By Kristin Helwig
By Kristin Helwig
Homemade blueberry jam layered between a chewy oat bar and crumbly topping. Perfect for quick on the go breakfast, afternoon snack or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. The are great warm, room temperature or straight from the fridge. We literally couldn’t stop …
Spring is the best time for asparagus! What better way to use it all up with this really easy side. The asparagus is perfectly roasted and then topped with a bright and colorful cherry tomatoes and seared halloumi that’s tossed in an herb salsa verde. …
Breakfasts can be so difficult sometimes. Getting something healthy and delicious before running out the door. The boys are in school now so I get a little more time in the mornings to myself with the girls. So besides smoothie bowls, I’m filling up on …
It’s that time of year where the rhubarb is just bursting out of the garden! Combined and cooked down with juicy sweet berries to a thick jam and layered between oatmeal cookie dough. These bars are a must for spring! Rhubarb Berry Jam Oatmeal Bar …
Who doesn’t love a good burger night? The windows were open, they kids were running in and out of the house, beautiful signs of warmer weather to come. These burgers have lots of garlic and spices seared, in the skillet and topped with a mixture …
Rich dark fudge brownies with sweet salted gooey caramel swirled throughout. It’s mixed into the brownie batter and spread ontop letting it ooze into all of the brownie. This is not for the faint of heart and is truly so decadent. Each bite just melts …
Like what’s better than ice cream?! This is a really simple no churn, recipe. So sweet and creamy made with a handful of ingredients. The strawberries are cooked down till thick and jammy, pureed and then swirled into the cream cheese and condensed milk. Folded …
If you’ve ever shopped at Costco and had the pleasure of trying these you know how addicting they are. I had to figure out how to make them at home immediately. They are just as good if not better, and so easy to make!! Graham …
Coconut lovers will absolutely love these! It’s like taking a little mini vacation. Banana muffins packed with tons of coconut! Coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut flakes mixed in and on top. Studded with chocolate chips. They smell absolutely amazing too while baking! Ingredients Directions …
We eat a lot of tacos around here, it’s safe to say they are a real family favorite. I have my go to chicken tacos that I make all the time but it’s fun to switch it up sometimes. So these are filled with chicken …
Creamy peanut noodles tossed together with lots of crisp vegetables and seared crispy halloumi, it’s such a vibrant flavorful dish. The peanut sauce is made with garlic, ginger, creamy peanut butter and red curry paste. Ingredients Peanut Sauce Directions Starting with the peanut sauce, in …
There really is nothing like homemade naan! It’s soft, chewy, brushed with lots of garlic butter and stuffed with sautéed spinach, feta, and mozzarella. It’s really so easy to make and perfect for soaking up any sauce. This naan is definitely a family favorite, I …
Cool, creamy and refreshing, this sweet treat comes together in just a couple simple ingredients and it’s so easy to make. Three separate recipes that come together to make this dessert. The crust is a buttery shortbread, filled with a creamy lemon filling and homemade …
Having little ones, I always have tons of berries around. So I had to make a pie with some extra raspberries. They are sweet and tart, baked inside a creamy custard with a flakey buttery crust and then topped with an oatmeal crisp. There are …
This bright little citrus loaf is sure to shine even on the gloomiest of days. It’s so vibrant and citrusy, packed with all the winter citrus zest and topped with a beautifully pink blood orange glaze. Sweetened with honey and a little zesty sugar on …
When the best of both worlds come together, buffalo cauliflower and crispy buffalo Brussels sprouts. On the healthier side too. Tossed in buffalo sauce, drizzle of honey and topped with gorgonzola. It would be a great addition to the game day spread! Ive already eaten …
Layers of soft oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough, homemade gooey salted caramel, rich dark chocolate and toasted nuts. These have all the best flavors and textures. Salted Caramel Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8×8 inch baking …
For when you’re craving amazing sugar cookies, but don’t want to cut out and decorate. These are incredibly soft and chewy. Just simple ingredients, with amazing results. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, raspberry cream cheese hearts and sprinkles. Perfect for that special valentine! …
Breakfasts can be so difficult sometimes. Getting something healthy and delicious before running out the door. The boys are in school now so I get a little more time in the mornings to myself with the girls. So besides smoothie bowls, I’m filling up on …
Bruschetta is one of those classics that just reminds me of warmer days ahead. It’s just a couple simple ingredients tossed together, spooned on top of a baked garlic feta, placed on warm or toasted bread. Simple yet elevated and hard to beat. Ingredients Baked …
Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, vegetable side or show stopping vegetarian entree, this whole roasted cauliflower should be the go to. I’m going to be making this weekly. The cauliflower is gently rubbed with lots of spices, roasted off until it’s tender on the …
In an effort to start eating really healthy in the new year this is going to you be a new favorite. Simply roasted vegetables with a little olive oil, salt and black pepper, seared halloumi, bright vibrant green goddess sauce all served over brown rice. …
It’s bright, creamy and citrusy, a classic for a reason! Adding a little tropical flavor with some toasted coconut and it’s a party! To say this was pretty much gone within a couple hours is no joke. I also add a little ground cinnamon into …
This tried and true classic is perfect for any celebration or social get together. It’s deliciously rich chocolate cake with a secret ingredient being mayonnaise. Layers of chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream topped with a beautifully shiny chocolate glaze. Devil’s Food Cake Chocolate Buttercream Chocolate …
Muffins are made almost weekly in this house. The boys eat them for breakfast and quick snacks all the time. Anytime I can sneak in some healthy fruits or vegetables in them is a success! These have pureed spinach, a little apple sauce and banana …
Pavlovas are just a beautiful whimsical dessert. The meringues are soft and marshmallow like in the center and crisp on the outside. Topped with fresh whipped cream, segmented oranges, tangy pomegranates and crushed pistachios. A real show stopper for the holidays! Pavlovas Directions Preheat the …
These old fashioned cookies will transport you right back to your childhood. Crisp edges and chewy soft center. A touch of warm cinnamon and finished with an espresso glaze. Perfect to fill any cookie boxes this holiday season! Ingredients Oatmeal Cookies Espresso Icing Directions Start …
Looking for a ‘healthier’ cookie this holiday season? There’s no refined sugar and they are vegan! Made with all natural ingredients I’m obsessed with these. They are soft and chewy and great for breakfast, afternoon snack or dessert. Also perfect to dunk into a hot …
It was really hard to walk away from this pan of soft, chewy, warm blondies. The brown butter is really key in these. Studded with white chocolate chips and maple syrup its just the perfect little fall treat. Ingredients Directions Preheat the oven to 350 …
When that cold weather hits, I’m always looking for a big bowl of noodles. This is it! The short ribs are braised in a spicy peanut broth for hours, gently pulled apart and then topped with spicy kimchi, spinach, sesame seeds, carrots, and torn nori. …
What is so fun about cooking in parchment?! It’s like personal little gifts the guests get to unwrap. The rice is creamy and gets a little crisp around the edges from baking, then topped with a sticky ginger soy glazed salmon. It’s quick enough for …
Nothing says fall comfort more than a big plate of pumpkin ravioli! Especially on these chilly nights. It’s a pumpkin pasta with a three cheese pumpkin filling, and all the warm spices. Sautéed with lacinato kale, maple brown butter, herbs, and a little grated manchego. …
This is one of my absolute favorite apple pies. The crust is buttery and flakey piled high with spiced apples and then topped with the best oat crisp. The apples are perfectly tender, I love McIntosh but pick your favorite. Also you can use a …
These little whoopie pies are fully embracing the fall season with so much apple. There’s reduced apple cider, apple butter, warm spices and then a luscious maple cream cheese filling. Reducing the cider really brings out the beautiful natural sweetness of the apples! Ingredients Maple …
Tres Leches cake is a rich vanilla sponge cake soaked in three different milks. It’s also one of my families absolute favorites. So I thought we would celebrate the new season by adding a little salted caramel. I swirled it into the cake and also …
This is one of my absolute favorite salads! It really has all the best fall flavors! Fresh mixed greens, roasted Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, candied pecans, cherries, apples, farro and manchego cheese. Finished with a maple vinaigrette. There’s so many elements, hot and cold, creamy …
I was trying to go back and forth on whether these would be considered muffins or a cake. I used a jumbo muffin tin so they were really big. But you could definitely put it in a 8×8 pan and make it a cake. Doesn’t …
What is it that’s so nostalgic and comforting about grilled cheese and tomato soup? This is the same idea with a twist. Roasted Roma tomatoes with lots of garlic, onions, carrots and celery with the warmth of the curry spices. Finished off with coconut milk …
The coming of seasons changing is upon us! Happy soup season and sweater weather. Yesterday we had a chill in the air and I might have broken out the pumpkins already! I can’t help it. And with that come all the cozy bowls and soups. …
Angel food cake has to be one of my all time favorite cakes. The cake is so light and airy, it just melts in your mouth. Topped with a sweetened whipped cream swirled with cherry jam. Angel Food Cake Cherry Whipped Cream Directions Preheat the …
Galettes are so easy to make and the more imperfect and rustic the better. With a little egg wash and sprinkle of coarse sugar these are sure to impress. The key is keeping the butter and water ice cold and the crust will be so …
I love making panzanella salad when I have a bunch of leftover bread from a local bakery. It’s the end of summer and this is such a great way to use up what you have. I found amazing heirloom tomatoes from the market and my …
I mean if this pizza doesn’t show up for summer! All of the beautiful colors and flavors, the farmers market was just bursting with every color of the rainbow in tomatoes, sweet corn and stone fruits. The flavors of this pizza are truly one to …
What is it about banana bread that is so comforting and satisfying?! This is a classic banana bread with simple healthier ingredients with a little sweet crunch on top from cinnamon sugar. I will make this for breakfast for the week and it will last …
It’s hot, it’s the end of summer, what better way to cool off with this bright and lemony no-churn cream?! It stays really creamy in the freezer and not icy which I love. Perfect treat at the end of a long hot day. Ingredients Directions …
Homemade naan with fresh basil pesto, pulled chicken, lots of melted mozzarella cheese and sweet tomatoes, all pressed together into a grilled sandwich. You can swap out pita bread if you wish. But the naan bread gets really crispy almost like a panini. I’ll be …
Traditional French crepes can be filled with sweet or savory fillings, and served hot or cold. They are perfect any time of day and so much easier to make than you think. I filled these with a quick strawberry jam and then drizzled with a …
If you’ve never had a Dutch baby before, now would be a good time to try them! It’s a cross between a crepe and a pancake. The batter is very simple to make lots of eggs, milk, salt, flour blended together and poured into a …
Well I can’t love these more! Made with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cocoa powder, a touch of vanilla and creamy peanut butter. Blended together and poured into popsicle molds to freeze. Then dipped in melted chocolate! These are a perfect summer time treat to cool …
Summer ripe nectarines and juicy ripe blueberries are the star here! Tossed together with a crumbly oat crisp with brown sugar, cinnamon and butter, this is a quick and easy dessert that comes together in no time! Ingredients Oat crisp Directions Preheat the oven to …
All the favorite butter chicken Indian flavors wrapped up into a burger. Warm toasted spices mixed into the burger patties and topped with a mint yogurt and shaved cucumbers. A cold winter day classic transformed for summer, and lightened up for summer. Butter Chicken Burgers …
Well these are my new fav summer treat. Frozen creamy peanut butter cups and covered in dark chocolate. I folded some graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter for a little texture and let me tell you, you’re going to be obsessed with every bite. …
With Memorial Day right around the corner, it’s starting to feel like summer out there and time to break out the grill. This summer elote salad is perfect for any side dish, and a play off the favorite elote street corn. The charred sweet corn …
I love a good strawberry shortcake, but with all the rhubarb growing in my back yard I couldn’t resist to throw it in with the strawberries. It adds just that perfect tartness to the perfectly sweet strawberries. Along with fresh whipped cream and flaky buttermilk …
This popular South American drink is sure to help you cool off in those warmer days to come. Whole limes are pureed with condensed milk, ice, and a little mint for that added freshness. Keep it N/A or add your favorite alcohol. But make a …
I absolutely love making these carne asada tacos, when I need a really quick an easy dinner. The beef is marinated in herbs and citrus juices and grilled with charred tortillas, queso fresco, red cabbage and a little cilantro. Perfect for a small group or …
Think strawberry ice cream but better! Roasting the strawberries just bring out all the natural sweetness and enhances the flavor that much more. Swirled into a classic vanilla base ice cream served with buttery, flaky cinnamon sugar pie crust. Pretty perfect for those warmer days …
Spring is the best time for asparagus! What better way to use it all up with this really easy side. The asparagus is perfectly roasted and then topped with a bright and colorful cherry tomatoes and seared halloumi that’s tossed in an herb salsa verde. …
Arepas are a street food down in South America mainly in Venezuela and Columbia. They are little hand formed masa cakes that are pan fried until crispy and golden and then filled. The inside is soft and creamy and the outside is crispy. I filled …
Sweet buttery cookies with crunchy macadamia nuts and melt in your mouth white chocolate chips. But I added a spring twist with some freeze dried strawberries. They are soft and chewy in the center and crisp on the edges. Ingredients Directions Preheat the oven to …
I just love this cake so much! With Easter right around the corner, you will need a show stopper dessert! Layers of sweet, buttery cake and then topped with a velvety creamy cheese frosting and topped with all the shredded coconut flakes. Making sure everything …
Nothing like brightening up your day with this beautiful and vibrant citrus salad. I used cara cara oranges and blood oranges but you can switch it up if you need to. Along with creamy avocado and salty briney feta a sweet floral drizzle of honey …
Cherry cheesecake holds a very special place in my heart! For as long as I can remember my dad would always request cherry cheesecake for his birthday. So it started out with a dream whip no bake cheesecake recipe but over the years I think …
This traditional Irish stew is just so hearty and comforting. When you need something easy at the end of the day. All made in one pot and in about 45 minutes. Tender beef is stewed together with Guinness beer, beef stock and root vegetables with …
These cookies will bring you right back to your childhood! The kids will just love them. They are exactly like the melt in your mouth sugar cookies from the grocery store but better, without all the preservatives. Sprinkled with crushed up Lucky Charms marshmallows they …
“Clever you may be but not as clever as me” We take St. Patrick’s day very seriously here in our household. I love getting the boys in the kitchen and creating new fun ways to get them to eat more vegetables. I took our favorite …
There may still be A LOT of snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but the sun is out and the birds are chirping. I feel spring in the air. These lemon bars are sure to brighten any day. Layers of buttery flaky shortbread with …
There is something just so special about homemade pasta. Maybe the love and time you put into kneading, rolling and cutting the dough it’s just so therapeutic for me. The boys just love to get their hands in there and helping too. If you have …
If you’re looking for a quick afternoon snack or dessert with a scoop of ice cream these bars amazing! Layers of oat crumble on the bottom and then juicy sweet strawberries and topped with another layer of the oat crumble. Nothing not to love about …
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or appetizer for game day, these buffalo chicken meatballs are amazing! Kind of a fun twist on the classic favorites. The meatballs are tender and juicy with melted butter and franks hot sauce dipped in the creamy tangy …
What’s a better way to say I love you than your own little personal cake? Two rich devils food chocolate cakes stacked on top of one another with raspberry cream cheese frosting in the center, and coated with chocolate ganache. Share one with your valentine …
You can never go wrong with buttered noodles! Always a family favorite around here. When I was growing up my mom would make buttered noodles with angel hair pasta and butter and it was just the best thing ever, and it still holds a special …
I have been learning how to make udon noodles for years and this traditional Japanese method is so fun to make especially with the kids! If you have some extra time there really is something so satisfying about making your own homemade noodles, using only …
Made with warm spices, and apple sauce to make it super moist. This carrot cake is going to be a classic all time favorite. Then topped with a rich velvety brown butter frosting, just adds a carmel-y nutty flavor it’s the perfect welcome for spring! …
What’s not to love about these little wraps?! Crispy chicken with creamy avocado, homemade ranch, juicy tomatoes, shredded mozzarella and a little buffalo sauce wrapped up and grilled in a warm flour tortilla. They only take about a half hour, of course you can get …
So I had the intention of making puff pastry twists this morning but realized I didn’t have any sheets of puff pastry and only the shells. So it was a full experiment to see if these would work and they absolutely delivered! Layers and layers …
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner this is a perfect little dessert to spread the love. Starting with Oreo crust on the bottom and then topped with a creamy light pink raspberry mousse and topped with chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. Oreo Crust Raspberry …
Just the perfect dinner when you’re looking for something relatively heathy and so comforting, and it can be made in under 45 minutes, and in one pot. Made with ground turkey meatballs, lots of warm spices in the curry, creamy coconut milk, a little soy …
I made these bars the other day when I couldn’t decide between lemon bars and cheesecake bars. So here we are. Blackberry and blueberry jam swirled into the rich creamy cheesecake is just that little added sweetness that these bars needed. They will last in …
I always have a sweet tooth, and sometimes when I want something fast and don’t want to turn on the oven these are going to be my new go-to. 4 simple ingredients that you probably have in the kitchen. Pureed bananas mixed together with dark …
What’s not to love about this salad?! Sometimes salads can be so boring to eat, but this one is packed with lots of mixed greens, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, roasted red peppers and crumbled feta. Topped with a crispy chicken breast and then …
Rich caramel shortbread bars covered in chocolate ganache, these millionaire bars won’t last long. They are impossible to resist. Similar to a Twix bar, but not fully covered. Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top really brings them to life! Shortbread Caramel Chocolate Ganache Directions Preheat …
One of my favorite desserts of all time. It’s just so light and airy and perfectly sweet. Topped with fresh whipped cream and raspberries its just the best combo. So simple, yet so elegant. Make sure to flip the cake over after baking onto a …
Sometimes at the end of a long day all I need is a big bowl of pasta. I try to make homemade pasta when I can but sometimes that just doesn’t happen. But either way this bolognese is sure to bring a happy family together …
Thinly sliced seared beef with a sweet and smoky red pepper romesco sauce, peppery arugula and lots of melted provolone cheese. I know it may sound different but trust me this is a special little sandwich here. The steak is generously seasoned, really thinly sliced, …
Fudgy rich crinkle cookies are always a holiday favorite and ready for any festive gathering. They are soft and chewy in the center and then rolled in a little powdered sugar and granulated sugar to make them crisp and cracked on the outside. Plus look …
I absolutely love making this mediterranean orzo as a quick weeknight meal. Normally I just cube up the feta and toss it together, but I wanted to switch things up and whipped the feta so when it’s mixed with the orzo and vegetables it gets …
Let the holidays baking begin! To me there is nothing cozier than on a snowy winter morning lighting some candles and making a big hot cup of coffee, and taking two minutes to enjoy it to myself before I start the day. The gingerbread is …
This simple Italian classic only takes a couple of ingredients and is so comforting on a long cold night. Great for a weeknight meal or if you have guest coming over. The risotto is rich and creamy from the arborio rice. Paired with the earthy …
In this special thanksgiving pie the corn syrup is replaced with maple syrup making it a little more wholesome and just as delicious. Adding the pure maple syrup along with a little bit of flour and the eggs the pie is able to hold up …
This is such a perfect one pot meal, great for those chilly nights when you want something delicious, and it makes the house smell amazing! The chicken sits on a bed of perfectly roasted vegetables with lots of lemon and herbs. Patting the skin dry …
With all the heavy comfort food sometimes it’s nice to lighten things up. This salad is my new fall favorite. When persimmons are in season they are not to be missed. They are a sweet little fruit with no seeds and similar in texture to …
With the holidays coming up, I’m always looking for new desserts to serve. This layered cheesecake will be sure to impress. Instead of a graham cracker crust I used Lotus Biscoff cookies, and they worked perfectly. Little European butter cookies that pair perfectly with coffee. …
This classic French chocolate mousse is so rich and creamy it practically melts in your mouth. Just a couple simple ingredients and you will have this on the table in no time. There’s no cooking, the hardest part will be letting it chill in the …
Garlic aioli is good and all but what about whipped feta with the fries? I seasoned these fries with lots of paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and lots of flaky sea salt. Baked at a high heat to get that nice crispy outside. Then …
OH my goodness…..this dense, chewy, warm, delicious cake is seriously everything you need in the cooler months here. I added lots of cinnamon and the oats with a thick layer of cinnamon and brown sugar layered through the cake and studded with apples. Eat it …
Take yourself right back to childhood with this sweet little treat! They are just like the Little Debbie cookies you used to sneak out of the pantry. I added a little cinnamon and maple syrup to enhance all the flavors. The cookies are soft and …
This quick 30 minutes dinner will be a weeknight staple. It’s great for those busy weeknight meals or when guests come over. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with all the spices, cooked with the peppers and onions on really high heat so they …
Mornings can be so hard to figure out sometimes. These are the perfect little bite for when you’re on the go. You can just bake them off and then keep then in the fridge for the week. They are packed with lots of broccoli, sweet …
Homemade soft pretzels with coarse sea salt is just the perfect snack on a chilly football Sunday. Especially if you’re having friends over. Dipped in rich creamy beer cheese sauce. It’s just the best. Made with an IPA, sharp cheddar, mozzarella and spices. Serve while …
Who else is excited about Halloween?! Doesn’t it just bring out the inner kid in all of us. Something so exciting about dressing up and eating candy all day, and being scared. We can’t get enough of it over here especially the little boys. Whats …
I mean what’s better than a big bowl of soup on a cold night? Easy enough for a weeknight meal and oh so comforting. The tortellini simmers away in a lightly creamy herb tomato broth with ground turkey, mushrooms, spinach and lots of parmesan cheese. …
With fall in full swing I’m looking for all the delicious comforting fall flavors. This sweet potato gnocchi just hits the spot. The gnocchi are light and chewy little pillows that are pan fried for just a couple minutes to get that nice golden sear. …