weekend eats

20 Recipes You Can Make with a Can of Beans

November 12, 2017

Canned beans are one of those pantry staples we always have on hand. They’re cheap, easy, fuss-free, and filling, and their versatility makes them an awesome standby for tacos, salads, soups, enchiladas, and more. To get more Sunday meal prep inspiration, check out this list of favorite dinners made with all different types of beans.

No matter how depressingly barren our pantries may get, we can always find at least one can of beans lurking in there somewhere. They’re inexpensive and efficient, and they give us protein and fiber. Plus, you can get a lot of mileage out of beans, whether incorporating them into soups and chilis, enchiladas and burritos, stuffed peppers, casseroles, salads, and more. Canned beans have saved our lives on a number of occasions when we’ve lapsed on the grocery shopping, meal planning, and budgeting. We know how busy things get and how daunting meal planning can be, which is why we’re swooping in with our free meal plans to make your life and schedule a little more organized and a lot more simplified. More time for relaxing with the new revamp of Will and Grace and a glass of wine? Yes, please!

We’re excited to bring you our 2nd installment of our new Sunday Meal Prep Series where we’ll be sharing 20 recipes you can plan and prep ahead of time for a head start on your week—and show Monday-Friday who’s boss. If you missed the first one, you can check it out here: 20 Recipes You Can Make with a Pound of Ground Beef (It’s What’s for Dinner).

continue to the recipe… about 20 Recipes You Can Make with a Can of Beans

30 Easy Comfort Food Casseroles to Make in November

November 1, 2017

These 30 recipe ideas for fall-flavored casseroles are great for whipping up homemade autumn-inspired dinners this month.

Happy November!

Cooler weather has finally arrived—unless of course you’re in L.A., and in that case, we’re sweating in sympathy with you. There’s something about chilly temps that makes us crave all things carb-laden and cozy, so for our 11th installment of our 31 Days Series, we’re bringing you 30 days of fall casseroles to warm up with this month, because nothing says cozy like a casserole. They’re the proverbial queen of comfort food.

A longtime staple in America’s cuisine, these baked concoctions appear at family reunions, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and more. Maybe you grew up on your mom’s tuna noodle casserole, or your grandma’s chicken and rice—either way, any time you take a bite of one, the nostalgia reigns and food memories come flooding back.

With casseroles, no matter what’s underneath, it seems the most popular have a thick blanket of melty cheese, crispy toasted bread crumbs, or some sort of breaded topping, totally canceling out their often plain Jane appearance. From French, to Mexican, to Cajun, to Italian, (with plenty of vegetarian options sprinkled in), we’ve got every kind of casserole you could dream of.

Ready to kick it old-school eatin’ style? Let’s’ dig in!

continue to the recipe… about 30 Easy Comfort Food Casseroles to Make in November

20 Recipes You Can Make with A Pound of Ground Beef (It’s What’s for Dinner)

October 8, 2017

Chances are you almost always have a pound of ground beef socked away in the freezer for a rainy day. It’s a good standby for making tacos, soups, spaghetti, burrito bowls, and more. To get more Sunday meal prep inspiration, check out this list of favorite dinners made with basic hamburger meat, because these are where beef is definitely what’s for dinner.

You know how it goes. Weekends are over in the blink of an eye and suddenly you find yourself on a Monday evening with no idea what’s for lunch or dinner in the week ahead. You check your pantry and survey your fridge for inventory, but figuring out what to cook can sometimes be just as time consuming or stressful as the cooking itself.

Fret not. You can still have Sunday Funday while doing some simple planning and cooking for the coming week so that come Monday, your future self will thank you when you already have the answer to that nagging question of, “What’s for dinner?” That’s why it’s helpful to have an arsenal of easy, organized recipes at your fingertips—recipes you can make on a Sunday to prep for the coming week.

Enter our new Sunday Meal Prep Series where we’ll be sharing 20 recipes you can plan and prep ahead of time for a head start on your week—and show Monday-Friday who’s boss.

continue to the recipe… about 20 Recipes You Can Make with A Pound of Ground Beef (It’s What’s for Dinner)

Game-Day Baked Chicken Wings with 4 Winning Sauces

September 20, 2017

Who loves a decadently-decorated, ready to dive into cheese board? Apparently everyone. These days you can barely skim through your Instagram feed without seeing one and liking, liking, liking. So what happens when you take baked chicken wings and draft them as the standard board’s starting player. THIS!

This recipe is brought to you by Kroger

Today we’re taking the concept of everyone’s favorite cheese board and putting it into game-day chicken wing overdrive that starts with a crispy baked chicken wing recipe that’s then dressed in four different sauces and teamed up with all the dippers for a chicken wing platter that’s sure to score.

We all know the game-day tailgate drill.

Decide on a menu that’s easy-ish to transport.

Hustle to the grocery store to get the shopping done.

Start cooking. Realize you forgot something.

Head back to the store.

Look at the clock and wipe the sweat from your brow.

Finish cooking. Pack up the food. Freak out that everyone else isn’t ready to leave yet. (because they’re waiting for you. Doh.)

Swing back by the store for ice for the cooler.

Hope that nothing spills in the car on the way over.

Unpack. Set-up. Wish you’d remembered the paper towels to clean up the car.

Really, really wish for that beer but the chip dish needs a refill first.

Wait! Whhhhaaat?

The game’s about to start and we already have go to our seats? But we haven’t even gotten started yet!

guys. Guys. GUYS! Game day feasting doesn’t have to go down that way. It’s why I have a new favorite way to enjoy my tailgate festivities, and it all starts at home.

Introducing the game-day homegate party, where it’s easy to prep for, and do I dare say actually become an enjoyable event to cheer, jeer, drink your beer all in the comfort of your own home. Or better yet, at a friends (and leave the clean-up for them to do later!)

continue to the recipe… about Game-Day Baked Chicken Wings with 4 Winning Sauces

Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles (Try It Over Fries!)

September 14, 2017

This spiced up queso cheese dip skips the fake stuff and is made with real cheese instead. Chorizo and chiles add the heat that’s then cooled down with every football lovers favorite flavoring: BEER! Serve it with chips or even better, pile it on french fries for a riff on the classic poutine.

This post is brought to you by Kroger

Football season has it’s signature trigger words ending in -ING: Passing. Scoring. Tailgating.Watching. Cheering. Drinking and eating.

But for this foodie, my favorite action word ending in -ING has been and always will be GRAZING.

At this stage in life’s game I’m miles away from being an arm-chair quarterback when it comes to tailgate snacking. Listen guys, I’m a pro. For me, it’s all about getting in the game and grazing on a little bit of this and some more of that, and bites of all of the shareable eats game days are known for.

So whether it’s a high school play-off, college rivalry, or the Super Bowl, this girl is ready to go the distance.

One of the most popular recipes to make around game day is a cheesy queso dip, and while I typically like to eat healthy, when it comes to tailgating, all bets are off, but I still want to eat real food.

Too many of the recipes I’ve seen use pasteurized cheese to achieve that creamy texture so that’s why I set out to make one that’s creamy, but still real, and loaded with flavor.

continue to the recipe… about Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles (Try It Over Fries!)

Pull-Apart Cinnamon Pecan Rolls

December 20, 2016

These super easy but delightfully delicious cinnamon pecan pull-apart rolls with a brown sugar and butter caramel sauce are perfect for any weekend or holiday brunch.

This post is in partnership with McCormick

I am a nut about Christmas traditions.

Even today, I still make sure the garish Christmas ornament I made in third grade from a paper plate wrapped with red and green yarn to look like a wreath and sporting a photo of my Brownie Scout-buck-toothed grin hangs in its place of glory, in the same spot, every year, on my mom’s elegantly decorated Christmas tree.

When it comes to holiday traditions, it’s the little things that count.

For our family, one of the most revered traditions is our Christmas morning breakfast. In fact it’s so special, we only serve it once a year, and this Cinnamon Pecan Roll bundt breakfast treat is a favorite part of it. continue to the recipe… about Pull-Apart Cinnamon Pecan Rolls

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

November 14, 2016

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs cooked in the slow cooker create the luxe flavor in this savory Italian chicken recipe for an incredibly easy weeknight or weekend meal.

You know how the saying goes. It’s what waiters around the world have used for years to push the daily special.

“This meat is so tender it falls off the bone.”

And then sometimes it is. And sometimes it isn’t.

I’m here to tell you, today, right now, that thanks to this slow cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe, the meat LITERALLY falls from the bone.

But don’t just take it from me, this is the day you’re going to absolutely want to try it for yourself. And like any good salesperson, I’m going to guarantee your going to love it.

continue to the recipe… about Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Shrimp Skewers

August 6, 2016

Grilled shrimp get an extra boost of flavor from a super simple garlic marinade and a wrap of Italian prosciutto for a light and easy appetizer or main.

During the week, when I find myself running out of steam in the cooking arena, I’m always on the lookout for quick meals that lean toward the healthier side. Heck, I think that’s the way I want to cook 97.7% of the time. Meals that don’t take a ton of time to prepare, let alone cook.

And if I can use the leftovers in something delicious later on in the week, I’ve just made myself more than a meal.

Or, two meals perhaps?

This is one of those recipes that is great for those who meal prep or who are looking for super simple weekend eats. Simply marinade and skewer on Saturday or Sunday, refrigerate and then toss on the grill for dinner on Monday. Or grill on the weekend, add to some pasta or top on a salad and make all your co-workers jealous at lunch come Monday.

It’s the little victories that make Monday bearable.

continue to the recipe… about Prosciutto Wrapped Grilled Shrimp Skewers

25 Epic Burgers You Need to Make This Summer

May 25, 2016

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover, we’ve got 25 epic burgers that need to be on your summer grilling agenda.

Summer is here, and we honestly can’t think of any food that screams “backyard cookout bliss” better than a big juicy burger. Because this is the one food item we crave most often once warm weather hits, (and since that’s already happened), we’re getting an early start.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover, we’ve got 25 epic burgers that need to be on your summer grilling agenda.

Check them out below, and just see if you can get through this roundup without craving one!

Remember, burgers are best enjoyed outdoors, with good beer, a fresh side salads and among the best people.

continue to the recipe… about 25 Epic Burgers You Need to Make This Summer

Food Bloggers’ Guide of Where to Eat in Salt Lake City, UT

May 19, 2016

Just minutes from summer’s outdoor adventure and winter’s world-class ski resorts with what is known world over as “The Greatest Snow On Earth”, Salt Lake City hasn’t relied solely on what mother nature has provided to feed the souls of local residents and worldwide visitors.

In this mountain city that just happens to border the desert, the restaurants and diners, bars and brewpubs, coffee shops and bakeries are just as vital to the local climate and lifestyle as skiing and biking and hiking in the towering Wasatch mountains of which the city is best known for.

As the epicenter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—aka the Mormons—Salt Lake City may be considered modest by some larger city’s standards.

Far from mundane or chaste, Salt Lake City’s original landscape was ripe with a convivial spirit, even boasting a stretch of what is now downtown’s Main Street as “Whiskey Street”, named by the founder of Salt Lake City himself, Brigham Young, where gentiles (including Mr. Young) were able to quench their thirst and enjoy in the revelry.

Today, that spirit for food and drink is alive and well and totally on point with those bigger locales thanks to award-winning craft breweries, nationally recognized 4-diamond restaurants, plus favorite local haunts that have stood the test of time.

Following are a few Salt Lake City standouts from local food bloggers, who are dining in and dining out, and always taking in the scene.

continue to the recipe… about Food Bloggers’ Guide of Where to Eat in Salt Lake City, UT

The Best Garlic Burgers EVER

May 18, 2016

These juicy, world famous garlic burgers have just three seasonings and a legion of fans, and are simply one of the very best burgers you’ll every bite into.

It’s here! Grilling season is dead set upon us and that’s just one reason I’m happy to partner on this post with Cowboy Charcoal, because just like this recipe, Cowboy Charcoal is a classic.

And this garlic burger recipe is one of my all-time, forever favorites, and the favorite of thousands upon thousands who’ve eaten it for themselves. Not cooked by me, but by one of the most classic joints in Salt Lake City, the spot that has held the title of Best Garlic Burger in Utah.

Until now.

The first time I had this burger was on a date with my then boyfriend, now husband, at Salt Lake City’s notorious The Cotton Bottom Inn. Resting at the base of two ski canyons, this dive bar is THE spot in the city to stop in for a beer and a round of pool or two after skiing one of the Cottonwood Canyons in the winter or to soak up the sun out on the patio after hiking in the spring, summer and fall.

I don’t know if anyone actually comes for the beer, and I highly doubt it’s for the ambiance. No. It’s the garlic burgers they’re known for. They’re legendary. In fact, I don’t think I’ve EVER seen ANYONE order anything else.

And like the success of all legends, their recipe is top secret. But. I’ve cracked the code, and this is it.

continue to the recipe… about The Best Garlic Burgers EVER

Spinach, Artichoke and Goat Cheese Quiche

April 25, 2016

This fluffy, savory quiche pie recipe made with eggs, artichoke, spinach goat cheese, and Almondmilk makes weekend brunches a tasty breeze!

This is another recipe I’ve created in my partnership with Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, a breakfast or brunch dish that’s lightened up thanks to Almondmilk.

My friend Kelley makes a really great quiche.

The first time I ate one of her quiche creations was at a local blogging brunch where we all brought something along to add to the potluck party. I was immediately smitten with Kelly’s quiche-ing skills, likely due to the fact I am always enchanted by a baked custard of any kind. And hers was delicious.

Quiche is one of those recipes specially reserved for brunching. Why we don’t eat it for regular old breakfast any day of the week is a mystery to me. It’s mix of humble ingredients combine for a deceptively grand appearance, and is truly a dish with an alter ego.

With Mother’s Day rounding the corner of the calendar, a good quiche is always an impressive entertaining option. Because they require minimal work (especially if you use a store-bought pie dough) any level of home cook can prep ahead and then sit back and enjoy being queen for a day.continue to the recipe… about Spinach, Artichoke and Goat Cheese Quiche

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

April 12, 2016

This grilled cheese is like everyone’s favorite jalapeño poppers melted between two slices of bread for the ultimate gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

It’s finally here and if you’re at all like me, you’ve been patiently waiting like a toddler patiently waits for his or her turn behind 8 other kids for a ride on the slide, or to be told to wait until after lunch for that popsicle. Tantrums, tears and frustration may or may have not all played a part in this waiting game.

But the wait is over and today we’re enjoying a different kind of meltdown. It’s National Grilled Cheese Day!

Since I first started the blog, April has heralded the arrival of one of my favorite themed months: Grilled Cheese Month. See for yourself and check out my other grilled cheese recipes here. This year I’m thrilled to be partnering with Arla to share recipes featuring their cheeses and we’re starting things off with a cheesy classic: grilled cheese sandwiches of course!

This recipe all started with “the pull”. No, not tractor pulls. Not the pull of the moon either.

We’re talking about the determining factor of every perfectly made grilled cheese. It’s “the pull” of melty, gooey cheese when two halves are divided from one.

And this recipe has what it takes to get “the pull” every time.

continue to the recipe… about Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Breakfast Tacos Recipe

April 4, 2016

Shredded beef, sweet peppers and scrambled eggs make this Mexican recipe a family favorite for breakfast, brunch or brinner in under 30 minutes.

This recipe post is sponsored by the makers of HORMEL^® Taco Meats because we all have #TacoGoals, and this is one of the easiest ways to meet them.

If you’re a regular follower of the blog, you know I’m a fan of scratch cooking.

But sometimes reality takes over. Life gets in the way. And when my man and my Smudge decide in the afternoon that tacos sure would fit tonight’s meal-ticket-bill, making a whole roast to serve our shredded taco cravings is simply out of the question.

But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, when Hormel Foods asked me to create a recipe using their shredded beef taco meat, I discovered it can actually be quite simple to meet our taco goals.

My husband is a Mexican food fanatic. If Taco Bell had frequent flier miles, by now we’d probably have been able to fly to Europe and back. That’s a lot of burrito supremes with crispy beef taco(s) on the side.

So today we’re curing all of our cravings and making tacos for breakfast, or better yet, let’s make them for brinner. Olé!

continue to the recipe… about Breakfast Tacos Recipe

Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

March 23, 2016

Chicken thighs are nestled in Spanish-flavored rice with Spanish chorizo, green olives, and garbanzo beans for the ultimate one-pot meal.

I pretty much live at my local Smith’s Marketplace.

It’s where I shop for groceries for the blog, and for my family’s dinner. It’s where I buy all of the little green seedlings for my garden. It’s where I shop for hooks and screws, birdseed, my daughter’s never ending supply of footie golf socks, and fingernail polish.

I even fill up my car there. I mean, there’s no way I’m turning away that extra gas discount I get points for whenever I go through the checkout. Not to mention it’s only 1 mile away from my house. Cha-ching.

That’s why this year I’m beyond thrilled to be a Kroger blogging ambassador, where I will be creating and sharing recipes featuring all sorts of products from Kroger grocery stores for my family, and for yours.

We’re starting our year-long partnership off with a mega dose of Spanish-cha-cha flavor, and routing ourselves to the cuisine of Spain to celebrate Kroger’s Taste of Spain event beginning April 3. I’m sharing my version of Spanish Chicken with Rice, traditionally called Arroz con Pollo, dosed up with the tang of authentic Spanish chorizo, saffron and green olives.

Spanish dancer emoji approved! 💃💃💃💃💃

continue to the recipe… about Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

Pork Souvlaki With Lemon Rice

March 14, 2016

An easy marinade with classic Greek flavors of fruity olive oil, lemon and oregano give a tangy, fresh and distinctly Greek taste to grilled pork skewers.

Today’s post is sponsored by Universal Pictures and the release of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 coming to theaters on March 25, 2016.

“Let me tell you something, Toula. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants.”

Just like every other female, that quote hooked me and still makes me laugh every time. And appreciate it’s truth. OPA!

Since it’s release 14 years ago (what? how did that happen??) quotes like that one made me love the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The overbearing parents, the constantly intervening family and the shy duck who becomes the beautiful swan and gets the guy…Swoon. This is the modern day fairy tale.

And finally. Finally. FINALLY! My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is being released in theaters on March 25.

So when I was asked to create a Greek family recipe to celebrate the release of the sequel, FINALLY!, it was easy to say yes. I pulled out one of my favorite recipes that somehow hasn’t yet been showcased here on the bloggity blog: My marinated Pork Souvlaki with Tangy Lemon Rice. It’s totally movie star worthy.continue to the recipe… about Pork Souvlaki With Lemon Rice

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

March 7, 2016

This slow cooker corned beef and cabbage creates tender, fall-apart chunks of beef thanks to braising it in the crock pot with beer and vegetables for an unbelievably easy and delicious one-pot dinner. Plus! Updated directions for the Instant Pot.

When questioned as to whether corned beef is actually good for you, I say it may not be something to recommend eating each and every day of the year, but I feel it’s totally fine when you eat it just like everything else you should— say it with me— in moderation! And whether corned beef is actually Irish or not? Well you won’t likely find it served at the pub in Ireland, but it IS Irish-American.

One of the very first “adult” dinner parties I had at the apartment I shared with my then boyfriend/now husband was a St. Patrick’s Day party with my friends from college. That night we had green beer, 7-layer dip (so Irish of us!) and played a mean game of Hearts.

My friend Julie aka Wells aka Pepper (because we each had about 19 different nicknames) and I tended the corned beef and discussed the merits of adding beer to the stewed meat or not, comparing notes on cooking on the stove top or baking in the oven, and in general were thrilled that in the end our guests had consumed enough green beer to deem the dinner a raging success.

Since that time I’ve made this meal every single year. Like many of you it’s a tradition you just can’t ignore come March. It’s a ritual. And I’m good with that.

In fact I will cook a whole corned beef just so I can make my favorite Reuben sandwiches loaded with sauerkraut, that delicious sauce and melted cheese piled high on grilled rye bread, because seriously…who can say no to a killer reuben??

I’ve baked my corned beef. I’ve cooked it on the stove top. But the method I seem to go to time and time again is tossing it all in the crock pot or slow cooker (this one is great for cooking on the stove top, too!) for one of the simplest dinners you’ll make all year.continue to the recipe… about Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Sheet Pan BBQ Blue Cheese Chicken Pizza

February 10, 2016

The key to this irresistible sheet pan pizza with three kinds of cheese is a second rise of the crust in the pan for an easy, fool-proof, crowd favorite.

I had forgotten all about it until I pulled it out for my Smudge and her cousins to bake frozen cookie dough cookies with their grandpa.

I didn’t remember until I saw the lines etched in the “non-stick” glaze of the nearly non-existent-lip-of-a-cookie-sheet posturing as a baking sheet.

That cookie sheet. It had memories. My memories.

These are the lines of my youth that were made with a pizza cutter, or possibly a very sharp knife some 35+ years ago, separating pizza slices for this toe-headed blonde and my pig-tailed little sister. Back when my mom was a hard-working, self-employed teacher who had to get dinner on the table and knew what kids would actually eat.

Those lines are testament that homemade pizza then is not like homemade pizza today.

Then, there were no baking peels.

No ceramic pizza stones to preheat in the oven.

No fancy displays of perfectly round perfection, or shaggy, “rustic”-labeled looking pizzas meant to make misshapen pizza pies look perfectly acceptable because, hey! They’re real.

Instead, we had baking sheet pans (more likely called cookie sheets because what else did you use them for??) to make large, square pizzas for the whole family to devour.

That’s how you knew it was homemade.

Back when pizza was hip to be square.

continue to the recipe… about Sheet Pan BBQ Blue Cheese Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

February 6, 2016

We’ve upped the ante by swapping traditional chicken wings for skinned chicken drumsticks baked in the oven for a new twist on good old buffalo chicken, perfect for appetizers and Super Bowl parties!

There’s a scent of pigskin in the air. No, not cooking. But literally flying through the air.

It’s Super Bowl, baby!

And what do we do when we Super Bowl? We eat. A lot. And nothing that’s good for us.

Are we talking chicken wings? Well, sometimes. But these days, we like the leg even more. Meatier, more tender. More gooder.

This chicken drumstick recipe is my man’s signature chicken recipe. It’s a teeny-tiny bit healthier thanks to his tenaciousness in removing the skins from the chicken and then baking instead of frying these meaty devils.

Pass the napkins please. And don’t forget the homemade blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Game on!continue to the recipe… about Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Cinnamon Raisin Baked French Toast Cups

November 30, 2015

Individual servings of french toast are an easy make-ahead breakfast, and this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd!

Make-ahead breakfasts are my jam. And we aren’t talking jam on toast.

We’re talking about a lot more than that. So much so that you’ll probably find as many make-ahead breakfasts here as you will grilled cheese sandwich recipes.

And with my ever-professing love of cheese, that’s sayin’ somethin’.

Holiday visits are the perfect reason to break out the casserole dishes, the mini cocottes and even those mismatched, odd-ball ramekins rattling around in your cabinets to create individual breakfasts you can make the night before, then pop them in the oven.

This 5-ingredient breakfast is the perfect way to ease into your day.

continue to the recipe… about Cinnamon Raisin Baked French Toast Cups

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Chili

October 10, 2015

This chicken fajita inspired recipe is full of Mexican spices, beans and sweet bell peppers making for an easy and filling crock pot chili you will love.

You can call it crock pot. I often call it slow cooker. Tomato, tah-mah-toes, either way, slow cooking/rocking the crock is what’s for dinner.

Chicken chili in the crock pot makes for the perfectly easy dinner for weekend eats and is just one more truly, honestly, I promise it’s easy reason to get into the kitchen, rather than escaping it like Alcatraz.

I mean, isn’t it easier to cook at home on the weekends? Sure! But sometimes I’m left sporting a blank stare at my refrigerator shelves wondering what is going to magically appear after the day’s multitude of events and projects that have totally escaped my reach.

This recipe though? A little planning ahead, a few pantry staples, some pre-cooked chicken and a rainbow of bell peppers that never seem to grow old in the crisper is all you really need for a spiced up flavorful weekend comfort food dinner.

Dude. You’ve got this.

continue to the recipe… about Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Chili

Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

September 30, 2015

This ultra cheesy, irresistibly good dip made in a skillet adds everyone’s three favorite condiments to the party: bacon, beer and potato chips.

Is there such a thing as too much cheese? Or bacon? Or chips?

If you’re a fan of the blog, you know I’m a fan of the cheese. I’ve shared my tips on how to take the best photos of your grilled cheese, I’ve made over the top mac and cheese for you (again, BACON!) and I’ve even judged two grilled cheese contests, not to mention creating recipes for Grilled Cheese month every. single. April.

I should give up my hair dryer for a cheese grater so I can be a bona fide cheese head.

So when Kettle Brand Potato Chips asked if’ I’d be interested in creating a tailgating inspired recipe for fall, it simply wasn’t that much of a stretch to stick right with my theme, and go with the cheese.

Chip. Dip. SCORE!

continue to the recipe… about Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

4 Ingredient Ice Cream Pie with Peanut Butter Krispie Crust

July 27, 2015

Use whatever store bought or homemade ice cream you desire to fill this crispy, peanut butter crust for a super easy dessert.

The note with an asterisk at the bottom of the recipe reads, “*green peppermint choc. chip is gram’s fave.”

Apparently my grandma had some pretty wild taste buds. Green peppermint chocolate chip with peanut butter? She had cravings too.

I copied this from my grandma’s recipe book at an early point of my cooking career, it must have been when I was a teenager. I later transferred it to my master recipe book, handwritten at least 25 years ago. By the way, that book is now about 5 inches thick, with a broken bind and is a hot mess of recipes, some written but most of them torn from magazines, newspapers or written on scraps of random paper. It’s where I store all of my family favorites.

I’ve wanted to share this recipe for oh…say…ever since I started the blog. Somehow or another it would always get pushed to the back burner, but with summer in full swing and my wish for easy on the brain, it popped right to the top of this week.

It’s time to indulge in the easiest of ways.

continue to the recipe… about 4 Ingredient Ice Cream Pie with Peanut Butter Krispie Crust

Grilled Halibut with Tomato Avocado Salsa

June 27, 2015

Flaky halibut filets are simply seasoned and grilled, then topped with a fresh and easy tomato avocado salsa in this healthy and fast, three-step recipe.

Halibut. Swordfish. Salmon. I’m always drawn to these dishes on a restaurant menu. But the truth is, I rarely order fish at restaurants simply because I know I can make it better at home.

Knowing how to grill fish is something every home cook should master. The thing is, it really isn’t that hard. It’s simple, it’s fast and it’s healthy.

But let’s get one thing straight. Just because a recipe is simple does not mean it should go flavorless. With halibut’s mild flavor, the fresh addition of sliced tomatoes and avocado with a touch of light balsamic is all that’s needed for a truly tempting summer meal.

Unless you want to give my mango salsa a try :).

This recipe is part of my Weekend Eats series, where I’m sharing a seasonal recipe idea for what to have for dinner come Saturday and Sunday, with the occasional breakfast or brunch thrown in. Rounding out the posts are a few suggestions of what to pair with my main dish, recipes from other food bloggers at the bottom of this post.

continue to the recipe… about Grilled Halibut with Tomato Avocado Salsa

Coconut Baked French Toast With Oatmeal Crumble

March 30, 2015

This easy coconut scented baked French toast is made lighter with almond milk, and features an oatmeal crumble topping for a crunchy granola texture, for a delicious special breakfast your whole family will love.

This year I’m partnering with Almond Breeze to create and share recipes using almond milk, and like many who think of almond milk, breakfast has been on my mind.

A make-ahead breakfast, something to make at home instead of going out. For breakfast, or better yet, for brunch. For Easter. For Mother’s Day. For Saturday or Sunday. With champagne, orange juice and daffodils on the table.

For me, French toast is something you make at home.

continue to the recipe… about Coconut Baked French Toast With Oatmeal Crumble

Sweet and Sticky Glazed Lemon Buns

March 19, 2015

These melt-in-your-mouth buns are baked in the oven and tossed in melted butter and dusted with sugar and lemon zest, and they make an irresistible breakfast treat!

I’ve got some hot buns.

Not THOSE kind of buns, although my husband would kindly say otherwise. He’s been trained that way and after 20+ years of marriage, he knows what side his bread is buttered on.

But these yeasty bites have no need for butter to spread. Because they’ve already been tossed, toiled and drizzled with the melted golden goodness.

Butter. It’s the eau de parfum of springtime buns.continue to the recipe… about Sweet and Sticky Glazed Lemon Buns

Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni and Cheese

January 20, 2015

Gnocchi macaroni and cheese is bathed in an easy white cheddar and truffle infused sauce to add an elegant touch to everyone’s favorite comfort food.

There are some things that come from the kitchen that you just don’t mess with. The classic French onion soup, the best filet mignon ever and my mom’s Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole. Some recipes are just better left alone.

Mac and cheese is not one of those recipes. Mac and cheese just begs to be fashioned to fit your cravings.

In honor of today being National Cheese Lovers Day (hey! did they get my memo and create this day just for me?) I directed my cravings to my brain to create a surprisingly easy, silky and cheesy sauce for a not so traditional macaroni and cheese.

Isn’t eating your cravings the best way to celebrate a day like today?

continue to the recipe… about Truffled Gnocchi Macaroni and Cheese

20 Bodacious Bundt Cake Recipes Round-Up

November 12, 2014

There’s just something about bundt cakes. Here are 20 of our favorite recipes.

We like big bundts and we cannot lie. We like little ones too — they’re adorable, and French looking, and we can always talk ourselves into eating more since they’re so small.

But while there’s certainly no reason to discriminate against any cake, there’s just something extra special about bundts. Maybe it’s their simplicity. We can drizzle, pour, or quickly drip our luscious icing over them, rather than worry about tedious crumb coats or flawless frost jobs.

Or maybe it’s just that it’s fun to say “bundt.” We’re giving you 20 good reasons to get your “bundt” on, plus some bundt cake goodies you can’t resist.

continue to the recipe… about 20 Bodacious Bundt Cake Recipes Round-Up