Simply Sweet Days

Simple discoveries that make every day count.

Recipes

Easy Dairy-Free Fruit Smoothie Recipes your Kids will Love

Smoothies are one of my favorite breakfast or snack options. Any time you can just toss a bunch of ingredients together and make a nutritious, belly-filling treat, I’m in! For these dairy-free fruit smoothie recipes, I used So Delicious Vanilla Coconutmilk Yogurt and Ripple milk. Not Dairy-Free? These are just as good with your favorite cow’s milk and yogurt. 

These 6 dairy-free smoothies make quick and easy meals easy on your gut! Just toss the ingredients together for a nutritious, belly-filling treat!

6 Dairy-Free Fruit Smoothie Recipes

Southern Banana Dairy Free Smoothie: Ice, ½ banana, ½ cup yogurt, ½ cup fresh or frozen peaches, and ½ cup orange juice. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes 1 at a time until desired thickness is reached. Makes 2 servings.

Antioxidant Smoothie: 1 cup spinach, ½ banana, ½ cup frozen blueberries, ½ cup ripple milk and honey to taste. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

Dairy-Free “Chocolate” Smoothie: ½ Banana, ½ cup blueberries, 1 Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Organic Acai Puree Packet, 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, 1 cup spinach, ½ cup Ripple chocolate milk. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

Dairy-Free Tropical Smoothie: ½ banana, ½ cup frozen mango chunks, ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks, ½ cup coconut water, juice from 1 lime, ice. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes 1 at a time until desired thickness is reached. Makes 2 servings.

Avocado Smoothie: 1 banana, 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup spinach, 1 avocado, ½ cup apple juice (cut down on sugar by diluting with water, if desired). Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 hefty servings.

Green Smoothie: 1 cup spinach, ½ banana, ½ cup mango or pineapple, ½ cup yogurt,  ½ cup juice, ice. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes 1 at a time until desired thickness is reached. Makes 2 servings.

These 6 dairy-free smoothies make quick and easy meals easy on your gut! Just toss the ingredients together for a nutritious, belly-filling treat!

A few helpful tips for deliciously easy dairy-free fruit smoothies:

Tip 1: Meal prep your smoothies so you have a stash of smoothies ready to go! Set aside some time to make several smoothies at once. Freeze them flat in quart Ziploc bags. Then when you want to use them, simply defrost and add to your favorite smoothie cup! Check out Jessica’s Freezer Smoothies for ideas on storing pre-made smoothies in grab & go cups.

Tip 2: Freeze a few peeled ripe bananas to use for smoothies. Even better, store several packages of your favorite fruits and some spinach in the freezer. 

You might also like this recipe for homemade fruit popsicles.

Easy Bacon Avocado Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese was one of my favorite dishes when I was a kid. My mom would make a huge casserole pan from scratch and there was rarely any leftovers. This mama is a little too busy too for that recipe. Instead, I doctored up a box of regular mac and cheese with a Southern Cali twist. The result is easy bacon avocado mac and cheese.

bacon avocado mac and cheese recipe

The inspiration for my bacon avocado mac and cheese recipe comes from my love of a local Southern California social house, 127 West. They have some of the most amazing entrees, with mouth-watering ingredients. I wanted to bring a taste of that into my own kitchen. Side note: My original plan for this recipe was for it to include garlic aioli as one of the ingredients. Thank goodness for recipe testing! The garlic was too overpowering for me, but if you’d like to give it a true Cali kick, add a few teaspoons of garlic aioli to your bacon avocado mac and cheese.

Easy Bacon Avocado Mac and Cheese

Easy Bacon Avocado Mac and Cheese

Easy Bacon Avocado Mac and Cheese

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Taking boxed mac and cheese up a notch! Add bacon, avocado, and one egg to this easy bacon avocado mac and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 box mac and cheese (discard cheese powder)
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, or plain bacon if you can't find applewood (I used Smithfield)
  • 1 egg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese (see note below)
  • 1/2 of an avocado, cut into chunks

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon and chop into crumbles. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain the water from the cooked pasta and stir in the butter and cheese. Mix well to combine. It's ok if the butter doesn't completely melt, because you'll be baking this later.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, salt and pepper.
  4. Add the bacon and egg mixture to the pasta. Stir to Combine.
  5. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven, top with avocado, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pepper Jack cheese includes ingredients that are mild, but if your palate is sensitive to spicy foods you may prefer to substitute it for Monterey Jack cheese instead.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 618Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1072mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 21g
Category: Family Favorites

More easy family dinner ideas:

1

Chicken Divan

2

Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken

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Colorful Couscous and Sausage Recipe

This colorful couscous and sausage dish is the perfect light meal on a warm summer afternoon. Couscous always gives me a satisfying, comfort-food happy tummy. When I found myself with some extra time recently, I knew I wanted to do some recipe testing with couscous. 

Why cook with couscous?

Two words, sister: BUSY.MOM. Couscous is awesome to serve for dinner on busy weeknights or nights when you just don’t feel like cooking because it’s easy to cook, it’s low-maintenance, and it’s ready in 10 minutes. 

The preparation for each brand of couscous may vary. Some cook with a 1:1 water (or broth) to couscous ratio, and others call for more liquid. Before you head to the store for ingredients, make a note on your shopping list to grab the couscous first. Then you can check to see how much broth that brand of couscous needs in order to cook to its full, puffed-up goodness. We used this kind. It called for 1 Tbsp. oil and 2 cups water or broth. I used broth.

Prep the veggies first

Since couscous cooks so quickly, and plus you’ll be tossing the carrot in with it, it’s a good idea to do all the chopping, grating and dicing beforehand. Grate 1 carrot, mince 1 garlic clove, chop up ½ cup diced onion and1 smallish red bell pepper. Quickly cut ½ cup loosely packed cilantro too. Keep everything separate because it doesn’t all go into the same pot or at the same time.  

Cook the sausage and couscous

Add the oil to a large fry pan and add the ground sausage. It wants to clump back together, so break it up with a spatula frequently. When the meat is browned, add in the onions and garlic. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is translucent. The first time I cooked this couscous and sausage recipe, I used a brand of Italian sausage that had just the faintest hint of crushed red pepper in it. Unfortunately, it was enough that my kids noticed. It was way too “spicy” for them. The next time we made this I was careful to choose an Italian sausage that was marked “mild”, and it the kids were much happier. In fact, Johnny (5) said, “Mommy I thought this was going to be yucky but it’s not!” Thanks for the compliment, kiddo… I think.  

Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to package directions, adding in the carrot when you put the couscous in the water.  

Mix everything together  

When the couscous is cooked, add it to the fry pan with the sausage mixture. Add in the diced red bell pepper and toss everything together. Serve it alongside a simple baby arugula salad and dinner is done!

colorful couscous

Colorful Couscous and Sausage

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil, or more depending on couscous preparation instructions
  • 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
  • 1 minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 (10 oz.) pkg couscous
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (optional and depending on couscous preparation instructions)
  • 1 shredded carrot
  • 1 diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 package baby arugula lettuce, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large fry pan. Saute the sausage in oil until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
  2. Add garlic and onions to the sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain the sausage and return to the pan.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to package directions. Put the shredded carrots into the boiling water or broth when you add the couscous.
  4. When couscous and sausage are finished cooking, mix them together in a large dish, or in the fry pan if there is enough room.
  5. Stir the red bell pepper and cilantro into the couscous and sausage mixture.
  6. Serve warm and garnished with arugula lettuce, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 461Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 717mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 28g
Category: Quick and Easy Dinners

18 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Wouldn’t it be great if you could slash your grocery bill? We’ve been living on a pretty tight budget for almost 2 years now and I can assure you I am excellent at getting the most nutrition for my money. The stores in our area don’t offer a double coupons and rarely have sales, so we really have to work at it to find ways to save money on groceries. These 18 tips are the key to stretching your dollar and maximizing your food budget.  

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate.

18 ways to save on groceries each week

Get the Most Nutrition for your Dollar | 18 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

  1. Plan ahead. Make a meal plan and stick to it, otherwise you’ll find yourself throwing out food throwing out uneaten food. Throwing out food is like throwing out your money! 
  2. Make a list before heading to the grocery store. And again, the key is to stick to it! A list keeps you from making impulse buys and extra trips to the store for forgotten items. Not sure what to put on the list? They actually make pre-printed lists so you can just check the items you’ll need!
  3. Check unit prices. This helps you compare brands and find the one that gives you the most product for your dollar.  
  4. Consider buying the product in bulk. Some stores sell spices, grains and pastas in bulk bins at a much lower price than they are in the brand packaging.
  5. Buy Generic! People pay much more for the brands they trust, when there’s hardly any difference in quality or taste. You’re just paying for the name on the label!
  6. Save yourself some time and stretch out those groceries by making a double-sized meal once a week and freezing the leftovers or using them another night.
  7. Don’t go to the store hungry. You’re more likely to fall prey to impulse buys when your tummy is growling. The same goes for any children you bring along. We actually bring snacks and drinks on long store trips to keep the littles from getting grouchy.
     
  8. Check supplies before going to the store. Use a pantry or freezer inventory to keep track of what you have on hand.
  9. Avoid the cost of convenience. Single-serving packages for things like baby carrots, yogurt and cracker packs. Buy a large container instead and make your own snack sizes.
  10. When produce is in season in season, buy fresh. When not in season consider canned, dried or frozen.
  11. Buy day-old bread. Use this storefinder, and also check your local Big Lots and Dollar Tree as they are official day-old stores for Bob’s Red Mill and Bimbo. 
  12. Choose whole-grain cereals instead of the sugar-coated ones. The whole-grain are better for your and usually cost less!
  13. Serve popcorn as a snack in place of processed crackers. Popcorn is cheaper per unit ounce than a box of snack crackers, and it’s healthier than the salty processed snacks.
  14. Make your meat dishes go farther by adding in beans, lentils, rice, or pasta.
  15. One night a week serve a vegetarian bean or egg dish for dinner.
  16. Chop up overly-ripe fruits to use in smoothies or add them to yogurt or oatmeal.
  17. Check the bottoms of packages of fruits and vegetables to make sure they’re not damaged or moldy. Also, check the expiration date on bagged salads to make sure you’ll use them before they go bad.
  18. Make small compromises as a family, like buying one less bag of chips, crackers or cookies a week.

I’m a busy working mom of four and I’ve tried every penny-pinching trick in the book. These are real things that I really do because I don’t have time to read every grocery store mailer and visit five different stores to get the best deal. If you’re really wanting to save money on groceries, you can do it! It just takes dedication. If you’re not budgeting, get my free budget plan here and start being accountable for your spending!

Got any great tips for feeding your family on a budget? Tell me what works for you!

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Cracker-Crumb Breaded Chicken

This is a tasty version of breaded chicken that our whole family loves. It’s easy, no-fuss, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

When I first moved out of my parents’ house, I knew how to cook 2 thing: Spaghetti and Shake ‘N Bake chicken. I thought I was pretty hot stuff for knowing those recipes down pat, too. Now, many years later (not gonna say how many), I’ve modified the Shake ‘N Bake recipe a bit. The crackers give it a sweet, buttery flavor, while the garlic salt and pepper give it some zippy seasoning.

We’ve got one picky eater in the family, and even she loves this cracker crumb breaded chicken recipe. It’s got a very kid-friendly flavor and is so easy to make! Pair it with some brown rice and steamed veggies and dinner is served!

breaded chicken

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 sleeve (about 1 ½ cups) of crushed buttery snack crackers
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

breaded chicken

Beat eggs in a shallow bowl.

Place cracker crumbs in a large Ziploc bag with garlic salt and pepper.

IMG_5098

Dip chicken breasts in egg, then shake (1 at a time) in the Ziploc bag of cracker crumbs. Arrange breaded chicken in a greased baking dish and bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°. Serve it with your favorite sauce or by itself-it’s got enough flavor to stand on its own 😉

IMG_5100

Seriously, how easy is that? I hope you enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to check back for more family-friendly meals!

21 Ways to Get the Most Out of Summer Days

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

As summer looms on the horizon, it feels like the days ahead are plentiful. But then as September starts to creep up, I always get this feeling of panic like there’s still so much I haven’t done yet! I brainstormed some ways to get the most of summer so I have ready-to-go ideas for days when we have nothing planned. So far I have 21 things we’re planning to tick off our list this summer.

After a day of summer fun, it’s nice to enjoy a hot meal at home. But when I’m on the go from sunrise to sunset, I’m in no mood to cook dinner for the family. Of course if you know me, you know that I always have a plan. Everyone at our house is happy when it’s a Healthy Choice® Cafe Steamers night! The Beef Merlot has bright, crunchy vegetables to go with the tender beef. Click the image below to shop our favorite dinner solution for busy summer nights!

I keep my freezer stocked with Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. There are a variety of delicious recipes to fit everyone’s taste preferences. My favorite is the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers are so convenient because they cook up in minutes. But, don’t tell the kids, they’re also packed with veggies! I love how easy they are to prepare when I’m short on time, and my family loves the variety of tasty sauces. This Chicken Marinara has a wonderful rich flavor!

When I don’t have time to run to Walmart, I add a handful of Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers to my online grocery cart. That way I don’t lose any summer play time on errands! If you haven’t tried the Walmart Online Grocery Service, I suggest you check to see if it’s available in your area. You buy online and they bring it right out to your car!   

With dinner at home taken care of, make the most of your summer days by trying some of these fun summer activities!

Go on a family bike ride. Check online for local bike trails, or take a destination ride to the beach or park.

Go stargazing and look for shooting stars. Take a drive away from the city for an even brighter lights show!

Catch an outdoor concert. There are plenty of free concerts in the park to choose from on warm summer afternoons.

Go for a swim. Take a dip in a swimming hole or hit up the beach or pool. We pull out our Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers to help us refuel after a day at the beach. The Beef Teriyaki is my favorite!

Stroll through a farmer’s market. Bring reusable bags and fill up on fresh local produce!

See an outdoor movie. Pull in to a drive-in or catch a movie in the park. Some public pools also have “Float n’ Flick” events where you watch a movie while swimming! Volunteer. Lend a helping hand with park cleanups or offer to help at a soup kitchen or pet shelter.

Take a spin in a kayak. Hot tip: This is a great way to work out your abs and the life vests cover up your tummy.

Go on a geocaching adventure. This is also a great way to find off-the-beaten-path local spots.  

Play at a splash pad. Everyone loves to cool off in these creative sprinklers.

Visit the museum. Play tourist in your hometown!

Put a pause on TV-time. Go on a fast from watching TV and instead play board games or read books.

Visit the fair. Make some time while you’re there to look at the cool exhibits and animals, in addition to the rides and attractions.

Go fishing. No poles? No problem! Bring a bucket to the creek and try to catch a crawdad!

Take a summer reading challenge. Libraries usually have a full schedule of summer activities, so we always make sure to take advantage of them.

Compile a Summer Photo Album. Don’t forget to snap a photo of each adventure. At the end of the summer put your pictures together for a homemade yearbook of summer family fun.

Have a late-afternoon picnic and watch the sunset. Rejuvenate your mind and soul with some fresh air and peaceful scenery.

Rearrange your living space. Give your living room or bedroom a fresh new look by switching around the furniture. Every time I do this it makes me feel like I moved into a new place!

Write a letter to a relative or friend. Break out the old-fashioned pencil and paper and let a loved one know you’re thinking of her.

Roast S’mores. In the backyard or at a campground, these tasty treats are easy to make anywhere you go!

Go for a nature walk. Bring binoculars and step silently. You’d be amazed at the wildlife you might find!

While it is a good idea to make the most of your summer days, I do not recommend taking on too much in one day! Give yourself a break. After a long day of summer fun, you can bet you won’t be in the mood to cook. I suggest having a quick and easy frozen meal on hand to fill hungry bellies after a busy day of summer adventures.

Since 1989, Healthy Choice has been offering healthy options with delicious gourmet flavors. They are easy to prepare, and cooked with steam for freshness you can taste. Find them at a Walmart near you!

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes. I just love the creamy chicken soup flavor and the fluffy dumplings. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. I much prefer setting a bunch of ingredients in the crock pot, getting stuff done during the day, and returning to a cooked meal in time for dinner. Our family loves this recipe for crock pot chicken and dumplings!

crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe

I make a batch of crock pot chicken and dumplings over the weekend. It makes enough servings so we have some for leftovers the next night. The biscuits take a while to cook, so you can’t really leave the crock going all day while you’re at work. Be sure and allow for at least 2 hours for the biscuit dough to bake!

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:

3 uncooked skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into chunks
1 (10.75 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies 
1 cup of chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
1 package refrigerated biscuit dough 

ingredients for crock pot chicken and dumplings cooking in the pot

Directions:

Place everything but the biscuit dough in a Crock Pot (I use this one) and mix together.

Cover, and cook for 4 hours on high. Arrange the biscuits on top of the chicken mixture the slow cooker. Cover and continue to cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center, about 2 hours.

To serve, scoop out some of the soup and add a biscuit on top. 

This recipe warms the belly on a frosty evening. You can serve it all year long because the veggies are always available in the freezer section! I just love the smell of the house when I have crock pot chicken and dumplings cooking. It makes our home feel cozy on the inside!

Some of our other family favorite dinners are

Cheesy Pasta Casserole

Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Divan Casserole

Easy recipe for crock pot chicken and dumplings

Sweet St. Patrick’s Day Treats

Find your pot of gold this St Patrick’s Day with these yummy party treats. You will have the Luck of the Irish serving any of these St. Patrick’s Day treats at your party.

St. Patrick’s Day Edible Picture Cupcakes

There are many bakeries around now that have edible images to place on cakes. An edible image is a photo that is made completely out of sugar. Here is what you can do to make custom cupcakes for St. Patrick’s Day treats.

1 Box of your favorite brand of vanilla cake mix (add a few drops of green food coloring to batter)

1 tub of your favorite brand of vanilla Cream cheese frosting (add a few drops of green food coloring to icing)

Green foil cupcake liners

Before you bake the cupcakes you will need to call around your town and see who which bakery has the edible images available. Or you can get these cute little leprechaun ones on Etsy. The shop usually needs at least a 24 hour notice so be sure and place your order early. If using a bakery, you will need to go to that store and take a picture with you. Choose a photo relating to St Patrick’s Day and then tell the bakery employee what size you want the pictures to be. Just make sure they are small enough to sit on top of a cupcake.

Bake the cupcakes according to the directions and let them cool completely before you frost them and before you place the edible photo on top of each one.

St. Patrick’s Day Mini Fruit Tarts

Surprise all of your party guests with these sweet St. Patrick’s Day treats.

Here is what you will need:

mini pastry shells

white bakers chocolate

1/2 pound fresh or frozen raspberries

1/2 pound fresh or frozen strawberries (smaller sizes are best)

1 can of mandarin orange slices

1 box of vanilla instant pudding (add a few drops of green food coloring when mixing)

Make the pudding according to the directions on the box. Set aside. Melt the white chocolate and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom of each pastry shell with white chocolate. Spoon some of the vanilla pudding into each shell and be sure to fill the shells right up to the rim. Cut the strawberries into quarters and then all you do is arrange one slice of the strawberries, one mango and one raspberry on top of the pudding in each pastry shell. Brush the top of each finished tart with simple syrup to add a shiny glaze to each tart. All you do to make the simple syrup is fill an 8 ounce spray bottle about 3/4 full of water and then add 3 tablespoons of Karo syrup and shake well. Chill the tarts at least one hour before serving.

No-Bake St. Patrick’s Day Bite Sized Cheesecakes

Who can resist the creamy confection of the cheesecake? These tiny St. Patrick’s Day treats will be a hit at any party. Nobody can eat just one of these.

Here is all you need:

1 box graham cracker crumbs

1 box mini pastry baking cups (these silicone ones are reusable and nonstick!)

1 tub of cheesecake filling (plain flavored and add a few drops of green food coloring)

1 kiwi (peeled and sliced into quarters)

1 tub of strawberry glaze topping

Line the bottom of each baking cup with graham cracker crumbs and then spoon in some of the cheesecake filling. Fill each mini cup almost to the rim with the cheesecake batter and place one quarter piece of kiwi on top and drizzle the tops of each mini cheesecake with the strawberry glaze. Chill for one hour before serving.

Bite Sized Yogurt Pies

This is the perfect dessert to make for all of your St Patrick’s Day parties. it is light and refreshing with does not have a lot of sugar.

Here is all you need:

1 Box of Ready Made Graham Cracker Mini Pie Shells (there are usually 6 to a package)

1 Tub of Extra Creamy Cool Whip (add green food coloring)

Strawberry Yogurt (3 six ounce cups) You can use any flavor of yogurt that you want

In a large bowl, mix together the cool whip and the three containers of yogurt. Blend well until light and fluffy. The cool whip will mix more smoothly if it is at room temperature. Spoon the entire mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and cover with lid. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. You can also add fresh slices of strawberries on top and drizzle with strawberry topping.

Dainty Almond Cookies Recipe

These dainty almond cookies are so light, you’ll find it hard to eat just one! They have a sweet almond flavor that easily compliments tea or coffee.  dainty, light and crispy almond cookies recipe

Not long ago I was trying to figure out what cookies I should make for a Christmas party. Always a rebel, I decided to go against my chocolate-loving nature and make these almond cookies.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I think a batch of almond cookies might be just the thing to jazz up a Valentine’s Day party! I love that each batch cooks in just a few minutes. Who has all day to spend in the kitchen? Not this mama!  dainty, light and crispy almond cookies recipe

Before you start, there are a few things you need to know about this recipe. It calls for superfine sugar, which is now the same as powdered sugar or regular granulated sugar. This is the best sugar for the recipe because it is quickly absorbed by the eggs. Also, the cooking times will vary depending on your oven. Ours runs hot, so t have to watch my cookies when I’m baking. Things can go from wet dough to burnt dough in a second!  dainty, light and crispy almond cookies recipe

Dainty Almond Cookies Recipe

Start with egg whites. Beat them using a mixer (I have this one, it’s only $15 right now on Amazon!) until they are frothy. Add in that superfine sugar slowly, not all at once.

The trick to evenly-baked cookies is to drop a very small amount of dough, then spread it out evenly with a fork or spatula. I used a teaspoon measure to form each cookie.

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
½ cup superfine sugar
2 tsp. unsalted butter, melted
Almond extract (just a few drops)
4 Tbsp. sliced almonds
1 Tbsp. flour
parchment paper for baking

Preheat the oven to 350º.

Beat the egg whites in a bowl until frothy. You may have to use a high speed setting to get a bubbly consistency. Slowly pour in the sugar, then add the butter and a few drops of almond extract. Set the mixer aside and gently mix in the flour and 3 Tbsp. of the almonds. 

Place parchment on a baking sheet. Using a teaspoon measure, drop dough onto the parchment paper. Sprinkle 2-3 of the remaining sliced almonds on top of each cookie. Bake at 350º for 6-8 minutes or until golden. Move the parchment paper to a baking rack for cookies to cool. Once completely cooled, carefully separate the dainty almond cookies from the parchment paper. Makes about 24 cookies.  dainty, light and crispy almond cookies recipe

Tip: Use a cool cookie sheet for each batch. A hot baking sheet will cause the butter to cook more quickly.  an easy recipe for almond cookies for Christmas or a party

Ground Turkey and Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes

Have you noticed how much easier it is becoming to find organic, all-natural products in the grocery stores? In my local market, they size of the “organic” section in the produce department has doubled in the last few years! I decided to whip up a dinner for my family that uses all-natural, organic ingredients. I was inspired by this organic, free-range ground turkey that I found at my local market. I had this $2 off coupon, so the price perfect. The dinner turned out pretty tasty, and was ready in under 45 minutes! Here’s what I came up with:  

Ground Turkey and Heirloom Tomatoes with Broccolini

This dish is super easy to put together. It uses heirloom tomatoes, which are commonly found in late summer and fall. I love the funky coloring and awkwardly lopsided appearance of these tomatoes. A side of broccolini, asparagus, or some other green can give an added dose of veggies to the meal.

We are a busy working-parent family, so this worked well for me on a weeknight because it didn’t require a lot of monitoring.

Here are the basics. As I said, the veggies are locally-grown. Even the ground turkey was local! I so much prefer serving California-grown poultry to my family than a product that was probably frozen and flown in from Minnesota. 

Start by setting the oven to 450. While it’s heating, prep and chop the veggies and get the pasta pot started.

Place the tomatoes, garlic, bell peppers, and 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium sized bowl and toss to combine.  Spread the mixture out evenly on a baking pan. I line mine with tin foil to make cleanup a little easier 😉 If you’re serving turkey and heirloom tomatoes with broccolini or asparagus, you can add them to the roasting pan too. Roast the veggies for 11-14 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the broccolini is crisp-tender. The tomatoes may get kind of juicy, and this will help add flavor to the pasta and the broccolini in the pan. 

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until al dente. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so this doesn’t take long!

Cooking with ground turkey on a busy weeknight is a cinch because the meat cooks rather quickly. While the veggies are roasting, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a pan. Add the turkey and cook until beginning to brown. Add the onions and cook another 3 minutes or until the onions are translucent and soft. 

The Foster Farms ground turkey I’m using is lean, and doesn’t leave a lot of fatty liquid in the pan. Even so, you will want to drain off the juices that accumulated during cooking.  

By now your kitchen should be smelling pretty amazing as the different smells from the roasting veggies start to permeate the room. Toss the turkey and heirloom tomatoes with the cooked pasta, top with some shredded cheese and basil and enjoy! 

I saw on Facebook that there is also a chance to win free Foster Farms turkey if you leave a comment on this Foster Farms Facebook post. There will be multiple drawings, so good luck to all who enter!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy ground turkey? 

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Ground Turkey and Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes and Broccolini

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

4 servings

Ground Turkey and Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes and Broccolini

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. angel hair pasta
  • 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 16 oz. Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey
  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes (about 1 lb.), cut into chunks
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 bunch broccolini (about 2 cups)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. (about 8 leaves) torn fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°.
  2. Cut up vegetables and trim broccolini.
  3. Place tomatoes, bell pepper, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, and garlic slices into a medium bowl and toss to combine.
  4. Arrange the tomato mixture and broccolini in a baking/roasting pan and cook at 450° for 11-14 minutes, or until broccolini is crisp-tender.
  5. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until al dente.
  6. While pasta and veggies are cooking, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes or until beginning to brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  7. Add the onions and cook another 3 minutes.
  8. Combine roasted tomato mixture, pasta, and turkey mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir together well.
  9. Top with a sprinkle of basil and parmesan cheese and serve immediately with a side of broccolini.
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