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This easy Beef Fried Rice is ready in under 30 minutes and so delicious! It’s a great way to reinvent leftover rice into a filling and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself making this recipe all the time!

I love leftovers, so fried rice is a recipe I make all the time! You can take leftovers, and make them into a completely different meal that is satisfying and flavorful. If you are in the mood for more fried rice recipes, you’ve got to try this Hawaiian Fried Rice, this classic and Easy Fried Rice, and this Bacon Fried Rice.

Ground Beef Fried Rice

If you know me at all, you know I’m a sucker for good takeout! Of course, I also love making my family delicious and easy meals, and this beef fried rice is the best of both worlds. I usually plan to make it the night after we eat something else that I needed to make rice for, like a Korean ground beef and rice bowl, or a salmon rice bowl. Grab that leftover rice and give it new life with just a few simple steps!

First of all, in any stir fry, you can really throw in whatever you feel like. I usually stick mostly to this recipe, but sometimes I’ll throw in garlic, ginger, broccoli, and whatever strikes me in the moment. I have also used plenty of different kinds of rice, like jasmine rice and even cauliflower rice (try this cauliflower fried rice recipe). This recipe is super versatile and really flavorful, so you can change it to fit your tastebuds perfectly!

Ingredients

Oh how I love the simple ingredients in this beef fried rice! You could actually switch up the meat in this recipe, you don’t have to stick with just beef! Try chicken, ground pork, or even shrimp for a whole new recipe. This recipe is so much better than Chinese takeout and all you need is 30 minutes! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Sesame Oil: To season the veggies and beef.

Ground Beef: You can use whatever kind of ground beef you prefer. You could also use different cuts of beef as well, like beef mince or sirloin steak! Any tender cut of beef would work.

Onion Powder: For extra savory flavor on the beef.

Kosher Salt: A high quality salt makes all the difference.

Black Pepper: I love using freshly cracked black pepper for the most flavor.

Rice: This is day old rice that is already cooked. You can use whatever method you want, I share some ideas in the tip box below, or just use your leftovers from another meal.

White Onion: Sweet and savory at the same time, you’ll want little bites of onion in your rice.

Peas and Carrots: Frozen is easiest and will work great for this recipe. You could use fresh if you prefer.

Soy Sauce: You can’t forget soy sauce! It’s a classic flavor in fried rice. You can use dark soy sauce if you want to instead.

Eggs: You will lightly beat them and scramble them in the wok. They are so good!

Green Onions: This is optional for garnish.

Beef Fried Rice Recipe

You will need just one pot for this beef fried rice recipe. I love meals where I don’t have to do tons of dishes afterward! This recipe is simple and so flavorful, and you can eat it on it’s own, or with a few simple side dishes. It will seriously only take 30 minutes, so let’s get cooking!

Cook Ground Beef: Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, ground beef, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain any leftover oil from the meat. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Cook Veggies: Returning to the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil, onion, peas, and carrots. Cook until tender.

Scramble Eggs: Slide the onion, peas, and carrots to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side of the skillet. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetable mix.

Add Rice to Veggies and Egg: Add the cooked rice to the veggie and egg mixture. Pour the soy sauce on top. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until warmed through and combined.

Add Beef: Add the cooked ground beef back to the rice and veggie mixture and stir to combine.

Season and Garnish: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired.

Bechamel sauce is just the creamy, dreamy sauce you need in your life! It’s smooth and velvety and can be used in a variety of dishes, from mac and cheese to lasagna. Once you get a taste of its creamy, subtly savory flavor, you’ll be hooked!

Is there anything better than a creamy, savory sauce to cover all of your favorite dishes? Bechamel sauce is super versatile and a recipe you’re going to love having on hand, but you’ll also have to try this homemade white sauce, hollandaise sauce, and alfredo sauce!

What is Bechamel Sauce?

If you haven’t tried béchamel sauce before, it’s a creamy and luscious white sauce that’ll take your taste buds on a joyride. Bechamel sauce, or as the French call it, “Sauce Béchamel,” is a classic sauce that has been around since the 17th century. It’s made by whisking butter and flour together to make a roux, then adding milk and stirring until the sauce thickens. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Think lasagna, mac and cheese, and gratins. It’s also used as a base for other sauces like Mornay sauce, which has grated cheese added to it, or Velouté sauce, which uses a light chicken or fish stock instead of milk.

Bechamel sauce really is the best place to start when you want to add some creamy goodness to your favorite dishes. On its own, it has a very subtle flavor so you can dress it up however you’d like! I like to keep things simple and just use a little salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for some warmth. It’s so delicious! This sauce is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, covering poached eggs, using in pot pies, as a base for sausage gravy, the list goes on and on. Keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge so it stays fresh, because you’re going to want to have it on hand!

Ingredients for Bechamel Sauce

It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make this classic French sauce. I’m sure you have them all in your pantry, no grocery store trip needed! If you’re looking for measurements, they can all be found below in the recipe card.

Unsalted Butter: Adding unsalted butter to bechamel sauce creates a rich and smooth base that’s perfect for pasta dishes, veggies, and more! You can also use olive oil, but your sauce won’t end up quite as rich or creamy.

Flour: All purpose flour is essential in making the roux and gives bechamel sauce its thick and creamy consistency.

Milk: Warm milk is gradually added to the butter-flour mixture to create a velvety and delicious bechamel sauce. For a richer sauce, use heavy cream or half and half. Want to make it dairy-free? You can also use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk instead.

Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to your bechamel sauce for a burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or even some cayenne pepper. You can also cook your bechamel sauce with a bay leaf in it to infuse more flavor.

Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a little extra warmth to the sauce. I love the way it tastes!

How to Make Bechamel Sauce

Bechamel sauce is something anyone can make! It’s super easy and only takes 10 minutes from start to finish.

Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until thick and bubbly and just starting to lightly brown.

Stir in Milk: Slowly add the milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Increase to medium heat and continue to whisk for 3-4 minutes until thickened and nearly boiling.

Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste as well as 1 pinch of nutmeg. Continue to whisk and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Serve: Remove from the heat and serve.

Pico de Gallo, also called salsa fresca, is a made-from-scratch salsa that is loaded with bold flavors from jalapeño, lime, cilantro, and juicy chunks of tomato and onion. It’s quick and easy to make, and you will be scraping the bottom of the bowl in no time!

I LOVE fresh salsa. It’s the thing I most look forward to when I eat out. But there’s no reason to wait for a special occasion, you can whip this easy dish up anytime! If you are a salsa lover, then you’ve got to try this easy Best Blender Salsa, this Slow Cooker Restaurant Style Garden Salsa, and this Restaurant style salsa too!

What is Pico de Gallo?

Do you ever get so full from an appetizer that you aren’t even hungry when it comes time for the meal?  That is definitely a risk you take when making this incredible homemade pico!  This recipe creates such a fresh, vibrant, and chunky salsa!  Pico de Gallo is fresh salsa, all of the ingredients are bursting with flavor and combined with the juices of the tomato and lime. We love salsa at my house and are not afraid of a little spice. The jalapenos give this pico a little kick without being too much!

This is definitely the best salsa I have ever made, and one batch isn’t enough. I usually at LEAST double the recipe and set two bowls of it out. It is better than any restaurant pico I have had and I love that I can make it at home whenever I am craving it! It’s perfect on top of street tacos, inside burritos, with homemade air fryer tortilla chips, or alongside your chicken burrito bowl.

Ingredients

A good pico de gallo will usually always have the same basic ingredients. To be certain, those ingredients will always be fresh. Since there is no cooking involved, the raw ingredients will make or break your pico.  So, select the freshest ingredients possible!

Roma Tomatoes: Adds sweet and tangy flavor. You could use cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes instead.

Onion: A white onion is the best in this salsa because of its sharp taste and slightly more tender texture.

Jalapeno: For a little spice!

Cilantro: A classic flavor in any delicious salsa!

Lime Juice: Adds a bit of acidity and bright fresh citrus flavor. You can use lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.

Salt: To taste.

Pico de Gallo Recipe

This is the BEST pico de Gallo recipe you’ll try. It’s quick and easy and so simple to make from scratch. In fact, this fresh salsa is ready in minutes. First, dice up your ingredients. Then add them all to the bowl and enjoy! It’s as simple as that, and the taste is out of this world delicious. The tomatoes and lime juice make the perfect sauce that is so yummy.

Dice Ingredients: Tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno need to be diced evenly and roughly chop the cilantro.

Combine ingredients: In a medium sized bowl combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro and juice of one lime. Add salt to taste.

Serve!

If you want to infuse your favorite recipes with savory, nutty flavor, roasted garlic is the way to go! You can easily make some at home in a muffin tin with a drizzle of olive oil on top to enhance the overall flavor! The end result is caramelized, garlic heaven.

Roasted garlic is the best way to add depth of flavor to your favorite dishes. Try it mashed and spread over your favorite crackers, added to hummus or guacamole, in soups, or stirred into your favorite pasta sauce!

Roasted Garlic Recipe

Not only is roasted garlic easy to make, but it’s also a game-changer in the kitchen. Seriously, if you haven’t tried roasting garlic yet, you’re missing out! It’s so simple, even a beginner cook can do it. All you need is a head of garlic, some olive oil, and an oven. Simply slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and pop it in the oven. In about 45 minutes, you’ll have beautifully caramelized garlic cloves that are tender, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.

Don’t let its simplicity fool you! Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish and give it the perfect savory flavor. Spread it on bread, mix it into dips, toss it with roasted veggies, or stir it into pasta dishes. It adds a rich, savory flavor to everything it touches, and once you start using it, you’ll be as obsessed as I am.

Ingredients Needed for Roasted Garlic

Besides a few heads of garlic, you’ll only need a couple extra ingredients to whip this up. It’s so simple to make some caramelized, delicious roasted garlic. You’ll want to use it in all of your cooking!

Garlic: I used about 4 heads worth of fresh garlic. To prepare them, slice the tops off so the cloves are exposed.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the garlic heads before roasting. It helps to keep the garlic moist and adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can also substitute it with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Salt and Pepper: I used kosher salt and pepper to season the garlic before roasting. They help to enhance the natural flavors of the garlic and add a little bit of seasoning to the dish.

How to Roast Garlic

Once it’s out of the oven, you can use roasted garlic for so many different things! Try it on roasted vegetables, garlic bread, in salad dressing, or mashed potatoes! Roasting garlic gives it the best flavor. It’s subtly sweet while also being savory and delicious!

Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare Garlic: Peel away the extra layers of garlic paper. Leave one thin layer to hold the garlic together. Use a sharp knife to cut off 1/4-inch from the top of the cloves.

Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: Place individual raw garlic cloves, cut side up, in a muffin pan. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season the garlic with salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Cover With Aluminum Foil: Top each garlic head with a small piece of foil to prevent the garlic from getting too dark while roasting. The foil also helps create steam to slowly roast the garlic.

Bake: Bake until the cloves inside the packet are light brown and soft. About 40 minutes to 1 hour. Test for doneness by pricking an individual clove with a fork. The garlic should be soft and tender.

Use: Enjoy roasted garlic whole, spread on bread, or use it in your favorite recipes. It adds so much flavor to sauces, spreads, pasta, or any dish!

Everyone needs a great chocolate ganache recipe in their cookbook! This recipe is a classic and the best ganache recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s perfectly shiny with rich chocolate flavor, and takes 5 minutes to whip up!

I think that the world is better with chocolate in it! I love making things at home like hot fudge, yummy chocolate frosting, and of course, chocolate mousse. They are so much easier to make than most people think, and they make everything you put them on better. That’s why you absolutely have to try this chocolate ganache recipe. It’s so simple and tastes amazing!

Chocolate Ganache Recipe

If you are a chocolate lover, then you hands down have to try this homemade chocolate ganache recipe. It will take your chocolate cake to the next level! Of course you don’t have to stick with just pouring it over cake, it’s amazing served with fresh fruit, on top of cupcakes, as a glaze on your chocolate sweet bread, or just about anything else you want to eat chocolate with. The best part is, it takes 5 minutes to make. No, seriously! 5 minutes!

Some people like to add corn syrup to their chocolate ganache for extra shine and structure. I feel like it doesn’t need it most of the time! I used this chocolate ganache recipe over my strawberry chocolate cake and did a drip effect, and this recipe was the perfect consistency. Not too runny, perfectly shiny, and SO good! If you have 5 minutes to spare, then you can add this special touch to any dessert.

Ingredients

You just need 3 simple ingredients for this chocolate ganache. I don’t even use a hand mixer or a double boiler. I just pop the heavy cream in the microwave to heat it up! You will want a whisk or a rubber spatula handy for mixing up your chocolate. Other ingredients you could add to switch up this recipe are vanilla extract, rum, or brandy. Some say that adding alcohol or an extract to your chocolate ganache is the only way to make it. You can choose how you want to make it! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Semisweet Chocolate: The better quality chocolate you use, the better your ganache will taste! I prefer brands like Ghirardelli and Guittard. You could use milk chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, or really any kind of chocolate you prefer. Use white chocolate chips for white chocolate ganache.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the ganache so creamy and delicious.

Butter: The extra fat helps to keep the ganache soft and shiny.

How to Make Chocolate Ganache

Grab some good quality chocolate chips and some heavy cream. I like to add butter for extra shine and softness, but that’s totally optional. First you heat the heavy whipping cream and butter(I do it in the microwave to keep things super simple). Then mix in the chocolate chips. The mixture will slowly come together until it’s the perfect consistency with so much shine you won’t believe it. You don’t even have to boil water or get out your small saucepan, because it’s all done in one bowl. That’s why this chocolate ganache recipe is a no brainer!!

Prep: Add the chocolate to a bowl and then set aside.

Microwave: Add the butter and the cream to a small bowl and then heat for 30-45 seconds in the microwave until steaming.

Add Liquid to Chocolate and Stir: Pour the cream over the chocolate and then let sit for 3 minutes before whisking until smooth.

These homemade lemon scones are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a crumbly texture that’ll melt in your mouth. And let’s not forget about the delicious sweet lemon icing, which is the cherry on top to make them simply irresistible. Having one of these for breakfast is the perfect way to start your day!

Is there anything better than a sweet, buttery scone fresh out of the oven? If you’re a pastry-lover like me, you’ll have to try these other recipes out next: blueberry scones, glazed orange scones, and maple pecan scones!

Lemon Scone Recipe

Lemon scones with a drizzle of zesty lemon icing are the ultimate indulgence for any citrus lover! These scones are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and have a crumbly yet soft texture that will leave your taste buds in heaven. Whether you make these for breakfast, brunch, or just a sweet treat to have with coffee, I know you will love this recipe as much as I do.

But the best part? Lemon scones are super easy to make and take only 40 minutes from start to finish! Simply mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, add the wet ingredients, shape the dough into triangles, and bake. In no time, you’ll have a batch of freshly baked scones that are sure to impress. So, whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these lemon scones are the perfect choice!

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down the ingredients that make these lemon scones so scrumptious! Check out the recipe card below to find exact measurements.

All-Purpose Flour: First up, we have 2 cups of all-purpose flour – the backbone of any good scone recipe. This flour gives the lemon scones their structure and stability, ensuring they bake up light and fluffy. You’ll want to avoid using a flour that has too high of a protein content so your scones don’t end up dense.

Granulated Sugar: Sugar provides the sweetness that balances out the tangy lemon flavor. Sugar also helps to create a golden brown crust on the outside of the scones. Yum!

Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent and helps the scones puff up in the oven.

Salt: Don’t forget about the salt – this ingredient is essential for bringing out all the flavors in the recipe.

Lemon Zest: Adds a burst of citrusy flavor to the scones.

Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create the flaky texture that we all love in homemade scones.

Heavy Cream: The high fat content in heavy cream helps to make the scones nice and tender.

Large Egg: To bind everything together and give the scones structure.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to each bite.

Coarse Sugar: Because no pastry is complete without a sprinkling of coarse sugar! It’s a bakery-worthy finishing touch.

For the Lemon Icing:

The icing on the cake, or in this case, the icing on the scone! This lemon glaze is the perfect finishing touch to make your lemon scones even more delicious.

Powdered Sugar: Gives the icing a smooth texture and sweet flavor.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a must-add so your scones have a pop of zesty flavor. Fresh is best! The acidity of the lemon juice also helps to break down the powdered sugar and create a smooth consistency.

Heavy Cream: Helps to thin out the icing and make it easy to drizzle over the scones. Plus, the cream adds a touch of richness and creaminess that makes the icing absolutely irresistible. By all means, taste test, but be sure to save some for the actual scones!

How to Make Lemon Scones

It’s super easy and takes less than an hour! Once you get a taste of these homemade lemon scones, you’ll want them all the time. You just can’t go wrong with their bright, zesty flavor and crumbly, buttery flavor! It’s so delicious!

Preheat Oven, Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest together.

Add Butter: Use a box grater to grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Use your hands to lightly toss the butter into the flour.

Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour over the butter and flour mixture and stir to combine. Trying to work the dough as little as possible, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and work into a ball. Flatten into an 8-9 inch disc. Use a sharp knife to cut into 6-8 equal pieces.

Bake: Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until nice and golden brown. If you find the scones are browning too quickly, lay a sheet of foil over the top of them to prevent them from burning while they finish baking. Allow your lemon scones to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before drizzling the icing over the top.

Making the Icing

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and heavy cream.

Adjust Consistency: If needed, thin with more lemon juice 1 teaspoon at a time.

Creamy Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is ready in under 30 minutes! Marsala wine is made into a creamy sauce paired with mushrooms for the ultimate savory bite. It’s simple and easy to whip up and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

I am such a fan of mushrooms with just about everything. They are the perfect companion to pasta, soup, sauces, and pretty much everything else. If you love mushrooms too, then you will love this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, this delicious Skillet Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine, and this simple but oh-so flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken.

Marsala Chicken

Do you ever make something and think, DANG! I just made that?! This Creamy Chicken Marsala became an instant favorite with the very first bite. The creamy sauce is made with sweet marsala wine and wow, the flavor is incredible. (Don’t worry because alcohol does burn off during the cooking process and is safe for the kids to eat). All you have to add to it is some heavy cream, garlic, mustard, and voila!

Everything about this meal is SO GOOD. It’s perfect served with roasted root vegetables and a simple Caesar salad. You could also serve it over pasta al limone or your favorite noodles for a filling chicken pasta. My family always requests mashed potatoes, so I know for a fact it’s great with those too! This marsala sauce is perfect over rice too. However you decide to serve it, you are going to love this quick and easy chicken dish!

Ingredients

The key ingredient in this creamy chicken marsala is of course, the Marsala wine! You can find Marsala wine fairly easily and it’s perfect to have in your pantry for more recipes, like this creamy garlic pork marsala. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Chicken Breast: I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe. You could also use chicken thighs or chicken cutlets instead.

Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken.

Olive Oil: I prefer to cook with olive oil, but you can use your favorite cooking oil. You could use butter instead.

Mushrooms: Thinly sliced as evenly as possible so they all cook at the same rate.

Marsala Wine: The key ingredient! It adds all the body and flavor to the sauce.

Chicken Broth: To help make the sauce.

Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes this sauce so thick and creamy!

Ground Mustard: I prefer to use ground mustard, but you could also use a liquid mustard. Or you could leave it out altogether if your family doesn’t like mustard flavor.

Garlic Powder: To add to the depth of the sauce.

Parsley: Fresh, for garnish. You could also add fresh thyme as well.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe

This creamy chicken marsala recipe is pretty much as easy as it gets! Don’t be intimidated by cooking with wine, I kept this recipe so simple that anyone could do it. If you prefer to cook without wine, I share my substitutions below in the tip box.

Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the chicken and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked throughout. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Make Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes. Add marsala wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. This allows the alcohol to burn out. Add the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, ground mustard, and garlic powder. 

Thicken Sauce and Serve: Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Place the cooked chicken back in the sauce and continue to simmer for about 1-2 minutes.

I know it may sound like an unusual combination, but trust me when I say bacon jam is a game-changer. This sweet and savory spread, made with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a touch of maple syrup, can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It has a sweet and savory flavor that goes well with so many different foods, from toast and crackers to burgers and sandwiches. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Whether you’re making a sandwich or a charcuterie board, you need a good savory spread. After you make this delicious bacon jam, you’ll have to try out jalapeno jelly, garlic herb cream cheese, or whipped ricotta!

Bacon Onion Jam

Let’s talk about bacon jam, the ultimate condiment for anyone who loves savory and sweet flavors. This bacon lover’s dream is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, and burgers, adding an extra layer of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Just imagine a juicy burger smothered in bacon jam, or a grilled cheese sandwich with a dollop of this deliciousness – it’s a game-changer, my friends.

And the best part? Bacon jam is incredibly easy to make! All you need is bacon, onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and you’re good to go. Simply fry up the bacon until it’s crispy, cook the onions until they’re caramelized, and voila! You’ve got yourself a jar of deliciousness that will last in the fridge for weeks (if you can resist eating it all at once).

Ingredients You Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make bacon jam so drool-worthy! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Chopped Bacon: This is the main ingredient that makes bacon jam so irresistible. It brings a smoky, salty, and meaty flavor that is just out of this world. For a leaner version, try using turkey bacon. If you’re a vegetarian, you can try using tempeh bacon or smoked tofu instead.

Sweet Onion: These add a subtle sweetness and texture to the bacon jam. They cook to gorgeous, caramelized perfection! Shallots also work as a great substitute.

Sherry Vinegar: Sherry vinegar is mild and slightly sweet, and if you don’t have any, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.

Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a delicious tangy flavor that balances the meatiness of the jam perfectly.

Brown Sugar: Gives the jam a caramel-like sweetness and to help thicken it up.

Maple Syrup: For a little more subtle sweetness. Honey also works!

Water: Adds moisture to the spread and also helps to adjust the consistency.

Fresh Thyme: (Optional) In my opinion, fresh herbs are a must-add. If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary or basil are great substitutes.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste!

How to Make Bacon Jam

It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up a jar of fresh bacon jam. It’s so easy! Then once you have some on hand, as long as you store it properly in the fridge, you’ll be able to enjoy it for 2 weeks! It will level up your lunch game and take your sandwiches from good to great.

Cook Bacon: Add the bacon to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.

Caramelize Onions: Add the onions to the reserved bacon grease and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Combine and Simmer: Return the bacon to the pan and add the vinegars, brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and thyme, if desired. Stir and cook until bubbling, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, until thick and dark.

Airtight Container: Transfer bacon jam to an airtight container or jar and let cool completely before serving or storing in the fridge.

These kitchen sink cookies are the perfect chaotic blend of pretty much everything but the kitchen sink! A chocolate chip cookie is taken to the next level with pretzels, potato chips, and candy pieces. You won’t be able to get over how amazing these cookies are!

If you have never tried potato chips in a cookie before, prepare to be blown away! The salty crunch with the sweet cookie- absolute bliss. If you still aren’t convinced, I’ve got plenty of traditional cookie recipes for you. Try these Turtle Cookies, these Almond Cookies, or these White Chocolate Oreo Cookies instead!

Kitchen Sink Cookie

You probably already know how the kitchen sink cookie gets its name. It’s definitely loaded with pretty much anything you are in the mood for! There are lots of different ways to make a kitchen sink cookie, but this recipe is hands down my favorite mix. The pretzels and potato chips add just enough to the chocolate chip cookie base to balance out the sweetness of the candy pieces and chocolate chips. It really is a super fun cookie and is a great way to switch things up. People love it when I bring these to potlucks!

You can really make this cookie recipe your own! Why not try out some of these fun additions in a peanut butter cookie or a brownie cookie instead? You can also switch up the candies that go into this cookie recipe any way you like. It’s a great recipe to make with kids because you get to throw in whatever sounds good to you at the time, and whatever you have sitting in your pantry. This is going to become a family favorite, guaranteed!

Ingredients

The ingredients for your kitchen sink cookies are unique to you. You will start with a basic chocolate chip cookie base, and then comes the fun part. You can add just what I’ve listed here, or you can get creative on your own! Think of things like caramel bits, butterscotch chips, sprinkles, coconut flakes, peanut butter chips- the list goes on! I give more suggestions below in the tip box. You can find all the measurements below in the recipe box.

Butter: I prefer to use unsalted so I can keep a better eye on how much salt goes into the recipe. Don’t forget to leave your butter out to soften.

Brown Sugar: Helps the cookie to get that nice brown color, and deepens the flavor with the molasses.

Sugar: To sweeten the dough.

Eggs: I always use large grade A eggs. Leave them out at room temperature for better results.

Vanilla Extract: For added flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: It’s the easiest to work with. I haven’t tested this recipe on gluten-free flours so I’m not sure how it would work!

Baking Soda: Leavening agent.

Baking Powder: Leavening agent.

Salt: To balance out the sweetness.

Pretzels: Make sure they are crushed up into smaller bite sized pieces.

Potato Chips: I prefer the plain salted chips crushed up!

Toffee Bits: This is what adds that caramel and crunch that I love so much!

Chocolate Chips: A must to bring the whole cookie together!

Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe

It doesn’t get easier than these kitchen sink cookies! It’s simple and so straightforward. First, cream your butter and sugar. Add the rest of your ingredients and mix, then pop them in the oven. I prefer to use a cookie scoop to keep all of the cookies an even size so they bake better in the oven.

Beat Butter and Sugar: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium sized mixing bowl cream together cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.

Make Batter: Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until combined. Mix in the pretzels, potato chips, toffee, and chocolate chips by hand until well combined.

Shape, Bake, and Enjoy: Using a 1 inch cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and drop on a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool.

This is the most creamy and delicious homemade alfredo sauce that you will ever make! It’s a tried and true recipe that will take all of your favorite pasta dishes to the next level.

This is my most popular recipe for a good reason! If you love alfredo as much as I do try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Asiago Garlic Alfredo Pasta. 

Best-Ever Alfredo Sauce

This is probably one of my favorite recipes here on the blog. (It’s a reader-favorite, too!) If there is one thing I can always count on my family to eat it is my homemade alfredo sauce over pasta. With alfredo sauce this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it’s so hard to resist!

We recently had some company over for dinner and I made these Chicken Bacon Garlic Alfredo Roll Ups. They are always are a huge hit! This homemade alfredo sauce really makes any dish shine. It’s thick and creamy, coats pasta perfectly, and the flavor is out of the world. It is restaurant quality that you can make right at home!

Ingredients You Need to Make It

You only need a few simple ingredients to make the BEST alfredo sauce. This sauce just has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. For the best possible flavor, using the freshest ingredients is key! Fresh parmesan cheese grated off the block is one of those key ingredients. This will create a smooth textured sauce rather than a grainy one.

Butter: Both unsalted or salted work for this alfredo sauce recipe. If using salted butter, then just adjust the extra salt you use or omit it entirely.

Heavy Cream: A must-add so your sauce is rich and creamy.

Cream Cheese: My secret ingredient! This adds a nice, thick consistency to your alfredo sauce.

Minced Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic.

Garlic Powder: Because you can never go wrong with too much garlic! Add some of this in so your sauce has a little extra savory flavor.

Italian Seasoning: My favorite blend of herbs! They make the sauce smell and taste amazing.

Salt and Pepper: Add both to taste.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated parmesan cheese is best. Powdered cheese will create a grainy texture and does not melt through when heated. This is because of all the preservatives that are added.

How to Make Alfredo Sauce From Scratch

Not only does this alfredo sauce recipe use super simple ingredients, but it’s so quick and easy to make! Simply combine all of your ingredients in a skillet and achieve creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s so good!

Whisk Dairy Ingredients Together: In a medium saucepan add butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese. Then cook over medium heat and whisk until melted.

Add In Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Then continue to whisk until smooth.

Stir in Cheese: Add the grated parmesan cheese.

Thicken Your Sauce: Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Toss With Pasta: Toss alfredo sauce with your favorite pasta! I always go for fettuccine noodles to make the best fettuccine alfredo ever!

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