Stuffed Bagels (Keto and Low-Carb)

If you're looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional bagels, these are definitely worth trying.  With the creamy, cheesy center tucked inside each bagel, these are hard to resist, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted.  One batch disappears quickly, so I highly recommend doubling the recipe from the start.  Trust me, you'll be glad to have extras on hand for breakfast, snacks or anytime a bagel craving strikes.

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 oz cream cheese

2 tsp baking powder

1 cup almond flour

1 egg

2 - 4 oz cream cheese, cubed into 6 pieces. Place in freezer while preparing dough.

1 egg (for the egg wash topping)

Topping options:  "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning, salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese

Preheat oven to 350F.

Microwave the mozzarella and 2 oz cream cheese for 30 seconds, stir and microwave 30 more seconds until completely melted.

Add in baking powder, almond flour and egg.  By hand, mix well until dough forms.  It will take a few minutes.  

Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Roll into a ball and slightly flatten with the palm of your hand.  Add a cube of cold cream cheese to the center of each doughball.  Wrap dough around the cream cheese cube.  Roll into a ball again.

Place doughballs on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Press tops of the dough down slightly. 

Brush tops with egg wash.  Sprinkle with "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning or salt or sesame seeds, etc.

Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until they start to brown.

Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Makes 6

Source: Kristi Davis - You Tube

Kimberly

Cauliflower Salad with Peas and Cashews

If you're looking for a change from traditional pea salad, this cauliflower version is a delicious alternative.  The cauliflower and cashews add plenty of flavor along with a satisfying crunch in every bite.  It's a fresh, tasty side dish that's always a welcome addition to any meal.

3 cups frozen peas (defrosted and drained well)

8 cups (2 lbs cut up) cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces

3/4 - 1 cup mayonnaise

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

1/2 - 1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup salted Cashew halves

Combine all ingredients (except Cashews) in a large bowl.  Stir well until combined.

Chill for at least 2 hours.

Stir in Cashews before serving.

Makes 16 servings

Source:  Modified from https://recipesworthrepeating.com

Kimberly

Pineapple Coconut Bars

These bars were a hit at our last Independence Day picnic.  The pineapple and coconut combination make a great summer dessert.

Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, very soft or melted

1 cup light brown sugar

2 cups flour

Filling:

4 eggs

2 TBS vanilla

2 TBS fresh lime juice

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 cups pineapple tidbits in 100% juice, drained 

2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

Topping:

2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

Crust Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F. 

Combine the crust ingredients and press the mixture into the bottom of a well-greased, or parchment lined, 9x13 baking dish.

Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let the crust cool for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.

Filling and Topping Instructions:

Place the pineapple and 2 cups of shredded coconut in a bowl.  Sprinkle with flour, brown sugar and salt.  Stir to coat.  Mix together the eggs, vanilla and lime juice and stir into the pineapple mixture.

Pour the filling over the crust and top with the remaining coconut.  

Bake for 25-27 minutes, until the coconut turns golden brown.

Let cool completely before slicing.

Makes 32 bars

Source:  https://barefeetinthekitchen.com

Janice

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta (Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker)

This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy nights.  Pair it with green beans and garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.  Be sure to check the note below if you prefer a saucier dish.

4 TBS (1/2 stick) butter 

1 large (or 2 small) shallot(s), diced (onions are o.k., too)

16 oz Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced 

2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into chunks (uncooked)

1 TBS crushed garlic

2 1/2 cups garlic broth or chicken broth (I used 1 TBS Garlic" "Better-Than-Bouillon" plus 2 1/2 cups of water)

1 1/2 cups Marsala wine 

7 1/2 oz jar of sun-dried tomatoes plus 2 tsp of oil from the jar

1 lb of Farfalle pasta (Bowtie)

1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping if desired

Add the butter to the Instant Pot. Hit "Saute" and "Adjust" so it is on "More" or "High" setting and wait until the butter has melted and it bubbles.

Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms have softened and browned a bit.

Then, add the chicken and the 2 tsp of oil from the tomatoes (but NOT the tomatoes themselves) and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is lightly white in color (but not fully cooked).

Toss in the garlic and cook for one more minute and then add in the Marsala wine and let simmer for one more minute.  Deglaze (scrape) the bottom of the pot while doing so. 

Add in the broth and stir together well. 

Pour in the Farfalle pasta so it is laying on top of the broth, gently smoothing and pushing it down with a spatula so it is submerged, but DO NOT stir it with the rest of the broth (it is o.k. if some of the Farfalle is peeking above the broth).

Secure the lid and hit "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" High Pressure for 6 minutes.  Quick release when done and give it all a good stir.  

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream and Parmesan.  Let sit for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and it will thicken up into an incredible sauce, coating all the pasta perfectly.

Transfer to a serving bowl, plate it up and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

** If you want this saucier, add in another 1/2 cup of the broth before cooking and then another 1/4 cup of heavy cream and another 1/2 cup of Parmesan.  

Serves 6-8

Source:  pressureluckcooking.com

Janice

Blueberry Snack Cake

Our neighbor kindly shared some delicious Michigan blueberries with us, and this recipe seemed like the perfect way to enjoy them.  It turned out absolutely delicious!  It's wonderful as a dessert, but it's just as good served for breakfast alongside a hot cup of coffee.

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cold butter

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup milk

2 eggs, separate the yolks from the whites - keep both

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw prior to adding to batter)

Sprinkle berries with cinnamon sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar.  Cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside 3/4 cups to use for the topping.

Add the baking powder, milk, egg yolks to remaining mixture; mix well.  Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.

Pour into a greased 9x13x2 baking dish.  Sprinkle with blueberries and reserved crumb mixture.

Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 

Serves 15-18

Source: Taste of Home Annual Recipes 2004

Kimberly

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

One of the reasons I love homemade seasoning mixes is that I can control the ingredients while saving money at the same time.  This Ranch Seasoning Mix is great for Ranch Dressing and Ranch Dip, but it's also the secret ingredient in my Ranch Snack Mix and Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball recipes found on this blog.

4 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 tsp dried dill

1 1/2 tsp dried parsley

1 1/2 tsp dried chives

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup buttermilk powder

Mix everything together.  Store in an airtight glass container.

Store up to 6 months in an airtight glass container.

Dry Mix Conversion:

1 ounce = 2 TBS

So, if you are following a recipe that calls for 2 ounces of dry Ranch Seasoning, you would use 4 TBS of this recipe.

To make Homemade Ranch Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 TBS lemon juice

3 tsp homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Mix ingredients together.  Store in a glass container.

Makes about 1/2 cup or 8 TBS of dressing.  

One Serving is 2 TBS of dressing

To make Homemade Ranch Dip:

1/2 cup sour cream

2 TBS of Ranch Seasoning Mix

Combine and chill until ready to serve.

Source: drdavinahseats.com

Kimberly

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

If you're from Wisconsin, you know that every good party needs a cheeseball!  This one is a winner.  My cousin made it for a family get-together and after one bite, I was hooked.  I just had to have the recipe, and it has become a favorite. 

6 slices bacon, diced

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, divided

2 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese 

1 - 1 oz pkg Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix (or use 2 TBS Homemade Ranch Seasoning recipe that is posted on this blog)

1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

In a small bowl, combine half of the bacon, pecans and 2 TBS parsley.  Set aside. This will be used to put onto the outside of the cheese ball.

In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire and remaining bacon and parsley on medium-high speed until well combined and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Cover and place in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or overnight. 

Shape the mixture into a ball and roll into the bacon, pecan, parsley mixture that was previously set aside.

Serve at room temperature with crackers.

Source:  Ryan L.

Kimberly

Ranch Snack Mix

This snack mix is a delicious change from traditional Chex Mix.  The flavorful seasoning gives it a unique twist that keeps you coming back for more.  It was a big hit with my family, and everyone really enjoyed it.  It's the perfect snack for parties, game nights, or anytime you're craving something savory and crunchy. A co-worker of mine made this snack mix for a party at work and he called it Garbage Bag Mix!! 

3 cups Mini Pretzel Twists

3 cups White Cheddar Cheese Crackers 

3 cups Rice Chex

2 cups Goldfish Crackers (or Aldi Turtles) 

2 cups small Oyster Crackers

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

6 TBS Ranch Seasoning Mix (or 2 envelopes of store bought)

Preheat oven to 275F.

Place pretzels, crackers, cereals in a large bowl.

Drizzle the melted butter over the mix and stir to combine.

Add the ranch seasoning and stir well making sure everything is coated.

Spread the mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the mix is dry and slightly toasted, being sure to stir a few times during baking to ensure even cooking.

Remove from oven, allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container of Ziploc bag.

Tips:

As all ovens run a bit different, keep an eye on it and watch for over-browning and remove earlier if you notice signs of burning.

I recommend that you use the recipe for Homemade Ranch Seasoning on this blog.  However, if you are using store-bought ranch seasoning, you should buy the low-sodium option as the pretzels and snacks add enough salt on their own.

Other snack options to use are: Bugles, Cheerios or any other bite size crackers or cereals.

Source: Tastesofhomemade.com

Kimberly

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

White chocolate almonds and raspberries are a perfect combination. This is a show stopping dessert that everyone will love! Great for a birthday cake or small wedding cake. Plan ahead as some of the ingredients need to be at room temperature. You can make this cake a day in advance and store at room temperature until needed.  This cake is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients for the Almond Cake:

2 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

6 large egg whites, at room temperature, lightly beaten until foamy

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp almond extract

3/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature

2/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature

Ingredients for the White Chocolate Amaretto Buttercream Frosting:

Tip: For extra thick layers of frosting, double the buttercream frosting!

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/4 tsp salt

2 TBS heavy cream, at room temperature

1 1/2 TBS amaretto liqueur

1 tsp almond extract

9 ounces quality white chocolate, melted and cooled for 10 minutes (do not use white chocolate chips)

Ingredients for Assembly and Garnish:

1 cup raspberry preserves

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup thinly sliced almonds

Instructions for the Almond Cake:

Preheat oven to 350F.  Generously grease the bottom and sides of two 9 inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper rounds on the bottom of the pans.  Set aside until needed.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Set  aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

Gradually add in the sugar.  Once all of the sugar has been added, beat on high speed for 2 minutes. 

Reduce the speed to low and add in the egg whites, a little bit at a time, beating well after each addition, and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

In a spouted measuring cup, combine the vanilla extract, almond extract, milk and sour cream.  Mix until evenly combined.

On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating it with the liquid milk/sour creamy mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, and mixing until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.  Cool the cakes in the pans placed on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  Then invert the cake layers onto cooling racks and cool completely.

Instructions for the White Chocolate Amaretto Buttercream Frosting:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until completely smooth.  Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until all of the sugar is completely combined.

Add in the salt, cream, amaretto and almond extract and beat smooth.

Add in the white chocolate and beat smooth.  Once all of the ingredients have been incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for one minute.

Instructions for Assembly and Garnish:

Using a long, serrated knife, slice each cake in half horizontally, so that you have 4 even layers.

Place one cake layer on a large plate or cake stand.  Spread 1/2 cup of the frosting on top of the cake, covering it completely, then spread a 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves on top of the frosting.

Top with another cake layer and repeat the layering process, ending with the last cake layer on top.  Spread all remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Using your hands, gently press the sliced almonds all around the sides of the cake.  Then top with fresh raspberries.

Allow the cake to set for 20 minutes before slicing.  Then serve or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.  Bring to room temperature before serving.

Source:  bakerbynature.com

Kimberly

Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen Noodles

This was an easy one pot dish with an amazing flavorful Thai peanut sauce.  We served this with an eggroll and Shishito peppers...fresh from the garden. 

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1TBS fresh lime juice

1 TBS fresh ginger, finely chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

4 tsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Sauce) - this is optional, my addition to the recipe

4 - 3 oz packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded

2 TBS olive oil

1 red bell pepper, deseeded, stem removed and diced

1/2 white onion, diced

1 - 15 oz can full-fat coconut milk

2 cups diced/shredded cooked chicken, approximately 2 medium chicken breasts

Toppings:  chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and chopped peanuts 

In a small food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic and Gochujang.  Pulse to combine until smooth.

Bring a pot of water to boiling to cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.  They will likely only take a few minutes to cook. Drain noodles when done.

While the water is coming to a boil, continue making the rest of the sauce.  

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.  

Add red bell pepper and onion, and cook for 5 minutes, until they are softened.

Add the sauce from the food processor along with the coconut milk, stirring to combine.

Add the cooked ramen noodles and chicken, stirring well to combine.

Serve topped with cilantro, green onion and chopped peanuts.

Note:  Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked diced chicken to make this recipe even easier. Slivered or julienne carrots would also be good in this dish if you have them on hand.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serve 4-6

Source:  greensnchocolate.com

Janice

Crème de Menthe Bars

I always look forward to making these Crème de Menthe Bars for St. Patrick's Day.  The combination of rich chocolate and cool mint makes these a delicious treat.  They have become a family favorite over the years.  If you enjoy mint and chocolate together, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Grease and flour a 9x13 baking pan.

Brownie Layer:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

4 eggs

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

16 oz Hershey's Chocolate Syrup 

1 tsp vanilla

Crème de Menthe Layer:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

3 TBS Green Crème de Menthe liquor

Frosting:

12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

Cream together the sugar, butter and eggs.  Mix together flour and salt.  Add to creamed mixture. Then add the chocolate syrup and vanilla.  Stir to combine.

Pour into prepared 9x13 pan.  Bake 30 minutes at 350F.  Let cool.

For the Crème de Menthe layer, mix the powdered sugar, butter and Crème de Menthe liquor.  Spread on top of cooled bars.

For the frosting, melt the chocolate chips and butter together.  Cool slightly.  Spread over the top of the chilled Crème de Menthe layer.

Refrigerate until set.

Marianne

Monster Cookies

While going through some old papers from junior high, I came across this cookie recipe and knew I had to make it again.  I was in seventh grade when our class made these cookies at school for a fundraiser.  We baked them, sold them after school, and had so much fun doing it.  Recreating them all these years later brought back some wonderful memories and reminded me just how long ago that was!

1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)

1 lb brown sugar (2 cups)

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 lb peanut butter (2 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

6 eggs

9 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal 

4 tsp baking soda

1/2 lb chocolate chips (1 heaping cup)

1/2 lb M&M's (1 heaping cup)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix dough in a large bowl.

Drop by level 1/3 cupsful onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Six cookies per sheet.

Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Do not overbake!

Makes 36 Monster Cookies

Kimberly

Slow Cooker Cherry Ham

Door County, Wisconsin is famous for its cherries, and this slow cooker cherry ham is a delicious way to enjoy that classic flavor.  The sweet cherry glaze pairs perfectly with savor ham, creating an easy meal that's special enough for holidays and family gatherings.  One important tip: be sure to use jarred cherry pie filling instead of cherry filling in a can for this recipe, as it produces the best results.  With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, this ham couldn't be easier to make.  Delicious!

Spiral Sliced Ham, Boneless (Approx 3-4 lbs)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 quart jar Seaquist Cherry Pie Filling (or your favorite jarred cherry pie filling)

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except the ham. Cook on low 5-7 minutes until warm and blended.

Place ham in slow cooker.  Slightly separate each slice and put glaze in-between each slice and over the top.  Reserve 1/4 of the glaze.

Cook on High for 2 1/2 hours or on Low for 4 1/2 hours.

Baste with remaining glaze and cook on high for 20 minutes longer.

Source:  Seaquist Orchards Cookbook - Door County, Wisconsin

Kaleb

Rhubarb Dessert

Our wonderful neighbors, sisters Cathy and Carolyn, shared this delicious rhubarb dessert with us, and it was love at first bite.  We were thrilled when they also shared the recipe so we could make it at home.  Since then, this dessert has become a favorite, and we've made it several times.  It's the perfect way to enjoy fresh rhubarb and always gets rave reviews.

Crust

2 cups flour

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened

Filling

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

4 cups rhubarb, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Combine 2 cups flour, powdered sugar and butter. Mix well and press into a greased 9x13 pan.  Bake for 15 minutes.  

Beat eggs, sugar, 1/2 cup flour and salt until well blended.  Add rhubarb; mix.

Spoon mixture onto baked crust.  Bake at 350F for 45 minutes more.

Cool and cut into bars.  This is delicious served with ice cream!

Fruit Pizza

If you're looking for a dessert that tastes as good as it looks, Fruit Pizza is the answer.  The combination of a soft crust, creamy layer and fresh fruit creates an impressive and refreshing treat everyone loves.  It's an excellent choice for picnics, cookouts and summer celebrations.

2 rolls of refrigerated sugar cookie dough (enough to cover a pizza pan 1/4 inch thick)

Fruit of choice:  strawberries, bananas, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries etc.

1 can Cream Cheese Frosting - stir to soften

Press the cookie dough onto pizza pan, 1/4 inch thick.  Bake according to package directions.

You may need to bake a couple extra minutes.  Let cool.

Spread softened frosting over the baked cookie.

Arrange fruit into desired design.

You may also make individual sugar cookies, frost and arrange fruit onto each cookie.

Kaitlin

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This decadent zucchini bread is my go-to bread every summer.  This is the main reason I grow zucchini! You can freeze this bread and enjoy it all winter long.

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted and slightly cooled

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups grated zucchini

2/3 cup chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350.  Lightly spray and line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment. 

Whisk the dry ingredients together (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt). Set aside.

Whisk the sugar and eggs together until pale and smooth. Beat in the butter and vanilla, then fold in the zucchini. 

Blend the dry ingredients into the wet, in three stages.  Blending just until incorporated after each addition, do not over beat.

Fold in the chocolate chips.  Spread into the prepared pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, until toothpick inserted near the center comes out dry.  Melted chocolate is o.k.!

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing.

Source:  theviewfromgreatisland.com

Makes 1 loaf

Kimberly