Category: Uncategorized

Take a bite of heaven with every forkful of this dreamy Italian cream cake. It’s rich and nutty, covered with the most amazing cream cheese frosting! It’s great for special occasions, but really, there’s no wrong time to make it!

Homemade cakes are the best anytime treat! It’s the perfect end to a delicious meal. Level up from boxed cake mix and try this butter pecan cake, Chantilly berry cake, or rainbow cake – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

Italian Cream Cake Recipe

Italian cream cake is a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to satisfy. It’s made with layers of rich, moist cake that are infused with a blend of cream cheese, coconut, and pecans. The cream cheese frosting is light and fluffy, with just a hint of tang! When you take a bite, you’ll experience a burst of creamy goodness that’s sure to leave you wanting more! It’s SO good.

Italian cream cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family gatherings. Its elegant appearance and delicious flavor make it an ideal dessert for serving to guests! Whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert to impress your friends or just want to treat yourself to something special, Italian cream cake is the perfect option! If you love homemade cake as much as I do, you’ll have to check out my full list of recipes here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients, you’ll probably have most of them in your pantry! The combination of these ingredients creates the most rich and moist texture. Paired with the sweet and nutty flavor, you’ll absolutely love it! Note: all measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Cake Flour: Gives the cake structure. You can also use all-purpose flour, but it will have a slightly different crumb.Granulated Sugar: Makes the cake nice and tender and also adds sweetness!Baking Powder and Baking Soda: You need both of these to make sure your cake rises properly.Salt: Just a pinch to boost all of the flavors.Buttermilk: The key to an ultra-moist cake- the acidity in buttermilk helps to make it super soft and tender. Don’t skip it! If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, you can make it from scratch using my recipe here!Milk: Any type of milk will work fine, but I recommend using whole milk. The higher the fat percentage, the more moist your cake will be!Vanilla: Adds extra flavor to the Italian cream cake. Use pure vanilla extract for best results!Almond Extract: I love adding almond extract because of its deep nutty flavor!Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake and gives it a tender crumb.Large Egg Whites: Can’t forget these! They give the cake a light and airy texture.Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Add a tasty texture and nutty flavor.Chopped Pecans: You can also toast these for a deeper flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Unsalted Butter: A rich, creamy base for the frosting.Cream Cheese: You want this to be at room temperature so it mixes together with the other ingredients smoothly.Vanilla and Almond Extract: Give the cream cheese frosting delicious flavor! You can adjust it to taste.Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the frosting a smooth texture.Toasted Pecans and Coconut: For decorating your Italian cream cake with.

How to Make Italian Cream Cake

It’s super easy and super delicious! There’s a reason why this cake is a popular dessert in the south. It’s rich, creamy, and has the best nutty texture! Make this for your next get-together, and I promise your guests will love it.

Cake

Preheat Oven, Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 2 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vanilla, almond extract and oil to the dry ingredients and then beat with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer just until fully combined.Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until medium stiff peaks form. Fold into the batter until most of the egg whites disappear.Fold in Pecans and Coconut: Add the chopped pecans and coconut flakes to the batter and fold in.Add to Pans and Bake: Separate the batter evenly into the two cake pans and then bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when pressed on. Let cool completely. For easier frosting, wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for 4 hours or overnight before assembling.Frost and Decorate: Frost with the cream cheese frosting and then decorate with the reserved pecans and coconut. .

Cream Cheese Frosting

Butter Mixture: Add the cream cheese and butter to the bowl of a mixer and beat until combined and smooth.Add Sugar and Flavor Extracts: Add the powdered sugar 2-3 cups at a time and mix on low until it is moistened enough to now spill out of the bowl once the speed is increased. Continue this until all the powdered sugar has been added. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the extracts and beat until smooth.

A protein smoothie is easy to digest and full of nutrients to keep your body happy until lunch. Not to mention it’s absolutely delicious! Try out this recipe and you’ll be hooked.

I love protein powder, I always have some somewhere in the house. It’s a great way to make sure that my family and I are getting the vitamins and nutrients we need. You can do more than just mix them with milk or water. I like making snacks to keep in the fridge or freezer that are really filling and tasty. Try out these quick and easy Protein Balls, these delicious Protein Pancakes, and these Protein Bars.

Protein Smoothies

We’ve all been burned out on breakfast repeats before. No one wants the same old thing for breakfast again and again! As much as I love overnight oats and homemade granola, if I eat them over and over again, my body starts to want something else. Enter protein smoothies! They are the perfect solution for a quick and easy breakfast that is full of nutrients and the taste never gets old.

After your body has been asleep for (hopefully) 8 hours, it wants to break it’s long fast in the best way possible. A smoothie is easy to digest, full of nutrients that the body needs to start the day, and also tasted delicious. If you are looking for a quick and flavorful breakfast than this protein smoothie is the way to go! It takes 10 minutes to whip up, and can be the perfect way to fill you up without dirtying a lot of dishes with other breakfast recipes.

Protein Smoothie Ingredients

A protein smoothie is a perfect breakfast or a filling snack. There is something so satisfying about a protein shake in the morning, and this smoothie takes a regular shake and upgrades it. It’s better for you, and it tastes better too. I like to use a whey protein powder, but if you have an allergy or aversion there are plenty of really great plant based protein powders to choose from. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Almond Milk or Milk: Any milk will work for this smoothie. Sometimes I add coconut milk or cashew milk, all of them are delicious.Protein Powder: Use your favorite brand! There are so many brands out there, I’m sure you’ll be able to find one that works for your family. I prefer to use chocolate flavor, but vanilla goes with everything.Banana: Frozen bananas are really the key to a perfect smoothie! They blend up so smooth and make the perfect texture smoothie.Blueberries: Buy a big bag of frozen blueberries to keep on hand for your next smoothie. They are full of vitamins and taste amazing.Spinach: Spinach is a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Iron. It also has a really mild flavor so you won’t even taste it, and you get all the benefits of eating spinach.Almond or Peanut Butter: Nut butters are not only delicious, but they have lots of proteins and fats that will make this smoothie filling and tasty. Cashew butter is another great choice. If you don’t want to add a nut butter, greek yogurt is also another high protein choice.Ice: I find that if I add frozen fruit, I don’t usually need ice.

Protein Smoothie Recipe

The only thing you need to know about mixing up this high protein smoothie is add the liquid first. Whether you choose non-dairy milk or to use a fruit juice like orange juice instead, add your liquid first. This will keep the protein powder from sticking to the side and clumping together. You can add granola on top to make it more like an acai bowl. It tastes absolutely amazing!

Add Milk: Add the almond milk to a high-powered blender.Add Other Ingredients: Add the protein powder, banana, blueberries, spinach, and then almond butter.Blend: Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Add more almond milk if needed to help blend the ingredients. Add more almond milk and ice to reach desired consistency. I prefer my smoothie thicker so I add ice!

Creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is pretty much a one pan wonder you will want to cook over and over again!  Perfect for a busy night, this is a hearty comforting dish that will truly satisfy.

Tuscan recipes are so divine! I love the flavor combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, and cream! These reader-favorite Tuscan recipes are the perfect example: try Creamy Tuscan Scallops, Shrimp or Chicken!

Italian Sausage Pasta

This is a super easy pasta recipe that tastes like you slaved over it all day. This Tuscan dish has tender pasta, savory sausage, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spinach all smothered in a creamy decadent sauce. It’s insanely delicious and it’s so quick and easy! You can even argue that it’s made in one pan, especially if you already had pasta already cooked. This creamy sausage pasta hits the spot when comes to wanting something full of flavor and comforting. It will no doubt become a new family favorite!

This will feel like you’re eating at a fancy Italian restaurant or having an intimate dinner for two all in the comfort of your own home. Pair this with a side of breadsticks, some roasted vegetables and a tasty chocolate dessert and you have fine dining perfect for busy weekdays. Whether it’s your first time with a Tuscan sauce or not, you have to try this tonight! You are going to love the way the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes come together in this sauce. It’s heavenly.

Ingredients for Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Creating this creamy dish is fast and easy and doesn’t take a bunch of crazy ingredients. Pick your favorite type meat! Ground sausage, pork, chicken and turkey all work so well. You can also control the spice level depending on what kind of sausage you get. If you like it hot, feel free to add red pepper flakes as garnish as well!

Penne Pasta: I love penne because it soaks up the delicious sauce, but you can use your favorite pasta instead.Ground Sausage: Pick your favorite kind- mild, or spicy, pork or chicken!Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce so nice and creamy!Chicken Broth: Adds richness and flavor.Garlic Powder: Garlic adds a great flavor in this Tuscan pasta.Italian Seasoning: I love this seasoning, it has all the great spices together in one blend. You can make your own using my recipe here.Parmesan Cheese: Love this cheese with this dish. Fresh is best if you have it! Grating your own cheese makes all the difference in flavor.Baby Spinach: Super nutritious and adds a pop of color! You can also use kale as a substitute.Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and savory, these are just so good. Look for sun-dried tomatoes either in the produce section or the canned vegetable aisle!

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Truly, this dish couldn’t be easier. You are going to love that it tastes so amazing but is so simple to throw together. It’s perfect for a busy weekday, or a quiet weekend. Either way you have to try it!

Precook Pasta: Bring a large pot to boil and then cook the pasta according to package directions.Cook Sausage: In a large skillet add the sausage. Cook and crumble until it is no longer pink. Then set aside on a plate.Prepare Sauce: Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese. Whisk over medium high heat until it starts to thicken. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and then let it simmer until the spinach starts to wilt. Then add the sausage back to the pan and add the pasta and stir until heated throughout.

This Easy Homemade Marzipan will take your baking to the next level! It’s a quick and simple recipe that will bring delicious almond flavor to your cakes and cookies. It’s also easily colored and shaped into fun decorations!

I never ate anything almond-flavored growing up. Once I got into baking, I realized how amazing almonds are for just about anything! Some of my favorite almond recipes include these delicious Almond Cookies, this scrumptious Almond Cherry Bread, and this simple Almond Joy Poke Cake.

What is Marzipan?

If you had to ask this question, you are not alone! The first time I’d ever even heard of marzipan was on a baking show on television! It’s basically a sweetened almond paste dough. The texture is smooth, and it’s made up of almonds, sugar, and water. Some people also put eggs and corn syrup, but I choose not to when I’m making it at home. If you don’t feel comfortable working with raw eggs than this recipe is for you! You blend it all up in a food processor and it has many uses. It is mostly used to add flavor to baked goods, but sometimes it is also colored and used as decoration like fondant.

It is used often in Germany, and one recipe that I love making that calls for marzipan is stollen bread. Surprisingly it tastes amazing in pineapple cake and even chocolate cake! You can also include it in things like sugar cookies, truffles, and challah bread. It is a really versatile ingredient that is so fun to play with. It has the perfect amount of sweetness and a really nice almond flavor.

Ingredients

This homemade marzipan recipe is a breeze! You don’t have to worry about things like blanched almonds, raw egg whites. This is a vegan marzipan recipe that really keeps things simple and delicious! Instead of using finely ground almonds, I like to find some fine almond flour. I use powdered sugar as a sweetener, but maple syrup would also be a great option. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Fine Almond Flour: You should be able to find this in the special flour section at the grocery store.Powdered Sugar: This is how you sweeten your marzipan while keeping a really smooth texture.Water: This helps to bring all of the ingredients together.Almond Extract: This gives you extra almond flavor and makes it taste like the traditional marzipan recipe.Rose Water: This is optional, I really like it but it’s not for everyone!

Marzipan Recipe

This homemade marzipan is perfect for the holidays. It’s exactly what you need for your Christmas cake! It’s also amazing for marzipan cookies or for covering your cake. Some people choose to eat it as is with apricot jam! However you choose to use it, you’ll love how simple this recipe is.

Add Dry Ingredients: Add almond flour and powdered sugar to a food processor and pulse until combined into a fine powder.Add Wet Ingredients: Add the water, almond extract, and rose water if desired. Mix until everything comes together into one big ball. If the mixture is still sticky enough to stick to your fingers, add more almond flour and powdered sugar 1 tablespoon of each at a time until not sticky enough to stick to your hands.Knead: Remove to a clean surface and knead for a minute or two until smooth. Roll into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for an hour before using.

These blueberry muffins with a sugared glaze are so good, they should be illegal! Soft, buttery, and bursting with sweet blueberry flavor, they’re the perfect excuse to have dessert for breakfast.

Blueberries are one of my all-time favorite fruits and they work SO well in so many different bread and dessert recipes. If you love blueberries as much as I do, blueberry cookies, blueberry buckle, and blueberry lemon pound cake are a few more great recipes for you to try!

Blueberry Muffin Recipe

Blueberry muffins with a sugared glaze are the perfect breakfast option for those who like a touch of sweetness in their morning routine. (Who doesn’t?!) The burst of tangy blueberries in every bite and the sugary glaze on top make for a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast treat. They’re also great for enjoying as an afternoon snack, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, really.

Not to mention, these muffins are an ideal grab-and-go option for those busy mornings when you’re rushing out the door. Really though, making these blueberry muffins is almost as easy as eating them! With just a few simple ingredients and your muffin tin, you can whip up a batch of these berry-filled treats in no time. Plus, with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen, you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors! Psst- love blueberries? You can find my full list of recipes using them here!

Ingredients Needed

Just a few simple ingredients and you’ll be on your way to blueberry muffin heaven! I love how this recipe uses so many standard baking ingredients. It makes whipping up a batch of muffins a breeze! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Butter: A key ingredient for adding richness and moisture to the muffins. Without butter, the muffins would be dry and lack flavor.White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to balance the tartness of the blueberries. Sugar is also important for creating a tender crumb and light texture. You can also use brown sugar instead if you want a deeper sweetness.Large Eggs: Help to bind the ingredients together and add structure to the blueberry muffins.Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the muffins and also complements the blueberries well.Blueberries: Blueberries provide a burst of flavor in every bite and are packed with antioxidants. (A win-win!) Good news- fresh or frozen blueberries can be used in this recipe.Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. Whole milk works best! The higher the fat percentage, the more tender your muffins will be.Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor of the muffins.Baking Powder: Essential for giving the muffins their light and fluffy texture.White Flour: Gives the muffins structure! Just regular all-purpose flour works fine.Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the flavor of the blueberries perfectly.

For the Sugared Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: Gives the glaze its signature thickness and texture. Without it, the glaze would be runny and lack sweetness.Vanilla: Adds a warm and inviting flavor to the glaze.Heavy Cream: Gives the glaze a rich and creamy consistency that’s perfect for drizzling over those warm blueberry muffins.

How to Make the BEST Blueberry Muffins

Making homemade muffins is so easy! These blueberry muffins only take 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook, making them the perfect sweet treat for when you’re short on time!

Preheat Oven, Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Then spray or line a muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat together the sugar and butter until creamy. Add in the eggs, vanilla and milk. Then stir to combine.Mix Dry Ingredients, Coat Blueberries: In another bowl, stir together the salt, baking powder, flour, and cinnamon. Place the blueberries in a small bowl and then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the flour mixture over them. Then toss to coat the berries with flour.Combine: Add the remaining flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just barely combined. Fold in the blueberries by hand so they’re evenly dispersed through the batter.Bake: Fill muffin tins 3/4ths the way full and bake for 25-30 minutes.Cool and Enjoy: Remove and then allow to cool before glazing.

Glaze

Combine Ingredients: Beat together all of the ingredients and then either spoon over the muffins or carefully dip the tops of the blueberry muffins in the glaze.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is always a hit at my house! It’s chicken thighs cooked in a honey garlic sauce that is infused with soy and hoisin sauce with fresh garlic and ginger covering the boneless chicken thighs for one amazing family dinner. Throw it all together and let the slow cooker do all the work!

Since honey garlic chicken is a fan favorite, I have made a few different versions that are always delicious. You’ve got to try this Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, this simple and fun to cook Foil Pack Honey Garlic Chicken, and this delicious Glazed Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken.

Slow Cook Honey Garlic Chicken

This has to be up there with my most favorite slow cooker recipes! The flavor of this sauce is amazing. And the smell of it cooking in my house all day is the best! It is so easy to throw together. The whole family loves this recipe, even the picky eater.  Honey garlic chicken is the perfect dump and go dinner. I am in love with slow cooker dinners because you just throw everything in the pot in the morning, and by dinner time you have a tender and flavorful meal!

I make chicken dinners a lot, but if you don’t get creative with the sauces and sides it can get a little repetitive! That’s why I love slow cooker chicken meals, like this honey garlic chicken. I also love this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken recipe, but that’s another story! Serve this chicken up with some Instapot rice for the perfect hands-off meal.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best in a slow cooker since dark meat can be more forgiving when cooking for a long period of time. Thighs also don’t dry out as easily. If you prefer chicken breasts make sure to check it towards the end to make sure it is not overcooked and dried out. That’s my biggest tip when cooking this slow cooker honey garlic chicken! You can find the ingredients below in the recipe card.

Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer chicken thighs over breasts but chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. Chicken thighs are a soft and tender meat with a little more fat on them making them juicy too.Honey: Choose the honey that you prefer but this will help sweeten chicken while it is slow cooking.Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce is just what you need to make this slow cooker chicken infused with.Hoisin Sauce: Thick and strong flavoring, this hoisin sauce will be the perfect amount of sauce to cover the chicken and marinate while it is slowly being cooked.Garlic: Crushed the best that you can or purchase the garlic crushed in a bag.Ginger Root: Fresh is best with the ginger.Sesame Oil: This has a nutty oil that adds just the right touch to combined the flavorings together.Cornstarch: Make a roux or thick sauce with the cornstarch and water mixture.Water: Luke warm water is perfect for creating a roux and adding it back into the sauce to cover the chicken at the end.

Slow Cooker Chicken Garlic Honey Recipe

It doesn’t get easier than this slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe! You just put your chicken in the crock pot and pour over your sauce, and let that goodness sit and cook for about 5 hours. If you want to add onion or sesame seeds, that would be delicious. Once the chicken is cooked, I like to shred the chicken with two forks. It’s so tender it comes right apart. If you are using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it out before cooking it, and that goes for all slow cooker chicken recipes.

Prepare the slow cooker: In a 5 quart slow cooker add the chicken thighs.  In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours and high for 3-4 hours.  Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred. Make a thick sauce like a roux: Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.  Whisk it into the sauce in the slow cooker.  Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and let cook for another 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.  Serve over rice and enjoy! 

This roasted beet salad will have you singing the praises of this root veggie and begging for seconds! It’s tossed with fruit, nuts, and crumbled cheese all coated in a delicious homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A light lunch that’s both healthy and delicious!

2023 is the year for beets. If you haven’t already incorporated them into your cooking, you need to! Not only are they packed with fiber and heart-healthy, but super versatile too! You’ve got to add this beet hummus and pear and beet salad to the recipe lineup. This recipe for Instant Pot beets is also great for all of your cooking needs! Soft, tender beets in a snap!

Roasted Beet Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that’s both delicious and beautiful, look no further than this roasted beet salad! The vibrant colors of the beets and oranges, combined with the creamy goat cheese and crunchy nuts, make this dish a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. It’s light, fresh, and flavorful. Everything that a homemade salad should be!

And let’s not forget the balsamic dressing – it ties everything together perfectly, giving the salad a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the beets, oranges, and blueberries. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll wonder why you ever thought beets were just for boring salads or pickling! This versatile root veggie is great in so many different recipes! Find my full list of tasty dishes to use them in here.

Salad Ingredients

This is everything I used to put this tasty roasted beet salad together, but feel free to swap anything out for your favorite dressings or mix-ins! Beets are extremely versatile and work well for all kinds of flavors.

Baby Arugula or Spring Mix: These tender greens provide the perfect base for the roasted beet salad. They also have a slightly peppery taste that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.Roasted Beets: The MVP here! Roasted beets give the salad a rich, earthy flavor and beautiful deep red color. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium.Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and a little bit salty, crumbled goat cheese adds the perfect amount of richness to the salad.Red Onion: Red onion provides a nice contrast to the sweet beets and oranges. Plus, its bright color adds a pop to the dish.Pecans: Whether candied or raw, pecans bring a satisfying crunch to the roasted beet salad. They also provide a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients!Blueberries: These juicy little berries add a burst of sweetness to the roasted beet salad.Oranges: Sliced oranges add a juicy, refreshing citrus flavor to the salad.Balsamic Vinaigrette: The finishing touch! The tangy, slightly sweet flavor of balsamic vinaigrette brings all the ingredients together. You can also try making your own using my recipe here. It’s so easy to whip up! (And free of preservatives!)

How to Make Roasted Beet Salad

This easy salad will be the star of the dinner table! It’s so light and fresh, and the variety of colored veggies give it the best presentation. It also only takes 10 minutes to make, so it’s the perfect side dish for when you’re short on time.

Marinate Beets: Slice the roasted and cooled beets. Then add them to a bowl along with about 3 tablespoons of dressing. Stir to coat and then allow them to marinate for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.Start With Arugula: To assemble the salad, add the arugula to a large bowl.Mix In Remaining Ingredients: Add the marinated beets, goat cheese, onions, blueberries, oranges, and sprinkle with goat cheese.Add Dressing: Drizzle on the balsamic vinegar dressing and then toss to coat the ingredients well. Enjoy!

Start your morning off right with this hearty and filling Bagel Breakfast Sandwich. It has everything you need to fuel your body and to keep you full until lunch. These are also perfect for breakfast on the go and always hit the spot!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day! I seriously can’t wait to whip something up when my eyes pop open in the morning. If you can’t relate, don’t worry! The rest of my family is definitely not like me. They love to grab a bowl of cereal and call it a day. If you are on the hunt for quick and easy breakfast ideas that are more filling and nutrient dense than cereal, you’ve got to try these Overnight Oats, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole, and these simple and filling Breakfast Enchiladas.

Breakfast Bagel Sandwich

There is no better way to say it- this bagel breakfast sandwich is the best breakfast I’ve ever had! And that’s saying a lot, because I LOVE breakfast. Did I mention it’s my favorite meal of the day? You can probably tell I’m pretty passionate about the first meal of the day because I have lots of breakfast recipes on my blog. And they are all amazing because I also have high standards for starting my day.

These sandwiches are top-notch delicious. If you have a problem with bagels, I don’t know what to tell you except they are delicious and actually not that bad for you compared to a lot of other breakfast choices. Especially if you make your bagels at home, they are a simple bread with only a few ingredients that make the perfect base for your other ingredients. You will layer on delicious scrambled eggs, flavorful bacon, and fresh avocado slices for the perfect bite every time. English muffin sandwiches have nothing on this recipe! Although, if you do love a good breakfast sandwich, my English muffin recipe is really good too,.

Ingredients

Bagel breakfast sandwiches have only the best ingredients! Of course like any sandwich recipe, you can put whatever ingredients you want on this. I am listing out the things I prefer below, but there are so many other things you can add. Thinly sliced onion or red onion are amazing on egg sandwiches. I usually sprinkle some freshly cracked pepper and Kosher salt over the top of the eggs once I’m done cooking them. This is one of my favorite breakfast recipes when I have a little extra time to put them together. They are so delicious! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Bagel: I prefer the everything bagel because it’s my favorite! You can pick up your favorite kind of bagels from the grocery store, or make some at home! Homemade bagels are next level delicious!Eggs: I prefer scrambled eggs, but you can definitely cook up some fried egg on a skillet. The soft yolk adds lots of flavor and moisture.Bacon: This is my preferred choice of protein, but of course you could use ham, turkey, turkey bacon, or patty sausage instead!Cheddar Cheese: I actually used American cheese, but sharp cheddar would do great. You can also use cream cheese instead of course! Havarti or provolone cheese is also a great choice.Tomato: I like to slice it really thin and lay it on.Arugula: I love arugula because of the strong flavor. I just put a handful of it on. Spinach or lettuce would be delicious too.Avocado: I used half of the avocado for one sandwich. I just sliced it, but you could also make it into guacamole and smear it on.

Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe

I am fully aware that pretty much anyone can build a sandwich! This bagel breakfast sandwich really is best when assembled in the order I list out below. When you bite into a sandwich, your tongue can actually taste different flavors together based on how you stacked everything up. This is seriously the best-tasting order to put your ingredients in, I promise!

Cook Eggs and Bacon: Cook the eggs and bacon right before assembling the sandwich.Toast Bagel: Toast the bagel and spread butter on the bagel if you desire.Add Egg and Cheese: On the bottom slice of the bagel, layer on the cooked eggs and cheese. Allow the cheese to slightly melt on top of the warm eggs.Add Bacon and Tomato: Add the bacon and tomato slices.Top Off and Enjoy: Finish with a handful of arugula, sliced avocado, and the other bagel slice.

Indulge in creamy bliss with every bite of this Baileys Cheesecake – a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings! It has a smooth, chocolatey filling flavored with Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur on top of a rich Oreo crust.

When it comes to rich, creamy desserts, cheesecake is number one! Not only does it look great on the dinner table, but it tastes even better! (Especially when you make it from scratch!) If you love cheesecake as much as I do, try this white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, New York cheesecake, or Oreo cheesecake next. You can find my full list of cheesecake recipes here. I have cheesecake bars, mini cheesecakes, and more! It’s dessert heaven!

Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake Recipe

Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the subtle flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream creates a heavenly dessert that’s hard to resist. This cheesecake is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration that calls for a decadent and delicious dessert. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake or Bailey’s Irish Cream, this dessert is sure to leave you craving for more! I took one bite and felt like I could eat the entire cheesecake. It’s just so good!

If you’re a cheesecake lover, then you need to make this Baileys cheesecake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this cheesecake recipe is foolproof. So, grab your apron and head to the kitchen to whip up this creamy dessert. Your taste buds will thank you for it! It’s rich, creamy, chocolatey goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust

Oreo Cookies: These chocolatey cookies add a delightful texture and flavor to the crust. Their creamy filling also helps bind the crust together, making it easier to cut and serve.Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is the glue that holds the Oreo crust together. It’s essential for creating a crust that’s firm enough to support the creamy filling!

Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star of the show in any cheesecake recipe, and this one is no exception! Its smooth and creamy texture is the perfect canvas for the Bailey’s Irish Cream and cocoa flavors to shine through.Sour Cream: Adds moisture to the filling and also adds a slight tangy flavor. It’s great for balancing out the sweetness of the Baileys cheesecake!Cocoa Powder: For the perfect rich, chocolatey flavor.Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.Large Eggs: Bind all of the ingredients together and give the cheesecake structure.Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur: A key ingredient for this cheesecake. It’s nice and creamy and also gives the filling a subtle coffee and whiskey flavor.

Ganache

Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This acts as the base of the ganache topping. It adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness without being too sweet.Heavy Cream: Adjusts the consistency of the ganache and also makes it nice and creamy.Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur: A splash for extra flavor!Fresh Whipped Cream: The best way to top off any homemade cheesecake.

How to Make Baileys Cheesecake

Making homemade Baileys cheesecake doesn’t have to be intimidating! I’ve broken it up into a few simple sections for you. Trust me, once you start making cheesecake from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought. This Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake will make you a believer!

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.Crust Mixture: Pulse the Oreos in a food processor until the cookies have become a fine crumb. Then pour in the melted butter and pinch of salt and blend until combined.Add to Pan: Pour your crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides of the pan. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust.Bake: Bake for 10 minutes. Then allow to cool completely.

Prepare Cheesecake

Wrap Pan: Using 18 inch heavy duty aluminum foil, wrap the outside of a 10-inch springform pan with 4 sheets of foil. Make sure the sheets of foil go all the way up all sides of the pan to prevent water from getting in.Cream Cheese Mixture: Add your softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of your stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium/high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more until it’s smooth.Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add the sour cream, cocoa powder, and sugar and mix at medium-low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl again and mix for 10 seconds. Then add eggs and Bailey’s and beat on low speed until combined. Scrape the bowl again.Prepare Water Bath: Place your wrapped cheesecake pan in a deep roasting pan. You can alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep. Using very hot water, add water to the baking sheet until there is about 1 ½ inch of water around the springform pan. On a rack in the lower 3rd of the oven, carefully move your pan into the oven.

Bake

Bake: Bake for 1-1 ½ hours. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should be jiggly, but not liquid. If it seems very liquidy still, give it 10-15 more minutes and check it again.Turn Off Oven: Once the Baileys cheesecake is set, yet jiggly, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools.Chill: Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen. Once the oven and the cheesecake are cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan. Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.Remove From Pan: Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to ensure an easy release when the springform is removed. Top with whipped cream and additional Oreos as you desire.

Ganache

Combine: Heat the cream in the microwave for 30 seconds, until steaming. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add the Bailey’s and mix until combined.Drizzle: Drizzle ganache over the Baileys cheesecake and top with whipped cream, if desired.

Balsamic Vinaigrette is a staple in the kitchen that every cook should have the perfect recipe for. THIS is that perfect recipe! It’s tangy and refreshing, and will spruce up your salads and better than every other recipe I’ve ever tried.

I always used to pick up my dressings and sauces from the store. In fact, it never even crossed my mind that I could make them at home! As a young mom, I realized that I wanted to make more things from scratch and got started with a basic fry sauce, and I was hooked! This homemade cheese sauce is a perfect beginner’s recipe, and Alfredo Sauce is another staple that tastes way better homemade.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

There are a few dressings that I think everyone should be able to make at home, and balsamic vinaigrette is at the top of that list! It’s so perfect for salads, and it’s really really easy to make too. Other dressings that I always make at home are ranch dressing, the classic Caesar salad dressing, and Cafe Rio’s Cilantro Ranch. There is nothing better than a fresh dressing to go with your next dish.

Store-bought dressing has added preservatives and sugars. They often use lower-quality oils and additional ingredients that aren’t needed. This balsamic dressing has only the basic high quality ingredients that make this dressing the best one you’ll ever have. Even my kids love this homemade salad dressing. I know how much we all want our kids to be eating more vegetables. This dressing is a great way to get those kids gobbling up whatever you pour it over.

Ingredients

This balsamic vinaigrette dressing recipe is simple and down to the basics. It’s great served over vegetables and especially with pork. I love dipping our pork chops in this dressing, it adds so much flavor. As you can imagine, it’s also amazing on tomatoes. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient tastes amazing on it’s own. Blended with the rest of the ingredients it’s absolutely divine.Honey: This is to balance the acid in the vinegar. You could use maple syrup instead if you wanted to.Dijon Mustard: This adds a lot of flavor and a little spice.Garlic Powder: This is optional, but it adds a lot of savory flavors.Onion Powder: I like adding this to deepen the flavors.Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This is the best tasting oil. You could use avocado oil instead.Salt and Pepper: This is to bring out all of the amazing flavors. I like using Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

I can’t think of a better way to add flavor to your chicken and spinach salad than this balsamic vinaigrette. I’ve poured it over the top of a tomato and mozzarella salad (caprese salad) and it was seriously life-changing. The best part is, it’s also the easiest salad dressing you’ll ever make. Just pour all your ingredients into a bowl and then whisk together until combined! If you love simple and delicious recipes, then this one is for you.

Whisk: Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.Steam in Oil: Stream in the olive oil and then continuously whisk to emulsify the olive oil into the vinaigrette.Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vinaigrette will keep up to 2 weeks.