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Creamy Bacon Carbonara is a classic Italian creamy pasta. Bacon, mushrooms, and onions are cooked together and tossed in a cheesy, rich egg yolk sauce for an easy 30 minute meal! A quick and easy dinner that is made in minutes!

Pasta is a weekly special in our home! If you love pasta as much as we do try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, this easy and delicious Creamy Chicken Bacon and Broccoli Ranch Pasta or one of our favorites, Creamy Pork Carnitas Pasta.

Creamy Bacon Carbonara

Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish from Rome made with egg, hard cheese, guanciale, and black pepper. I finally found a carbonara recipe that I love. The sauce is so creamy, cheesy and so good. The best part is that the pickiest eater gobbled this down and my other boy had seconds! It was pretty easy to throw the whole thing together. I felt like it was the perfect Sunday meal served with a side salad and garlic bread! If you want a quick and easy delicious meal in just minutes, this is the dish. This creamy bacon carbonara only takes 30 minutes from start to finish!

It is simply delicious and so easy to make at home. Everyone will be raving over this incredible creamy pasta! I know a lot of people are worried about the sauce breaking because of the egg. It was easier than I thought! Just go low and slow. It will totally work out! Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to try this easy pasta carbonara too. It’s delish!

Ingredients

Simplicity is key with this creamy bacon carbonara meal! The use of good quality ingredients is a must though! For a fully traditional carbonara recipe, use pancetta instead of bacon. You can find the exact measurements below in the recipe card.

Eggs: All you need is the yolks!Heavy Whipping Cream: Half and half will work but for a rich, creamy blend heavy whipping cream is my preference.Parmesan: Use a sharp, hard cheese of parmesan that is shaved instead of grated for a less gritty texture on your pasta.Parsley: Fresh and chopped up very fine add color and some fragrant garnish.Salt: Season to your liking.Red Pepper Flakes: A little kick of heat to add flavor.Bacon: A good thick cut bacon or even a high quality standard cut of bacon will make a difference. You can also use pancetta which is the traditional meat in the dish.Mushrooms: This is optional but I love mushrooms and can’t leave them out.Onion: This is optional but adds a great flavor.Pasta: Linguine is my favorite but spaghetti will work great too.

Creamy Bacon Carbonara Recipe

This creamy bacon carbonara recipe is simple to make but is a little delicate. Don’t try to rush through this recipe! The eggs will scramble if you have your pan too hot, so make sure to really take your time so you don’t end up with a scrambled mess. It is not a hard recipe, you just have to be a little patient.

Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package.Beat: Beat the eggs, cream, Parmesan, parsley, salt and the red pepper together in a bowl.  I just used a fork.   Fry Bacon: Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside. Saute: With 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease, sauté the onion and the mushrooms until the onions are translucent and golden. Drain: Drain the pasta and while still warm, add to the onions and mushrooms. Pour and Stir: Pour cream mixture into the pasta, and stir over low heat for one to two minutes. Make sure to use LOW heat or you will scramble the eggs.Enjoy: Serve with additional Parmesan, and a loaf of Crusty French bread and a salad.  So Good!

Tuscan vegetable chicken stew is so comforting and full of hearty vegetables, white beans and chicken. Super easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!

It has been SO cold here in Utah. Homemade soups and stews have been my go-to! For more hearty goodness to warm you up from the inside-out, try this creamy sausage tortellini soup, zuppa toscana, or slow cooker pasta e fagioli!

Tuscan Chicken Stew With Vegetables

Comfort food season is in full force! Today I’m bringing you a simple and insanely delicious recipe for Tuscan vegetable chicken stew. The weather has been cold and snowy where I am and there is nothing that I love more than to warm up with a big nourishing bowl of this cozy stew. Homemade soups and stews really are the best. Especially when they’re chock full of soft, tender veggies!

I loaded mine up with celery, zucchini, red peppers, carrots, diced tomatoes and white beans. Just let them simmer together in a large pot with some garlic, onions and Italian herbs to create a super rich and flavorful base. You guys are going to love how amazing this makes your kitchen smell! Pair your delicious Tuscan vegetable chicken stew with some homemade breadsticks or rolls for dipping.

Ingredients Needed

Not only is this stew super easy to make, it’s also packed with tons of healthy and hearty veggies. The best part is that you can easily customize it with whatever you have on hand! This is a great recipe for leftover veggies in your fridge.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté all the tasty veggies in the stew.Butter: Butter makes everything taste better! It adds a richness to the stew that can’t be beat.Flour: This works as a thickening agent. I used all-purpose flour.Chicken Broth: The base of the stew! You can also use vegetable or mushroom broth if you prefer.Italian Seasoning: My favorite blend of herbs! Want to try making your own? Find my full recipe here.Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of this can add a hint of heat to your stew, but feel free to leave it out if you want a milder flavor.Canellini Beans: These tasty white beans add protein and fiber to your stew, making it a filling and nutritious meal. You can also swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans.Chicken Breast: Cooked and chopped chicken (you can also use shredded!) is a great source of protein. It also adds a satisfying and hearty texture to the stew.Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of this tangy and sweet vinegar brightens up the flavors in your stew.Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper go a long way to enhance and balance the flavors in your stew.Parsley for Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal taste to your stew.Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this nutty and salty cheese makes a delicious topping for your Tuscan vegetable chicken stew.

Vegetables

Onion: Adds depth and character to the stew.Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a bold and zesty punch to the stew.
Carrots: They add color and nutrition to the stew.Celery: Celery adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of bitterness to the stew. It’s the perfect balance!Zucchini: This is a versatile veggie that adds bulk and texture to the stew. You can also use squash.Red Bell Pepper: A colorful burst of sweetness in every bite! You can also use different colors of bell pepper for more variety.Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich and savory broth with a touch of acidity.Spinach Leaves: Spinach adds color, nutrition, and a mild, earthy flavor to your stew. Kale also works!

How to Make Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew

It’s so easy. And perfect for chilly days! Serve this up with some crusty bread, fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The flavors meld together so perfectly, you won’t be able to get enough.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Add in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.Add Remaining Veggies: Stir in the zucchini and red pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Then slowly add the chicken broth while continuously stirring until it starts to thicken and comes together. Mix in Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, beans, and then the canned tomatoes.Simmer: Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Then add the chicken and reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the spinach and cider vinegar. Then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until everything is warmed through.Add Garnish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Avocado chocolate pudding is a creamy and dark dairy free chocolate pudding with fresh and good-for-you ingredients! Not only does it taste better than regular pudding, but it’s as easy as putting all of the ingredients in the blender to curb your sweet tooth without all the guilt.

I love a good chocolate dessert. I seriously crave it all the time! Like most people, I try to eat as healthy as I can. So I’m always a fan of a chocolate dessert that doesn’t leave me feeling heavy and guilty. This avocado chocolate pudding is so perfect when you want a healthy chocolate treat. If you are in the mood for some other yummy chocolate recipes with less sugar and better for you ingredients, you should try these Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes, these delicious Healthy Brownies, and these easy Skinny Muddy Buddies.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Did I mention this delicious and easy chocolate avocado pudding is a 5 minute recipe? I know what you are thinking. It can’t be. But I’m not kidding, it literally took me 5 minutes. The thing that takes the longest is just peeling the avocado! After that you dump all the ingredients in the blender and you are done! It really is that easy, and the taste and texture is just like pudding! Aren’t avocados the best? This recipe is vegan, paleo friendly and of course gluten-free.

Homemade chocolate pudding is one of my favorite things, and this chocolate avocado pudding takes dessert to a whole different level. I love a sweet treat after dinner, but of course it’s not a great idea to load up on sugar every night before bed. A lot of the time I will serve a dessert salad like a strawberry cheesecake salad or this ACTUAL dessert strawberry pretzel salad. But a lot of the time I’m still left craving a chocolate pie or a big bowl of ice cream. This chocolate avocado pudding is a real treat that totally kills my sweet tooth, and it has less sugar than those salads! It’s the perfect dessert.

Ingredients

You will be amazed at how these 5 ingredients make the perfect avocado chocolate pudding. It tastes even better than the original thing. Same texture and all! Everything in this recipe is healthy and naturally flavorful. If you aren’t worried about keeping this one dairy-free, some whipped cream on top is delicious! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Avocados: You want nice and ripe avocados. If they’re too hard, they will taste a little bitter and won’t blend up as smooth.Cocoa Powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from. Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best results.Honey: I love this as a natural sweetener. Any natural liquid sweetener would work. You could also use agave, maple syrup, monk fruit, or liquid stevia.Milk: You can use any kind of milk here. I used almond milk and it was perfect! You can use plain and unsweetened, or the vanilla kind if you want a little more sweetness. I think I’m going to try coconut milk next time because that sounds amazing! Cashew milk or any dairy free milk will work great for this recipe. You can also use regular dairy milk! It is a great option if you aren’t worried about dairy.Vanilla Extract: This is what really helps it taste like pudding. It adds a little extra flavor and brings out all of the chocolate notes.

Avocado Chocolate Pudding Recipe

It doesn’t get any easier than this avocado chocolate pudding recipe. All you do is put all of your ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth! You don’t have to mess around with thickeners because the avocado does all of the work. I like my pudding chilled so I do put this in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill before eating, but that’s totally optional! You can even eat this as a daytime snack because it is filling and full of healthy fat.

Blend: In a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients and blend until the pudding is smooth and creamy. You can add more or less milk depending on what you want the texture to be.

Gameday appetizers may be my very favorite excuse to get together to watch football! Can I get a shoutout for the FOOD which is the real MVP here?

Football season is approaching and I want to be ready with the best of the best appetizers for my tailgating or watch parties! I can’t resist a good game day appetizer and I don’t want you missing out either so I have rounded up all of the best! A few of my favorites are Hot Corn Dip, Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts, and Sticky Honey Garlic Wings.

Game Day Appetizers

Be honest, do you look forward to watching the game more, or are you just there for the food? Game day appetizers are my absolute favorite thing! I love that they range from sweet to savory. This means I can have a ton of different flavors and options on my plate all at once! I think that there isn’t much better than being at a party and having what feels like unlimited options for my tastebuds! Plus, they are super simple! A lot of the time you will already have all of the ingredients on hand in your kitchen! Appetizers and snacks are so delicious and I can’t wait to gobble them all up!

Because I love game day appetizers so much, I have rounded up forty-five (see, I couldn’t stop at just a few!) different recipes. They are all quick and easy and loved by all– kids included! Because of the wide variety, I am positive that you will find something that you love. They are my favorite tried and true recipes that are so yummy that you won’t be having them only one game day. You will now have a list of go-to game day appetizers for all of your future parties and get-togethers! Happy eating!

Sweetheart Valentine’s Buddies are a delicious and addicting mix of Chex covered in white chocolate and strawberry-flavored cake mix. Mix in some chocolate candies and it’s the perfect red and pink treat for Valentine’s Day! 

I am a huge fan of snack desserts. The kind where you take a little handful or slice and keep coming back for more. By the time you are done snacking, you’ve eaten WAY more than you meant to, but that’s the best part! I love making a treat that is that craveable that it has everyone sneaking back for seconds and thirds. If you love snack desserts too, you’ve got to try this Ooey Gooey Chex Mix, this super tasty Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and this amazing Homemade Caramel Corn.

Sweetheart Valentine’s Buddies

Such a fun way to celebrate a sweet and simple holiday in February! We love Valentine’s Day and showing extra love to our friends and family. This is the perfect recipe to make with kids, and it’s a great one to share at school parties. It is a spin on the original muddy buddies and I think you might even like it more! It is coated in white chocolate and has a strawberry flavor from the cake mix. They are a sweet and perfectly themed treat.

This is the ultimate snack food for Valentine’s day! It’s a really simple homemade treat, and would look great in a bowl on your valentines charcuterie board or chocolate board. While you are at it, you can buy two boxes of strawberry cake mix and make these strawberry cake mix cookies! They are perfect for Valentine’s, and nothing says I love you like homemade sweets. These sweetheart Valentine’s buddies are a great quick and easy recipe to celebrate the holiday.

Ingredients

These sweetheart Valentine’s buddies are super simple to make! It’s pretty much the same ingredients as muddy buddies, but you use white chocolate instead so you get a really nice white and red color scheme. Aside from being totally adorable, they are also completely addicting! I have to give almost all of it away so I don’t end up eating it all myself! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

White Chocolate: You could use white almond bark instead.Red Candy Melts: I found them at Michael’s craft store.Shortening: This will help everything stick together just enough.Chex Cereal: Either the corn or rice Chex mix is best. Strawberry Cake Mix: Any brand works for this cake mix. It is so fun to add this pop of flavor.Powdered Sugar: Adds some extra sweetness.Valentine’s Chocolate M&M’s: They are the perfect color and add really nice texture and flavor.

Sweetheart Valentine’s Buddies Recipe

These sweetheart Valentine’s Buddies are so simple to make! The main difference between the original recipe is you will divide your Chex into two bowls so you can color some red. This makes the mix more colorful and festive. I like to melt my chocolate in the microwave because it is quick and easy. You could also do it in a double boiler if you wanted to.

Divide the Chex Mix: Start by dividing the chex mix into two bowls. (2 ½ cup in each)Microwave Candy: In microwave safe dish, melt the 5 ounces white almond bark or white chocolate chips. Then add ½ teaspoon shortening so that the almond bark will spread evenly. Microwave 30 seconds at a time and be careful not to burn the almond bark. Then dump this in the first bowl of chex and mix evenly to coat all of the chex cereal.Pour Melted Chocolate Over Chex: Melt the red candy melts next also checking and stirring the candy melts 30 seconds at a time. Once this is melted, pour this over the second bowl of divided chex and mix until coated.Coat With Powder Sugar: In two gallon size ziplock bags, put ½ cup strawberry cake mix and ¼ cup powdered sugar in each bag. Dump each bowl of chex mix in each bag and shake until coated with the powdered sugar and strawberry powdered cake mix.

There is nothing more comforting than this absolutely perfect chicken pot pie! A flaky pie crust filled with chicken, veggies, and tons of flavor is just what you need on a cold winter day, or any day. This is a classic recipe you will definitely want in your recipe book!

I am a huge fan of chicken pot pie. We ate it growing up and it always just hits the spot! It’s a wholesome meal in just one dish and it’s something that everyone loves. It’s kind of like the perfect casserole! If you want some other fun casserole recipes, you need to try this Overnight Breakfast Casserole, this yummy Taco Casserole, and this incredible Hashbrown Casserole.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

When I think of comfort food, I think of a homemade chicken pot pie! It’s everything I want in a meal. Lots of flavor, delicious veggies, and covered in a buttery flaky crust. What’s not to absolutely love?! I have a great pie crust recipe that I share in the recipe card, but this butter pie crust recipe is also one of my favorites. I think some people shy away from making chicken pot pie at home because they think it will take forever. Think again! This recipe takes 20 minutes to make and an hour to bake.

The inside of this chicken pot pie is so flavorful, and while it’s baking it becomes this perfectly creamy and gravy like mixture. You are seriously going to love it! The best part is, it’s the perfect meal all on it’s own. I definitely love it with some mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables like this chilled cucumber tomato salad. There is no right or wrong way to serve this chicken pot pie, it’s a classic that everyone will love.

Ingredients

This absolutely perfect chicken pot pie recipe is a total classic. These ingredients are simple, straight forward, and so tasty when they all come together. Fresh and quality ingredients will always taste best. I didn’t include this but you can make a simple egg wash or brush the top of the crust with heavy cream to help it brown nicely. You can find exact measurements below in the recipe card.

Chicken Pot Pie

Pie Crust: I absolutely love this homemade pie crust recipe, I think you will too! I like making extra and freezing some so that I can always pull some out of the freeer. A store bought pie crust will work too.Chicken Breast: You will want to either boil some chicken breast or roast it ahead of time. The chicken should be cooked and skinless for this recipe. You could use other parts of the chicken as well, the dark meat has lots of flavor.Butter: Butter makes everything better!Onion: Onions add a lot of flavor to the filling.Carrots: They get so soft and delicious!Celery: They have a nice light flavor and a great texture.Peas: This is optional. My picky eaters don’t like them but I love them!Flour: This will help the gravy get thick.Chicken Broth: This is what makes the filling so perfectly flavorful.Half and Half: This helps the sauce get nice and creamy.Lemon Juice: A little acid really brightens up the sauce and brings out all of the delicious flavors.

Seasonings

Dried Parsley Flakes: This has a milk sweet flavor. You could also use dried basil instead.Pepper: This adds extra flavor and a little heat.Nutmeg: This might be a surprising ingredient, but nutmeg has a warm earthy flavor that goes a long way in this dish!Dried Thyme: I absolutely love thyme, and it is the perfect herb for this dish.Chicken Boullion: This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, and you will add it to taste. I would start with one teaspoon and give it a taste to see if you want more or not.Salt: Salt helps to bring out all the flavors in this dish.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Homemade chicken pot pie is actually really easy to make! You don’t have to do anything special, just cook the filling in a pan before baking it. You will cook the vegetables until they are aldente, because you are still cooking them in the oven for an hour afterward. Other than that, there is nothing to worry about with this recipe!

Prep Crust: Prepare the pie crust by rolling out one crust to place in the bottom of a deep dish 9″ pie dish. Make sure the crust is bigger than the pan dish so there is extra to create a pretty edge when you seal it.Cook Veggies: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and tender for about 5 minutes. Set aside.Make Roux: In a large stock pot, melt ¼ cup butter. Stir in the flour and whisk to make a roux. The mixture will look like a paste. This helps to thicken the fillingWhisk Liquids In: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk.Add Seasonings: Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, nutmeg, and chicken bouillon. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes thick.Stir in Veggies: Remove from the heat. Then stir in the cooked chicken pieces and veggie mixture.Taste: Taste and adjust the seasonings or add salt or chicken flavoring if needed.Add to Crust: Pour the mixture into the crust of the pie dish.Top with Crust: Roll the remaining pie crust over the top and then pinch the edges shut. Then cut slits in the top of the pie.Bake: Bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or until golden brown.Cool and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly and serve!

Provoleta is a traditional Argentine dish made from melted provolone cheese served in a hot skillet. It has a gooey, melted texture with a rich and salty flavor that is perfect for dipping with crusty bread. I’ve added pesto and tomatoes for an extra pop of bubbling flavor. This is one dip you don’t want to miss!

Is there anything better than a cheesy dip? They’re one of my favorite appetizers! You have to try this asiago dip, queso blanco, and three-cheese spinach artichoke dip next. Pair it with some homemade crostini for the most satisfying appetizer.

Argentina Provoleta

If you’ve never tried provoleta before, prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer. Provoleta is a classic Argentine dish that has been around for generations. Made from melted provolone cheese, this dish is the epitome of comfort food and is sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings! Provoleta can be made in many different ways. You’ll commonly see it topped with things like chimichurri sauce and fresh herbs. I’m serving mine today with grape tomatoes and homemade pesto for a pop of earthy flavor and sweet acidity!

Serve provoleta as an appetizer or main dish, straight from the oven to the table in a sizzling hot skillet. It’s perfect for dipping with crusty bread (crostini or flatbread is perfect!) and is sure to be a hit at any gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a fun and delicious appetizer, provoleta is the way to go! Trust me, everyone is going to love it. I mean, it’s melted cheese- how could you not?

Ingredients Needed

This ingredient list is just how I like it, short and sweet! Provoleta is so easy to make, and the simple ingredients are the best! It’s a knockout appetizer that won’t break the bank. Check out the recipe card below for all measurements!

Provolone Cheese: Since this is the main focus of the dish, you’ll want to use a high-quality provolone. I used thick-cut slices.Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is something I always have on hand and adds the best pop of flavor to any dish. It’s my favorite blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoran, and thyme. (Try making your own blend using my recipe here!) Dried herbs are a must! You can also use fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor. Fresh oregano and parsley are great choices!Pesto: Use your favorite brand or make your own from scratch! It’s super easy and tastes incredible. (I have great recipes for both traditional pesto and creamy pesto!)Grape Tomatoes: These are the perfect size for topping your provoleta with. These get so soft and juicy when broiled, it’s the best!Crostini: (Optional) for dipping! You can also use your favorite crackers, chips, or a sliced baguette. There are so many different options!

How to Make Provoleta

Making this provoleta recipe is so simple and easy! All you need is a cast iron skillet, provolone cheese, and a few toppings. Then you pop everything in the oven and let it broil until it reaches gooey, bubbly goodness. This has quickly become one of my favorite recipes and I know you’ll love it just as much! It’s so good, you won’t be able to get enough.

Preheat Oven, Add Cheese to Skillet: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then add the sliced cheese to a small cast-iron pan. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.Add Toppings and Sauces: Top with pesto and grape tomatoes.Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese has completely melted and cherry tomatoes blister.Broil: Then broil the top for 1-2 minutes so it turns brown and bubbly.Enjoy: Serve immediately with crostini or your favorite crusty bread!

Show your sweetheart how much you care with these adorable Valentine’s Day cookies! Conversation heart cookies are fun and nostalgic and are customizable with sweet and silly messages. They are delicious, easy to make, and totally unforgettable!

Don’t you just love an excuse to bake cookies? I seriously make some for every holiday and special occasion because they are a crowd pleaser, and they travel really well. I also don’t know anyone who doesn’t like ANY kind of cookie, so they really are the best dessert to bring with you. If you love cookies, then you are going to have to try these super easy and delicious No-Bake Cookies, these show stopping Meringue Cookies, and these flavorful White Chocolate Oreo Cookies.

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

I’m pretty sure we all grew up with those chalky little heart Valentine’s Day candies right?! They were kind of flavorless, yet everyone always had them at the holiday because they have cute little messages on them. Well, get ready to fall in love with these cookies. They are actually delicious (so people will be so excited to eat them) and they can have personalized and adorable messages on them! They are seriously the ultimate Valentine’s day treat!

If you really want to spoil your special someone, you can make these cookies along with some cheesecake stuffed strawberries and these really easy to make red velvet brownies. If you are not confident in your piping skills and think this recipe might end in disaster, don’t worry! This is the perfect sugar cookie recipe that is still shaped like a heart and will win over your Valentine. It’s really the thought that counts right? That’s why I love these thoughtful cookies that you can write your thoughts onto!

Ingredients

There are two different groups of ingredients, one for the Valentine’s day sugar cookies and the other is for the icing. If you have never made royal icing before, I share all my tips in the recipe and some extras in the tip box! You will also need a heart-shaped cookie cutter, I like these ones. You can use a ziploc bag for the pastry bag if you need to, but I would recommend a piping tip. I talk more about that in the tip box below. You can find exact measurements below in the recipe card.

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

Flour: I used all purpose flour for this recipe.Salt: A little salt helps to balance the sweet flavors.Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise.Butter: If your ingredients are at room temperature then they will mix together more smoothly. Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar will make this recipe sweet.Egg Yolks: This makes the cookie bind together really well and gives it the perfect texture.Sour Cream: It’s amazing! A little sour flavor really makes this cookie taste incredible, and not too sweet. Vanilla Extract: This will enhance the flavors of the sweet ingredients.Lemon Extract: This adds a fresh and bright flavor that you are going to love! You could add fresh lemon juice and zest instead.

Royal Icing

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves really smoothly and makes the frosting taste delicious and sweet.Meringue Powder: This will help the frosting set up to the right stiffness. You can use gelatin or cream of tartar instead, they all do the same thing. However, you will need to use a different amount, so make sure to look up the conversion before substituting.Water: Room temperature is best to help all of the ingredients combine.Gel Food Coloring: You get to choose! I like to use pastel colors, so I don’t add as much coloring. The gel works best because it doesn’t change the consistency of the frosting. Don’t use too much coloring or it will make your frosting taste bitter.

Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe

Get ready for your new Valentine’s Day cookie tradition! This seriously is one of my new favorite things. Everyone fell in love with the cookies right away because they not only look adorable and really thoughtful, they are also super delicious! This just might be the best sugar cookie recipe I’ve made! There is nothing tricky to this recipe, it’s going to turn out great!

Make the Sugar Cookie

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line 2-3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.Beat Butter and Sugar: In another medium bowl beat together the butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, sour cream and extracts and mix until just combined.Add Dry to Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just barely full combined.Roll and Shape: This recipe does not require any chilling time for the cookie dough, so you’re ready to roll out your cookies! Split the dough into 2-3 pieces and roll them one at a time on a lightly floured surface until they are ¼ inch thick. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Press the scraps together and set aside to rest for about 5 minutes. Reroll the scraps and cut more cookies until you have used up all the dough. I used a 3-inch heart and was able to get 18 cookies.Bake: Place the cookies on the parchment lined cookie sheets leaving 1 ½ inches between them. Bake for 6-8 minutes, rotating the pan at the 4 minute mark. I find this gives the cookies an even bake. The edges will be just set and the cookies will be very light in color and should have very minimal coloring underneath them.Cool and Frost: Let the Valentine’s Day cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes for the shape to set before transferring to a cooling rack. You can now store them, or frost them once they have had time to cool.

Make the Royal Icing

Mix: Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, mix the powdered sugar and meringue powder together on low.Add water: Add 4-5 tablespoons of water and mix together on high speed for about 1 minute. The icing should be pretty stiff. Add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time until the icing is about the consistency of soft serve ice cream and forms soft peaks. Reserve ⅓ cup, roughly, of icing and cover tightly with plastic wrap. This will be for the lettering on the cookies.Add Color: With the remaining icing, add additional water 1-2 teaspoons at a time until when the whisk is raised the icing drips back into the bowl and the lines of icing take about 10 seconds to melt back into the icing. This is the thin icing that will be used to fill, or flood, your cookies. Separate into small bowls and tint the icing your chosen colors, I chose to use a pastel color pallet of pink, blue, yellow, and purple. Color the reserved stiff frosting red or black for lettering. Now you are ready to ice your Valentine’s Day cookies.

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating

Fill Bag: When ready to ice your Valentine’s day cookies, fill your piping bags with the icing colors and tie off the ends to prevent the icing from overflowing out the top of the bags. Avoid filing them more than ½-⅔ full. Snip the end of the bag just barely, leaving a very small hole to pipe from.Line and Flood: Use light pressure to trace the outside of the heart, not letting the tip of the bag touch the cookie unless it’s to start or stop piping. Once the outline has been piped, use stronger pressure to fill the center of the cookie. It doesn’t have to be perfect, use a toothpick or a scribe tool to swirl the icing around until all the holes are filled. Let it set and the icing will melt into itself and smooth out. Set aside and let it crust over, at least an hour.Add Lettering: Snip the very end of the bag of the stiffer frosting for the lettering. Once the base icing has formed a crust, pipe your chosen words onto the cookies. Let the cookies sit overnight or 24 hours to fully dry. They should be uncovered at room temperature. Once the icing is completely dry the cookies can be stacked and stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is loved by the whole family! This recipe for crockpot meatloaf is easy to prepare, and using your slow cooker allows the flavors to blend together for a delicious meal.

If you love meatloaf then you have to try out some more of my easy and delicious meals that are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Some of my favorites are this Meatloaf Sandwich, this delicious Glazed Meatloaf, and these yummy Meatloaf Meatballs!

Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and so versatile! It’s a great option for a budget-friendly, easy-to-clean meal that your family will go crazy over! I love that I can throw it in the crockpot, let it cook all day and dinner is ready to go. It’s a lifesaver for busy days! This is definitely my new go-to meatloaf recipe.

Since this crockpot meatloaf is the kind of thing you can set and forget, you can use the extra time to make some easy sides to go with it! Mashed potatoes are an absolute must. Add in some delicious homemade rolls and a leafy green salad and you have a meal that will become a go-to for any busy night!

Ingredients in Crockpot Meatloaf

This recipe for crockpot meatloaf is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner! The combo of the savory beef, sweet glaze, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a delicious blend of flavors that is sure to please your taste buds! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for measurements.

Ground Beef: I always get beef that is no leaner than 85 percent. The higher fat content helps the meatloaf stay moist! If you want a healthier version of crockpot meatloaf, you can also swap out the beef for ground turkey. Keep in mind, though, turkey tends to dry out more easily so you’ll want to add more liquids in order for it to turn out nice and moist.Onion: The onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the meatloaf and also help to bind the ingredients together. Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh and herby flavor to the meatloaf and also adds a pop of color!Italian Bread Crumbs: Using Italian-style breadcrumbs adds a subtle flavor to the meatloaf. You can even make your own breadcrumbs using this recipe. Milk: The milk helps to make the meatloaf moist and tender.Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the meatloaf.Eggs: The eggs help to bind the ingredients together.Garlic Powder: The garlic adds such a delicious savory flavor to the dish! Kosher Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavors in the recipe. Pepper: Pepper is used to add subtle spiciness (but don’t worry, no heat!)Ketchup: Ketchup is used as a glaze for the meatloaf. Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the glaze. Brown Sugar: This adds a sweetness to the glaze.

How to Make Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker

The best part about this meal is that the crockpot does most of the work, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your meal with the rest of your family!

Line: Line the inside of a crockpot with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.Combine and Mix: In a large bowl combine beef, onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until combined being careful not to overmix. Shape the Meatloaf: Using your hands, shape the meatloaf into a large oval and place it on top of the foil in the crockpot.Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl whisk together ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Brush half of the mixture on the top of the meatloaf. Save the other half for later.Cook: Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. Bake until the beef is cooked throughout and reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Top with Glaze: When finished cooking, top it with the remaining glaze.Slice and Serve: Serve sliced, with remaining glaze sauce served on the side for drizzling.

Mushroom Risotto is soft short-grained rice that is cooked in broth with flavorful button mushrooms and sweet peas. The flavor combination is incredible and it’s the perfect side dish for any protein!

This classic Italian recipe can be served as main dish or a side paired with a hearty meat. This is a comfort meal that is planned and prepared with you in mind! Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Potatoes, some delicious Creamy Tomato Italian Parmesan Chicken or this filling and flavorful Classic Italian Wedding Soup are some of our favorite classic Italian meals to try.

Mushroom Risotto

I needed something light, comforting and manageable for the week and I knew Mushroom Risotto had to be made! It is a dish that can be warmed up quickly and taste good every day. It has simple ingredients and when combined all together adds this comforting and oh-so-good meal that makes your day go even better! This Mushroom Risotto is perfect for making ahead for your busy week or enjoying it right off the stove top.

I am all about making life simple. With life so busy all the time with the kids activities and endless errands to run, quick and easy meals, like this mushroom risotto and my favorite lemon garlic chicken to go with it are my savior! This is a quick and easy meal that my kids can warm up quick after school or pack along as a lunch. Check out my healthy meals round up and slow cooker dinner recipes for more great quick and easy meal ideas.

Ingredients

Even though this list looks long, the ingredients for mushroom risotto are really simple! Most of them are herbs or things that you already have on hand. This dish is so flavorful and easy to make, I know you are going to love it as much as my family does! The measurements are listed below in the recipe card.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Either will work, they add flavor and it is what you cook the rice in.Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Has a nice soft flavor and cooks well.Onion: Finely chopped.Butter: To cook veggies.Garlic Cloves: Minced.Button Mushrooms: It’s a European and North American mushroom with tons of nutrients and packed with flavor.Fresh Thyme: Earthy flavor perfect for this dish.Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch.Arborio Rice: The best rice to use! I have other tips for choosing rice below in the tip box.White Wine: Use your favorite, I talk more about the wine below in the tip box.Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Makes this so creamy and flavorful!Frozen Peas: You could use fresh instead.Fresh Parsley: For garnish and extra flavor.

Mushroom Risotto Recipe

This mushroom risotto is a very simple recipe and you are going to love how it turns out! The hardest part is cooking the rice the perfect amount of time so that it isn’t hard, but it doesn’t get mushy. You will be able to tell when it starts to get close, this is a recipe you don’t want to walk away from. It only takes 35 minutes, and you will be so in love with the flavor!

Warm Broth: Start by warming the chicken broth.  Either in a large bowl in the microwave or in a medium saucepan over medium heat bring to a simmer.Cook Onion and Mushroom: In a large pot heat the olive oil.  Add the onion and cook until tender.  Add 1 tbsp butter, garlic, mushrooms and thyme.  Cook until the mushrooms have softened and are tender.  Then season with salt and pepper.  Remove and set aside on a plate.Add Rice: Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter and add the arborio rice.  Stirring on medium heat, cook the grains until the are lightly brown and start to toast about 2 minutes. Then add the wine and cook until the wine has absorbed.  Add Broth: Add one cup of broth at a time to the rice and stir frequently until the rice absorbs the liquid.  Continue to add one cup of broth and allow the rice to absorb after each addition.  Stir often and cook until the risotto is al dente and not mushy.  You may not need all of the broth.  Add Veggies: Add the mushrooms, parmesan, and peas back to the rice and stir.  Garnish with fresh parsley.  Serve while warm.