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Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip

Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip

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Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip is made with Velveeta, pepper jack cheese, ground beef with extra taco seasoning, black beans, Rotel and beer for the perfect game day snack.

You are going to LOVE this dip! The Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip is always a big hit among friends and family and is crazy easy to make. The only item you need to cook is the ground beef before tossing all the ingredients into your slow cooker for a few hours. Cook on the low setting, stir and then place on warm so everyone can snack and watch the game.

This recipe makes a big batch of dip so make sure to invite your friends over to share the goods.

Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip

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Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip, game day recipes, snack, cheese dip, party recipe

Crock-Pot Taco Queso Dip is made with Velveeta, pepper jack cheese, ground beef with extra taco seasoning, black beans, Rotel and beer for the perfect game day snack. 

  • 32 ounces Velveeta original, cubed
  • 8 ounces pepper jack cheese block, cubed
  • 15 ounce can black beans, drained
  • 10 ounces mild Rotel, drained
  • 2 packets taco seasoning
  • 1 pound ground beef, lean
  • 1 cup beer
  • Tortilla chips
  1. Place the crockpot on low setting.
  2. Cube the Velveeta and pepper jack cheese. Place into crockpot.
  3. Drain the Rotel and black beans. Place into crockpot.
  4. On the stovetop, brown the ground beef and drain fat. Add taco seasoning packets and a few tablespoons water. Simmer until seasoning has thickened.
  5. Place ground beef into crockpot with 1 cup of any beer.
  6. Cook for 2-3 hours. Stir well. Serve with tortilla chips.


Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season!

What screams fall more than pumpkin spice?

…….well……

…….hmmm……

…….uhm……

Oh that’s right- nothing! This Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a nice twist from a regular hot chocolate with the added pumpkin and perfect to serve for a crowd on Thanksgiving, prepare while the kids are out trick-or-treating or any other upcoming gathering this season. I am making this again for my family when we head out to the pumpkin patch in the next couple weeks as a warm treat when we get back home to sip as we carve pumpkins. I cannot wait!

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is really easy to cook up in the slow cooker. You simply dump all the ingredients in, let it cook on low for 3 hours and stir as often as possible.

When the chocolate has melted and the liquid is heated thoroughly, you can serve with a dollop of whipping cream and some cinnamon sugar sprinkled over top. Add a cinnamon stick for a garnish if you would like and enjoy.

 

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, hot chocolate for a crowd, Thanksgiving recipe, pumpkin spice recipe

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season! 

Yields: 10 servings

  • Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
  • 8 cups whole milk (1/2 gallon)
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Garnish
  • Whipping cream
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Cinnamon stick
  1. Place the whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice and chocolate chips into a 4 quart crock-pot. I actually used my 3 quart crock-pot but it was a tight squeeze so a bit larger would be ideal.
  2. Place on low for 3 hours stirring every so often. Once the chocolate chips have melted and liquid is hot, you can serve.
  3. Make the cinnamon sugar by adding sugar and cinnamon into a bowl and mixing.
  4. Serve the pumpkin spice hot chocolate by filling a mug 3/4 the way full, top with whipping cream, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
  • Preparation time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 3 hours

Are you a big pumpkin spice lover like myself? If so, you are going to fall in love with this Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.


Halloween Bash {+ Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe}

Halloween Bash

Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FrighteninglyFunFlavors

It is that time of year again to gather all your best witches and throw a Halloween Bash! I have a full spread today from Hot Dog Mummies to Spiderweb Dip to deliciously spooky desserts like Eyeball Cupcakes made with 7UP®. This years Halloween Bash is a kid-friendly event! I created really simple recipes for you to copy that both kids and adults are going to love and drink choices that will please the entire crowd. Have you ever had a Bloody Shirley Temple? They are bloody good and I am sharing just how to make them. My first stop when throwing a great party is Walmart to grab all the goodies. Walmart has all the Halloween decor, costumes, food and drinks you could possibly need. Print out this grocery list and visit the seasonal department to make the party complete. For a limited time you can find seasonal 7UP, A&W®, Sunkist®, Squirt® and Canada Dry® Minicans with your favorite characters, like Johnny or Mavis, available at Walmart on the beverage aisle. These minican beverages are the perfect size for a kids treat and you can create so many frighteningly good recipes with all the great flavors.

Click HERE for more recipe inspiration and party ideas!

Halloween Bash

Decorations

A party isn’t a party without some great decorations! Pick one room in your home to transform into the party spot. Next, pick a theme. I chose a simple white, black and orange theme so everything is cohesive and looks put together. Also, make sure to have playlist of haunting music ready and a table full of snacks and drinks. Get your guests pumped up to wear their best costumes to really set the tone of the party! All the great costumes add to the decor. Think about having a costume contest with a grand prize to inspire everyone to be creative and bring their best! Here is the full list of Halloween decorations to make you the party host of the year:

  • Table liner
  • Cupcake liners
  • Fake spiders
  • Serving bowls, trays and utensils
  • Plates
  • Cups
  • Straws
  • Napkins
  • Toothpicks
  • Decorations for the wall- bats or fake webs look great.
  • Just a few extras like a skull, skeleton, crows, or whatever else you stumble upon at Walmart that will bring your room to life.
  • Halloween party food is more than just something to snack on! You will find great ideas below that are both decorative and delicious.

Halloween Bash Food

Popcorn with Spiders

  • Bags of popcorn
  • Fake spiders

Cook a few bags of popcorn according to packaged directions and place in a cauldron. Add a few fake spiders on top and you have an easy snack that everyone loves ready in a snap.

Hot Dog Mummies

  • 20 hot dogs
  • 2 cans crescent roll sheets
  • 40 candy eyeballs
  • Mustard
  • Non-stick cooking spray

These Hot Dog Mummies fused all kinds of excitement with the kids. I even received a round of applause from my three year old so I can guarantee these have been child-tested and child-approved. To make Hot Dog Mummies, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Take 2 crescent roll sheets and use a rolling pin to quickly run over the top to get rid of any creases in the dough. Next, use a pizza cutter to make thin strips for the mummy “bandages”. I did 30 per sheet so 60 strips total. Wrap each hot dog with 3 strips leaving a space for the mummy face. Use the non-stick spray on a baking sheet, place the wrapped hot dogs on the baking sheet and bake 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Make the mummy faces with the candy eyeballs by squeezing a bit of mustard on the face area to help the eyes stick in place.

Crock-pot A&W Meatballs

  • 7.5 ounce A&W Minican
  • 2 pound bag of frozen meatballs.
  • 18 ounce bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce.

Place the frozen meatballs into a crock-pot with a bottle of BBQ sauce and an A&W Minican poured in. Cook on high 4 hours and serve with toothpicks for convenient snacking.

Bloody Shirley Temples

  • Canada Dry Minicans
  • Maraschino Cherries
  • Grenadine
  • 10 ml party syringes (Monojects)

Bloody Shirley Temples are a spin off from the classic drink. Fill each syringe with 10 ml of grenadine. Add Canada Dry into a glass with a couple cherries and the grenadine filled syringe. Let guests press the plunger of the syringe into the drink to create their own Bloody Shirley Temple. Food that is interactive is always a huge hit!

Jack-O-Lantern Floats

  • Sunkist Minicans
  • Vanilla ice cream

A Sunkist Minican and a scoop of vanilla ice cream combine in a cup to create a Jack-O-Lantern Float. You can even draw a pumpkin face on each cup before the party for extra fun.

Spiderweb Dip & Chips

  • 16 ounce can refried beans
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 3.8 ounce can sliced olives
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • Party-sized bag tortilla chips

Could a party food be more fun than this Spiderweb Dip and Chips? My vote is no! You can have this dip done in just a few minutes and it tastes amazing. Start by mixing a packet of taco seasoning with a can of refried beans placing it in the bottom of a party bowl or pie pan. Add a layer of chunky salsa, followed by a layer of guacamole. Next, place sour cream into a pastry bag with a small decorating tip. Draw a spiderweb with the sour cream onto the guacamole layer. Finish the dip with spreading shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese and sliced olives along the sides. Serve with tortilla chips.

Grab your complete Walmart grocery list HERE to print out.

Don’t forget the decorations, costumes for the family and other spooky fun items to make your Halloween Bash completely epic!

Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Eyeball Cupcakes are made with a basic white box cake mix, butter, egg whites and a can of 7UP topped with a really simple 7UP frosting and a bloody gumball eyeball. One of my favorite uses for 7UP is in cake mix! 7UP makes cake so moist and adds just a hint of flavor to a basic white cake. You need to give it a try for sure! I always used 7UP in the frosting and adding some freshly squeezed lemon and lime giving the cupcake a really subtle flavor that works well. Since it is Halloween, we had to dress these cupcakes up with some sprinkles, a red gel for fake blood and a gumball eyeball.

Eyeball Cupcakes

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#ad, #FrighteninglyFunFlavors, Halloween Bash, Eyeball Cupcakes, Halloween party, Halloween recipes, Halloween Party, 7UP cupcakes, Sunkist floats, Shirley Temple, Spiderweb dip, 7 layer dip, Mummy hot dogs, Crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, Rootbeer meatballs

It is that time of year again to gather all your best witches and throw a Halloween Bash! I have a full spread today from Hot Dog Mummies to Spiderweb Dip to deliciously spooky desserts like Eyeball Cupcakes made with 7UP®.

Yields: 24 cupcakes

  • 7UP® Cupcakes
  • 7.5 ounce 7UP® Minican
  • 16 ounce box white cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 egg whites
  • 7UP®Frosting
  • 1/4 cup 7UP®
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortneing
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • Garnish
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Red Decorating Gel
  • Gumball Eyeballs (can substitute for Gummy Eyeballs or your own creation)
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and beat. Add 3 egg whites, cake mix, 7.5 ounce 7UP® Minican and beat ingredients together until smooth.
  3. Place cupcake liners into a muffin pan and fill each liner 3/4 full of cake mix.
  4. Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
  5. Place cupcakes on a cooling rack.
  6. Once the cupcakes are cooled, start the frosting. In a mixing bowl, add a stick of butter and 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortening. Beat until creamy.
  7. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Beat again.
  8. Slowly add in the confectioners sugar and 1/4 cup 7UP® alternating between the two until you have a smooth mixture. You should be able to scoop some frosting on a spoon and turn upside down without it moving- that's when your frosting is ready. Note that you may not use all of the 7UP® so adding it slowly is key.
  9. Place the frosting into a pastry bag with a large frosting tip. Frost each cupcake.
  10. Shake sprinkles over the top.
  11. Start at the center of each cupcake and make lines coming down using the red decorating gel to mimic blood.
  12. Place a gumball eyeball in the center of each cupcake and serve.
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 16 minutes

Check out this site for more Frighteningly Fun inspiration!

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

amazonThe airy fryer is making egg cooking way easier and more convenient than traditional methods. These Air Fryer “Hard Boiled” Eggs take only 20 minutes without any water to boil or pan to clean.

There can be some adjustment needed on the time and temperature depending on what air fryer you have. I use the Midea Air Fryer. Here are some other options below if you are in the market to purchase one.


Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are a go-to food for me and my kids in the morning to get some protein without eating too much. We all have a hard time eating in the mornings so eggs are perfect. Eat after a workout or put on salad for lunch. Lot’s of possibilities.

Place 4-6 eggs into the air fryer basket. Close and put temperature to 275 degrees. Place the timer on 20 minutes and let cook. If you like the eggs less done,  reduce time by 2 minutes.

I recommend testing out a couple batches with a single egg to get a feel for your air fryer and how you like your eggs. Note that the more eggs you put into the air fryer, the more time you will have to add for them all to cook thoroughly.

When the timer goes off, place the eggs into a bowl full of ice and water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel and eat. I like just a pinch of salt and cracked pepper on mine!

Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs

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The airy fryer is making egg cooking way easier and more convenient than traditional methods. These Air Fryer “Hard Boiled” Eggs take only 20 minutes without any water to boil or pan to clean. 

  • 6 eggs
  • water
  • ice
  1. Place 6 eggs into air fryer.
  2. Set temperature at 275 and timer for 20 minutes.
  3. Place into an ice bath when timer goes off.
  4. Peel and eat.

Carbonara with Peas

Carbonara with Peas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ElevateYourMeal #CollectiveBias

Carbonara with Peas is a creamy pasta dish made with thick pieces of bacon, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg and Barilla® Collezione Bucatini for a simple, yet elevated, weeknight meal.

Carbonara with Peas is a gourmet meal that isn’t too complex and requires just a few ingredients making it the perfect dish for busy nights or for a cook that is just dipping their toes into creating more artisanal foods at home.  For myself, creating artisanal meals starts with family tradition. The best traditional meals are the ones that supply comfort in every bite and have the power to bring families together around the dinner table. A carbonara is THAT meal for my family.

Barilla® is my go-to pasta to create all kinds of delicious meals for my family from spaghetti and meatballs to tuna casserole. When I want to create a more gourmet pasta dish, I reach for Barilla® Collezione. Barilla® Collezione is made with non-GMO ingredients and crafted using traditional Italian bronze plates for a homemade texture. The bronze cut taste and texture perfectly holds sauce and you can really taste the Collezione difference.

You can find Barilla® Collezione pasta shapes at your local grocer. I found mine on the pasta aisle at Kroger on my weekly shopping trip while picking up my other Carbonara with Peas ingredients.

Try all six artisanal Barilla® Collezione pasta shapes: 

  • Orecchiette
  • Bucatini
  • Penne
  • Spaghetti
  • Casarecce
  • Rigatoni

Click HERE to visit Saving Star to save on Barilla® !

Spend $15 on any Collezione products between 09/06/18 and 11/26/18 and receive a $5 reward.

Carbonara with Peas

Bring on the pasta! Carbonara with Peas is perfect when you want to put a great meal on the table quickly. Not many gourmet dishes have a 7 minute cook time and limited prep work needed like this carbonara. The rich, silky texture of this pasta dish with the garlicky peas and hint of bacon all over is going to put this recipe in your dinner line-up over and over again.

I feel that some people are intimidated by the egg in carbonara but don’t be. The trick to carbonara is to finish cooking the pasta and pan of bacon with peas at the exact same time so you can quickly drain the pasta and add all ingredients together while everything is hot. The hot ingredients is what cooks that raw egg well enough to consume. Make sure the eggs are pasteurized and fresh. After the first bite, your taste buds and tummy will be thanking you for making this dish!

Carbonara with Peas

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#ad #ElevateYourMeal, Carbonara with Peas, weeknight dinner, how to make carbonara, Bucatini all Carbonara, quick recipe, bacon recipe

Carbonara with Peas is a creamy dish made with thick bacon pieces, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg and Barilla® Collezione Bucatini for a simple, yet elevated, weeknight meal. 

  • 12 ounce box Barilla® Collezione Bucatini
  • 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1/2 pound thick cut bacon (pancetta can be used)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 eggs, reccomend pasteurized
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded plus more for serving
  • cracked pepper
  • salt
  1. Chop bacon into 1 inch slices.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 4 eggs and 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese together.
  3. Finely mince the garlic cloves.
  4. Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta.
  5. Boil pasta for 7 minutes.
  6. Timing is important with Carbonara so right when you put the pasta in to cook, add the bacon into a large preheated saute pan on the stove top. Cook the bacon for 5 minutes.
  7. Add the peas to the bacon for 1 minute.
  8. Push the bacon and peas to the side while you add the garlic. Let the garlic cook until it is aromatic (about 1 minute). Mix the garlic with the peas and bacon.
  9. Immediately drain the pasta as it finishes it 7 minute cook time reserving half a cup of the pasta water for later. Place the drained pasta into the bacon pan and stir ingredients together for 1 minute.
  10. Remove the pan from heat and add the egg mixture. Stir well and quickly. Add in the reserved pasta water as needed until you get a creamy consistency.
  11. Serve with some fresh ground pepper and parmesan cheese on top.

Have you ever made a carbonara at home? Let me know in the comments below and tell me how you elevate everyday dishes using Barilla® Collezione!

#ad #ElevateYourMeal, Carbonara with Peas, weeknight dinner, how to make carbonara, Bucatini all Carbonara, quick recipe, bacon recipe

** This recipe may contain raw egg. I recommend pasteurized eggs to reduce risk of food-born illness. 

 

 

Pan Seared Salmon

Pan Seared Salmon

Pan Seared Salmon is my go-to for throwing together a quick weeknight meal that is both healthy and delicious. Pair with some rice and oven Roasted Green Beans for a full family meal that is on the table in 20 minutes.

Salmon is one of those foods that just makes you feel good eating. With all the health benefits associated with salmon, it’s no wonder why.

Reasons you should put salmon in your healthy diet:

  • Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids have a wide range of health benefits from managing heart disease and lowering blood pressure just to start.
  • Salmon is rich in protein.
  • High in the B vitamins which play a role in your body from head to toe.
  • Good source of potassium.
  • Contains the antioxidant, Astaxanthin, which benefits the heart, brain and skin.

Pan Seared Salmon

Today, I am just sharing how I pan sear salmon with some olive oil, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon. You can take this basic recipe and create all kinds of different flavors from it. Make a creamy sauce, add herbs or honey or brown sugar. There are so many possibilities. Let me know what your favorite flavor combinations are in the comments below.

Also check out Lemon Garlic Salmon for a recipe to bake in the oven.

Pan Seared Salmon

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Pan Seared Salmon is my go-to for throwing together a quick weeknight meal that is both healthy and delicious. Pair with some rice and oven Roasted Green Beans for a full family meal that is on the table in 20 minutes. 

Yields: 4 servings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound salmon, wild caught or farm raised (my favorite is wild caught sockeye)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of cracker pepper
  • 1/2 lemon
  1. Preheat a large non -stick pan on the stove top on a medium heat.
  2. Cut your salmon into 4 even portions. Leave skin on.
  3. Salt and pepper each side.
  4. Once the pan is hot, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil in pan followed by your salmon placing it skin side up. Cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Flip the salmon and cook another 4 minutes.
  6. Squeeze a lemon wedge over each portion.
  7. Serve. The skin will still be on the salmon, you can easily remove it before serving or serve with skin on.
  • Preparation time: 2 minutes
  • Cook time: 7 minutes

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter is made with perfectly roasted garlic cloves, fresh rosemary and parsley, and a bit of lemon juice smashed together to form a log of delicious butter. This Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter is great for topping grilled steaks, fish or spread over bread.

This compound butter all starts with roasted garlic. Roasting garlic calms and balances the garlic while giving it extra nutty and sweet flavors. If you have never roasted garlic- do it! Roasted garlic is so delicious and can be used in so many dishes.

How to roast garlic

  1. Peel off the outer papery layers.
  2. Cut the top off- about 1/4 inch worth to expose the garlic cloves.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Wrap in foil.
  5. Bake on 400 degrees for 40 minutes.

The roasted garlic will come out slightly browned and soft with a nice garlicky aroma. Just squeeze out the garlic cloves from the bulb to use on top of salads, in pasta, sauces and this Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter.

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter

Once the garlic is roasted, this Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter comes together in no time at all. Make sure to use softened butter, chop the herbs finely, use fresh lemon juice, mash the garlic cloves well and this compound butter will come out beautifully!

Now, I just need an extra juicy, grilled sirloin steak- cooked medium-rare, of course! Just add a tablespoon of this deliciousness and it is a winning steak dinner. How will you use this Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter?

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter

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Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Garlic Butter, steak butter, compound butter, #butter, roasted garlic, how to roast garlic

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter is made with perfectly roasted garlic cloves, fresh rosemary and parsley, and a bit of lemon juice smashed together to form a log of delicious butter.

  • Roasted Garlic
  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, roasted
  1. Roast the garlic: preheat oven to 400 degrees, remove the excess papery layers from the outside of the garlic bulb, cut the top of the garlic bulb exposing the insides of the cloves slightly (about 1/4 inch off the top), drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil, bake for 40 minutes.
  2. Start your Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter once the garlic has cooled.
  3. Place all the Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Compound Butter ingredients together in a bowl. Use a fork to smash everything together. Make sure to concentrate on smashing the garlic cloves and mixing everything until consistent.
  4. Place the butter onto some parchment paper.
  5. Form the butter using the parchment paper into a a tube or rectangular shape.
  6. Leave the parchment paper in place as you place the butter in the refrigerator to take shape.
  7. Add to bread, pasta, steaks, chicken, fish and more!

You can easily cut this recipe in half but I like making a larger batch because it can be used for weeks on so many foods…. although, I doubt it will last past a couple days because it is just too delicious not to eat.

Asian Meatballs

Asian Meatballs

amazon

Asian Meatballs are a fun switch up from a classic meatball with loads of flavor from ginger, herbs and sweet chili sauce. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds for a delicious dinner the whole family is going to enjoy.

We love making meatballs around here- maybe I love them because it is one of the few things my husband will voluntarily cook for everyone. A day off cooking is nice from time to time but seriously, these meatballs are delicious. These Asian Meatballs have a base of a basic meatball with the breadcrumbs and egg but the flavor really pulls through with the extras like fresh herb and sweet chili sauce actually mixed in.

Asian Meatballs

Tips for fantastic Asian Meatballs: 

  • Let the ground beef sit out for 30 minutes before forming meatballs.
  • Use gloves to really get in there and mash all the ingredients together.
  • A meatball press/baller does wonders to rolling the meatballs.
  • Use fresh ingredients- fresh ginger root, green onion, parsley.
  • Brown the meatballs before baking.

Some items that make these Asian Meatballs a breeze:


Asian Meatballs

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Asian Meatballs are a fun switch up from a classic meatball with loads of flavor from ginger, herbs and sweet chili sauce. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds for a delicious dinner the whole family is going to enjoy. 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounces sweet chili sauce, divided (I like to Mae Ploy brand)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • sesame seeds
  1. Let the ground beef sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes before making meatballs.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, chopped parsley, chopped green onion, minced ginger, salt and 1/4 cup of the sweet chili sauce. Put gloves on and mix the ingredients together well.
  3. Form the meatballs. I recommend a meatball press/baller to get them equally formed.
  4. Heat up a pan on a medium-high heat on stove top and preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  5. Add a tablespoon or so of olive oil, followed by the meatballs.
  6. Let all 4 sides of the meatball brown and then place into a foil covered baking sheet or casserole dish.
  7. Cook for 10 minutes.
  8. Flip meatballs and pour the remainder of sweet chili sauce on top. Bake another 10 minutes.
  9. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TeaProudly #TeaProbiotics #CollectiveBias

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote is made with plain yogurt, granola and a fresh strawberry sauce paired with a warm cup of New Bigelow Tea with Probiotics for a perfect start to any morning.

For the past 6 months, I have been really focused on living a healthier lifestyle by being more cautious of the foods I am consuming, cutting back on unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol, being physically active in everyday life and getting a daily workout in. I plan on maintaining my healthier lifestyle going into the fall season and beginning each morning with Bigelow teas are helping me do so.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, starts from the moment you wake up. Get in the right mindset! Stay positive and take a moment to yourself to meditate, stretch, pet your dog or whatever relaxes your mind before beginning the day.

After taking a moment of relaxation, make sure to eat a balanced breakfast. By having the first meal of the day be something that makes you feel good, you can easily continue your day eating healthy and staying in the right mind frame to create a better version of yourself.

What my breakfast looks like: 

  • Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote made with yogurt, a high protein granola and fresh strawberries.
  • A probiotics tea from the Bigelow family with a pinch of honey.

Interested in trying out the NEW Bigelow Tea with Probiotics offerings? Hover over the photo above to click through to Walmart.com and buy it!

Why drink Bigelow Tea with Probiotics as part of a balanced breakfast? 

Bigelow is my #1 choice when it comes to tea! I tea proudly with Bigelow because it is the only choice for me. Bigelow teas are manufactured in the US with individually wrapped foil pouches to deliver freshness. You can taste the quality and all-natural ingredients with every sip. The Bigelow family delivers an uncompromised tea experience with their tea blends. From the beautiful aroma to amazing taste to the warm feeling you get all over your body while drinking- there is nothing like enjoying a cup of Bigelow in the morning.

Speaking of quality ingredients, the innovative combination of Ganeden-BC30 helps maintain a healthy balance in the digestive tract when used as part of a healthy diet. Healthy digestion begins with these three probiotic flavors:

Walmart is where I head to pick up my Bigelow Tea with Probiotics. You can find them on the coffee aisle!

Click HERE for more information and to purchase.

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Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

I love starting my morning off with yogurt to pair with my Bigelow Tea with Probiotics! This Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote hits the spots and keeps me motivated to eat healthier all day long. Plus, the strawberry compote is just plain delicious!

Never made a compote?

This strawberry compote is so simple to make. Make a batch on Sunday night to prepare for a week of delicious Yogurt Parfaits with Strawberry Compote to enjoy every morning with your Bigelow Tea.

Begin by washing, hulling and slicing fresh strawberries. Add the strawberries to a saucepan on the stove top, along with honey and lemon juice and bring to a low simmer. Simmer the strawberries for 12 minutes. I like to mash half the strawberries as they simmer to pull out all that amazing juice from the fruit. After the strawberries have simmered for 12 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, place in refrigerator and enjoy as you please. This strawberry compote also tastes amazing on top of waffles, cheesecake or even as an addition to cold beverages like lemonade.

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

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Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote, #ad, #TeaProudly, #BigelowTea, #TeaProbiotics, strawberry compote, fresh strawberry sauce, healthy morning, balanced diet, Bigelow Tea with Probiotics, tea for healthy digestion

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote is made with plain yogurt, granola and a fresh strawberry sauce paired with a warm cup of New Bigelow Tea with Probiotics for a perfect start to any morning. 

  • Strawberry Compote (will produce approximately 6 servings)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 quart fresh strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote
  • 6 ounces yogurt, plain
  • 2 tablespoons granola
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry compote
  • Garnish
  • mint sprig
  • strawberry, sliced
  1. Make the strawberry compote ahead of time. Start by washing, hulling and and slicing the fresh strawberries.
  2. Place strawberries into a medium saucepan with honey and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer for 12 minutes. As the strawberries simmer, muddle half of them well by squishing with the back of a spoon or using a potato masher.
  3. Let the strawberry compote cool and place into a jar to store in fridge for one week.
  4. Once the strawberry compote has cooled off, you can make the parfait.
  5. Add 3 tablespoon of strawberry compote to bottom of bowl.
  6. Layer yogurt on top, followed by a couple tablespoons of granola.
  7. Garnish with a sliced strawberry and mint (optional).

Find Bigelow Tea at a Walmart near you and comment below with some of your best morning tips that keep you on track to a healthy lifestyle.

How to Perfectly Grill Corn

How to Perfectly Grill Corn

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TUMSSugarFree #PassTheTUMS #CollectiveBias

Summer is officially here and grilling season has begun! Today, I am sharing my tips on How to Perfectly Grill Corn every time and sharing how I combat heartburn with TUMS* Sugar-Free for all of this seasons grilling.

WHAT IS HEARTBURN?

Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid that can lead to pain in the chest and throat. There are many triggers for the discomfort you feel from heartburn including consuming particular foods, medications prescribed, physical changes or conditions, and daily habits.

For a full list of symptoms, you should see the TUMS label for symptoms of heartburn.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HEARTBURN?

Foods

A common heartburn trigger is some of the foods you eat. Many of your favorite summertime grill out foods are on this list from onions, tomatoes, meat, tea, and spices. Some other foods include:

  • Fried foods
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Alcohol
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate

Medications

Medications can trigger heartburn. If you live with frequent heartburn and are on medication, make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to see if a medication is the source of your discomfort.

Habits

Daily habits may also be a trigger to heartburn. I am guilty of eating too quickly which can lead to heartburn and it is a hard habit to break! You may be guilty of some of these other habits:

  • Eating large meals.
  • Eating before bed. Lying down after eating can bring on heartburn so make sure to eat a few hours before bedtime.
  • Working out right after a meal. No, this doesn’t get you out of exercise but make sure to eat a small meal or let the food settle before a workout.
  • Tight clothing around midsection may cause pressure on the stomach that triggers heartburn.
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking

WHY IS TUMS SUGAR-FREE MY HEARTBURN RELIEF SOLUTION?

I won’t let my heartburn stop me from eating my favorite foods so I turn to TUMS Sugar-Free to provide fast relief of occasional heartburn. New TUMS Sugar-Free Melon Berry has all the extra-strength power of TUMS, without the sugar. Plus, it tastes great!

I found my TUMS Sugar-Free at Target next to the Pharmacy. TUMS Sugar-Free is also available at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Amazon.

CLICK HERE TO SNAG A COUPON FOR ANY TUMS PRODUCT!

Printable coupon is good all year.

HOW TO PERFECTLY GRILL CORN

Now that we talked about heartburn and how to get relief, let’s get to the good stuff – GRILLING! Today, we are grilling up some seasoned steak kabobs with onion, bell peppers, and tomato with fresh corn as a side with a garlic butter. A tall glass of iced tea with a lemon slice completes the meal. You can go ahead and count how many heartburn inducing foods are being consumed. Yea, it is a lot but TUMS Sugar-Free is on hand to go to work in seconds so let’s us get cooking, starting with the corn where I am sharing my tips on How to Perfectly Grill Corn.

Begin by prepping the fresh corn. Place the corn into water for a minimum of 30 minutes. Many people like to remove to husks before cooking, but leave the husk on. Trust me. The husk will trap water inside to help steam the corn while on the grill.

Put the corn onto the upper rack of the grill for 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Your grill should be at a medium-high heat (450 – 500 degrees).

Remove corn from grill and carefully remove husk. A simple way to remove the husks is to cut the corn on the end where the husk is attached and then pull out the remaining husk. Spread butter over the corn while still hot and serve. We made a garlic butter today with loads of garlic, parsley, lemon juice and spices that are so delicious!

Whether you are grilling steaks, juicy hamburgers or loaded hot dogs, grilled corn is always the perfect side. Don’t forget to grab the #1 Pharmacists recommended antacid brand, TUMS, to get to work on heartburn relief so there is no reason to skip out on these beautiful grilling days ahead!

*Refer to the TUMS bottles for full directions, and use as directed.