Meal Planning Magic

Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe

Brenda Thompson — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 21:25:10 +0000

Making homemade croutons is so easy and a great way to use up day old bread. They taste so much better than store bought, too and are a perfect addition to salad, soups and more.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m not sure when I first tried making homemade croutons—it was years ago. But I know from the first taste I was hooked on the flavor!

I know some of my motivation came from the desire to use up some day old sourdough bread that I knew we would likely not finish at the peak of freshness so I thought I’d give it a try. It’s a good way to prevent food waste and is also a lot less expensive than store bought versions.

You can use any type of bread but I find that a firmer bread, like sour dough or a French bread, is really delicious!

I wanted a crouton that had lots of flavor but was not too complicated. I played around with the ratio of ingredients until I came up with this recipe.

Just a few simple ingredients like basil, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese are all that are needed and in minutes you’ll have croutons made in the oven tasting better than any store bought version you’ve ever tried!

Ingredient Tips

These homemade croutons really are SO simple and you may already have some of the ingredients on hand! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Bread – As mentioned, I prefer a firmer bread like sourdough or French bread, but I’ve also used whole wheat sandwich bread, too. I’ve not tried this recipe with regular white sandwich bread as it tends to get a bit soggier with the olive oil but perhaps baking the croutons a bit longer would help.

I bet a specialty bread like pumpernickel or rye would also be delicious!

Olive Oil – I buy olive oil in bulk at Costco since we use so much of it! There are lots of varieties—and price points—it seems but I just go for a basic virgin olive oil (not extra virgin). For recipes like this, a store brand works fine. I will sometimes buy it at Aldi, too.

Dried Basil – You can find this in the spice aisle of the grocery store. Again, store brand is just fine and a lot less expensive too.

Garlic Powder – Just like the basil, you can find this in the spice aisle and I use the store brand as it’s a bit more budget friendly. I use garlic powder in homemade rice sometimes like this Parmesan Brown and Wild Rice Pilaf, French Onion Dip and also in these Gourmet Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions recipe. It’s very versatile!

Parmesan Cheese – Go for the real cheese here and not the artificial stuff. The flavor difference is worth it! To save money, I often buy it in a large chunk and use my food processor (affiliate link) to grate it. It lasts for a couple of weeks like that in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. Great for topping other things like Homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce or Skillet Stovetop Lasagna.

How To Make Homemade Croutons

This recipe takes only minutes to prep and then the baking is mostly hands off cooking!

Start by cutting the bread into about half-inch cubes. It’s even easier if you’re starting off with pre-sliced bread! (1)

Add the cubes to a large bowl and set aside while you prepare the dressing mixture. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, dried basil and garlic powder and whisk together until blended (2).

Pour the mixture over the bread cubes (3).

Then toss the oil mixture and cubes to coat the cubes as evenly as possible (4).

Spread the croutons on a baking sheet (5). I sometimes use my stoneware baking pan but have also used a baking sheet (affiliate link) lined with a silicone baking mat (affiliate link) too.

Then, you just bake the cubes for about 20 minutes at 375 degrees, tossing every 5 minutes or so until the homemade croutons are toasty and golden brown.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Homemade croutons can be made ahead and stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 5 days. I haven’t really frozen them, but you could given it a try. A reusable storage bag (affiliate link) that is labeled (affiliate link) would work well—just make sure as much air as possible is removed before sealing the bag.

They are delicious to just snack on so that’s probably another reason why I’ve never frozen them…they just don’t last that long around our house!

Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe

Making homemade croutons is so easy and a great way to use up day old bread. They taste so much better than store bought, too and are a perfect addition to salad, soups and more.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 270kcal

Author Brenda Thompson

Ingredients

4 cups cubed bread
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Start by cutting the bread into about half-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Set aside while you prepare the dressing mixture.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, dried basil and garlic powder and whisk together until blended.
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and toss until well coated.
Spread the croutons on a baking sheet (affiliate link) lined with a silicone baking mat (affiliate link).
Bake the cubes for about 20 minutes at 375°F, tossing every 5 minutes or so until the homemade croutons are toasty and golden brown.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:

We prefer firm breads like sourdough or French bread but sandwich bread works too! Whole wheat sandwich bread is tasty also.

We buy the store brand versions of most everything to save money and the flavor is just as delicious!

Buy Parmesan cheese in bulk and grate it yourself using a food processor (affiliate link). It will store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer up to 3 months.

Storage Tips

Homemade croutons can be made ahead and stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 5 days. I haven’t really frozen them, but you could given it a try!

Nutrition

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Tips To Easily Create Recipes From Around The World

Brenda Thompson — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 22:41:58 +0000

Explore new cuisines and easily create recipes from around the world with these tips and tools to help you save time and money, too!

I’ve partnered with Healthy Family Project on this post but all opinions are my own.

If the last couple of years have taught us anything, one of those things is that we don’t necessarily need to leave home to learn ways to experience new things and that includes new flavors, too!

Living in Houston, we are lucky that our city has a very diverse selection of cuisines to choose from. But eating out can get pricy over time, plus, it’s fun create something special in our own kitchens, too!

More and more grocery stores seem to have noticed and are stocking a variety of international ingredients to help make traveling the world through your kitchen a bit easier!

5 Reasons to Travel The World Through Your Kitchen

It’s cheaper. Than traveling to a destination that is. Save money on travel expenses like gas, flights or lodging and experience new flavors from the convenience of your own home. You might spend a little more on ingredients you might not be used to but overall, it can still be fun and delicious!

It can help you learn new techniques to try. For example, Korean and Vietnamese cuisines often use pickled vegetables in their dishes so learning how to pickle may be something new for you. This Jicama Avocado Crab and Brown Rice salad is an simple way to try something new.

It’s an easy way to introduce new flavors and ingredients. For example, Greek foods use a lot of whole grains like farro or quinoa and Italian food often uses herbs and spices like oregano or basil.

Even if you have pickier eaters in your household, there are many staple ingredients that are common across the world such as rice, pasta, potatoes and chicken. With these base ingredients, it can be easier to add new flavors more easily. These Greek Tacos have been a family favorite of ours and can also be easily customized to suit different palates.

Learn more about a different culture. When my kids were little, we loved to choose books to read or find movies to watch that paired with the country’s recipe we were trying.

Think beyond just dinner. If the idea of cooking an entire meal using ingredients you may not be familiar with has you running in the other direction, try branching out with a smaller meal idea. Snacks, appetizers or desserts are a great way to introduce new flavors without a huge commitment. These Simple Skillet Chilaquiles are a tasty breakfast idea too!

Travel the World With Recipes & Meal Prep Tips from The Healthy Family Project

March is National Nutrition Month and the Healthy Family Project has many resources they are sharing for their Mission For Nutrition.

Healthy Family Project is a cause driven organization and I’ve had the pleasure of working with them 2011 (find some of the posts I’ve written for them here). Through their Mission For Nutrition campaign, their produce partners are making a total of $12,000 donation back to the Foundation for Fresh Produce to increase accessibility to fruits and vegetables in schools.

By visiting their website, you can download their free mini-meal planning magazine that includes tips for making the most of your meal planning and also 6 easy meal prep recipes to get you started. The recipes are internationally inspired and includes a grocery list to help keep you on budget and reduce food waste. The recipes are all tested and are absolutely delicious!

Be sure to follow them on social media such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and use the hashtag #missionfornutrition to keep up with all they are sharing this month (and beyond!) Or join me, the Healthy Family Project team and others just like you in the Healthy Family Project private Facebook Group where we ask questions and share all kinds of healthy family ideas!

Many thanks for these produce partners that help contribute to the cause!

I hope these ideas and resources have encouraged you to try more recipes from around the world yourself!

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Brenda Thompson — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of salty and sweet with a classic flavor combination that everyone will love. An easy no-bake treat too!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites are the perfect blend of salty and sweet with a classic flavor combination that everyone will love. An easy no-bake treat too!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings pieces

Calories 91kcal

Author Brenda Thompson

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
8 ounces pretzel snaps (the square ones)
1 ½ cups chocolate almond bark

Instructions

Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and softened butter using a rubber spatula or stand mixer.
Add powdered sugar and light brown sugar and continue to mix until combined.
At this point if the filling will roll easily into balls without sticking to your hands you’re ready to go. If not, add a little more of each sugar until you reach a consistency that is easy to roll, up to ¾ cup powdered sugar.

Assemble the Pretzel Bites

Using a small scoop or teaspoon, scoop some filling and then roll the portion into a ball.
Place peanut butter ball filling in between two whole pretzels and press together slightly to "sandwich" them together.
Place pretzel "sandwich" on a baking tray and repeat process with remaining filling and pretzels until filling is gone.
When all the balls are rolled and successfully sandwiched, stick the whole tray in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Dip the Bites

Add almond bark to microwave safe bowl and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer and quickly dip each half-way into the melted chocolate. Return to the tray and repeat with remaining sandwiches.
When all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer to set up completely, about 10 minutes.
Store the dipped pretzel bites in the refrigerator until serving time

Nutrition

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Easy Oreo Snowman Cookies

Brenda Thompson — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 22:46:48 +0000

These Easy Oreo Snowman Cookies are so festive, delicious and great for kids to help make too. A perfect no bake-treat option and only a few ingredients, they come together quickly!

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I’ve been making these Oreo Snowman Cookies for over 15 years! My mom originally passed along this fun cookie idea when my children were very little. She had had them at a holiday meeting and thought they were way too cute-and they are!

We’ve been making them every year ever since. They are a great no-bake treat that even little hands can help with making them a fun holiday activity to do together.

And since they are no-bake and super quick and easy, they are a great option to add to your holiday treat trays and gifts. They can also be made ahead and stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container!

Ingredient Tips

The ingredients for these cute Oreo Snowman Cookies are relatively simple to find but I’ve got some tips to help you know where to look in the store and also some information about what they are.

White Fudge Covered Oreo Cookies

These are the base of the cookie and what makes the snowman head. These are generally a seasonal item at the grocery store. I find them most often in holiday displays in the store. Sometimes, they will be in an unusual spot with a bunch of holiday cookies and crackers so if you don’t see them at your store, ask an employee to point you in the right direction.

At one store I shop at, I have found them near the dairy section but at another they’re near the sodas and another just on the end cap of the regular grocery aisles so you never know where your favorite store will set up the display.

You can also order white fudge covered Oreo cookies online although I’ve found they are more expensive that way.

Milk Chocolate M&Ms

I usually purchase these in the candy aisle of the grocery store (not the candy near the checkout registers). Sometimes they can also be found in the baking aisle near the baking chips. For this recipe they are used for the earmuffs.

Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds

These come in a variety of colors, kind of like the M&Ms do but are not usually available at the regular grocery store. I’ve found them in a variety of places like the candy or cake making section of a craft store.

I’ve also found them in the gourmet food section of stores like Marshall’s or Home Goods. Sometimes cake decorating shops will have them too. Of course, you can also order chocolate covered sunflower seeds online (affiliate link).

If you can’t find chocolate covered sunflower seeds, you can also use a mini milk chocolate M&M candies (also found in the candy or baking aisle of the store) to make the snowman’s nose.

White Chocolate Almond Bark or Candy Melts

Look for almond bark in the baking aisle. It’s usually on an upper shelf near the baking chips (like chocolate chips). You just need a little bit for this recipe as it’s mainly used as the “glue” to attach the different candy features for the face.

Milk Chocolate Almond Bark

This is like the white chocolate almond bark I’ve described above but it’s milk chocolate instead. I usually buy the store brand almond bark because it’s a lot less expensive than the name brand and it works just as well!

Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

These are also found in the baking aisle of the grocery store near the other baking chips. I usually have a bag on hand all the time and love to use them in other recipes like these Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What is Almond Bark?

Almond bark is different from white chocolate chips in that it’s made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. It usually melts more easily and is great for decorating or covering treats like these Gingersnap Oreo Cookie Balls.

Almond bark is usually sold in blocks that are often scored so you can easily break off just what you want to melt and use. Candy melts are similar and can be found near almond bark or in the candy making aisle of a craft store.

These are simpler options to use when making candy or cookies like these because you don’t need to temper the chocolate.

How To Make These Cookies

These Snowman Oreo Cookies really are so easy and fun to make!

When I’m making them with my kids, we like to set up an assembly line of sorts to decorate them. Someone pipes on the chocolate and someone else adds the candy or chocolate “accessories”. When you work together, it’s fun and goes quickly, too.

It’s also fun to set up individual trays with all the supplies so that everyone can make their own. A plate or quarter sheet baking pan with sides (affiliate link) and little bowls for the candies and melted chocolate bags make it easy.

Getting started is simple. First, you’ll want to melt the white chocolate almond bark and add it to a small ziptop bag. Cut off a small part of the corner so that you can easily squeeze out a little bit of the melted chocolate onto either side of one of the cookies. Then, quickly add the colored M&M for the “earmuffs” (1).

Next, repeat the same process to melt the milk chocolate almond bark and then squeeze a bit of it onto the cookie for the mini-chocolate chips to be places as eyes (2).

Then, you’ll repeat the same process with the white chocolate almond bark except this time you’re using a little bit of the melted bark for the spot where you’ll be adding the chocolate covered sunflower seeds (affiliate link) (3).

Lastly, use some of the melted chocolate to squeeze a bit on to the cookie to make a smile (4).

Allow the chocolate to set (about a half hour) before serving. You can also store them in an airtight container (affiliate link) for up to two weeks. Use some parchment or wax paper to separate the layers if you’re stacking the cookies.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

Since all of the ingredients used to make these cookies are non-perishable to begin with, they are easy to make ahead! Just follow the instructions and store in an airtight container (affiliate link) in a cool, dark spot at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Are These Cookies Freezer Friendly?

Yes! You make them ahead and store them in an airtight container (affiliate link) in the freezer for up to three months. I like to use these reusable food labels (affiliate link) to date and label the container.

More Kid Friendly Treats

Ever since my kids were little, we’ve enjoyed getting into the kitchen to make fun treats together. Here are a few more of our favorites:

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies

Gingersnap Golden Oreo Balls

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sticks

Easy Oreo Snowman Cookies

These Easy Oreo Snowman Cookies are so festive, delicious and great for kids to help make too. A perfect no bake-treat option and only a few ingredients, they come together quickly!

Course Cookies and Bars

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings cookies

Calories 192kcal

Author Brenda Thompson

Ingredients

17 ounce white fudge covered Oreo cookies look for these in the seasonal aisle of your grocery store
½ cup milk chocolate M&M candies
24 orange chocolate covered sunflower seeds
½ cup white chocolate almond bark
½ cup milk chocolate almond bark
½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Place cookies on a large baking sheet.
Melt white chocolate and milk chocolate according to package directions.
In separate disposable frosting decorator bags or zip top bags, add chocolate bark. Snip off a small end of the bag so you can pipe it out.
For each cookie, pipe on two dots and add mini-chocolate chip eyes.
Pipe on a dot of white chocolate in middle and add orange chocolate covered sunflower seed or mini M&M for nose.
Pipe on either side of cookie, a dot of white chocolate. Then add matching colored full-size M&Ms for “earmuffs”.
With milk chocolate, pipe on a smile.
Let cookies set.

Video

Notes

These cookies are a lot of fun for kids to make too! You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week (if they last that long!)

Chocolate covered sunflower seeds can often be found in specialty cake decorating stores or even in stores like HomeGoods or Marshall’s in their baking sessions. No worries if you can’t find them as the mini M&Ms work just as well for noses!

Look for the mini M&Ms in the baking aisle of your grocery store, near the chocolate chips.

To Store:

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

This post was originally published in September 2011 but updated in November 2021 with new photos, content and video.

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5 Great Buffet Setup Ideas

Brenda Thompson — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 21:44:25 +0000

My 5 Favorite Buffet Setup Ideas will help you save time and stress so you can enjoy the party with your guests too!

Entertaining friends and family at our home is something we enjoy and it’s one reason we chose to purchase the house we’re living in now. The layout is great for hosting guests.

When it comes to deciding on a menu, I almost always have a buffet set up as it just works well with flow and people can easily serve themselves. We’ve got a couple of tables inside for seating but we also entertain a lot outside, too, so a buffet table setup allows everyone to spread out and sit where they are most comfortable.

Over the years, I’ve gathered a few buffet set up ideas that not only helps assure everyone has a good time but saves me time and stress during set up, too. My 5 Favorite Buffet Setup Ideas will hopefully help you also!

Decide On Your Budget and Menu

When planning the menu, consider what items are make ahead to save you time on event day. Additionally, think about safe serving temps to help decide what can sit out for awhile or other and also what might be ok to sit out for awhile. When serving foods that need to be kept hot, using a slow cooker (affiliate link) is a great option. Freezable party mats (affiliate link) are great for keeping platters and other dishes cold–perfect if you are serving food outside, or just to keep cold foods cold.

I usually like to have a few appetizers or dips like this Cucumber Avocado Salsa or Loaded Baked Potato Dip. Depending on what we’re serving, I also have a couple of side dishes to choose from as well as the main dish. A couple of our favorite company friendly meals Slowcooker Classic American Chili or Simple Slow Cooker Steak and Chicken Fajitas.

Keep Location and Flow In Mind

Choosing the right location is key to avoid bottlenecks and assure good flow of guests who are serving themselves your yummy food. Oftentimes I will set up different stations. For example, we have a big island in the kitchen that normally has the main meal and sides. But I often use a different counter or table for the desserts and another one for beverages.

For the beverage station, I try to have it near the sink or refrigerator to make for easier cleanup and serving (especially if ice is coming from the icemaker on the refrigerator).

Set Up the Buffet Tablespace Early

The day before, or even a few hours before, I pull out all the serving platters, bowls and baskets that I’ll be using and stack them on a counter or somewhere else a little out of the way. This helps me figure out what I might need to purchase more of and also determine what I’m missing.

Sometimes I’ll try to borrow what I need, purchase something new or just decide to use a different serving option. Don’t forget to pull out the napkins and silver or plastic ware you’re using and also the serving spoons and forks.

I recently hosted a party and realized during setup that I was out of forks! Thankfully I had time to get some together before guests arrived.

Label Your Buffet Table Setup

On the day of your party or get-together, lay out the platter, bowls, serving ware, napkins, etc. in the order you’ve decided makes the most sense for good flow. I like to start with the plates or bowls and then go with the appetizer or sides and main meal then end with the napkins and utensils.

Then I label each platter, tray or pitcher, etc. with sticky notes that I’ve cut up in to smaller strips. I write the name of the dish or food item that will be in each. Not only does this help me double check I have what I need for serving but it’s also an easy way for helpers to know where things should go saving everyone time.

Consider Offering Individual Servings

One way to not only help with the flow of the buffet but also help prevent the spread of germs is to prepare individual servings. For example, dips and vegetables can be made up in to individual cups or small bowls can contain scoops of pasta salad or other side dishes. Using something like these reusable baking cups for snack mixes or individual paper boats for larger items.

Keep Location and Flow In Mind

Choosing the right location is key to avoid bottlenecks and assure good flow of guests who are serving themselves your yummy food. Sometimes it makes sense to set up different stations. In my kitchen, I have a big island that I normally set the main meal and sides up around but I will usually have a separate counter for desserts and another for beverages (I like to have this close to the sink or refrigerator).

I hope these tips will help your next Buffet Setup go smoothly and easily!

This post was originally published in December 2016 but updated in December 2021 with new photos and content.

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Favorite Make Ahead Freezer Meals Cookbooks

Brenda Thompson — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 21:52:31 +0000

Save time and money when you cook from these Freezer Meal Prep cookbooks! Freezer cooking is not just casseroles and these books provide recipes from breakfast to dinner to appetizers and everything in between.

Several years ago when I used to put on meal planning workshops, one of the most commonly asked questions was about make ahead freezer meals. If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know that I’m a BIG fan of freezer meal prep.

Why Choose Make Ahead Freezer Meals?

Prepping meals ahead saves you time and money and helps you provide healthier and tasty meals for your family. I’ve shared a few of my favorite tips in this blog post Six Tips For Freezer Meal Success.

Whether your stocking the freezer for the holidays, to have meals on hand for friends in need or just to help you out on busy weeknights, having a few (or more) meals stashed away in the freezer are like gold!

Also, as I update the many recipes here on my website, I’ve been going back and adding make ahead and freezer prep tips for each recipe. Eventually, I’ll get to them all!

When I first started freezer meal cooking, I relied on a few of these cookbooks to get me started. I’ve since added some additional titles to my cookbook library and I’m sharing my favorites with you here!

30 Day Gourmet’s BIG Book of Freezer Cooking

You can read my full review HERE but I love, love The 30 Day Gourmet’s BIG Book of Freezer Cooking (affiliate link). The original edition of this book was one of my very first freezer cookbooks and when the BIG book came out, I loved it even more. Not only does it have recipes (almost all of which we have tried we’ve loved), but it also has worksheets and more to help you plan your freezer session.

Another bonus is inside the book is a code for book owners that will let you access even MORE recipes from the authors’ website (you can get tons of free recipe too by clicking here). The photos are pretty simple but the recipes totally taste great!

Don’t Panic! Dinner’s In the Freezer

Don’t Panic! Dinner’s in the Freezer: Great Tasting Meals You Can Make Ahead (affiliate link)

AND

Don’t Panic! More Dinner’s in the Freezer – A Second Helping of Tasty Meals You Can Make Ahead (affiliate link)

I love these books partly because what you won’t find in them: a bunch of casserole recipes! Been there, done that. Don’t get me wrong, we like casseroles but are always looking for some variety!

What you WILL find are a huge selection of recipes that will leave you saying “I didn’t know I could freeze that!” Some of my favorites are the Buttermilk Herb Chicken Breasts, North Woods Wild Rice Soup, Lemony Flank Steak or Pecan Stuffed Chicken Breasts.

Don’t forget the breads and muffins that you can bake and freeze too…there are lots of options here! They authors have also included some side dish and dessert options to make the day of when you pull out your freezer meal.

Fix, Freeze, Feast: The Delicious, Money-Saving Way to Feed Your Family

One thing I like about Fix, Freeze, Feast: The Delicious, Money-Saving Way to Feed Your Family (affiliate link) is the simplicity of the recipes. So many of them have just a handful of ingredients and that makes a freezer cooking session even that much more rewarding. Who doesn’t like knowing that you’ve filled your freezer for so many busy nights with minimal effort on the front end? Some of our favorites are the Tequila Lime Chicken, Pecan Crusted Chicken Strips, Mozzarella Meatballs and Seafood Creole.

What’s extra great about this easy freezer meals cookbook is that in the back of the book, there is a whole section of freezer labels that you can copy and print to include with your froze food packages. The freezer labels have all the cooking instructions for each meal so that anyone can help make the dinner after it’s thawed. Love it!

Cook & Freeze: 150 Delicious Dishes to Serve Now and Later: A Cookbook

I like the Cook & Freeze: 150 Delicious Dishes to Serve Now and Later: A Cookbook (affiliate link) because it not only includes instructions for cooking for the freezer but if you want to make something to serve now, it includes those instructions too. Each recipe shares a “For Serving Now”, “To Freeze” and “To Defrost and Serve” section so you have lots of options!

Some of our favorites are the Creamy Mushroom Sauce (yep, homemade cream of mushroom sauce that you can FREEZE!), Southern Pork Chop Casserole, California Meatloaf Burgers and Pizza Noodle Casserole. What I especially like about this book is the variety of freezable side dishes the author includes like the Maple Baked Beans and Frozen Coleslaw (yep, you can freeze it!) and Upside-Down Pineapple Sweet Potatoes. There are a lot of desserts and breakfasts included also which is great for having on hand when company stops by.

Seriously Good Freezer Meals: 150 Easy Recipes to Save Your Time, Money and Sanity

What I love about Seriously Good Freezer Meals: 150 Easy Recipes to Save Your Time, Money and Sanity (affiliate link) is the variety of family friendly recipes that are included. Every category is included but what’s even better is that the author has included a batch cooking chart for each recipe so that if you want to make two, three or up to five batches of one recipe, she has done all the math for you to help you grocery shop and prep them all.

The cookbook also includes beginner, intermediate and advanced meal plan programs to help you fill your freezer with 7 to 50 meals in one day (yes, 50 meals prepped in one day!)

Ready to Get Started With Freezer Meal Prep?

I hope these books will inspire you to get going with freezer cooking if you’re just getting started or maybe to expand your repertoire if you’ve already got a few recipes that are family favorites.

I’d love to know any other freezer cooking cookbooks that you like too–feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.

This post was originally published in December 2015 but updated in November 2021 with new photos and content.

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Simple Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer

Brenda Thompson — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 22:15:03 +0000

My Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer is a cinch to make and so rich and creamy! Made with all natural ingredients, it’s make ahead and cheaper too!

It’s that time of year for peppermint everything! Well, at least I like peppermint everything.

I knew after trying a peppermint latte from Starbucks a few years ago that I would need to figure out a way to make my own Peppermint Mocha Creamer. So I did!

Y’all, I totally winged it (is that a phrase?) on coming up with this recipe.

I basically took my Homemade Cinnamon Vanilla Creamer (one of my blog’s most popular posts) and tweaked it by swapping out some ingredients until I found the flavor I wanted.

I taste tested with a few others and voila! We had a winner.

This Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer is so rich and creamy and has just the perfect blend of peppermint and cocoa flavors that work with a delicious cup of coffee.

With only five all-natural ingredients, it’s super simple to make and so delicious. Best of all, to me anyway, is that it is make-ahead AND freezeable.

If you haven’t started figuring out around here, if you I can find a way to make something a make-ahead recipe I will. Bonus if it’s freezer-friendly to! I like to make up a batch to have some on hand regularly so I can enjoy on the daily.

A reader in my Meal Planning Magic Community Table Facebook group said she doesn’t drink coffee but enjoys putting creamers like this one in her hot cocoa. And she’s right—this one is perfect in a cup of hot cocoa!

Ingredient Tips

The ingredients for this homemade coffee creamer recipe are super simple to find but I’ve got a few tips for each.

For the Creamer

Milk – This recipe calls for 2% milk but feel free to substitute what you or your family prefers. I’ve also made it with skim milk, almond milk and oat milk. They’re all tasty but slightly different.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – This comes in a can and is found in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Make sure you don’t get the canned evaporated milk (because it’s not sweetened and you need the sweetness!)

Baking Cocoa Powder – Look for this also on the baking aisle of your grocery store. Note: it’s NOT the hot cocoa drink mix.

Vanilla Extract – We use a lot of vanilla in different recipes, so I usually buy a large bottle from Costco or Sam’s Club to save some money but I also sometimes buy it at ALDI or use the store brand to save some money!

Peppermint Extract – Again, look for this on the baking aisle of the store. Usually it’s on an upper shelf. Sometimes you might see spearmint extract. It tastes different (kind of like chewing gum) so make sure you get the regular peppermint extract!

For the Latte

Brewed Coffee – I prefer a non-flavored, medium roast but choose your own favorite! Be sure to check out my Zero Waste Gift Ideas for Coffee and Tea Lovers post to see some of my favorite ways to make coffee.

Whipped Cream – totally optional here but a nice addition sometimes.

Peppermint Crushed Candy Canes – I have found these in the seasonal baking aisle at my local grocery store or places like Wal-Mart or Target. Brach’s Candy I’ve also found them for a great price in the gourmet food aisle at Home Goods, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx during the holidays so if you have one near you, check there too!

Of course, you can also take whole candy canes and crush them yourself by putting them in a resealable bag and rolling over with a rolling pin or a mallet.

How To Make This Homemade Coffee Creamer

This Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer takes only minutes to prepare. Start by adding the ingredients to the jar of a blender (affiliate link) (1).

It doesn’t really matter what order you put the ingredients into the blender jar. I usually start with the milks, then add the extracts and finally the cocoa powder (2).

Blend it for a few minutes to ensure the best mixing.

To ensure the best blending, I use a blender (affiliate link) to quickly blend it all together. Transfer it to an airtight storage container and keep in the refrigerator for up to a week (if it lasts that long!)

This homemade peppermint creamer makes enough for about eight to ten 16-ounce lattes depending on how much creamer you like with your coffee. I usually use about 4 ounces of creamer to 8 ounces of coffee (3) depending on how strong my coffee is.

I love to use this mini measuring cup (affiliate link) to measure it out–I use it all the time for all kinds of things!

I find that the flavor for this creamer is a bit more intense than some others I’ve made so it packs a bigger flavor punch and I don’t use as much as I might another flavor.

Keep reading for tips on how I store it to use later.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

I like to store this creamer in a 32-ounce wide mouth mason jar (affiliate link). It stores easily in my refrigerator and I use a lid with a flip cap spout (affiliate link) that makes pouring it much easier.

When I’m ready to use the creamer in my coffee, I shake it up in the jar or use a small whisk (affiliate link) to reblend it before using what I want for each serving. The cocoa powder can sometimes settle at the bottom of the mixture when it’s in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Coffee Creamer Is So Simple!

Since this recipe makes a big enough batch to make a week’s (or more) worth of creamer, it’s easy to make some extra and freeze it too!

I use silicone baking cups (affiliate link) or the ¼-cup Souper Cubes (affiliate link) to freeze each serving so that I can have it on hand any time. That way I can enjoy a beverage that I know is not full of junk ingredients and I don’t need to drag out all the ingredients every time.

If using the silicone baking cups, I line a muffin tin pan the cups and pour 4-ounces of creamer in each cup. Then I place it in a flat place in my freezer until the creamer is firm.

From there, I pop out the frozen creamer into a labeled reusable bag (affiliate link) and immediately put it back into the freezer. Then, when I’m ready to use it, I pull out a “muffin cup” of creamer, warm it up a bit in the microwave and add my brewed coffee.

I like a 2 to 1 ratio of 12 ounces of coffee to 2 ounces of creamer but if you like things a little lighter on the creamer side, you can reduce the amount of creamer to 1 ounces per 12 ounces of coffee.

Of course, you can make your own combinations, those are just two that I like!

Stir the creamer and coffee together to combine, add a little whip cream and crushed peppermints on top and you’ve got yourself a Peppermint Mocha Latte just like any coffeehouse and for a fraction of the price.

More Homemade Coffeehouse Drinks

Check out these other homemade coffee creamers and yummy make-ahead drink recipes:
Vanilla Cinnamon Coffee Creamer
All-Natural Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer
Chai Tea Latte with Easy Frothed Milk
Warm Oatmeal Cookie Hot Cocoa
Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa

Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer

My Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer is a cinch to make and so rich and creamy! Made with all natural ingredients, it's make ahead and cheaper too!

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 189kcal

Author Brenda Thompson

Ingredients

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups 2% milk or milk of your choice–I like fat free but 2% is a bit creamier. Almond or oat milk also tastes good!
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract be sure to get the peppermint, not spearmint!
3 tablespoons baking cocoa make sure it's not the hot cocoa drink mix

Instructions

To Make the Creamer

In a blender jar, add milk, sweetened condensed milk, baking cocoa, vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Blend all ingredients on medium speed until fully blended…about a minute.
Transfer creamer mixture to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to a week (if it lasts that long!) You will need to stir the mixture each time before serving to blend everything together again.

To Make a Peppermint Mocha Latte or Cocoa

Add 2 ounces (¼ cup) creamer and 12 ounces brewed coffee to a cup. You may need to heat the coffee with creamer if it cools it down more than you'd like.
If using frozen creamer “cups” from baking cups, Use one "muffin cup" per 12 ounces of coffee or cocoa.

Video

Notes

How to Make This Coffee Creamer Ahead!

Since this recipe makes a big enough batch to make a week’s (or more) worth of creamer, it’s easy to make some extra and freeze it too!

I use silicone muffin cups to freeze each serving so that I can have it on hand any time. That way I can enjoy a beverage that I know is not full of junk ingredients and I don’t need to drag out all the ingredients every time.

Is This Creamer Freezer Friendly?

To freeze, line a muffin tin with silicone baking cups.

Pour in 3-4 tablespoons of Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer into each cup. I prefer 2 ounces per muffin cup.

Yes! I line a muffin tin pan with silicone muffin cups and pour 4 ounces of creamer in each cup. Then I place it in a flat place in my freezer until the creamer is firm.

From there, I pop out the frozen creamer into a labeled ziptop bag and immediately put it back into the freezer. Then, when I’m ready to use it, I pull out a “muffin cup” of creamer, warm it up a bit in the microwave and add my brewed coffee.

Of course, you can make your own combinations, those are just two that I like!

Stir to combine, add a little whip cream and crushed peppermints on top and you’ve got yourself a Peppermint Mocha Latte just like any coffeehouse and for a fraction of the price.

Nutrition

This post was originally published in September 2018 but updated in November 2021 with new photos, content and video.

The post Simple Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer appeared first on Meal Planning Magic.

Delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars Dessert

Brenda Thompson — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:16:01 +0000

An old family favorite, my Pumpkin Pie Bars Dessert gives simple pumpkin pie a makeover for a twist on a traditional favorite. It’s easy to make ahead, too!

The recipe for these Pumpkin Pie Bars is one I originally got from my mom. I have made it many times over the years for parties, teacher luncheons and other events. Every time I make it, it’s a HUGE hit! They are really easy and if I had my way, I’d be making this dessert a lot more often.

These pumpkin bars start with a cake mix bottom layer and then have a delicious pumpkin filling with just the right amount of spices. The filling is then topped with a streusel topping and baked until golden brown.

I like to serve these easy pumpkin pie bars with a dollop of whip cream on top. And even though the recipe title says pumpkin pie BARS, I cut this dessert into larger pieces, kind of like how I would serve a one-layer cake and then eat it using a fork.

You could definitely cut these bars in to smaller squares to serve as little bite-size desserts, easy to eat with your fingers in just one or two bites.

These tasty pumpkin dessert bars are a great alternative for your holiday table or to serve at any gathering (or just because!)

Ingredient Tips

All of the ingredients for this recipe can be found easily at the grocery store but I’ve got some tps about them to help you out.

Yellow Cake Mix – Any brand of cake mix will work in this recipe, just make sure it’s not the kind with pudding in it as the crust is already moist when baked. I usually look for cake mix when they go on sale or buy them at Aldi to save some money.

Unsalted Butter – I use unsalted butter in pretty much all of my baking recipes. Oftentimes, the recipe will call for salt to be added (not this one though!) so I’ll just adjust accordingly. Did you know you can freeze butter? I try to stock up on it when it’s on sale and freeze for up to three months, right in the package! Then I put it in the refrigerator to thaw the day before I plan to use it.

Eggs – Use large eggs for this recipe to achieve the right moisture.

Evaporated Milk – This is canned milk. Make sure it’s NOT the sweetened condensed milk. Usually they are near each other on the same shelf at the grocery store. I have used both original and fat free evaporated milk in this recipe and they seem to both work well so choose what you prefer. Again, I usually buy store brand to save some money (and don’t notice a difference when baking with it).

Canned Pumpkin Puree – This is plain pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie mix filling. Usually the filling mix is a in a larger can but make sure you double check the label.

Granulated Sugar – Plain, white sugar (and you guessed it, I choose store brand when I can to save some money!)

Vanilla Extract – Look for pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla. The imitation vanilla is less expensive for sure, but can sometimes have an off flavor. I usually buy vanilla in a large bottle from the wholesale club or at Aldi (in smaller bottles) to save some money.

Salt – Use regular table salt in this recipe and not a larger type salt like sea salt or kosher salt.

Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger and Ground Cloves – I buy my spices in bulk from Penzey’s or the wholesale club (especially cinnamon because we use so much of it). I also like to use the ground cinnamon and ginger in these Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies.

How To Make This Easy Pumpkin Dessert

For real, this dessert is really so simple to make!

First, you’ll want to reserve one cup of the dry cake mix and set it aside.

Then, in a large bowl (affiliate link) combine the crust ingredients – the remaining cake mix, egg and melted butter (1).

Then spread the crust batter in the bottom of a greased 9”x13” baking pan (affiliate link) and press it into the pan until evenly spread out. (2). I use my hands to do this but sometimes use a rubber spatula (affiliate link) instead.

Next, in a separate bowl (affiliate link), prepare the filling by combining the canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, other eggs, sugar, vanilla and spices (3) and then pour over the crust batter.

In a small bowl (affiliate link), add the reserved cake mix, softened butter, cinnamon and sugar by using your fingers or a dough blender (affiliate link) and combine until crumbly, like little peas. Then sprinkle over the pumpkin filling (4).

Then it’s time to bake it!

Make Ahead Prep and Storage Tips

There are a few ways to make this Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe ahead. Well, really, it’s prepping some of the ingredients ahead of time.

You can make the filling up to a day in advance and store in an airtight container (affiliate link) in the refrigerator.

Another small step to save time is to measure out the cake mixture ahead of time and store in bowls with airtight lids (affiliate link) until you’re ready to prepare the bars.

These bars can be made ahead and stored in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Serve chilled or allow bars to come to room temperature and serve.

Is This Dessert Freezer Friendly?

You know I’m all about making ahead and freezing what I can and you CAN freeze these baked pumpkin pie bars but the texture does change a bit. I still find the overall flavor to be delicious but after you freeze the baked bars and then thaw, the crust is a little more “soggy” than when serving from fresh baked.

Knowing that, I’ll still sometimes freeze leftovers of this dessert but realize that the texture might change—but that’s ok!

Pumpkin Pie Bars Dessert

An old family favorite, my Pumpkin Pie Bars Dessert gives traditional pumpkin pie a makeover for a twist on a traditional favorite. It's easy to make ahead, too!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 464kcal

Author Brenda Thompson

Ingredients

For the Crust

15.25 ounce yellow cake mix reserve 1 cup dry mix for topping
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 large egg

For the Filling

2 large eggs
⅔ cup evaporated milk
15 ounces canned pumpkin
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

For Streusel Topping

1 cup yellow cake mix (from reserved mix)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter softened

Optional Serving Topping

8 ounces whipped topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Using non-stick spray, spray bottom only of 9×13 pan and set aside.

To Prepare Crust

In a large bowl, add cake mix, saving out one cup dry mix for topping.
Add egg and melted butter to remaining cake mix in bowl and stir to combine.
Press mixture firmly in bottom of pan and set aside.

To Prepare Filling

In medium sized bowl, combine eggs, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
Pour filling mixture over crust, spreading evenly over entire crust batter.

To Prepare Streusel Topping

In small bowl, add 1 cup reserved dry cake mix, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ cup butter.
Using a pastry blender/cutter or rubber spatula to combine all ingredients until crumbly.
Sprinkle topping mixture evenly over pumpkin filling.

Bake It!

Bake at 350º for 45-50 minutes.
Knife should come out clean when inserted in center.

How to Serve It

Allow pan to cool slightly, about 30 minutes, at room temperature.
Cut into 12 squares and top with prepared whipped topping if desired.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Tips

All of the ingredients can be easily found at the grocery store but here are a couple of tips about a few of them:

Evaporated Milk – Make sure you are NOT getting sweetened condensed milk. Usually they are near each other on the same shelf at the grocery store. I have used both original and fat free evaporated milk in this recipe and they seem to both work well so choose what you prefer.

Canned Pumpkin Puree – This is plain pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie mix filling. Usually the filling mix is a in a larger can but make sure you double check the label.

Vanilla Extract – Look for pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla. The imitation vanilla is less expensive for sure, but can sometimes have an off flavor.

Storage Tip

These bars can be made ahead and stored in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Serve chilled or allow bars to come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) and serve with optional whipped topping.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally published in 2011 and updated in November 2021 with new photos, video and content.

The post Delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars Dessert appeared first on Meal Planning Magic.

25 Homemade Food Gift Ideas & Recipes

Brenda Thompson — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:47:11 +0000

From sweet to savory, this roundup of 25 Homemade Food Gift Ideas & Recipes will help give your gift giving a delicious, personal touch!

I’ve always liked giving homemade food gifts for the holidays–or anytime of the year! They are great for hostess gifts to when visiting friends and family. There’s just something special about that personal touch when you’ve made something yummy to share with others. We like to give them as neighbor or teacher gifts throughout the year, too.

Today, I’ve rounded up 25 Delicious Homemade Food Gifts Ideas and Recipes from some of my blogger friends. I’ve also included some of my own recipes!

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of adding one more thing to your holiday to-do list! Many of these recipes are made in less than 30 minutes or are make ahead recipes which helps reduce stress by planning.

I can’t wait to try a few of these myself. My Holiday Baking Planner printable would help with planning for some of these recipes also. Even though it says “baking”, it can really work for most any recipe. Let me know which one of these Homemade Food Gift Recipes below you’ll try first!

Homemade Beverages

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops melt into hot milk for a rich cup of hot chocolate. Fun to make, they are great for gifts and printable gift labels are included in the recipe!

Check out this recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is soul-warming, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket by a roaring fire! It’s easy to make hot chocolate from scratch to have on hand at home or for a great gift idea!

Check out this recipe

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Bombs

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Bombs – Make your hot chocolate extra fun and delicious with these pretty homemade hot cocoa bombs. They are easy to make, and kids of all ages will love watching the strawberry bombs explode in a cup of hot milk.

Check out this recipe

Homemade Cookies and Desserts

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Chocolate Chip Biscotti combines the flavors of the classic cookie in the form of a tasty biscotti–perfect for dunking too. Be sure to save some for yourself! Also makes a great homemade gift!

Check out this recipe

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti has that toasted crunchy texture that makes them perfect for snacking or breakfast. Salty pistachios, sweet dried craisins are baked in a vanilla dough and drizzled with white chocolate for the ultimate delicious treat!

Check out this recipe

Hazelnut Cookies

Hazelnut cookies made with ground hazelnuts, and drizzled with dark chocolate–the best holiday cookies there ever was! It’s closer to hazelnut shortbread, and their dense texture makes them perfect with a cup of coffee, any time of day.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Mug Cake

Whether you’re looking for a gift in a jar idea or just need a simple single serve dessert, this chocolate mug cake is a delicious solution!

Check out this recipe

Easy Homemade Caramels

These homemade caramels are soft, chewy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They’re a classic simple candy that can easily be made at home and perfect for gift giving any time of year.

Check out this recipe

Healthier Christmas Crack (And Still Insanely Addictive)

Putting a healthier spin on a not-so-healthy classic! This healthier Christmas crack recipe is made with almond flour crackers, coconut sugar and dark chocolate. It’s also gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free if needed!

Check out this recipe

Hot Chocolate Fudge

This easy chocolate marshmallow fudge recipe, aka Hot Chocolate Fudge, captures the flavors of hot chocolate in one bite. Give as a gift for the holidays or serve alongside your cookie trays.

Check out this recipe

Peppermint Rice Krispies Pinwheels

These no bake Peppermint Rice Krispies Pinwheels are an easy and fun treat for the holidays. Red and white spirals with a white chocolate sugar coating will add a fun flair to your treat trays.

Check out this recipe

Jams And Spreads

Cranberry Holiday Jam

Packed with Christmas time flavors, this easy Cranberry Holiday Jam is great for gifting, and first time canners alike!

Check out this recipe

Pistachio Butter Recipe

This pistachio butter recipe only calls for pistachios and salt, but a little maple syrup or honey can be used as well. It makes for a great gift, and it’s also paleo and vegan.

Check out this recipe

Christmas Jam

This Christmas Jam Recipe is fabulous to have on hand for the holidays. It is made with strawberries, cranberries, oranges, and holiday spices. It is also made with Pomona’s Pectin, which requires way less sugar than many other jam recipes.

Check out this recipe

SWEET & SAVORY MIXES

Spicy Black Bean Soup In a Jar ~ Wholefully
DIY Chai Spice Mix ~ Frugal Foodie Mama
Hot Chocolate Mix ~ Like Mother Like Daughter
Homemade Spice Seasoning Blends ~ Luci’s Morsels
DIY Gingerbread Spice ~ The Tomato Tart
Toasted Pecan Pie Crust Gift Mix ~ Frugal Foodie Mama
Whole Wheat Cranbery Orange Muffin Mix ~ Wholefully

Sweet and Savory Nuts

Easy Gourmet Kahlua Sugared Pecans

This Kahlua Sugared Pecans Recipe is easy to make with only five ingredients and taste so much better than the store bought kind! They're perfect for a sweet snack or to give as holiday food gifts.

Check out this recipe

Easy Candied Nuts

These Easy Candied Nuts are just 6 ingredients and less than 30 minutes start to finish! They are sweet and salty with a hint of cinnamon — perfect for an edible holiday gift!

Check out this recipe

Maple Walnuts

These maple walnuts couldn’t be any easier! They only call for 3 ingredients and take just 5 minutes to prepare. They also make excellent homemade Christmas gifts! These aren’t your average, overly sweet candied nuts. These are entirely maple-sweetened and have just the right amount of sweetness. Add a little vanilla and salt, and you’ve got an excellent healthier fall treat!

Check out this recipe

Homemade Seasoning Mixes

Dried Orange Slices (+10 Ways To Use Them)

Don’t buy expensive dehydrated citrus slices. They’re so easy to make at home. No dehydrator needed. Just slice thinly and dry in your oven at a low heat for several hours. Make a healthy snack out of them, or use in many other interesting ways. What a beautiful and very easy gift for friends, neighbors, teachers – anyone, really!

Check out this recipe

Fiesta Dip Mix

This Fiesta Dip Mix not only makes a thoughtful gift for those hard-to-buy people, stocking it in your pantry means making dips at the last minute for unexpected house guests (or when the urge to snack strikes).

Check out this recipe

Flavored Salts for Cooking (+ 5 More Homemade Gift Ideas)

This tutorial on how to make flavored salts is perfect for holiday gift giving, or just for spicing up your everyday cooking!

Check out this recipe

Garlic Confit and Garlic Oil

Make this easy garlic confit recipe and transform your everyday meals with the delicious, subtle, savory taste of garlic oil, and it’s made with only two ingredients. If you want to know how to make garlic oil recipes, and how to use garlic that’s been slowly roasted in garlic, this is the recipe for you!

Check out this recipe

Homemade Sweet and Savory Snack Mix Recipes

Blizzard Bites Snack Mix

This Blizzard Bites recipe is perfect for the holiday season. Make a batch to share with family, friends, teachers, etc. as an easy edible Christmas gift.

Check out this recipe

Grandma’s Candy Popcorn Recipe

My Grandma’s Candy Popcorn is a must-make every Christmas! It’s fun and colorful and the kids love it! Choose any colors to switch things up for game day, a birthday party or any other holiday. SO easy! Includes a step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

Snow Day Snack Mix

This wonderfully festive Snow Day Snack Mix is the perfect easy treat all winter long! Both sweet and salty, this holiday snack mix is great for Christmas, movie nights, parties, gifts and so much more!

Check out this recipe

Sweet and Salty Pretzels In a Jar

These sweet and salty pretzels are all packaged up to give as a gift. These pretzels in a jar are perfect for co-workers, friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.

Check out this recipe

Be sure to check out my Peppermint Treats Roundup, Simple Crockpot Side Dishes Roundup and Healthy Road Trip Snacks Roundup for even more recipe ideas!

This post was originally published in November 2016 and updated in November 2021 with new photos, content and video.

The post 25 Homemade Food Gift Ideas & Recipes appeared first on Meal Planning Magic.

Crock Pot Side Dishes

Brenda Thompson — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:41:00 +0000

Choose from these 15 Flavorful Crock Pot Side Dishes recipes to let your slow cooker do some kitchen work during the holidays–or any day!

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of using my slow cooker! Not only do I have many different recipes to choose from in my recipe index here, but I also like trying to figure out how to turn existing recipes into slow cooker recipes. It’s pretty easy to do and you can even use the conversion chart I created here in my 10 Tips for Slowcooker Success post!

I consider my slow cooker a special assistant in the kitchen. I actually have two different sizes so I can optimize cooking different things. I have this 6-quart slow cooker (affiliate link) and this 4-quart slow cooker (affiliate link). I can add my ingredients, set it and go. then come back for a yummy meal! But I’d love to start using them for more than the main dish, especially during the busy holiday season.

So I asked some of my blogger friends for their recipes and created this 15 Flavorful Slow Cooker Side Dishes Roundup to share with you all!

I’ve sorted it and you can see there are lots of mashed potatoes recipes. I’ve left them all there because they are all slightly different and during the upcoming holiday season, I figure you all can use some mashed potato recipe ideas too, am I right? If you’ve never tried mashed potatoes in the slow cooker, once you do you’ll wonder why you waited so long. They turn out great!

So, here are some slow cooker side dishes recipes to get you started!

Crock Pot Mashed Potato Recipes

Simple Slowcooker Mashed Potatoes

Make mealtime easier with these Simple Slowcooker Mashed Potatoes. Cauliflower, garlic and Greek yogurt give these potatoes a delicious, healthy twist too!

Check out this recipe

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is the ultimate easy comfort food. Making this delicious cheesy potato side dish in your slow cooker is incredibly easy – just dump, set, and forget!

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Fresh cubed sweet potatoes are tossed with brown sugar, butter, fresh orange juice and pumpkin pie spice then cooked until fork tender. After a quick mash and a healthy splash of cream, stir in mini marshmallows and sprinkle with chopped candied cinnamon sugar pecans. A final sprinkle of marshmallows on top and just a few more minutes to allow them to melt and become ooey gooey good.

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are beyond easy to make and are a side dish everyone will love. They’re creamy and delicious, with the flavors of garlic, rosemary and tangy buttermilk!

Check out this recipe

Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

This Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is made in the crock pot, saving you valuable oven space. A secret ingredient and a little honey sweeten this side dish, making it much healthier than the traditional version!

Check out this recipe

Vegan Slow Cooker Potato Au Gratin

This cheezy sauce is ridiculously easy to make. Even better no one in your family will realize just how healthy these vegan au gratin potatoes really are. They are gluten-free, soy-free and have no oil added!

Check out this recipe

Crock Pot Classic Mashed Potatoes

These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes have the skin on, but you can peel them if you want to. Making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker is perfect for the holidays–or any time!

Check out this recipe

Crock Pot Pasta Recipes

Slow Cooker Barley and Chickpea Risotto

When you make this Slow Cooker Barley & Chickpea Risotto, your crock pot does all the work for you! Slow cooked whole grains packed with chickpeas and vegetables.

Check out this recipe

Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy crockpot mac and cheese starts with uncooked macaroni. Just throw the milk, cheese and seasonings in the slow cooker for a meal everyone will love!

Check out this recipe

Crock Pot Stuffing and Bread Recipes

Slow Cooker Pizza Rolls

What if I told you that you can make Vegan Slow Cooker Pizza Rolls? It’s true and they are so good. They are great paired with soups and stews. Plus they aren’t hard to make either!

Check out this recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread

No knead Olive Bread Recipe – easy to make and filled with salty Kalamata olives and garlic. This delicious rustic loaf made in the slow cooker is simple and delicious!

Check out this recipe

Crock Pot Stuffing

Enjoy the flavor of traditional stuffing with the ease of making it in the slow cooker with this delicious and easy Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe!

Check out this recipe

More Crock Pot Vegetable Recipes

Crockpot Orange, Honey and Herb Glazed Carrots

Crockpot Orange, Honey and Herb Glazed Carrots are a stunning side dish that will be a delicious addition to your holiday or Sunday dinner table. Carrots are slow cooked in butter, orange honey and herbs and finished with crunchy, toasted pecans.

Check out this recipe

Easy Creamed Corn

This easy Creamed Corn takes less than 5 minutes of prep and is seriously delicious! Made from scratch, this creamed corn recipe makes the perfect side dish for the holidays or your next BBQ

Check out this recipe

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Can you make green bean casserole in the crock pot? – Yes! Follow our tips for making Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole that tastes every bit as good as the traditional baked version, all while saving that oven space.

Check out this recipe

I hope you will try some of these Crock Pot Side Dishes recipes to help you save time in the kitchen with less stress!

If you love your slow cooker as much as I do, be sure to check out my 25 Easy Slow Cooker Soup Recipes and Tips Round Up post, too!

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