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Bao Buns are soft, pillowy buns made from a slightly sweet dough. They originate from China and are served with different types of fillings. You can enjoy them as a snack, as a side, or with dim sum.

Ingredients Needed For Bao Buns

The ingredients needed to make these fun Baozi buns are simple and pantry staples. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you’ll need one for this recipe. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Warm Water: Gives a base for the yeast and sugar to come alive!

Warm Milk: Helps feed the yeast to make it frothy.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.

Active Dry Yeast: It makes the dough rise, giving the buns their fluffy, soft texture.

Vegetable Oil: Helps the buns lightly brown.

All Purpose Flour: The main ingredient that forms the dough.

Baking Powder: This helps the buns rise faster and have a nice texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors.

Bao Bun Recipe Instructions

Making bao buns is easier than you might think. Most of your time will be spent catching up on your favorite shows while the dough rises! It will be so much fun for you to try these delicious, soft, unique buns!

Form and Rise Dough

Whisk: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the water, milk, sugar, and yeast, cover it, and let it rest until it becomes foamy, for about 5 minutes.

Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix: When the yeast mixture is frothy, add the flour mixture and mix at medium speed using a dough hook until the dough forms, about 3-4 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for another 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticking to the sides of the bowl.

Form and Let Rise: Dump the gua bao bun dough out onto a lightly floured surface, then form it into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough into the bowl, cover it, and let it rest for at least 1 hour. The dough should double in size. While the dough rises, cut parchment paper into 4-inch squares and set aside.

Cut and Steam Bao Bun Dough

Roll Out, Cut, and Brush: Dump the risen bao bun dough out onto a lightly floured surface, then roll it out with a rolling pin to an even ¼-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch diameter cookie cutter or cup, cut the dough into circles, then brush the top of each bun with additional vegetable oil. Fold the buns in half, gently pressing them down to fold.

Let Rise: Place each bun on a piece of parchment paper on the pan, cover, and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Boil: Prepare the steamer by adding 2 cups of water to a large pot, and fit the pot with a steamer ring. When the buns are ready, bring the water to a boil.

Steam and Enjoy: Fill the steamer basket with the buns on the individual parchment papers, leaving at least 1 inch of space between the buns. Place the steamer basket on the steamer ring on top of the pot with boiling water, then steam the buns for 10-12 minutes. The buns will fluff up and be firm to the touch without sticking to your fingers. You will need to work in batches. Fill the steamed buns with your choice of filling, and enjoy!

Chocolate pecan pie is a sweet, decadent dessert with a buttery crust filled with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. It’s the perfect pie to share this Thanksgiving. It will knock your family’s socks off!

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Pecan Pie

The ingredients list for this decadent pie is not very long. It’s made up of basic ingredients that come together to make something so special and delicious. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Grandma’s Pie Crust, or Store-Bought: For this recipe, you need to have your pie crust made and ready to go. You can make a homemade crust or use store-bought pie crust.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This secret ingredient is what sets this pie apart. The chocolate perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling.

Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture that creates the most flavorful filling in this pie.

Dark Brown Sugar: The molasses content in this sugar gives the sweetness a bold depth of flavor.

Dark Corn Syrup: Give the signature ooey, gooey texture and toffee flavor that complements the chocolate and pecans.

Eggs: Adds a custard texture while binding the ingredients in the filling.

Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, comforting flavor.

Pecans: The star of the pie! I always think of these as the fancy nuts with the best texture and flavor.

How to Make This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

This indulgent pie is quite simple to make. It uses simple ingredients that come together quickly and easily. The oven does most of the work. You won’t believe something this good only takes 10 minutes of prep time!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Flute the edges and then freeze the crust while you prepare the filling. Add the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a large bowl and stir until combined.

Mix: Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly combined.

Pecans: Add the pecans to the bottom of the chilled pie crust

Chocolate: Add the chocolate on top of the pecans.

Cover: Pour the pecan pie filling over the top of the pecans and chocolate.

Bake: Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven before lowering the temp to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until the center of the pie still has a slight wobble. It should be almost completely set. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. Then, transfer it to the fridge until you are ready to serve it.

These zesty Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are an easy snack or appetizer that everyone will devour! A creamy buffalo-flavored spread full of shredded chicken, seasonings, and cheeses all rolled inside of a soft tortilla. Slice into cute pinwheels and enjoy!

Ingredients to Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

With a handful of simple ingredients, you can easily make these pinwheels. When all the flavors are combined, they create an explosion of flavor in every bite. My buffalo chicken dip is just as delicious! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post!

Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked shredded chicken like rotisserie chicken makes it easy!

Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy buffalo mixture! Use softened cream cheese because it mixes the best.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy texture!

Buffalo Sauce: I used Frank’s hot sauce!

Blue Cheese Crumbles: A classic cheese combination with buffalo flavors.

Chopped Chives: I love how mild chives are, but feel free to use green onions!

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: The perfect seasonings to add depth and flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Helps balance and enhance the flavors.

Large Flour Tortillas: I recommend using large tortillas!

Blue Cheese Dressing: Substitute ranch dressing for the blue cheese dressing if you prefer.

Let’s Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels!

These pinwheels are so easy to put together and rolling up the tortillas is the fun part! It’s a perfect finger food for after-school snacks, parties, and on-the-go fuel.

Combine: Add the cream cheese, cheddar, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.

Mix: Use a hand mixer to beat until creamy and combined.

Stir in the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken by hand.

Spread: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the tortillas.

Roll: Roll up the tortillas tightly.

Slice: Use a sharp knife to slice the tortillas into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve with blue cheese dressing or buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.

Get the party started with Fire Crackers! In this recipe, saltine crackers go from something ordinary into something extraordinary with a flavorful blend of seasonings. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking on around the holidays (or anytime)!

Ingredients in Fire Crackers

Whether you call these fire crackers, Alabama fire crackers or party crackers, one thing is for sure, you can’t eat just one! Find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Magically, the oil absorbs into the cracker without making it greasy or soggy. Instead, it helps the seasonings adhere to the cracker, making every bite delicious.

Seasoning: You can buy a packet of ranch seasoning or make your own. It’s easy! You’ll also need 1 tsp Italian seasoning to balance the other flavors.

Red Pepper Flakes: This is what gives our fire crackers their name and signature heat!

Crackers: Saltine crackers are thin with the perfect crisp bite! You will need 4 sleeves.

Let’s Make Some Fire Crackers!

This fire crackers recipe is one of the simplest snacks to whip up! I like to let my kids shake them up! Just be sure to allow time for the crackers to soak in all of the delicious flavors. Then, bring these to your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear!

Combine: Add the oil, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to a gallon ziplock bag.

Mix: Close the bag, make sure it is completely sealed, then mix everything together.

Shake: Add the saltines to the bag and close it tightly then shake the bag around. Flip it front to back several times until all the crackers have been coated. Let the bag sit for at least 8 hours, flipping it over multiple times to help distribute any settled oil.

Chicken korma is a traditional Indian chicken dish that is so delicious. It’s made with tender chicken smothered in a creamy, wonderfully seasoned sauce. It’s so good your family will think you got takeout!

Ingredients Need to Make Chicken Korma

I love going out to eat and getting Indian food. I just love how flavorful everything is! With this list of ingredients, you can have the best chicken korma you have ever had in no time! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The hearty protein base that absorbs all of the flavors.

Vegetable Oil: Helps sautee the vegetables and sear the chicken.

Ghee: This is a type of clarified butter. If you don’t have any, I highly recommend getting some here, or you can use unsalted butter instead.

Yellow Onion: Adds a bright punch of savory flavor and slight texture.

Garlic Cloves: Indian food is known for its bold flavors, and garlic is at the top of the list!

Minced Fresh Ginger: One of my favorite ways to brighten a dish with its spicy, vibrant flavor.

Whole-Fat Yogurt: Gives the sauce a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Seasonings: Indian food is known for the many herbs and spices it uses. This recipe uses ground coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala.

Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Cilantro: As a garnish for serving.

How to Make This Chicken Korma Recipe

Making chicken korma is actually quite simple. From start to finish, this will only take you about 40 minutes. I love recipes that I can quickly make on busy week nights that taste amazing!

Sautée: Heat the vegetable oil and ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown. Add in the garlic and ginger and cook another 2-3 minutes.

Blend: Using a slotted spoon, remove the onions, garlic, and ginger from the oil and then add them to a blender. Then, add the yogurt, coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt and pepper to the blender. Blend until you have a smooth consistency.

Sear: Add the chicken to the hot oil and ghee and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Simmer: Add the yogurt mixture to the skillet and then stir to combine and coat all the chicken. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook on low for 8-10 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, serve it over rice with naan.

Mexican street corn soup has all the incredible flavors of street corn in a warm, comforting, delicious soup. This soup has fresh corn, lots of cotija cheese, spices, cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream to make it smooth and creamy.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Soup

The list of ingredients needed shouldn’t be hard to come by. You can also make adjustments to use what you have on hand. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Vegetable Oil: Used to cook the onions and corn.

Yellow Onion: Gives the soup a nice savory flavor and a slight texture.

Fresh Corn Kernels: You can use canned or frozen, but fresh from the cob is just unbeatable. Elote is the Spanish word for ‘corn on the cob!’

Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Ancho Chili Powder: Regular chili powder is okay to use if you don’t have it on hand.

Chipotle Seasoning: Gives the soup a slight smokey flavor and a kick of heat. Use store bout or can make homemade chipotle seasoning.

Minced Garlic: Gives the soup the best savory flavor that brings everything together!

Vegetable Broth: You can use chicken broth if you don’t have vegetable broth on hand.

Cotija Cheese: Provides a nice salty, cheesy flavor that is unique to Mexican street corn.

Sour Cream: Gives the soup a nice creamy texture.

Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herbal note that is also unique to Mexican flavors.

Lime Juice: Gives a good citrus burst of flavor. A must for Mexican street corn!

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup

Making this soup is easy. Simply sautee your vegetables, combine ingredients, blend the soup, and serve! You will love how flavorful and delicious this soup is. I’m sure your family will love it!

Sautée: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add onion, corn, salt, pepper, chili powder, and chipotle seasoning. Cook until the corn is a little charred, about 5-8 minutes.

Simmer: Add the garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. Pour in the broth, cotija cheese, and sour cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Blend: Remove 2 cups of the corn from the soup and set it aside. Then, blend the soup to a smooth consistency using an immersion or regular blender. Remember to be careful when pouring hot liquids into a blender.

Stir and Serve: If using a blender, pour the soup back into the pot, then add the reserved corn kernels back to the soup. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice and serve.

In this weekly meal plan, I’ve included some fall classics like my Best Ever Chili Recipe! Even your kiddos will love it! You can check out all of my weekly menu plans here.

5 Meals for Dinner this Week!

If you love dinners that are packed with flavor but only by using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen– then this week’s meal plan is for you! Because I love to make things easy, I hate having to head to the store for one or two ingredients! Check out this weeks meal plan and see if it was easy for you too!

Monday: Best Ever Chili Recipe

Tuesday: Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Wednesday: Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

Thursday: Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken

Friday: Melt in Your Mouth Pot Roast Recipe

These weekly menu plans are designed to be quick, easy, and affordable for families. Each recipe is crafted to simplify your weeknights, giving you more time with your loved ones!

Corn pudding is creamy, slightly sweet, with a hint of savory! It’s packed with cream, butter, sweet and juicy corn kernels, all baked to perfection. It will be an awesome addition to your Thanksgiving spread, or make it for any weeknight.

Ingredients for Corn Pudding

This ingredient list is pretty simple! In fact, once you have your corn, you probably already have everything else in your kitchen! See the recipe card below for a list of exact ingredient measurements.

Butter: Helps make the pudding rich, with a smooth texture and a depth of flavor.

Room Temperature Heavy Cream: Gives the dish a smooth, creamy texture and flavor.

Room Temperature Large Eggs: Makes everything stick together and creates a custard like texture.

Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the corn.

Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the mixture, giving it a custard creamy texture.

Baking Powder: Helps the pudding rise and become more fluffy and light.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Can Whole Kernel Corn: The main reason for making this dish, sweet CORN! I love how juicy and sweet it is.

Cans Cream-Style Corn: Adds to the yummy texture and flavor.

Let’s Make Some Corn Pudding!

This corn pudding is delicious and super easy to make! Plus, it only takes about 45 minutes… and that includes baking time!

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Drain the can of whole-kernel corn well to remove any excess liquid.

Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.

Combine: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until combined.

Whisk: Whisk in the butter, heavy cream, creamed corn, and drained corn until fully combined.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish and bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly.

Rest and Serve: Let the corn pudding rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cherry Slab Pie is an American classic made to serve a crowd! This recipe uses a tender, flaky crust that surrounds sweet, juicy cherry pie filling. It tastes incredibly delicious and is the perfect dessert for any time of year. 

Ingredients For Cherry Pie Slab Recipe

Can you believe you only need seven simple ingredients to make this gorgeous and yummy cherry slab pie recipe? You probably have everything but the cherry pie filling!  All of the exact ingredient measurements are listed at the bottom of the post on the recipe card.

Flour: The base for the crust. Use all-purpose flour for maximum tenderness.

Salt: Adds flavor to the crust.

Shortening: This is what will give your crust the best flaky texture.

Cold Water: It’s crucial that the water is cold so your crust is nice and flaky. Add it slowly until the dough forms, and don’t over-mix.

Cherry Pie Filling: Use canned cherry pie filling for convenience that tastes delicious and fruity.

Egg: Beat one large egg for the egg wash before baking. This will give your slab pie a pretty golden crust.

Sugar: Add a topping of granulated sugar or turbinado sugar before baking.

How to Make a Cherry Slab Pie

If you love my caramel apple slab pie, you will enjoy this cherry version. Like the Apple version, this comes together quickly by following the step-by-step instructions. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps, they’re straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert!

Dough

Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles peas.

Add Water: Add ten tablespoons of the cold water and toss together with a fork. Add one tablespoon of additional water at a time until the flour mixture has been moistened and can be pressed into a large ball of dough.

Slab

Roll the Dough: Separate the dough into two balls, one slightly bigger than the other. Wrap the smaller ball in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Roll out the larger dough ball on a lightly floured surface until you have a large rectangle slightly larger than 12×17 inches and thinner than ¼-inch thick.

Transfer Crust to Pan: Gently roll the sheet of pie crust up onto the rolling pin to transfer it to the prepared jelly roll pan. Unroll the crust onto the pan and carefully press it evenly into the pan.

Add the Filling: Add the cherry pie filling to the crust, spreading it to fill the entire pan.

Roll and Add the Top Dough: Roll the remaining dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle and top the pie. Fold over the edge of the bottom crust and crimp or pinch the edges as desired, trimming any excess dough.

Bake: Cut several slits in the top crust to vent the pie. Beat an egg in a small bowl, then brush it over the crust and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake on a lower rack for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving, or cool completely and refrigerate until serving.

This simple air fryer pork belly recipe is great for making and enjoying this indulgent snack. It’s meaty, crispy, smothered in a sticky, salty marinade that sets the flavors off perfectly!

Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly

Pick up some pork belly from your local grocery store and make these crispy pork belly nuggets. You should have everything else in your pantry. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Pork Belly: The main protein that is perfect for absorbing flavor and having the perfect crisp from the air fryer.

Soy Sauce: Gives the marinade a nice salty umami flavor.

Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the marinade stick to the pork belly.

Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet, sticky depth of flavor.

Hoisin Sauce: Adds is a sauce that is both sweet and tangy.

Sesame Oil: Gives the marinade an earthy, nutty flavor.

Ground Ginger: The best complement to salty pork with its refreshing bit of spice.

Minced Garlic: Always gives the best savory flavor that is unmatched!

Rice Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and balance the flavors.

Garnish: Sesame seeds and sliced green onion.

How to Make the Best Crispy Pork Belly

This recipe comes together quickly and easily. The air fryer doesn’t take much time to cook these delectable pieces of pork belly perfectly crispy. Woo, that was a mouthful! Follow my instructions to get these yummies in your mouth!

Cut the Pork Belly: Using a sharp knife, cut the pork belly into 1-inch bite-size pieces.

Whisk the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, hoisin, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and vinegar, then whisk to combine.

Marinate: Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl with the marinade, then stir to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Air Fry: Place the marinated pork belly pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the pork belly at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Open to shake or flip the pieces every few minutes. This will ensure they get crispy all over! Increase the time or temperature if needed to help crisp the pieces to your liking.