Sweet Potato Casserole

This is one of my daughter's highly requested Thanksgiving side dish. She has even asked for it as a birthday dinner before! If you think you don't like sweet potatoes, TRY THIS. It's a great blend of sweet and savory... 

4 medium sweet potatoes

2 large eggs

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

4 tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp clove

Topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

3 tbsp butter, softened

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Place the sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking pan and poke several times with a fork. Roast the potatoes at 375 for 45 minutes, turning once. Let them cool, then peel the skin off.

Mix potatoes with remaining ingredients and mash until smooth. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish.

Make the topping by mixing together the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixtre is coarse. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture, then sprinkle the pecans.

Bake in 325 oven for 30 minutes.

Esquites (Mexican Street Corn)

 I love Mexican street corn. Did you know it's called esquites off the cob and elotes on the cob? I've had it from a few different restaurants around town in both forms, but needed to recreate it at home. I perfected my recipe when my sister-in-law requested it for her family birthday dinner. This fed a crowd (and extra for her to take home!) but you can easily halve it for a smaller portion.

2 tbsp butter

6 cans corn, drained*

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

zest and juice of one lime

1 cup cotija cheese, plus more for topping

2 tsp each, smoked paprika and chili powder

salt, to taste

Tajin, to taste

fresh cilantro, chopped

Melt butter in large skillet; add corn, jalapeno, and garlic. Sauté for 8-10 minutes; add scallions and sauté for another 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the mayo, lime zest and juice, cotija cheese, and seasonings. Put corn mixture into large bowl and combine with mayo. Stir in cilantro, if desired. Top with more cotija and Tajin and enjoy!

*When corn is not in season, I use canned corn. If fresh corn is available, I would use 8 ears of corn. You could also grill the ears of corn before cutting off the corn, rather than sautéing after.

Bacon Cheddar Chicken "Pot Pie"

 

I loved pot pie growing up (and even as an adult!), but it can be time consuming to make. This recipe takes all the ingredient -- plus BACON -- and cooks them all easily in the Instant Pot. Then you just top some biscuits for the "pie" part! I use either frozen or canned biscuits to make it even easier, unless my husband is willing to make his amazing homemade buttermilk biscuits... yum.

1 cup chicken broth
1-1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

2 cups peeled, cubed potatoes (about two medium potatoes)

1 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 tsp each kosher salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup whole milk

3 tbsp flour

1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

6 pieces of bacon, diced and cooked

Add broth, chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure valve is set to sealing. Manual cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let naturally release for 5 minutes, then move valve to venting. Remove lid. Set on saute and add the peas, stirring to combine.

In a large glass measuring cup add the flour and milk; whisk together. Add in about 1/2 cup of liquid from Instant Pot to temper it, then add mixture and stir well. Cook on sauté for a few minutes then add the cheese and bacon. Salt and pepper to taste.

Baked Ziti

There is a similar recipe on this page which I used for a base, but I upped the amount of pasta and sauce in this version to serve more people (and I just like it saucier!). 

2 lb rigatoni

2 cups ricotta cheese

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp Grill Seasoning 

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

28 oz crushed tomatoes

a few fresh basil leaves, torn

salt and pepper

Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water, add the pasta, and cook to al dente. Place the ricotta in a bowl and season with some grill seasoning and parmesan. While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for minute or two, then stir in the tomatoes and basil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the pasta and toss with the cheese mixture. Add the tomato sauce and mix. Pour into 9x13 pan and top the pasta with shredded parmesan, if desired, and bake at 350 until warmed through and cheese starts to brown, about 15-20 minutes.

To freeze: cover with press-n-seal and foil, keeping close to the top of food. Thaw in refrigerator and bake at 350 for 35-40 min.

Albondigas (Turkey Rice Meatballs)

These are delicious... that smokey flavor combined with the creamy tomato sauce. It sounds way fancier than it really is, promise! But you're sure to wow guests if you make this. Serve it with some Parmesan Garlic Orzo, yum! (Recipe as written will make 24-30 meatballs, depending on how big you want them. It is easily halved for smaller portion.)

2 lbs ground turkey

2 cups packed, cooked white long-grain rice

3 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

2 eggs

4 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (feel free to omit!)

2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce: 

2-1/2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup heavy cream

1/2 tbsp sherry

1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp paprika

2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley

salt and pepper to taste

(*Optional: I make this creamier with a bit of mascarpone cheese!)

Preheat oven to 450. Mix all the meatball ingredients together in a bowl (it will be sticky!). Portion mixture into small-medium size meatballs (I usually make 30 small-ish ones) and place on baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake until browned, about 15 minutes.

Pour chicken broth and tomato sauce in large rimmed skillet over medium heat. After it starts to warm, whisk in heavy cream, sherry, vinegar, and paprika. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper. When meatballs are done, transfer to the tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes.

Beef Sweet Potato Hash

 

This is a recipe I made for my in-home client, and one I had to try at home for myself. It was delicious! Pair it with some roasted garlic parmesan broccoli for a great dinner.

2 lbs ground beef

2 tbsp olive oil

2 stalks celery, chopped finely

8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped in a food processor

1 large sweet potato, diced

5 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

salt to taste

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp dried thyme

1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for GF)

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Prepare all the veggies. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add mushrooms, celery, and sweet potato and cook for 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add herbs, salt, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for 10 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

In a separate pan cook the spinach in a little bit of olive oil until wilted. Add to the hash. Toss together and adjust seasoning as needed.

Brussels Sprout Slaw

 

1.5 lbs brussels sprouts

8 oz bacon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup coconut flakes

Trim stems from brussels sprouts and chop in food processor (half at a time). Place in large mixing bowl. Chop the bacon and brown on stovetop until crispy. Drain from fat and let cool.

Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon; pour over the sprouts and toss to coat. Add bacon bits, cranberries, and coconut flakes, tossing to combine.

Creamy White Chicken Chili

 

I can't take credit for this recipe... but it is AMAZING. So full of flavor, creamy, and filling. It is a winter staple in our house now!

1 onion, diced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp olive oil

2 lbs chicken, cooked and shredded

4 cups chicken broth (GF if needed)

4 cans great northern white beans, drained and rinsed

3 (4-oz) cans diced green chiles

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp cumin

2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

1 cup heavy cream

In a large stockpot saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil and lime juice over medium high heat. Cook until onions are translucent. Add the cooked chicken, chicken broth, beans, chiles, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then reduce to simmer; simmer uncovered 30-45 min. Turn off heat and add cream cheese. Stir until melted and incorporated completely. Stir in the heavy cream.

Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

 I saw this recipe from Eating Well and it sounded interesting. I altered it a bit because the ratios were off on the sauce (WAY too thick), and added more seasoning to the chicken as it was cooking. It is delicious served over some rice (or noodles or quinoa).

3 tbsp butter, divided
2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tbsp flour

1 cup chicken broth*

1 cup whole milk

3 oz cream cheese

1-1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, divided

3/4 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)

1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp oregano

Preheat oven to 400. Melt 1 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper (to taste), oregano, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, cooking until well browned. Transfer to a bowl. Add zucchini and pepper to the pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Transfer to bowl with chicken.

Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to pan. Stir in flour once it melts, stirring until flour starts to brown. Add broth and milk slowly, whisking often. Bring to a boil while whisking. Remove from heat and add cream cheese and 3/4 cup mozzarella; stir until melted. Stir in salt and pepper. Drain liquid from chicken and veggies and add to the cheese sauce. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake until the top is brown and the edges are bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

To freeze: cover with press-n-seal or saran wrap, keeping it close to the top of the food; cover with foil. Thaw in refrigerator before following baking directions above.

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*Use GF chicken broth to make it a gluten free dish

Dirty Rice

 

I made this once, and now it is a frequently made dinner in our house! Super delicious on its own, but I pair it with a salad and crusty bread for a rounded meal.

4 oz bacon, chopped

1 lb breakfast sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1 tbsp garlic, minced

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp dried thyme

14 oz chicken broth

1-1/2 cups long grain rice

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Set your instant pot to saute and toss in the first 6 ingredients. Saute until onions are clear (about 10 minutes). Make sure you break up the sausage well and stir often. Turn IP off and pour in rest of ingredients; stir to combine. Set IP to manual (high) for 15 minutes. Once time is up, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release pressure. Remove the bay leaf, stir, and serve.

Chicken Veggie Soup

This is a different take on chicken noodle soup, made for my client who is gluten free. Great way to have comfort food loaded with veggies!

4 cups chicken broth (GF if needed)

2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces

4 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, diced

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp turmeric

3 small zucchini, spiralized (or 1 pkg frozen)

salt and pepper to taste

In a large stockpot bring the broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and all all ingredients except the zucchini. Simmer 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through, then add the zucchini and simmer another 5 minutes. Season to taste.

Sour Cream Banana Bread

I always have the problem of my banana bread taking forever to bake, but the middle still being gooey. By the time it's fully cooked the bread starts drying out. So I found a new recipe, then tweaked it because I didn't like how it mixed up the first time. The batter smells like vanilla pudding... and you might just want to start eating it! But don't... bake it into a delicious loaf of banana bread.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar*
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 medium bananas, mashed
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a loaf pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add in the sour cream, and then the mashed bananas - mixing between each.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt - then fold into the wet ingredients. Spread evenly in pan.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely (or eat warm like we do!).


*The first time I made this I did not have enough sugar. I used 1/2 cup sugar and ~1/2 cup honey. It was delicious, but browned a bit more than using all sugar.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

My family LOVES buffalo chicken - wings, dip, tacos, etc. This dish is like taking the buffalo chicken dip that I make and mixing it with pasta... then baking with more cheese. Delicious!

16 oz penne pasta
12oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup Frank's RedHot sauce
2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Cook the pasta, al dente, according to directions.

Stir together the cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce until creamy. Add the chicken, then combine with the cooked pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Put into casserole dish, and top with remaining cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted.


For a freezer meal, cover with plastic wrap and then foil and do not bake. Thaw in refrigerator and bake as directed.

Cheesy Potatoes

Happy Easter! This is a famous side dish for holiday gatherings in my family. One of those yummy traditions that I'm sure my own kids will carry on!

32 oz bag southern style hash browns
16 oz sour cream
10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375. Thaw hash browns for a few hours, if possible (it will just be harder to mix, but you can use them frozen). In a large bowl mix together all the ingredients (I like to save 1/2 cup of the cheese for the top). Put into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Bake uncovered for an hour.

"Unstuffed" Egg Rolls

I was introduced to this recipe by my client, and it has become a regular meal in my own house. Super simple, minimal ingredients, lots of flavor. It is basically the inside of an egg roll! (Feel free to halve the recipe... I have a large family!)

2 lbs ground beef
10 oz bag shredded carrots
small head of cabbage, chopped
2 tsp salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce*

In a large pot brown the ground beef. When it is almost brown add the carrots. When the carrots start to soften, mix in the cabbage. Cover with a lid to help it soften. After about 5 minutes add all the spices and soy sauce. Cook about 10 more minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is softened.


*For gluten free, be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos

Creamy Baked Mac-n-Cheese

I have made so many varieties of mac-n-cheese, but the possibilities are endless! I came across a recipe that used cream cheese and sour cream in the sauce and thought hmmm.... I changed up the cheeses used and added more spices. It was SO GOOD. Especially with our smoked pulled pork! I used penne pasta since it was in my pantry, but you could use another pasta.

16-oz package penne pasta
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg yolk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp paprika (I used smoked)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan*
1/4 cup crumbled feta*
1/2 cup monterey jack*
2 cups mild cheddar*, divided
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt, then cook pasta until almost cooked through. Drain.

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, egg yolk, and spices in a bowl. Add the cheeses (only 1 cup of the cheddar) and stir. Gently stir in the milk.

Mix the sauce with the pasta and pour into dish. Top with remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Bake in preheated oven until heated through and cheese has melted, about 15 minutes. I also like to broil to brown the cheese on top a bit!


*Feel free to use your favorite cheeses, just use a total of 2 cups in the sauce. This combo had a fantastic flavor!

Chorizo and Potato Frittata

I came across this recipe and knew I had to try it. We raise chickens and eat a lot of eggs - this was a delicious way to eat some of them!

3 tbsp olive oil
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
small onion, diced
1 lb ground chorizo sausage
8 large eggs
salt and pepper
1 cup monterey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. In a large ovenproof skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add potatoes (season with salt and pepper) and cover with a lid, stirring often, until tender and lightly browned. Remove from pan.

Add onion and chorizo to pan and cook through. Add potatoes back to pan and stir to combine.

Whisk eggs together, seasoning with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Cook until egg starts to set then transfer to the oven. Cook until frittata is set, 8-10 min. Add cheese to top and broil to brown.

Smokey Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf

I didn't have a plan for dinner one night but knew I had some ground turkey in the fridge. I searched recipes online and came across one for a meatloaf with quinoa. I tweaked the recipe to add a bit more fat for moisture and flavor, and made it like a bbq bacon burger. My family loved it! Bonus, it's super healthy and full of protein.

1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 tsp olive oil
small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 slices of bacon, chopped
2 lbs ground turkey
2 tbsp barbecue sauce
few dashes hot pepper sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat to med-low, cover, and simmer until water has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bacon. Cook until bacon is cooked and onion is softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

In a large bowl combine the turkey, quinoa, onion/bacon/garlic, and rest of ingredients. Stir until well combined. Put into a greased loaf pan.

Bake until cooked through, 60-80 minutes.

(**To make as a freezer meal, you can either cook beforehand or freeze raw. Thaw and either bake to reheat or bake as directed above.)

Creamy Chicken and Noodles

This was such an easy meal to make but had great flavor. I love meals that remind me of family dinners from growing up! My kids gobbled this up. It would have been delicious served over some mashed potatoes, but we ate it with some bread and butter because it was already so creamy. This is to serve my large family of 6 with some leftovers, so halve it if you need.

12 oz wide egg noodles
8 cups chicken stock
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
10 oz bag frozen peas and carrots
1 cup cream or milk
1/2 cup water
4 tbsp flour

Place noodles in large pot. Add stock and olive oil; stir. Add peas and carrots. Cover and heat over medium heat until noodles are soft, 10-15 minutes. Add the chicken and stir in cream/milk.

Mix water and flour so there are no lumps. Add gradually to the noodle mixture, stirring constantly. Heat to boiling and simmer for 5 minutes.

(This could also be frozen after it is cooked -- let cool and put into large freezer bag. Freeze flat, then thaw and reheat on stovetop.)

Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. My family loves food with Asian flavors. Although we like spicy and the recipe as is was fine, my 8-yr old daughter thought hers was a little too spicy once the glaze was on it so halve the sriracha sauce if you want to cut it back a bit. When it's done, feel free to serve either chopped cilantro or green onion on top for some extra flavor.

2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (8-10)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp sriracha sauce
1.5 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp corn starch

Put chicken into large ziploc bag. Add all the ingredients except corn starch to a bowl. Stir to combine. Add the corn starch and whisk until dissolved. Pour half the marinade into the bag with the chicken and save the other half. Refrigerate chicken for at least 30 minutes (or if freezing, you can freeze both the chicken and extra marinade at this point).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add chicken and its marinade into a 9x13 baking dish (thaw if frozen first), keeping it all single level. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

While chicken is baking, add reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat while stirring. It will thicken to a glaze. When chicken is finished baking, spread the glaze over each piece of chicken.