Categorized: Main Dish Poultry Tagged: avocados bacon celery chicken greek yogurt green onions lemon juice lettuce mayonnaise parsley tomatoes BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Ingredients 1/2 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I used full fat for richer flavor) 2 tsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions 1 Tbsp minced parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cups diced cooked and chilled chicken breast 6 slices bacon , cooked and chopped 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes , halved 1/2 cup diced celery* 1 medium avocado (fairly firm but ripe), diced Romaine lettuce leaves , for serving Instructions In a medium mixing bowl stir together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, green onions, parsley while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste....

Categorized: Cake & Cupcakes Desserts Valentines Tagged: butter chocolate chocolate chips cocoa powder cream eggs flour maraschino cherries powdered sugar sugar vanilla extract vegetable oil Cherry Cordial Chocolate Cupcakes Ingredients Cupcake 3 oz bittersweet chocolate , finely chopped (semi-sweet works too for milder flavor, I’ve tested both) 1/3 cup (29g) unsweetend cocoa powder 3/4 cup hot water 3/4 cup (116g) bread flour 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 cup +2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil 2 large eggs 2 tsp white vinegar 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Chocolate Ganache 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup heavy cream Frosting 1/2 cup butter , softened 1- 2 pinches of salt , to taste 3 cups (330g) powdered sugar 2 Tbsp maraschino cherry juice , then more if needed 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Red food coloring , optional 1/2 of the maraschino cherries from 1 (10 oz) jar, chopped and wrapped in paper towels to dry slightly 24 maraschino cherries , plus more for topping Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees....

Categorized: Main Dish Pasta & Italian Poultry Tagged: butter chicken garlic heavy cream olive oil parmesan cheese pasta Chicken Alfredo Ingredients 1 Tbs olive oil 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch strips Salt and black pepper 1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 3/4 cups heavy cream 10 cups water 4 Tbsp butter, cut into 1-Tbsp pieces 12 oz dry fettuccine pasta 4 oz finely shredded parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups) For serving (optional) Fresh lemon zest, or fresh grated nutmeg, parsley, red pepper flakes Instructions Bring 10 cups water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat....

Categorized: Main Dish Poultry Tagged: bacon carrots chicken broth chicken thighs flour garlic mushrooms onions parsley red wine rosemary thyme tomato paste Coq au Vin Ingredients 6 slices (6 oz) bacon 8 chicken thighs (3 1/2 to 4 lbs) Salt and black pepper 8 oz. cremini or white mushrooms, sliced thick 1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 1/2 cups) 4 garlic cloves, minced (4 tsp) 2 Tbsp tomato paste 2 cups dry red wine, such as Pinot Nior or Cortes du Rhone 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, homemade or store-bought, then more thin if needed 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks 3 Tbsp unsalted butter 3 Tbsp flour 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Instructions Heat a large pot or a braiser over medium heat, spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray....

Categorized: Christmas Cookies Desserts Tagged: corn syrup cornflakes peanut butter potato chips sugar vanilla extract Corn Flake Cookies Ingredients 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (235 ml) light corn syrup 1 cup (246g) creamy peanut butter 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 cups (127g) cornflakes cereal 2 cups (113g) crushed Kettle Potato Chips* Instructions Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper (or just spread a long sheet of it across the counter)....

Categorized: Beef and Pork Main Dish Soups Tagged: carrots celery chicken broth milk olive oil onions parsley potatoes sausage white cheddar Creamy Potato Sausage and White Cheddar Soup Ingredients 1 Tbsp olive oil 13.5 oz. polish kielbasa sausage, quartered through the length then sliced 1 1/3 cups chopped yellow onion 1 cup peeled and diced carrots 1 cup diced celery 2 (14 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth, or more to thin if desired 5 cups 3/4-inch peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 2 lbs) 3 Tbsp butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups milk (I used whole) 1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley Instructions Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat....

Categorized: Desserts Fall Faves Uncategorized Tagged: apples caramel cream Easy Caramel Apples Ingredients 7 small granny smith apples (about 2 1/4 lbs) 15 oz. caramels, such as Werther’s Chewy* 3 Tbsp heavy cream Various toppings, optional (see notes(**) Instructions Rinse and thoroughly dry apples with a paper towel. Insert a caramel apple stick***. Having toppings ready if you’ll be adding some to apples. Line a 13 by 9-inch baking sheet or baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper, spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray, set in the fridge....

Categorized: Mexican and Southwestern Sides & Sauces Videos Tagged: cilantro jalapeno onions tomatoes Homemade Salsa Ingredients 1 1/4 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes* (about 5 - 6) 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes** 2 green onions,*** ends trimmed, chopped into thirds 1/3 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 of a medium) 1 jalapeno pepper,**** seeded and roughly chopped 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (about a handful) 1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse in 1 second bursts until all ingredients are finely chopped....

Categorized: Appetizers & Salads Healthy Main Dish Tagged: almonds cabbage carrots chicken cilantro cranberries garlic ginger green onions hoisin sauce red wine vinegar sesame oil sesame seeds soy sauce sriracha Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Ingredients Dressing and Marinade 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp finely minced ginger 3 Tbsp canola oil 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (I used regular un-toasted since it’s all I had) 1 tsp Sriracha (I didn’t even notice it, so if you like heat add a little more) 1/2 tsp salt , then more to taste as desired 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup chopped green onions , green and white parts Salad 2 (9 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 lb napa cabbage , halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise 1 1/2 - 2 cups matchstick carrots , or 2 medium carrots cut into matchsticks 2/3 cup slivered or sliced almonds , toasted 1/2 cup cilantro leaves , chopped 3 chopped green onions , green and white parts 1 tsp white sesame seeds , toasted 1 tsp black sesame seeds (or an additional 1 tsp white, toasted) Instructions For the marinade: In a mixing bowl (or 2-cup liquid measuring cup), whisk together soy sauce, ginger, canola oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha and 1/2 tsp salt (adding more salt to taste as desired, original recipe calls for 1 tsp salt, I added 3/4 tsp and I still thought that was too much)....

Categorized: Appetizers & Salads Beef and Pork Main Dish Tagged: buttermilk cabbage carrots cheddar cheese chives eggs garlic ham lettuce mayonnaise mozzarella onion powder parsley sour cream Ham and Cheese Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing Ingredients 2 cups shredded or cubed ham* 4 large eggs, hard boiled, peeled and sliced 24 oz iceberg lettuce blend 3/4 cup (3 oz) mozzarella cheese 3/4 cup (3 oz) medium or mild cheddar cheese Homemade ranch dressing 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used 1/4 cup light 1/4 cup regular) 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk, then more as needed 2 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp) 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/4 tsp salt** Instructions For the ranch dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a medium mixing bowl....

Categorized: Christmas Desserts Holidays Treats and Snacks Tagged: butter chocolate chips corn syrup popcorn potato chips sprinkles sugar vanilla extract Kettle Chip Caramel Popcorn Ingredients 11 cups popped plain unsalted popcorn 4 cups Kettle Brand Sea Salt Kettle Chips, slightly crushed to about 2 1/2 cups 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp baking soda 3/4 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips Sprinkles (optional) Instructions Preheat oven to 250 degrees....

Categorized: Asian Healthy Main Dish Poultry Tagged: bell pepper brown sugar chicken chicken broth cornstarch egg whites garlic ginger honey olive oil oyster sauce pineapple rice vinegar soy sauce tomato paste vegetable oil yellow onion Lighter Sweet and Sour Chicken Ingredients Sauce 1/2 tsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil 1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 Tbsp peeled, minced ginger 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp low-sodium chicken broth, divided 1/4 cup rice vinegar 3 Tbsp honey 2 1/2 Tbsp packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp oyster sauce 1 Tbsp cornstarch Chicken 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 large egg whites Salt and white or black pepper 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil Veggie mixture 2 tsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil 1 1/2 bell peppers, diced into 3/4-inch pieces 1 small yellow onion, diced into 3/4-inch pieces 1 1/2 cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drain if using canned) Instructions For the sauce: Heat 1/2 tsp oil in a small saucepan over medium heat....

Categorized: Breakfast Treats and Snacks Tagged: chocolate chips coconut flaxseed honey oats peanut butter vanilla extract No Bake Energy Balls Ingredients 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup old-fashioned oats (raw) 2/3 cup toasted , sweetened shredded coconut 1/2 cup ground golden flaxseed meal (I used Bob’s Red Mill) 6 Tbsp chocolate chips (next time I’ll use minis) Instructions In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract....

Categorized: Fall Faves Main Dish Poultry Tagged: carrots celery chicken chicken broth cream garlic onions parmesan parsley peas rosemary thyme One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice Ingredients 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small) 1 cup sliced carrots (about 2 medium) 1 cup sliced celery (about 3 stalks) 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 1/4 lbs trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves) 1 cup long grain white rice 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh thyme and/or rosemary Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup frozen petite peas 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley Instructions Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat....

Categorized: Cake & Cupcakes Christmas Desserts Tagged: butter buttermilk cocoa powder cream eggs flour peppermint peppermint extract powdered sugar sugar vanilla extract vegetable oil Peppermint Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting Ingredients Cake 1 3/4 cups (246g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (430g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for pans 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1 cup (235ml) buttermilk 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 tsp peppermint extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup (235ml) boiling water (measure after it reaches a boil) Crushed peppermint candies or red sprinkles, for decorating Frosting 1 1/2 cups (340g) butter, at room temperature (preferably 1 cup unsalted 1/2 cup salted) 3 - 5 Tbsp heavy cream 2 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 4 3/4 cups (632g) powdered sugar Instructions For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees....

Categorized: Beef and Pork Main Dish Mexican and Southwestern Tagged: chicken broth chili powder cinnamon cumin limes oranges oregano paprika pork Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Ingredients 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 - 3 oranges) 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) 2 tsp salt, or to taste 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano* 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ancho chili powder 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste 1 small yellow onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbsp) 1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil Warmed corn tortillas, diced yellow onions, cilantro (for serving) Instructions Slow cooker method: Place pork in slow cooker....

Categorized: Breakfast Desserts Tagged: flour jam raspberries Raspberry Swirl Rolls Ingredients 1 Tbsp yeast 1/4 cup warm water , 110 - 115 degrees 1 cup whole milk 1/4 cup cream 1/3 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup sour cream 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp salt 3/4 cup granulated sugar 5 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder Raspberry Swirl 1 1/2 cups raspberry jam , seedless if preferred 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbsp unsalted butter , melted Cream Cheese Icing 1/4 cup butter , softened 8 oz ....

Categorized: Cookies Desserts Treats and Snacks Tagged: eggs peanut butter powdered sugar Recipe for One Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or homemade) 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp whisked egg* Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, using a fork, stir together all ingredients until well blended and batter begins to dry slightly (the more you stir the drier it will become, you just want it dry enough to be able to hold a shape and form a ball)....

Categorized: Christmas Cookies Desserts Tagged: caramel chocolate cocoa cream eggs flour pecans sea salt vanilla extract Salted Caramel Turtle Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 large egg , yolk and white separated 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 2 Tbsp buttermilk 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans 15 caramels (such as Kraft) 2 1/2 Tbsp heavy cream Flaky or coarse sea salt 3 oz chopped milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips , or chopped chocolate 2 tsp shortening Instructions In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and salt, set aside....

Categorized: Beef and Pork Main Dish Pasta & Italian Tagged: basil beef crushed tomatoes garlic olive oil Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – Authentic Italian Style Ingredients 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 3/4 lbs lean ground beef (85% or 90%) 1 medium carrot, finely grated (about 1/2 cup) 1 cup chopped yellow onion 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves) 2 (28 oz each) cans crushed Roma tomatoes (I recommend Contadina brand*) 1 cup (loose) fresh basil on stems or 1/4 cup chopped basil leaves 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed 3/4 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried marjoram 1/2 tsp dried sage 2 bay leaves Salt and black pepper to taste 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth, to thin then more as needed Finely shredded parmesan cheese, for serving Instructions In a large non-stick sauce pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium high heat....