Hi. I'm Erin. And I'm not a morning person. Like, not at all. I've tried to be a morning person. I really have. And I'm just not one. So I gave up trying to be one. I have read countless articles about getting up at 5 am and working, being most productive and hustling hard, then getting family and kids ready for the day. These articles claim that's the only way to "do … [Read more...]
Avocado Ranch Dip
I <3 dips. Like, really love them. I love making them, I love dunking veggies into them, I love the crunchy-creamy combo of a snack like this! Dips make for great appetizers...and even a simple dinner on a hot summer evening. A 'dip bar' is a great way to do an easy, no-cook dinner. Just serve a dip like this with some veggies, along with a dip like this with some Naan … [Read more...]
How I “Time Block” in the Kitchen to Keep Up With My Hungry Family!
They say that the kitchen is the heart of home and that is certainly true in our home. I think that planning "time blocks" in the kitchen is one of the most important keys to keeping my home running smoothly, keeping "one step ahead" of myself, and not feeling like I'm drowning as I keep up with the never ending food needs of my 4 boys. When things aren't going well in the … [Read more...]
Hawaiian No-Bake Energy Bites
I WISH these Hawaiian Energy Bites really did have the power to whisk me away to a beautiful Hawaiian beach. I'm a beach nerd, I adore the beach. I love being near the ocean. Preferably in a tropical setting. But since I don't live super close to a tropical beach, I'll just have to pretend by whisking myself there in my mind. And these tropical flavor loaded energy bites are … [Read more...]
3 Simple Ways to Make Everyday Meals Healthier
One of the biggest complaints that I hear from people when it comes to making low-cost meals is that they often feel like they have to sacrifice nutrition in order to keep from spending a fortune on their weekly grocery bill. Sadly, this results in preparing and serving dishes that aren’t quite on par with your health goals, or the goals of your family. Fortunately, by … [Read more...]
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Homemade cream of mushroom soup or sauce is bazillion times better than the canned version. Because they taste better...fresher...and because you know exactly the ingredients that were added to the sauce. You can pronounce them all. And then there's the you can season it as you like. Give it some garlic flare. Or a punch of onion flavor. I began making homemade 'cream of … [Read more...]
Gnocchi Mac n Cheese
Alright my friend. Let me tell you about this homemade mac n cheese sauce. The closest thing I can describe it to would be the Stouffer's freezer mac n cheese flavor. Except this is so much better, and fresher, and tastier. (aka not-processed sauce, so better tasting!) If you've never made a homemade cheese sauce, don't fret...I'm going to talk you through it. It looks … [Read more...]
Shredded Salsa Verde Chicken
If you've spent any time on $5 Dinners in the past, then you know that I'm all about recipes that are quick, easy, simple, family friendly and budget friendly. I'm all about hacking the grocery shopping experience, so I (really, we!) can spend less money on groceries. This Salsa Verde Chicken recipe is super versatile and here's why... 1. It only uses 2 (maybe 3) … [Read more...]
BBQ Chicken Nachos
I might be a little obsessed with the flavors on the California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza. I've made the mini pizza version. And the street tacos version. And now...the nachos version. There's something you must know about these nachos...an ingredient that is essential and I h.i.g.h.l.y. recommend that you use. Shredded Gouda cheese. It exists. My … [Read more...]
Spicing Up Shredded or Rotisserie Chicken
Alright friend, a quick recap of the featured posts in the 31 Days series! First, I shared a video on how to pull chicken meat from a rotisserie chicken. Then, I shared the why and how to make your own shredded chicken. Today, I've got 2 amazing recipes that you can make to get "flavorized" rotisserie or shredded chicken. When I'm making these, I like to use an even mix of … [Read more...]