Fresh Bean Salad

Cheese Tortellini With Basil Pesto and Carrot Puree Sauce Recipe

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German Chocolate Box Mix Brownies

I think German Chocolate cake is one of those sort of polarizing foods that people either love or hate. I personally adore German Chocolate cake, and for me the best part is the sweet, nutty, coconut frosting.And while like I said, I love German Chocolate, the cake is actually a bit of a hassle to make. So I decided that in order to get that awesome topping, I would go ahead and whip up a box of brownie mix, and take it to the next level by making them into German Chocolate Brownies.The box mix is just your standard fudge brownie mix, but the topping I made from scratch, and it takes the brownies from generic box brownie fare (which, lets be honest, is still freaking amazing) and gives it that oomph and wow factor.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

HELLO Peanut butter, chocolate, and banana bread... can you really go wrong?? This tasty treat is delicious in the morning for breakfast or in the afternoon as a treat with a cup of tea. Feel free to leave the PB out if that is not your jam, but it is sure delicious! Get creative and add walnuts or other nuts and toppings for a crunch. I bet crunchy PB would even be good! The slow hand mixing of this one makes it extra moist and delicate. Enjoy the easy picture to grab all of your ingredients below and happy baking!!

Funfetti Cheesecake

This creamy vanilla cheesecake has a Golden Oreo crust and is filled and topped with sprinkles! It is also topped with a dyed white chocolate ganache and whipped cream swirls. It tastes just as good as it looks!If you know me, you know that I LOVE anything with sprinkles and I love cheesecake. I just love the pop of color that they add and how versatile they are. The Golden Oreo crust and ganache topping on this dessert add just the perfect pop of sweetness to this rich vanilla cheesecake. I hope that you enjoy making this cheesecake as much as I do!

Strawberry Cupcakes With Vanilla Cashew Buttercream

VEG NFGFGRFDF

Too Easy Rustic Bread

This looks so much harder than it was...and let me tell you, that's the truth because this busy Mom doesn't have time for anything too complicated. With a busy 1yo to keep up with, pregnancy woes, a household to run, and a growing list of responsibilities, simplicity is key in my kitchen. So...when I found this recipe, you know I had to give it a try. But, I mean...I had to make it party too : p. Keep on reading for this ridiculously easy recipe, and let me know what you think!

Mushroom Gruyere Grilled Cheese

This mushroom gruyere grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect combination of the ease of a grilled cheese sandwich and fancy(ish) ingredients that are a surefire way to wow anyone you might prepare this meal for! Be prepared for people to be seriously impressed!I learned a long time ago that while I don’t actually love a traditional grilled cheese – white sandwich bread with pre-packaged cheese slices – I adore a fancy-pants grilled cheese. Put some caramelized onion in there, artichoke hearts (recipe coming soon), or this version with sauteed mushrooms are my heart just sings. These sandwiches are a perfect weeknight dinner. The mushrooms only take about 10-15 minutes to cook down and brown up deliciously, and after that it’s literally as simple as a regular grilled cheese. And these can be made with regular store-bought sandwich bread, but I highly recommend buying a good loaf of Italian or French bread from your grocery store’s bakery section. The mushrooms need a sturdy bread base. I’ve made these with regular bread, and it just doesn’t hold together quite as well. You can also use sourdough, but I appear to be the only person in the world who doesn’t like sourdough bread, so it rarely makes an appearance in my kitchen.Another benefit of this sandwich – the veggies are IN the sandwich, so there’s no need to make a side dish! If you want to though, this pairs really well with simple green salad.

Traditional Italian Easter Biscuits

These are the biscuits of my childhood and bring so many nice memories to me.At a time when chocolate was a luxury in Italy, these big biscuits made with simple ingredients and boiled eggs were the most traditional treats for big and small during Easter time. Today they are also popular but not as much as in the past being chocolate eggs the treat everyone looks for. However I love to keep traditions alive and pass them over to my kids and that’s why we even did a cook-along about them.These biscuits can be made into different shapes like baskets called “panarieddhru” or bells called “campanaru”. I’ve made them into the traditional basket shape as well as in a more 2021 kids friendly shape like a bunny! They are called “cuddhura cu l’ou” because they are pastries decorated with a hard-boiled egg. The recipe for cuddhura cu l'ou always includes an odd number of decorative hard-boiled eggs; you can prepare just one big one or, like I did, have fun creating different shapes.

5-ingredient Salted Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Had I known, all this time, that homemade granola bars were so easy to make and satisfying to have on hand, I could have saved so much money on overpriced and over processed store bought bars! These bars consist of only five ingredients and they are so simple to whip up. They're full of plant-based protein, and great for a morning snack with coffee, or a sweet bite after a meal later in the day. Not to mention the fact that there are about 1 million potential variations on this recipe. You could use almond, cashew or sunflower butter, and add other goodies like seeds, coconut flakes and dried fruits or berries. This here is a basic template around which you can improvise!

The BEST Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe - Thistlewood Farm

Harvest Roots Bowl

I don't know about you, but for me, bowls are such a fun and quick way to have your daily nutrients as you can pack a lot of goodness in every bowl.In this bowl I added lots of baked harvest vegetables such as sweet potatoes, white sweet potatoes (almost like a sweet potato but less sweet), golden, yellow beets (I love red beets but I've never had golden beets before, they were delicious and the color was incredible) and finally multicolor mini potatoes.Also what's so nice about bowls is that they're so versatile. You can customize the base of grains, the veggies Toppings and sauce to meet your taste.This one was a definite favorite of mine, give it a try and let me know how you like it

Pickled Cucumber and Red Onion

It's Spring!!! The days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up! If you are anything like me, your thoughts turn from comfort food to lighten, brighter flavors and grilling!I LOVE pickled cucumbers and adding the red onion in just adds this amazing layer of flavor that is somewhere in between sweet and tangy.... the perfect addition! This side can be used to top fish tacos, sweet and sour meatballs, shrimp or chicken fajitas and so much more. I think my favorite is on fish tacos The pickling liquid is easy to put together and really the whole thing comes together in a snap! Jar it up and place in in the refrigerator in the morning and it will be ready for your dinner at night. Can't wait for you all to try this one!

Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup is the perfect way to use your leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. Filled with carrots and celery, this soup is ready in under an hour, and incredibly creamy.

Turmeric and Ginger Roasted Carrots

Easter is coming up, and I felt like it was time to start adding some more side dishes to my blog. Carrots are a great side dish for so many reasons. First, you can season them with so many different flavors. Second, they are super nutritious. Third, they are just so pretty!

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Do you know the only thing better than red wine braised short ribs? After you put the short ribs in the oven, you can pour yourself a glass of wine, put your feet up, and fuggedaboutit for 3 hours. These short ribs are perfect for a lazy Sunday, or pretty much any day when you’re home all day. They’re so tender that they seamlessly fall right off the bone. Pair them with some garlic roasted mash potatoes or some creamy parmigiana polenta. You just need an oven safe lidded pot, big enough to fit the short ribs comfortably. You can easily double this recipe if you're cooking for family and friends.

Roasted Grape and Honey Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Today, we're making Roasted Grape and Honey Whipped Ricotta Crostini!

Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

Wondering how to make hasselback potatoes? Try these sour cream and chive hasselback potatoes today for easy accordion potatoes.

Roasted Corn Salsa

Before you know you are going to be seeing loads of fresh husked corn in your local grocery stores. As we turn our thoughts and cravings to Spring and Summer food fare, corn is definitely on the top of my list.I happen to be one of those people that loves the sweet taste and crisp bite of fresh corn but I hate getting it stuck in may teeth. I am always the one at the dinner table with the knife taking my corn off the cob. So any recipe I can make with corn off the cob is my jam! I made this roasted salsa one night and it has become one of the favorite summer sides at barbecues and family weeknight dinners alike. This is a great side for a picnic or barbecue because there is no dairy in it. Just fresh lime juice, a little olive oil and of course some salt and pepper! So feel free to keep it out for a while people pick and graze with no worrying of spoilage. Cheers to Summer!

Mediterranean Bowl

During these crazy times, I've made a conscious decision to try and eat healthy meals whenever I can. Whether it's in the form of incorporating more fruits and vegetables or squeezing in a protein shake here and there.For this week, I chose to prepare a couple of power bowls as they're loaded with vitamins, fiber and protein 💪💪This one here is a healthy, light and super delicious Mediterranean bowl. It's base ingredient is bulgur grain, then I topped it up with beans, chickpeas, fresh vegetables and a yummy hummus dip.Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think

Easy Beef and Bean Enchiladas

Here's a tasty way to switch up Taco Tuesday! These beef and bean enchiladas are fast, hearty and delicious! Using pantry staples, this meal comes together fast and will feed a crowd! I'm Cindy and I blog at DIY Beautify. If a recipe makes it onto my blog, that's because it's a tried, tested and approved family favorite!!Please note: this recipe is a great basic, but feel free to play around with flavors and substitutions!! For instance, if your family enjoys spicy dishes, increase the chili powder, add another jalapeno and garlic clove. Or try using ground turkey or chicken to make it a healthier meal.

Easy Frugal Recipe | Ham and Cheese Melt With Pear & Pepper Jelly!

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Buballeh

A traditional Passover dish that my great grandmother used to cook for my mother, who cooked it for me every Passover when I was a kid. It originated somewhere in Poland, pre- WWII. My great grandmother called it Buballeh, we call it Passover Pancake.

Thai Larb Lettuce Cups

These spicy pork lettuce cups are so tasty! They are delicious on their own or padded out with some steamed white rice on the side. So quick to prepare but no sacrifice on the flavour - make sure to get your pork mince super crispy for maximum satisfaction!They are light on the calories as well so a great option for those watching their weight. They make a great starter or main course as well.They would work really well using diced chicken or ground turkey as well, or you could even make this veggie and used some chopped mushrooms or tofu instead.

Orange Pomegranate Jelly Instant Pot Recipe

How to make orange pomegranate jelly in the Instant Pot. This is an easy jelly recipe that's perfect for beginners. It's made without pectin, so it's a good recipe to use even if you've never made jelly before.

How to Make a BALT Salad With Creamy Avocado Ranch

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are an easy, healthy snack when you want something tasty and crunchy! They’re full of protein, fibre and healthy carbs.Rinse a can of chickpeas to remove the starch, then let drain in a colander.

Pizza Rolls

These pizza rolls are an oldie but a goodie!Now I can’t take credit for these- this original recipe was written by Michelle Ayala, an amazing baker who was in my church congregation growing up. She taught the youth to make these, and I’ve been making them ever since. I’ve added a few of my own tweaks since then, but these rolls will always have some nostalgia for me. This is one of the first meals I made for my husband when we were married. And since then I can think of the specific places and people I’ve made this for since joining the military. They’re definitely a family favorite! The dough is mixed with italian seasoning and garlic to give it some extra flavor, and spread lightly with pasta sauce, then topped with Cheese and Pepperoni. Then after they’re baked, you take the extra sauce for dipping in. It’s seriously so fun, and makes a ton- so be prepared to have leftovers for days!If you have any questions, you can comment below! And to get extra tips and updates on all things in the kitchen, don’t forget to follow me on @theflouredcountertop on Instagram, and on Pinterest under the same name!Happy baking!

Goat Cheese and Arugula Pasta

Cheese and Ham Egg in a Hole

Cheese and ham is one of my favourite combinations - so much so that I named my profile after it!I love a Croque monsieur or a croque madame - essentially a posh cheese and ham toastie, but they can take a long time to make and require ALOT of butter. So I came up with this idea - which is easier to make, offers the same satisfaction and is a bit lighter on the calories.They are really easy to make and so versatile. You can use whatever cheese you have in the fridge - or add some chopped peppers, roasted tomatoes on the side - whatever you fancy.Let me know if you make them!

Gluten Free Chocolate Donuts With Strawberry Glaze

Now that I’ve purchased a donut pan, they are going to be making an appearance way more often! This basic donut recipe definitely knocked it out of the park last time, and the chocolate version did not disappoint. They are so super simple, and just so delicious!With strawberry season coming right around the corner, I cannot wait to go strawberry picking with my girls. We did this for the first time last year, in the midst of the pandemic, and it was the best outdoor activity to get the kids out of the house! We had all been cooped up for weeks, and it was great to get some fresh air.We are actually going to be trying to grow some of our own strawberries this year, but we love them so much that we will blow through what we grow!

The Best One Pot Lasagna Soup

Calling all lasagna lovers! Our One Pot Lasagna Soup has all the tastiness of lasagna in a creamy bowl of savory soup! Even better, it takes less than 30 minutes to make, and you'll only need to clean ONE pot!Note: this post contains affiliate links

Frosted Animal Cookies

Growing up I spent a lot of time visiting my grandmother. When I arrived to her home, she’d have a couple of surprises for me. One surprise was a booklet with paper cut out dolls and clothes and the other surprise were frosted animal crackers/cookies with sprinkles. I loved them and my days spent with her. She’s no longer here but our memories together remain vivid.Now that I’m a grandmother to 4 sweet kids, I want them to have memories of times spent with me and the special treats I make for them. They love cookies, I frequently make mini chocolate chip cookies which they love. However, they’ve never tasted animal cookies because I know now as an adult that they’re full of a lot of bad ingredients, so I decided to make them instead. They not only turned out delicious, they were simple to make and super cute and talk about nostalgic treats 🥰 that’s what these are to me. They bring back lots of great memories.I chose to not use food coloring and instead I used beet powder. No, it didn’t give the cookies a beet flavor either but it sure did give it a lovely color. This recipe makes lots of mini sized cookies but depending on the size of your cookie cutter, it can make less.I think these are perfect Easter cookies especially if you make them using bunny cookie cutters.Thank you for stopping by.If you’d like to see more of what I cook and love to do, please visit me at https://www.instagram.com/mycreativekneads/Alright, let’s get baking!

Peanut Butter Red Velvet Cookies+Cake

These red velvet cookies have a tasty surprise inside! They're not just flavored with cocoa and white chocolate chips, there's peanut butter as well! This cookie recipe is so easy to make and taste like Reese's peanut butter cups. You can get fancy and turn them into a cookie cake which is perfect for special occasions (like Valentine's Day)! The cookie cake is layered with cream cheese frosting and it is absolutely delicious!

Bunny Carrot Cake Bites

These Bunny Carrot Cake Bites are easy to make and will be the cutest thing on your Easter table! Made with boxed cake and candy decorations, anyone can make these Easter Bunny Butt cake pops! They are just like a cake pop, but in a small bite form with the cutest bunny butts around. The bunnies dig in edible coconut grass to make these little bite-sized desserts as real as they can get. Add a candy carrot for the perfect final touch. IF you can't find the candy decorations, you can also make them out of fondant or mini marshmallows!

Berry Sangria Cake

Probably over a year ago now, I made a Sangria-inspired cake. I was super-proud of it at the time, but I used cake mixes for the cake layers, tried to use a mirror glaze for the drip (fortunately it was a bit too cold to run like mirror glaze is supposed to; only reason it worked as a drip! :/ ) and just felt like the whole thing could use a do-over.I also learned that scratch layers gave a much better sangria flavor than starting with boxed mixes, so while you can do either I do recommend the recipe below!If you're feeling adventurous and want to tackle a two-tiered version of the same cake, you can find that recipe here!

Easter Egg Blossom Cookies

We've all seen Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies around the Christmas holidays, but today I present to you something better - Easter Egg Blossom Cookies. Specifically Creme eggs or Caramilk eggs for the most decadent Easter treat ever! I'm a caramel girl through and through but my husband is a Creme Egg lover, so for my cookies I did half Caramilk egg and half Creme egg. Unfortunately, once unwrapped the chocolates are virtually indistinguishable so it was luck of the draw as to whether you'd bite into a Caramilk or a Creme Egg cookie. Pro tip - keep them in separate containers if you are using more than one type of chocolate egg! If you like this recipe, you should try Peanut Butter Mini Egg Cookies or Lemon Pudding Cookies - both are perfect for spring as well!

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

A great chocolate chip cookie should be plump, chewy and loaded with chocolate chips! Well look no further, here it is! I’m confident this will become your favorite chocolate chip cookie too!

Kale Niçoise Salad

Anyone else get annoyed by the “a salad isn’t enough food” crowd? If you’d like a shot at proving such naysayers wrong, this Kale Niçoise Salad is for you! It takes the traditional recipe and adds an extra punch of superfood goodness, making it a big, filling bowl of macro- and micronutrients!