:

In a small saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, until thickened. Once the glaze has thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Season pork chops with salt, pepper and harissa.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet to medium-high. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 – 5 minutes per side, or until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145˚F.

Remove from heat and add prepared glaze before serving.

NOTES

This recipe makes enough glaze for up to 8 pork chops. Feel free to double the amount of chops you’re cooking if you need more servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Serving Size:Calories: 167Sugar: 19.4 gSodium: 493.6 mgFat: 5.1 gSaturated Fat: 1 gCarbohydrates: 22.3 gFiber: 0.4 gProtein: 8.7 gCholesterol: 24.9 mg

Mac and Cheese Recipe

Low-Carb Mac and Cheese Recipe (keto, gluten-free)

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This is the low carb mac and cheese recipe you’ve been waiting for. A creamy, white cheddar sauce and tender low-carb pasta (no cauliflower florets here!) bake until bubbly. Covered with a crispy topping, there’s incredible flavor and texture in every bite.

Heavy cream, white cheddar cheese and Parmesan come together to make a deliciously creamy cheese sauce. Combine that cheesy goodness with a low-carb pasta and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food that tastes just like the real thing!

Why this recipe works

Let’s be honest, keto cauliflower mac and cheese is just not mac and cheese.

Which is why I was so excited to be gifted Kaizen Food Company’s low-carb lupin bean pasta to try out. My mind immediately went to macaroni and cheese. One that doesn’t involve cauliflower. 😉

I’m thrilled to finally share a low carb mac and cheese recipe here on the blog that doesn’t taste like a compromise.

The main ingredient for a good keto mac and cheese is a superb low-carb pasta and in my honest opinion, none are comparable to the taste and texture of Kaizen’s lupin bean pasta.

Not only is it a plant-based and gluten-free pasta, but it also has an impressive nutritional profile: high in fiber, high in protein, low in carbs, only 6 grams of net carbs per serving (which blows other “low-carb” pastas out of the water).

It’s a healthy, keto diet friendly ingredient that will satisfy when those pasta cravings hit. And you can easily swap in Kaizen pasta for traditional pasta to make low-carb versions of your favorite recipes.

the perfect balance of creamy noodles with a crispy, pork rind topping

a baked mac and cheese recipe without flour which makes it gluten-free and keto-friendly!

Overhead shot of low-carb mac and cheese in a baking dish with crispy topping.

Three different cheeses, heavy cream and the perfect mix of savory seasonings mixed with keto macaroni is just irresistible and has every potential to become one of your favorite foods.

The crispy pork rind topping is similar to the keto “breadcrumbs” that I use in my meatloaf and air fryer cauliflower. You can certainly omit it but I think it makes this low-carb mac and cheese recipe a bit more elevated. Plus, creamy, cheesy noodles with a crispy topping is the combo for a wonderful mouthfeel.

This keto mac and cheese recipe really only requires three easy steps: boil the noodles, make the cream sauce, bake the mac and cheese. Simple, delicious and comforting.

YIELD: 4-6 servings

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

A creamy white cheddar sauce, tender low-carb noodles and a crispy pork rind topping bake until bubbly. This low-carb mac and cheese recipe is comfort food without compromises!

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces Kaizen Food Company pasta

3 tablespoons butter

1-¼ cups whipping cream

¼ cup full-fat sour cream

1-½ cups grated white cheddar cheese

½ cup grated mild cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Gruyère or (more white cheddar)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup crushed pork rinds

2 tablespoons grated parmesan

1 tablespoon almond flour

1 teaspoon olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Fill a medium pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the Kaizen pasta for 7-8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and transfer to a baking dish. Set aside.

In the same pot, melt the butter and add the cream and sour cream. Stir the mixture and heat for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Stir frequently.

Turn the heat to low and stir in the white cheddar, mild cheddar and Gruyére. Mix in the salt, pepper, thyme and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.

Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix until all of the pasta is well-coated in the cheese sauce.

Mix together the crushed pork rinds, grated parmesan, almond flour and olive oil (or pulse a few times in a food processor). Crumble the mixture on top of the pasta.

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

NOTES:

You can substitute the white cheddar and cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese varieties. For a sharper cheddar flavor, use 2 cups white cheddar and omit the mild cheddar. For a milder cheesy flavor, use half white cheddar and half mild cheddar. Grated mozzarella and Fontina are also a good swap for Gruyére.

If you’d like to mellow out the richness of the cheese sauce, youcan use ¾ cup heavy cream with ½ cup unsweetened almond milk.

The crispy topping is optional. If you feel like skipping that step, simply bake the low-carb mac and cheese until it is hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

To easily crush pork rinds, place several in a Ziploc bag, then use a rolling pin to break them down into crumbs. Save any extra in the pantry for another use!

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Homemade Summer Sausage Recipe

Make the best flavored summer sausage right in your very own home with this easy homemade recipe that requires no casing.

Mmmm homemade summer sausage beats out store bought by 100% any day. You will enjoy reaping the many compliments. This recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Wherever you take this scrumptious dish be sure to let everyone know that the summer sausage is “homemade”. A well worth recipe in my book for sure!

How To Serve Summer Sausage

Summer sausage can be a simple appetizer served on a tray with cheese and crackers at your next holiday gathering, party or potluck. This summer sausage is a must-have while watching sports at home or just serve as a simple snack. And if you want to add some dipping sauces why not try a sweet hot mustard or your favorite BBQ sauce. However you plan to serve it I’m sure it will be a big hit!

Make the best flavored summer sausage right in your very own home with this easy recipe that requires no casing.

 Course Appetizer, Snack

 Cuisine American

 Prep Time 15 minutes

 Cook Time 8 hours

 chill 1 day

 Total Time 1 day 8 hours 15 minutes

 Servings 4 logs

INGREDIENTS:

3 pounds ground beef (first choice 70/30 or second choice 80/20)

1 Tablespoon Morton Tender Quick Meat Cure (this is usually found in the grocer spice section near the salt)

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons mustard seed (can use up to 1 Tablespoon)

1/2 Tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 teaspoons coarse ground peppercorns (I use this pepper mill to get fresh course ground)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine Ingredients

Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Kneading by hand for about 3-5 minutes or until the mixture has that real sticky look.

Chill

Cover mixture with foil, plastic wrap or lid and place mixture in refrigerator for 8 hours.

Shape and Chill

Remove mixture from refrigerator and knead by hand for about 3 minutes. Using a kitchen scale divide meat evenly into four pieces. Roll each piece into about a 9-inch log. Place prepared logs on a quarter baking pan with rack, cover and return to the refrigerator for 16 more hours.

Bake

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove baking pan with sausage from refrigerator and discard cover. To get that beautiful brown edge on the outside of the logs bake the sausage on the quarter baking pan with rack for 8 hours uncovered. Carefully remove pan from oven, wrap each log in a sheet of aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Slice and Serve

Slice chilled summer sausage thinly and serve with a variety of cheeses and crackers like pepper cracked water crackers. If desired, serve with some type of sauce (mustard or your favorite BBQ sauce). Oh, and to keep all the food from getting touched by everyone don’t forget to set out the frilly toothpicks in a small cup or container. TIP: if the cup or container is too deep just add a few dried beans and then add the toothpicks. Works perfect!