Savory Sweet and Satisfying

Smoked Sweet Smoked Sausage Bites

2026-07-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

When I got into running I gave up drinking pop. I used to be a fan of Coca Cola, but realized with all of the work I was doing to get better at running I needed to pay attention to what I put in my body. The only pop I drink now is Vernors, but only when I do not feel, especially for a stomach ache. When I saw this recipe called for ginger ale, of course I used Vernors, I really wanted to see how it would taste.

I loved the sweet taste these sausages had. I had planned on then giving me two nights worth of dinner, but they did not last, my family loved them. They would also make a great appetizer, but either way you serve them you might want to double the recipe, they might not last long.

Smoked Sweet Smoked Sausage Bites

Ingredients:

14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
3/4 cup ginger ale
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 300º F.
Place the sausage into a square baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ginger ale, brown sugar, barbecue sauce until well mixed. Pour over the sausage.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 351
Total Fat		10.5g
Saturated Fat		3.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		52.5mg
Sodium		923.3mg
Total Carbohydrates		39.5g
Dietary Fiber		1.8g
Sugars		46.8g
Protein		14g
Calcium		4.7%
Iron		7.5%
Potassium		329.5mg
Vitamin A		0%
Vitamin C		0%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Mostly Homemade Mom.

Make Again Monday: Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

2026-07-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

I forgot just how much this recipe makes. The two boxes of pasta should have been a clue, but I had jalapeños to use and just enough for this recipe.

When I make it again, I am going to half the recipe or maybe even quarter it. I also want it to be a little bit creamier. Over the years I have come to love my pasta salads nice and creamy and this one was a tad bit dry for my taste.

To see the recipe and original pst click here.

Enjoy!!!

Strawberry White Chocolate Ice Latte

2026-07-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

I have made this Iced Strawberry Latte before and decided to add some white chocolate. White chocolate is one of my favorite latte flavors. The latte did not have a big coffee flavor, but it was still delicious and I enjoyed every last sip of it. Next time I will tweak it to make the coffee flavor a bit more prominent.

Strawberry White Chocolate Ice Latte

Ingredients:

4-5 tablespoons strawberry simple syrup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cold brew coffee
coffee ice cubes
1/4 cup half and half
3 tablespoons white chocolate chips

Directions:

Add the strawberry syrup, milk and coffee to a glass and stir to mix.
Add in coffee ice cubes.
In a microwave safe container, add in the half and half and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30 second increment, just until the chocolate chips are melted and incorporated with the half and half.
Use a frother to froth the half and half, then pour on top of the coffee.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 398
Total Fat		18g
Saturated Fat		11.2g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.9g
Cholesterol		44.1mg
Sodium		166.5mg
Total Carbohydrates		46.8g
Dietary Fiber		0.8g
Sugars		45.9g
Protein		10g
Calcium		35.3%
Iron		1.2%
Potassium		501.4mg
Vitamin A		7.7%
Vitamin C		31.5%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

Dried Cherry Toasted Almond Chicken Salad

2026-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

Normally when a recipe calls a certain amount of cups of cooked shredded chicken I always just go with 1 chicken breast equals 1 cup. Most times that does not make a difference in the finished product if there is a bit more chicken. However with this salad it did make a difference and I ended up with a drier chicken salad than I like. The next day when I tried it I had to add a bit more mayo and sour cream. But of course I did not think to take new pictures since I had taken pictures the day before. So I guess I will have to make this delicious salad again sooner than later so I can take new pictures.

Dried Cherry Toasted Almond Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Dressing

1/3 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chicken Salad

1/3 cup sliced almonds
3 cups shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
3 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, everything bagel seasoning and black pepper until well combined.
Add the sliced almonds to a dry skillet and toast over medium-low heat, tossing occasionally until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
To the bowl with the dressing add in the chicken, celery, dried cherries, onions, parsley and cooled almonds. Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 322
Total Fat		11.6g
Saturated Fat		0.9g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		3.3g
Monounsaturated Fat		4g
Cholesterol		3.7mg
Sodium		172.9mg
Total Carbohydrates		17.6g
Dietary Fiber		2g
Sugars		11.9g
Protein		35.5g
Calcium		5.8%
Iron		3.4%
Potassium		148.9mg
Vitamin A		12.8%
Vitamin C		7.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Simply Scratch.

Make Again Monday: Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw

2026-07-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

At first bite, this coleslaw gives you a nice sweetness, but then, as you swallow the spiciness hits you right in the back of the throat. A good combination of sweet and spicy. Perfect for those summer barbecues and picnics or just an easy side dish to go along with some burgers.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Chocolate Budino With Espresso Cream

2026-07-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

Budino is an Italian pudding. It is rich and chocolatey, thick and smooth. Topped with an espresso whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Chocolate Budino With Espresso Cream

Ingredients:

Chocolate Budino

6 ounces dark chocolate chips
2 ounces milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 egg yolks
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Espresso Cream

1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup cold heavy cream

Directions:

Chocolate Budino

Place both chocolate chips and butter into a large heatproof bowl. Place a mesh sieve over the bowl and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, brown sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream and milk.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
Pour the mixture into the mesh sieve into the bowl with the chocolate. Allow to sit for a few minutes and soften the chocolate.
Pour the vanilla into the bowl and stir until all of the chocolate is melted and well mixed.
Divide the mixture into 4 jars. Cover the jars and refrigerate until chilled and set, about 3 hours.

Directions:

Espresso Cream

In a medium bowl, whisk together the espresso powder and powdered sugar.
Pour in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Pour in the remaining heavy cream.
Using an electric mixture, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
Top the chilled budino with some whipped cream.

Enjoy!!!

*Adapted from With Spice.

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

2026-07-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

I am not the biggest fan of the traditional macaroni salad, but I love a good pasta salad. It makes a great summer time lunch. I make a big batch and we have lunch for a good portion of the week.

Pasta salads can be hit or miss with my kids. It all depends on what is in the salad and the dressing. This salad turned out so yummy and was a bit hit. I am so glad I doubled the recipe, because it did not last long in house.

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 ounces penne pasta
12 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups cooked and cubed chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup ranch dressing

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bacon, chicken, tomatoes and cheese.
Add in the ranch dressing and stir until well coated.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 538
Total Fat		32.5g
Saturated Fat		10g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat		0.4g
Cholesterol		108.9mg
Sodium		910.2mg
Total Carbohydrates		33.6g
Dietary Fiber		0.3g
Sugars		2.7g
Protein		26.3g
Calcium		17.2%
Iron		4.6%
Potassium		233.3mg
Vitamin A		4.4%
Vitamin C		8.3%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Craving Home Cooked.

Make Again Monday: Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

2026-07-13T05:00:00.009-04:00

Sweet smokey and a tad spicy barbecue chicken is topped with sweet pineapple. The sandwich would be good on its own without the pineapple, but I love how the sweet pineapple complements the barbecue sauce.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Frozen Black Forest Coffee

2026-07-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I made a frozen coffee drink, and I am so glad I did. The last few years I have been making cold brew coffee during the warm months. This drink was delicious, so delicious that I made it again the following day.

Frozen Black Forest Coffee

Ingredients:

8 ounces cold brew coffee
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup frozen tart cherries
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 cup frozen coffee ice cubes

Directions:

In a blender, add in the coffee, milk, cherries, chocolate and ice. Blend until well mixed.
For a more decadent drink, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a thawed frozen cherries.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 218
Total Fat		1.5g
Saturated Fat		0.8g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		5mg
Sodium		100mg
Total Carbohydrates		48g
Dietary Fiber		2.5g
Sugars		44g
Protein		6.4g
Calcium		13.5%
Iron		3%
Potassium		202mg
Vitamin A		6%
Vitamin C		4%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Three Olives Branch.

Jalapeño Chicken Salad

2026-07-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

This salad might not look like much and that is due to the fact that my kids wanted to try it. However, they did not want the red onion, celery and red pepper in it. So for them I left it out. Next time, I will definitely make my own batch so I can enjoy this delicious salad with a bit of crunch. The pickled jalapeños definitely add a very nice spicy kick to the salad, that I loved. But not everyone likes things as spicy as I do so you can reduce the amount to 1/4 cup for a less spicy kick.

Jalapeño Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 red pepper, seeded and diced
1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced
black pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl stir together the mayonnaise and lime juice.
Add in the chicken, celery, onion, red pepper, jalapeños. Stir until well mixed.
Season with black pepper.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 253
Total Fat		13.1g
Saturated Fat		2.2g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		5.9g
Monounsaturated Fat		4.1g
Cholesterol		93.7mg
Sodium		821.3mg
Total Carbohydrates		5.7g
Dietary Fiber		0.8g
Sugars		1.5g
Protein		28.8g
Calcium		0.7%
Iron		0.6%
Potassium		381.9mg
Vitamin A		1.6%
Vitamin C		39%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Tempting Thyme.

Make Again Monday: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

2026-07-06T05:00:00.001-04:00

This cauliflower is delicious and spicy. I could literally eat the entire pan of cauliflower. In fact between my oldest and me we did eat almost the entire pan.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Happy Fourth of July

2026-07-04T05:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!

My fourth plans will be very typical, two parades, a picnic, hopefully a few delicious craft beers and of course fireworks by the lake.

Enjoy your day!!!

Club Salad

2026-07-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

When the wether gets warmer, I all for not heating up the kitchen and making lots of salads. Plus I enjoy the how quickly salads can be so that gives me more time in the day together things done or enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

This salad takes the components of the classic club sandwich and turns it into a delicious salad. A delicious salad topped with a delicious homemade bacon dressing. The longer the dressing sits the more flavorful it gets. If you can refrigerate it overnight that would give it the best flavor, but at least allow it to refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.

Club Salad

Ingredients:

Bacon Dressing

1 drop liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Salad

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
3 ounces sliced deli ham, diced
3 ounces sliced deli turkey, diced
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup croutons

Directions:

Bacon Salad Dressing

In a mason jar, add in the liquid smoke, garlic, pepper and milk. Close the jar and shake well to combine.
Add in the mayonnaise and sour cream. Close the jar again and shake well to combine.
Add in the bacon, close the jar and shake well to combine.
Refrigerate at least 15 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Salad

In a large bowl, add in the chopped lettuce.
Top with the tomatoes, ham, turkey, cheese and bacon. Toss to combine.
Serve salad and top each serving with some croutons and dressing.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 486
Total Fat		31.6g
Saturated Fat		12.9g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		5.5g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.7g
Cholesterol		96.6mg
Sodium		1149mg
Total Carbohydrates		26.8g
Dietary Fiber		2.4g
Sugars		6.1g
Protein		26.1g
Calcium		38%
Iron		8.7%
Potassium		586.1mg
Vitamin A		2.2%
Vitamin C		30.8%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Little House Big Alaska.

Rhubarb Overnight Oats

2026-07-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

After enjoying this delicious hot rhubarb oatmeal, I knew I needed to make an overnight oat version once the weather warmed up. It turned out very delicious, creamy oats with a tart rhubarb.

The first time I made this I made the rhubarb in the morning and added the hot rhubarb to the oats, but I did not like the hot rhubarb with the cold oats. So the next time I made the rhubarb and refrigerated it separate from the oats and added it on top the following morning, so much better.

Rhubarb Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

Rhubarb

1/2 cup 1/2 inch pieces of diced rhubarb
1 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons water

Oats

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup plain non fat greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400º F.
In a small baking dish, stir together the rhubarb, sugar and water. Roast for 15 minutes or until the rhubarb is tender.
Allow the rhubarb to cool and then cover dish and refrigerate.
In a mason jar or other sealable container, add in the oats, milk, yogurt and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
Cover container and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, add the rhubarb to the oats and stir to combine.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 326
Total Fat		3.9g
Saturated Fat		1.3g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		1g
Cholesterol		10mg
Sodium		192.7mg
Total Carbohydrates		43.5g
Dietary Fiber		4.1g
Sugars		15.9g
Protein		26.5g
Calcium		35.5%
Iron		13%
Potassium		631.8mg
Vitamin A		6.2%
Vitamin C		9.1%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

Make Again Monday: Broccoli Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2026-06-29T05:00:00.010-04:00

Getting the recommended amount of vegetables in a day can be hard. This sandwich helps make it a bit easier and certainly more delicious.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Dill Pickle Coleslaw

2026-06-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

This coleslaw is for those of you that love pickles, dill pickles. It is hard not to like coleslaw when it has dill pickles in it and a bit of dill pickle juice.

Coleslaw has always been one of those sides that I can take or leave. Most times coleslaw is just okay, it is rare for me to find a good coleslaw. This coleslaw, however, is a rare one. The dill pickles add so much flavor to the coleslaw.

Dill Pickle Coleslaw

Ingredients:

1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 ounce package coleslaw mix

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir together the pickles, mayonnaise, pickle juice, dill and garlic, until well mixed. Add in the coleslaw mix and stir to mix well.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to combine.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 121
Total Fat		9.4g
Saturated Fat		1.3g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		5.3g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.7g
Cholesterol		6.7mg
Sodium		920mg
Total Carbohydrates		8.4g
Dietary Fiber		1.8g
Sugars		3.6g
Protein		1g
Calcium		3.9%
Iron		2.4%
Potassium		9.5mg
Vitamin A		13.6%
Vitamin C		44.8%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Southern Bite.

BLT Chicken Salad

2026-06-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit it took me way too long to realize that this salad is called BLT, but there is no lettuce in the salad. When I meal planned and create my grocery list I did not realize it. I only realized it after I made it and went to eat it and thought wait where is the lettuce. I doubled check the original recipe to make sure I did not miss it and I didn't. Even though it is technically not a BLT, it is really delicious, especially on a croissant.

Next time I make this I will a piece of romaine lettuce to the sandwich to make it an actual BLT. I thought about renaming it to BT Chicken Salad, or Bacon and Tomato Chicken Salad, but that does not have the same ring to it as BLT Chicken Salad.

BLT Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts
1 pound cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 stalks celery, diced
6 croissants

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
Add in the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion and celery. Stir until well mixed.
Cut croissants in half horizontally and place desired amount of chicken salad on bottom half. Top with top half of croissant.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 596
Total Fat		36.3g
Saturated Fat		14.7g
Trans Fat		0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat		0.9g
Cholesterol		150.8mg
Sodium		1303.9mg
Total Carbohydrates		35.5g
Dietary Fiber		1.4g
Sugars		4.7g
Protein		30.8g
Calcium		3%
Iron		21.9%
Potassium		255.8mg
Vitamin A		24.1%
Vitamin C		6.5%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Simple Joy.

Make Again Monday: Crock Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2026-06-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Super easy pulled pork that only requires three ingredients, pork, root beer and barbecue sauce.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Dirty Iced Chai Tea Latte

2026-06-19T05:00:00.111-04:00

I've made several chai tea recipes. The first one I made was Homemade Chai Tea Latte, then I had to try a Dirty Chai Tea Latte, and of course an Easy Chai Tea Latte, I have even tried a Chai White Hot Chocolate. So it only made sense to try an iced version since all of my others are hot varieties.

I made this for my daily morning coffee and didn't want to wait for the chai to cool down. So, I poured it over the ice and the ice completely melted right away. Good thing I was using coffee ice cubes so it did not water down my drink. As my morning coffee this did not really hit the spot, but as an afternoon pick me up it is absolutely delicious.

Dirty Iced Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

1 chai tea bag
1 cup water
1 cup milk
coffee ice cubes
1/2 cup cold brew coffee

Directions:

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, place tea bag in a cup. Once the water comes to a boil, pour over the tea bag and allow to steep for 5 minutes.
Remove the tea bag and allow the chai tea to cool to room temperature.
Place the coffee ice cubes into a glass or mug and pour the coffee over the ice followed by the chai tea.
Using a milk frother or a whisk, froth the milk and pour it over top.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

To make a regular iced chai tea latte, leave out the coffee and use plain ice instead of coffee ice cubes.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 104
Total Fat		2.5g
Saturated Fat		1.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		10mg
Sodium		144.7mg
Total Carbohydrates		12.7g
Dietary Fiber		0g
Sugars		12g
Protein		8g
Calcium		25.7%
Iron		0.3%
Potassium		488.8mg
Vitamin A		10%
Vitamin C		2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Mom Makes Dinner.

Baileys Ice Cream

2026-06-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

Ice cream is a yummy, delicious treat. Add a bit of Baileys and it is even more of a yummy delicious treat. Throw in some dark chocolate chips for a nice sweet crunch.

Since this ice cream has alcohol and alcohol does not freeze, it has a more of a soft serve consistency.

Baileys Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 cup half and half
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Place freezer safe container, for storing the ice cream, in the freezer.
In a large bowl, whisk together the half and half and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Stir in the heavy cream, Baileys and vanilla.
Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions.
during the last 5 minutes of churn time add in the chocolate chips.
Remove storage container from freezer and transfer ice cream into it. Smooth it into an even layer. Put the lid on the container and freeze.

Enjoy!!!

*Adapted from chisel & fork.

Make Again Monday: Citrus Grilled Chicken

2026-06-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

This time when I made this chicken I did not buy lettuce to serve it over. I just served the chicken with the sauce to put on top. I also cooked the chicken in an electric skillet, instead of a grill. Still tastes delicious with great flavor.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Loaded Pasta Salad

2026-06-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

This salad almost didn't happen. I went to make it and realized I had run out of cucumbers, peppers and arugula. I decided to take it anyways and use romaine lettuce, since that is what I had on hand and just leave out the cucumbers and peppers.

I loved this salad even though I was missing some ingredients and had to substitute the arugula. I will definitely make this again, with the cucumbers, peppers and arugula. I can only imagine how much better it will be with the peppery arugula.

It might take me awhile to make this again since my kids would not even try it, because there are too many ingredients they do not like. Since I will be the only one eating it I might have to cut the recipe in half. Although I love the salad, 8 servings is a lot for one person to eat.

Loaded Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons dried dill
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup diced orange bell pepper
1/2 cup diced hard salami
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup halved kalamata olive
2 cups arugula

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, sugar, black pepper, dill and parsley.
Stir in the drained warm pasta. Let cool for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, salami, feta, red onion, olives.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until chilled.
Stir in the arugula and serve immediately.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 267
Total Fat		15.7g
Saturated Fat		3.8g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.2g
Monounsaturated Fat		8.6g
Cholesterol		15.6mg
Sodium		335.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		27.7g
Dietary Fiber		1.4g
Sugars		3.3g
Protein		5.6g
Calcium		5.9%
Iron		3.9%
Potassium		109.9mg
Vitamin A		3.2%
Vitamin C		49.6%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Damn Delicious.

BLT Salad

2026-06-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

The classic blt sandwich is a sandwich I would never get tired of eating and always in the mood for during the summer months. Now you can enjoy that classic sandwich in salad form.

This salad is super easy to make and has such a delicious homemade dressing. A dressing that really makes the salad.

BLT Salad

Ingredients:

Dressing

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1-2 tablespoons milk

Salad

2 heads romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped
12 ounces turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups croutons
1 pound grape tomatoes, cut in half

Directions:

Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, chives and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. Add in 1-2 tablespoons for milk to reach desired consistency.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Salad

In a large bowl, add in the lettuce, bacon, croutons and tomatoes. Gently toss to combine.
Top each serving with some dressing.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

If you do not plan on leftovers, you can toss the dressing over the whole salad.

If you like more dressing on your salad you can always double the dressing recipe.

I served this as a main dish and got 4 servings, if you serve it as a side dish you would probably get about 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 417
Total Fat		23.1g
Saturated Fat		8.1g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		2.6g
Monounsaturated Fat		2.7g
Cholesterol		93.6mg
Sodium		1184.2mg
Total Carbohydrates		29.8g
Dietary Fiber		9.1g
Sugars		8.6g
Protein		19.8g
Calcium		16.3%
Iron		21.5%
Potassium		1125.6mg
Vitamin A		548.1%
Vitamin C		52.3%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Natashas Kitchen.

Make Again Monday: French Toast Sandwiches

2026-06-08T05:00:00.002-04:00

French toast meets grilled turkey and cheese sandwich. My youngest daughter volunteered to make these sandwiches and she really loaded them up with turkey and cheese. I like that she is willing to make things on her own.

To see the recipe and original post click here.

Enjoy!!!

Lemon Curd Ice Cream

2026-06-05T05:00:00.130-04:00

This ice cream is summer in a bowl. Creamy lemon ice cream swirled with a delicious tangy homemade lemon curd. Such a delicious way to start my summer time.

Between the lemon curd and the lemon ice cream you will need the juice and zest of many lemons. You will need the zest of 5 lemons and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. When added all up you will need 6 lemons, provided each lemon yields 3 tablespoons of juice.

Lemon Curd Ice Cream

Ingredients:

Lemon Curd

2 eggs, lightly whisked
1 egg yolk
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, about 4 large lemons
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
2 lemons zested

Lemon Ice Cream

3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 cups half and half
1 cup granulated sugar
3 lemons zested
1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, about 2 large lemons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Lemon Curd

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, sugar and lemon juice, just until combined. Add in the butter and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the curd is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes.
If desired, blend with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Pour the curd into a container and refrigerate until cool.

Lemon Ice Cream

Place freezer safe container, for storing the ice cream, in the freezer.
In a large bowl, add in the cream cheese and a little bit of half and half. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely incorporated into the half and half. Slowly add in the remaining half and half, whisking until well combined.
Add in the sugar and lemon zest. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
Add in the lemon juice and heavy cream. Whisk just until combined.
Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions.
Remove storage container from freezer and transfer 1/3 of the ice cream into it. Dollop about 1/3 of the completely cooled lemon curd on top. Repeat the layers 2 more times. Using a knife swirl the curd into the ice cream. Put the lid on and freeze.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

I used all of the lemon curd the recipe made, which was about 1 1/2 cups. You can always use less if you want.

*Adapted from Saving Room for Dessert.

Savory Sweet and Satisfying

Smoked Sweet Smoked Sausage Bites

10.5g

3.5g

0g

0g

0g

52.5mg

923.3mg

39.5g

1.8g

46.8g

14g

4.7%

7.5%

329.5mg

0%

0%

Make Again Monday: Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad

Strawberry White Chocolate Ice Latte

18g

11.2g

0g

0.3g

2.9g

44.1mg

166.5mg

46.8g

0.8g

45.9g

10g

35.3%

1.2%

501.4mg

7.7%

31.5%

Dried Cherry Toasted Almond Chicken Salad

11.6g

0.9g

0g

3.3g

4g

3.7mg

172.9mg

17.6g

2g

11.9g

35.5g

5.8%

3.4%

148.9mg

12.8%

7.2%

Make Again Monday: Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw

Chocolate Budino With Espresso Cream

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

32.5g

10g

0g

0.3g

0.4g

108.9mg

910.2mg

33.6g

0.3g

2.7g

26.3g

17.2%

4.6%

233.3mg

4.4%

8.3%

Make Again Monday: Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

Frozen Black Forest Coffee

1.5g

0.8g

0g

0g

0g

5mg