Saturday, September 28, 2024

Chipotle Black Bean Lettuce Wraps



These Chipotle Black Bean Lettuce Wraps are a tasty and healthy vegan option that are full of flavor, protein, and fiber. Black beans and quinoa make a hearty base, and chipotle pepper gives it a smoky kick. When wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, they are a light and cool snack or meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine black beans, cooked quinoa, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced garlic, chipotle pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, and chopped cilantro

Mix well

Take a lettuce leaf, spoon some of the black bean mixture onto it, and wrap it up like a burrito

Repeat with remaining lettuce leaves and filling

Serve immediately, and enjoy!


Thursday, September 26, 2024

Slow Cooker Black Forest Fudge



Enjoy the rich taste of cherry and chocolate together in this rich Slow Cooker Black Forest Fudge. Chocolate and cherry lovers will love this treat!

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
  • 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows optional

Instructions:

In a slow cooker, mix the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk

Slowly stir the mixture while cooking on low heat until the butter and chocolate are melted and the whole thing is smooth and well mixed

It will take one to two hours

For the cherry pie filling, chopped maraschino cherries, and vanilla extract to be mixed in after the mixture is smooth

You can add chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows for extra flavor and texture if you want to

Put parchment paper around the edges of an 8x8-inch baking dish, leaving some overhang to make it easy to take off

Pour the fudge mix into the baking dish that has been prepared and spread it out evenly

To make the fudge firm, put it in the fridge for at least two hours

When the fudge is set, use the extra parchment paper to lift it out of the baking dish and cut it into squares

Serve your tasty Slow Cooker Black Forest Fudge and enjoy it!


Monday, September 23, 2024

Moroccan Lentil Pizza with Pickled Baby Beets



A unique and flavorful pizza with Moroccan-inspired toppings. The combination of lentils, pickled baby beets, fennel, tahini, and mint creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for those looking to try something different on their pizza night.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/2 cup diced pickled baby beets
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel
  • 2 tablespoons tahini sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 475F 245C

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness

Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet

Brush the dough with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper

Spread the cooked lentils evenly over the pizza dough

Sprinkle the diced pickled baby beets and thinly sliced fennel over the lentils

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy

Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle tahini sauce over the top

Sprinkle fresh mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese if using evenly over the pizza

Slice and serve hot

Enjoy your Moroccan Lentil Pizza with Pickled Baby Beets!


Saturday, September 21, 2024

Bourbon Peach Jam with Vanilla Bean



Enjoy the rich and flavorful combination of ripe peaches, bourbon, and fragrant vanilla bean in this homemade jam. It's perfect for spreading on toast, topping ice cream, or gifting to friends and family.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

Combine the chopped peaches and granulated sugar in a large bowl

Let them sit for about 2 hours, or until the sugar has dissolved and the peaches have released their juices

Transfer the peach mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan

Add the bourbon, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and lemon juice

Stir to combine

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the jam thickens and reaches your desired consistency

While the jam is cooking, prepare your canning jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes

Once the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and discard the vanilla bean pod

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the jam at this point

Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace

Wipe the jar rims clean and place the lids on top

Seal the jars tightly

Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed

Remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel or wire rack

Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid

If the lid doesn't pop back, it's properly sealed

Label the sealed jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Keto Lasagna with Fat Head Noodles



Traditional lasagna noodles are swapped out for fat head noodles in this recipe. These are made with almond flour and mozzarella cheese. This version is low in carbs and high in fat, but it tastes just as good as the original.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup low-carb marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Warm the oven up to 175F 350C

Shred mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and cream cheese together in a bowl that can go in the microwave

After 1 minute in the microwave, stir until everything is well mixed

Crack the egg into the bowl and add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese

Mix until you get a dough

Lay the dough out on two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out into a straight line

Make strips of dough about the size of noodles and set them aside

Put the ground beef in a pan and cook it over medium-low heat until it turns brown

Remove any extra fat, and then add the marinara sauce

Put away

Roughly chop the spinach and add it to a different bowl

Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix them together

Add pepper and salt

Put the fat head noodles in a baking dish first, then the meat sauce, and finally the ricotta mixture

Repeat steps 1-3 until all the ingredients are used up

Add a layer of the ricotta mixture on top to finish

Put foil over the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes

Once you take off the foil, bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown

Take a few minutes to let the lasagna cool down before you serve it

Have fun!


Saturday, September 14, 2024

Kale Salad with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs



The hearty kale, crunchy breadcrumbs, and tangy dressing in this Kale Salad with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs go so well together. It has just the right amount of flavors and textures to be a healthy and filling salad choice.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the breadcrumbs

Keep stirring while cooking until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown

Take it off the heat and let it cool down

Put olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix them together with a whisk

Diced kale, grated Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds should all be put in a large salad bowl

Add the dressing to the kale and toss it around to coat it all

Before you serve the salad, sprinkle the brown butter breadcrumbs on top of it

Serve right away and enjoy!


Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup



If you want to make Panera's famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home, this easy slow cooker recipe will do the trick. It's the perfect comfort food for any day of the week because it's creamy, cheesy, and full of broccoli.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a slow cooker, combine broccoli, onion, carrots, and chicken broth

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat

Whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly

Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until thickened

Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth

Add cheese mixture to the slow cooker and stir well

Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low

Serve hot and enjoy!


Monday, September 9, 2024

Chai Spiced Macarons



These Chai Spiced Macarons are a delightful twist on the classic French macaron. They are infused with the warm and aromatic flavors of chai tea, making them a perfect treat for tea lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 150g almond flour
  • 150g powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites about 90g
  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chai tea bags for steeping

Instructions:

Make the chai spice blend first

Tea leaves can be taken out by opening the chai tea bags

Tea leaves, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper should all be combined in a small bowl

To make your own chai spice mix, thoroughly mix

Into a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour

To the dry ingredients, add two egg whites and the vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture resembles a thick paste

Whip the remaining egg white with granulated sugar in a different bowl to form stiff peaks for an Italian meringue

To achieve this, bring water and sugar to 240 degrees Fahrenheit 115 degrees Celsius in a saucepan, then pour the mixture into the whipped egg white and beat until it cools

Till it is completely combined, gently fold the chai spice blend into the almond paste mixture

Take care not to blend too much

To loosen the mixture, fold in a third of the Italian meringue into the almond mixture

After that, gradually fold in the leftover meringue until the batter is glossy and smooth

Spoon the macaron batter into a piping bag and insert the round tip into the bag

Pipe tiny circles onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet

To release any trapped air, tap the baking sheet several times against the counter

For the macarons to form a skin, let them rest for roughly half an hour

Set the oven temperature to 300F 150C

The macarons should be baked for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are set but not browned and have formed feet

After taking the macarons out of the oven, allow them to cool fully on the baking sheet

After the macarons have cooled, carefully take them off of the parchment paper

For added flavor, you can choose to fill the macarons with ganache or buttercream infused with chai spices

Savor your homemade macarons with chai spices!


Friday, September 6, 2024

Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash & Sweet Potato Soup



With hints of cinnamon, this warm and creamy soup is perfect for fall. It has the rich flavors of roasted acorn squash and sweet potatoes. On cold days, this simple recipe will keep you warm.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions:

Turn on the oven and heat it up to 400F 200C

Put the cut side of the acorn squash halves on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper

For about 30 to 40 minutes, or until a fork can go through the squash and come out clean, roast it

After the squash has cooled, take out the flesh and throw away the skins

Put olive oil in a big pot and heat it over medium-low heat

Put in the minced garlic and diced onion and saut until the onion is soft

Put the roasted sweet potatoes, squash, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and cinnamon in the pot

Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork

Either blend the soup with an immersion blender or put it in a blender and blend it until it's smooth

Add pepper and salt to taste

If you want, you can serve it hot with fresh parsley on top


Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Beef Shish Kebabs



Beef shish kebabs are a classic dish that tastes great and is great for grilling season. When you mix tender beef that has been marinated in a zesty mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices with colorful onions and bell peppers, you get a great mix of tastes and textures. You can have these kebabs at a barbecue or for dinner during the week.

Ingredients:

  • 1
  • 5 pounds of beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Put olive oil, lemon juice, garlic that has been minced, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl

To make the marinade, mix it well

Put the beef cubes in a bag with a zipper and pour the marinade over them

Put the bag in the fridge for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight for the best results

Warm up the grill over medium-high heat

Using skewers that have been soaked in water, alternate the beef cubes marinated in a sauce with red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion to make a colorful presentation

Put the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them over every so often, until the beef is done the way you like it and the vegetables are charred and soft

If you want, you can serve the beef shish kebabs hot with fresh herbs on top

Enjoy your tasty beef shish kebabs that you made yourself!


Monday, September 2, 2024

Seafood Quiche Tart



This Seafood Quiche Tart combines the flavors of the ocean with the richness of Swiss cheese in a buttery puff pastry crust. It's perfect for a special brunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry
  • 200g mixed seafood such as shrimp, crab, and scallops, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375F 190C

Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions

Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and press it into a tart pan

Spread the cooked seafood and shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the pastry

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper

Pour the egg mixture over the seafood and cheese in the tart pan

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving


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