This recipe is ideal for moms who want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen (or washing a mountain of dishes).

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

• One pan = fewer dishes

• Ready in 30 minutes or less

• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Works for weeknights and casual entertaining

• Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or potatoes

This is one of those simple recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Skillet

An easy one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in about 30 minutes.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword creamy garlic chicken, one-pan chicken dinner, skillet chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 520kcal

Author Stefani Tolson

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish and serve warm.

The post Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Skillet (Easy One-Pan Dinner) appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

1. Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

Turn your rotisserie chicken into a cheesy, spicy comfort dish with these easy enchiladas. Simply shred the chicken, mix with sour cream, green chiles, and cheese, then roll into tortillas. Top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until bubbly.
Bonus: You can freeze a pan for later!

2. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfect for chilly nights or when someone’s under the weather, this creamy chicken noodle soup uses rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half. Add in egg noodles, carrots, celery, and a splash of cream for a rich and hearty bowl that tastes like you cooked all day.

3. Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas

These cheesy, crispy quesadillas are a lunch or dinner win. Mix rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning, pile it onto tortillas with shredded cheese, and toast until golden. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Kid-approved and ready in under 10 minutes!

4. Chicken Alfredo Bake

Combine cooked rotini pasta with chopped rotisserie chicken, jarred Alfredo sauce, and steamed broccoli. Pour into a casserole dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until golden and gooey. It’s a one-dish dinner the whole family will devour.

5. Rotisserie Chicken Salad Wraps

This lighter option is great for lunch or a no-cook dinner. Mix shredded chicken with Greek yogurt (or mayo), chopped celery, grapes, and a dash of Dijon mustard. Spoon into lettuce leaves or wrap in tortillas for a protein-packed, refreshing bite.

Conclusion:

Rotisserie chicken is one of the ultimate mom hacks—affordable, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. These 5 rotisserie chicken recipes prove that quick meals don’t have to be boring. Bookmark this post or pin it for later, because your future self (and your hungry family) will thank you!

The post 5 Easy & Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for Busy Moms appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

For us who love cooking meals from scratch, a new recipe is a blessing wrapped in possibility. To work your brushstrokes of flavor, here’s a recipe that arrives as a warm embrace at the end of a long and tiring day. 

Lamb meatballs cooked in a spicy Moroccan-style tomato sauce can offer comfort and satisfaction that will linger long after the last bite. Ready to try your hand? Keep reading, and you’ll have your drool mode activated by the end. 

Recipe Overview 

If there is a recipe that celebrates the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors well, it’s this one. The fragrant spices, the tomato base, and the tender meatballs together highlight the recipe’s rich Moroccan and Turkish origins. 

There is also a hint of Greek cuisine in there, as evident from the flavorful herbs and creamy tomato sauce. You can enjoy this meal either for lunch or dinner. It’s filling and hearty enough to make for a satisfying main course. 

On days you’re craving something deeply nourishing, just prepare this dish along with delicious sides like mashed potatoes, warm bread, or rice. The best time to prepare lamb meatballs in a spiced tomato sauce would be the cooler months. 

After all, its flavor profile is such that the lamb’s richness balances with the zesty heat of chilies and the earthiness of the herbs/spices. You can make it your go-to choice for weekend dinners, festive gatherings, and any special occasions. 

This dish is not only flavorful but also healthy. For instance, lamb is high in protein, zinc, iron, and Vitamin B12. Similarly, tomato sauce may be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

The only two risks are often the high sodium and sugar content of commercial sauce packages. That shouldn’t be a problem because this recipe’s tomato sauce will be spicy, tasty, but oh-so-healthy! 

What You Need 

Supplies 

To begin, this recipe is predominantly a pan-based dish, which means you should have a good-quality skillet or frying pan. It should be at least 10 or 12 inches in diameter. 

Those who are health-conscious should particularly pay attention to the pan’s material. One of the common options people choose is a non-stick pan because it’s easier to use and clean. 

However, these benefits usually come at a high price, given how dangerous non-stick coatings can be. To give more perspective, such cookware is often coated with chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

The same chemicals have become central to litigation due to their use in manufacturing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Under the AFFF lawsuit, Navy veterans and firefighters have alleged that they developed cancer and ulcerative colitis due to prolonged exposure. 

As for non-stick pans, the original substance used to make Teflon is no longer marketed in the US. However, Teflon is still prepared using other PFAS that could be equally hazardous to health. 

Since PFAS are a group of over 10,000 chemicals (most of which are unstudied), it’s not worth taking a risk. Opt for healthier options like a pan made of stainless steel or a heavy-bottom cast iron skillet. 

The latter would be desirable from the viewpoint of health and practicality. However, choose stainless steel for this recipe because the tomatoes’ acidity will react with iron and impart a metallic flavor to the sauce. 

Besides that, you may need the following – 

• A large mixing bowl 
• A saucepan 
• A baking dish (in case you wish to bake the meatballs to amp up the health quotient) 
• Measuring spoons and cups 

Ingredients 

Spice mix 

• 3 tsp ground cumin 
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon, coriander, ginger, and paprika 
• 1 tsp ground turmeric 
• 1 tsp hot chilli flakes 
• 1 tsp allspice mix 

For the meatballs 

• 400 grams of minced lamb meat 
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1/4th tsp black pepper powder 

For the tomato sauce 

• 200 ml of water 
• 400 grams chopped tinned tomatoes 
• 6-7 garlic cloves finely chopped 
• 1 large onion (preferably red), roughly chopped 
• 1 tbsp tomato puree 
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 
• 1-2 tsp sweetener (healthy options include stevia, pomegranate molasses, or honey) 

To serve (optional) 

• Chilli flakes or Aleppo pepper 
• Plain yogurt 
• Chopped mint or coriander leaves 

Instructions 

Let’s jump right into the part you’ve eagerly been waiting for – 

• In a small container, add all the spices, mix them, and set them aside. 
• In a large mixing bowl, add the minced lamb meat along with one-third of the spice mix, salt, and pepper (as required). 
• Using your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Then, roll the mixture into smooth, walnut-sized balls. 
• Now, heat oil in your stainless steel frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and fry them until golden brown. 
• Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once all the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a plate. 
• Reduce the pan’s heat to medium-low. In the leftover oil, add chopped onions and garlic. 
• Season sparingly with salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Cook until the onions begin to soften. 
• Stir in the remaining two-thirds of the spice mix and cook for 2 minutes. 
• Add the tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, and water. 
• Add in the sweetener of your choice along with salt and pepper to taste. 
• Bring the sauce to a boil, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes without a lid. 
• Now, add the meatballs and stir them through the sauce. 
• Put on the pan’s lid and let the sauce simmer for another 10 minutes. Keep checking to avoid overcooking the meatballs. 
• Take the pan off the heat. Taste to check the seasonings and then stir in chopped coriander leaves. 
• You can serve it hot with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. Try the optional yogurt, Aleppo pepper, or more coriander on top for enhanced flavors. 

While this recipe tastes great as it is, you can try adding a pinch of saffron threads soaked for a few minutes in warm water. Add the liquid at the same time you add the tomatoes for an even more authentic Moroccan taste. 

On a final note, this recipe can be enjoyed by most non-vegetarians. However, it’s better to consider your dietary restrictions in terms of spice tolerance. Those with spice sensitivity may experience symptoms of acid reflux. Such folks can modify the recipe a bit: avoid garlic, use low-acid tomatoes, or reduce the spices. 

Enjoy this wholesome dish with your family, particularly on tiring days, to make everyone look forward to dinner. If you’re afraid, you might be too tired to cook from scratch, just prep the meatballs in advance. Put them in the freezer and pull them out the day you wish to make this finger-licking meal. 

The post Moroccan-Style Lamb Meatballs In Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

Whether you’re a morning chai enthusiast or a nighttime herbal tea lover, sipping tea is deeply ingrained in cultures worldwide. However, like any habit, it’s essential to practice it healthily. 

If you can’t imagine life without tea, here are some healthy habits to keep your tea-drinking experience guilt-free and nourishing. 

Choose Organic, High-Quality Tea Leaves

The quality of your tea leaves significantly affects both the taste and health benefits of your tea. Non-organic tea leaves are often sprayed with pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which can leach into your cup. By choosing organic, high-quality tea leaves, you minimize exposure to harmful chemicals while enjoying a more authentic flavor.

Additionally, look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing practices and avoid artificial additives. This ensures a purer brew and supports sustainable agriculture.

Mind Your Sweeteners

Adding sugar, honey, or flavored syrups to your tea might be tempting, but excessive sweeteners can counteract the health benefits of tea. Instead, consider switching to natural sweeteners like stevia. 

According to Healthline, stevia is a low-calorie alternative with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. It’s also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it a safe choice.

Unlike artificial sweeteners and regular sugar, stevia has been found to help lower plasma glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance. 

To truly enjoy the natural flavor of tea, try gradually reducing the amount of sweetener over time. You might be surprised at how quickly your taste buds adjust. 

Alternatively, enhance the taste with natural add-ins like cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, or a splash of lemon juice. They also boost the tea’s antioxidant properties.

Avoid Over-Steeping

Over-steeping tea makes it bitter and increases the caffeine and tannin content. This can lead to digestive discomfort or anxiety in sensitive individuals. To get the perfect brew, follow the recommended steeping time on the packaging.

Green and white teas are more delicate and should be steeped for shorter periods at lower temperatures. Black and herbal teas can withstand longer steeping times with boiling water.

Switch to Loose Leaf Tea

Did you know that many conventional tea bags contain harmful chemicals? Some even contain PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals have gained attention in the news due to their association with the AFFF firefighter foam issue in the US.

According to TorHoerman Law, PFAS from AFFF foam has contaminated many groundwater sources in the US. Studies have found that drinking this contaminated water can cause severe long-term health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. 

This has led to legal action, as seen in the ongoing firefighter foam lawsuit, where people are suing the chemical manufacturers. 

These chemicals are often used to make tea bags water-resistant, preventing them from breaking down in hot water. Instead, opt for loose-leaf tea, which is free from harmful chemicals and offers a richer flavor profile. 

Stay Hydrated Alongside Your Tea Intake

Although it’s generally hard to become dehydrated solely from drinking tea, some varieties have higher caffeine content. Black tea, for example, can contain around 50 mg of caffeine per cup and may influence your hydration if consumed in large amounts.

Experts suggest keeping daily caffeine intake under 400 mg, so it’s wise to monitor your tea consumption. 

To stay properly hydrated, balance your tea with sufficient water throughout the day. Try pairing every cup of tea with an additional glass of water.

Be Mindful of the Timing

The timing of your tea consumption can influence its effects on your body. For instance, drinking caffeinated tea late in the evening may disrupt your sleep cycle. Conversely, herbal teas like chamomile or lavender are great bedtime companions.

To maximize health benefits:

• Drink green or black tea in the morning or early afternoon for an energy boost.
• Opt for herbal, caffeine-free options in the evening to promote relaxation and better sleep.
• Interestingly, for diabetic patients, drinking tea beyond the usual daily intake between the mid-morning and noon can be beneficial. A study published in BMC Medicine found that this habit is linked to improved long-term survival among those with diabetes. 

Invest in a Quality Tea Brewing Kit

Since switching to loose-leaf tea is healthier, invest in a high-quality tea brewing kit. This could include a teapot with an infuser or a reusable stainless steel strainer. You can even use a French press for a quick and efficient brewing method. Avoid plastic infusers, as they may contain harmful chemicals that leach into hot water.

FAQs

Why is mindfulness important when drinking tea?

Mindful tea drinking enhances the sensory experience and helps you truly appreciate the flavor and aroma. This practice also aids digestion and promotes relaxation. Sipping slowly allows your body to register fullness and satisfaction, which can prevent overeating and improve your overall well-being.

Can tea interact with medications?

Tea, particularly green and black varieties, contains compounds that may interact with certain medications. For example, caffeine can interfere with sleep aids or anxiety medications, while tannins can reduce the effectiveness of iron supplements. If you’re on medication, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider about your tea-drinking habits.

Are there benefits to rotating different types of tea?

Definitely. Each type of tea offers unique health benefits and nutrient profiles. For example, green tea is rich in antioxidants, black tea improves alertness, and herbal teas like chamomile can aid relaxation. Rotating between different teas allows you to enjoy a variety of health benefits without overloading with caffeine or tannins from one type.

Overall, tea is a delightful and healthy beverage when consumed mindfully and responsibly. By adopting these habits, you can enhance your tea experience while safeguarding your health.

So, if you can’t live without tea, live with it healthily. Cheers to a mindful and nourishing tea journey. 

The post Try These Healthy Habits If You Can’t Live Without Tea appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

Perhaps you have never given much thought to owning a food dehydrator in the past, but you should. One of those underappreciated kitchen tools is a food dehydrator, which is an incredibly useful appliance that has many advantages you never knew were possible after only drying your food. You will find in this article how food dehydrator recipes are useful to cut time, cost, and wastage in your kitchen. 

Save Time

Most consumers discover just how quickly a food dehydrator can prepare food. It’s unlike leaving foods such as fruits and vegetables to air dry which takes several days using a dehydrator. It’s possible to dry foods in several hours through the use of a heat source and airflow.  Dehydrated foods are ideal for making quick snacks and meals, elegant instant foods /meals, and foods for outdoor activities like camping among other uses.

Prepare yogurt drops, veggie chips, dried fruit strips, jerky, fruit leathers, and granola in massive quantities during the weekend and you will find yourself using minimum time during working days preparing healthy foods. Chop vegetables or cook the rice a day before and then freeze and dehydrate them for easy rehydration of soup stock.  On the one hand, the usage of dehydrated foods is even more preferable because it offers more variety, and options and less preparation when it comes to preparing or simply providing meals/snacks during traveling.

Save Money

Bulk foods purchased are usually left to spoil before they can be consumed. By dehydrating, you can purchase large batches of fresh produce at cheaper prices and retain them for several months once you have removed the moisture. A food dehydrator can be very effective with fruits and vegetables in season and when you have had a bumper harvest in your garden.

Everyone appears to offer dried onions, garlic, ginger, and other foundational herbs that occupy much less room than their fresh equivalents, can be easily measured for required recipes, and cost far less than purchasing more expensive herbed containers or bottles from a grocery store. You can also prepare your own tasty and nutritious imitations of the costly packaged meals and snacks of backpacking trails like the beef jerky is half the price of those in stores.

Reduce Food Waste

Approximately 1.1 bags of food per capita is said to be wasted in America per annum. This is a concern as old as the creation, what to do with fresh foods before they go bad. A dehydrator allows you to salvage foods that are almost ready for the bin and use them at a later time. Another great way to use those greens that have wilted, tomatoes that are slightly crushed, and nearly overripe berries is to dehydrate them when they start to lose their freshness.

The used parts of potato, carrots, or bread crusts are interesting snacks instead of something that has no value as waste. Don’t discard the pulp from the fruits after juicing: Roll the pulp in banana leaves and prepare fruit rolls. This is more so since dehydrated foods are going to occupy a much smaller space in your pantry than raw foods, and therefore are less likely to be forgotten and spoiled.

Camping and Hiking Food Preparation Made Easy

While planning for camping meals it may become tricky since meals planned must be those that are not perishable, light in weight, and do not occupy much space, but again, no refrigeration. Try dehydrated food for camping. It’s a way to make it simple. Take some yummy materials, and dehydrate them at home before the trip, and all these problems are solved.

The dried meals and protein-filled meals such as veggie chili, curries, and grains, soups require the addition of boiling water at camp. Small fruits in dried form, jerky in sticks and residualized nuts provide lightweight energy whilst on a trail. Adapt menus according to its groups’ favorites and restrictions, and employ ingredients with a lower risk of perishing. There is less trash to collect as well, and fewer cans, jars, and containers to pack out.

Use the Available Options and Plan Your Meals

Although fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables dry up in the refrigerator when exposed to air, the dried foods can last as long as you do if stored in an air-tight pack. That way, you can accumulate a diverse stock of just-add-water products such as onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, squash, beans, and corn among others. Every time you import dehydrated products, you save a lot of food that would otherwise go to waste. Perhaps used-up cooked rice, quinoa, oats, etc can be turned into instant grains that will cook to perfection at a later time.  There is no limit to what your gourmet meals can be if you have your dehydrated ingredients on standby; soups, chilies, stews, and fried rice will be among them.

Create Healthy Biscuits and Cookies for Children and Animals

Dehydrating is an easy and safe method of making all-natural treats for children and animals choosing the ingredients yourself. For children with tender teeth or in a learning-to-chew phase, chop bananas, strawberries, apples, sweet potatoes, and any other food into small Chucky pieces. Find dehydrated foodstuffs, such as organ meats, salmon, pumpkin, greens, etc, and form tasty biscuits for pets. Personalize the nutrition and flavors realizing you won’t find any preservatives or artificial. It also makes treats you’d like to incorporate for encouraging good behavior in pets or training.

Conclusion

If you are prepared to start using the flexibility and several added features of a food dehydrator in your kitchen, you’ll find a range of various kinds of units to choose from. Be on the lookout for those that have features such as temperature control, fan options, and the amount of space needed to accommodate your desired amount of drying. All this you can find in Septree commercial food dehydrator. It is the simplest method to use. One must have time and learn the right procedure and methods of preparing and dehydrating food for a better experience. Then prepare to meet your new favorite kitchen appliance that is time and money-efficient, a waste saver with foods rich in nutrients as per your occasion!

The post How a Food Dehydrator Can Make Your Life Easier, Cheaper and Waste Less appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

Starters and appetizers

Shrimp Cocktail

After sending family Christmas card, the nest thing to think about is the Christmas food and no Christmas is complete without a cocktail. A shrimp cocktail is a cool appetizer that really matches the summer mood. Present cold prawns beside a tart cocktail sauce created from ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce. Arrange the shrimp in a circular fashion around a bowl of the sauce to create a festive wreath-like effect.

Caprese Skewers

A light and vivid appetizer that perfectly embodies summer are caprese skewers. Drizzle fresh basil leaves, mozzarella balls, and skewer cherry tomatoes under balsamic glaze. This basic but sophisticated dish gives your table some color and starts the dinner quite nicely.

Deviled eggs

A classic appetizer that may be dressed up for the occasion are deviled eggs. For a creamy filler, toss the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a little paprika. Top with finely chopped red bell peppers and chives to create a red and green color combo, adding a festive edge.

Main Courses

Grilled Turkey Breast 

Turkey is connected with Christmas, and grilling it makes for the ideal summer adaption. Marinate the turkey breast in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Cook through and get a lovely char by grilling. For that classic Christmas taste, slice and serve alongside a cranberry relish.

Ham Slayed in Honey Glaze

Another Christmas classic that works great for a summer gathering is a honey-glazed ham. Bake the ham under a glaze composed of cloves, Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar. Combining the ham’s natural smokiness with the sweet and savory tastes results in a dish as festive as it is good.

BBQ Chicken

BBQ chicken is a great main meal for a more laid-back, summer-oriented gathering. Perfectly grill chicken pieces marinated in a smokey barbecue sauce. For a whole, finger-licking dinner, serve with some grilled corn on the side along with extra sauce.

Side Foods

Summer Meal

One cool side meal that counteracts the weight of the main meals is a crisp summer salad. Combine red onions, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mixed greens. Toss with a mild vinaigrette combining olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of honey.

Vegetables Grilled on Demand

Grilled vegetables are a flexible side dish. Skewer bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions; grill until soft and slightly browned. This vibrant and healthful meal finishes with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and sea salt.

Potato salads

Any outdoor event would be ideal for a creamy potato salad as a side dish. Boil baby potatoes till cooked; then toss with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sliced pickles, red onions, fresh dill. Present chilled for a cool counterpoint to the hot meats.

Treats

Pavlova

Perfect for summer, a pavlova is a light and airy delicacy. The inside of this meringue-based dessert is soft, marshmallow-like and the crust is crunchy. Top with whipped cream and a rainbow of fresh summer fruits including blueberries, kiwi, and strawberries for a cool treat.

Sundae Bar, Ice Cream

One entertaining and engaging dessert choice is an ice cream sundae bar. Arrange a station including a variety of ice cream varieties together with toppings including fresh fruit, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Making their own sundaes gives guests a unique touch on their dessert.

Christmas Treats

A nostalgic delight available year-round are Christmas cookies. Bake gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and chocolate chip cookies among other varieties. To liven your summer party, decorate with red and green icing and sprinkles.

Drinks 

Sangria

Perfect for summer, Sangria is a cool and fruit drink. Match red or white wine with sliced fruits including berries, lemons, and oranges. Add a dash of brandy and some sweetness; then let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Present on ice for a crisp, vivid drink.

Iced Mintced Mocha

A good tribute to classic Christmas tastes is an iced peppermint mocha. Make strong coffee, let it cool, then stir in chocolate syrup and peppermint extract. For a festive touch, pour over ice, top with whipped cream and a scattering of crushed candy canes.

Lemonade

Summer celebrations usually feature a classic lemonade as a hit. Upon sending business holiday card for Christmas in July, make this drink for your guests. Squeeze fresh lemons; then, taste by mixing the juice with water and sugar. Add a few sprigs of mint and some raspberries or strawberries for a festive variation. Present in a big pitcher loaded with lots of ice.

Snark Platters

Chunkery Board

One elegant and flexible snack choice is a charcuterie board. On a big platter arrange a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and dried fruits. To round up the buffet, toss some crusty bread and crackers. Every one of your visitors will find great attraction in the range of tastes and textures.

Fruit Dish

Perfect for a summer celebration, a fruit tray is a reviving and nutritious snack. Select a range of seasonal fruits including berries, melons, pineapple, grapes. To inject some whimsicality, arrange them in a festive pattern or form, such a Christmas tree.

These are some of the summer appetizers, main drinks and drinks that you can organize for Christmas in July celebrations. They are ideal for all types of summer events whether it’s a concealed family event or a large family gathering. Depending on what your guests want, you can adjust the meals to perfectly meet their demands and preferences. I have not discussed any alcoholic cocktails but you can always opt for your favorite cocktails on demand. 

The post All The Must Have Foods For A Christmas In July Party appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

The magic happens when you pour the hot espresso over the cold gelato. Here, you find the right balance of flavors and temperatures to make a treat that is hard to resist. 

You get two desserts in one when the hot coffee melts the gelato. Although you don’t have to do it, it’s wise that you add some alcohol to the mixture to get the added flavor.  

An espresso machine is often the best-recommended device for the work, but if you don’t have one, you can always prepare excellent affogato using a French press, a Moka pot, or even instant coffee. You simply need to know how to french press coffee, and when brewing it, do it strongly. 

Although vanilla gelato is the most common flavor, you can get creative and use a wide variety of ice cream or gelato flavors. Excellent options you can go with include pistachio, caramel, and chocolate.

Serve your affogato without alcohol at lunch or with a splash of it as a dessert after supper. 

How to Make an Affogato

To make the perfect affogato, follow these simple steps:

• Brew the coffee.

It’s time to make that tasty espresso. Use the method you like best and your preferred coffee.

Since the coffee will melt into the gelato, you should make it strong so that it won’t be too weak when you take your last sip.

Of course, this rule isn’t set in stone. If you prefer your coffee weaker, you can go ahead and prepare it. After all, it’s your dessert.

•  Scoop out the ice cream or gelato. 

While the espresso is brewing, put a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream in a small drinking glass.

The amount you scoop depends on the coffee you have brewed, but in most cases, two scoops are enough. To have an easy time eating your affogato, serve it in a whiskey glass.

•  Pour the coffee over the ice cream.

Pour the espresso over the ice cream while it’s still hot.

Remember that you’ll be putting something hot on top of something cold, so you’ll need a glass that can handle the heat. A good rule of thumb is to have solid, heatproof glass. 

Stay away from fragile items, as they will most likely break when the temperature changes.

• Put your spin on it.

Now that the basics are in place, you can play with your coffee. For example, you can pour in a splash of Amaretto or your favorite alcohol to give it a little kick. There is also no harm in topping it with chocolate shavings. 

How to Make the Best Affogato

You want to make the best affagato possible, don’t you? To help you out, here are ideas you can use to your advantage:

Use ingredients of good quality. The best affogatos are made with high-quality ice cream and freshly made espresso or coffee. So always ensure you have these for the best experience. 

Until the coffee is ready, keep the ice cream in the freezer. You need to slowly dissolve the ice cream in the coffee. As you can tell, if you take the ice cream out of the freezer too soon, it will melt and turn into a soupy mess. While you can still use it, it won’t give you the perfect flavor you are after. 

Leave the ice cream in the freezer until the coffee is ready. 

Try out a few different types of coffee. It’s always good to try out different types of espressos. For example, if you are looking for a more robust flavor, go for a strong, bold espresso. Looking for a more delicate taste? Try a smoother and milder espresso.

Use the right kind of glass. As mentioned, the glass you use should resist heat so it doesn’t break. Also, choose a short glass with a wide rim that lets you easily get your spoon in.

Use the right amount of espresso for the amount of ice cream. Your affogato will taste and feel different depending on the amount of espresso and ice cream you use. For perfect-tasting affogato, 1-2 ounces of espresso per scoop of ice cream is a good rule of thumb to go with.

Serve it right away. Affogato will taste the best when you serve it immediately after preparing it. This ensures that none of the ice cream has melted and that the espresso is still hot.

Add something crunchy, like nuts or crushed cookies. The purpose of doing this is to add a little texture to the smooth ice cream.

Ideas for Affogato Toppings

For a luxurious twist, add some fun and tasty toppings to your coffee and ice cream: Some of the toppings you can use include:  

• Shreds of chocolate or small chocolate chips
• Beaten cream
• Caramel or chocolate sauce
• Nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios that have been ground up
• Cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top
• Fresh fruits such as sliced bananas or berries
• A little cocoa powder
• A few chocolate-flavored coffee beans
• Crushed biscotti or Italian pizzelle cookies
• A little bit of salt

Parting shot

If you are a lover of iced coffee, you can easily upgrade your guilty pleasure t a stunning affogato. All you need is espresso, ice cream, and a touch of booze. 

Of course, for you to get the best flavors, you need to prepare them properly. Always use high-quality ice cream and coffee. Once it’s ready, serve it immediately so that all the ice cream doesn’t melt, and the coffee doesn’t get cold. 

Plenty of accidents have been reported when the glass shatters when you pour hot coffee into ice cream. To ensure this doesn’t happen, use tough, solid glass that can withstand the temperatures. 

Oh, ensure the glass you use has a wide rim to allow you to scoop the tasty ice cream easily. 

The post Upgrade Your Usual Iced Coffee with This Affogato Recipe appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

Have you heard of Cool Whip Cookies? These are tasty cookies that you only need a few ingredients to make. You need a box of cake mix, a tub of Cool Whip and an egg. If you want them to look crinkled like the cookies I made, you will also need  some powdered sugar. If you are a fan of chewy cookies, these just might be the cookies for you!

For this batch of cookies I used a box of strawberry cake mix to make Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies. If you don’t like strawberry, you can use the lemon cake mix to make Lemon Cool Whip Cookies or maybe even get creative and use a spice cake mix! If you choose to make lemon cookies, maybe try adding some lemon zest to give them some extra lemon flavor. Just one of many ideas you might want to use to make the perfect lemon flavored cookie. The best part of making these cookies is just how easy they are to make.

How To Make Cool Whip Cookies

First  you will need to get your ingredients and utensils together all in one place. To make these cookies you will need a baking sheet, parchment paper, a large bowl, two smaller bowls, a fork and a big spoon or hand mixer to do the mixing. Put your box of cake mix in the big bowl, the powdered sugar in a bowl and the egg in a bowl. You will also need your tub of Cool Whip. Make sure that it is either thawed in the fridge or room temperature. Do not use Cool Whip straight from the freezer. You will also want top preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, using a fork stir up the egg. Then pour the egg into your bowl with the cake mix.

Next take your spoon and add the whole container of Cool Whip into your mixing bowl and start stirring. I used regular Cool Whip but if you are trying for less calories, you can also try using the fat-free Cool Whip.

You will want to keep stirring until all of the ingredients are all mixed and blended together. If you are lazy when it comes to stirring, you can also use a stand mixer if you want to make this step super easy! Once you have your batter ready, you can begin the fun part of making these delicious cookies that are super easy to make!

Once all of these simple ingredients are all blended together, you will want to take a spoon or make a small cookie scoop and small balls that you will roll around in your bowl of powdered sugar. Don’t worry about making them perfect ball shapes either.  Once you roll your cookie dough in the powdered sugar, place it on your cookie sheet. You will want to keep those cookie dough balls at least 1 1/2 inches apart to give them room to spread.  I like to use parchment paper on my cookie sheets for easy cleanup but it is not required if you don’t have it.

Next you will want to put your baking sheet in you preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or  until your cookies look like they are beginning to golden on the bottom. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to remain on the baking sheet for at least another 2-3 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Doesn’t this sound like a super and EASY cookie recipe that doesn’t take much effort?

These cookies are PINK and taste like strawberry but this is just one of the variety of flavors that you can pick. It all depends on the flavor cake mix you decide to use. You can also use a lemon cake mix to make some lemon crinkle cookies. If you would rather have some PURPLE cookies you can always use a white cake mix and add a few drops of purple food coloring. This is an easy recipe that you can make without a whole lot of effort. It might be the cookie you can add to your next cookie exchange.

Ready to make this delicious recipe? Be sure to print the recipe below…

Print

Easy Cool Whip Cookies Recipe

Course Cookies

Keyword cake mix cookies, cookies, cool whip

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes minutes

Author Stefani Tolson

Ingredients

• 1 Box Strawberry Cake Mix standard cake box mix
• 1 Egg
• 8 oz Cool Wip
• 1/2 cup powedered sugar

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large mixing bowl add your box of cake mix. In a seperate bowl, mix egg with a fork and add egg into bowl withh cake mix. Add Cool Whip.
• Stir all ingredients until well blended.
• Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop about a tablespoon of dough into the powdered sugar and roll around to make a ball.
• Place powdered dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Meke sure to keep about 2 inches of space inbetween your cookie dough balls to allow them to spread while baking.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until bottoms of cookeis begin to look golden. Remove from oven and keep on baking sheet for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow them to finish baking.
• Move to cooling rack. Once cool, ENJOY!

Planning on keeping these to snack on? You can keep your Cool Whip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to five days.

The post Easy Cool Whip Cookies Recipe appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

and cheese. How about step it up a little and get a little creative with these Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Squares the next time you want to make some mac and cheese…

This recipe has mac and cheese which the kids love but also has chicken and broccoli for even more flavor! This might be something to pack in their lunches for school instead of the same boring sandwich they might be used to getting.

Be sure to bookmark this page or print the recipe before you leave.

Print

Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Squares

An easy recipe for Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Squares

Ingredients

• 4 oz. elbow macaroni
• 2 cups /8 oz. small broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp /1 oz. butter
• 6 Tbsp. flour
• 2 cups /16 oz. skim milk
• 4 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. cooked chicken leftover small dice
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and reserve.
• Heat a small pan of salted water. Cook the broccoli until crisp tender (about 2 minutes). Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Chop into ½” pieces. Reserve.
• Heat a large saucepan over medium low heat. Add butter and, whisking constantly, stir in the flour taking care the flour doesn’t brown. Continue to cook for 2 minutes.
• Whisk in the milk. It will thicken as it gets hot. Whisk constantly; any lumps will smooth out. Cook for 5 – 7 minutes. Mixture will bubble and thicken. When it no longer changes in consistency, it’s done.
• Stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in pasta, broccoli and chicken. Spread into a 9” x 9” pan. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and press them into the surface. Cool completely (at least 2 hours). Cut into 6 squares.

Find more recipes like this one on the Pasta Fits website >> https://pastafits.org

The post Chicken, Broccoli, & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Squares appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.

If you haven’t tried a KETO bomb before, you are going to want to try these Cookies and Cream Keto Bombs from Saving Dollars & Sense.

Or try April Golightly’s Keto Chocolate Fat Bombs! There are times when I love a little sea salt with my chocolate so these look the bomb!

If you are wanting to make some bombs but looking for something with strawberry you are in for a treat with the Keto Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fat Bombs from Whispered Inspirations

Do you like cookies? Do you like cheesecake? If you like both of those sweet treats you may just want to make these Keto Cheesecake Cookies from Kimspired DIY!

If you are wanting a cookie but want something a little more basic, be sure to try my Keto Sugar Cookie Recipe that is one of my favorites.

How about cupcakes? These Keto Carrot Cake Cupcakes from The Flying Couponer look mighty tasty if you ask me!

Here are some more Keto Dessert Recipes to bookmark and make:

• Keto Churros
• Keto Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse
• Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Keto Coconut Mousse
• Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

Love this post? Be sure to share it…

The post 11 Keto DESSERT Recipes To Bookmark & Make… appeared first on This Mom Can Cook.