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Cran-Apple Harvest Salad
Fall season maybe just around the corner, but here in Las Vegas the 100º+ weather doesn’t agree. Finding recipes that fill my need for harvest season foods while not overheating myself spending too much time in front of a hot stove. This quinoa fruit and vegetable filled salad definitely fits that harvest food spot. Add in some grilled chicken and it goes from being a side salad to a main dish. If you aren’t a fan of some of the fruits or vegetables I have added to my salad, then exchange them for some in-season produce that you love. Orange slices, dried apricots, raisins, pears, carrots…all of these would be…
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Oven Baked Nachos
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it is so nice to have a handful of recipes that are quick, easy, and a crowd pleaser. I meal plan weekly, but life happens and sometimes the meal I originally planned…just doesn’t happen. BUT…oven baked nachos is a recipe I almost ALWAYS have the ingredients for. I’ve made oven baked nachos with chicken, steak, vegetarian style, and ground beef. The best part of oven baked nachos is you use pretty much whatever ingredients you have in your kitchen. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, cheese, queso, grilled corn, salsa, beans…whatever you love on your nachos will work on these oven baked nachos. This…
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Fresh Balsamic Summer Salad
Sometimes preparing dinner is just plain too much, especially during the hot summer months. Who wants to spend time in front of a stove or heat their thoroughly a/c’ed kitchen with their oven? I most definitely don’t. I am always on the hunt for a delicious dinner that doesn’t require a ton of prep or for me to stand in a stifling kitchen while the temperature outside soars to unbearable numbers. This fresh balsamic summer salad is the ticket! It can easily be eaten alone, or paired with some grilled chicken or steak. I also like to eat the leftovers with rotisserie chicken for lunch. The best part about this…
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Healthier No-Bake Cookies
A few months ago, I went to my monthly book club get together and a friend had brought some no-bake cookies. As a general rule, I am not a huge fan of no-bake cookies. If I am going to consume a cookie with chocolate and oatmeal, I want a traditional oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips. BUT…these cookies my friend made changed my mind. Then when she informed me that they were a healthier version I was blown away. Of course, I asked for the recipe…and then I promptly changed it. This recipe is not only healthier, but it is high in protein and good fats. It is keto friendly, heart…
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Instapot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
I have a child who is very vocal about his likes and dislikes when it comes to food. I decided I was tired of hearing out of his mouth ‘Ewww, I don’t like that.’ So he now helps me meal plan, as well as is my sous chef most nights. If you have a super picky child, let them help in the meal planning, grocery shopping, and then meal preparing. Sometimes the child resists, but most often they really get into helping out and seeing the start to finish. They are also more likely to at least try what they prepared because there aren’t any surprises for them. On this…
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Vodka-Less Penne
I am not someone who drinks…for many reasons. Other than personal values, I am SO easily affected by medication. I take Sudafed and I become loopy. I take hydrocodone and I can’t remember my own name. I can’t remember my own name if I don’t get at least 7 hours of sleep consecutively on a regular basis. I just don’t possess the mental capacity to add anything to my body. So when my younger brother came to me and asked if I’d take a look at his vodka-less penne recipe, I jumped in. Honestly, my first reaction to his request was ‘just buy the vodka and the alcohol cooks out’.…
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Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Some nights I just don’t want to put forth much effort for a meal, but I also don’t want to just throw some chicken nuggets in the oven. That is when quick pasta recipes come in handy. This pasta recipe has five ingredients, including the pasta…that’s it. I especially love this recipe because it can be served alone, or you can use it as a side for your meal. Grilled chicken is espeically tasty with this pasta. Also…cacio e pepe literally translates to cheese and pepper. You guessed it, this pasta sauce is freshly cracked black pepper and cheese. Personally, I love this sauce, but if you aren’t a huge…
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Microwave Peanut Brittle
I am on a microwaving candy kick at the moment. After mastering fudge in the microwave, I decided peanut brittle was the next only choice. Anything with toffee flavors is a love in my book. So peanut brittle has always been a must during the holiday baking season. No candy thermometer, no stirring like crazy while the sugar and corn syrup boil on the stove top. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes. If you love peanut brittle and want to try your hand at making it in the microwave, then check this recipe out. Do you love peanut brittle too? Have you ever tried making it in the microwave?…
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Scottish Shortbread
My family usually celebrates our Norwegian heritage during the holidays through baking various goodies such as lefse (potato tortilla served with butter and sugar), krumkake (Norwegian version of a cannoli), and aebleskievers (pancake balls sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with jam). My husband’s heritage is rich in Scottish and Irish roots. So to honor and celebrate his ancestors, I like to make Scottish Shortbread. There are many recipes available for shortbread, but each recipe’s main ingredients are butter, sugar, and flour. Shortbread is a crisp cookie with a sweet buttery flavor. With this recipe, I like to add a little something special not normally found in shortbread recipes, maple…
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Hidden Kiss Meringues
Holiday baking is in full swing right now and my kitchen has exploded with all things of tasty goodness. Hidden kiss meringues have been a holiday favorite of my family’s for decades. While working with meringue can be intimating, this recipe is nearly foolproof. To top it off, this recipe has 5 ingredients, including the Hershey Kiss center. This recipe is super quick and easy. Bonus is that it is a crowd pleaser and extremely easy to mass produce for a party or to give as a holiday goodie. Have you ever made meringue candy before? Do you find it easy or difficult to create? Stay tuned for more holiday…
