email
You are here: Home / Archives for recipes

Spinach Tots

Do you want an easy, warm appetizer for the fall? I know, I know. Once July 4th passes I cannot help but turn to thoughts of pumpkins and candles. I found this recipe via Carson Daly’s wife, Siri. Maybe you have seen her cooking segments on the Today Show? It only took me 25 + years to open a cookbook more than once! And, with an approaching empty nest, it’s ironic that I am just now dipping my spatula into the kitchen. This spinach tots recipe is a new favorite at our house and with my girlfriends.

spinach-tots-appetizer

These spinach tots will definitely make an appearance at the social distancing happy hours this fall. The staples include frozen spinach (so easy), a couple of eggs and seasoned bread crumbs. I keep these staples in my kitchen just for this last-minute appetizer.

spinach-tots-recipe

Seriously, these spinach tots have eight ingredients! The most important part of this recipe is to drain, drain, drain the excess water from the spinach.

I used an oversized wood spatula to press the water out of the colander. If you have any additional tips to remove the water I would love for you to mention in the comments.

spinach-tots-recipe
spi

These spinach balls are so close to being a vegan option with egg substitute. These spinach tots are so yummy I have had them for an easy dinner when it’s just me at home.

They reheat easily. I serve with a side of mustard and toothpicks.

Let me know what you think! They are always a hit. Oh, and they freeze well too!

SPINACH TOTS

adapted from Siri Daly’s Cookbook
EASY SIDE DISH OR APPETIZER OR DINNER FOR ONE
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 10 oz packages frozen, chopped, spinach, thawed, drained & drained of moisture
  • 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 yellon onion diced
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
  • 4 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350. 
    Stir together the spinach, breadcrumbs, onion, butter, Parmesan, salt, pepper and eggs in a large bowl. 
    Using a tablespoon roll the mixture into 48 balls and place on greased baking sheet.
    Bake until edges are golden, about 30 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking 

I made these cookies featured in her cookbook. The cookies tasted great even though I forgot one of the main ingredients.

Here is one of my favorite, go-to dinner recipes from Siri Daly’s cookbook.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

This recipe had me at dump. Why? Because a dump cake means it involves no fancy instructions and no temperamental batter; just dump and bake. And, this chocolate cherry dump cake does not disappoint. It is perfect for this recipe challenged girl!

chocolate-cherry-dump-cake-everydayedits

I first saw this recipe over at Kristen’s blog. I thought I had all the ingredients; doesn’t everyone have a chocolate cake box mix in the pantry? And, I thought I had the cherry pie filling for when I crave my favorite summer dessert.

But, sadly I could not make this cake on the spot. I had to make a run to the grocery store.

chocolate-cherry-dump-cake-everydayedits

Of course, I still found a way to screw up this recipe because I only bought one can and when I pulled up the recipe online I realized it required two cans of cherry pie filling.

Does anyone else have recipelexia?

Every time I share a new recipe like this one or this one, my sister’s first question is; “Did you follow the recipe?” She knows me better than anyone.

So yes I screwed up a three-ingredient recipe, but it still tasted amazing. I can only imagine how cherry delicious a second can of cherry pie filling would taste! Yum! Oh, and pick up ice cream or whipped topping!

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

CHOCOLATE CHERRY DUMP CAKE

3 INGREDIENT DUMP CAKE
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • BOX CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX, DRY DRY
  • 2 CANS CHERRY PIE FILLING
  • 3/4 CUP BUTTER, MELTED

Instructions
 

  • 1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 350°F
    2. SPRAY 9X13 BAKING DISH WITH COOKING SPRAY
    3. ADD 2 CANS OF CHERRY PIE FILLING TO BAKING DISH
    4. EMPTY DRY CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX OVER THE CHERRY PIE FILLING
    5. DRIZZLE 3/4 CUP MELTED BUTTER OVER THE CAKE MIX/FILLING LAYERS
    6. BAKE 40-45 MINUTES DEPENDING ON YOUR OVEN.
    7. IT WILL NOT BE A FIRM CAKE; IT WILL HAVE A LITTLE JIGGLE
chocolate-cherry-dump-cake

Sugar Cookie Cake Bars

Do you remember when Jessica Simpson called Starfish Tuna chicken? Well , these sugar cookie cake bars taste like cake even though they are called cookies. They are the ultimate hybrid of cake and cookies.

I just broke all the baking rules by calling these frosted sugar cookies cake bars.

It reminds me when Jessica Simpson called Starkist Tuna … wait for it… chicken.

We knew when we heard her say it something was off, but we had to say it over in our minds to get past the tuna and the chicken comparison.

Well, these frosted sugar cookie bars taste like cake. And, I mean cake.

I found this recipe from Christine at I Dig Pinterest after another recipe I found on Pinterest had a huge mistake in the ingredients list.

These are the perfect dessert bar when you can’t decide between cookies or cake. It’s that simple. You don’t have to decide ever again. Unless you want a frosted sugar cookie bar… then click here for my favorite sugar cookie bar recipe! No cookie cutters needed!

You can just make these frosted sugar cookies bars because they taste like a white cake.

The only thing in the recipe that you have to watch for is the time. My oven trends hot so I should have taken 1-2 minutes off the 20 minutes suggested time. They still tasted great, but they got a little dry after a day. Of course, there weren’t many left after day one! Enjoy!

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that Taste Like Cake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 CUP SALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
  • 1 3/4 CUP SUGAR
  • 1/2 TBSP. VANILLA
  • 2 LARGE EGGS
  • 1/2 CUP SOUR CREAM
  • 2 3/4 CUP FLOUR
  • 2 TSP. BAKING POWDER
  • 3/4 TSP. SALT

BUTTER CREAM FROSTING

  • 1/2 CUP BUTTER, SOFTENED
  • 3 1/2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR
  • 1 TSP. VANILLA
  • MILK MILK TO THIN FROSTING

Instructions
 

  • PREHEAT OVEN T0 350 GREASE OR LINE 9X13 PAN WITH PARCHMENT PAPER
  • IN BOWL, CREAM BUTTER, SUGAR
  • ADD VANILLA, EGGS, SOUR CREAM
  • IN SEPARATE BOWL, WHISK FLOUR, BAKING POWDER & SALT. ADD FLOUR MIXTURE TO WET MIXTURE. DON'T OVER MIX THE TWO.
  • SPREAD BATTER INTO PARCHMENT LINED 9X13 PAN.
    THE BATTER IS STICKY SO I USED ANOTHER SHEET OF PARCHMENT PAPER TO PRESS INTO EDGES AND CORNERS OF PAN
  • BAKE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. MY OVEN TRENDS HOT SO I TOOK 2 MINUTES OFF SUGGESTED TIME. YOU WANT VERY MOIST, NO BROWN EDGES.
    ALL TO COOL. USE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.

Looking for a straight-up sugar cookie bar? These are my favorites.

Raspberry White Chocolate Bars

Are we burned out on chocolate yet? Are the jeans getting a smidge tighter than they were in September? We have to pace ourselves because we have a ways to go from the chocolate holiday Halloween kickoff to Easter. Between peanut butter cups, chocolate hearts and bunny butts there is a lot of milk chocolate on the calendar. These raspberry and white chocolate bars are so amazing they might show up for Valentine’s Day.

These raspberry white chocolate bars are the perfect balance of raspberries and the crumble. The raspberry filling comes from a jar of Raspberry preserves which makes this recipe low effort.

On a side note, one of my favorite places to buy preserves and coffee is HomeGoods. Seriously, HomeGoods (and TJ Maxx and Marshalls) have fun coffees, preserves, sauces and so much more. On a recent trip to HomeGoods, I had gift wrap, preserves, and the comfiest cotton, short sleeve shirts ever that were $5.99 each. 

raspberry-white-chocolate-bars

The crumble for these raspberry white chocolate bars are made from a butter, sugar and flour mixture.

Folded between layers of the crumbly mixture, the raspberry preserves and the white chocolate morsels add the perfect amount of sweet.

raspberry-white-chocolate-bars

And, these bars pack well and stayed moist for the week. They are a yummy alternative to the traditional cookie rotation in kitchens across the country!

Raspberry White Chocolate Bars Recipe  

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 jar raspberry jam
  • 1 12 oz package white chocolate baking chips

Instructions
 

  • Raspberry White Chocolate Bars
    Recipe Type: Dessert
    Cuisine: Dessert
    Raspberry & White Chocolate Bars
    Ingredients
    3/4 cup sugar
    1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
    1 tsp salt
    2 tsp vanilla
    4 cups flour
    2 eggs
    1 jar raspberry jam
    1 12 oz. package white chocolate baking morsels
    Instructions
    PREHEAT OVEN TO 350.
    USE A 9X13" BAKING PAN (DO NOT GREASE)
    MIX SUGAR, BUTTER, ADD SALT, VANILLA
    SLOWLY ADD FLOUR, UNTIL IT LOOKS CRUMBLY.
    SCOOP 1 CUP OF CRUMB MIXTURE AND SET ASIDE
    ADD THE EGGS TO REMAINING MIXTURE.
    PRESS DOUGH INTO BAKING PAN. BAKE 30 MINUTES UNTIL LIGHTLY BROWN.
    REMOVE BAKING PAN, SPREAD RASPBERRY JAME TO THE EDGES.
    SPRINKLE WHITE CHOCOLATE MORSELS
    SPRINKLE THE CRUMBLE MIXTURE RESERVE ON TOP
    BAKE AN ADDITIONAL 25-30 MINUTES AT 350 UNTIL TOPPING IS LIGHT GOLDEN BROWN.
    COOL BEFORE CUTTING INTO BARS

 

sharing to: 2 chicks & a mom

My Favorite Royal Icing Recipe

Growing up,  I remember the smell of Christmas cookies baking in our gold enamel Kenmore oven. And, the familiar smell of  a few burned cookie’s edges, was the closest thing to what I imagine a Hallmark movie set smells likes. If we  had smellavision. And, the best part of sugar cookies was the icing my mom made for the stacks and stacks of sugar cookies.  My mom had her fav recipe, but today I want to share my my favorite royal icing recipe. 

Royal Icing Recipe

favorite-royal-icing-recipe

There was always a date on the calendar dedicated to baking and frosting sugar cookies. We sorted the cookies on the counter by shape. The  complicated reindeer antlers rarely stayed intact from cookie sheet to wax paper.

But, we always got to eat the cookies that failed to nail the perfect landing. favorite-royal-icing

My mom set aside an evening to frost sugar cookies. It was a family event with sprinkles and primary color tinted icing. 

My sister took her time and outlined every cookie with black icing.

I preferred the slap and slather icing application. 

favorite-royal-icing

The sugar cookie tradition continued with my family with a few changes to the basics. I like a thicker sugar cookie dough than my mom. And, then there is the difference between my mom’s icing recipe and mine. My mom’s icing was more like a glaze. She might hav watered it down a bit too much to frost all of those cookies.

I needed to find my own favorite royal icing recipe.

For years I used a sugar cooking icing recipe from Martha Stewart. Martha’s icing recipe was made with powdered sugar, a few drops of water and an egg white. The egg white always made me nervous. The last thing I needed during the holidays was a salmonella outbreak at the annual Secret Santa party. 

Of course, I never thought twice about eating a tube of raw cookie dough with my girlfriends in middle school.

Sidenote: I read this article by a food blogger about the safety of raw eggs. 

And, then a few years ago  I graduated to a royal icing recipe and discovered the magic of meringue powder and corn syrup.

Pin this image for the recipe

favorite-royal-icing-recipe-everydayedits

Favorite Royal Icing Recipe 

ROYAL ICING

A favorite, easy royal icing recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound powdered sugarg
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp corn syrup
  • 4 tbsp meringue powder

Instructions
 

  • Mix ingredients and adjust water for preferred consistency.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

canberry-sauce-recipe-everydayedits

Growing up, cranberry side dishes came straight out of a Del Monte can and was served at room temp! That might explain why I was never a fan of cranberries until I was well into adulthood. But my cranberry memories changed when I found this cranberry sauce recipe in the celebrity section of a People magazine’s holiday issue. This cranberry sauce forever changed my holiday menu. 

cranberry-sauce-recipe-everyday-edits

This cranberry sauce recipe was provided by the the former New York Times food critic, Sam Sifton. I was getting a pedicure when I stumbled onto this cranberry side dish. I took a quick photo of the recipe details.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I could not believe the difference fresh (or frozen) cranberries made to this popular holiday side dish. The addition of pecans and ginger elevated this recipe to a new level. My son would say this recipe is legit.

I added apples to change up the flavor! I love a recipe that celebrates flexible ingredients.

cranberry-sauce-recipe-everydayedits

CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE | PIN OR PRINT 

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 CUP PECANS, CHOPPED
  • 1 12 OZ FRESH OR FROZEN CRANBERRIES
  • 3/4 CUP SUGAR
  • 3/4 CUP ORANGE JUICE
  • 1 TSP. GRATED FRESH GINGER OR GINER SPICE
  • 2 TSP ORANGE ZEST

Instructions
 

  • CRANBERRY SAUCE  RECIPE
    TOAST PECANS IN LARGE SAUTE PAN OVER MEDIUM HEAT
    STIR OCCASIONALLY 4-5 MINUTES. T
    IN SMALL SAUCEPAN ADD CRANBERRIES, SUGAR AND ORANGE JUICE OVER MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT.. CRANBERRIES WILL START TO POP WHEN READY.
    ADD GINGER & ORANGE ZEST; COOK 2-3 MINUTES & REMOVE FROM HEAT.
    ADD PECANS; COVER & COOL TO ROOM TEMP.
    CHILL, COVERED FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS.
Keyword CRANBERRIES

This recipe introduced me to a new berry. And, this recipe is not just for the holidays. This side dish is perfect to serve alongside a tenderloin.

Here’s another favorite cinnamon and pecan recipe during the holidays! And, if you are looking for additional cranberry recipes check out this list from Country Living.

canberry-sauce-recipe-everydayedits

How to Make Halloween Donuts in a Minute

Halloween is next week! The last week of October is packed with social events and school-related deadlines. In Colorado, Halloween usually brings snow and frigid temps! With a few Halloween parties on the calendar, I always include Halloween donuts in the dessert lineup. Here is how to make Halloween donuts in a minute.

how-to-make-Halloween-donuts-in-a-minute-everydayedits

Every year, I plan to make a Pinterest worthy Halloween dessert. And, every year I realize I lack the patience or talent. And, that is backstory on how I made these these fun and inexpensive Halloween donuts.

These Halloween Donuts take a minute to prepare and I only needed 2-3 items from the baking aisle.

how-to-make-Halloween-donuts-in-a-minute

These Halloween donuts are fun, easy and guaranteed to get a reaction from the crowd- even a crowd of teenage boys. And, kids and family of all ages can join in the fun. There is no oven required to make this dessert.

I made these last minute Halloween donuts for my sons and their friends.

How-to-make-Halloween-donuts-in-a-minute

The best part? All you need is a bag of   mini donuts. I bought a few bags of Hostess donuts and a tube of icing gel or tub of icing.

If you buy the donut holes in the plastic containers in the bakery they are $3.49 or you can head towards the English muffins and buy the Hostess bag of cake donuts for $1.99.

Halloween-donuts-in-a-minute

I used Halloween themed cupcake liners to serve as a plate/napkin for the donuts. The cupcake liners reign in the powdered sugar and minimize sticky fingers!

So easy. No cleanup. No sticky counters.

Happy Halloween! Hope these Spooky Donuts show up in your kitchen!

Looking for a fun autumn cookie, check out this recipe! It’s an easy alternative to sugar cookie cutouts!

how-to-make-Halloween-donuts-in-a-minute

How to Make Monster Sugar Cookie Bars

I love sugar cookies. What I don’t love is a long-term commitment in the kitchen during the work week.  These monster sugar cookie bars were the perfect way to make (and sample) sugar cookies without hauling out the cookie cutters. And, still, celebrate the Halloween season in the kitchen.

how-to-make-monster-sugar-cookies-everydayedits

When I first saw these sugar cookie bars it was a baking epiphany. Before I found this version of a sugar cookie, it never occurred to me that I could make sugar cookies without cookie cutters.

Using a new sugar cookie recipe was a big deal; I had used this Cooking Light sugar cookie recipe for over a decade. But, this popular millennial blogger changed everything for me.

Proving those of us over 40 can learn new baking skills. 

The concept was simple and to the point. It required sugar cookie dough, pressed into a baking sheet. That’s it.

The cookie cutter step was using a knife to cut rectangular shapes (bars) and add frosting. The frosting is my best baking friend (BFF) in the kitchen.

It covers up the glitches.  And, for these monster sugar cookie bars, the googly eyes created little monsters. And the Halloween shades of purple and green frosting were a break from pumpkin orange frosting. 

Monster Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BARS

adapted from Inspired by Charm
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Line baking sheet with foil (for thicker bar use a smaller baking sheet). 
    In a large bowl: sift flour, baking powder & salt.
    In separate bowl cream butter, sugar for about 3 minutes. 
    Add egg, sour cream and vanilla
    Slowly add the flour mixture
    Press the dough onto the baking sheet, bake for about 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
    Frosting 
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    4 cups confectioners sugar
    1/4 cup half and half or whole milk
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1/2 tsp. almond extract
    Food Coloring & sprinkles
    Once cookie bars are cool spread the frosting on the cookie bar.Frost as desired the flour mixture
    Press the dough onto the baking sheet, bake for 14-17 minutes until edges are lightly golden.FrostingOnce cookie bars are cool spread the frosting on the cookie bar.Frost as desired

monster-sugar-cookie-bars

Looking for a lower-calorie sugar cookie? Try these!

Almond Joy Cookies Recipe

I planned my annual physical around Halloween. There was no way I was going to go in for my physical and weight check after October 31st. Not happening. I was already thinking about those Halloween candy bars the first week of June. Because that is how I guaranteed an annual physical to be on the books before Halloween. 

I miss my kids’ trick or treating days because of the candy. I mean yes I miss scrambling to put a costume together when Denver temps dropped from 83 to 37 in 24 hours.

But I really miss the haul of candy that came through the door after a night around the neighborhood. The kids would designate their spots on the floor and dump and sort their candy bars from the Starbursts. The only candy bars I cared about were the Almond Joys. Well, and maybe the Reeses and maybe a Twix or two.

But, almond joys were that once a year candy bar.  So it was no surprise that these  Almond Joy Cookies were a favorite new cookie recipe in my kitchen.

almond-joy-cookies

You know that feeling when you read the ingredients in a recipe and you just KNOW the recipe will taste amazing with a glass of milk? 

You just know! That’s the reaction I had when I skimmed the ingredient list. 

almond-joy-cookies

These almond joy cookies are that recipe! You might as well plan an hour today to bake these cookies. And, you likely have the ingredients in your pantry.

Almond Joy Cookies Ingredient List

Like coconut and chocolate chips.

almond-joy-cookies-coconut

The cookie batter was so creamy it was a challenge to get the batter to the baking sheet. Only because my spoon snuck into between the paddle to get a spoonful of the creamy, butter, coconut and chocolate cookie dough.

almond-joy-cookies-ingredients-everydayedits

Recipe Details

The coconut added moisture and the combination of almonds, chocolate chips and coconut added a little heft to these cookies.

Amazing!  

I  made these cookies several times and the ingredient portions can easily be adjusted. For example, I did not add 2 cups of almonds. And, for the chocolate, I used a combination of both milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Almond Joy Cookies

ALMOND JOY COOKIES

Print Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 CUP BUTTER, SOFTENED
  • 1 1/2 CUP SUGAR
  • 1 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR
  • 4 EGGS
  • 3 TSP VANILLA
  • 2 TSP BAKING SODA
  • 1 TSP SALT
  • 5 CUPS CHOCOLATE CHIPS
  • 2 CUPS COCONUT
  • 2 CUPS ALMONDS, CHOPPED

Instructions
 

  • Almond Joy Cookies  INSTRUCTIONS
    1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 375
    2. LIGHTLY GREASE BAKING SHEETS
    3. COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS, SET ASIDE
    4. IN LARGE BOWL CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGARS. BEAT IN EGGS VANILLA.
    5. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS TO LARGE BOWL. ADD CHOCOLATE CHIPS, COCONUTS & ALMONDS.
    6. DROP BY TEASPOON ON COOKIE SHEET. BAKE 8-10 MINUTES. COOL ON WIRE RACK.

almond-joy-cookies-everydayedits

These cookies were amazing.

With the perfect combination of butter and chocolate and coconut. They are a bulky cookie which might mean you eat less.

Their hefty size makes them travel-friendly; by car or for a care package delivery too!

almond-joy-cookies

Looking for a non-chocolate cookie? Try these sugar cookie bars! Here is another favorite pumpkin cookie recipe around our house

Fall in Love with these Ombre Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Growing up sugar cookies were a holiday tradition at our house. The only difference is when I discovered these sugar cookie bars. This recipe for sugar cookie bars reduced a three-hour commitment down to like 20 minutes. It was a baking epiphany in my kitchen.

sugar-cookie-bars-everydayedits

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a modern-day twist on the classic cookie cutter sugar cookie. I still love cookie cutouts, but these cookie bars are perfect when you want a homemade cookie without the long term kitchen commitment.

ombre sugar cookie bars

The recipe is below, along with credit to the blog who inspired me by his charm.

The only thing that takes a little practice is the length of time in the oven.

I set my timer for 12 minutes and watched over these cookies for another two minutes.

That was the only tricky detail with these sugar cookie bars.

For the frosting, I made an ombre frosting trio, like when I made these spring bars. The ombre frosted sugar cookie bars took my skills up a notch..

kinda/sorta.

I was going for a fall seasonal ombre effect, but let’s just say orange is a finicky color to tint icing.

FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BARS

adapted from Inspired by Charm
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Line baking sheet with foil (for thicker bar use a smaller baking sheet). 
    In a large bowl: sift flour, baking powder & salt.
    In separate bowl cream butter, sugar for about 3 minutes. 
    Add egg, sour cream and vanilla
    Slowly add the flour mixture
    Press the dough onto the baking sheet, bake for about 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
    Frosting 
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    4 cups confectioners sugar
    1/4 cup half and half or whole milk
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1/2 tsp. almond extract
    Food Coloring & sprinkles
    Once cookie bars are cool spread the frosting on the cookie bar.Frost as desired the flour mixture
    Press the dough onto the baking sheet, bake for 14-17 minutes until edges are lightly golden.FrostingOnce cookie bars are cool spread the frosting on the cookie bar.Frost as desired

I love everything about these sugar cookie bars; the frosting, the simplicity and the taste! They still taste and smell like the traditional frosted sugar cookie!

I tried the ombre effect with frosted sugar cookie bars with pink icing here.

Tailgate Breakfast Casserole

We are in the beginning of the football season season at our house! In both sides of our families, we have generations of Denver Bronco & Colorado Buffaloe fans. We might have a few Texas fans, but it is all about the Denver Broncos at our house. I am a fair weather fan who knows very litle about the game. However, I am all about a good tailgate when the temps hover above sixty degrees with sunshine. For late morning or afternoon kickoffs,  this tailgate breakfast casserole recipe is my favorite to feed a crowd.

tailgate-breakfast-casserole-recipe

Tailgate Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This tailgate breakfast casserole cooks overnight (on very low) or in the morning on medium low. This crockpot casserole and can be served on the back end of a truck or in the back of my eight year old “newused” Audi. Just add chairs and mimosas or blood Mary’s! Or a nonalcoholic beverage for those, like myself, that cannot drink before noon!

The best part ofthis tailgate breakfast casserole recipe is the flexibility with the ingredients and the crockpot. Crockpots are the best time management appliance in the kitchen!

For this breakfast casserole, I  added bacon and salsa to give it a little Colorado kick. Hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon round out the ingredients in the casserole. I describe this recipe as a breakfast burrito in a crockpot.

tailgate-breakfast-casserole-recipe-ingredient-list

CROCKPOT SETTINGS

The only tricky part of this recipe is the settings on your crockpot. Despite, the the multiple heat settings, my crockpot tends towards the high heat setting.

Tip: Make sure to generously spray a cooking spray to keep the scorching and cleanup to a minimum.

The first time you make this breakfast casserole just keep an eye on it until you get an idea of how quickly your crockpot heats up the egg, hash browns and cheddar mixture.

tailgate-breakfast-casserole-everyday-edits-blog

Just layer the ingredients starting with the hash browns followed by the eggs. Add as many layers as you want to include. Finish the layers with a cup of milk. Fold the ingredients occasionally to keep them from cooking unevenly. My crockpot usually heats this casserole in about 90 minutes or so.

tailgate-breakfast-casserole-everyday-edits

I serve this casserole in the crockpot, buffet style with the crockpot with a stack of my bowls. I include sides of bacon, salsa, cheese and fresh green onions. A stack of tortillas turns this into a breakfast burrito. In Colorado, we love our burritos!

Enjoy this tailgate breakfast casserole dishes at your next tailgate or tv viewing type of tailgate. What teams are you cheering for this season?

Oh, and here is an easy apple crumble recipe to serve as a side!

TAILGATE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

  • CROCKPOT

Ingredients
  

  • 1 DOZEN EGGS
  • 3/4 BAG FROZEN HASBROWNS
  • 2 CUPS CHEDDAR CHEESE
  • 1 CUP MILK
  • 1/2 CUP SCALLION CHIPPED
  • 1 CUP SALSA
  • 1 DASH SALT & PEPPER
  • 1 CUP BACON, CHOPPED ADJUST TO LIKING

Instructions
 

  •  CROCKPOT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
    APPLY COOKING SPRAY
    LAYER INGREDIENTS WITH EGGS, HASHBROWNS, BACON, CHEESE, MILK, SALSA ETC.
    COOK APPROXIMATELY 75-90 MINUTES ON LOW DEPENDING ON CROCKPOT SETTINGS.

Homemade Dog Bones

4-Ingredient-Homemade-Dog-Bones

This face! This face gets me every single time. I just want to give her smooshy kisses. This face is Chloe’s classic look that gets her extra treats and hugs. Sometimes I just get on the floor with her and talk to her about the day.

Over the past few years, Chloe (like us) adjusted to a quieter house during the day as her best friend (our youngest) spent more time away from home as his social life took a bigger role in his high school years. 

Hearing our youngest, Evan,  greet Chloe when he walks thru the front door is the best part of her day and mine. So when the weekend rolls around I like to bake something just for Chloe. These homemade dog bones are a great treat. And, the best part is they take little time and have only four ingredients.  

4-ingredient-dog-bone-recipe-everyday-edits

I shared a funny video on Instagram when I caught Chloe sneaking a few homemade dog bones when I was not looking. The video was a bit of a fail when I uploaded the wrong video. Here’s a photo of a 1/2 eaten dog bone.

4-ingredient-dog-bone-recipe-everyday-edits

I found this Rae Dun treat jar at Homegoods just for Chloe! 

4-ingredient-dog-bone-recipe-everyday-edits

The best part of this dog bone recipe is it only has four ingredients. And, I can pronounce all of the ingredients. If you bake with whole wheat flour you likely have the 4 ingredients on hand. These homemade dog bones bake just like cookies.

I have this dog bone shaped cookie cutter, but I don’t think dogs will notice the shape.

I found this inexpensive dog shaped cookie cutters . 

Michaels and Hobby Lobby also have dog related cookie cutters too. 

4-ingredient-dog-bone-recipe-everyday-edits

Homemade Dog Bones Recipe

Homemade Puppy Chow Treats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 CUPS WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
  • 1 CUP SKIM MILK
  • 1/3 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
  • 1 1/2 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER

Instructions
 

  • PREHEAT OVEN TO 375
  • MIX ALL INGREDIENTS.
  • ROLL DOUGH ON FLOURED SURFACE AND USE A COOKIE CUTTER. OF CHOICE
  • PLACE ON UNGREASED COOKIE SHEETS.
  • BAKE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. STORE IN CONTAINER.

4-Ingredient-Homemade-Dog-Bones

And, I made these bite-size puppy treats when we rescued our Berner puppy from outside Atalanta.

How to Make Cherry Pie Filling

cherry-pie-filling-everyday-edits

Until this summer, my cherry desserts came from a can. But with a box full of cherries, compliments of the Northwest Cherries, I decided it was time to step up my game and figure out how to make cherry pie filling.

how-to-make-cherry-pie-filling-everyday-edits

Apparently, cherry pie filling doesn’t have to come from a can. It comes from everyday ingredients and fresh cherries.

How to Make Cherry Pie Filling

HOMEMADE CHERRY PIE FILLING

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 CUP WATER
  • 1/4 CUP SUGAR
  • 4 TBSP CORN STARCH
  • 2-3 POUNDS PITTED CHERRIES

Instructions
 

  • COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A LARGE SAUCEPAN
    BRING TO A BOIL, REDUCE HEAT TO LOW. 
    STIR FREQUENTLY FOR ABOUT 10-12 MINUTES
    COOL SLIGHTLY.
    REFRIGERATE UP TO A WEEK OR FOLLOWING CANNING INSTRUCTIONS TO FREEZE.

Making a cherry pie  was a big deal for me. I was surprised at how fulfilling I felt making this recipe.  It was similar to how I felt when I made these.

Full disclosure, there is some work on the front end of this recipe.When I finished pitting the cherries, my cutting board looked like a scene from Dexter. But the cleanup was easy and the reward was a homemade pie.

I may have to learn how to make a homemade crust. To play it safe and manage my expectations I used a pre-packaged crust. I added a few star cutouts and felt pretty darn amazing.

I had to remind myself it is just a pie! Or is it?

I was nervous about how my first cherry  pie filling would taste. Would it be too sweet or too tart? Turns out it was just right.

My family devoured the pie and the compliments were legit!

Looking for more fresh cherry recipes? Check out this list.

**disclosure: I received Northwest Cherries for this post. But, I had no help with making this homemade cherry pie filling. 

How to Make Baked Garbanzo Beans

When most of us talk about texture we are talking about fabrics, accessories and interior design. But when I think about texture my mind and stomach think about foods with squishy textures. Like eggs, avocadoes and beans. Garbanzo beans have a weird texture that I find challenging at best. Garbanzo beans, like pinto and black beans, do not look appetizing when they roll out of the side of a 14 oz can. So the only way I can eat garbanzo beans is if they are baked garbanzo beans. 

Question – What is the difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? 

How to Make Baked Garbanzo Beans

how-to-make-baked-garbanzo-beans-everyday-edits

So why do I even bother with beans? Because just like fruit and water and lean protein, beans are good for us. And, now that I am statistically half way thru my life span, I need to make a few edits to my diet. I loved this healthier version of french fries. 

With a pantry full of canned beans, baked garbanzo beans sounded better than baked black beans. And, guess what? 

Ingredients 

This recipe has 3 ingredients. That’s it!  

  • 1-2 cans of garbanzo beans, drained
  • olive oil
  • Kosher salt 

how-to-make-baked-garbanzo-beans-everyday-edits

BAKED GARBANZO BEANS

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 CANS GARBANZO BEANS
  • 1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL (ADJUST TO TASTE)
  • 1-2 TBSP KOSHER SALT (ADJUST TO TASTE)

Instructions
 

  • PREHEAT OVEN TO 350.
    SPRAY BAKING SHEET WITH NON-STICK COOKING SPRAY.
    ADD OLIVE OIL AND KOSHER SALT TO 1-2 CANS DRAINED GARBANZO BEANS.
    BAKE AT 350 UNTIL LIGHTLY BROWN & CRUNCH. 

If you love garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) check out these recipes.

Cherry Crumble Recipe for the Summer

Have you seen the Christmas in July Hallmark movies? I may have had a movie running in the background over the weekend. Until I heard the words hot chocolate and snow in the same sentence. and then I decided it was too soon. I would however love to see a few Hallmark movies with almost empty nesters. And, they could serve this cherry crumble recipe.

My three children were home over the 4th of July. It was pure bliss to have them together. Usually I make this cherry crumble over the 4th of July holiday, but being in the mountains this year we were outside and out of the kitchen.

cherry-crumble-recipe-everyday-edits

One of my favorite parts of summer are the impromptu barbecues with friends and neighbors. And, summer is packed with three holidays that translate to the perfect season for a chilled dessert. With  Memorial Day and 4th of July in our rear view windows, we still have Labor Day with this red and white cherry crumble dessert.

A can of blueberry filling or fresh blueberries would add a little patriotic blue too!

This  cherry crumble dessert is a favorite at our house. It is easy to prepare with less than ten ingredients. And, it travels well in the car or down the block.

This recipe is from a friend’s mother. When I pulled out her original recipe, it was emailed to me seventeen years ago. We lived in Westerville, Ohio at the time. And, now my youngest is getting ready to return to the state where he was born. #I blinked

Cherry Crumble Details

This dessert is served chilled which makes it perfect for warm summer nights and sunset views. The cherry filling adds the perfect taste of tart with the chilled goodness of whipped topping and cream cheese.

cherry crumble recipe 

The best part of this recipe is it only has eight ingredients. And, this time of year I usually have the ingredients on hand. Yes, I keep a tub of Cool Whip in my freezer most months of the year. Doesn’t everyone?

With the cherry filling, whipped topping and cream cheese I pull back on the white sugar to about a 1/4 of a cup. I could probably reduce it by 1/2 and no one would miss the sweet.

cherry-crumble-recipe

The best cherry crumble recipe

adapted from Kristin Diliberti
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • CRUST
  • 2 CUPS FLOUR
  • 1 CUP BUTTER SOFTENED
  • 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR
  • 1 CUP CHOPPED PECANS
  • FILLING
  • 16 OZ CREAM CHEESE
  • 1 1/2 CUPS SUGAR I REDUCED BY 1/4 CUP
  • 1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA
  • 8-9 OUNCE COOL WHIP

Instructions
 

  • MIX CRUST INGREDIENTS AND SPREAD 2/3 INTO 9X13 BAKING PAN.
  • SPREAD REMAINING CRUST INGREDIENTS INTO SMALLER PAN
  • BAKE CRUST AT 350 FOR 20-25 MINUTES. LET COOL
  • WHILE BAKING BLEND FILLING INGREDIENTS.
  • SPREAD 1/2 OF FILLING ONTO 9X13 PAN
  • ADD CHERRY FILLING
  • ADD FINAL LAYER OF FILLING OVER THE CHERRY FILLING
  • CRUMBLE SMALL PAN OF CRUST AND SPRINKLE OVER TOP OF FILLING
  • REFRIGERATE TO LET IT SETTLE

Cheese and Jalapeno Appetizer

 

 

Summer is all about BBQ’s and drinks on the patio. And, if there are drinks I have to have a few of my go-to appetizers. My girlfriends know I need something cheesy if we plan a girls’ night.  Up until a few weeks ago, I had a rotation of appetizers that included cream cheese, artichokes, avocados and queso. And, then I found a cheese and jalapeno appetizer that earned a coveted spot in my appetizer queue.

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer-everyday-edits

Recently I found this blogger who has, well, a great blog. When I read the short ingredient list for this cheese and jalapeno recipe I knew I found a great resource for new recipes (and design ideas).

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer-everyday-edits

The short ingredient list: 

  •    2 packages cream cheese softened
  •    1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  •    1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix 
  •    1 large red pepper finely diced   
  •    5 jalapeno peppers seeded and finely diced
  •    1 bag Tostitos Scoop chip 
 
Combine ingredients and serve with your favorite hefty chips! 

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer

I made this cheese and jalapeno appetizer for a Cinco de Mayo party and it was a hit. This appetizer requires a knife to scoop and a sturdy tortilla chip or Triscuit to handle the weight of the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese and the heat from the jalapeno peppers.

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer-everyday-edits

And as if it couldn’t get any better I found the cutest white ceramic dish at our neighborhood Bundt Shoppe. Every time I go in there to buy a dozen mini bundts I buy a little something from their expanding decor section.

I bought the same dish a few weeks ago for a friend’s birthday (who shares my love of appetizers). And, then a few days ago I totally scored my own Mud Pie ceramic dish when I ran in to buy mini bundts.

With a Mother’s Day sale, I saved 25% off the cutest appetizer inspired dish.

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer

I now have my own queso emergency dish and if it’s filled with jalapenos and cheese no one will know until they scrape the bottom of the dish. I think this dish is a sign to double the ingredients and host a girls night!

Cheese-and-jalapeno-appetizer-everyday-edits

Cheese and Jalapeno Appetizer Recipe

Author: Michael at Inspired by Charm
Ingredients
  • 2 packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • An envelope of dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1 large red pepper, finely diced
  • 3-5 jalapeno peppers seeded and finely diced
  • 1 bag of chips or Triscuits
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, red pepper and jalapeno peppers.
  2. Place dip in a dish. Serve with chips or Triscuits. 

 

Cheese and Jalapeno Appetizer

Print Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 envelope dry ranch dressing
  • 1 large red pepper, finely diced
  • 3-5 jalapeno peppers, seeded
  • 1 bag chips or Triscuits

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, red pepper and jalapeno peppers.Place dip in a dish. Serve with chips or Triscuits. 

Keyword APPETIZERS

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis

close

Join the fun!

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)