Holy flavor explosion. Like, whoa. I love these kinds of 'budget-gourmet' kinds of meals and I love that they are outside of my kiddos' 'food comfort zone.' And the best part about this one...it's so packed with flavor that everyone was licking their plates and asking for more. You could absolutely make this with boneless chicken thighs, or even boneless skinless chicken … [Read more...]
The Working Mom’s Best Kitchen Appliance Friend?!?
First, let's define working mom. If you're a mom, you are working. You are working with your children, on your job, in your house or on your house. If you're like me, you get up and you don't stop moving until your head hits the pillow in the evening. If I'm not packing lunches or starting the slow cooker in the morning, then I'm typing away at my computer at the office, … [Read more...]
Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie
Ok. I'm in a fight with myself over this recipe title. Orange Creamsicle? Orange Dreamsicle? Or maybe I should just call it the Orange Julius Smoothie? (Because it tastes like that...and it tastes like the popsicle.) The popsicles are the creamsicles, but for whatever reason I think they are called dreamsicles. I have no idea where that's coming from. I almost … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Roast
Want to next level the flavor of your next beef roast? Douse it in red wine. A dry red wine, or a red cooking wine will work wonders on the beef, as it slow cooks the day away. This particular slow cooker beef roast recipe also calls for garlic (use sparingly!), fresh chopped chives and some baby potatoes. I've added a little beef broth to further deepen the flavors of the … [Read more...]
Apple Butter Glazed Chicken
I love simple food. I love food with both simple ingredients, simple flavors and a simple cooking method. I also love to explore with food and mix and match ingredients that I have on hand...and this is how this one came to be. I had some apple butter in the pantry and decided it would be delicious on chicken...with a few smoky additions. Bake this and serve it with some … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Save at Whole Foods
Whole Foods is a one stop shop for all of your favorite healthy, organic, and natural food choices. And while Whole Foods has a great selection and some of the best healthy living brands around, you will find that these products can come at a cost. Shopping at Whole Foods can cost more than your other big box grocery stores, but the good news is there are ways to save money … [Read more...]
Chili-Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Baked)
Errrrrr body at your house is gonna go crazy of this one. If your dinner table is anything like mine was when we had this recently, you're all gonna be licking your plates clean. Seriously, my boys went all bananas over this one. It is not at all spicy, despite having a little chili powder. There's a little bit of brown sugar in this simple, homemade rub and that helps … [Read more...]
Peppered Pork Chops
My oldest son hasn't met a pork chop that he didn't like. But when he tried these, he declared them #1 and they are now at the top of his list. I'll be honest...I was a bit worried that the black peppered look to the pork chops would scare him (and the other boys) away...not really scare them away, but maybe make them not want to try them. I did assure them that the pepper … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
You know what I love about beef roasts and the 'stew beef' cut of meat? They slow cook beautifully. They are softened to perfection, as the low and slow heat cooks them all day. And in the case of this beef ragu recipe, the acidity from the tomato based sauce softens them even more. And you end up with the most delicious sauce. This is a homemade tomato sauce, using crushed … [Read more...]
Erin’s Favorite Instant Pot Accessories
Once you get comfortable with cooking with your Instant Pot and it starts to become a regular part of your cooking routine and kitchen MO, you'll find yourself wishing for a few accessories. (I know that I did!) But, I think my most favorite accessory isn't really an accessory, but it's my EPC101 Class - that would be "Electric Pressure Cooking 101" online class! (Scroll … [Read more...]