Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

There is just something so convenient about making a meal in a slow cooker, especially on a busy schedule! There is so much less clean up and dinner is always ready by the time you get home from work! This super easy and delicious orange chicken recipe pairs so good with rice and is sure to be a family favorite! You can even add in cut up peppers and onions to make sure you get those veggies in! I hope you enjoy this as much as our family does!

Cook Time: 5 hours

Prep Time: 15 min

Feeds 4 people

Ingredients:

1 - 1 1/2 pounds chicken

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Pepper

1/2 cup orange marmalade

2 tbsp coconut aminos

1/2 tsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp sesame oil

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce

Toppings:

sesame seeds

green onions

orange slices

Instructions:

1. Cut thawed chicken into 1inch cubes and toss with corn starch salt and pepper.

2. Spray slow cooker with olive oil spray and layer chicken into bottom.

3. In a bowl whisk together rest of ingredients (excluding toppings)

4. Pour whisk sauce over chicken and toss.

5. Turn on slow cooker to 2 and cook for 5 hrs.

I love using the 360 slow cooker! It’s so easy to use and everything comes out perfect! I love it’s stainless steel look and of course love that it’s made in the good ol’ USA! For more info Click -HERE-. To shop entire site with 20% off use code AMANDA20

Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread

I am so excited for this one! I have been expanding the varieties of food I have been cooking and baking and I love sharing these new recipes with you guys. To start the new year, I have been on a total bread making kick, and lots of you have been wanting to try my recipes!! I have been trying my best to perfect different types and flavors of bread and I think this is the one that is finally ready to share! It’s SUPER easy and so tasty it’s addicting! Just takes a little time in the fridge over night but my goodness do you have a yummy bread once its done!! Amazing for sandwiches, side dishes with dinner, and honestly it’s just perfectly good on it own maybe even with a nice glass of wine. So let’s get to baking!

I am using my 360 Cookware Jelly Roll Pan linked -here- . The perfect size for this and so many other things! You can use my code AMANDA20 for 20% off the entire website!

Ingredients:

4 Cups Flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons instant yeast

2 cups warm water

Olive Oil spray to grease pan

3 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

2 tsp Italian seasoning

3 minced garlic cloves

Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt, yeast and warm water in bowl. Combined well and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Put in fridge over night. (9 hours or Upto 24)

2. The next morning take out pan to bake in. I like this -Jelly Roll- the most from 360 the sides are the perfect amount and its a great size to bake this bread in. Oil pan and oil bread mixture.

3. Lay oiled bread mixture onto pan and let rise for 20 min covered with towel. If your home is cool I suggest warming the oven up for 1 minute while prepping bread and turning off. Then placing pan with bread in to feel warmth and rise.

4. After risen. Move bread into a longer shape to fill the pan and poke. Using fingers you will make small indentions along the bread. Let rise again for 20 min to 1 hour until bread has risen enough for you see it past the jelly roll line.

5. Next poke more holes and then sprinkle over oil mixture; Mixture of minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning and sea salt.

6. Bake at 425 for 25 to 30 min until the bottom is crisp and the top is a golden color. Let cool and enjoy!

Watermelon Twist Cocktail

This is such great drink to have really any time of the year, but being that its pink I had to share the recipe near Valentines day! It’s an easy drink to make with only 4 ingredients! You can also easily double or triple this recipe to make for parties with bigger groups. Trust me you will find yourself needing to do this because it is quite the crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:

2 oz Watermelon Pucker

2 oz Sweet & Sour Mix

2 oz Vanilla Vodka (regular will work too)

Lemon Sparkling Water

Directions:

1. Grab a cocktail shaker! Add ice and the first 3 ingredients! SHAKE IT UP!

2. Grab your cocktail glass. I like to add a little sugar rim to add some fun to this but total preference on this one! Add Ice and strain over mixture from cocktail shaker.

3. Finish off with bubbles! I like to add lemon sparkling water for a lighter refreshing drink. You can also do 7up or Champagne!

4. Enjoy!!

To make this into multiple drinks you would just double, triple or quadruple the first 3 ingredients in the shaker and then follow instructions as above!

Italian Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup

There is just something about cold, foggy, or rainy days that makes you want to curl up with a warm bowl of soup! I’ve been trying to add more greens creatively into recipes and meals I cook this year. So here is one of my favorite soups to make all year round, but especially right now as we finish off the cold of Winter.

Serves: 10 (2 cup Serving)

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of Italian Sausage

1 Onion

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp italian seasoning

5 cloves of minced garlic

2 tbsp flour

4 cups vegetable broth

3 cups whole milk

3 large potatoes

6 cups chopped kale (if not fresh I get the pre chopped)

1-1/2 cups heavy cream

Parmesan Cheese to garnish

Directions:

1. Grab your biggest pot! I use the 8 quart stockpot with cover from 360cookware so I have plenty of room. The 6 quart will work great too (discount code below!). Heat on Low-Medium.

2. Add in Italian sausage and onion. Cooking and stirring until meat is cooked and onion is softened. Making sure to break up sausage into little bits.

3. Once cooked add in seasonings (red pepper flakes, sea salt Italian seasoning). Stir. Add in garlic and stir until fragrant. About 1 minute.

4. Next you will add the 2 tbsp. of flour and stir until well coated.

5. Add in Vegetable broth nice and slow to incorporate into the meat mixture. Then the whole milk. Stirring until well combined.

6. Take cut Potatoes (you can have these as small or as big as you like, but I do about an inch size) and add into pot. Stir to make sure they are all covered. Let come to a simmer and turn heat to low. Cover and let cook until fork can go through potatoes. 20-30 min.

7. Once potatoes are done add in heavy cream and then kale. Making sure to stir all together and incorporate fully so kale can soften.

8. Let cook for around 15 min until kale is soft.

9. Serve in bowl with parmesan cheese for garnish! Enjoy!!

Macros: FAT=28.6 CARB=20.2 PROTEIN=21.8

For Discount on Pot used and the ENTIRE site of 360cookware use “AMANDA20” for 20% off!

www.360cookware.com

Brown Sugar Toffee Cookies

This cookie recipe has 3 of my favorite yummy ingredients: Brown Sugar, Brown Butter & Toffee!! That’s a lot of delicious goodness all cooked on my 360 cookware!! I love using 360 because for one its all made in the USA! I always love supporting companies and products made in the USA and work hard to find them. Second.. they are the best pans I have used particularly for making cookies hands down! They all are non toxic and so easy to clean. I cant say enough good things about them..They also have bowls that are just as amazing. To share my love I have a code for 20% off! Use code AMANDA20 to get 20% off your next purchase. Start shopping -here-

Brown Sugar Toffee Cookie Recipe

Toffee Recipe :

1 cup cubed salted butter

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1. On low heat mix cubed butter and sugar. Using a spatula continue to stir to prevent from burning

2. Once color starts to change add in vanilla

3. Once color starts to look like peanut butter pour onto parchment paper

4. Let cook for 10-20 min.

5. Crack! You are ready to enjoy AND add into cookies!

Cookie Recipe:

1 cup brown butter

2 cups brown sugar (I do one of these dark brown but totally optional)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups flour

1 tsp salt

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

toffee

sea salt for topping

1. Brown butter in a sauce pan. I do this first because it needs to cool. Once butter starts browning in color and smells nutty you can put in a bowl to cool

2. Preheat oven to 375

3. Once butter is cooled enough (I usually give it at least 20-30 min, while I am making toffee) blend butter and brown sugar.

4. Add in eggs and vanilla and mix well.

5. Stir dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Alternating between dry and milk adding into wet ingredients.

6. Lastly add in toffee. You can use as much of the recipe from toffee as you want! Save some to add on the side of cookies, eat, or enjoy it all in the cookies.

7. I take a cookie scoop and do 2 scoops one on top of each other then sprinkle the top with sea salt. This gives a nice fluffy cookie.

8. Bake for 11-13 min.

9. ENJOY!

Hearty Ground Beef Chili

The temps are cooling down outside and I am going crazy with the one pot warm dishes that make my belly happy and so ready for the Fall season! I received my first box from “Good Chop” and knew I had to share a yummy recipe using their delicious meats. Luckily, my box came with ground beef and chili was on my mind. There is nothing better than a warm, tasty, hearty ground beef chili on these cool nights! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as me and my family did:)

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter

1 onion

2 chopped peppers

2 lbs ground beef

6 oz tomato paste

2- 15.5 oz kidney beans

15.5 oz black beans

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

2 Tbs taco seasoning (my recipe is here)

2 cups beef or chicken broth

Directions:

1. Grab your biggest pot and heat butter.

2. Chop onion and peppers and add to melted butter. Stir until vegetables soften.

3. Add in ground beef to softened vegetables and cook/stir until cooked.

4. Once beef is all cooked add in all the rest of ingredients. Stir then add lid to pot.

5. Let cook on low for 30 min. Stir every 5-10 min.

6. Enjoy! Add all the toppings you love and maybe pair with some delicious corn bread on the side!

For discount on your box of Good Chop use code WARREN100 to receive $100 off your first 3 orders

3 Mexican Mule Recipes with a Twist!

Taking my favorite social drink and making it even BETTER! The Moscow Mule has been one of my favorite drinks for a while now. The popular drink actually came out in the 1940’s… but boy has it become extra trendy just over the last decade! There are so many different tasty spins on the drink. The Mexican Mule for you tequila loving fans using 21seeds is a great way to drink it! 21seeds makes the most delicious infused tequilas that are amazing on their own, but I always love an adorable cocktail. Here are my 3 favorite drink recipes! The most convenient part of these signature cocktails are that 2 of the ingredients are in each of the 3 drinks, making it even easier to have a variety at parties without needing too many different ingredients!

The Valencia Orange Mule

3 oz Ginger Beer

1.5 oz Valencia Orange 21Seeds

.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice

.5 oz Simple Syrup

Directions:

Add all ingredients over ice in a shaker and shake. Strain in cocktail glass and add garnish. I thinly slice oranges to add on top for the cutest garnish.

The Grapefruit Hibiscus Mule

3 oz. Ginger Beer

1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

1.5 oz Grapefruit Hibiscus 21Seeds Tequila

.5 oz Simple Syrup

Directions:

Add all ingredients over ice in a shaker and shake. Strain in cocktail glass and add garnish. I thinly slice grapefruit to add on sides for the cutest garnish. You could also do like above cocktail if the glass is wide enough.

The Spicy Cucumber Jalapeno Mule

4 oz Ginger Beer

1.5 oz Cucumber Jalapeno 21Seeds Tequila

.5 oz Simple Syrup

2 tbsp of Jalapeno Slices from jar with juice

Directions:

Add all ingredients over ice in a glass and stir. Strain over fresh ice, in mule glass and add garnish. I like to add sliced cucumber and jalapeno for garnish.

Hope you enjoy these drinks as much as me and the hubby have been!

For more info on 21Seeds and to purchase head -here-

For more Halloween recipes on the 21Seeds blog -here-

@21seeds

Cheer’s, Amanda

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

I’ve been making this delicious dish for as long as I’ve been married! It’s a perfect Mexican treat for lunch or dinner that can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, frozen and saved for later, or as a tasty treat to take to family gatherings or to friends in need of a good home cooked meal. Let’s be honest…who doesn’t love some delicious Mexican food?

Ingredients:

2 ears of sweet corn

1 red onion

2 large peppers

1 lb chicken

1 cup rice (1 cup water)

2 tbsp salted butter

16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

6 oz blended cheese

24 oz salsa verde

12 corn tortillas

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425

2. Cut onion in 4ths and cut peppers in half and deseed. Toss onion, peppers and corn in olive oil and place in oven for 25 mins.

3. Rinse chicken and pat dry (I like to use strips of chicken to cook faster, you can pre cut now if you didn’t purchase that way). Take a pan with olive oil and heat on medium. Once pan is heated up add chicken and let cook on both sides.

4. While chicken is cooking take another pan out and melt butter. Once melted add in rice and stir until toasted. Then add in water. It will quickly boil so add lid and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 min.

5. While rice and vegetables are finishing up moving chicken to cutting board and cutting into small 1/2 inch pieces. Add to a bowl.

6. Once veggies are done cooking remove from oven and let cool. Once cooled and able to touch cut corn off the cobb and cut small almost minced size onion and jalapenos.

7. After taking out veggies turn temp down to 350 in oven.

8. Add veggies, chicken, almost all mozzarella (leave 1 cup out), 1 cup of salsa verde and cooked rice to a bowl. Mix well.

9. Take 2 damp paper towels and wrap around tortillas. Place in microwave for 30 seconds. This helps tortillas from breaking while rolling. Sometimes I do half at a time so they stay warm.

10. Put 1 cup of salsa verde on bottom of pan and start placing enchiladas. I try to stuff about 1 cup into each tortillas and roll.

11. Once all tortillas are rolled I put rest of salsa Verde over top. Then add on the blended cheese and left over mozarella.

12. Bake for 25 min and its ready!

13. Add any toppings you desire! Avocado, Feta, Cilantro, Lime, Sour Cream.. you name it!!

This is one of my favorite recipes to enjoy all year long. Its light, crispy and delicious for Summer, and come Winter I love to get creative and change the chicken out for left-over Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey. It is just as delicious and a great Holiday dish to add to the parties! I also love to double the recipe and freeze half for easy dinners on busy work nights or if I’m out of town and Scotty needs a quick meal. I do everything up until it goes into the oven. I freeze until I am ready to eat and take out then put right into the oven adding an extra 20 min to bake time.

Hope you love these as much as our family does!

Xo, Amanda

My Favorite White Cake Recipe

So deliciously moist, soft and full of creamy flavor! My favorite white cake to make for everyone’s birthdays!! Super easy to make it your own by also changing the filling to any jam, peanut butter, nutella, cream or anything else to add a different flavor for your party! Another way to add flavor is change the vanilla extract to lemon, orange, or almond. Just a few ways to mix it up BUT its so good just the way it is! Sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next celebration!

Ingredients:

3 large eggs

3 large egg whites

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp. melted butter

3 tsp. vanilla

1 - 1/2 cup sugar

2-1/4 cups cake flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup grated butter

Frosting:

1 cup butter

8 oz cream cheese

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:

1. Prep by oiling 2 circle pans (8 or 9 inch) and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Blend together eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla completely.

3. Add dry ingredients in a different bowl until combined.

4. Grate 1 cup of butter on top of dry ingredients. Combined by hand until butter is no larger then pea sizes.

5. Next up add in wet ingredients and blend together with hand mixer.

6. Once combined put into 2 pans that are oiled and put into oven. 22-27 min, if you want a 4 layer cake do 4 pans t 10-12 min only.

7. Blend together all frosting ingredients until well combined. (butter and cream cheese should be room temp if not heat in microwave for 30 sec at a time) You can add more heavy cream or powdered sugar depending on desired consistency. I sometimes also double the recipe to a thick layer on the outside.

8. Once cake is done baking let cool in pan for 15 min and transfer to cooling rack for another 15.

9. Ice layers of cake and do a thin later around for a “crumb layer” that will catch all the crumbs and make a base for the final layer. Place in fridge for 30 min and then do another final layer. Smooth, textured, whatever you desire!

10. Enjoy!

Soft Cream Cheese Lemon Blueberry Scones

The softest, melt in your mouth scones! So good you wont be able to just eat one!! this recipe is for lemon blueberry.. however feel free to mix it up and make it your own. Have strawberries and not blueberries? Swap it out! Want just lemon? Sounds Great!! They will taste amazing with anything you add or take out and you get to make it all your own!! Now lets get started!

Ingredients:

21/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 cup cold butter

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

2/3 cup heavy cream

8 ounce package of cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar (to cover cream cheese with)

1 pint blueberries

2 tbsp lemon zest

Glaze:

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

• Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl

• Grate butter into bowl and blend with dry mixture. I use my hands to make sure that the butter doesn’t stick together any larger then a pea size amount.

• After well mixed make a hole in the center of the mix and put all wet ingredients; egg, vanilla and heavy cream. Mix together. Be sure to not over mix or it will get too tough.

• Cube cream cheese into dime size chunks. Coat in a small bowl with sugar and add into the dough. Don’t over mix just enough that its well spread out in the dough. Next add in blueberries and lemon zest (or whatever you decide to add in)

• After all is mixed together, flour your work station and make dough into a pie looking around shape. I keep mine a little thicker so it stays soft. If you like your scones harder and more flaky then you can make it thinner. Mine is usually around an inch to an inch and a half thick. Once in a circle cut like a pizza into slices. I do about 8. Again if you prefer it to be smaller and not as soft you can do more.

• Place on a cookie sheet and put in the fridge for 45 min to an hour. The last 10 min preheat oven to 400 degrees

• Bake at 400 degrees for 15 min. Turn the temp down to 350 and bake for 10 min.

• While baking make glaze! Melt butter completely in a bowl and add in the other ingredients. Mix with a fork until you have your desired consistency. Add more powdered sugar or water to achieve thickness. I like mine a little thicker so it will stick to the top of scones.

• Transfer scones to cookie sheet and drizzle glaze on top. Let cool and enjoy!!

Creamy Root Beer Popsicle

The temperature is starting to heat up here in Cali.. which means Summer is almost here! Time to start having some of those yummy cool down treats! I am a huge fan of Zevia and had to come up with a delicious recipe using their new root beer!! Their drink is creamy and delicious on its own, but why not make it into a delish treat the whole family can enjoy all Summer long! They are SOOO quick and easy to make! Just two ingredients and a little time!

Ingredients:

1 can of Zevia Root Beer

Heavy Cream

Popsicle forms

Directions:

1. Add 1 tbsp of heavy cream into each form

2. Top off with Root Beer until full

3. Put in the freezer until hard!

4. ENJOY!

My 3 Easy Homemade Seasoning Mixes

We never have a meal at our house without spices! I probably use my ranch seasoning the most, but other spices like Italian and taco seasoning are always important to have in the cabinet! What I love most about making my own seasonings instead of buying them is getting rid of all the extra unhealthy additives they put in store bought pre made spices. They mainly do this so the shelf life is a little longer. I am using spices to make these seasonings that I will also use in my other meals and recipes so when I buy a large glass jar of it at the store I’m sure to use the entire thing instead of it going bad before it can finish. I also can reuse the glass jars (usually Good and Gather) to make new seasonings. I like to change the color of the tops on the jars so they are bright and fun and fit with my house! Here I used a spray paint to make them all match and they came out ohhh so cute! Who doesn’t love that salmon color! Now lets get to the recipes!

Ranch Seasoning Mix

1 tsp Garlic Powder

2 tbsp Parsley Flakes

1 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Basil

1 tsp Dill Weed

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

Mix together and enjoy over EVERYTHING!! I also make my homemade ranch dressing by mixing with equal parts whole milk and mayo (Primal Kitchen is my favorite clean mayo brand)

Taco Seasoning Mix

2 tbsp Chipotle Chili Powder

2 tbsp Ground Cumin

1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Oregano

Directions

Mix together and put in a new spice container! Add more Cayenne Pepper depending on how hot you would like it!!

Italian Seasoning Mix

1 tbsp Basil

1 tbsp Oregano

1 tbsp Rosemary

1 tbsp Thyme

1 tbsp Garlic Powder

1 tbsp Marjoram

Directions:

Mix together and enjoy! Add in 1 tbsp red pepper flakes if you want spicy Italian dishes also!

Garlic Mushroom & Shrimp Pasta

This is one of my favorite quick and easy pastas to make. It’s deliciously light on sauce but full of great flavorful taste. Every time I make this dish Scotty easily cleans his plate and always tells me how delicious it was. Quotes like “It tastes like it’s from a fancy restaurant”… “Add this to the menu”…and “That was really good babe”.. always leaves me with a smile on my face. It’s such a great feeling when someone loves the food I cook. So I had to share for this months recipe because I want everyone leaving your table with a smile too!

Ingredients:

For Pasta I always use Wild Grain’s pasta sent in a monthly membership that is fresh and so delicious! One package makes enough for 2-4 people

3 Cloves of Garlic

Olive Oil spray

8 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms

1/3 Pasta water

3 tbsp Butter

3 tbsp soy sauce

1/3 cup white wine

Shrimp (you can really use any amount you want here)

Directions:

1. Start water on medium heat for pasta. Once boiling add in pasta until Al dente.

2. While water is boiling spray skillet with olive oil cooking spray until fully coated and start on medium heat. Mince garlic and add into pan. Stirring until fragrant.

3. Add mushrooms to garlic pan and stir. Cooking for a few minutes then adding in wine. Let it cook while the liquid fully evaporates.

4. Once mushrooms are finished transfer to a plate for later. No need to wipe out pan just use another coating of olive oil spray and cook shrimp. Add a little salt and pepper onto shrimp and cook until done!

5. While mushroom and shrimp are cooking and pasta is done boiling. Drain and keep 1/3 cup pasta water.

6. Put pasta back into original pan and stir together with pasta water, butter and soy sauce.

7. Now that you have everyone ready to go.. plate your dish! pasta first, then add on your mushrooms and shrimp and serve!

8. Enjoy! Maybe even have a glass of that wine you opened!

To get $10 off your first order with Wild Grain and sourdough rolls in every box for life!!

Use code AMANDAWARREN

www.wildgrain.com

Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Cookies

These cookies are probably my all time favorite homemade ones.. That’s a big statement being that I love to bake so much, but I’m pretty sure they can hold up the pressure of it! They have all the tastes with the salt, the sweet, and the crunch! So good that the hubby even agrees with me! You may think he’s just being nice because he is my husband. He is sweet.. but he would never lie about my cooking to save face! If I ever need to know if a recipe is good enough to share online.. I call on him and my mom. They both without a doubt will give me their honest opinions no matter what!

Now that I hyped these cookies up.. I have to tell you the bad news. They do take a few hours to make!! (Sorry!!) However the hours that it takes are mostly spent with them in the fridge cooling. So in reality its not too bad and it just means you get more done during that time!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Recipe:

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 dark brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 package of chocolate covered caramels

1 cup crushed pretzels + more to add in later

Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Making brown butter! You want to melt the 2 sticks of butter in a pan until they boil, change in color and start to smell a nutty delicious flavor! The entire house will smell like this and its heavenly. Once the butter gets brown in color and is a yummy nutty smell put into a bowl and let sit cool 5 min. Next, put that bowl into the fridge for 1 hour. I suggest to stir at the 30 min mark just to make sure its cooling evenly and as fast as possible. Once the butter is more like butter and not melted you are ready!

2. While the butter is in the fridge this is the perfect time to get the goodies ready for the end. The chocolate covered caramels I typically use are the Dove brand (if you are a fan of another kind any will work). Unwrap and cut each candy into 4 pieces. Fill a plastic bag with 1 cup of pretzels and crush them!

3. Blend in both sugars and vanilla completely

4. Add in eggs, one at a time

5. Slowly add in all dry ingredients a little at a time until well blended.

6. Now the dough is all ready add in the chocolate caramels and pretzels. Don’t over blend of the chocolate and caramel will over mix and not be in whole chunks.

7. Roll into dough balls, sprinkle with sea salt and add extra pieces of pretzel on corners for extra crunch!

8. Bake at 375 for 9-11 min.

9. Let cool and enjoy!

A Taste of Heaven: Deliciously Easy Apple Pie!

If you are looking for a sweet and delicious dessert that is easy to make, look no further than this delicious & easy apple pie recipe! This classic treat tops the list as the #1 favorite for many dessert lovers, and it doesn't have to be difficult to make. In this blog post, we will be going over all the steps to make a delicious and easy apple pie that you and your family can enjoy. We'll also be discussing some of the tips and tricks to make sure your pies come out perfect every time. So, get ready to make the most scrumptious apple pie you've ever tasted!

Everyone loves this classic and timeless treat that can be quickly and easily whipped up with minimal ingredients. All you need is apples, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. To make the pie even more special, you can add different toppings such as nuts, raisins, or of course a scoop of ice cream. As the delicious aroma of baking apples and spices fills your home, your family and anyone coming over will surely be delighted!

Easy Part 1: Store-Bought Crust

Apple pie is a classic dessert that is sure to please any crowd. But it can be time-consuming to make from scratch, especially when it comes to making the pie crust. Luckily, there is an easy and delicious way to make an apple pie with minimal effort - using a store-bought pre-made pie crust. This easy apple pie recipe requires minimal ingredients and is great for those who are short on time or are new to baking. The trick to making this recipe successful is to use a good quality store-bought crust. This makes this recipe easier and even more enjoyable. I love to get the double pack and make fun designs on the top with cookie cutters and crisscrossing them. This also makes your pie unique and special.

I always try my hardest to make the best homemade desserts, but I know when the experts have some things figured out better then me.. Like pie crust. I had a hard time trying to make the perfect pie crust so I finally gave up and focused all my energy on the filling! One delicious filling, a store-bought crust and the best pie pan make for a killer apple pie everyone will rave over!!

I am using the 360 cookware pie pan. The pan is made with 5-Ply construction and has a T-304 surgical stainless steel baking surface. No other bakeware cooks so evenly and perfectly as this pie pan! The Pie Pan is covered by a Lifetime Warranty like all of their products making this a legacy pan you can pass down for years to come. Better yet, they are all 100% American Made! Every pan I have used from them has cooked everything so well. This pie pan was nothing short of amazing and not one piece stuck to the pan! That was always irritating for me in the past, but now those worries are gone!

The Best Apples for Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that is loved by many. The key to making a great apple pie is to choose the right type of apple. Granny Smith apples are a tart and firm classic choice for a delicious apple pie. Sweet, juicy, and crisp Honeycrisp apples are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Braeburn apples are full of flavor and hold their shape when baked, making them an ideal choice. For a sweeter pie, Golden Delicious apples add a hint of tartness and are great for baking pies. Finally, Jonathan apples are sweet and tart, making them a great addition of flavor and texture to your apple pie. I like to mix 2 or 3 different apple types to give each bite a unique and delicious flavor. Two of my favorites are the Granny Smith and Golden Delicious together. With these apples in hand, you’re ready to make a delicious & easy apple pie.

Apple Pie Ingredients

2 store-bought roll-out crusts

7 cups thinly sliced apples (I like to do a mix of two different types of apples)

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup melted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 egg with 1 tablespoons water mixed for egg washing

Instructions

1. Take out pie crust and pre-heat oven to 425

2. Peel and cut apples into evenly thinly sliced pieces. Place in a large bowl with cinnamon and toss.

3. Melt butter in the microwave until completely melted. Whisk in flour, water and lastly sugar blending until it all comes together. After fully mixed pour in the apple mixture and fully blend.

4. Take pie crusts that have been sitting out and roll over a sprinkle of flour. Take store-bought crust and lay it over a pre-oiled pie pan. Fill the pan with the apple mixture. Lastly, for the design of your pie the options are endless! I did a crisscross pie here and used extra dough with leaf cookie cutters to make the top even more fun!

5. Once the top is all designed and ready to go use egg wash mixture (1 egg and 1 tbsp water whisked) and brush onto dough.

6. Bake at 425 for 15 min and then reduce heat to 350 and bake for another 45 min or until apples are a soft consistency.

You can enjoy your pie right away with vanilla ice cream, let it come to room temperature, or keep refrigerated for the next day. Anyway that you enjoy it I promise you wont be disappointed! The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and sugar make this pie a heavenly treat. Whether you are looking for something to end a meal on a sweet note or just a special treat, this apple pie is the perfect choice.

Other Desserts and Comfort Food you will love:

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert - My Pumpkin Crisp Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Scotty's Birthday Pistachio Cake

My Favorite White Cake Recipe

Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Cookies

The Most Delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake

I hope you enjoy this apple pie just as much as I do! Click -HERE- for my favorite pie pan for the perfect pie all year long! You can also use code “Amanda20” for 20% off the entire 360 cookware site!

Pumpkin Spice Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

My homemade cinnamon rolls are a staple for the Holidays as well as anytime we host company for breakfast! They are so yummy and soft, but the best part is I get to lick the whole bowl of frosting! I love the recipe so much that I have been working on making it into a Fall recipe for all my pumpkin lovers. If you’re not as obsessed with pumpkin as much as I am I made sure to make the recipe a pumpkin spice flavor to have the pumpkin taste be a little more subtle. My hubby (aka food tester) isn’t the biggest pumpkin fan in the world, but he absolutely loved them! I myself am a pumpkin lover..so naturally, I loved them as well. So, its safe to say this is simply a great Fall treat the whole group will love!! Lets get baking!!

Ingredients:

Dough

• 3 cups luke warm water

• 3 packets of Fact acting dry yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

• 6 cups flour

Filling

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (if you want it more pumpkiny double this part)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

Icing

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 1/2 cup butter

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 4 tbsp milk

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

Directions:

1. Mix luke warm water, yeast and 2 tbsp of sugar, let sit for around 10 minutes to make sure yeast is good. You will notice the yeast growing in size.

2. Once you see yeast grow add in sugar, butter (softened for 15-20 sec on microwave) egg, salt and pumpkin spice

3. Slowly add in flour, once you have added in all 6 cups make sure the dough is slightly sticky and looking like dough. Once you see this mix for another few minutes. If you still don’t add in more flour until you do.

4. Sift flour over a clean counter top and lay dough down in the middle. Make sure to over flour the area outside of where dough is. You will be rolling it out here and you don’t want it to stick later.

5. Once you have tipped the bowl over and poured out the dough lightly flour the top and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

6. Let rise for 3 hours.

7. Once you are about ready to roll dough. Melt butter in a clean bowl and mix with pumpkin puree.

8. When dough is ready roll out to about 1/4 inch thick rectangular form.

9. Pour over the butter mix and evenly spread over the dough. Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin spice

10. Next roll dough up for cinnamon rolls!

11. Cut about 1 inch apart and place on pan. They will grow in size so pay attention to spacing.

12. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes

13. Once cooked to your liking pour frosting on rolls and enjoy!

Frosting:

1. Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. (if not at room temp warm for 30 seconds in microwave before)

2. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and pumpkin spice

Sparkling Ice Mint Mango Mock-tail

This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MySparklingIce #SparklingIceLife #SparklingIcePartner

Sparkling Ice Mock-tail Summer may be coming to a close but refreshing mock-tails will never end!! I am especially loving the Sparkling Ice Orange Mango sparkling water and enjoying it for a backyard brunch picnic. It can get pretty hot where we live, over 100 most August days and it’s always nice to find a refreshing drink we can enjoy before it’s too hot to be outside. I love enjoying a backyard brunch all year around but especially when the mornings are cooling down! Look below for the perfect mock-tail recipe to finish off your summer and head into fall! It’s great for brunch, lunch and anytime of day! I shopped for all of these ingredients at our local Save Mart. Cheers!

Ingredients for 2 Orange Mango Mock-tails:

1 chilled Sparkling Ice Orange Mango

Sliced Mango

Fresh Mint

1 cup water

1 cup sugar + more for garnish

Ice

Directions:

1. Make simple syrup. Mix together water, sugar, 3 mint leaves in pot over fire. Continuously stir them together until sugar melts into water. Let cool and place in glass jar ready for use!

2. Fill bottom of glass with 3 mango slices and muddle with straw.

3. Add ice, 2 tbsp of simple syrup and fill rest of glass with Sparkling Ice Orange Mango.

4. Garnish with mint and a slice of mango.

5. Enjoy!

Whole 30 Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata has always been a favorite dish around our house and once we started the “Whole 30” diet, I had to find a way to still enjoy it! To our pleasant surprise, now that I have changed the recipe, we like it so much that we will probably never go back to the old one! Finding new ways to enjoy our favorite dishes while still keeping them healthy is the best thing that has come from being on this new diet. Another great perk is how it takes me back to our time Italy when we enjoyed this on the cobblestone streets. Although we couldn’t go this year, we get to enjoy our stay cation with Mezzetta right at home! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish just as much as we do!

Mezzetta is a California based company right here in the USA and I couldn’t be more excited to support them! Other delicious treats from Mezzetta we have been enjoying on our ‘whole 30’ diet are green olives on salads, jalapeno peppers on EVERYTHING, and peperoncini’s in our lettuce wraps!

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken cutlets

2 organic eggs

1 cup almond flour

1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoon

4 minced garlic cloves

1 shallot

1-2 tablespoon arrowroot

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup Mezzetta capers (drained)

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse and pat dry chicken. Beat eggs in a bowl and put almond flour in a separate bowl. Put 1/4 cup olive oil in large pan on medium heat. Once olive oil is to medium temp (you can test by placing egg and making sure it doesn’t over cook) you can place each piece of chicken into egg mixture and then into almond mixture (making sure to coat well) then place into olive oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

2. Once all chicken is cooked place onto paper towel lined plate while making sauce. Clean out pan and return to stove top.

3. Begin making sauce by dicing shallot and mincing garlic. Add remains of olive oil to pan on medium heat. Add in shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant. Now add in arrowroot until well coated.

4. Add in chicken broth and lemon juice and let simmer. Once simmering to add a nice texture add in Mezzetta capers and salt and pepper until you like the taste!

5. You can now add chicken back in or you can plate it and pour sauce over, however you like to serve! I like to put mine over a bed of cauliflower rice and pour sauce on top!

6. ENJOY!!

This is a paid sponsorship with Mezztta.

Enjoy the Comfort of Homemade Delicious Banana Bread

Few aromas are as welcoming as the scent of banana bread baking in the oven. That unmistakably sweet, cozy fragrance that fills the home in the morning is only the beginning of the experience of a slice of Simply Delicious Banana Bread. Whether you're looking for a way to use up those browning bananas on your counter or you're after a foolproof treat that's sure to please, this banana bread recipe is the answer. Let's explore what makes this treat so special, from the rich banana flavor to the nutty crunch, to the customizable mix-ins, and how this simple pleasure has become a staple in kitchens around the world.

With its moist crumb and rich banana taste, this classic dessert has stolen the hearts of many. It stands as a testament to the phrase "less is more," proving that deliciousness can also be simple. The sweetness of these bananas eliminates the need for excess sugar, while their soft texture contributes to the bread's irresistible moistness. The key ingredients in this easy-to-make treat are items you likely already have in your kitchen, like flour, sugar, and eggs. Combining these basics with ripe bananas results in a sweet delight that is as fun to make as it is to eat.

This is a great starter recipe for those new to baking and a quick, satisfying project for seasoned bakers. Add in your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to put your own twist on the classic recipe. Whether you're craving a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert, Simply Delicious Banana Bread fits the bill.

The Ideal Loaf Pan for Perfect Banana Bread

Choosing the right loaf pan is key to banana bread bliss. Here are some tips and essentials I am sure to use every time. A stainless steel loaf pan is your golden ticket to easily removing that golden loaf and achieving an even bake every time. Steer clear of dark or glass pans. These can unevenly distribute heat, potentially leading to an overcooked exterior and undercooked middle. Make sure to mind the depth. A pan that's too deep might leave you with an underbaked center amid dry edges. My favorite loaf pans to use for this recipe and all my bread recipes are the 360 Cookware loaf pans. They have three to choose from and my personal code AmandaWarren20 will give you 20% off your order. Shop Here No matter your choice in bakeware, the key is to ensure that your Simply Delicious Banana Bread turns out perfectly each time.

How to Ripen Bananas for Banana Bread

The ideal banana for this bread is ripe with plenty of brown spots. Think of those brown spots as nature's sweetener. But what if your bananas aren't quite there yet? There are tricks to accelerate ripening. If you're in a hurry to bake and your bananas are still too firm, you don't have to wait for days for them to ripen. A few ways I speed up the process are to place bananas in a warm area to help the ripening or store them with an already ripe banana or an apple in a paper bag to promote ripeness through natural gas release. For another express route to ripeness, pop unpeeled bananas into the oven. Ripening bananas properly ensures Simply Delicious Banana Bread will live up to its name with the perfect sweetness and texture.

Storing and Freezing Your Banana Bread

Once your banana bread has cooled and you've had your fill, storing it properly is important to maintain its taste and texture. Be sure to let it cool completely and use plastic wrap or foil to protect the bread's freshness. For enjoying within a few days, an airtight container will suffice. For longer storage, freeze slices or the entire loaf and thaw as needed.

Looking to freeze for later use? This is always a favorite of mine, so I have bread when unexpected company comes over or I want something tasty for breakfast. Be sure to wrap tightly to keep the air out and prevent freezer burn. You can keep your treat fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. So be sure to mark the date on the outside. Once you are ready to enjoy again remove from freezer and let sit out to defrost overnight or microwave for that just-baked taste. Proper storage ensures that every slice of Simply Delicious Banana Bread remains as good as the first.

Classic simply delicious banana bread embodies the comfort of home-baked goods. Its wonderfully moist texture and naturally sweet flavor gained from ripe bananas make it an everlasting favorite. This breakfast loaf is as practical as it is satisfying, because you are reducing food waste while also whipping up a tasty delight! It truly is a win-win situation! The simple ingredients make for a hassle-free baking experience and offer a warm, inviting finish to any meal. Banana bread is really suitable for any occasion like breakfast, snack time, or dessert. My favorite part of baking banana bread is how much you can customize with confidence by adding nuts, or chocolate chips to make it uniquely yours. So, the next time you spot those speckled bananas on your counter, know that they are the start of something truly special.

Ingredients:

3 overripe mashed bananas

1/2 cup melted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, oil favorite loaf pan and set aside.

2. In a large bowl mash overripe bananas. Add in eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.

3. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. If adding in nuts or chocolate chips you can add now.

4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and top with chopped nuts if desired.

5. Bake for 60 minutes on middle rack until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6. Let come to room temperature and turn over on a wire rack to remove loaf from pan.

7. Enjoy!

Other Bread Recipes:

Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread

The Perfect Beginners Sourdough Bread Recipe for Delicious Homemade Bread

The Most Delicious Homemade Corn Bread Loaf Recipe

A Sweet and Delicious Recipe for Lemon Poppyseed Bread

Delight in Every Slice: Blueberry Crumble Streusel Loaf Recipe

Delight in Every Bite: Making the Ultimate Apple Cider Loaf with Brown Butter Glaze

The Best Monster Cookie Recipe You'll Ever Try!

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cookie recipe? Look no further—this Monster Cookie recipe is sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth! Packed with sweet and salty flavors, this amazing cookie is already a fan favorite and a classic that has universally loved cookie ingredients. This simple and delicious treat is made with oats, peanut butter, M&Ms, and chocolate chips, creating a classic flavor combination that nobody can turn down. Best of all, this cookie is super easy to make and takes no time at all. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and colorful cookie recipe that everyone will love, give this Monster Cookie recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

I love making monster cookies so much because of how customizable they are.

Monster cookies are a classic treat that can be customized in countless ways. With the right ingredients, you can create a cookie that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic monster cookie recipe or something a little unique to the ingredients, you can make a batch of delicious monster cookies that everyone will love. The best part about making monster cookies is that you can add whatever ingredients you like. Traditionally this cookie would start with classic favorites like chocolate chips and all-natural peanut butter, but delicious new twists to the recipe could include adding things like crushed pretzels and candy. Adding in colorful sprinkles or M&M's for the holidays is one of my favorite seasonal customizations as well. You can even get creative and mix and match different flavors to create the perfect monster cookie for you and your event!

What You’ll Need to Make Monster Cookies

For this recipe, you will need butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and 3 cups of your favorite goodies. I typically use chocolate chips, old-fashioned oats, chopped pecans or walnuts, M&M's and sprinkles. You can add in other things like peanut butter, butterscotch, or anything you have in your pantry to make this monster cookie recipe all your own.

In addition to these ingredients, you’ll likely need a few basic kitchen tools such as a large bowl, an electric mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet, and measuring cups and spoons. You’ll also need an oven to bake the cookies. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before you begin. Finally, you’ll need a few minutes of free time to step-by-step mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy the delicious monster cookies you’ve created.

How to Store Leftover Cookies

If you don't plan on eating your leftovers right away, it's important to store them properly. When it comes to storing leftover cookies, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to store them in an air-tight container, such as a plastic bag or airtight container. This will help to keep them as fresh as possible and keep out any moisture that could cause the cookies to spoil. Additionally, it's important to store the cookies in a cool, dry place. If you plan on storing them for more than a day or two, then it's best to put the container in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan on keeping them in the freezer, make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers. This will help to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy or developing freezer burn. Finally, make sure to label the containers with the date you stored them, so you can easily see when they need to be eaten. By following these simple steps, you can easily store your leftover cookies and enjoy them later.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

2 1/4 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 cups of your favorite goodies

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Melt the butter for 30 seconds in the microwave (if the butter is not at room temperature).

3. Add sugar & brown sugar into butter and mix. Scrape sides and mix again immediately after.

4. Mix in Vanilla Extract and eggs. Mix again.

5. Gradually add all-purpose Flour, Baking Soda, and salt. Mix well.

6. Now add in all your favorite treats! For these cookies, I did chunks of a milk chocolate bar, old-fashioned oats, colorful M&M’s, sprinkles, and walnuts (all equal to 3 cups)

7. I use a pre-measured cookie scooper linked -here- works great to have even-sized cookies! Scoop onto a baking sheet or parchment paper. Add 2 scoops right on top of each other to give a fuller cookie with a gooier middle.

8. Bake for 9 minutes and cool on a cookie sheet.

9. Enjoy!

Other Cookie Recipes You Will Love:

Birthday Cutout Sugar Cookies

Brown Sugar Toffee Cookies

Brown Butter Caramel Pretzel Cookies

How to Make Delicious Nutter Butter Cookies At Home