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Cooking Vibes, 7123 Grade Lane, Louisville, KY (2024)

06/13/2024

Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls

Ingredients:

1 package crescent roll dough
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet lightly.
Dough: Unroll crescent dough, press seams together to form a sheet.
Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over dough.
Toppings: Add blueberries and lemon zest.
Roll: Form into a log, slice into rounds, and place on baking sheet.

06/12/2024

Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad, simple, and sooo good

3 Tomatoes,
3 cucumbers,
1 onion,
1/2 cup vinegar,
1 teaspoon of cracked pepper,
2 table spoons of sugar
2 teaspoons of salt,
1 cup of water,
1/4 cup of olive oil, mix well...thats it.

Let it chill for 1-2 hours... That simple and sooooo good 😀

06/12/2024

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Tzatziki Sauce:
Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp)
Cucumber (½, grated)
Garlic Cloves (2 to 3, pressed)
Olive Oil (2 Tbsp)
Fresh Dill (2 Tbsp, chopped)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Salad:
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, chopped)
Romaine Lettuce (2 cups, chopped)
Grape Tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
Pepperoncini Peppers (½ cup, sliced)
Kalamata Olives (½ cup, sliced)
Red Onion (¼ cup, chopped)
Feta Cheese (½ cup, crumbled)

Directions:

Tzatziki Preparation: Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
Salad Assembly: Toss romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, olives, and red onion in a large bowl.
Combine: Layer the chopped chicken over the salad base.
Dress: Generously top with tzatziki sauce.
Garnish: Finish with crumbled feta cheese.

06/12/2024

Elegant Brie and Roasted Grape Crostini

Ingredients:

1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Honey for drizzling (optional)

Instructions :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly golden.
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved grapes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Spread the grapes on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
Assemble the crostini by placing a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette slice.
Top each with a spoonful of roasted grapes.
Return the crostini to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with honey if desired.
Serve warm.

06/12/2024

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with sugar, egg, and melted butter, mixing until well incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

06/12/2024

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients :

Old-Fashioned Oats: 2 cups
All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/3 cups
Unsweetened Baking Cocoa: 2/3 cup
Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed)
Walnuts (Halved): 3/4 cup
Baking Powder: 1 tsp.
Butter (Room Temperature): 1 1/4 cups
Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): 1 lb.
Extra Fine Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup
Almond Extract: 1/4 tsp.
Eggs: 2
Cherries (Pitted, Halved Fresh): 1 cup
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: 2/3 cup

Directions:

Preheat the oven and prepare a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.
Mix oats, flour, cocoa, brown sugar, walnuts, and baking powder. Blend in butter to form the crust mixture.
Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, almond extract, and eggs for the filling. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
Layer the crust mixture in the prepared pan, pour in the cheesecake filling, and sprinkle with remaining crust mixture as a topping.
Bake until set and the crumble topping is slightly golden.
Cool before slicing into bars and serve chilled for a delightful treat.

06/12/2024

Mediterranean Chicken Burgers

Ingredients:

Ground Chicken: 1½ pounds (97/3 lean to fat ratio) for juicy burgers
Red Peppers: ½ cup, finely chopped for sweetness
Feta Cheese: ⅓ cup, crumbled for tanginess
Fresh Spinach: 1 cup, chopped for a hint of earthiness
Panko Crumbs: ⅓ cup to bind the mixture
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for a sharp kick
Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons for that classic Greek herb flavor
Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance flavors
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon for a bit of spice
Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon for brightness

Instructions:

Prepare the Burger Mix: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, red peppers, feta, spinach, panko, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Gently combine without overmixing.
Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 patties, depending on your preferred size.
Cook: Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes each side, until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
Serve: Enjoy these burgers with sliced cucumber and additional spinach for a refreshing twist. They're perfect alone or on whole-grain buns.

06/12/2024

Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni slices
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions :

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
Take a portion of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.
Roll the rice ball in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Serve the rice balls warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

06/12/2024

Pizza Toasts

Ingredients:

4 slices whole wheat bread (or bread of your choice)
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of pizza toppings (e.g., sliced pepperoni, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the slices of bread on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the tomato paste mixture evenly onto each slice of bread.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato paste mixture on each slice of bread.
Add your desired pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the pizza toasts cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Pizza Toasts!

06/11/2024

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
⅓ cup cornstarch
½ cup salted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
½ cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Instructions:

Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until combined.
Combine: Gradually add powdered sugar to the creamed mixture, then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients and heavy cream. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Prep for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the sheets. Freeze for 5 minutes before baking.
Bake: Roll dough balls for a smooth finish, press slightly to flatten, and bake for 9-10 minutes until just set.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.

06/11/2024

Raspberries Mouthwatering Dessert

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
F or the Cheesecake Mixture:

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup raspberry puree
For the Raspberry Swirl:

1/2 cup raspberry puree
2 tbsp sugar
For the Topping:

Whipped cream
Fresh raspberries
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions :

Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Chill in the fridge.
Cheesecake Mixture: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in flour.
Assembly: Pour cheesecake mixture over crust. Dollop raspberry puree on top. Use a toothpick to create swirls.
Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Topping: Pipe whipped cream on top, add a raspberry, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

06/11/2024

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mashed potatoes, whipped until creamy
Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Press the meat mixture into muffin tins, filling each cup to the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
While the meatloafs bake, whip the mashed potatoes until they’re light and fluffy.
Once the meatloafs are done, let them cool slightly and then remove them from the tins.
Pipe the whipped potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake using a piping bag with a star tip.
Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.

06/11/2024

Berry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

Berry Swirl (Berry Puree):
2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen, rinsed and patted dry)
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Graham Cracker Crust:
15 graham cracker sheets (pulverized into crumbs, about 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs)
1 stick butter (melted, plus more for greasing pan)
¼ cup sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
3 large eggs

Instructions:

Make the Berry Puree: In a saucepan, simmer berries, sugar, and lemon juice on medium-low until berries soften and can be smashed. Stir occasionally. Use an immersion blender to blend into a puree. Chill in the fridge.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add sour cream, then eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Pour half over the crust, dollop half the berry puree and swirl. Repeat with remaining mixtures.
Bake for about 1 hour. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Cut into 20 bars.

06/11/2024

Banana Peanut Butter French Toast Roll-Ups

Ingredients:

10 slices white bread, crusts removed
1 banana, sliced thin
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter for frying
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions :

Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on each slice and place banana slices on top.
Roll up bread slices tightly and secure with a toothpick.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt some butter.
Dip each bread roll in the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Fry rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve warm with maple syrup.

06/11/2024

Best Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 1/3 lbs broccoli florets finely chopped into bite-size pieces
8 slices crispy cooked bacon chopped
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/3 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, onions, cranberries, and almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again right before serving.

06/11/2024

Spaghetti Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

4 slices bread (your choice)
1 cup cooked spaghetti
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions:

Prepare the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
Top each slice with:
A layer of cooked spaghetti
A generous amount of marinara sauce
A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese
Cover with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
Grill the Sandwiches:
Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serving:
Remove from the heat.
Let the sandwiches cool for a minute, then slice and serve.

06/11/2024

Blackstone Cheeseburger Quesadilla

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:

Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Place one tortilla on the preheated Blackstone griddle and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tortilla.
Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the cheese-covered tortilla, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the ground beef mixture, then top with another tortilla.
Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients to make the second quesadilla.
Once both quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the griddle and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
Serve the Blackstone Cheeseburger Quesadillas hot, garnished with optional toppings as desired.

06/10/2024

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Ingredients:

4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, chicken broth, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to marinate thoroughly.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Turn the chicken occasionally and baste with the remaining marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred on the outside, transfer it to a serving platter.
Garnish the grilled Huli Huli chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve the grilled Huli Huli chicken hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

06/10/2024

Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices bread
4 slices cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
Additional butter, for grilling

Instructions:

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet or griddle. Top each slice with a slice of cheese, then divide the cooked mushrooms evenly between the two slices.
Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the mushrooms, buttered side facing up.
Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet or griddle and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing.
Serve the Garlic Mushroom Grilled Cheese sandwiches hot, and enjoy!

06/10/2024

Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf

A Delectable Fusion of Philly Cheesesteak and Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup provolone cheese, sliced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Press half of the meat mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan.
Lay the provolone cheese slices over the meat, leaving a small border around the edges.
Cover with the remaining meat mixture, pressing the edges to seal.
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Pour this sauce over the meatloaf.
Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.

06/10/2024

Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (additional for cornstarch)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
Salt to taste

Instructions :

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple, 1/2 cup water, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pineapple is tender.
In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce.
Add the chili flakes and salt. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

06/10/2024

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic glaze
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Directions:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken breasts with balsamic glaze, allowing it to caramelize and coat the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, and basil leaves.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad ingredients.
Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze before serving

06/10/2024

Pina Colada Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Raspberry and additional shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
8. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions.
10. While the cake is baking, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut until well combined.
11. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
12. Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the warm cake, making sure to fill the holes.
13. Spread the drained crushed pineapple over the top of the cake.
14. Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly over the pineapple layer.
15. Spread the thawed whipped topping over the coconut layer, covering the entire surface of the cake.
16. If desired, garnish the cake with maraschino cherries and additional shredded coconut.
17. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

06/10/2024

Ridiculously Easy Lemon Raspberry Scones

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 medium-size lemon
½ cup fresh raspberries

Instructions :

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Chill 1 cup heavy cream in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Set aside to cool.
In a medium-size bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
Combine chilled heavy cream with melted butter, stirring until butter forms small clumps.
Add the butter/cream mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until flour is incorporated.
Break raspberries in half and sprinkle them over the batter, gently mixing.
Scoop mounds of batter onto prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.

06/10/2024

Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions:

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and reduce the liquid by half, about 5 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer again. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through in the sauce.
Serve the chicken over buttered noodles, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

06/09/2024

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix
2 eggs, whisked
1/3 cup melted butter
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, whisked eggs, and melted butter until fully combined. The dough will be thick.
Using a medium cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
For the glaze, combine butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, whisking constantly.
Spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies and let set. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

06/09/2024

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Ingredients:

- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions :

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and reduced by half.
7. Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
8. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or salad.

06/09/2024

Baked Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in Apples:
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Shape the Fritters:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten and shape the fritters.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden brown and set.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once cooled, dust the baked apple fritters with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the baked apple fritters warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a delicious breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.

06/09/2024

Grilled Artichokes

Ingredients:

2 large artichokes
optional: 2 garlic cloves, bay leafs (or thyme or sage leaves) and lemon slices

Italian Salsa Verde:

1 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 fat garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon capers,
1/2 cup olive oil
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and black pepper to taste
optional: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
optional: 1-2 anchovies, finely minced

Directions:

Place a large pot on the stove with just enough water to just come up to a steamer basket placed inside. To the water add the optional lemon slices, garlic cloves and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
Prep the artichokes: With a sharp knife, trim off the sharp tips and remove any small, tough outer leaves. Trim the stems. Using a spoon, scoop out the thin hairs nearest the heart.
Place the artichokes in the steamer basket, cut sides down, layering if necessary. Bring the water to a boil, cover and simmer on low heat for 25-45 minutes, depending on size. Steam until just tender. To test, just pull off a leaf; it should pull off with a gentle tug. Let cool.
While the artichokes are steaming, make the salsa verde. Place everything in a small bowl and mix well.
Preheat the grill to medium, and grease the grates well.
Lightly brush the artichokes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the artichokes open-side down on the grates, cover, and grill until good grill marks appear and they are heated through. Flip and grill 2 minutes, before placing on a platter, open side up.
Spoon the salsa verde over the artichokes and nestle some into the heart heart area- you wont need all. Serve the artichokes with the remaining salsa verde on the side with slices of lemon or lemon wedges.