Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Bell Peppers

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This recipe is a keeper not only because it combines two of my favorite things (Chicken Parm because, well, duh...and stuffed vegetables), but also because of how quickly it comes together. I buy good quality breaded chicken for this (you could totally make it yourself if you're up for the challenge) and it tastes amazing. I also keep containers of homemade marinara sauce in the freezer for instances such as this one, so that helps make recipes like these feel a little more homemade. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups Mozzarella, shredded, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated, plus more for serving
• 3 tsp. garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1 tbsp. parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (12 oz.) package breaded chicken, cooked according to package instructions and diced
• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups Mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, marinara, parsley, and red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined, then gently fold in chicken.

Spoon mixture into halved bell peppers and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.

Pour chicken broth into baking dish (to help the peppers steam) and cover with foil.

Bake until peppers are tender, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and broil 2 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan and serve.
Source: Delish

Garlic Paprika Smashed Parmesan Potatoes (Whole30)

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Forget potato salad this summer. Who needs those extra calories by adding loads of mayonnaise to an already carb-filled side? Smashed potatoes are soft with a crispy exterior, and are drizzled with olive oil, spices and Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor. You'll thank me. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz. baby yellow potatoes
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated (omit if doing Whole30)

Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and fill with water. Make sure the water rises at least 1-inch over the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can make a small slit in the top of each potato and microwave for about 7 minutes per pound, or until the potatoes are tender. This might take less time depending on the size of your potatoes.

Set your broiler to medium.

When they potatoes are done, place on paper towels to dry them off. Once dry, transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Use a paper towel or paper plate to carefully mash them to 1/4-inch thick.

Mix the oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, pepper, salt and Parmesan cheese together. Drizzle a small amount of oil mixture over top of each smashed potato.

Set the potatoes under the broiler for 5-8 minutes or until they become crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Source: SK Original

S'mores Sushi

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Okay let's take a little break from all the diet-friendly recipes and get back to the good stuff! :)

No campfire? No problem! Bring your favorite fire-side snack to the comfort of your living room with little hassle. Combining Rice Krispie Treats with the flavors of everyones favorite campfire treat will make any summer night better. You really can't go wrong with anything that involves marshmallow fluff, chocolate and graham crackers. And it's much less messy for the kiddos. You'll seriously make their (and your) summer with these. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 10 oz. mini marshmallows
• 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 2 cups marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted, plus more for serving (or can use chocolate syrup for serving)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and grease with cooking spray. In a pot over low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until melty. Turn off heat and immediately stir in cereal. Stir until completely coated.

Press mixture onto prepared pan and pat into a thin even rectangle. Spread fluff in a single layer and sprinkle with graham crackers, pressing in to make sure they stick. Pour melted chocolate over graham crackers and use a spatula to smooth into an even layer.

Slice sushi in half lengthwise, then roll up halves, starting from the long side.

Refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.

Slice into sushi rolls and serve with melted chocolate or chocolate syrup.
Source: Delish

Banana Greek Yogurt Pancakes

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These pancakes are not only a cinch to make, but they're also really healthy! Packed with a lot of banana flavor and some tang from the Greek yogurt, these pancakes will be sure to fill you up and give you a little boost to start your day. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup banana flavored Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, mashed
• Butter, for cooking

Combine the flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, Greek yogurt and banana. Fold the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.

Heat a large griddle to medium heat. Add about 1 tbsp. butter to pan. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. After about 1-2 minutes, lift the corner of the pancake, and if the bottom is lightly golden, slide the spatula all the way under and flip the pancake. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining pancake batter.

Serve pancakes warm with syrup drizzled on top.

Source: SK Original

Brown Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots

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Bradley used to hate, hate, HATE carrots, but the past few weeks he has been really into them. Therefore, I've been more than determined to include them in most things I make for dinner before the phase passes. So far I've put them in Vegetable Soup, an easy pasta with vegetables and our favorite slow cooker meal, but I also wanted to make them as a side dish. These are incredibly easy to throw together and are a perfect side dish for any dinner. Plus you only need a handful of ingredients. They'd be perfect on your Thanksgiving table as well! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb. baby carrots
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste

Place carrots in a medium saucepan. Pour in water so that it almost reaches the top of the carrots.

Bring the water to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

In the same saucepan, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add the carrots back in and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until carrots are fully glazed. Serve immediately.

Source: SK Original

Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather

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Fruit roll-ups used to be one of my favorite treats as a child. I can still hear that thin layer of plastic being peeled away from the sticky leathery treat. But with all the preservatives and sugar buried in the ingredients list, it's one of the last things I want to give Bradley. It was SO simple to make my own fruit leather at home and it came out amazingly similar to the store-bought stuff. I made this one with fall ingredients, but I can't wait to try it out with fresh strawberries and blueberries! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium-large apples (about 4 cups)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

Core and peel apples. Chop into large chunks. Toss in lemon juice to avoid browning while prepping the remaining apples.

Drain the lemon juice from the apples and place them in a large saucepan. Add the apple cider, sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat. When apples are tender, use a potato masher to slightly mash the apples. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Carefully pour mixture into a blender or food processor to purée.

Divide purée evenly between pans. Use an offset spatula to smooth out the mixture.

Bake for 3 hours or until leather is slightly tacky and no longer wet. (*Time will vary depending on the thickness of your mixture.) Every hour, rotate pans 180 degrees and swap rack levels.

Allow leather to cool before slicing. Using a pizza wheel or knife, carefully slice fruit leather into desired sizes. Wrap in wax paper. Store in an airtight container.

Source: Adapted from Baked by Rachel

Healthy Granola with Chia Seeds and Dried Fruit

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I love how nutrient-packed chia seeds are, so I've been on a hunt for new recipes to make using them. Homemade granola was an obvious choice since Bradley and I both love having yogurt for breakfast, and granola is one of my favorite things to sprinkle on top. It's just so expensive to buy! By making my own at home, I can include exactly what I want in it at a fraction of the cost. Oats, seeds and dried fruit make a healthy and tasty combination for this. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds, unsalted
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup agave syrup
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup blueberry infused dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, walnuts and chia seeds onto a baking sheet. Place in the oven and toast for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Meanwhile, add the agave, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the ingredients are combined, stirring frequently.

Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the temperature to 300 degrees F.

Add the oat mixture to a large bowl. Add the dried fruit and immediately pour the liquid mixture over the oats and fruit. Stir to combine. 

Pour mixture back onto the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Source: SK Original

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce

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Our baby girl will be here in a little over one month and I could not be more excited about it! I know we have a while until we start giving her solid foods, but I am determined to make all of her first foods from scratch, just like I did for Bradley. I really think that's part of the reason why he has such an amazing appetite today! Testing out this slow cooker applesauce was a perfect decision because I realized how easy it is (and how convenient it will be once a newborn is around!) and how much Bradley loves it. Definitely saving this one to use all the time. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Makes 3-4 cups applesauce, depending on the size of your apples

• 7 medium-large apples, peeled, cored and finely diced
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a slow cooker, add the apples, sugar, water and cinnamon.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Once tender, mash with a potato masher (or add to a blender/blend with an immersion blender if you want an extra-smooth consistency). Taste and add more cinnamon, as desired.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Source: SK Original

Waffled Banana Bread

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During the week, my family has staples that we stick to for breakfast. Bradley has toast/pancakes, fruit and yogurt while Chris and I have whatever we pick off the pantry shelf that day. But on the weekends it's a completely different story. We like trying new recipes and sitting down to a hearty and delicious breakfast as a family. And what sounds more delicious than taking a moist banana bread recipe and putting it in a waffle maker? Uhh, not much. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup smashed banana (2 to 3 small bananas)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing waffle iron
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• Soft unsalted butter and confectioners' sugar, for serving, optional

Preheat a waffle iron to medium-high. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (to keep cooked waffles warm). Whisk together the flour, sugar, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the banana, oil, sour cream, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just combined (it's okay if there are lumps).

Lightly brush the top and bottom of the waffle iron with oil. Fill each section about three-quarters of the way full (there should still be some waffle iron showing). Close and cook until the waffles are golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Keep the waffles warm in the oven or covered with foil on a plate while you cook the remaining batter.

Spread with butter and dust with confectioners' sugar if you'd like.

Source: Food Network

Fruit and Nut Muffins

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It's safe to say I had a rolling list of about 20 recipes I was considering making from Nicole's blog, PicNic, for SRC this month. But as soon as I came across this recipe my search was over. (Don't worry--I plan on going back to make the other 19 recipes VERY soon).

I still had quite a few apples left from our apple picking excursion a few weeks ago, so a recipe with apples in it was a no-brainer. These muffins are packed with apples and berries, plus a few pecans are scattered throughout to give them some crunch. These are perfect for a chilly fall morning paired with some coffee or tea. The boys and I loved these and they will definitely be going into our rotation! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Makes 15 muffins

• 1 stick butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1/4 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease or line 15 muffin cups.

Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. 

Sift in the flour and baking powder and beat just until combined. Add the milk and beat on low until combined. Fold in the pecans and apples, then gently fold in the berries just until they are incorporated.

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with a spoonful of rolled oats.

Place in the center of the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the muffins spring back when pressed gently in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Source: PicNic

An InLinkz Link-up

Marinara Chicken with Vegetables over Rice

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Bradley isn't a picky eater at all (in fact, he eats almost everything) so it's usually not a struggle to get him to eat his fruits and vegetables. The only thing that prevents him is when he sees something else on the table that he would rather have instead. Or when we're eating around family/friends because he would rather play (obviously)! Hiding vegetables in something he loves, like pasta, takes the fight out of those rare dinnertime instances and helps mama know that her baby is getting his nutrients. Plus this is super quick and easy (and the adults in Bradley's life enjoyed it just as much). Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 yellow onions, sliced thin
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
• Dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup dried rice, cooked according to package directions

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.

Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan. 

Add remaining 1 tbsp. oil to the pan and add the onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. Saute for 5-6 minutes or until vegetables begin to become tender.

Add the chicken back in the pan. Add the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, basil, parsley and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes over low heat until heated. 

Serve over rice.

Source: SK Original

Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Cups

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I keep a supply of mini ham, egg and cheese muffins in the freezer for when Bradley wants a warm meal for breakfast, but we're in a hurry. He loves eggs so this is a perfect go-to. Chris and I love our eggs as well, but don't normally find the time during the week to make them for ourselves. That's where these "adult version" ham, egg and cheese muffins come into play.

They're basically the same thing, but a larger version and made with more "adult-friendly" ingredients, such as ham steak and hash browns (although, who am I kidding…Bradley loves those things, too). They are the perfect size breakfast treat for when you want a warm, satisfying breakfast in a hurry. You can keep them in the freezer and zap them for a minute before you run out the door. Also feel free to add in some vegetables (especially if the kids are eating these). Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups refrigerated hash browns
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz. ham steak, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, mix together the hash browns and flour.

Spoon the hash browns evenly between the muffin wells. Use your fingers to press them onto the bottom and up the sides of the muffin wells to form a crust.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Stir in the cheese, ham, salt and pepper.

Pour the egg mixture evenly between the muffin wells.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the eggs are set and cooked through. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to two months. To defrost, cook in the microwave for 1 minute or until heated through.

Source: SK Original

Fruity Non-fat Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles

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Today is my beautiful mama's birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I hope you have a day that is just as fantastic as you are! Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you so, so much!

Since it's been scorching hot the past few weeks, I wanted to create a cold, refreshing and healthy dessert for us to enjoy in the evening. I only needed three ingredients for this recipe so it came together in a cinch. The hardest part was just waiting for them to freeze! You can play around with the ingredients by switching up the yogurt flavor or types of fruit also…ideas for this are endless. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 4 strawberries, sliced thin

Arrange 6 popsicle molds (1/2 cup each) in the mold stand.

Pour a small spoonful of yogurt on the bottom of each mold. Put a couple blueberries on top of the yogurt and place two strawberries against the side of the mold. Pour more yogurt in each mold to cover up the fruit. Repeat process until filled to the top. Tap the molds lightly against the counter to get rid of any air bubbles.

Insert the popsicle sticks into the molds and place in the freezer. Freeze for 6-8 hours or until solid.

To remove from mold, run under hot water for a couple seconds. Popsicles will keep in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Source: SK Original

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

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One day I had an epiphany. Whenever I order Chicken Parmesan from a restaurant, it comes with some sort of pasta with marinara as a side. They're two of the best types of Italian food, so of course they accompany each other on a plate. But what if they came mixed together? As a casserole. A super quick and easy and delicious casserole. Genius.

You could go the long route for this recipe and making homemade chicken cutlets and marinara sauce to use in this dish, but sometimes you just don't have the time. That's when store-bought chicken nuggets and jarred pasta sauce come into play. Baked ziti with breaded chicken in it? That's a no-brainer. This was delicious and extremely hearty. Our type of dinner! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 15-20 frozen chicken nuggets
• 1 (12 oz.) box ziti or penne pasta
• 1 (25 oz.) jar your favorite pasta sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Cook chicken nuggets according to package directions. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut each nugget into thirds lengthwise and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl.

To the bowl with the pasta, add the pasta sauce, 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella, Parmesan and cut chicken nuggets. Gently stir to combine.

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove and sprinkle with basil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Source: SK Original

Baked Old Bay Chicken

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Chris doesn't have to work late too often, but on those nights that he does, I find myself making Bradley dinner and then just picking on leftovers or making myself a grilled cheese sandwich. Is it normal that I do this? I like to think so.

This was a meal that I originally made for Bradley on one of those rare occasions that Chris had to work late, but I found myself enjoying it just as much as he did. It's original since the chicken has somewhat of an Old Bay flavor, which I hardly ever cook with, so it was a welcomed change! And of course I had to throw some cheese in the mix, so Parmesan is what I went with. This was extremely simple to prepare and really yummy. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 3/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
• 1.5 lbs. chicken, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Add butter to 9x13 inch pan and place in the oven to melt.

Meanwhile, add flour, Parmesan, salt, pepper, baking powder and Old Bay in a large ziplock bag. Add chicken and toss to coat.

Remove pan with melted butter from the oven. Tap excess flour off of chicken and lay chicken in an even layer in the pan. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve immediately.

Source: SK Original

Banana Blondies with a Brown Sugar Frosting

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These blondies are my new obsession. I had a few overripe (aka rotten) bananas sitting on my counter, so I did what I always do. I turned those rotten bananas into a tasty treat! 

My mom would always take the overripe fruit and turn it into "Rotten Fruit Salad" when we were kids, and we absolutely loved it. Even if the fruit isn't "rotten," we still call it that to this day. 

But in this case, I took a different route and made a tasty treat that made my tastebuds explode.

The blondie is very moist with a subtle banana flavor, but the brown sugar frosting is where it's at. I love brown sugar and everything it touches. It's buttery, creamy and rich and makes a perfect topping for any not-too-sweet cake. 

I intended to give these to Chris to take to his office, but I think I ate the whole pan myself. Maybe next time...

Maybe.

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Blondies:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted and if desired browned
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup mashed banana (2 medium bananas)

Brown Sugar Frosting:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Blondies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

Mix melted butter and sugar with a whisk until combined. Add in egg and vanilla and continue mixing until incorporated. Stir in salt, flour and banana until batter is smooth and even. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until center is set.

Transfer pan to wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, make the frosting.

Brown Sugar Frosting: In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk and stir until mixture comes to just a boil. Remove from heat, allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Stir in powdered sugar with a whisk.

Spread frosting on top of blondies and allow frosting to set and blondies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Source: Adapted from Cookies and Cups

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

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This is easily going to be one of my new favorite casseroles. I literally threw everything into one dish and let it bake. I ended up with a casserole that tasted like a loaded baked potato, but had chunks of seasoned chicken mixed in for extra protein. Chicken, potatoes, onion, cheese, bacon. What more could you want?

A simple paprika and garlic powder combination gave the chicken and potatoes a ton of flavor. It also made the house smell ah-maz-ing. I love one pot meals since it's hard to cook with Bradley in the kitchen. He likes to be my sous chef, which is extremely adorable, but is also a hindrance when trying to cook. It's hard cooking with a baby on my hip! So I put this together while he napped and my dinner prep was done. So easy and so, so delicious. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 5 medium white potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon OR real bacon bits
• 2 scallions, sliced thing, for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Spread the chicken, potato and onion pieces evenly into the baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour mixture evenly over the chicken, potatoes and onions. Stir to coat the chicken, potatoes and onions.

Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 55 minutes.

Remove from oven, and sprinkle evenly with the cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Bake another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garish with scallions, if desired.

Source: Adapted from Life in the Lofthouse

{Tiny Tot Tuesdays} Mini Egg, Ham and Cheese Muffins

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Bradley is a big fan of having eggs in the morning, but it's not always easy nor convenient to whip up a batch of eggs for him (especially if we're in a rush). Therefore, I made a big batch of these delicious and easy egg, ham and cheese muffins to keep in the freezer at all times. When we're in a time crunch (or if I just want to get him something quick) all I have to do is zap a few of these in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then Bradley has a delicious, warm breakfast ready in no time. He loves these and easily eats 3-4 at a time! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Makes 24 mini muffins

• 6 eggs
• 1 tbsp. whole milk
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup deli ham, diced
• 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two mini muffin pans with cooking spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Add cheese, ham, salt and pepper and stir to combine. 

Pour mixture into prepared muffin tins, almost all the way to the top. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until muffins are set.

Serve immediately. If saving for later, keep in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, put muffins on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 30 seconds.

Source: SK Original

Peppermint Chocolate Smoothie

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As a part of Williams-Sonoma's Smoothie Week, I was asked to create a fun and unique beverage for their "Not Your Typical Smoothie" campaign. Peppermint chocolate combinations are all the rage during the holiday season, so that's what I decided to go with. I see that combo everywhere...all the local coffee chains, in the candy aisle of my grocery store and now? In a smoothie.

Who can mess up a smoothie? You just toss a bunch of stuff into a blender, add some ice to make it thick and frothy and delicious, then you're done. Who can mess it up? Me, that's who. First of all, too much mint is a bad thing. A really, really bad thing. I must have forgotten how powerful mint leaves are because my first drink was total mint overload. So gross. But after scaling that back a little, I was on the right track. I also ended up needing more chocolate, because even though the mint flavor was tamed down, the chocolate needed to be spruced up big time so that it was the star of the smoothie (plus, you can't go wrong with lots of chocolate)! One thing I've learned is that trial and error are okay when in the kitchen :)

This smoothie is perfect for the holidays. It's thick, frothy, chocolaty and has just a hint of mint. My favorite part is the candy cane rim since it compliments the smoothie and adds some texture. Kids will love this drink just as much as adults. The VitaMix blender works perfectly for this recipe, so if you don't have one, it's not too late to ask for one this holiday season :) Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Makes 2 servings

• 1 cup milk
• 2 small mint leaves
• 4 tbsp. dry hot chocolate mix
• 2-3 cups ice
• 1 candy cane
• 1 tbsp. agave syrup
• Mint leaves, for serving (optional)

In a small saucepan, add the milk and mint leaves over medium heat. Heat until just about to boil then remove from the heat. Add the hot chocolate mix and stir to combine. Set aside for 20-30 minutes or until cooled.

In a blender, add cooled hot chocolate mixture. Add 2 cups of ice and blend. Slowly add the remaining 1 cup ice, or until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

Put the candy cane in a ziplock bag. Crush with a rolling pin.

Put agave nectar on a small place. Put crushed candy cane on a separate plate. Take two coffee mugs and put the rim on the place with the agave and swirl until fully coated. Then dip into the candy cane pieces until they stick to the rim and it is fully coated.

Pour the peppermint chocolate mixture into the prepared coffee mugs. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

Source: SK Original

{Tiny Tot Tuesdays} Broccoli Cheddar Potato Bites for Toddlers

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Bradley loves these broccoli potato bites that I bought from the store, so I was eager to make a replica using the fresh broccoli I picked while on our apple picking adventure. These are somewhat time consuming, but the recipe makes a TON of them and you'll feel so much better giving freshly made food to your child. I froze all the leftovers and just zap a few in the microwave at dinnertime. So convenient and it only takes 30 seconds. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed clean
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 oz. unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp. garlic, minced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

Cover potatoes with water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 minutes or until fork tender.

While potatoes are cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling potato water. Cook for 3 minutes then remove broccoli with a spider (keep cooking the potatoes). Cool slightly and then use a paper towel to squeeze out any excess water. Chop the broccoli into fine pieces.

Once the potatoes are tender, drain. Return to the pot and mash slightly. Mix in milk, butter, salt, pepper and egg whites and continue mashing until smooth.

Meanwhile, add oil to a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Add cooked chopped broccoli and stir to combine. Add mixture to mashed potatoes and stir well. Add cheese and stir to combine.

Allow to cool. When cool to the touch, use a tablespoon to shape into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball so the patties are 1/2-inch thick. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes. 

Spray the top of the potatoes patties lightly with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve right away.

Allow leftovers to cool then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in microwave for 1 minute or in a 400 degree F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Source: SK Original