Our Favorite Quick & SUPER EASY Chili Recipe!
Happy Halloween! Sure hope everyone has a fun and safe time! I wanted to share one of our family traditions, we always head out trick or treating after we’ve had a warm bowl of soup! And it the super cold temperatures I thought it was fitting to share our favorite and SUPER EASY recipe with you. Plus when it’s a special occasion like today, I’ll snag soup bowls to put it in. Enjoy!
Jody’s Chili
2 Chili Mild Seasoning Packets
1 Big Can Diced Tomatoes
1 Big Can Tomato Sauce
2 Cans Black Beans
2 Cans Pinto Beans
2 Cans White Beans
1 Pound Hamburger
Simple brown your hamburger and combine everything in your pot (we’ll even throw it all in the crock pot before we head out too). Warm and serve with sour cream and shredded cheese.
5 Favorite Fall Foods You’ve Got to Try
I love Fall. Not only for the crisp air and the beautiful color changing leaves, I love fall for the food. It’s true. It’s that time of year that apple and pumpkin everything make life that much sweeter. There are a few recipes that I make every fall and I had to share them with you. Enjoy!
Doesn’t this make your mouth water? If you want the best apple crisp, then here you go. Check out I am Baker and you will never regret it.
Nothing is better than sitting in your comfy clothes, eating a hot bowl of soup and watching the leaves change, or dare I say the snow fall. If you haven’t checked out Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, then you totally have to. Head here to see a lot of her famous soups. Choose one to make this week. Yum!
I’m all for made from scratch recipes. Have you made a homemade hot chocolate? The Food Nanny has Everyday Hot Chocolate that you’ve got to try. Your family will thank you.
Pumpkin Cake is a tradition that even my husband enjoys (he’s not big into sweets). It’s moist and the perfect blend of spice and sweet. Check out Live Well Bake Often’s recipe. It’s perfection.
Comfort food also is very common during the fall and winter months. A homemade chicken pot pie is a family favorite during this time of year. Check out TAK to grab a great recipe.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe (Panera Bread Copycat)
When it’s cold outside all I want to do is eat soup! Seriously, I’m always looking for new soups to eat. It’s always a fine line to find a soup that not only I love, but my husband and kids love as well. When I made this Panera Bread copycat of their Broccoli Cheese Soup, we all loved it! My kids didn’t even complain of the “green stuff!” It’s definitely a keeper and one we will do over and over again during the winter months.
This recipe and picture comes from The Recipe Critic and I love it. **Note- when I made this, it BARELY fed 5 of us- and 3 of those are small kids! So I usually double the recipe now. **
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ medium chopped onion
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ lb fresh broccoli (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- Saute the onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter and set aside. In a large pot whisk together the melted butter and flour over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken stock. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions. Let them simmer on medium low for about 25 minutes until the broccoli and carrots are tender.
- Add nutmeg, salt and pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt and then serve. For a smoother soup puree it in a blender.
Easy Fresh Peach Pie
I must say, I love peaches, but I love them when they are freshly picked off the tree and still have that slight crunch. I’m not a slimy peach fan. This peach pie is one of my favorites to make this time of year with all of the fresh peaches ready for eating. If you have peach trees and are overloaded with peaches, be sure to check out this easy step by step guide to canning peaches. Then with all of your leftovers, make this yummy dessert. This easy peach pie recipe is a yearly tradition that our whole family loves.
Easy Fresh Peach Pie
This recipe makes 2 pies
Ingredients:
1 Can Frozen Orange Juice (slightly melted)
2 Cans Water
1 1/4 Cup Sugar (less if peaches are super sweet)
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Cut up Peaches (4-5 depending on size)
2 Pastry Pie Shells (cooked)
Whip Cream (optional)
Directions:
Cook sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water until thick. Cool slightly and add in the frozen orange juice. Stir until orange juice has melted and mixed in. Chill slightly and add peach slices. Put the mixture in your cooked pie crusts. Chill in the refrigerator until set. Top with whip cream and serve! YUM.
Quick Dinner Ideas For Busy Nights!
School has started and the extra curricular activities are starting up which means there’s not much time to cook and eat dinner between running back and forth. So I’ve come up with our 5 favorite dinner meals that are quick and easy to put together for busy nights!
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos – anytime you can use a rotisserie chicken it will cut your time down drastically. So I’ll usually get one of these and shred the chicken with some seasoning and put it inside a taco shell with our favorite toppings. Here’s a great recipe if you need step by step instructions.
BBQ Pulled Pork Salad – Salads are my favorite go to meal during the summertime. I’ll just place pork in the crock pot and pour BBQ sauce over top of it (usually a whole jar). Then let it cook and shred it before serving. You could even do sandwiches if your family prefers those or tacos, those are delicious!
Cheesy Sausage Pasta – this is a kid favorite in our house. It’s like a mac and cheese only stepped up a notch (or two). And even better, you can make this all in one pan.
Sliders – These aren’t just for football games, they’re perfect for dinner too! This is my favorite recipe but there’s so many out there so find one your whole family loves and enjoy on those busy school week nights.
Grilled Cheese and Soup – my mom worked a couple week nights each week so we had to make dinner and this was always on the menu because it was quick and easy and everyone got to pick which soup they wanted that night.
We’re all trying to do our best to get a good meal on the table but don’t ever be to hard on yourself. If cereal is for dinner tomorrow night, that’s ok. Need to pick up dinner at your local fast food, do what you need to. We’re all just doing our best!
Our Favorite Campfire Treats!
We’ve spent as many weekends as we could out enjoying the mountains with friends and family this summer! Which means we’ve also cooked a lot of different treats around the campfire. It’s been so fun trying different treats each time we go out. Here’s some of our favorites you should try the next time you’re around the campfire!
Sweet & Salty S’mores – This is similar to your regular s’mores but instead of using graham crackers, try ritz crackers!
S’mores in a Bag – this one we haven’t tried yet but we have everything packed and ready for this weekend. Just get the individual size bags of teddy grahams and add your chocolate and roasted marshmallows inside. Easy and sounds like it won’t be as mess.
Roasted Starburst – I’ve heard talk of this one for a few years now but this was the first year I’ve tried it. Just unwrap your starburst and roast them the same way you would your marshmallows. You’re cooking them just until they start to bubble and almost crystallize.
Woof’em Treats – We’ve made these in years past and it’s always fun to come up with different filling ideas. If you’ve never had these all they are is biscuits that you’ve popped open from the cans. You wrap them around a woof’em stick and bake them over the fire. Then fill with your favorite sweets. We’ve done pie fillings, pudding, nutella, cream cheese and always top them with whipped cream.
Banana Boats – these are a classic and one my kids love. Simply open a banana and slice them long ways. Then put inside some mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and other sweets you desire. Wrap it all in foil and let it warm up over the fire.
There’s still lots more summer nights you can enjoy a sweet treat over the fire. Do you have others you and your family love to eat?
Cool Off With This Super Easy Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Summer is in full swing, and boy is is hot! One nice way to spend the hot days is to sip a nice cool, refreshing drink. This homemade Orange Julius recipe is the perfect option! What makes this recipe so great is you probably have every single ingredient already in your home. Plus, it’s a recipe so easy that even the kids can help make it.
Ingredients
1 Cup Cold Water
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
11 Ice Cubes
6 oz Orange Juice Frozen Concentrate –
(Usually half of 1 container- save the other half for next time!)
Directions
Put all the ingredients into a blender. Pulse blend until you no longer hear the sound of ice crushing. Usually just a few seconds. Be careful not to over blend.
Enjoy!
Hopefully this will be a nice, easy drink to add to your fun summer days!
How to Make Easy Kool-Aid Sherbet
If you want an easy, yummy treat that the whole family will enjoy, here you go! This Kool-Aid Serbet takes only 3 ingredients and is super easy to make that even the little kids can help. It’s the perfect quick fix treat that will keep you cool this summer.
Kool-Aid Sherbet
Recipe & Picture by Butter with a Side of Bread
Ingredients:
1 Package Kool-Aid (any flavor)
1 Cup Sugar
3 Cups Milk
Directions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together all three ingredients until the sugar and Kool-Aid mix are dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish, cover and place it in the freezer for about 2 hours, until it’s mostly set.
2. Place the partially frozen sherbet back in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer until smooth. Refreeze in the covered, shallow container until set. I would do it overnight to get it nice and frozen. Set the Sherbet out about 10-15 minutes prior to serving.
Jamba Juice Peach Pleasure Smoothie Copycat Recipe!
With National Smoothie Day being tomorrow I thought it was only fitting to give you my favorite copycat recipe, Jamba Juice’s Peach Pleasure Smoothie! This smoothie is so yummy and hits just the right spot on those hot summer days!
1/2 banana sliced
1 cup peaches (frozen)
1 cup peach juice
1/2 cup orange sherbet
1 cup ice
Place all your ingredients into the blender, fill with water and blend until smooth consistency is achieved! Sure hope you enjoy as much as we do!
**Don’t forget Jamba Juice is celebrating National Smoothie Day by offering FREE Small Smoothies on Friday, June 21st! **
Simple & Easy Camping Meal Ideas!
We’re looking forward to camping this summer! It’s one of the best ways for us to unwind and get away from everything as a family. But being mom I still need to cook and make sure everyone has full tummies, so I’ve put together some easy meals you can plan for when camping!
Hotdogs – maybe a no brainer but hotdogs with buns, chips and maybe some fruit is a great meal to plan for while camping. You can roast them over the fire or just boil them in water. Don’t forget about pigs in a blanket as well. A great alternative to regular hot dogs.
Breakfast Burritos – you can easily make these ahead of time and take them frozen or assemble them the morning of. Either way it’s a great way to wake up to something yummy.
Bagels – we love having cream cheese and bagels in the morning. We’ll get a variety bag so everyone has one they’ll like. If you’re not having bagels in the morning it’s usually cereal.
BBQ Sandwiches – This is another great make ahead meal you can plan for either lunch or dinner. I just cook the meat in the crock pot before we go and store it in an airtight container. Then slap it on some buns and you’re good to go.
Kebabs – These are perfect to cook over a campfire. You can even have everyone make their own with everything you’ve brought already chopped up and ready to poke. We’ll put peppers, chicken, pineapple, mushrooms and more on each stick.
Chili – If you’re headed somewhere cold, this is a must. I will usually cook my meat at home and then bring everything to dump in the pot together and heat up. We’ll serve it with rolls or corn bread, which ever I have on hand or time to make.
Salsa and Chips – don’t forget about the snacks. We usually go hiking or walking while we’re out camping which means often times when we get back we’re hungry but it’s between meals. So a fun and easy snack to have on hand is some salsa and chips.
Walking Tacos – If you haven’t heard of these before they’re awesome for so many different reasons! Just get those one person chip bags and add your taco toppings to the bag! We’ll usually have sliced tomatoes, cheese, olives, lettuces, sour cream and salsa.
Pasta Salad – I have a cold pasta salad recipe that’s yummy to have ready to eat. It’s simple to throw together and honestly, it’s better the next day because it’s been marinading all night.
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Crapes 3 Different Ways Everyone is Going to LOVE!
These crapes are a family tradition! Twice a year we get together with extending family for breakfast and make a crape buffet. We came across these 3 different ways of making them and it’s stuck for the past few years cause they’re just that good. Pick one or make them all, you just can’t go wrong!
Chocolate Strawberry Crepes
½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread
10 strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar
1. Spread half of the chocolate hazelnut spread on half of the crepe.
2. Lay half of the strawberries on the chocolate spread.
3. Fold the other half of the crepe on top of the strawberries, then fold the crepe in half.
4. Repeat with the other crepe.
5. Dust with powdered sugar, then serve!
Caramel Banana Crepes
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 bananas, sliced
Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
1. In a pan over medium heat, mix the brown sugar and butter until slightly bubbling.
2. Add the cinnamon and bananas, stirring until bananas are evenly coated with the caramel.
3. Remove from heat and cool.
4. Spread half of the banana mixture on half of one crepe.
5. Fold the other half of the crepe on top of the bananas, then fold the crepe in half.
6. Repeat with the other crepe.
7. Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Berry Cheesecake Crepes
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup blackberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar to garnish
1. In a pot over medium heat, combine all the berries with the lemon juice and the sugar, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Cook for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
3. Mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on one side of the crepe.
5. Spread half of the berries on top of the cream cheese.
6. Fold the crepe over the berries, then fold in half.
7. Repeat with the other crepe.
8. Serve with powdered sugar!
And for all of you visual learners, you can checkout the video on how to make these over on YouTube! They’re so simple to make but yet delicious! Which one are you anxious to try first?!
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Basic Techniques For Your Instant Pot!
Who got an instant pot for Christmas? I did and I can’t tell you how excited I was to give it a try! We’ve now used it everyday (sometimes twice a day) since Christmas! Which also means I’ve done a lot of reading and research on what it can do! So I’ve compiled some of the basic techniques for your instant pot! You ready? Lets go!
- Hard Boiled Eggs
This is pretty well known but did you know using your pressure cooker will make them easier to peel? Finally a quick way to get those eggs hard boiled in time for breakfast or lunch! Just put a cup of water in the bottom of your instant pot. Add the basket (mine came with it) and set your eggs on top. Close the lid and press manual for 4 minutes on high. Simple as that.
- Perfect Rice
Now you don’t have a need for that rice cooker cause your instant can do that too! Get perfect brown or white rice every time with your pressure cooker. You’ll add the correct amount of rice and water to your pot and press the rice button! Mine calls for 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, you can do more or less depending on the amount you need. (Note: even try whipping up some rice pudding too!)
- Beans
This is something I haven’t tried yet but I’m super excited about it! You can cook them both dried or soaked so if you forget the night before, no stress, you can still get those beans cooked in time for dinner.
- Baked Potatoes
This is a great quick (and cheap) way to use your instant pot! It’s similar to your boiled egg process, you’ll add a cup of water to the bottom of your pot and place your basket inside. Then clean your potatoes, pierce with a fork and place inside. Use the manual setting for 10 minutes on low and let the pressure naturally release.
- Steel Cut Oatmeal
I didn’t realized that steel cut oats took so long without your pressure cooker until I was talking with a neighbor about it. I’m excited to say with your pressure cooker you can cook your steel cut oats in just 3 minutes! Combine 1 cup of steel cut oats with 3 cups of water! Add your favorite toppings when it’s done and you’re set for a warm yummy breakfast in the morning.
So what have you learned about your pressure cooker and what it can do? Does your family have a favorite recipe already? I’d love to give some other meals a try so drop your ideas in the comments below!
The BEST and EASIEST Cinnamon Roll Recipe!
Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning is one of my favorite traditions! But I’m not the mom wanting to spend hours in the kitchen so finding this amazing recipe that’s quick and easy was just what I needed to carry the tradition on! This recipe was giving to me by a friend when I was explaining my problem of not wanting to be in the kitchen all day. We’ve now made these cinnamon rolls multiple times for different holidays, family get together and just to give out to neighbors. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy these just as much as we do!
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
3 1/2 cups warm water
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil
6 Tbsp yeast
Combine these together and let sit (I cover mine so the yeast will activate) for about 15 minutes. Then add in:
1 Tbsp Salt
3 Eggs
10 1/2 cups flour
Mix together for 10 minutes and then let rest for 10 minutes. (if it’s still really sticky, mix for a minute longer) After it’s rested for 10 minutes place some oil on the counter (yes oil not flour) and roll out your dough. You’ll want to divide your dough in half and press half of it into a rectangle shape. Spread out 1/4 cup of melted butter. Then in a bowl mix together 1 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Once mixed well sprinkle over the butter. Roll up tight but not too tight. Take a bread knife (one with a serrated edge) and cute into 12 even slices and place on a greased sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. Let rise (timing depends on the temp in your kitchen but you want them to be large in size) After, bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. To make your frosting combine:
1 cube butter
2 dashes of salt
2 tsp vanilla
6 cups powdered sugar
You’ll want to add these to your rolls when they’re still warm but not right out of the oven, let them sit for a minute or two before adding your frosting. Then, enjoy!
Just a side note, these make 24 LARGE rolls! I usually half this recipe when making it just for my family unless we’re planning on sharing in quick case I’ll make the full recipe!