Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Vegan Jalapeno Pesto Sandwich



This Vegan Jalapeno Pesto Sandwich is a spicy twist on the classic pesto sandwich. The jalapeno adds a kick of heat, while the creamy avocado and fresh vegetables complement the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • Handful of baby spinach leaves

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, garlic, jalapeno peppers, and nutritional yeast

Pulse until finely chopped

With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste

Season with salt and pepper to taste

Toast the slices of bread until lightly browned

Spread a generous amount of jalapeno pesto onto each slice of bread

Top two slices with avocado slices, tomato slices, and baby spinach leaves

Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches

Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately


Sunday, October 27, 2024

Artichoke Grilled Cheese



A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe features creamy artichoke filling with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread
  • 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Chop up artichoke hearts and put them in a bowl

Add mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Each piece of bread should have butter on one side

Spread the artichoke mixture out evenly on the side of 4 bread slices that hasn't been buttered

Place the last four slices of bread on top, buttered side facing outward

Place the pan on medium heat

It will take about 34 minutes per side to cook the sandwiches until they are golden brown and crispy

Enjoy while hot!


Friday, October 25, 2024

Cheeseburger Gnocchi



This dish is both fancy and comforting because it combines the tastes of Italian gnocchi and classic cheeseburgers. Great for a dinner during the week or a cozy get-together with friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp pickle relish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Follow the directions on the package to boil the gnocchi

Remove the water and set it aside

Warm up the ground beef in a big pan over medium-low heat until it turns brown

Get rid of extra fat

Dice the onion and mince the garlic and add them to the pan

Cook until the onion is clear

Add the pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, and cherry tomatoes and mix them in

For two to three minutes

Put the cooked gnocchi in the pan with the beef mixture and toss it around to coat it

Add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the gnocchi mix

Put the lid on top and wait two minutes for it to melt

Add pepper and salt to taste

Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley


Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Best Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Ever



Indulge in these soft, pillowy vegan cinnamon rolls that are bursting with warm spices and sweet flavors. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm almond milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the filling: 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • For the icing: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Mix the flour, yeast, and salt together in a large bowl

Warm up the almond milk and add the sugar, vanilla extract, and melted vegan butter

Mix it together until a dough forms

Work the dough on a floured surface for five minutes, or until it is smooth and springy

Cover the dough and set it in a greased bowl

Let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it goes double in size

After the dough has risen, punch it down and use flour to roll it out into a rectangle

Cover the dough with vegan butter that has been softened

Then, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tight

Put the dough in a greased baking dish and cut it into 12 equal pieces

Put a lid on top of the rolls and wait 30 minutes more

Set the oven to 350F 175C and heat it up

For 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown, bake the rolls

To make the icing, mix powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth while the rolls are baking

Spread the icing on the rolls while they are still warm after they are done

Serve and have fun!


Sunday, October 20, 2024

Champagne Cake Pops



Elevate your dessert experience with these Champagne Cake Pops. The subtle champagne flavor combined with decadent white chocolate makes for a sophisticated and delightful treat. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box champagne-flavored cake mix
  • 1 cup champagne
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup champagne for frosting
  • 1 cup white chocolate melting wafers
  • Cake pop sticks
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions:

Grease a cake pan and preheat the oven to 350F 175C

Combine the champagne, cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil in a bowl and mix thoroughly

Following the directions on the package, pour the batter into the cake pan that has been greased and bake

In a large mixing bowl, crumble the cake into fine crumbs after it has cooled and baked

Melt the white chocolate chips in a different bowl, then mix them into the cake crumbs until they are evenly distributed

Form the mixture into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet that has been lined

To make the frosting, combine 1/4 cup champagne, powdered sugar, and softened butter in a separate bowl

After dipping them into the melted white chocolate, the cake pop sticks are inserted into the cake balls

Dredge each cake pop in icing, letting excess fall off

Once the white chocolate melting wafers are melted, dip each cake pop, making sure to coat it completely

Reposition the coated cake pops on the prepared baking sheet, and if preferred, garnish with sprinkles

Before serving, let the chocolate coating harden

Savor your delicious Popsicles with Champagne!


Thursday, October 17, 2024

Keto Paleo Banana Ice Cream



This Keto Paleo Banana Ice Cream offers a creamy and indulgent treat without the guilt. Avocado replaces traditional dairy for a rich texture, while bananas add natural sweetness. It's a perfect dessert for those following a low-carb or paleo lifestyle.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe avocados
  • 2 bananas frozen
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup erythritol or preferred keto-friendly sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Peel and pit avocados, then place them in a blender

Add frozen bananas, coconut milk, erythritol, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender

Blend until smooth and creamy

Transfer the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions until thickened, about 20-25 minutes

Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency or transfer to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours for firmer ice cream


Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Soft Lemon Ricotta Cookies



Soft Lemon Ricotta Cookies are sure to please your taste buds. The combination of ricotta cheese and fresh lemon gives these cookies a distinct, tender texture and a citrusy flavor burst. Ideal for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line baking sheets with parchment paper

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the ricotta cheese

Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are lightly golden

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar

Enjoy these soft and lemony ricotta cookies!


Friday, October 11, 2024

Slow Cooker Indian Lentil Stew-Creole Contessa



This Slow Cooker Indian Lentil Stew has the taste of Indian spices and the ease of using a slow cooker. It fills you up, is good for you, and tastes great.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can 14
  • 5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chopped spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

In a slow cooker, combine lentils, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender

Stir in chopped spinach leaves and let cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until spinach is wilted

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro


Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Savory Slow Cooker Brats and Potatoes



In this simple one-pot dish, tender baby potatoes are cooked with savory bratwurst sausages in a tasty sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. This dish is great for busy days because it's hearty and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bratwurst sausages
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place halved baby potatoes, sliced onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker

Add bratwurst sausages on top of the potatoes and onions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper

Pour the sauce mixture over the brats and potatoes in the slow cooker

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and the brats are cooked through

Once done, serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired


Sunday, October 6, 2024

Green Goddess Farro Bowls



These vibrant Green Goddess Farro Bowls are packed with wholesome ingredients and drizzled with a zesty pepita lime sauce. It's a nutritious and satisfying vegan meal that bursts with fresh flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup farro, cooked
  • 2 cups mixed greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup pepitas pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and toasted pepitas

In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, chives, minced garlic, lime juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, and pepper

Blend until smooth

Drizzle the pepita lime sauce over the green goddess farro bowls

Garnish with additional chopped herbs and lime wedges, if desired

Serve immediately


Thursday, October 3, 2024

Baked Cherry Donuts with Vanilla Glaze



These Baked Cherry Donuts with a sweet Vanilla Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the fruity goodness of cherries with the creamy sweetness of vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cherry puree made from fresh or frozen cherries
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped cherries for added texture
  • For the Vanilla Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

Grease a donut pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 175 degrees Celsius

Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl

Mix the cherry puree, buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl

Mixing until just combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients

Add the chopped cherries and fold

Pour the batter into each roughly two-thirds full mold in the donut pan that has been greased

A toothpick inserted into a donut should come out clean after baking for 12 to 15 minutes

After letting the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling

Blend the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth consistency is achieved for the Vanilla Glaze

Reposition the donuts on the wire rack after dipping each one in the glaze and letting any excess drip off

Add your preferred sprinkles to the top of the donuts while the glaze is still wet for a colorful and entertaining finish

Before savoring your delicious baked cherry donuts, let the glaze set for approximately fifteen minutes!


Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops



Pan-fried boneless pork chops are easy to make and taste great. A tasty mix of spices is used to season these chops. They are then pan-fried until golden and finished with garlic and fresh parsley. This dish is easy to make and tastes great any day.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless pork chops
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Season both sides of the boneless pork chops with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme

Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and hot

Add minced garlic to the skillet and saut until fragrant

Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet

Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145F 63C

Transfer the pan-fried pork chops to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving

Enjoy these Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops, showcasing a perfect balance of seasoning and a golden sear for a quick and delicious meal!


Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Muffins

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