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This Focaccia Bread recipe is easier than you think! Made with just a few ingredients and brushed with olive oil and Italian herbs, it’s the perfect complement to any meal!

Focaccia bread is a thick and slightly chewy flatbread that is great for dunking! It would go perfectly with this Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup, this Creamy White Chicken Chili, or this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup.

Italian Focaccia Bread

Making homemade Focaccia bread might seem intimidating, but I promise you there are just a few ingredients and a few simple steps. In fact, making flatbread is a great introduction to bread making because you simply roll it into a large circle and dimple it with a wooden spoon, instead of worrying about rolling perfect rounds for rolls or rolling up a loaf of yeast bread. Focaccia is one of my favorite breads for dunking.

It just doesn’t get better than the golden, chewy exterior seasoned with Italian herbs, and the soft and fluffy interior. It’s the best of both worlds and pairs well with just about any soup, chili or saucy pasta you can think of! It’s the perfect way to make a simple soup like cauliflower soup totally filling. I personally love dipping it in homemade tomato soup. You can even keep things simple and serve it with this olive oil bread dip.

Ingredients

Focaccia bread is a really simple dough that you will love making! It’s a great bread to make if you are trying bread for the first time. It’s so simple! And you can do fun things to decorate the top. I have seen so many amazing designs that include peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, basil, and olives. You can decorate the top of the dough however you like, or you can keep it simple with a drizzle of olive oil and maybe some fresh herbs. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Water: You want the water to be a little warm to help activate the yeast.

Dry Yeast: This is to help the focaccia rise.

Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dough and helps to activate the yeast.

Olive Oil: This is what makes the dough really moist and soft.

Italian Seasoning: I like to make my own homemade blend because it tastes so fresh and delicious.

Garlic Powder: This is to add extra savory flavor.

Salt: This helps the dough taste more flavorful.

All-Purpose Flour: This is the easiest to work with.

Coarse or Flaked Salt: A little crunch of salt on top takes this bread to the next level!

Focaccia Bread Recipe

I love how easy this focaccia bread recipe is! It is a yeast dough, but there is no reason to be worried about this dough turning out. If you follow these instructions, it will be light and fluffy every time!

Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes or until foamy.

Mix Oil and Seasonings: Whisk in 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

Add Flour to Mixer: Place the bowl in the stand mixer with the dough hook on. Then gradually add flour (one cup at a time to start), and knead on low speed until all flour is incorporated. Add just enough flour so that you have a soft but not too sticky dough

Oil and Rest: Place dough in an oil bowl and turn to coat. Then cover with a lint free kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place in a warm draft-free place to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch Dough and Rest: Uncover dough and punch down. Then press dough into a large rectangle on a greased rimmed baking sheet (10×15 inches) you can make a smaller rectangle for a thicker bread if you prefer. Then cover again and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled again.

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Make Dimples: Uncover dough and then use your finger to create dimples in the dough.

Mix Oil and Seasonings: Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Then brush over dough and sprinkle with coarse or flaked salt.

Bake: Bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown.

Who needs actual cookie dough when you can have chickpea cookie dough? It’s the guilt-free treat that will have you feeling like a million bucks!

If you haven’t already jumped on the chickpea train, you must! Chickpeas are SO versatile and a great way to add extra protein and fiber into your diet. If you have some leftover cans of chickpeas, you’ll also have to try chickpea curry, chickpea tacos, and air fryer chickpeas for a quick snack!

Chickpea Cookie Dough Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, look no further than this chickpea cookie dough! Yes, you read that right – chickpeas can be transformed into a delicious dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth without destroying your diet. Chickpea cookie dough is keto and macro-friendly, but is so good you’ll forget it’s healthy. You need to make yourself a batch right now!

The best part about chickpea cookie dough is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply blend together your canned chickpeas, peanut butter, honey, and a few other ingredients, and voila – the perfect creamy, decadent treat. And don’t worry about feeling guilty! This snack is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. So go ahead, indulge in some chickpea cookie dough! Your body will thank you!

Ingredients Needed

All you need is a can of chickpeas, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of magic (also known as chocolate chips) to create the heavenly concoction that is chickpea cookie dough! Who knew healthy snacking could be so easy and delicious? Another great thing about this recipe is that a lot of ingredients can be substituted and customized, so you can totally make it your own! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans: This humble little legume is the star of the show in chickpea cookie dough! Blended up, chickpeas provide a creamy, slightly nutty base that’s perfect for transforming into a healthy dessert. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, white beans or black beans will also work.

Water: Adjusts the consistency of the cookie dough.

Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds richness and a nutty flavor to the chickpea cookie dough. If you have a peanut allergy or simply don’t like peanut butter, you can also use almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness to the cookie dough. To make your dough low-carb, go for monk fruit sweetener or Stevia instead.

Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor to the chickpea cookie dough. Try making your own blend using my recipe here!

Almond Flour: Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and helps to thicken up the cookie dough. It’s also keto-friendly!

Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor of the dough.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love a little chocolate in their cookie dough? Semisweet chocolate chips add a touch of decadence to the chickpea cookie dough. You can swap these out for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips!

How to Make Chickpea Cookie Dough

Chickpea cookie dough is so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with regular cookie dough! With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up a batch of this healthy, delicious snack in no time. Let’s get started!

Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse your can of chickpeas and dry them on some paper towels. Then using a food processor, or blender, blend the chickpeas and water until they are smooth.

Blend: Add to the food processor or blender with the chickpeas, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, almond flour, and salt. Blend until it all comes together and is smooth. You may want to stop and scrape down the sides and continue to blend so it has an even consistency.

Mix in Chocolate Chips: Remove the dough from the food processor or blender and place it in a large bowl. Then add in your semisweet chocolate chips and mix with a spoon or spatula.

Serve: Enjoy fresh or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks.

BBQ Meatballs are cooked in a slow cooker and smothered in a delicious barbecue sauce. They are the easiest meatball recipe you’ll ever try, and they are perfect for parties and simple appetizers.

I love good party food! Especially finger or toothpick food, because they are the perfect size for one satisfying bite. If there is a spread, you can try one of everything, and go back for seconds of the things you loved. Can you tell I love throwing a party with lots of food? If you do too, you’ll have to try this Jalapeno Popper Dip, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels, and these amazing Strawberry Bruschetta at your next party.

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

This BBQ meatball recipe is so quick and simple, this is a no fuss recipe that I come back to time and time again! I use frozen meatballs (yes, I don’t always make everything from scratch!). If you want to make your own meatballs, I’ve got you covered. This classic homemade meatball recipe has all of the good stuff- ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and even cheddar cheese! They are easy and super delicious. I also love these turkey meatballs for a great alternative. If you just want to grab frozen ones from the store then I’m definitely right there with you.

I love these easy crockpot meatballs because they marinate in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce that is irresistible. If I’m not making grape jelly meatballs, then I’m making this recipe. The flavors are so bold and amazing. It’s the perfect dish for an appetizer you don’t have to think about. No turning on your oven, just throw everything in the pot and let it cook. These meatballs are also full of protein and make a delicious dinner served with rice or mashed potatoes!

Ingredients

This BBQ meatball recipe really only calls for two ingredients, frozen meatballs and bbq sauce. All of the other ingredients are to add extra flavor to the bbq sauce which are optional. If you are making your own homemade barbecue sauce, then you can add extra flavors right into your sauce. If I’m keeping this recipe simple, then I grab a bottle of my favorite sauce from the store, and add honey and brown sugar to make a simple honey bbq sauce. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Frozen Meatballs: If you want to make your meatballs from scratch, I share my meatball recipes above.BBQ Sauce: I have a great homemade recipe you can try, or to keep things simple just pick up your favorite brand from the store.Garlic Powder: This adds extra flavor. You could also add onion powderHoney: I like to add honey for extra depth of flavor and some sweetness. It also helps the sauce stick to the meatballs.Brown Sugar: This is to sweeten up the sauce, and to make the sauce really stick to the meatballs.Cayenne Pepper: I like to add a little spice. If you want it extra spicy, then add black pepper and chili sauce or chili powder.

BBQ Meatball Recipe

This BBQ meatball recipe is a simple dump-and-do. You just mix up your sauce, put your meatballs in the crock pot, and then dump the sauce on top. Cook on low for a few hours, and you’ve got delicious and juicy meatballs that everyone will love! If you love simple recipes, you are going to want to save this one.

Spray Bowl: Lightly spray a slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray.Mix Sauce: In a bowl, add bbq sauce, honey, sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Then mix to combine.Add Meatballs: Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and pour the sauce on top of the meatballs. Then stir to coat the meatballs.Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours.Stir: Stir the meatballs before serving! Then enjoy!

Melt-in-your-mouth brown sugar garlic air fryer salmon is juicy, tender and full of flavor. Salmon is so good, especially when it’s cooked right, and the air fryer makes it perfect every time! It’s an easy, hands-off way to make a scrumptious meal.

Serve this amazing salmon with a veggie and starch of choice. You can try some mashed potatoes, roasted lemon honey asparagus or a fresh panzanella salad! Brown sugar garlic salmon is super versatile and works with a variety of sides.

The BEST Air Fryer Salmon

Moist and flaky inside, crispy seasoned outside. Using an air fryer takes all of the guesswork out of making salmon! Sometimes it can be intimidating to cook seafood but it’s so easy. This will turn a weekend meal to a weeknight staple. It’s so quick too! 20 minutes or so and dinner’s on the table. You can even make some air fryer asparagus or broccoli in a snap to go with it! A complete dinner in less than 30 minutes. (Aren’t air fryer recipes the best?!)

Honestly, the combination of brown sugar and garlic is amazing. The sweet and savory is a match made in heaven. The brown sugar caramelizes on the surface of the salmon, adding a subtle sweetness that balances out the pungent garlic. It complements the flavor of salmon so well! Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, this dish is sure to win you over with its unique and addictive flavor! Good thing it’s so easy to make! If you love salmon as much as I do, find my full list of recipes here.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Garlic Salmon

Sweet meets savory in the ultimate flavor fusion! Brown sugar, garlic, and salmon – the power trio that will make your taste buds sing. Here’s everything you need to put this tasty salmon together! All measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Salmon Fillets: This can be made with fresh or previously frozen salmon.

Kosher Salt and Pepper: Add to taste. I like using kosher salt because it doesn’t have the bitter aftertaste that table salt does.

Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, sweet flavor and also adds a nice crust.

Chili Powder: Brings the heat to the sweet.

Paprika: Adds color and a little heat.

Italian Seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs!

Garlic Powder: A nice punch of flavor. You can also use fresh minced garlic!

How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer

Who says delicious meals have to be complicated? With an air fryer, whipping up brown sugar garlic salmon is a breeze – just pop it in, set the timer, and voila! A restaurant-quality dish ready in minutes. Now, that’s what we call a tasty hack!

Rub: Salt and pepper the salmon to taste. In a small bowl mix the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Rub salmon seasoning into the fillets.

Bake: Place in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. If you are adding asparagus add it after the first 5 minutes.

Caramel Rolls are as heavenly as they sound! Delicious and delicate cinnamon rolls are covered in caramel sauce that melts into every nook with absolutely divine flavor in every bite. I am not kidding when I say this is a next-level dessert experience!

You’ve got to try these rolls! It’s everyone’s favorite dessert, the classic cinnamon roll, but covered in caramel instead of frosting. It is so good you won’t be able to stop yourself from eating another piece. If you love cinnamon rolls, you’ve got to try these Strawberry Rolls and these amazing Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Caramel Roll

Get ready for the biggest thing since sliced bread! Seriously, these caramel rolls are ground breaking, you are going to instantly fall in love with them! They are really similar to a sticky bun or monkey bread. They are the same dough as a cinnamon roll (with the same filling too), then topped with a sticky and creamy caramel sauce. The sauce is SO delicious, you won’t be able to stop yourself from going back for more and more.

If you haven’t made a cinnamon roll before, it’s definitely not difficult, but there are some steps you have to get right for that perfectly fluffy bread. If you want something easy to start with, make this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake and this Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. Then you’ll be ready for the real thing! If you have made cinnamon rolls before, you are going to LOVE how simple and straight forward this recipe is. No fuss, a little mess, and a whole lot of baked goodness. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Don’t be overwhelmed by the list of ingredients in these caramel rolls! Most of them are repeated, you just need some for each step of the way. This recipe really just calls for the basic baking ingredients. You will use almost exactly what you would for any other cinnamon roll recipe. Homemade caramel rolls can be made any way you like them! You can add things like nuts or raisins if you feel like it! Measurements are below in the recipe card.

Cinnamon Roll Dough

All-Purpose Flour: This is the easiest flour to work with, and you probably already have some in your pantry!Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the dough and help it rise and bake.Salt: I like to add salt to balance the sweetness and to help it bake correctly.Instant Yeast: This helps the dough rise.Water: To mix with the yeast and to moisten the dough.Milk: This makes the dough so tender and soft.Butter: Extra fat in the dough makes a really tender crumb.

Caramel Topping

Dark Brown Sugar: This deepens the caramel flavor, you’ve got to try it!Butter: I like to use unsalted so I can add the exact amount of salt I know it needs.Corn Syrup: This helps the caramel pull apart nicely.Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes such a creamy and rich caramel!Salt: Salt balances out the sweet flavors.

Cinnamon Roll Filling

Egg: This helps all the ingredients stick to the inside of the roll.Butter: Butter keeps the roll soft and gooey on the inside and helps all the flavors blend together.Cinnamon: It wouldn’t be the same without cinnamon in the center!Brown Sugar: More brown sugar makes that creamy caramel center.

Caramel Roll Recipe

These caramel rolls are so simple to make. They are just like a regular quick cinnamon roll recipe with caramel poured on top! You will need a few hours to make these rolls, they need to rest and rise a few times to get them nice and fluffy and soft. This is a great recipe to make the night before you want to eat them, they reheat really well! You can even wait until you are ready to serve them to pour the fresh caramel sauce on top. Just make sure to heat the roll up before you pour the sauce over so the whole thing is nice and warm.

Make the Caramel Roll Dough

Mix Dry: In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar, salt and yeast together until evenly dispersed. Set aside.Mix Wet and Dry: In a small microwaveable bowl, mix the water, milk and butter together and heat for 30-45 seconds until the butter is melted. Add the butter mixture to the flour mixture.Add Egg and Knead: Add the egg to the dough and knead either by hand or with a stand mixer for 3-4 minutes until the dough is no longer sticky.Rest: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and let rest for 5 minutes.Preheat Oven: Turn on the oven and preheat to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the oven off after 10 minutes or once the rolls are ready to go in to rise, whichever comes first.

Make the Caramel

Prep Pan: Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, bring the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt to a boil while stirring constantly. Then remove from the heat and pour into the prepared baking pan.

Add Filling and Bake

Roll Out Dough: After the dough has rested for 5 minutes, then roll it out to a 15×9 inch rectangle.Add Butter: Spread the softened butter on top of the dough.Sprinkle Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the butter. Then roll up tightly from the long end.Cut Rolls: Slice the log into 9 even pieces and lay in the prepared pan on top of the caramel.Cover Pan: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and place in the warm oven, being sure to turn it off first.Rise: Let the rolls rise for 20 minutes. Once they have risen, then remove the foil or plastic wrap and return to the oven and turn the heat to 375 degrees fahrenheit.Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, carefully invert on a plate or serving tray so the caramel oozes around the rolls.

Taste the Rainbow! Whether it’s a birthday party, St. Patrick’s Day, or just a fun summer BBQ, rainbow Jello is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s literally bursting with color?

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, here are a few more great rainbow desserts to try: rainbow cake, cupcakes, and fruit skewers! All you’ll need from there is a pot of gold!

Rainbow Jello Recipe

Rainbow jello is a vibrant and fun dessert that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face! Making rainbow jello is really easy and doesn’t require many ingredients. All you need is a package of Jello in each color of the rainbow, water, and maybe some whipped cream to top it all off with. Rainbow jello is like a party in your mouth, with every color of the rainbow represented in a jiggly, fruity form!

Rainbow jello is the perfect dessert to serve at any celebration. It’s a great dessert for kids’ birthday parties or summer potlucks, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. The bright colors and layers of jiggly goodness make for a fun and playful dessert that’s sure to impress. You can also get creative with the flavors and mix and match different colors and flavors to create your own unique rainbow jello creation. (I have a few ideas for you below!) So, whether you’re looking for a fun and colorful dessert for your next party or just want to brighten up your day, rainbow jello is sure to do the trick!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Who knew a dessert as fun and colorful as rainbow jello could be made with just a handful of ingredients? Simple ingredients, big fun – that’s what rainbow jello is all about! You can find all of the measurements below in the recipe card.

Boxes of Jell-O: You will need strawberry (or raspberry or cherry), orange, lemon, lime, berry blue, and grape for all of the different colors!Unflavored Gelatin: To help your rainbow jello take shape!Sweetened Condensed Milk: To add some creaminess to the layers.Water: Necessary for the jello powder to dissolve in.

How to Make Rainbow Jello

Making rainbow jello is so easy, even a kid could do it – in fact, it’s the perfect kitchen activity for little chefs in training! All it takes is a little patience and layering for this delicious treat to come together. My kids love cutting into the finished product to reveal the beautiful burst of colors!

Prepare Pan: Spray a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray.Fruit Jello: In a small bowl combine the grape jell-o with 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water. Then mix until all the gelatin is dissolved. Pour in the prepared pan and refrigerate until fully set.Condensed Milk Jello: Meanwhile, combine 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until the gelatin is dissolved. Mix in ⅔ cup of sweetened condensed milk. Let cool while the purple jell-o sets. Also prepare the next color of jell-o the same way the grape jell-o was prepared so it can cool.Layer: Once the grape jell-o is set and the milk jell-o has cooled, pour ½ cup of milk mixture over the grape jell-o. You may need to tilt the dish to help it spread and cover the whole thing. Chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, until completely set.Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining flavors. Avoid making the milk jello all at once, otherwise it will start setting up before it can all be poured between the layers. If it does start setting up, gently heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and stir well until liquid.Serve: Once all of the rainbow jello layers have been made, cut into 1-2 inch jello cubes and serve. For easy release from the baking dish, carefully run hot water over the bottom of the dish for about 10-15 seconds.

This light and airy Pistachio Cake is made from scratch, full of real pistachios, and topped with a delicious buttercream frosting. It’s a classy cake that will impress your guests on any occasion!

I used to think that “pistachio flavor” was not my cup of tea. I just didn’t like it! But I realized, I don’t love all of the extracts that people tend to put in pistachio desserts. This cake has a little bit of almond extract and that’s it! It’s a simple and super delicious cake that everyone is going to love. If you are in the mood for more pistachio treats, you should try this Layered Pistachio Dessert, this No-Bake Pistachio Cream Pie, and this yummy Pistachio Pudding Salad.

Pistachio Cake Recipe

There are a lot of reasons to love this pistachio cake! It has a delicate and mild flavor that is made light and fluffy by folding whipped egg whites to the batter. It’s so fresh and fun to make, everyone is happy to see this cake on the table! My kids always ask for a chocolate cake for their birthdays, or maybe an Oreo cheesecake for my youngest. Me? I seriously want this pistachio cake, like all the time.

There are a lot of reasons to love pistachios! They have a really mild flavor, and actually, most pistachio desserts have a lot of almond extract in them which is what you are actually tasting. I like to let the pistachios do the talking in this recipe. You will grind up pistachios and add them directly to the batter! Pistachios are so soft after baking that they melt into the cake and you get this delicious buttery flavor. If you want a dessert that is sophisticated and perfect for a classy get-together, then serve this pistachio cake topped with buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

A lot of pistachio cake recipes will call for a yellow cake mix. That’s a great way to make a cake in a hurry, and this is not that recipe! This cake is all from scratch and full of fresh pistachios. You can add a few drops of green food coloring to make this cake appear green. You can also top it with whipped cream, but I prefer buttercream frosting!

Pistachio Cake Ingredients

Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is best for this cake.Ground Pistachios: If you can’t find pre-ground pistachios, you can use a food processor to grind pistachios up yourself.Granulated Sugar: This is the regular sugar you keep in your pantry.Baking Powder: This is a leavening agent.Baking Soda: This helps the cake stay fluffy.Salt: This helps to balance out all of the sweet flavors in the cake and brings out more of the pistachio flavor.Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes such a yummy and tender cake! If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own using regular milk and lemon juiceMilk: I like to use whole milk because of the fat content.Vanilla Extract: This helps to bring out more flavor.Almond Extract: This is optional. It is traditional to use in pistachio desserts, but if you don’t like the flavor you can leave it out.Vegetable Oil: You can use whatever oil you prefer baking with.Green Food Coloring: Pistachios aren’t actually green once you bake them. You can add food coloring to make the cake appear green.Egg White: This is for whipping up the egg whites to add to the cake batter.

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

Butter: I like to use unsalted butter, and add salt back in. Make sure your butter is room temperature, don’t put it in the microwave!Powdered Sugar: Confectioners sugar is what sweetens the frosting and keeps it smooth.Vanilla Extract: This adds a little vanilla flavor and brings out all of the other flavors in the frosting.Salt: This helps to balance out all of the sweet flavors.Heavy Cream: This is what makes the frosting so smooth and delicious.Chopped Pistachios: This is for decorating the outside. You can decorate this cake however you like! Candied lemon, edible flowers, or fresh berries would all look amazing!

Recipe for Pistachio Cake

The texture of this pistachio cake is absolutely perfect! lf you love a fluffy and tender cake, then this is the cake for you. There are a lot of great recipes out there, but this one seriously takes the cake. See what I did there? Ok, let’s get to baking this cake!

Make the Cake

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then spray two 8-inch cake pans with pan spray and set aside.Grind Pistachios: If you don’t have ground pistachios, then pulse shelled unsalted pistachios in a blender or food processor until the nuts before a powder.Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.Add Wet to Dry: In a medium bowl whisk together the buttermilk, milk, both extracts and oil. Then add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. If desired, add a drop or two of green food coloring for the signature green pistachio color.Whip Egg Whites: Then in a clean large bowl, whip the egg whites until medium stiff peaks form.Add Whites to Batter: Then gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks of egg whites remain. Then separate the batter evenly into the two prepared pans.Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tops of the cakes spring back when gently pressed or a toothpick comes out with minimal crumbs on it.Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 4-5 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to finish cooling.Frost: Frost the cooled cakes with buttercream and then top with chopped pistachios.

Make the Frosting

Mix: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together slowly in a stand mixer until combined. Then add the vanilla, salt and 3 tablespoons of cream. Beat until smooth. Add more cream if needed to reach a softer, smoother consistency.

Making your own homemade blend of vanilla extract is quick and easy. Trust me, it will take all of your recipes to the next level! Plus, it only takes 2 simple ingredients to whip up!

This list of pantry staples is super handy. Whether you want to make your own basic ingredients free of preservatives or you’re missing something while cooking, here are a few recipes to keep in your back pocket: homemade buttermilk, half and half, and pizza dough!

Why You Should Make Homemade Vanilla Extract:

You’ve probably seen me talking about how pure vanilla extract is a must-have when it comes to baking. It doesn’t taste artificial and it gives desserts a rich, sweet flavor. The only problem is, high-quality vanilla extract can be pricey, so here’s how you can make it at home instead!

You only need a handful of vanilla beans and high-proof alcohol to make your own extract. Most vanilla extracts are made with vodka (that’s what I used) but you can also use things like rum or bourbon. Some people swear by using bourbon and say that it gives vanilla extract an extra pop of flavor! It’s really fun to make your own blend and see how it transforms your favorite desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes 2 (super simple) ingredients to make the best bottle of homemade vanilla extract. You’ll have to make a couple different batches using different types of alcohol to see which one you like best! If you’re looking for measurements, you can find those in the recipe card below.

Vanilla Bean Pods: You’ll need about 12 of these bad boys. Each bean needs to be sliced lengthwise to expose the tiny seeds inside. Don’t be shy, get in there and scrape out all that goodness! And don’t worry if it looks a little messy, that’s part of the fun. As long as the flavor gets infused, that’s all that matters!Alcohol: Helps extract all that delicious vanilla bean flavor and infuse it into the liquid. And the best part? You can use your favorite kind to customize the flavor of your homemade vanilla extract. Vodka, rum, brandy, and bourbon are all great options. Just make sure it’s 70-100 proof so it can do its job properly.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

It’s so easy! To make your own vanilla extract, all you have to do is put your ingredients in an airtight bottle and let it do its thing. The hardest part is waiting! It takes about 6 months, give or take, for the flavors to infuse. Unfortunately, this isn’t a quick fix if you’re needing some pure vanilla extract, but trust me- it’s worth the wait! I like to think of it as a delicious time capsule that will take all of my desserts to the next level.

Split Beans: Use a sharp knife to split the vanilla beans down the center so the beans inside are exposed.Add Beans and Alcohol to Jar: Add all your split beans to a jar tall enough to have all the beans completely covered in alcohol. Then pour in the alcohol of your choice, so long as it is at least 70-100 proof (35-50 percent alcohol by volume). Add the lid and close tightly. Shake a few times so the beans release the caviar into the alcohol.Store: Then store in a dark, warm place. Vanilla is best left for at least 6 months to extract, but 8-12 is even better. The longer the beans sit in the alcohol, the stronger the vanilla extract will be.

Baked Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy and baked in an AMAZING glaze mixture of Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, sweet honey, and garlic cloves. This is a MUST make family meal!

Chicken thighs have so much tender, juicy meat on them! If you love chicken thighs as much as I do try this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggie, this incredible Lemon Garlic Butter Herb Chicken with Asparagus, and this Roasted Honey Garlic Butter Chicken.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

This is it! This is the recipe that is a staple in our home. It is simple to make, easy to whisk together and has the BEST results! Baked chicken thighs are more than AMAZING. It is all you wanted and more! Crispy brown chicken skin on the outside then amazingly tender and juicy on the inside. Every bite of this dish is melt in your mouth worthy! It is one of our favorites as a family. Seriously, this recipe is a MUST make for sure!

The best part about this dish is that it is perfect served with anything! It’s so versatile, I love serving it with Instapot rice one day and an Asian ramen salad the next. You can go classic mashed potatoes and brown gravy with it and it’s always a hit. Chicken thighs are seriously the best part of the chicken if you ask me. They are so moist and flavorful, and perfect for baking in the oven because they won’t dry out. Grab some bone-in chicken thighs because the bone helps keep the moisture while they bake in the oven.

Ingredients

For the juiciest, tender chicken thighs, it is best to purchase bone in with skin on chicken thighs. This baked chicken thigh recipe is so simple to make with very few ingredients. You will be making this easy recipe over and over again! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Chicken Thighs: Grab some bone in chicken thighs, they are perfect for baking in the oven!Salt and Pepper: To season the thighs.Butter: A must! The fat from butter helps to bring out all the juicy flavors in this dish.Italian Seasoning: This is my go-to spice blend because it has all of my favorite herbs.Honey: I like to add honey because it makes a kind of glaze over the chicken.Dijon Mustard: I love the blend of flavors in Dijon mustard. You could try other types of mustard too, there are so many great options.Paprika: A little spice goes a long way.Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference!

How to Bake Chicken Thighs

No prepping the chicken thighs, just simply lay flat in a baking dish and add salt and pepper to taste. It is quick and easy to whisk the ingredients together and spread over the chicken thighs. With this baked chicken recipe the skin is going to turn a golden brown and become crispy while baking the chicken thigh meat inside to a tender and juicy meat. It is an AMAZING combination that you are going to love!

Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Salt and pepper.Whisk Together: In small bowl whisk together the butter, Italian seasoning, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic cloves.Combine and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken and bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is browned on the tops.

Additional FAQ about Baked Chicken Thighs:

Should I cover my chicken thighs when baking? There is no need to cover your chicken thighs while baking. This will ensure the crispy outer layer on the chicken thighs turns a golden brown and cooks up quickly.What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked? It is best to have a higher temperature cooking setting to crisp up the outside of the chicken thigh and tenderize the inside making it so delicious and juicy.Do you put water in the pan when baking chicken? No, there is no need to add any water to the baking dish. The glaze that is whisked together is AMAZING and will bake perfectly in this baked chicken thigh recipe.Should I trim my chicken thighs? Another great thing about chicken thighs is there is less preparation when using them. They do not need to be trimmed. Simply add them to the baking dish with the glaze over top of it.Why are my chicken thighs tough? Normally chicken thighs do not come out tough unless they are overcooked in the oven.

Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and easy chicken dinner that is bursting with fresh flavors. Bell peppers, fresh basil, and a unique blend of sauces make this chicken so crave-able!

Chicken dinners are a common thing at my house. Chicken is inexpensive, easy to cook, and a great way to fill bellies on a budget. If you are looking for more chicken dinner inspiration, you’ve got to try this simple Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, this amazing Baked Honey Sesame Chicken, and this Cashew Chicken.

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Are you getting tired of the same old flavors when it comes to your chicken meals? This Thai basil chicken recipe takes just 30 minutes and is so full of flavor you won’t believe it’s chicken breast! Of course you can use whatever part of the chicken you prefer. I love the taste of this dish so much, especially served with jasmine rice or coconut rice. It’s just as good as a Thai restaurant, for less than half the cost!

When you order this dish at a Thai restaurant, it’s called Pad Krapow Gai. This dish is made with red bell peppers, but you can serve it with other vegetables like air fryer frozen broccoli or garlic edamame. You can add a fried egg to make this dish extra filling and flavorful. It’s basically a chicken stir fry so add whatever you think would taste good! The more you add to the pan, the more flavors combine to make a delicious dish.

Ingredients

This Thai basil chicken is a simple recipe that you really can’t get wrong. These ingredients are simple and straightforward. If you can get the ingredients from an Asian market, the dish will taste much more traditional. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Chicken Breasts: You can use chicken thighs, or even ground turkey instead.Canola Oil: You can use vegetable oil instead. This is for cooking the chicken and veggies.Shallot: They are a subtle flavor but add so much flavor to the chicken.Red Peppers: Sweet bell peppers are the perfect thing to make with the chicken.Thai Chili, or Serrano Pepper: A little heat really takes this dish to the next level! I think it tastes great with Thai chili or serrano chilis, so grab whatever you can find and it will be perfect.Soy Sauce: This is a fermented soy bean sauce that is salty and so full of flavor.Oyster Sauce: This is a sweet and salty sauce made mostly from oyster juices.Fish Sauce: Fish sauce has a little fish flavor, but mostly it is salty and very umami.Brown Sugar: A little brown sugar makes the sauce the perfect consistency and helps balance the sweetness.Thai Basil: Thai holy basil is the type of basil that you will want to grab. You should be able to find it at your local Asian market.

Recipe for Thai Basil Chicken

I love how simple it is to make this Thai basil chicken. If you have a wok, this is a great recipe to make in it. It also works great in a skillet or cast iron pan. Whatever you use, make sure to heat the oil first before adding the chicken. Basil is a really fragile ingredient, so make sure you add it in after turning off the burner.

Cook Chicken: Add the oil to the wok and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until almost cooked through.Add Veggies: Add the minced garlic, shallots, and peppers. Stir fry until fork tender but still crisp.Whisk Sauce: To make the sauce, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl. Whisk to combine.Add Sauce: Add the sauce and stir fry until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.Add Basil: Turn off the heat and toss in the basil, reserving a few leaves for garnish. The heat will soften and wilt the basil leaves.Enjoy: Serve immediately with rice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!