October 9, 2019

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs


I'm sitting here drinking an iced coffee and I'm watching The Real Housewives of Orange County.  It's super windy and cold outside, so I turned on my heater for the first time.  It's just been a nice and cozy day.  Something that would make the day even cozier are these meatballs.  

I am a huge fan of these super simple and delicious meatballs.  They start with some bbq sauce, grape jelly and a bag of frozen meatballs.  Throw those three ingredients into the slow cooker and a few hours later, you will be enjoying these warm and comforting meatballs.  You can serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of mashed potatoes and rolls.  
You might also like:


3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
adapted from: Mary W.
(Printable Recipe)

1 (32 oz.) Pkg. Frozen Meatballs (about 2 Lbs.)
1 (17.5 oz.) bottle hickory smoke bbq sauce
1 (12 oz.) jar grape jam/jelly

Pour bbq sauce and grape jam into a slow cooker and stir together.  Add the frozen meatballs; stir to coat all meatballs in sauce.  Cook on low for around 4 hours or until meatballs are completely warmed through.  Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish.  

Note: If you can't find the exact size package of each ingredient, just use the closest you can find and it'll be fine. 


September 21, 2019

Three-Ingredient Peach Sherbet

My peach tree had SO many peaches this year and I was able to share a bunch with friends and family and I still had plenty left to use for some sweet treats.  Last weekend, I made two different kinds of peach ice cream.  I made this sherbet recipe, which only has three-ingredients and then I made another recipe that had a lot of ingredients and required cooking, chilling and freezing in an ice cream maker.  

AND, this three-ingredient, no-churn, recipe was better than that labor-intensive recipe that had no peach flavor.  Can you believe that? 

This sherbet is my current obsession. It has so much peach flavor and it's the easiest recipe to make.  All you need is ripe, delicious, peaches and a can of sweetened condensed milk.  I also like to add a little vanilla for added flavor, but that's optional.  Anyway, peel and slice the peaches, freeze until firm, then throw them in a powerful blender or food processor and blend with the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.  You can either eat it right away and it will be like soft-serve or you can freeze until firm.  I made another batch of this last night, because I love it so much.  
You might also like:


Three-Ingredient Peach Sherbet
adapted from: Martha Stewart
(Printable Recipe)

6-7 large ripe peaches
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract 

Peel and slice the peaches; freeze until firm.  Blend frozen peaches, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in a powerful blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.  Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream or pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

August 21, 2019

Classic Zucchini Muffins


I am loving these muffins.  They are an easy and delicious classic muffin.  Simple ingredients, one bowl and sweet cinnamon flavor.  I have already made them twice in the past week.  They quickly became a new favorite recipe.  I love how simple they are and I love that they use 2 whole cups of zucchini and the batch only makes 12 muffins.  That is a bunch of zucchini packed into these muffins.

They are soft and tender and have just the right amount of sweetness and cinnamon flavor.  They stay fresh for several days.  They taste great plain and they are incredible smothered with jam.  I picked up some Tayberry Jam at a local Farmer's Market the other day, which apparently is a mix of a Blackberry and Raspberry and it is incredible.  It goes great with these muffins.
You might also like:


Classic Zucchini Muffins
(Printable Recipe)

2 large eggs
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla or 1 Tbl. vanilla bean paste
1/2 c. canola or vegetable oil
2 c. shredded zucchini, peeled or unpeeled
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or brush each muffin cup with melted butter; set aside.  Whisk together eggs and sugar in a large bowl until thick and lemon-colored.  Mix in the vanilla and oil until combined.  Stir in the shredded zucchini. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and stir together until just combined.  

Divide batter between muffin cups, filling each cup almost full.  Bake in preheated oven for 20-21 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Makes 12 muffins.  

adapted from: Taste and Tell


July 24, 2019

Family Fun Night Pledge and A&W Root Beer Floats


Today, I'm joining forces with A&W to celebrate their 100th Anniversary by taking the Family Fun Night Pledge to go technology-free for ONE HOUR on Friday nights and make family fun memories to remember for years to come.  

A&W Root Beer has a long history of creating family memories and they are celebrating 100 years of those sweet family memories by calling on their fans to create new ones.  First, go to www.rootbeer.com and take the pledge and A&W will give you a coupon, redeemable for a FREE, 2 liter bottle of Root Beer to help make your memories even sweeter.  

The unique, creamy taste of A&W Root Beer is why I love it so much.  

  With the help of A&W, you can create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float! When is the last time you had a root beer float?  My family enjoyed these delicious floats last weekend and I was instantly flooded with memories from my childhood.
The easiest way for me to go technology free is to stay busy and keep my mind occupied.  When I'm sitting around doing nothing, I tend to reach for my phone a lot more.  My family loves spending time outdoors and that is where I spend most of my time.

Here are some fun ideas for Family Night:
go on a walk
color with sidewalk chalk
play board games
have a scavenger hunt
set up a slip 'n slide or swimming pool in the backyard
decorate sugar cookies or bake something yummy together
make tie-dye t-shirts
go fishing
buy some cheap wood crafts at the craft store and paint them together

What does your family enjoy doing together? 

To help provide families with everything they need to jumpstart their Family Fun Nights this Summer,  A&W is also debuting a first-of-its-kind Family Fun Night box, featuring a carefully curated selection of novelty items and essentials for creating root beer floats at home, to help make family time even more memorable .  The limited-edition, fun-inducing box is available while supplies last at www.rootbeer.com

Go now and take the pledge and let the fun begin! 

This post was sponsored by A&W, however all opinions expressed herein are my own.  The information about A&W Root Beer was provided by A&W.  


Classic Root Beer Float

Vanilla Ice Cream
A&W Root Beer

Start with a frosted mug.  Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to cold mug and fill to the top with A&W Root Beer.  Serve.

Go to A&W's website for some fun recipes for Root Beer Floats. 

July 5, 2019

S'mores Bark

What kind of yummy treats have you all been making this Summer?

I've already made this S'mores Bark twice in the last week.  It's so easy and extremely delicious.  I keep it stored in the freezer and it's nice to have on hand to pull out a piece when I'm craving something sweet.  I like to eat mine straight out of the freezer, it's firm, yet still chewy.  If you want it to be a little softer, then remove from the freezer a few minutes before eating.  

Only four ingredients are needed to create this addicting bark.  Let me show you how to make it.
First, you melt some chocolate chips and spread out evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until hardened.  I like to use a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. Use whatever you prefer.  
Then, you melt some white chocolate chips with some marshmallow cream and spread that over the first chocolate layer.  Top with graham cracker chunks and refrigerate until hardened, about 30 minutes.  
Last, you melt the remaining chocolate chips and spread over the mallow/graham cracker layer.  Refrigerate until completely firm, a few hours.  Then, cut into chunks and serve.  That's seriously all you have to do - easy, huh!
You might also like:


S'mores Bark
adapted from: Wine and Glue
(Printable Recipe)

3 1/2 c. chocolate chips, divided (I use half milk and half semi-sweet)
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
1 (7 oz.) tub of marshmallow cream
4 full sheets of graham crackers

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.  Melt 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted.  Pour onto the parchment-lined pan and spread out into an even layer.  You don't want it too thin or too thick.  Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Next, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  Add the marshmallow cream to the white chocolate and microwave for about 15 more seconds, then stir until smooth and creamy.  Spread over hardened chocolate layer.  Immediately break graham crackers into chunks and press into the marshmallow layer.  Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Last, melt the remaining 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and creamy.  Carefully spread over mallow/graham cracker layer.  Refrigerate until firm, about a few hours, then cut into chunks and serve.  Store S'mores Bark in the refrigerator or freezer.




April 28, 2019

Cinnamon Sugar Fruit Biscuits

Holy crap, these biscuits are to-die-for!  I loved them way more than I thought I would.  The recipe starts with canned biscuits that are dipped in butter and rolled in cinnamon and sugar and then topped with jam and baked.  I used my Mom's homemade strawberry jam which has been my favorite jam my entire life.  The end result is the softest, most tender, flaky biscuit with a crispy coating of sweet cinnamon and sugar and a fresh bright flavor from the jam.
I took one bite and knew this recipe is a keeper and will be made frequently from now on.  Even the hubby gave them a huge thumbs up and said they are so good.  You can use any flavor of jam you prefer.  I have a delicious recipe for Less-Sugar Peach Freezer Jam that would be delicious, but I sure love how the pretty red color of the strawberry jam stands out.

These are perfect to make for Mother's Day and easy enough the kids could help.  
You might also like:


Cinnamon Sugar Fruit Biscuits
adapted from: Taste of Home
(Printable Recipe)

1 (16 oz.) can Jumbo Biscuits (8 per can)
1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbl. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted
strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar.  In a separate small bowl, melt the butter.  Dip top and sides of each biscuit in butter and then in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.  Place on an ungreased baking sheet.  Make a deep indent with your thumb in the center of each biscuit and fill with 1 - 1 1/2 tsp. jam.

Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and place biscuits on a serving platter, using a spatula.  Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving (jam will be hot).

April 14, 2019

Chewy Brownies with Malted Robin Egg Frosting


No matter how hard I try, I can't resist buying at least one bag of Robin Eggs each Easter.  I love the texture and flavor.  I have always been a fan of chocolate malt flavor . . . milkshakes, candy, cupcakes - you name it and I will love it.  I decided to crush up some of those delicious little candies and add them to my buttercream frosting.  It was a great decision.  I prefer the flavor best after day one.  The malt flavor really develops overnight. 

 I spread this colorful speckled frosting over my Mom's chewy brownies.  If you don't want to make brownies from scratch, you can always used a box mix.  I was actually planning to use a box mix, but the grocery store was out of my favorite one, so I decided homemade brownies was the way to go.  These homemade brownies are so soft and chewy and full of chocolate flavor.  I hope you all give these fun and festive brownies a try.
You might also like:


Chewy Brownies with Malted Robin Egg Frosting
From: Mom
(Printable Recipe)

1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
4 large eggs
2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cocoa powder.  Whisk in the eggs, one at a time.  Add the sugar, vanilla and salt and mix until combined.  Stir in one cup of flour at at time.  Batter will be very thick and you might think it won't come together, but it will.  Spread batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, cool completely and then top with frosting.  

Malted Robin Egg Frosting
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
pinch of salt
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1-2 Tbl. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. mini Robin Eggs, crushed

Using a hand mixer, beat butter and salt in a medium bowl until fluffy.  Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition, adding milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.  Mix in the vanilla.  Add the crushed Robin Eggs and mix until combined.  Spread over cooled brownies.  Slice and serve. 



April 9, 2019

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Alfredo

This veggie-loaded Alfredo is such a hearty and delicious dinner.  I used jarred Alfredo sauce, frozen broccoli, canned corn and jarred roasted red peppers, so it's a super delicious and easy shortcut recipe.  You can even use rotisserie chicken too, if you want.

This was instantly a hit and I have already made it 4 times.  If you want it to be more saucy, add less pasta or if you want it less saucy, add more pasta.  It would also be great with other veggies too, like spinach, asparagus or cauliflower just to name a few.  
You might also like:


Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Alfredo 
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

2 1/2 - 3 c. uncooked pasta (I like bow-tie and radiatore) 
1 (14 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets
1 (15 - 17 oz.) jar Alfredo sauce
1/2 c. chopped jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 (11 oz.) can Mexicorn (corn and peppers), drained
1/4 c. milk
salt and pepper, to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Just before the pasta is done cooking, add the frozen broccoli and allow to cook for a minute or two.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, combine the Alfredo sauce, chopped red peppers, cooked chicken, corn and milk.  Heat until everything is warmed through.  When pasta is finished cooking, drain, and add to sauce mixture. Stir until everything is coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Serves 5-6.

Jenn's Notes: If you like it saucier, add less pasta.  The package size might vary with the broccoli, Alfredo and Mexicorn depending on what store you go to.  Similar sizes will work fine.    

March 29, 2019

Butterscotch Banana Bread


This base banana bread recipe has been my go-to recipe for years.  It has gotten nothing but rave reviews since the day I posted the original version.  I just recently started adding butterscotch chips and OH MY, it is amazing.  Something about the flavor of the bananas, cinnamon and butterscotch just warms the soul.

This bread is soft and tender and stays fresh for several days.  The butterscotch chips melt and leave little pockets of rich and creamy toffee flavor.  I can't wait for you to try this comforting and delicious bread.


Butterscotch Banana Bread
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, opt.
1 c. mashed ripe bananas (2-3 large bananas)
5 Tbl. unsalted butter, melted
3/4 c. sugar
1 large egg
1/3 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, buttermilk and vanilla until smooth.  Add wet ingredients to dry and stir together until almost combined.  Add the butterscotch chips and gently stir just until combined.  

Pour batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.  Bake for 42-44 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  If the top begins to get too brown, tent a piece of foil over the top while it finishes baking.  Allow to cool.  Then, slice and serve.    

March 13, 2019

Mint Oreo Brownies with Oreo Creme Buttercream


What the heck is going on with Utah weather?  Yesterday was warm and sunny and I was even outside in a t-shirt and was fine.  Today, I wake up to a lot of snow and it's still snowing.  You never know what you are going to get when you wake up this time of year.  If you want consistency, then make these brownies ASAP!  Since they start out with a brownie mix, it's a no-fail recipe, unless you over bake them of course, so don't do that :)

These might possibly be the most DIVINE brownies ever.  The flavor is outstanding and the texture is soft and chewy and fudgy and exactly what I like in a brownie.  The buttercream uses the filling of Mint Oreos and has a nice subtle mint flavor.  I like to add a tiny bit of almond extract to enhance the flavor just a little bit. The flavor combo is perfect.  You can always leave that out or add a tiny bit of mint extract instead.  

Seriously . . . these will disappear in no time.  
You might also like:

Mint Oreo Brownies with Oreo Creme Buttercream
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe)

1 Fudge Brownie Mix (I prefer Betty Crocker)
Ingredients called for on the brownie mix
8 Mint Oreos, roughly chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mint Oreo Creme Buttercream
1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
pinch of salt
8 mint creme fillings from Oreos, save the cookies for garnish
3 c. powdered sugar
1-2 Tbl. milk, if needed
a few drops green food coloring, opt.
1/8 tsp. almond extract, opt.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare brownie mix according to package directions with the addition of vanilla extract.  Gently fold in chopped Oreos.  Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.  Spread out evenly.  Bake according to package directions.  I bake mine for 23 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool completely.  Top with buttercream and crushed cookies.  

For the buttercream:  Add butter, salt and the creme filling from 8 Oreos (reserve cookies for garnish) to a medium mixing bowl.  Mix until smooth.  Mix in one cup of powdered sugar at a time, adding milk as you go, if needed until desired consistency is reached.  Last, mix in a few drops of green food coloring and almond extract and mix until smooth and creamy.  Spread over cooled brownies.  Crush reserved Oreo cookies and sprinkle over top of brownies, for garnish.  Cut and serve.  

March 3, 2019

Thin Mint {Grasshopper} Fudge Ribbon Cake


It's Girl Scout Cookie time.  I give in every time I see those delicious little cookies.  My absolute favorite are the Savannah Smiles (lemon ones).  I've already bought 5 boxes of cookies this year and two of those were Thin Mints.  The funny thing is, I have zero intentions of eating those Thin Mints plain.  I plan to add them to delicious desserts . . . like this amazing bundt cake.
This cake is incredible.  I used this Fudge Ribbon Cake recipe, but added crushed up Thin Mints and a little green food coloring to the cheesecake layer.  The mint flavor from the cookies is subtle, so if you want a stronger mint flavor, then add a little mint extract.

The cake is dense and chocolatey, the cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy and the glaze on top is rich and adds the perfect finishing touch to this divine cake.

It's the perfect cake for Girl Scout Cookie season and St. Patrick's Day! 
You might also like:


Thin Mint Fudge Ribbon Cake
(Printable Recipe)

Cake Layer:
1 (15.25 oz.) Devil's Food Cake Mix (I use Betty Crocker)
1 1/4 c. water
1/2 c. vegetable or canola oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cheesecake Layer
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tbl. unsalted butter, room temperature
1 Tbl. cornstarch
1 large egg
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
6 Thin Mint cookies, crushed (or Grasshopper cookies)
5-6 drops green food coloring

Chocolate Glaze
2 Tbl. unsalted butter
2 Tbl. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbl. milk
3 Thin Mint cookies, crushed, for garnish (or Grasshopper cookies)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a large 12-cup bundt pan; set aside.  For the cake layer:  Combine dry cake mix, water, oil, eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth and well combined.  Pour into prepared bundt pan and spread batter out evenly.  

For the cheesecake layer:  Combine cream cheese, butter and cornstarch and beat until creamy.  Add the egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and green food coloring and mix until smooth and creamy.  Fold in the crushed cookies.  Spoon cream cheese mixture around the center of bundt pan, making sure to leave a border of chocolate cake mix around the edges.  Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert to a cooling rack and cool completely.  When cool, prepare the glaze.

For the chocolate glaze:  Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk in the cocoa powder.  Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla.  Add just enough milk to reach desired glaze consistency.  Pour over top of cake.  Immediately sprinkle with crushed cookies.  Allow glaze to set, then slice and serve.  Store leftover cake in the refrigerator.     

Jenn's Notes: If you want a stronger mint flavor, add 1/2 tsp. mint extract to the cheesecake batter.    

Base Recipe adapted from: Vanessa C.



February 20, 2019

Easy Lo Mein

These noodles are WAY WAY good and SO DANG EASY!

The flavor is perfect.  The soy sauce is not overpowering at all like it sometimes is.  The amount of sesame oil called for is just right.  I can taste it, but it isn't overpowering either.  I recently looked up a recipe that called for 3 Tablespoons of sesame oil.  Holy cow.  I have used that stuff enough to know that is way too much and would have ruined the dish.

Three cups of slaw seems like a lot, but it somehow disappears when you add it and you could even even add more.

I use angel hair pasta noodles, because I always have it on hand.  This has become a go-to recipe and I make it all the time.

I swear, this one is a keeper, you gotta try it!

You might also like:
Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein
Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein
Sesame Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken and Noodle Bowl

Easy Lo Mein
4 Tbl. soy sauce
2 Tbl. rice wine vinegar
4 Tbl. brown sugar
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp. fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp. Sriracha hot sauce
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. canola oil
3 heaping cups coleslaw mix
1/4 c. green onions, chopped, opt.
8 oz. angel hair spaghetti noodles
   or chinese egg noodles

Cook noodles according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sriracha and cornstarch; whisk to combine; set aside.  

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the coleslaw mix and saute a few minutes or until crisp tender.  Add the sauce, the cooked and drained noodles and green onions.  Toss together to combine.  Cook for a few minutes and serve.  Serves: 4-5.

slightly adapted from: Mandy's Recipe Box
  

LinkWithin