By Kristin Helwig
Happy Cinco de Mayo! This cake is what dreams are made of. The rich sponge cake is soaked in three milks and brightened up with the citrusy lime and a nice pinch of sea salt. It’s the match you didn’t know you needed. Finished off …
We can’t get enough of pesto over here! If I can get all the vegetables into the sauce for the kids they never know, and just love it! Also pesto happens to be some of their favorite dinners. Packed with arugula, basil, garlic, walnuts, parmesan …
When you think of carrot pasta you probably think of the actual pasta spiraled into the noodles. Well in this dish the carrots are the star of the show. Roasted along side red peppers, garlic, and a little red onion, it’s all pureed into this …
We are in full spring mode over here, and all I’m thinking about is the garden, and these beautiful lemon lavender cookies! They are so light and citrusy and the perfect little treat! I love to massage the zest and lavender buds into the sugar …
I found such beautiful berries at the store yesterday and had to make this cobbler! It’s perfect for when guests come over and you can just bake it off while you’re eating dinner. All you do is mix the batter in a bowl and pour …
We love a quick mid week pasta dinner! Creamy bowtie pasta with seared cajun chicken sausage, lots of vegetables, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, herbs and a lighter cream sauce. A splash of white wine and those beautiful cajun spices we all love so much, make this …
My kids are obsessed with muffins! Anytime I am making them they are pretty much gone with in minutes. These green muffins are packed with fresh spinach, creamy banana, applesauce, sweetened by maple syrup. They are so fluffy and soft and perfect for any kids. …
Similar to a paella where it’s all made in one large pan, the chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, seared lemon slices in butter and olive oil. The orzo is then toasted for a couple minutes in the same pan, a splash …
Individual chocolate cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce, sometimes at the end of the day you just want a little sweet treat for yourself. Make these! Perfect for dessert or breakfast! They are packed with protein and really healthy! Made with cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, …
Where are all the cookie dough lovers?! I have eaten raw cookie dough for as long as I can remember. That’s some of the best memories I have as a kid. Sitting on the counter helping my mom make cookies and just eating the spatula. …
I love making this Asian quinoa salad and then having it through the week. So quick and barley any cooking. Packed with a rainbow of colors and flavors, cilantro, mint and then finished with a creamy peanut dressing. We had it for dinner last night …
These homemade molasses cookies are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, crackly tops with warm holiday spices in every bite. They stay soft for days and are sure to be an absolute favorite at any holiday party. Ingredients Directions In a stand mixer with …
This has been my absolute favorite salad recently. I think I’ve made it 3 times last week. It’s great with roasted chicken too! Mixed greens, quinoa, candied pecans, crisp apples, nutty manchego, roasted brussels sprouts and a maple vinaigrette. I’m obsessed! Maple Vinaigrette Combine everything …
Turkey kale orzo soup in a pumpkin! By roasting the pumpkins a little bit to soften they become the perfect vessel for soup. The inside gets softened so you scoop it out enhancing each bite. Making it such a fun eating experience especially for the …
I’m not a huge tea drinker, but when that first kiss of cold is in the air all I want is chai. Maybe it’s the spiciness from the ginger, combined with all the warm spices. It’s like a big warm hug. I also don’t like …
I’ve been wanting to try and make frozen yogurt for awhile now, but have never gotten around to it yet until the other day. I realized I had had two containers of yogurt in the fridge. This is not like the fro-yo out of the …
This pasta salad has been a staple in our household for many years and anytime I bring it somewhere it’s always a favorite. Three cheese tortellini tossed together with fresh basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, roasted asparagus and toasted walnuts. Serve it warm or cold …
The chocolately wafers are rich, soft and thin enough, where it’s a hybrid between a brownie and an oreo. Best of both worlds! Sandwiched between homemade vanilla ice cream and big chunks of cookie dough. It’s hard to beat! If you don’t have a ice …
I’ve been thinking about this banana cream pie for awhile. But I wanted to switch it up from a traditional, and I’m telling you this will not disappoint! The Biscoff cookies are sweet with warm cinnamon spice, a layer of sliced bananas, thick creamy homemade …
It’s that time of year again, and my garden is full of all the little pumpkins! I roasted off a a couple of the pumpkins for puree and made muffins. These are sweetened with maple syrup, and lots of warm spices. A little sprinkle of …
We were scrambling for dinner last night, and this came together in 20 minutes. I started pulling random vegetables out of the fridge, half a head of broccoli, string beans from the garden, carrots, some purple cabbage. Tossed it together with this honey ginger peanut …
Lobster rolls a summery beachside classic! I like cutting the lobster into bigger pieces so you can get the beautiful texture and feel of the lobster. Tossed it with a creamy herb mayo and spooned into toasted hot dog buns. Find ones that are cut …
Vibrant fresh spinach and basil is blanched and shocked and thrown into the blender with garlic, lemon, a touch of greek yogurt, parmesan and olive oil. Pureed together until it’s a smooth sauce and tossed with orzo, mushrooms, sweet corn and cherry tomatoes. Topped off …
Creamy greek yogurt mixed together with almond butter, pure maple syrup, a touch of vanilla extract for that added richness and a little cinnamon. Whisked all together until smooth, frozen and dipped in melted dark chocolate. It’s the kids absolute favorite after school treat at …
With just a couple simple ingredients and no ice cream machine needed this is so simple and easy to make. The ice cream base is just heavy cream whipped into soft peaks and mixed with condensed milk to sweeten it. Sift in some cocoa powder …
Warm out of the oven these are just the best muffins. My kids just devour them, and its a great way to get some fruit and vegetables in. The bananas and maple syrup add that natural sweetness and the olive oil give some richness. Studded …
Back when I first moved to St. Paul I used to work as an overnight bread baker making all the breads and scones. We would also make and decorate cakes. That is where I fell in love with the tres leches cake. They would do …
I’m always looking for quick and easy bowls for dinner. They kids have been obsessed with orzo lately so I tossed the chicken in a fresh herb vinaigrette, seared it and mixed it together with greens, saffron orzo, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, …
This sweet treat really just transports you to the tropical beaches with tall palm trees, crystal blue waters and white sand beaches. Mangos, pineapple and dragon fruit are all blended together with a splash of fresh orange juice and a banana, churned in the ice …
Everything you want on a hot summer day! Mint strawberry watermelon aqua Fresca mixed together with a splash of tequila and club soda, finished off with a pinch of salt. Make it with or without the tequila and it’s sure to be a hit, and …
Korean BBQ Beef wraps! I marinate the beef for about an hour before grilling. The marinade is a Korean BBQ and it’s just so good! A little sweetness from brown sugar, kiwi, pear, and then blended together with of aromatics, ginger, garlic, onion, and balanced …
Replacing the butter with olive oil in this cake, gives it a light delicate floral flavor and then topped with a bright citrusy orange buttercream, this is a match made in heaven. The key is to use a good olive oil, one that’s nice and …
They are a classic for a reason! Why change a good thing? With the holiday weekend coming up why not celebrate with a little ice cream treat!? Pressing the ice cream down with parchment and using a cookie cutter really helps ensures the round shape. …
We love a good pizza over here! Homemade dough, fresh basil pesto, topped with lots of shredded chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes and lots of stretchy mozzarella. The pesto is a classic Genovese style but with a little arugula added in. Along with with lots of …
One skillet chicken and orzo, 30 minutes, quick easy and lots of vegetables! Spiced seared chicken, cooked together with tons of spinach, asparagus and mushrooms mixed with lemony orzo. Then topped with green olives, feta and cilantro. It’s hard to beat, and is sure to …
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 cream cheese whipped cream and studded with sweet maraschino cherries. Angel Food Cake Cherry Whipped …
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 …
