By Kristin Helwig
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. …
Sometimes you just can’t beat a good savory loaf! This is so simple to make and made with only a handful of ingredients. It’s a crusty interior with a beautiful chewy interior. Perfect for any side dish to soak up all the sauce or along …
This cake requires a bit of planning ahead, as some of the steps need be made ahead of time. But the end result will be a show stopper and worth the extra effort. The first step will be to make the pastry cream, which needs …
This wild rice bowl is all about the flavors of fall. Really healthy and vegetarian! The acorn squash and mushrooms are roasted together and then topped with seared halloumi and tossed together with a sweet herb maple vinaigrette drizzled over the top! DID YOU MAKE …
What is it about warm apple crisp? It just feels like a big hug. This is my childhood! My mom used to make this for us all the time in fall apple season growing up. It just brings me right back to childhood. I would …
When fall hits its all about the caramel for me. I made this cake for a my cousins wedding shower. It’s decadent, rich and buttery. Layers of the best vanilla cake swirled with rich homemade caramel, topped with dreamy vanilla buttercream covering the cake. DID …
I mean what’s better than a big bowl of noodles? Of course you can buy store bought but there is truly something special about homemade noodles if you have the time. This dish is just packed with so many different flavors. You can always adjust …
Turkey meatballs mixed with lots of garlic and herbs then covered in marinara, basil pesto and lots of cheese. Baked off in the oven until bubbling and golden, sometimes you just have to do it. These are just so good and comforting. Easy enough for …
Just like your classic snickerdoodle but studded with white chocolate chips. They just melt right into the cookie. Chewy and soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges, with the crackly cinnamon sugar exterior. DID YOU MAKE THIS WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES? …
When it’s the end of summer and you’ve made all the tomato sauce and salsa, make tomato jam! It’s seriously so easy and so good! Put it on toast, a charcuterie board, or a grilled cheese. The tomatoes are cooked down with brown sugar, cinnamon …
Bakery style muffins that are light bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with an oatmeal crisp. The topping is sweetened with a little brown sugar, warming cinnamon and oats that just melt into the light and fluffy muffins. All I kept hearing from the boys …
How fun is this cake?! A beautifully chai spiced cake topped with a chocolate cream cheese frosting and then whimsical little marzipan mushrooms that are hand sculpted and painted. Topped with edible moss made of shredded coconut and cake crumbs with a little food coloring. …
We recently went up to the north shore and had a garlic lovers pasta salad. It was creamy and garlicky and so delicious. I had to remake it but added a few summer vegetables and seared halloumi to make it a meal. This pasta salad …
What is so fun about having homemade pizza parties?! It’s always a big hit in our house! I make a 1 lb. dough ball and then split it into three. So we can all make our own. Or this recipe can be for one 12 …
This family favorite is sure to hit the spot! End of the summer sweet nectarines and bursting blueberries tossed together with a little brown sugar, honey, vanilla and cinnamon just for some warmth. Wrapped up in a flaky buttery puff pastry, just to cut a …
After a long week of traveling and eating out at restaurants, sometimes I just want to come home to something really delicious, healthy and comforting. This bowl has so many wonderful flavors and textures it’s similar to the Korean dish bibimbap. But we use left …
When just starting out making homemade pasta, pici might be the easiest ones! Flour, water, oil, salt and little time and patience. I love to use ’00’ flour when making this pasta, it gives it a great chew, and absorbs the sauce so well. Pair …
Anyone else’s garden just bursting with greens and herbs right now?! This is such a great way to use all of them up. Layers and layers of flaky phyllo dough with lots of feta, spinach and herbs. Serve it warm or room temperature and either …
Such a quick an easy little appetizer here! The puff pastry is so light, flaky and buttery and then topped with the summers best tomatoes, creamy burrata and fresh pesto. Of course you can always buy pesto but homemade is so much better. It’s hard …
When tomatoes are in perfect peak season there is nothing better! Using such simple ingredients at their best makes this dish really shine! This appetizers comes together in 20 minutes and is sure to be a crowd pleaser! DID YOU MAKE THIS BRAISED TOMATOES WITH …
Rich creamy cheesecake swirled with bursting sweet blueberry jam and topped with more blueberries, this cheesecake is extremely easy to make starting with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, family get together or late night snack (no judgement) this cheesecake is sure …
With a couple simple ingredients and marinating the chicken its sure to pack a vibrant punch! I love the char from the grill but this would also be great roasted! The marinade is just soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, spices and olive oil. The longer …
Fresh made ice cream or gelato just hit differently! This lemon gelato is so satisfying, bright and clean. Its made with fresh milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar and lemon…lots of lemons! Juice and zest. But then to finish it off, squeeze a little more fresh …
This spice blend is a big favorite around here. I had to make extra just to keep in a jar. It will last in an air tight container for months but I guarantee it won’t last that long. It’s bold and spicy and would be …
An incredibly easy dish that takes almost no time to make. It’s so bright and fresh, perfect as a side dish or entree with grilled fish. The tomatoes are so sweet and fresh. Immediately you will be transported to the coast of Capri, Italy! The …
Looking for a little something to beat the heat?! This blueberry lemonade is just the best! Homemade lemonade is a game-changer. Its bright and vibrant and great by itself or add a little vodka or effervescence to it and really make it fun. Hope you …
You will absolutely love these zucchini berry muffins! They are wholesome and healthy-ish and only take about 30 minutes start to finish. Great for breakfast or a quick snack on the go. I use honey to sweeten them so there’s no sugar and a little …
With it being so dang hot out, I’m cooling it down with a very indulgent brownie oreo ice cream cake. It was my little guys birthday yesterday, he just turned 4! That sure flew by, but I made all the little 4 year old dreams …
It’s officially summer and that means allll the tomato toast! There really is nothing better than pan fried crispy bread, sweet juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado. But with this one I added whipped feta and sweet peppadew peppers with fresh herbs. It’s bright, creamy, salty, …
Oh man these are so good!! So light and airy! The chai spice really warms you right up. If you’ve never made a popover before they are kind of like an airy donut but better. The high heat and eggs really help them rise and …
Whats better than oatmeal chocolate chip cookies?? Brown butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! The brown butter truly just takes it to the next level. It brings such a nuttiness and toasty flavor that elevates the oatmeal and vanilla. The edges are crisp and the center …
Bright lemony muffins studded with sweet raspberries and a swirl of raspberry jam will make these a new breakfast favorite. Honey sweetens the muffins, but a little cinnamon sugar on top really seals the deal. Ingredients 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted or neutral oil 1/2 …
For when you’re looking for a quick no bake dessert… these will bring you right back to childhood with all the nostalgic flavors. It’s the Graham cracker flavors from the Golden Grahams combined with the melted marshmallow and chocolate chips. This will be on repeat …
Looking for a really quick throw together salad for that Fourth of July party this weekend?? This is it!! All the summer flavors! Watermelon, nectarines, cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, herbs and feta, and a couple snap peas just for fun! It’s so versatile and bright with …
This Mediterranean chicken orzo salad is my favorite go-to for quick and easy pasta salads. Wheather it’s a quick dinner or at the beach, this is so good. Theres so many bright summer flavors and you can throw the chicken in there too if you …
This crispy feta rice bowl is everything I’m craving during the summer. Crispy warmed feta, cool cucumbers, juicy sweet tomatoes, salty olives, all the creamy tzatziki, herbs and homemade naan. It’s become a new favorite. When you’re not really wanting to cook but want a …
I’m going to start adding cocktails to the blog! So here we go, my husband is the mix master over here. I do the food and he does the cocktails. This little beauty though is fresh rhubarb and mint simple syrup with fresh squeezed lime …
Crispy Katsu chicken noodles bowl with marinated chicken in a spicy garlic, ginger and soy sauce. The chicken is coated in panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds, quickly pan fried until golden brown and then placed on top a bowl of noodles and all your …
This is my new favorite summer salad! It’s so bright and flavorful! The juicy tomatoes and sweet melon balance out perfectly with the creaminess of the avocado and burrata, brought to life by the fresh herbs. A little drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle …
Pavlovas are tender light and chewy meringues that love to get all dressed up for any occasion. They are light as air and have tender chewy marshmallow like centers. The egg whites are whipped together with sugar, corn starch, and white wine vinegar baked at …
I love these so much! They are the perfect summertime treat. Sweetened up with maple syrup and vanilla extract. The coconut flakes are mixed together with creamy coconut milk and then drenched in dark chocolate ganache, and sprinkled with almonds. They are perfect right out …
Cacio e pepe, think of it like a grown up Mac and cheese. It translates right to ‘cheese’ and ‘pepper’. This dish is an old Roman classic that will transport you right to Italy. I added a squeeze of lemon and fresh spinach to brighten …
Weeknight meals can sometimes just be so hard, getting a good meal on the table. From work, to practices, to homework it all adds up. Let these peanut noodles help get that meal on the table in no time. The sauce comes together really fast …
I am currently obsessed with these tacos! Marinated beef with lots of dried peppers, spices and tomatoes, the beef is slow braised until it just pulls apart. The corn tortillas are dipped in the chili consummé, gently pan fried until crispy and golden and filled …
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy app?! We get take out often from a Lebanese restaurant up the road and they have these cheese pies that are just amazing, so of course I had to make them too. I had to twist it a …
Welllll these are dangerous! Chewy classic blondie bars topped with dark chocolate chips, pecans and salted caramel. All the classic toppings. The caramel is so easy to make it, no thermometer necessary. It just melts right into the bar and in your mouth. They will …
When making this comforting spiced Indian chicken dish make sure to marinate the chicken with the yogurt and spices. Toasting the spices really enhances all their beautiful flavors. The yogurt will help tenderize the chicken allowing the spices to soak into it. I also love …
Happy almost Easter! Angel food may be my kryptonite! Its just like eating clouds! So light airy and bright lemon zest. Frosted with smooth cream cheese whipped cream it just melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for that spring gathering! Lemon angel food …
I have been making this dish for years it’s probably one of the first dishes I made my husband and it’s still one of his favorites. My boys can’t eat it fast enough. I think I’ve nearly perfected it over all the years. The pasta …
Arepas are a popular South American street food, made of masarepa or masa harina, an instant corn masa flour. They are pan fried little corn cakes that are cut in half and filled with meat, cheese and veggies. I braised chicken thighs in chipotle peppers, …
These noodles are great when you are looking for something on the healthier side instead of takeout. Packed with ground turkey and lots of vegetables stir fried together with a sweet, salty, garlic ginger sauce, you will have dinner not he table in about 30 …
This is literally the fastest appetizer everrrr! It comes together in minutes and it’s just sooo good. The feta and yogurt get whipped together until smooth and then the sizzling hot spiced garlic oil just poured right on top. Serve with warm pita or crackers …
This southern classic is such a favorite and even more fun in individual jars. Blue it’s just so easy!! Beautiful layers of homemade vanilla pudding, fresh whipped cream, sliced bananas and crunchy sweet Nilla wafers are the perfect little dessert. Vanilla Pudding 3 cups whole …
Hey vegetarians! Where you at?! This is for you!! Everyone has seen the buffalo cauliflower bites going around but what about making it into a sandwich!? I’m telling you this is soo good. The cauliflower is lightly coated in cornflakes and baked until golden tender …
It’s officially spring! Bring on all the fresh new flavors spring has to offer. I’m celebrating with a classic family favorite, strawberry shortcake. Rich flaky buttery biscuits topped with a big spoonful of fresh whipped cream and perfectly sweet strawberries. It’s just the best! Strawberries …
Salted caramel peanut butter bars….name a better trio of ingredients?! These just bring you right back to childhood. The rich creamy peanut butter is mixed with graham cracker crumbs and butter creating a rich bottom layer than topped with chocolate peanut butter and a layer …
Who doesn’t love a big warm bowl of pasta at the end of the day?! It’s like one giant hug. This bolognese is just what you need at the end of a long day. It comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s rich and meaty …
Well here’s a fun little baking project to do with the kids for St. Patricks day coming up! They are sweet, buttery chewy little sugar cookies with a little added green sugar on top. Why not be festive for the holiday?! Ingredients 1/2 cup unsalted …
Nothing like a big bowl of mussels to bring everyone to the table! It’s really all about the broth in mussels for me. I love to use Prince Edward Island mussels. They are sold at most grocery stores and seafood shops. This broth though…..Drinkable… Lots …
Welllll these were finished in 2 minutes! They were a huge hit and couldn’t be easier. Everything goes in the blender and then baked for about 15 minutes and they are warm and chocolatey and soooo good. I like adding cinnamon and maple syrup for …
If you’ve never had Korean BBQ before this is so inviting! It’s a great way to bring family and friends around the table. Marinated beef ribeye or short ribs, thinly sliced and grilled around a table loaded up in lettuce wraps and it’s really all …
