So it's hot. And you might think that I'm a little silly for sharing a soup recipe in the summer. But I'm having this soup chilled. Although, you could certainly warm this up. The homemade basil pesto is an absolutely lovely complement to the chilled tomato soup. As I took each bite (do you bite soup? maybe slurp? but that sounds so un-lady like?), I would grab a … [Read more...]
Cherry Cheesecake Red Velvet Bars
Let's talk about this smooth, summer-y dessert for a minute! Crumbly red velvet cake as the crust. Smooth, sweet cheesecake as the middle layer. Topped with perfectly sweet-tart cherries. Chilled to perfection. This just might be my favorite dessert of the summer, and it's time for you to try it! Cherry Cheesecake Red Velvet Bars This just might be my … [Read more...]
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
These pancakes are inspired by 2 things... 1. My Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. (Which is basically baked oatmeal with cinnamon chips and white chocolate chips mixed in the batter!) 2. The way-too-complicated methods and recipes that I've seen for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. I'm all about the simpler-the better. I don't have time for crazy and fancy. These Cinnamon Roll … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Mocha Lava Cake
Want to treat yourself to a super simple and ridiculously delicious chocolate dessert? This is a total 'cheater lava cake' - meaning it's not made from scratch, it's made in the slow cooker...but I totally make up for the cheating by... 1. Adding more chocolate in the form of chocolate chips. 2. Adding instant coffee in the batter to bring up the chocolate … [Read more...]
Southwest Shells with Beans and Corn
Smoky, smoky, smoky! The flavor in this simple pasta salad gets kicked up a few notches by adding 2 spices to the mayo before you toss it all together. My guess is that you have all of these items on hand you could make this TONIGHT. I adore pantry staple recipes like this one...not only because of how easy and simple they are to put together, but also because they … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Delightful. That's how I'd best describe this slow cooker meal. It takes minutes to throw together. Slice the peppers. Then slice the onions. Add chicken to slow cooker. Season. Top with peppers and onions. Douse with crushed tomatoes. Add seasoning. Slow cook the day away. "Fancy recipes" of chicken cacciatore call for mushrooms and cooking … [Read more...]
Blueberry Pie
This right here...just tastes like summer. Cool, refreshing, the perfect amount of sweetness. As far as I'm concerned, a solid Blueberry Pie has 4 essential ingredients. Fresh blueberries Fresh lemon juice Fresh lemon zest Cardamom - just a dash, as it has a powerful flavor of its own And this pie right has has all of those things, plus a sugared pie … [Read more...]
Barbecue Spaghetti with Smoked Chicken
Flavor overload my friend. This right here will make your taste buds explode! Amazing smoked chicken doused in BBQ sauce and mixed with a bunch of fresh summer veggies...then topped with cheddar cheese (I'd suggest sharp cheddar for this one!)...piled high over a plate of pasta. Drooling. Seriously, I might have had to wipe a little drool off my chin while I typed this … [Read more...]
20 Meals for $150 ~ Summer Pantry Staple & Freezer Friendly Edition
Does it make you tired just thinking about planning and cooking meals this summer? We have the meal plan solution that will save you time and money. As much at $100 per month and 3 hours per week. Summer is here and I don't know about you, but I want to spend as much time as I possibly can with my kids and enjoying all the fun that summer brings! But doesn't it feel … [Read more...]
Pesto Orzo with Tomatoes
Oh pesto. Pesto, pesto, pesto. Pesto just tastes like summer, doesn't it?! I don't make pesto too often because pine nuts are expensive and I can't always get them into my budget...but I found some on sale this week and made my own pesto! Because, enjoying pesto-laced pasta is like taking a bite out of summer. I've written the recipe below with store bought pesto, … [Read more...]