Caramel Sea Salt Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

10 oz. bag caramel sea salt baking chips

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine cake mix, eggs, and oil in large mixing bowl, and beat well.  Stir in caramel sea salt chips.  Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour.  After dough has chilled, drop onto ungreased cookie sheet in rounded balls.  Bake for approx. 7 – 9 minutes or until done. 

Chicken pillow crescents

Ingredients:

3-4 cups shredded turkey or chicken (I use a rotisserie chicken)

1 can cream of chicken soup 

8 oz. brick of cream cheese

1/3 cup ranch dressing

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

2 tubes of crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350. Spray bottom of two 9 x 13 pans.

Combine chicken, cream of chicken, cream cheese, ranch and 1 cup of cheese in a saucepan until cream cheese is melted.  Salt and pepper to taste. Roll out crescent rolls.  Add mix to the middle of crescent rolls and make into a dumpling. Cook for 15 minutes.  Add remaining cup of cheese and bake for 3-5 more minutes until cheese is melted.  

Stuffed Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

When I first saw this idea I was pretty skeptical but I figured if it works for Rachael Ray, I should give it a shot.  I can honestly say I will probably never make a “normal” grilled cheese again. This was beyond amazing. A grilled cheese that tastes like stuffed garlic cheese bread!

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread

2-3 cheese slices (any variety you prefer)

2 tbsp. mayo

Garlic powder

Parmesan

Italian seasoning

Mix mayo with a few dashes of garlic powder, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Heat pan on stove top to medium. Spread mayo mixture on one side of each piece of bread. Put bread mayo mixture face down, layer on cheese. I used American, mozzarella and pepper jack. Place other slide of bread on top. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Wanna step it up a notch? Throw in a few pieces of pepperoni, bacon bits or jalapenos.  This is a total game changer. 

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread

I love anything to do with jalapeno poppers. I’m also a sucker for cheese bread. So this was a marriage of the utmost happiest for my taste buds.

Ingredients:

1 loaf of french bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 mayo

1/2 cup jalapeno slices, divided

1 tbsp. parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Colby jack cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Cut the bread lengthwise and place both parts face up on the sheet.  Brush both pieces with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder.  Cover with a piece of aluminum foil and place in the oven.  Bake for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, divide the jalapenos. Save the pretty slices to place on top of the bread (About 1/4 cup). Chop the rest. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, chopped jalapenos, parmesan, salt and pepper.

Remove the bread from the oven and uncover. Spread the jalapeno dip mixture on the bread. Top with remaining jalapenos and the shredded cheese. Bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese begins turning golden brown. 

Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 packet onion soup mix

1 bag shredded colby jack (or your cheese of choice)

1 tbsp. minced garlic

Topping:

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup heavy cream (I used half & half)

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350.  Brown burger and drain excess fat. 

While you're waiting for the meat to brown mix together all topping ingredients. Stir well.

After meat is cooked, thoroughly mix in onion soup mix. Mix in ¾ bag of shredded cheese. Place in greased casserole dish

Cover top of casserole with topping mixture. Add remaining cheese evenly on top of mixture. Bake for 40 minutes. 

This casserole was amazing! I'm not sure how, but it tasted like tater tot casserole, minus the carbs. Super easy to make and hit the spot on a cold rainy night in Iowa. 

Fathead Bagels

With 21 grams of protein and 4 net carbs these bagels are a definite add to the breakfast menu!

1 ½ C almond flour

1 T baking powder (can use gluten free)

2 ½ C finely shredded mozzarella cheese

2 oz. cream cheese (cubed)

2 large eggs

Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

Stir together the almond flour and baking powder. Set aside.

Combine the shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese in a large bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Combine the two bowls together, and add in eggs. (Be careful the cheese mixture isn’t too hot or it will cook the eggs.) Stir thoroughly! I used my hands to mix.

NOTE: It's very important for the dough to be completely uniform before proceeding to the next step. You shouldn't have pieces of cheese separate from areas of almond flour. Divide the dough into 6 parts. Form a long log with each part, then press the ends together to make a bagel shape on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with seasoning.  Bake for 10-14 minutes at 400, until the bagels are firm and golden.

These can be stored in the fridge for freshness. 

Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel

Ingredients:

For the streusel:

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ tablespoon cinnamon

1 cup butter, melted

2 ½ cups flour

For the cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature

2 eggs

2 15 ounce cans pumpkin puree

For the glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.

To prepare the streusel, stir together the sugars, cinnamon, salt and melted butter in a medium bowl until well combined.  Stir in the flour.  Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.  Add the sugars and butter to a medium mixing bowl and beat with a mixer until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs and pumpkin until just combined. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

Spread cake batter into prepared pan.

Take the streusel topping in your hands and press together to form large crumbs. Top the cake with the streusel. It will seem like too much but use it all.  Bake for 50 minutes.  Let cool completely. 

Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the top of cake before serving.

Sissy says this was amazing and not “overly” pumpkin flavored. Perfect fall dessert. 

Cheddar bacon garlic dip

Ingredients

6 bacon strips, thick-cut cooked and crumbled

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup mayo

1 cup shredded cheddar

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

In a medium mixing bowl, place cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Whisk to combine, until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder. Add bacon and cheddar to the mixing bowl with cream cheese mixture, and stir to combine.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with your favorite crackers.  I chose to use bacon Ritz and added a stalk of green onion just for fun. 

Zucchini Cheesy Bread

Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini, or about 4 cups grated zucchini

2 large eggs

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

3 c. shredded mozzarella, divided

1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan

1/4 c. cornstarch

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp. freshly chopped parsley

Marinara, for dipping

Preheat oven to 425º and line a baking sheet with parchment. On a box grater or in a food processor, grate zucchini. Using cheesecloth or a dish towel, wring excess moisture out of zucchini.

Transfer zucchini to a large bowl with eggs, garlic, oregano, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and cornstarch and season with salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined. Transfer “dough” to prepared baking sheet and pat into a crust. Bake until golden and dried out, 25 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups mozzarella, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley and bake until cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes more.  Slice and serve with marinara.

Taco aka Crack Dip

I can't believe I've never posted this dip! Whenever my friends have get togethers, this is what they ask me to bring. It's one of the easiest things you can make. And, as the name suggests, once you start eating it, you can't stop! 

Ingredients:

2 blocks cream cheese, room temperature

16 oz. sour cream

1 taco seasoning packet

½ cup salsa

Couple dashes of hot sauce

2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese

In a medium size Tupperware bowl, combine all ingredients except for the cheese with a hand mixer.  Stir in cheese.  Refrigerate for an hour or two so that flavors combine.  I usually make mine up a day ahead of time. 

Serve with tortilla chips!

Rather than doing this in a bowl, feel free to spread out in a pan and top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, etc. 

Lyndee's Lazy Day Tacos

I walked to the kitchen about 15 times yesterday, hoping each time I opened the fridge door that some food would’ve magically appeared. I was feeling so lazy I didn’t even want to go out and pick up food at a restaurant.  A friend suggested that tacos make everything better and I couldn’t disagree with that logic at all.  I whipped these up and I was not disappointed! They took little effort and totally hit the spot. 

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef, browned

1 small onion

1 tbsp. minced garlic

Hot sauce

Salt and pepper

3 tbsp. taco seasoning

¾ cup water

Small flour tortillas

Toppings

Shredded cheese

Feta cheese

Green onions

Salsa or pico

Cilantro

Brown ground beef with chopped onion, minced garlic, a few dashes of hot sauce and salt and pepper.  Drain. Add the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water.  Stir and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. 

Spray small pan with cooking spray and cook tortilla a few minutes on each side to warm. You can also throw tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds too.

Garnish with the cheese and toppings of your choice! I like shredded Colby jack, feta cheese, green onion, cilantro and salsa.  But feel free to add olives, sour cream, tomatoes or anything else that floats your boat. 

No-crust Hawaiian Pizza

Recently I’ve been on a low-carb keto kick.  Problem is, as you saw in my previous post with the amazing crust, pizza is pretty much my favorite food group.  So here’s a recipe for all you Hawaiian pizza lovers out there. It couldn’t be any easier and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I didn’t miss the crust at all! Oh, and did I mention it only takes about 10 minutes from prep to mouth?

Ingredients:

6-9 piece ham or Canadian bacon

Marinara sauce

Garlic powder

Italian seasoning

A can crushed or diced pineapple

Green onions

Shredded cheese

Red pepper flakes

Preheat oven to 350. Cover pizza pan with parchment paper or tin foil.  If tin foil, give it a quick shot of cooking spray.  (You can also do these in muffin tins if you prefer) Set 2-3 pieces of ham in a stack, three times.  Spread marinara on top.  Sprinkle with some garlic powder and Italian seasoning.  Add pineapple and a few pieces of chopped green onion stalk on each.  Cover with cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes. 

Bake for 5 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese begins to turn golden brown.  Sprinkle with some parmesan cheese and dig in.  

Low carb 2 ingredient pizza crust

I love pizza.  It is hands down my favorite food and I could probably eat it every day. I mean, the topping and crust combinations are endless so that you would never get bored! But...I've been trying to cut back on carbs so we tried this at my parents last weekend when I was home.  Everyone knows my mom makes the best homemade pizza in NE Iowa but I have to say, this variation did not disappoint!

Ingredients:

4 eggs

6 oz. shredded cheese, preferably mozzarella or provolone

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Beat the eggs and blend in 6 ounces of cheese. Spread the cheese and egg batter on a round baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.  Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the pizza crust turns golden. Remove and let cool for a minute or two.

Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees. Spread on sauce then top with ingredients of choice.  We did one sausage and pepperoni and the other we added onions and green peppers.  Top with shredded cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the pizza has turned golden brown.

Remove from oven, cut and dig in!!!

I thought this pizza was amazing. Sure, it’s not a deep dish Chicago style pizza but the flavor is great and you skip the carbs of a thick crust.  And it’s much easier than the cauliflower crust/breadsticks I’ve tried before.  I would opt for this or the low carb gluten free thin crust recipe! 

Italian Meatloaf

 Ingredients:

1/2 lb. ground beef

1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. chopped bell pepper

1 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. parsley

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C. crushed ritz crackers (or you could use Italian bread crumbs)

2 slices white bread, crumbled

1 T. milk

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 3/4 C. for topping (I used colby jack) 

1/4 C. parmesan cheese

1 C. marinara sauce, plus 1/2 -3/4 C. more for topping

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over med. high heat and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, remove from heat. In a large bowl, add the meats, onion and peppers along with all remaining ingredients reserving 3/4 C. mozzarella cheese for topping. Combine everything well. Once it has all come together, place and mold the mixture in a baking dish of your choice.

Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 C. of the marinara sauce on top and spread around. Place in a 400 degree oven for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle a little dry basil over the top. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Make sure the meat is not pink before serving, baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your loaf.

I've never been a meatloaf fan but this was phenomenal. Almost like a noodle free lasagna. 

Peanut Butter Explosion Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 Tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3.4 oz. box instant vanilla pudding

1 cup chocolate chips

1 1/4 cups halved Reese's mini peanut butter cups, divided

1 cup mini Reese's Pieces, divided (or peanut butter M&M's) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat the butter until creamy. Add the peanut butter and sugars and beat again. Add the eggs, honey, and vanilla and beat until mixed in.

Stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix. Slowly add to the butter mixture until everything is mixed in.  Stir in the chocolate chips, 1 cup peanut butter cups, and 3/4 cup Reese's Pieces gently.

Use a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop to make 36 dough balls. Press the remaining candy into the tops of the dough balls.  Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Let rest on the hot cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a piece of parchment paper. Let the cookies cool completely before storing in a tightly sealed container.

Lyndee's Yum Dip

Ingredients:

1 tsp garlic powder

3 tbsp Hidden Valley dry ranch mix

2 cups shredded cheddar

1 cup bacon pieces

2 blocks cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup mayo

1 tbsp sriracha

2 stalks green onions, chopped

Mix cream cheese, mayo, garlic, ranch, sriracha together until well blended.  Stir in bacon, cheese and green onions. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving with crackers, tortilla chips or veggies.

Note: The amount of sriracha can be more or less depending on your taste for heat.  It was just right for the average tongue but next time I might try a wee bit more. 

Fiesta Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 pkg. of pasta (rotini, bowtie, tri-colored, etc.)

1/2 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 package frozen roasted corn

1 green pepper, chopped

1 can of olives, sliced

5 oz. Queso Fresco (shredded cheddar or Colby jack would work as well)

10.5 oz. grape tomatoes, cut in half (or 2 tomatoes cut up)

Dressing Ingredients:

2 cups mayonnaise

1 cup buttermilk

1 pkg. Hidden Valley Fiesta dip mix

Directions:

Cook pasta, drain and cool.  Do not rinse pasta. Combine with all of the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and then whisk together the dressing. Add dressing to the salad and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Million Dollar Cream Cheese and Garlic Dip

Everyone knows I finding new dip recipes for get-togethers.  This dip has only six ingredients but many flavors to satisfy your taste buds. 

Ingredients:

8 oz whipped cream cheese

1 cup of mayonnaise

2 cups of shredded colby jack cheese

5 green onions, chopped

2 Tbsp minced garlic

1/2 cup of bacon, chopped into small pieces

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and stir well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve with chips, crackers, or your favorite vegetables. 

Sriracha ranch and bacon cheeseburger sliders

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 package king’s Hawaiian rolls

6 pieces bacon, cooked and cut in half

½ cup ranch dressing

2 tbsp sriracha

Cheese slices (I recommend sharp cheddar or pepperjack)

4 tbsp butter

Garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together the ranch and sriracha sauce. Set aside.

Brown ground beef and drain. I seasoned with salt and pepper and added some minced garlic and chopped white onions. Mix ground beef and ranch sauce.

Put the bottom of the rolls in the baking dish. Butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Spread the ground beef and sauce over them. Top with cooked bacon, cheese and top with the top half of the rolls. Mix the butter and garlic salt together and spread over the top of the rolls.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Jalepeno bacon dip pull-apart bread

Another amazing dish from our Beaver Crew mini baconfest night. I dare you not to drool. 

The dip:

5-6 diced jalapenos, diced

2 8oz cream cheese

2 packs shredded cheddar

The bread:

1 tube Pillsbury biscuits

16 strips uncooked bacon

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Halve biscuits and wrap in a strip of bacon.  Place around the edges of a greased pan or large cast iron pan. Mix together dip ingredients and place in the middle of the biscuits.

Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until biscuits are a golden brown and bacon is cooked. 

Sriracha Bacon Sliders

When you’re having a Cards Against Humanity party and you know how much your friends love bacon and sriracha, these sliders are an absolute no brainer. I was a bit worried they would be too hot but they were nothing short of spectacular and were a huge hit with the crew. 

Ingredients:

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 sriracha sauce

24 slider rolls, sliced in half but kept as one large piece (I used King Hawaiian Sweet Rolls)

3 cups cooked turkey or chicken (I used canned chunk chicken)

2 cups shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack)

4 Tbsp butter, melted

1/4 tsp garlic salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Set aside. Put the bottom of the rolls in the baking dish. Spread the sriracha sauce over them. Add the cooked turkey/chicken, bacon, cheese and top with the top half rolls. Mix the butter and garlic salt together and spread over the top of the rolls.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Cowboy Supper

This is one of my friend Mel’s favorite childhood meals. And I can see why! In the spirit of the American cowboy throwing together a hearty meal out on the trail over a camp fire, we bring you the aptly named “cowboy supper”.  Dump all the ingredients together and bingo!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 can pork and beans

½ onion, chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

Salt and pepper

In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic.  Add hamburger and pork and beans. Salt and pepper to taste.  Cook until meat is browned and serve in a bowl.

You can eat this plain or with a dash of ketchup. We did ours with some siracha and it was hearty, spicy goodness.   

Crockpot Pork Roast

I always get excited when I see a good meat sale. This week Hy-Vee had pork shoulder roasts on sale for 99 cents a pound.  You bet your sweet behind I went and got one! Nothing beats a tender roast falling apart as you take it out of the crockpot on a dreary day.  You can use this recipe for beef or pork!

Ingredients:

7 lb. pork shoulder roast

1 envelope dry onion soup

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1 cup beef broth

1 cup water

Salt and Pepper

Pour water and beef brother in crockpot.  Add roast.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, followed by the soup packet and minced garlic.  Set on low for 8 hours.  Remove from crockpot and let sit for a few minutes before cutting. Enjoy! 

Perfect Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

6 eggs

3 tablespoons ranch dressing

1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1/8 teaspoon salt

Paprika

In 2-quart saucepan, place eggs in single layer; add enough water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Heat to boiling. Immediately remove from heat; cover and let stand 15 minutes.

Drain water from eggs; rinse eggs with cold water. Place eggs in bowl of ice water; let stand 10 minutes. Peel eggs; cut in half lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks; place in small bowl. Mash yolks with fork until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients except paprika until well blended.

Spoon yolk mixture into egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika.  Chill until ready to serve. 

I skipped the celery because I'm not a fan but I was pleasantly surprised by replacing the traditional mayo in a deviled egg with ranch. I also added a dash of pepper and garlic powder.  Yum! 

Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Log

Ingredients:

2 pkgs cream cheese softened

3 cups shredded Mexican style cheese

8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

4 jalapenos diced

1 onion diced

2-3 green onions chopped, optional

Olive oil

crackers for serving

In a sauté pan, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and jalapenos and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.  Spread jalapeno-onion mixture onto a piece of parchment or waxed paper to cool.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat cream cheese till soft and smooth. Add Mexican style cheese and beat to mix. Add cooled jalapeno-onion mixture and 3/4 of the bacon crumbles. Briefly beat to combine.

Spoon mixture into a rough log shape onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Sprinkle remaining bacon crumbles and green onions, if using, over the top of the cheese log. As tightly as possible, wrap plastic wrap around the cheese log and press into shape.  Refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve with your favorite crackers.

Rather than doing this as a cheese log I did it as a dip in a bowl. It made a large batch and I found this dip is great on scrambled eggs or chicken breast as well!