To chunk or not to chunk. Are minis back in style? Do you want to be a chip off the old block? I’m talking about chocolate chips, of course.  Are you a regular chocolate chip fan? Or do you prefer chocolate chunks?  How about mini chocolate chips?  I like ’em all. But what I really Read more

I love appetizers! They are easy to make and taste delicious. They are great for parties, potlucks and sharing. Sometimes I just make two or three appetizers for dinner, because I can. From pinwheels to meatballs and dips, this is an amazing list of 20 of my favorite easy-to-make and yummy appetizers. Bacon! Bacon! Bacon Read more

It seems like when it comes to breakfast foods, there are two categories: Breakfast-is-ready-already and Breakfast-will-be-ready-in-an-hour-after-I-do-something-with-these-30-ingredients.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  There is a middle ground between ready in 5 minutes and ready in 5 months. When it comes to breakfast: There is a way to have simple and satisfying without sweat Read more

When Irish eyes are smiling, it means that an angel gets its wings.  Nah, that ain’t true.  When Irish eyes are smiling, it means that someone clapped to keep Tinkerbell alive.  That’s a lie too.  Maybe it’s when Irish eyes are smiling, a clipped coupon gets doubled?  That’d be cool, but probably not right either Read more

I love the flavor of teriyaki.  It’s a nice and safe choice – when it comes to all kinds of things.  Stir fry.  Beef jerky. Marinades for pork and chicken.  I love it when making chicken fried rice.  If I go to a Chinese restaurant and there isn’t a clear choice, teriyaki it is! So I Read more

M&Ms.  Who doesn’t love them?  They’re great for snacking on.  They’re great for rewarding potty training toddlers.  They’re great for handing out at Halloween.  They’re great for putting in Easter Eggs, Christmas stockings and as a topper on birthday presents.  And we all know that “M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hand.”  Who Read more

Breakfast is the bomb diggity. (Do kids even say that anymore?) What’s not to love? But it’s hard to find a good middle ground in between the ease and convenience of cereal and the heartiness of a full eggs, bacon & toast spread. This is that middle ground!

Once prepared, it’s as easy as cereal, but it’s as hearty as eggs. And, if need be, it’s easily held to be eaten in a car or at a school bus stop or while curling your hair.

And if variety is the spice of your life, then this is also a recipe for you! Make them plain – they’re delicious! Make them with chocolate chips – they’re delicious! Make them with blueberries – they’re delicious! There are other choices too – strawberries or diced apple pieces. Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!

In addition to delicious, they’re easy to make. Just 1 bowl. Don’t even need a mixer – just a sturdy spoon. Read More…

Pumpkin is commonly associated with the season of Fall, right?  As well it should be because that’s when pumpkins start showing up everywhere.  In lattes, in breads, in donuts, on porch steps, everywhere!  But pumpkin doesn’t always have to be eaten in just the Fall.  I was looking in my pantry the other day, spied a random can of pumpkin filling, remembered the cream cheese that I had in the fridge and I knew that pumpkin muffins are perfect even for January!

Now I love it with the cream cheese layer, but that’s actually optional. You can skip that step and then you’ll have just pumpkin muffins.  Still wonderful in their own right.  The cream cheese does add an extra oomph!  But it does add some complexity.  And if today is a day you just need simple, skip it.  It’ll make a little fewer muffins, but that’s A-OK!  You’ll always have my permission to simplify things in the kitchen. Get the recipe…

It’s a New Year and our family has made a resolution to be healthier together. One specific resolution my husband and I want to achieve this year is to cut back on added sugar and increase protein in our diets. One of our children has ADHD and sugar increases his hyperactivity, so it’s really important for us to work towards this resolution. It’s easy to cut sugar in lunches and dinners, which are typically more hearty meals. Breakfast time is the real challenge for us. Too often we rely on quick breakfasts for the family, like boxed cereal or instant oatmeal packets, packed with added sugar.

I went on a search for a healthy, protein-filled breakfast that everyone would enjoy and discovered cottage cheese pancakes. These healthy pancakes have only three simple ingredients: eggs, Hiland Dairy nonfat cottage cheese and oats. I know this recipe sounds crazy, but just try it. These pancakes are amazing and packed with protein and goodness. Bonus is they can be gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. Just make sure the oats are gluten-free. I also joined this Hiland Dairy Healthy newsletter to discover more healthy recipes and receive high-value coupons! Read More…