all recipes
30 Minutes or Less
Fresh Pico de Gallo with Garlic
Pico with garlic makes everything better. Fresh pico de gallo is a super easy recipe that is necessary for Mexican night at home. Traditional pico doesn’t have garlic, but this version definitely does. I’m obsessed with garlic, and put it in as many recipes as I possibly can! This pico recipe only requires six ingredients […]
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip with Roasted Jalapenos
This jalapeno artichoke dip is seriously addictive. It’s creamy AND cheesy with roasted jalapeños, artichoke hearts, and tons of flavor. Tried and true, this jalapeno artichoke dip pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s basically a copycat version of the Aldi jalapeño artichoke dip, but this version is totally easy to make. We use roasted […]
blackberry bourbon smash
what is a blackberry bourbon smash? This drink is such a classic cocktail. A “smash” is comprised of seasonal fruits, mint, citrus, and a spirit of your choice. If you’ve ever had a mint julep, which is basically just bourbon, sugar, and mint, the smash is like the julep’s close relative. But this drink has […]
Appetizers
Oven-Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Pesto
Bruschetta with Melted Mozzarella, in fact. That title gives away this entire bruschetta recipe. This one is way overdue, because I’ve been making variations of this for the last five years. Bruschetta is such a crowd pleaser, and it’s so easy to make. This bruschetta with mozzarella is even better than the rest. Loosely based upon […]
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip with Roasted Jalapenos
This jalapeno artichoke dip is seriously addictive. It’s creamy AND cheesy with roasted jalapeños, artichoke hearts, and tons of flavor. Tried and true, this jalapeno artichoke dip pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s basically a copycat version of the Aldi jalapeño artichoke dip, but this version is totally easy to make. We use roasted […]
BLT Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Arugula
basically, the best mini BLT sandwiches. When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, it doesn’t get much better than making a perfect BLT. These little BLT sliders are super easy to put together, but they’ve got a delicious twist: caramelized onions, and arugula. There’s a step-by-step guide right here for caramelized onions. (If you’re making more than […]
Brunch
vermont cheddar + chive drop biscuits
I’ve made fluffy, cut-out, buttermilk biscuits before, but I wasn’t as familiar with drop biscuits. These biscuits look way different, and don’t have all of the flaky layers inside. (Read: less work!) However, these small batch cheddar and chive drop biscuits are super easy to make. They’re crunchy on the outside, light and fluffy on […]
everything bagel seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning is my favorite thing on bagels besides cream cheese and salmon. Garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt. What more could you want with breakfast?! Savory breakfasts are definitely my favorite thing. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth as it is, but starting my mornings with a bunch […]
Southern Breakfast Hash with Eckrich Jalapeno & Cheddar Smoked Sausage
—This post is sponsored by Eckrich Smoked Sausage, but all opinions are my own.— There’s something about the last few weeks of summer that are so perfect. It’s almost as if the Earth is exhaling as we gear up for cooler weather again, and everyone is collectively releasing a big sigh of relief. […]
Cocktails
blackberry bourbon smash
what is a blackberry bourbon smash? This drink is such a classic cocktail. A “smash” is comprised of seasonal fruits, mint, citrus, and a spirit of your choice. If you’ve ever had a mint julep, which is basically just bourbon, sugar, and mint, the smash is like the julep’s close relative. But this drink has […]
spicy serrano grapefruit margaritas
If you like heat in your drink, you’re going to love this serrano grapefruit margarita! It combines spicy serranos, sweet simple syrup, tart grapefruit and lime juices, and sweet orange juice with blanco tequila. It’s super easy to make, and incredibly (but spicily) refreshing. are serrano peppers spicier than jalapenos? Yes. Serranos are spicy … […]
Blackberry Bramble Cocktail Recipe
The weather is a bit sketchy right now, but we are getting closer to warm weather any day now. And what does warm weather call for? Refreshing cocktails! Like a blackberry bramble. 🙂 What is a blackberry bramble? A blackberry bramble is a cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Crème de […]
Desserts
a mini layered carrot cake recipe
mini carrot cakes Happy (almost) Easter! We aren’t exactly celebrating with family this year (that whole social distancing thing, ya know), but I still wanted to be festive. So, I made these super easy mini layered carrot cakes! Sure, they’re delicious and fun to make for Easter. But they are really good any time of […]
chewy chocolate chip + pecan cookies with Karo® Corn Syrup
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BakeBetterCookies #CollectiveBias #ChocolateChipCookies #ChewyCookies #ChewyChocolateChipCookies It’s cookie season. I’ve already made a few batches of cookies this fall, but I’m always looking for bigger and better ways to make chocolate chip cookies specifically. I tried cold butter, higher […]
cheesecake swirled brownies
After testing these cheesecake swirled brownies several times, I’ve finally nailed it. These brownies are super easy to make, and they are so good. They’re basically fudge brownies with a bit of cake-y goodness … (so, the best of both worlds). 🙂 The key here is baking the brownies a little bit longer than your […]
Entrees
Easy Date Night Bolognese Sauce
Date Night Pasta Shouldn’t be Difficult. Pasta has a really interesting way of being both comforting and elegant, and this bolognese sauce is no exception. Bolognese typically takes over three hours to simmer, but with a couple of helpful swaps, this only takes 45 minutes. Of course, if you have the time and you want […]
BLT Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Arugula
basically, the best mini BLT sandwiches. When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, it doesn’t get much better than making a perfect BLT. These little BLT sliders are super easy to put together, but they’ve got a delicious twist: caramelized onions, and arugula. There’s a step-by-step guide right here for caramelized onions. (If you’re making more than […]
tex mex fried rice with chicken
tex-mex chicken recipes are the best. Tex-mex fried rice is a pretty delicious twist on fried rice. While chicken fried rice is one of my favorite meals, it’s fun to shake things up every now and then. This fried rice is still simple, but has some really delicious ingredients that bump up the awesome tex-mex […]
Handhelds
BLT Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Arugula
basically, the best mini BLT sandwiches. When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, it doesn’t get much better than making a perfect BLT. These little BLT sliders are super easy to put together, but they’ve got a delicious twist: caramelized onions, and arugula. There’s a step-by-step guide right here for caramelized onions. (If you’re making more than […]
slow cooker pulled pork french dip sliders
succulent shredded pork, melty cheese, and crunchy fried onions make the best sliders. If you have a two quart crockpot, you have come to the right place for recipes for it! This small batch recipe for pulled pork french dip sliders makes one pound of pulled pork. It’s perfect for about 10-12 total sliders, which […]
healthy buffalo chicken tacos with CAULIPOWER Cauliflower Tortillas
This post is sponsored by CAULIPOWER Cauliflower Tortilla but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. I don’t know about you, but I totally indulged over Thanksgiving. And I’m seriously prepped and ready to indulge again at every holiday party I attend through the end of the year. 🙂 So sometimes, I need […]
Risotto Recipes
Caprese Risotto with RiceSelect® Arborio Rice
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UnforgettableRice #CollectiveBias It’s pretty clear that risotto is like, my thing. I think it’s because risotto is like a blank canvas, and you can add any and every flavor imaginable to it. Bacon, cheddar, chicken risotto? Done. Spicy […]
lemon asparagus risotto with prosciutto
lemon, prosciutto, & asparagus risotto Risotto number five (of the risotto series on the blog) has arrived! This lemon asparagus risotto starts like a basic risotto: olive oil, onions, arborio rice, a splash of white wine, and chicken broth. But then, asparagus, lemon juice, prosciutto, and mascarpone transform it into a gorgeous flavor and textural […]
caramelized onion, bacon, and parmesan risotto
risotto with so much flavor The risotto series continues with this (insanely delicious) caramelized onion, bacon, and parmesan risotto. Caramelized onions are a game-changer for so many simple dishes, so why not risotto? If you’ve never made caramelized onions, now. is. your. time. It’s so easy to do, and it’s relatively therapeutic. Just thinly slice […]
Salads
cilantro sauce with sour cream and lime
an easy sauce for all things tex-mex Cilantro sauce is a necessity for anything Tex-Mex. Tacos, salads, nachos … everything. This cilantro sauce is made with sour cream, a few spices, hot sauce, milk (or water), fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro. The flavors in this sauce will really benefit from chilling for about an hour, […]
buffalo chicken caesar salad :: small batch
an awesome buffalo barbecue chicken salad with all the toppings Warm weather means it’s officially salad season. This buffalo chicken caesar salad recipe makes enough for two big salads, but can easily be doubled or tripled if needed. It’s so good, and so easy to make! It’s part of the constant rotation on our summer […]
the best + unique caesar salad recipe
This is the best caesar salad recipe I’ve ever thrown together. Inspired by a salad I ate in North Carolina, this is an unexpected blend of flavors that is going to wow anyone who is craving a unique caesar salad. how do I spice up a caesar salad If this is your question, I’ve got your […]
Sauces
cilantro sauce with sour cream and lime
an easy sauce for all things tex-mex Cilantro sauce is a necessity for anything Tex-Mex. Tacos, salads, nachos … everything. This cilantro sauce is made with sour cream, a few spices, hot sauce, milk (or water), fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro. The flavors in this sauce will really benefit from chilling for about an hour, […]
Crab Bash + Calabrian Aioli with The Fresh Market
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheFreshMarket #TFMCrabBash #Collectivebias One of my favorite things in life is a great dinner party. Whether I get to throw it, or I am simply attending one with friends, I love the gorgeous array of food, drink, conversation, […]
small batch sherry vinaigrette
Summer is nearly here, but the weather has decided that we are already into it full-force. Not only do salads make your body feel better, but they also help you avoid those afternoon crashes. I love a hearty lunch, but sometimes my need for caffeine around 3:00 p.m. becomes way more real than I need it […]
Sides
spicy smashed black beans recipe
a smashed black bean recipe for canned black beans Smashed black beans are an awesome side dish for Tex-Mex food. This particular recipe for smashed black beans packs a flavor punch, and also delivers on the heat. But it’s easy to adjust if you don’t want a lot of spiciness! Smashed beans have a consistency […]
small batch roasted brussels sprouts with parmesan
Brussels sprouts are easily one of our favorite vegetables, and one that we eat almost weekly. These small batch roasted spicy brussels sprouts with parmesan are a really good side dish for date night in! They are perfect to eat with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or whatever you like! This recipe makes enough for two […]
loaded twice baked potato recipe for two :: date night in.
stuffed and loaded The first official side dish of my new “date night series” has to be a potato, of course. But this is no ordinary potato. THIS … this is a loaded twice baked potatoes. 🙂 This recipe is made for two people, hence the whole date-night-in thing. It requires an extra large russet potato […]
Slow Cooker
slow cooker pulled pork french dip sliders
succulent shredded pork, melty cheese, and crunchy fried onions make the best sliders. If you have a two quart crockpot, you have come to the right place for recipes for it! This small batch recipe for pulled pork french dip sliders makes one pound of pulled pork. It’s perfect for about 10-12 total sliders, which […]
small batch barbacoa (in the slow cooker)
spicy, small batch barbacoa with wine pairings! Slow cooker barbacoa is a solid recipe to keep in your back pocket. This small batch version uses only 1.5 pounds of beef, and makes the perfect amount for a smaller household! what is barbacoa? Barbacoa is the word from which “barbecue” was born. It’s basically a traditional […]
shredded slow cooker buffalo chicken
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but fall is officially slow cooker season. Kidding. It’s obviously what some of us live for every year, and I’m here for it. I’m also here for all of the buffalo chicken recipes, so it’s only right to combine the two. This slow cooker buffalo chicken is pretty much […]
Small Batch Recipes
Easy Date Night Bolognese Sauce
Date Night Pasta Shouldn’t be Difficult. Pasta has a really interesting way of being both comforting and elegant, and this bolognese sauce is no exception. Bolognese typically takes over three hours to simmer, but with a couple of helpful swaps, this only takes 45 minutes. Of course, if you have the time and you want […]
Fresh Pico de Gallo with Garlic
Pico with garlic makes everything better. Fresh pico de gallo is a super easy recipe that is necessary for Mexican night at home. Traditional pico doesn’t have garlic, but this version definitely does. I’m obsessed with garlic, and put it in as many recipes as I possibly can! This pico recipe only requires six ingredients […]
BLT Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Arugula
basically, the best mini BLT sandwiches. When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, it doesn’t get much better than making a perfect BLT. These little BLT sliders are super easy to put together, but they’ve got a delicious twist: caramelized onions, and arugula. There’s a step-by-step guide right here for caramelized onions. (If you’re making more than […]
Soups
small batch loaded potato soup
I don’t know if there are many recipes in my repertoire that are longer overdue. If there is one soup I love in life, it’s easily loaded potato soup. Hands down. And it needs to be easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It also has to deliver a sense of comfort to my tastebuds in […]
simple + spicy tomato soup
easy and delicious tomato soup Making tomato soup warms the soul. Keeping things simple also warms the soul. This simple tomato soup is the best of both worlds, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in on the couch … paired with your favorite grilled cheese, of course. I use San Marzano tomatoes for this […]
spicy white cheddar beer cheese soup
spicy white cheddar beer cheese soup is a creamy, rich, and decadent blend of cheese, beer, and heat. it’s the ultimate comfort food soup in a bread bowl.
Wine Pairings
Easy Date Night Bolognese Sauce
Date Night Pasta Shouldn’t be Difficult. Pasta has a really interesting way of being both comforting and elegant, and this bolognese sauce is no exception. Bolognese typically takes over three hours to simmer, but with a couple of helpful swaps, this only takes 45 minutes. Of course, if you have the time and you want […]
Oven-Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Mozzarella and Pesto
Bruschetta with Melted Mozzarella, in fact. That title gives away this entire bruschetta recipe. This one is way overdue, because I’ve been making variations of this for the last five years. Bruschetta is such a crowd pleaser, and it’s so easy to make. This bruschetta with mozzarella is even better than the rest. Loosely based upon […]
BLT Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Arugula
basically, the best mini BLT sandwiches. When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, it doesn’t get much better than making a perfect BLT. These little BLT sliders are super easy to put together, but they’ve got a delicious twist: caramelized onions, and arugula. There’s a step-by-step guide right here for caramelized onions. (If you’re making more than […]