Valentine Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Valentine Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

2 packages peanut butter cookie mix

2 bags chocolate hearts, unwrapped

1. Make cookie dough according to package. Roll out cookies into balls and press one heart into the center of each cookie.

2. Bake according to package directions; while still warm, swirl top of chocolate.

Makes ~36 cookies, with 10-12 chocolates leftover.

Queso

Queso

4 T butter

1 onion,diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, diced (opt)

1 t salt

1 t cumin

1 t smoked paprika

1 1/2 c heavy whipping cream

4 oz cream cheese

2 c Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 c pepper jack cheese, shredded

1. Melt butter in a large pot. Saute onion, garlic, & jalapeno until soft; stir in spices.

2. Whisk in cream and heat to simmering; stir in cheeses and cook, stirring frequently, until melted.

Sausage Egg & Spinach Casserole

Sausage Egg & Spinach Casserole

2 lb breakfast sausage

18 eggs

1/2 c heavy whipping cream

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

1/2 t red pepper flakes (opt)

1 t garlic powder

2 1/2 c cheddar cheese, divided

2 heaping handfuls (or 4 c) spinach, roughly chopped 

1. Preheat oven to 400* & grease a 9x13 pan.

2. In a big pan or pot over medium-high heat, brown sausage.

3. While sausage is cooking, mix together eggs, cream, spices, and 1 cup cheese.

4. When the sausage is just done, throw in spinach and let wilt. Temper the egg mixture by adding the sausage/spinach one spoonful at a time, stirring after each, until both mixtures are combined.

5. Pour into prepared pan & cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, until egg is set up and cheese has browned. Allow casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. 

Taco Soup

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef

1 taco seasoning packet

1 onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans Rotel, drained 

2 c beef broth

1/2 c heavy cream

1 block cream cheese

Lime juice, to taste

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocados, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, & jalapenos

1. In a large pot, cook beef, onion, pepper, & garlic with taco seasoning.

2. When beef is cooked, add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

OR

1. Place everything except cream & cream cheese in slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring those other ingredients in just before serving.

Baked Chicken Fajitas

Baked Chicken Fajitas

1 T chili powder

2 t paprika

1 t onion powder

1 t garlic powder

1/2 t cumin

1 t salt

1/8 t cayenne, opt

1 onion, cut in 1/4" strips

3 bell peppers, cut in 1/4" strips

1 lb chicken, cut in thin strips

juice of 3 limes, separated

tortillas

Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, guacamole

1. Preheat oven to 425* and line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Mix all spices in a gallon bag; add onions, peppers, and chicken.

3. Shake bag until everything is well coated; add juice of two limes and shake again.

{3a. Place bag in fridge to marinate for at least an hour}

4. Spread chicken and vegetables on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Squeeze juice of half of the remaining lime over baking sheet and serve with tortillas.

Slow Cooker Chicken & Pink Sauce

Slow Cooker Chicken & Pink Sauce

24 oz jar marinara sauce

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb chicken, cubed

salt and pepper, to taste

1 t Italian seasoning

2 bay leaves

11 oz Alfredo sauce

8 oz cream cheese

1 lb pasta, cooked

fresh basil, for garnish

1. Place a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of slow cooker; add onion, garlic, chicken, seasonings, and Alfredo sauce.

2. Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 4 hours; stir in cream cheese about a half hour before serving.

3. Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta, garnished with basil.

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Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup

1 T butter

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic

1 lb Italian sausage

2 zucchinis, diced

4 c chicken broth, separated

1 t basil

1 t oregano

1 bay leaf

1/4 t cayenne pepper

14 oz can Italian diced tomatoes

8 oz cream cheese

2 c fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Parmesan cheese

 

1. In a large pot, melt butter; coat onion and garlic in butter, then add sausage and zucchini.

2. Cook for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft and sausage is browned.

3. Stir in 3 cups broth and herbs, followed by tomatoes; bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.

4. Whisk remaining broth with cream cheese until smooth & add to soup.

5. Toss in spinach and allow to wilt before serving, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Nutella Candy Surprise Cookies

Nutella Candy Surprise Cookies

1 1/2 c butter, softened

13 oz Nutella

1 c sugar

1 1/2 c brown sugar

4 eggs

4 1/4 c flour

2 t baking soda

2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

48 pieces of chocolate-coated candy (Milk Duds, mini Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Reese's)

1. In a large bowl, cream butter, Nutella, and sugars; mix in eggs one at a time.

2. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.

3. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least an hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350* and line cookie sheets with parchment.

5. For each cookie, wrap about one tablespoon of dough around a piece of candy before rolling in a ball. Bake for 8 minutes; let sit for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

 

Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Brussels Sprouts

1/2 lb bacon, cut in small pieces

1 T butter

2 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

1 small onion, minced

1 t Italian seasoning

salt & pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 c heavy cream

1/2 c shredded mozzarella

1/2 c shredded Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400*.

2. Cook bacon in a large, oven-safe pot, over medium-high heat, until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

3. Add butter, sprouts, onion, and seasonings to pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Pour in cream and heat until simmering; stir in cheeses and bacon. 

5. Transfer to oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 medium jalapeno, finely chopped

juice from 2-3 limes (1/4 c)

3/4 t salt

7-8 Roma tomatoes

1 bunch cilantro

1. In a medium bowl, combine onion, jalapeno, juice, and salt. Let it sit while you chop the tomatoes and cilantro; stir them in. Let sit at least 15 minutes, or up to a few hours, before serving.

 

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 rounded T tomato paste

1/2 t garlic powder

1/2 t chili powder

1 c uncooked elbow noodles

3 c beef broth

2 c Cheddar cheese

salt & pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, until meat has browned and onion has softened.

2. Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder; add broth and increase heat to high.

3. Once boiling, add noodles; reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until noodles have softened (about 13-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.

4. Take pot off heat and stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.

Bacon Brussels Sprouts

 Bacon Brussels Sprouts

1 lb bacon, cut in small pieces

2 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

salt & pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot on medium-high heat, fry bacon until crispy; transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Add sprouts to pot and toss in bacon grease.

2. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir bacon back in and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat. Add salt and pepper just before serving.

Overnight Stuffing

Overnight Stuffing

1 large French loaf or 2 small Artisan loaves (like rosemary, focaccia, chiabatta, etc), cubed & dried*

1/2 c butter

2 onions

5 ribs of celery

3 eggs

2-3 T parsley

1 t rubbed sage

1 t thyme

2 c chicken broth

1. Grease a 9x13 pan and set aside.

2. Melt butter in a large pot; add onion & celery and saute until soft.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk eggs.

4. Add herbs to the pot and stir until fragrant; stir in chicken broth. Temper the eggs by adding a little bit of the warm chicken broth to the bowl, then pour the egg/broth mixture into the pot.

5. Add bread cubes to the pot and toss until well-coated; pour into greased pan, cover with foil, and place in the refrigerator.

6. Leaving the foil on, place the pan in the cold oven; turn it on to 400* and set a timer for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

 

 

*You can dry the bread on a baking sheet, either overnight on the counter (covered with a towel) or in the oven at 300* for about 30-40 minutes.

Sugar Cone Cornucopias

Sugar Cone Cornucopias

sugar cones

M&Ms or other candies

 

1. Place a teaspoon of water inside the cone. 

2. Fill a cup with about 2-2 1/2" water; place cone in cup of water and let it sit for 30-45 seconds.

3. Pour out water inside cone; microwave for 30-45 seconds. (The tip should be malleable. If not, repeat steps 1-3.)

4. Slowly curl the tip around your finger and hold it for 45-60 seconds, until it starts to harden and hold its shape.

 

Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole

Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole

2- 15 oz cans corn, drained

2- 15 oz cans creamed corn, drained

2- 8 oz pkgs corn muffin mix

2 c sour cream

1 c butter, melted

1 1/2 c Cheddar cheese, divided

 

1. Preheat oven to 350* and grease a 9x13 pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine corn, muffin mix, sour cream, butter, and 1 cup of cheese; spread in pan.

3. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

4. Increase oven to 400* and sprinkle the casserole with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Return to oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

 

Best Chicken Salad

Best Chicken Salad

2 T vinegar

2 t salt

1 t pepper

1 c mayo

1 c sour cream 

4 celery ribs, sliced

1 bunch green onions, sliced

5 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1. Mix vinegar, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a medium bowl; stir in celery, green onions, and chicken. Let sit a few hours, or overnight, in the fridge for best flavor.

Monster Cookies

Monster Cookies

4 c (40oz) creamy peanut butter (sub some with cookie butter or Nutella, opt)

1 1/3 c butter, softened

2 2/3 c brown sugar

2 2/3 c sugar

8 eggs, room temperature

2 t vanilla

2 t corn syrup

5 t baking soda

12 c old-fashioned oats (approx one tub)

4 c "bits" {assorted M&Ms, chocolate chips, caramel bits, Reese's Pieces, toffee bits, etc}

1. In a large bowl, cream butters and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla; mix in baking soda and oats.

2. In a giant bowl, combine "bits" together before dumping the dough in.

3. Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350*. Line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper.

5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls onto baking sheets; bake for about 15 minutes, rotating after 9, until lightly brown.

Bruce Bogtrotter Cake

Bruce Bogtrotter Cake

1 c plain Greek yogurt

4 eggs

1/2 c water

3/4 c vegetable oil

1 box Devil's food cake mix

1- 3.9 oz box instant chocolate pudding mix

Frosting

2 c heavy whipping cream

24 oz chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350*; grease two 8" cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, eggs, water, and vegetable oil; stir in cake and pudding mixes. Divide evenly between the cake pans.

3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

4. In a large pot over medium heat, bring cream to a simmer; when bubbles start forming around the edges, take it off heat.

5. Whisk in chocolate chips; let it cool until spreadable, at least 30 minutes.

Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo Cauliflower

2/3 c flour (or almond flower - keto)

2 t garlic powder

1 t salt

2 heads cauliflower, chopped into florets

1 c buffalo sauce

2 T butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 425* and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, & salt; toss cauliflower bits in mixture.

3. Shake off excess flour mixture and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, mix buffalo sauce and butter in a small bowl, and rinse and dry your flour bowl.

5. Place cauliflower in medium bowl, pour on buffalo sauce, and toss to coat.

6. Put cauliflower back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Cheesecake - Pressure Cooker

Cheesecake - Pressure Cooker

Crust:

5 graham crackers, finely ground

A pinch sea salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 T cup all-purpose flour

2 T butter, melted

Cheesecake:

2 T cornstarch

2 pinches salt

2/3 c sugar

2 blocks cream cheese, softened

1/2 c sour cream, room temperature

2 t vanilla

2 eggs, room temperature

1 c cold water

1. Preheat oven to 325* & line an 8" round pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix all crust ingredients and press into the bottom of the pan; bake for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch, salt, & sugar in a small bowl and set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese; slowly add cornstarch mixture in two batches, until just combined both times, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.

5. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat until just combined. Scrape bowl.

6. Add eggs, one at a time, until just combined (do not overmix). Scrape bowl and fold in a few times.

7. Pour batter into pan and tap on the counter a few times to bring air bubbles to the surface; pop them with a toothpick. Fold a long piece of foil in half longways twice - you'll use this as a sling for your pan.

8. Pour water into pressure cooker; lay foil sling over steamer rack, then place pan on top (pictured).

9. Cook on high pressure for 26 minutes, then naturally release. As you open the lid, try to avoid dripping condensation on your cheesecake; dab lightly with a paper towel if you do.

10. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack (or keep it in the pressure cooker); place in fridge for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight). {Warm the bottom of the pan to melt the buttery crust for easy removal}