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Amish Potato Salad

Amish Potato Salad

Amish Potato Salad – a potato salad recipe that can be made with or without an Instant Pot, and that uses simple ingredients, with a hint of sweetness, unlike our red-skin potato salad recipe. It’s one of many of our savory salad recipes that we recommend as a side dish for any barbeque.

Amish Potato Salad - Instant Pot Recipe

Amish Potato Salad

We’re BIG fans of salad recipes around here and adding this Amish Potato salad recipe to mix was a MUST!

Speaking of what we’re fans of… then we can’t fail to mention that we’re also big fans of the Instant Pot.

(See my Instant Pot review, and the Instant Pot recipes here on the blog that you’ll want to get your hands on too!)

So creating an Amish potato salad recipe that you can make by using the Instant Pot, just made sense, and is hopefully a quick and easy solution for you, for this very popular side dish!

What’s the Difference in Amish Potato Salad and Regular Potato Salad?

I had this question too. After reading an article online about this, I now know! Turns out, Amish potato salad tends to have a sweeter taste, than traditional potato salad. You can read more about that on RecipeLion: “Difference Between Amish & Regular Potato Salad“

How to Make Amish Potato Salad

Although we’re fans of using an Instant Pot for this recipe, it’s not a MUST. (Especially making eggs in the Instant Pot for this!)

Boiling your potatoes in a stock pot on the stove will work just as well, and can be made just as easy!

You’ll find the full recipe at the end of this post, but I’d love to walk you through with photos in case you love the step-by-step tutorial too!

Amish Potato Salad

Cut the Red Potatoes

Cut your potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and place into the Instant Pot.

Chicken Broth for potato salad in instant pot

Add in the Chicken Stock

Pour in the chicken stock, secure the lid of the Instant Pot, close the steam vent, and set to manual high for 4 minutes. If you need chicken broth, you can make my easy chicken broth recipe.

If Making Without the Instant Pot

In a stock pot, bring water to a boil, add potatoes and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. (Not mushy!) Drain and set aside.

Amish Potato Salad

While cooking, or once the potatoes are finished, chop the hard-boiled eggs, onion, celery, and red pepper into small pieces. Add to cooked potatoes.

Instant Pot Amish Potato Salad
Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potato Salad “Dressing”

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, sweet relish, milk, salt, and celery seed. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Amish Potato Salad - Instant Pot Ingredients
Use a whisk to mix potato salad mixture
Instant Pot Potato Salad

Add dressing mix to potatoes, carefully stir a few times while pouring, making sure to coat all of the potatoes.

Amish Potato Salad in the Instant Pot

Chill and Serve!

Chill and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Amish Potato Salad
Amish Potato Salad Recipe

Easy Side Dish Recipe

So in just a few minutes, you can have an easy side dish to serve your family on a busy weeknight, to make for a summer bbq, or even for a potluck at your next church event!

Amish Potato Salad - Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe

Now that’s an easy Amish Potato Salad recipe, yes? We love easy recipes around here, not to mention salad recipes.

More Salad Recipes

If you’re a fan of salad recipes, here are a few more that we know you’ll love!

Recipe

Amish Potato Salad - Instant Pot Recipe
Print Pin
4.25 from 4 votes

Amish Potato Salad

Amish Potato Salad – In the Instant Pot: A potato salad recipe that can also be made without an Instant Pot and that’s a side dish full of flavor!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 419kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs red potatoes
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 6 hard boiled eggs
  • 1 cup celery sliced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • 1.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 4 tablespoon sweet relish
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • .5 teaspoon salt
  • .5 teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

  • Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add potatoes and chicken stock to Instant Pot. Set to manual high for 4 minutes and close the steam vent.
  • Chop hard-boiled eggs, onion, celery, and red pepper into small pieces. Add to cooked potatoes.
  • In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, sweet relish, milk, salt, and celery seed. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Add mix to potatoes, stir a few times while pouring.
  • Chill and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 12.6mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1.7mg

M&M’S® Candies Gift Idea

This post has been sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

All year, and especially around the holidays, my boys absolutely LOVE to surprise others with gifts, whether that be if they see something in the store that a friend would love or if they make something at home.

M&M'S® Pantry Jar at Sam's Club

The M&M’s candies are the perfect colors, they’re a treat that my boys will LOVE to craft with, and they’re something that everyone will love.

M&M’s Candies Gift Idea

Knowing I should keep things simple, I came up with an idea that would be something they could help with and that the recipient would actually love and use.

I grabbed the supplies we needed and told the boys all about it when I got home.

When they saw the M&M’s Red & Green Milk Chocolate Pantry Jar, you should have SEEN their eyes light up. You better believe they were game for crafting and giving!

M&M’S® Christmas Gift Tutorial

So to “house” the M&M’s candies, I decided to use little plastic jars (that also serve as Christmas ornaments… how cute is that?!) and let the boys help me fill them.

Mason jar ornament with m&ms

They may have accidentally “dropped” a couple, just so they could say,

“Ooops Mom. I better eat that one.”

Uh huh, I know that trick. I do it myself. I suppose I taught them well.

Fill jar with m&m's for treats

Free Printable Christmas Treat Tags

Now I’ll be honest… I did have thoughts of letting the boys color and create their own little gift tags to put on the jars but then quickly realized they’d tire of that after a couple. I decided it would be best to go ahead and make some so all they had to do was string them on the ribbon!

Download Your Own Tags!

I’m super glad I chose this route. Why? Because now I have a free printable to give you so you can make your own M&M’S gifts!

After pondering on a fun saying for a little bit, I finally came up with (what I think) is a super cute one. It incorporates a lot of words that started with “m” to tie in the red and green M&M’S candies.

“Merry Christmas from us to you! May it be Magical and full of Munching too!”

To download your own treat tags, click on the image below!

TIP: I used white cardstock for mine, so it was more of a sturdy type of paper since we were planning to do some “crafting” with them.

String the Tags On

Once I cut out the tags, the boys were able to hole punch them and string the ribbon through!

I tied the ribbon on around the opening of the jar…

Then, using the little red berries from the craft store, I cut little twigs off of each bunch, and the boys were able to stick a strand inside the tied ribbon!

Get Creative with Decorating

If you know me, you know that I can’t leave well enough alone and I tend to have to mix things up. Well, this craft wasn’t any different.

I didn’t want all of the jars to look the same (I have no idea why, because they’re all super cute) so I changed some of them up a bit.

I mean, we had enough M&M’S candies to make a lot of treats. So even though the boys had fun… momma had fun getting creative and decorating a LOT of jars, too!

Christmas Tree Jar Tutorial

For this little jar, I simply used the same tags and layered them over blank canvas tags so the printable would “POP.” I finished it off by tying a little winter Christmas tree around the lid, too!

This may be my favorite one.

Surprise! Hand Delivery!

We ended up making quite a few of the little jars and hand delivered them to neighbors, friends, and family.

My boys LOVE walking up, ringing someone’s doorbell with a smile and getting a big ole “thank you” after giving such a fun surprise.

If it involves M&M’S candies, crafting, smiles and gifting… you better believe my boys are counting it as one of the “BEST DAYS EVER.”

Noodle Bowl – Easy, Vegan, Gluten Free

Noodle Bowl -An easy, healthy weeknight meal that can be made vegan and gluten-free, and is a veggie bowl that even non-vegetarians will love!

Noodle Bowl - Vegan Recipe & Veggies

Noodle Bowl

I am such a fan of a dish having a crunch to it so that usually means that nuts, seeds or veggies have to be in it. Well, this noodle bowl recipe is hitting the “crunch” factor perfectly!

Plus, if you’re a fan of vegan recipes, you’ll want to add this to your recipe box PRONTO!

With ingredients like:

  • Soba/Buckwheat Noodles
  • Coconut Oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Mushrooms
  • Shallots
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Kale
  • Green onion and Sesame Seeds (optional)
Ingredients for Vegan Noodle Bowl
Noodle Bowl - Veggie Recipe Vegan

the texture is AMAZING and with the added sauce made of:

  • Soy Sauce
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sesame Oil
  • Maple Syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
  • Sriracha
  • Grated Ginger

the flavor is dynamite!

Noodle Bowl - Vegan bowl recipesYou’ll start by cooking your noodles according to package directions.

Then, whisk together ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl, and set aside.

Cook the Mushrooms First:

Grab your skillet or wok, and melt 2 tablespoonful coconut oil over medium-high heat.

Add your garlic and ginger, and cook for one minute.

Grab your mushrooms and cook for about five minutes, and remove mushrooms from skillet.

Cook Remaining Veggies

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil in the skillet, and add shallots and cook about three minutes. Then add broccoli, carrots, and kale, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add your mushrooms back into the skillet and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until the veggies are tender.

Veggie bowl recipe that's vegan

Noodles

Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the skillet, and stir to coat. Cook for about 2 minutes and serve in bowls topped with sesame seeds and green onion.

Noodle Bowl - Vegan veggie recipe

Serve this gloriousness in bowls topped with sesame seeds and green onion and you’re ready for a bowl of flavor!

noodle bowl - vegan recipe
Noodle Bowl - veggie recipe

More Gluten-Free Recipes

Although we don’t usually share a lot of gluten-free recipes with you, if gluten-free is something you’re making more of, I encourage you to check out these gluten-free recipes!

Recipe

Noodle Bowl - Vegan Recipe & Veggies
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Noodle Bowl With Veggies

Noodle Bowl -An easy, healthy weeknight meal that can be made vegan and gluten-free, and is a veggie bowl that even non-vegetarians will love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 450kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 5 oz Soba/buckwheat noodles or ½ package
  • 4 tablespoon coconut oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (can substitute ½ teaspoon ginger powder)
  • 1 qt. mushrooms sliced
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 1.5 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot julienned or shredded
  • 3 stalks kale de-ribbed and chopped
  • green onion chopped, for garnish/topping
  • sesame seeds for garnish/topping

For the Sauce

  • .25 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or more if desired
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions

  • Cook noodles according to package directions.
  • Whisk together ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl, and set aside.
  • Melt 2 tablespoonful coconut oil in skillet or wok, over med-high heat. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add in mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms from skillet.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil in skillet. Add shallots and cook about 3 minutes. Add broccoli, carrots and kale. Cook about 5 minutes.
  • Add mushrooms back to skillet and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until veggies are tender.
  • Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat. Cook about 2 minutes.
  • Serve in bowls topped with sesame seeds and green onion.

Notes

*Can use any noodle of choice, but buckwheat/soba noodles are GF; substitute tamari for soy sauce if GF

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 1158mg | Potassium: 1070mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2835IU | Vitamin C: 40.8mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2.9mg

More Easy Main Dish Recipes

If you’re meal planning or just looking to add more recipes to your rotating dinner menu, then you’ll LOVE the recipes in our EASY RECIPES archives.

More Easy Recipes

Thai Salad with Noodles and Cabbage is packed full of flavor and texture.
cornbread salad
Easy asian noodle recipe - vegan and gluten free

Blank Calendar – FREE Vertical Monthly Calendar Printable

Blank Calendar – FREE Monthly Calendar Printable: A vertical calendar printable that’s super chic and perfect for those who love a minimalistic way to keep dates on track!

Often, I see printable calendars available online, but they either lack something that I’m looking for or aren’t the right orientation and size that I need. So what’s a girl to do? Or at least this girl? I make my own.

What else do I do? Make it available for you too!

Vertical Monthly Calendar Printable

Want to be able to type in to this calendar too? Then you’ll LOVE my home management binder that not only allows you to type in each day… but you get access to over 50+ printables to help you manage your life and home!

Free calendar download - printables

When you search “BLANK CALENDAR” on Google, there are a lot of horizontal (landscape orientation) options that pop up.

But if you’re like me and like to put your blank calendar sheets in a 3-ring binder in a vertical (portrait orientation), then you’ll love this printable.

5 Week AND 6 Week Calendar Options

When making my own calendars, I like as much room to write as possible. (I’m a big note-taker.)

So for this printable, I made a blank calendar template that only has 5 weeks (rows) to allow more writing space.

However, some months, some years, may need an extra row in there for a couple of days if the month starts later in the week.

So to accommodate all months and years, I’ve made two calendar options for you.

Why Not Just Make Each Month Have 6 Weeks (rows)?

I just hated to make them all 6 weeks, that reduces the size of each daily box, limiting the space you have to write. Space to write is CRUCIAL to me, so I thought you may be the same!

But since I’m also more of a type “A” personality, I completely understand the need for symmetry, so I’ve created 2 different styles to hopefully make things easier for those of you who prefer things a certain way.

free calendar downloads

With this Free Calendar, You Can Either:

  • Save and print the “5-week calendar” (bigger squares to write in) and for the months that require an additional row (for 2019, this will be for March 31st and June 30), you can just write in the extra dates at the bottom of the sheet.
  • Save the entire year of the 6-week calendar months (smaller squares) so all of the boxes are symmetrical with every month, even though the boxes will be smaller.

Month in Advance Organization

Another tool that I love to use to stay organized, is this month-in-advance printable that helps me see an overhead view of things to come!

Blank Calendar – FREE Printable

So grab access to this printable calendar and all of the other printables that I’ve created for you here…

Get 5 Week Calendar Here!
Get 6-Week Calendar Here!

Baked Pork Chops & Veggies – One Pan

Baked Pork Chops and Veggies – A one-pan oven baked recipe with veggies for a healthy weeknight dish, using everyday ingredients.

Baked Boneless Pork Chops Recipe

Baked Pork Chops and Veggies

Ever since I shared my Pan Fried Pork Chops recipe a couple of years ago, I’ve found that you all LOVE pork chops. I totally understand because they seem to be a more affordable pork option at the store.

So, I wanted to come up with a few different recipes to keep in your recipe arsenal and this Sheet Pan Baked Boneless Pork Chops recipe is one of a few you’ll find here on the blog. I even have this recipe for broiled bone-in pork chops that’s great to add in to the dinner rotation!

If you love pork chops too, you should also try cooking pork chops in the crock pot.

Baked Boneless Pork Chops with green beans and potatoes

Sheetpan Pork Chop Recipe

Do you love one-pan recipes as much as I do? I mean, I know there are a TON of recipes here on the blog, and I like cooking… but I truly think I’d love it even more if I didn’t have a ton of dishes to clean up when I cooked.

Plus, one-pan dishes usually include veggies and the protein all-in-one, and it takes so much of the guesswork out of dinner time.

So one-pan dishes are my ultimate favorite because that makes clean-up a breeze. Use something like parchment paper to place down on the pan before cooking and clean-up is even easier!

More One-Pan Dishes You’ll Love:

Baked Boneless Pork Chops Recipe on a sheet pan

How to Season Pork Chops

With this basic recipe, it just uses salt and pepper. But feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. My favorite is garlic pepper seasoning. I put garlic pepper on just about everything coming out of my kitchen.

Seasoning Suggestions:

  • garlic pepper
  • onion powder
  • lemon pepper
  • peppercorn
  • curry powder
  • teriyaki sauce
  • hot sauce
  • bbq sauce
  • Tony Chachere’s
  • parmesan cheese
  • lemon juice
  • minced garlic
  • honey
  • Siracha

Or, drizzle this pork gravy recipe on the top!

Baked Boneless Pork Chops Vegetables and Potatoes one pan

More Pork Chop Recipes You’ll Love:

If you love quick and easy recipes, you’ll love the recipe archives of recipes here on the blog.

I don’t believe that cooking has to be hard and gourmet to feed your family. Find tons of fast and easy recipes HERE!

Recipe

Baked Boneless Pork Chops Recipe
Print Pin
4.34 from 3 votes

Baked Pork Chops with Veggies

Baked Pork Chops and Veggies – A one-pan oven baked recipe with veggies for a healthy weeknight dish, using everyday ingredients.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 625kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless pork chops
  • 20 ounces baby potatoes halved
  • 4 cups green beans trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
  • Place baby potatoes and green beans on the pan and toss with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp. olive oil. 
  • Lay pork chops on the pan and brush with remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil. 
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper or seasoning of your choice. 
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pork chops are fully cooked and potatoes are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pork chop | Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 1675mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 759IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg

Blueberry Granola Bars

Stevia In The Raw® has sponsored this blog post and has provided product samples for these Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle!

Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag - Granola Bars

Plus, now with the new year approaching, I know that so many of you are looking for recipes to help you through those resolutions. Today, I’m going to help you tackle that craving for sweets… with less sugar! Yes! LESS sugar!

Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle Made with Stevia In The Raw®

Oh friends, the ingredients in these granola bars are enough to make you swoon…

  • Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag
  • Rolled Oats
  • Crispy rice cereal
  • Dried blueberries
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Butter or coconut oil
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped roasted almonds
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

…but wait until you see them all together, topped with the amazing yogurt drizzle (also sweetened with Stevia In The Raw®)!

You can find the full recipe card at the end of this post, but I wanted to give you the process in photos too, in case you’re the visual type. Plus, who doesn’t love drooling over food photos?!

Blueberry Granola Bars Recipe

Ingredients for blueberry granola bars

Prepare 7 x 11 baking pan by lining with parchment paper.

Then, combine the peanut butter, butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt and Stevia In The Raw® into a small saucepan, and warm on “low” heat until it is easy to pour.

Peanut Butter for granola bars made with stevia
coconut oil for granola bars made with stevia - healthy recipe
Ingredients for granola bars - made with stevia

Next, in a large bowl, combine oats, crispy rice cereal, shredded coconut and almonds and blueberries.

Healthy granola bars made with stevia in the raw

Pour peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir together, making sure everything is mixed together thoroughly.

Granola bar recipe - stevia blueberries and rice krispies
Blueberry Granola Bars Recipe with peanut butter and stevia

Next, press mixture into the prepared pan and place in the freezer for 2 hours to set.

Granola bars recipe made with blueberries, peanut butter, stevia

Yogurt Drizzle for Granola Bars

While the granola is setting, this is the perfect time to make the drizzle.

Place the Stevia In The Raw® that is allotted for the drizzle in to a blender and blend for 2 minutes to create a powdered version.

Yogurt Drizzle recipe for granola bars, using stevia

Whisk together the blended Stevia In The Raw®, yogurt and milk until creamy.

Yogurt Drizzle Recipe with less sugar

Remove the granola from the freezer and cut into 12-16 bars.

Then, line out the frozen bars on parchment paper, drizzle the yogurt mixture over each bar, and let the drizzle set (You can also freeze them again to move this process along)!

Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt drizzle made with Stevia

I mean, don’t they look absolutely mouthwatering?

PRO TIP: Have fresh blueberries? Snacking along with or topping the granola bars with fresh blueberries are both great ways to make your delicious snack/dessert POP with even more flavor!

Top with those blueberries - stevia recipe

Store extras/leftovers in an airtight container and you have the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth craving!

Blueberry Peanut Butter Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle made with Stevia In The Raw

Want to Use Stevia In The Raw® for More?

Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag helps simplify baking with stevia. It measures cup for cup with sugar, so it can easily be used in recipes to reduce sugar and calories with no conversion necessary (Thank goodness! Easier the better, right?)! Plus, it’s formulated so that 1 cup has the same sweetness as 1 cup of sugar.

Know what else? Up to 700 calories are saved for every cup of sugar that is replaced with Stevia In The Raw®. Now THAT’S something to get excited about!

Pro Tip:

When using Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag for baking recipes, it is recommended that the user replaces about half of the sugar in order to achieve the proper browning, rising and caramelizing that only sugar can provide.

Made with Stevia - granola bar recipes

Recipe

Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle, Made with Stevia In The Raw®

Blueberry Granola Bars with Yogurt Drizzle Made with Stevia In The Raw® – Made with less sugar and a quick and easy recipe to help tackle that sweets craving!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 16 bars
Calories 289kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

Granola Bars

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1.5 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup dried blueberries
  • 1.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
  • .25 cup shredded coconut
  • .5 cup chopped roasted almonds
  • 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • .5 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoon Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag

Yogurt Drizzle

  • .5 cup greek vanilla yogurt
  • 3 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1.5 cup Stevia In The Raw® Bakers Bag

Instructions

Granola Bars

  • Prep a 7×11 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, salt and Stevia In The Raw® in a small saucepan and warm on low heat until it is easy to pour.
  • In a large bowl, combine oats, crispy rice cereal, shredded coconut, almonds, and blueberries.
  • When ready, pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture and stir together, making sure everything is mixed together thoroughly.
  • Press mixture into prepared pan, and place in freezer for 2 hours to set.

Yogurt Drizzle

  • While the granola is setting, make the drizzle.
  • Place Stevia In The Raw® in a blender and blend for 2 minutes to create a powdered version.
  • Whisk together blended Stevia In The Raw®, yogurt and milk until creamy.
  • Cut frozen granola into 12-16 bars, and line out bars on to parchment paper.
  • Drizzle yogurt mixture over each bar and let set up (harden). You can freeze to move this process along if you prefer.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
Stevia in the Raw - granola bar recipe

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries + Sweet Glaze

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries are covered in a sweet honey glaze with pecans and pair as a delicious side dish to your favorite dinner recipe.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts Recipe

I’m not sure who it was that got me to try brussels sprouts for the first time. But man alive I’m so glad that they did.

P.S. I’m pretty sure they’re supposed to be called “brussels sprouts” but a common way that they’re spelled nowadays is without the “s”. So I’m just going to keep on keepin’ on and stick with brussel, for the sake of what I’ve found that most are calling it online.

But I have to admit… I’ve never really had any that weren’t roasted, and that may make a big difference because they get an incredible flavor when cooked this way, and even better when slightly charred… in my opinion. I found this out when I made my favorite garlic roasted broccoli!

Sweet Brussel Sprouts

I’ll never forget the first time I’ve had a sweet glaze on a brussel sprout because it was a GAME CHANGER.

So if you haven’t had a sweeter brussel sprouts recipe like this one that’s combined with the flavors of the bacon, dried cranberries and pecans, I really encourage you to try it.

How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts

I’ll walk you through how to make the brussel sprouts if you’re more of a visual person, but if you prefer to jump right to the recipe, you can scroll to the very bottom and grab the recipe card, print, save on Pinterest, or whatever you prefer to do!

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Wash, trim and cut your 3 pounds of brussel sprouts in half.
Baked Brussel Sprouts

3. Place your brussel sprouts in a baking sheet…

Roasted Brussel Sprouts baked in the oven

4. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of olive oil, ½ cup honey, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper.

sweet honey glaze for brussel sprouts
Honey glaze for brussel sprouts
Seasoning for brussel sprouts in the oven

5. Pour mixture over brussel sprouts.

Pour sweet honey glaze over the brussel sprouts

6. Hand toss to coat…

Roasted brussel sprouts

7. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring once during bake time. (Or until slightly blackened.)

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with cranberries, pecans and bacon with honey glaze

8. Evenly distribute 12 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon, ½ cup of dried cranberries and ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped, and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts - with a sweet honey glaze

Recipe

Roasted brussel sprouts cranberries and a glaze.
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5 from 2 votes

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with a Sweet Glaze

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries and Pecans: This baked in the oven recipe using a sweet honey glaze, is an easy side dish you'll love!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 285kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds raw brussel sprouts
  • 12 slices cooked bacon crumbled
  • ¾ cup toasted pecans chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425℉
  • Prepare brussel sprouts by washing, trimming and cutting in half.
  • Place brussel sprouts on a baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Drizzle olive oil mixture over brussel sprouts on the pan.
  • Hand toss to coat.
  • Bake at 425℉ for 30 minutes or until slightly blackened stir once during bake time.
  • Evenly distribute bacon crumbles, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries to the baking sheet. Bake 5 more minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 76mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The sweet flavors combined with the salty crunch of the crisp leaves of the outer edges of the brussel sprouts are INCREDIBLE.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts baked in the oven with bacon

More Easy Side Dishes You’ll Love

If you love easy side dishes, whether that’s to serve with a fancy steak dinner or a quick weeknight dinner for your family… you’ll love these:

The BEST Side Salad Recipe:

Best Side Salad Recipe

Garlic Roasted Broccoli:

This was so easy, and GOOD! I don't even like broccoli that much! Healthy Side Dish Recipe

Check out the RECIPE ARCHIVES for more easy recipes you’ll love!

Cauliflower Potato Salad – Easy Low Carb Recipe

Cauliflower Potato Salad: Easy low carb recipe that’s a cauliflower salad that you’ll want to make for that barbecue this summer, or even during the week for a side dish recipe on a low carb or keto diet!

I just knew when we were on a salad recipes kick around here, that this faux potato salad would fit in perfectly with our red-skinned potato salad and Amish potato salad.

Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe - An easy low carb recipe with vegetables!

Low Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cookout season is here! And no cookout is complete without hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, and potato salad!

However, for those of us trying to keep the carbs under control this summer, or at least save them for the cocktails and beers, the potato salad may be a dish we are tempted to bypass.

Who wants to do that though? It’s definitely easier said than done to skip this cookout classic. This cold, creamy delight, is the perfect tangy side dish to pair with a savory hot dog or hamburger, not to mention beer. So, what’s a girl to do?

Enter the “faux tato” salad. This easy low-carb (or keto) cauliflower potato salad makes one sneaky substitution. That’s right! Cauliflower instead of potatoes!

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love for Your BBQ:

Cauliflower Vs. Potatoes

Fear not, if you’ve ever had cauliflower pizza crust, then you may know that it’s incredible how the texture and taste of cauliflower can easily substitute some of your favorite starches!

And for this recipe, lightly steamed cauliflower has a similar texture to boiled potatoes. It’s a beautiful alternative to the traditional version made with white potatoes so that you can watch your carbs. It’s the best of both worlds.

Or, at the very least, you can save your carbs for where they count. Like poolside brewskies and margs! (A girl’s got to have priorities right? )

Full Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe Below!

Just a few quick steps, and you’ll have a side dish that’s sure to please everyone! Snag the printable recipe card and step by step instructions at the bottom of this post!

Cauliflower Potato Salad - Perfect Low Carb Side Dish
Easy Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe - A great low carb side dish for a bbq
Cauliflower Potato Salad - Easy Low Carb Recipe for a side dish
Low carb recipe - cauliflower potato salad! SO easy!

Add Your Special Touch

You could also fold in onions, chopped pickles, or whatever your mom used to put in her famous potato salad. This low carb cauliflower potato salad is your oyster, or however the saying goes.

Need MORE Salad Recipes for a Crowd?

Then don’t miss these make-ahead salad recipes that are perfect for entertaining!

Recipe

Cauliflower potato salad in a small bowl, with a spoon sticking out.
Print Pin
4.40 from 76 votes

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower Potato Salad – Easy Low Carb Recipe that's a cauliflower salad that you'll want to make for that barbecue this summer, or even during the week as a side dish for dinner.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 263kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 8 cups chopped and washed cauliflower
  • 6 hard-boiled egg yolks
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon chopped chives
  • paprika garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Lightly steam cauliflower, no more than 4 minutes per batch. Set in the refrigerator to cool.
  • Combine egg yolks, mayo, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and mix until creamy. You can use a fork, but it may have a few lumps. For the smoothest result, use an immersion blender.
  • Pour mayo mixture over cauliflower and combine until all the cauliflower is nice and creamy. Then, lightly fold in chopped chives.
  • Place in serving bowl and garnish with paprika. Serve chilled.  

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (about 1 cup) | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Pin It!

Pin this Low-Carb Potato Salad recipe for later so you can have it on your fingertips when you need it in a pinch!

Keep Low Carb Potato Salad Cold

Like any salad, this baby should be served cold. So when it’s really hot outside, you definitely want to keep your cauliflower “faux tato” salad as cold as possible.

Keto BBQ Side

If you are serving it outdoors, it might be a good idea to put your container of cauliflower “faux tato” salad on top of a larger bowl filled with ice.

This will ensure your salad stays nice and cold. Let people blame too many margaritas for their stomach aches the next day, not your beloved salad.

This low carb cauliflower potato salad is a great low carb recipe! So easy and definitely a low carb vegetable for the keto diet!

Other Low Carb Recipes?

If you’re on a hunt for low carb recipes, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of our favorite Keto and low carb dishes!

Low Carb Parmesan Chicken Tenders

This almond meal chicken tenders recipe is so easy and so good! It's perfect for Keto chicken recipes and low carb chicken recipes!

Easy Pan Seared and Oven Baked Steak Recipe

How to Cook Steak in the oven! RecipeThis was so easy and incredible, with the browned butter! Easy Steak Recipe: Pan Fried and in the Oven Photo

Dessert Salad Recipes

If you’re looking for dessert salad for your barbecue or to simply enjoy during a busy week, you’ll love these:

Pasta Salads More Your Thing?

We love pasta salads around here, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorites and some of the top food bloggers pasta salad recipes so you’re armed and ready!

Simple and Easy Recipes to Pin for Later!

Be sure to check out all of our recent favorite simple and easy homemade recipes in our archives.

Thank you for coming by, and don’t forget to pin this reicpe so you have it when you need it again!

Low carb recipe - cauliflower potato salad! SO easy!

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: An easy recipe using canned biscuits that will help you have homemade chicken and dumplings in no time! Feel free to skip or add the vegetables!

On a cold evening, it’s so wonderful having an easy, warm meal to enjoy at home! These lemon and herb chicken thighs are a family favorite, and we will even use the meat from those to make chicken and dumplings from time to time!

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Can be made with or without vegetables!

You know how much I love good, warm and comforting dishes like casserole recipes, right? Well, a close runner up to casseroles is chicken and dumplings.

So I am super excited to have Elise from Elise Cellucci Photography + Film here again today, sharing her recipe with us!

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

Chicken and Dumplings with Vegetables?

Fun note: She actually puts vegetables in her chicken and dumplings, and I love that idea! When I saw she did that, I started looking around and it looks like SO many of you do this! Genius!

Where I come from, we usually stick to chicken, dumplings and call it a day! But the addition of veggies makes so much sense, and actually reminds me of a pot-pie dish!

So Elise, welcome! We can’t wait to hear from you again… so let’s get to it!

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is an all-time favorite of mine. I loved it from the first time I had it.

What I did NOT like was how long it would take to make it. That is where the InstantPot came in handy as you’ll see below.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

I grew up outside of Philadelphia where summer vacations were always down at the Jersey shore. I had a great uncle, Uncle Johnny, who use to manage a motel down there. When time allowed we would go visit him and he would comp us a room for a night or two if they were not busy.

The one year I went with my mom and my Aunt Anita… I was probably 17. We were checking up on my sister who was down there for senior week.

While spending time at the beach, relaxing by the pool, or walking the boardwalk was fun, the best part about the visit was Uncle Johnny’s cooking.

He was an Italian who would cook us delicious meals. Of course the first night we were there he made my favorite spaghetti and meatballs (that’s a fun recipe Natasha has).

But I remember the next night he made chicken and dumplings. It was my first time ever having it and I was hooked.

I do remember him cooking it all day and so excited to try it. So I begged my mom to make it when we got home, but she would only have time on the weekends because of the time it took.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

For years I have tried to recreate his recipe but in less time. With two little girls, I cannot spend more than 30 minutes making a recipe or my house is a mess.

Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker:

So for me, the best kind of cooking is setting it and walking away to let it do its magic for me like in a crock pot or Instant Pot. So I thought,

why not try it in the Instant pot since that’s all the rage right now?

So I did and now I can’t wait to share it with you so you can speed up your chicken and dumpling process too!

Cooking onions in the Instant Pot
Chicken in the instant pot
Canned biscuits in the instant pot
Chicken and dumplings with vegetables in the instant pot

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings

I promise most of the ingredients are probably already in your fridge or spice rack.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients like:

(Full instructions are in recipe card at the bottom of this post!)

  • Butter
  • Onions
  • Canned Biscuits
  • Chicken
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Bay Leaf
  • Chicken Broth
  • Frozen peas and carrots, optional
  • Frozen green beans, optional
  • Heavy cream OR one tablespoon of butter mixed with 3 tablespoon of milk
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

What to Serve with This Dish

These garlic cheese biscuits go with these dumplings so well! They’re easy to make and the cheesy flavor, combined with the fluffy biscuit, is incredible!

More Instant Pot Recipes

While you have your Instant Pot out already, you may want to whip up a batch of the Panera Bread Copycat Broccoli Cheddar soup!

Recipe

Print Pin
4.55 from 11 votes

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: An easy recipe using canned biscuits that will help you have homemade chicken and dumplings in no time!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 305kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • ½ cup Onions
  • 5 biscuits Canned biscuits
  • 1 ¼ Pounds Chicken diced
  • ¼ cup Flour
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaf
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • ½ cup Frozen pea and carrots optional
  • ¼ cup Frozen green beans optional
  • ¼ cup Heavy cream OR one tablespoon of butter mixed with 3 tablespoon of milk

Instructions

  • Cut biscuits into 6 equal sizes
  • Melt the butter in the Instapot on the sauté setting. Add the onion and stir until onions become translucent about 3-5 minutes. Turn off the sauté.
  • Add the chicken. Coat the onion and chicken with the flour till everything is coated.
  • Add bay leaves and salt and pepper.
  • Add bay leaves, salt and pepper, chicken broth, and biscuits.
  • Cover and select Pressure Cook from the settings and set the time to 8 minutes.
  • Once the 8 minutes are finished allow it to slow release for 10 minute.
  • After the 10 minutes, open the quick release button to let the remaining pressure out.
  • Add heavy cream or milk and butter mix and stir. If adding vegetables add frozen peas, carrots and green beans and stir till warmed. About 1-2 minutes.
  • Add salt, if need.
  • Serve

Video

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1373mg | Potassium: 801mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2090IU | Vitamin C: 22.7mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1.8mg

What Did You Think?

If you tried this recipe, we’d love to know what you think! Rate this recipe and/or drop a comment to let us know!

Thank you, Elise, for sharing this recipe with us, along with your carrot salad that everyone seems to love too!

More Comforting Recipes

Food is love around here, so you’re in the right place if you love comforting recipes. Browse our simple and easy recipes to add to your Pinterest boards for busy weeknights!

25+ Polish Sausage Recipes

Polish Sausage Recipes – Using polish sausage is a quick and easy way to create a dinner in no-time for a busy weeknight. Here are our favorites!

Polish Sausage Recipes

Image collage showing polish sausage recipes.

Polish sausage can be used in so many different kinds of recipes. It can be used to make simple dishes by throwing it over some rice and is great for easy meals like this Quick Alfredo Polish Sausage Pasta!

Whether you’re looking to create a comforting dish to get you through the cold winter months, or you’re looking for a potluck recipe to bring to a party, polish sausage recipes are a great fit! They can work for any type of recipe in any season!

Here you’ll find polish sausage recipes that will make the most delicious dinner recipe regardless of who you are serving!

25+ Polish Sausage Recipes

Cabbage and polish sausage cooked in the Instant Pot.
Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot

Easy Kielbasa and Cabbage

This easy kielbasa and cabbage recipe made in the Instant Pot, can also be made on the stove-top. It uses very few ingredients but has tons of flavor!

Polish sausage mac and cheese on plate.

Instant Pot Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta by Eating in an Instant

Let your instant pot make dinner in a flash. This dish is very cheesy; and it has plenty of polish sausage to satisfy your appetite after a long day at work.

Polish sausage with cabbage in skillet.

One Pot Cabbage and Kielbasa by Served From Scratch

This easy and hearty dish only needs 1 dish to cook, and delivers delicious, wholesome results every time.  Make this with garden fresh cabbage for a fast, fuss free meal.

Polish sausage with cajun rice.

Cajun Sausage and Rice by I Heart Eating

In the mood for something wonderfully spicy that won’t break your grocery budget? This Cajun rice with polish sausage slices is just the thing to make for a hearty meal that can fill up a crowd.

Brussels sprouts soup in dutch oven.

Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Soup by Two Bit Tart

This soup is unique and so flavorful. Use brussels sprouts and sausage slices with carrots for a cozy meal that satisfies with simple ingredients.

Kielbasa and bean soup.

Kielbasa and Bean Soup by Kitchen Verve

This soup has such a hearty and healthy vibe. It is made with potatoes, sausage slices and white beans for a filling and cozy option. Pair with crusty bread for a great meal.

Broccoli and polish sausage on a plate.

Keto Broccoli and Polish Sausage by Two Sleevers

Grab 3 wholesome ingredients and get dinner going! This low carb dish is packed with color and flavor. I know you will love this on busy weeknights.

Polish sausage soup in pot, with bread on the side.

Kale Kielbasa and Spinach Soup by From a Chef’s Kitchen

Craving a creamy bowl of soup? This one has sausage, potatoes and plenty of healthy kale. I know you will want to grab a second bowl of this because it tastes awesome!

Polish sausage pasta in bowl with peppers.

Kielbasa and Pepper Pasta by Tasty Oven

Pasta night gets a makeover with this dish! Sausage and peppers make this dish pop with great flavors for a unique and filling family meal idea.

Polish sausage mac and cheese in skillet.

Kielbasa Mac n Cheese by Chocolate Moosey

This mac n cheese has plenty of polish sausage to make a great one pot meal. The whole family will love the smoky flavor this comfort food offers.

Polish sausage with Queso on platter.

Grilled Polish Sausage with Stout Queso by Erica’s Recipes

These beer grilled sausages have the BEST stout queso on top. You have to splurge for good buns if you make this because a dish with this much flavor deserves something epic to hold it together!

Polish sausage coins on a plate with a toothpick.

Air Fryer Polish Sausage Coins by Cook At Home Mom

Pop these slices of polish sausage in the air fryer for such a tasty treat. Stick a toothpick in them for party food, or add them to something cheesy like mac n cheese, or au gratin potatoes maybe!

Polish sausage green bean dish in a skillet.

Sausage, Potato and Green Bean Skillet by Delicious by Design

You can’t go wrong with this wholesome and delicious dinner idea. It has green beans, potatoes and plenty of polish sausage. Everyone will enjoy this simple and satisfying meal idea.

Polish sausage and beans in crockpot.

Baked Beans with Sausage by The Cagle Diaries

Pop these simple ingredients in the slow cooker to make one tasty and easy meal. This recipe is tangy, meaty and totally hearty!

Kielbasa and lentils in soup.

Lentil and Kielbasa Soup by 24 Bite

Lentils make this healthy soup filling. Sausage slices make it even more delicious. Make a big pot of this easy soup for a great family meal.

Polish sausage stir fry on plate.

Polish Sausage Stir Fry by Like Mother Like Daughter

This stir fry is very easy to make and it is affordable. Polish sausage makes an affordable and yummy source of protein for this veggie packed dinner.

Polish sausage slices with cabbage in cast iron skillet.

Sausage and Cabbage Skillet by The Forked Spoon

You can get this filling and delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes. With plenty of cabbage, peppers and sausage, you know you are going to leave the dinner table very satisfied after serving this.

Polish sausage and pasta on plates.

Sausage with Creamy Mustard Pasta by Girl Gone Gourmet

Pasta with creamy mustard sauce makes a great dinner that is a little different but so tasty. Sausage slices add a great smoky, meaty flavor.

Polish sausage sandwiches on cutting board.

Kielbasa Sandwiches by Craving Some Creativity 

This recipe serves sausage philly cheese steak style. I know you are going to love polish sausages piled high with cheese, onions and peppers!

A skillet of sauerkraut, apples and onions with sausage.

Sausage and Sauerkraut with Apples and Onions by The Suburban Soapbox

Get a great dinner on the table in no time with this recipe. Caramelized onions, apples and sauerkraut make for such a unique and tasty combination that is perfect for sausage.

Gumbo soup in bowl.

Paula Dean Gumbo by Simply Scrumptious Eats

Paula Dean might have made this recipe famous, but you can make it unforgettable in your own kitchen. With shrimp, sausage and chicken, there is a lot to love in this filling meal!

A plate with sausage bites topped with pastry stars.

Star Spangled Kielbasa Bites by Aleka’s Get Together

These star spangled bites are perfect for a summer party. They are meaty, savory and so good. Everyone will want to nibble on these!

Polish sausage recipe with beans in a pot.

Butter Bean Sausage Stew by Deb’s Daily Dish

Butter beans and sausage, with onions and peppers makes the best stew! This hearty and healthy option is easy to make and is sure to hit the spot for dinner. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.

Polish sausage in a boil.

Seafood Boil by Dinner at the Zoo

Shrimp, sausage, clams and corn with lobster, potatoes and the best broth sounds like a dream right? This seafood boil is so easy to make you are going to want to grab the ingredients and get this meal underway!

Black bean and sausage soup in dish.

Black Bean and Sausage Soup by The Magical Slow Cooker

This soup is a little spicy and so easy to make. If you love black beans, then this soup is going to find its way on your must-make list! It is cozy, filling and always tastes amazing!

Kielbasa sausage wrapped in puff pastry.

Kielbasa Puffs by I Heart Nap-time

If you need a quick snack then these puffs are just the thing to make. They have meaty, smoky sausage and flaky crispy pastry dough. These are a great appetizer or party food that is virtually fuss-free.

Easy Dinner Recipes

If you loved these, then you’ll LOVE this main course too!

Have a favorite polish sausage recipe? Share it right here in the comments!

EASY Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks – An easy recipe that can be made in minutes and can be made ahead to prep and freeze for a quick breakfast later!

Next to these fluffy pancakes and air fryer cinnamon rolls, easy french toast is our family’s, breakfast, WEAKNESS!

I mean, you can see our love for it through the Brioche French Toast, Baked French Toast, and Stuffed Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe… but good ole basic french toast is always a winner too! P.S. You’ll also love this Cinnamon Roll Casserole too!

French Toast Sticks

But let’s get real… this momma’s not whipping up a batch of homemade french toast every morning before school. I like to keep things “fabulously fast” like I included in the “Fabulously Fast Dinners” cookbook!

I save our fresh French toast mornings for weekends or holidays because it takes some time to make ENOUGH to feed my house full of boys, and then cut it up for my littles. Plus, I like to make other things to go with it like:

French Toast Sticks

So for busy school mornings (or let’s face it, the mornings where I’d rather sip on coffee than make a big breakfast) I love being able to whip these french toast sticks out of the freezer, reheat them in the microwave, and let the boys go to town on their breakfast in just minutes.

They’re a lot easier for kids to get their hands on, and when it makes it easy for them, it makes it easy for mom!

Breakfast Finger Food for a Party

Or, if you’re hosting a party or brunch and you’re looking for menu ideas, then French Toast Sticks are a no-brainer!

It’s a favorite breakfast menu item and it’s MUCH easier to grab and go for a buffet-style set-up!

How to Make French Toast Sticks

Make sure to see the full recipe card toward the bottom of this post where the ingredients and instructions are all in one place.

Cinnamon Batter for French Toast

First, you’ll want to combine the batter that you’re going to dip your bread in, to soak in all of the glorious flavors that will turn in to golden brown French toast sticks.

French Toast Sticks Ingredients:

  • 6 pieces of white bread
  • 6 eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • syrup and berries for toppings (optional)

Coat with butter and preheat your griddle to 350, or your pan to medium heat.

Cut your pieces into three vertical pieces (to make it into sticks).

How to Make French Toast Sticks Batter

Add the remaining ingredients into a bowl and mix together with a whisk until combined.

Dunk bread (brioche is my favorite) in to egg mixture for french toast

Next, dip each slice of bread (one at a time) into the cinnamon-egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated.

Remove bread from the mixture and let access batter drip off back into the bowl and place on to the hot griddle.

How to cook french toast on a griddle

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the sides reach a golden brown color!

French Toast Sticks recipe

Remove from griddle/pan and sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired)…

French Toast Sticks

…and dunk them into your favorite syrup! (Flavored syrups are SO fun, like this Blueberry Syrup or this “fancy-like” 3-piece set of syrup!)

French Toast Sticks - dip in syrup

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you reheat frozen french toast sticks?

You can pull frozen french toast sticks right from the freezer and microwave for 30-45 seconds or until heated through!

Can you freeze french toast sticks?

You bet! Cook and prepare them according to this recipe and once cooled, place into a freezer container or freezer bag, seal and freeze for up to 2 months! TIP: Place wax paper between layers of french toast so they do not freeze together and you can grab and cook only the amount you need, rather than the entire bag.

What do you serve with french toast sticks?

You can dunk them in maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and sugar or serve alone! I also like serving them with fruit like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas!

Dip french toast sticks in syrup - french toast recipe

“Can I use this recipe for regular french toast?”

You bet. Just skip cutting the bread into sticks and cook the same way!

You can also freeze the french toast in the same way that you would the sticks!

French Toast Sticks - homemade recipe

If you love recipes like this, then you’ll also want to make these mini cinnamon rolls, this old-fashioned coffee cake and these cinnamon swirl pancakes, too!

Recipe

French Toast Sticks
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

EASY Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Cinnamon French Toast Sticks – An easy recipe that can be made in minutes and can be made ahead to prep and freeze for a quick breakfast later!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 26kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces white bread texas toast is our favorite!
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar and syrup for dipping optional

Instructions

  • Preheat a griddle to 350 or pan to medium heat, and prepare with butter or nonstick spray
  • Prepare your bread by cutting into pieces. Depending on the size of your bread you can cut into 2-3 pieces.
  • In a small bowl, add in the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Combine well with a fork.
  • Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture on both sides. Place on the hot griddle and cook about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and dunk into syrup if desired!

Notes

Double or triple the batch and freeze them for a quick and easy breakfast idea!
 
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

If you love french toast sticks, then you’re REALLY going to love the other easy breakfast recipes you’ll find here, like:

Mini Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches
Mini Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling for Crepes
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling for Crepes
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies - Healthy Gluten Free Recipe
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Blueberry Turnovers
Blueberry Turnovers
Pouring syrup on blueberry pancakes
Blueberry Pancakes

Love This Recipe?

I’d love to hear if you tried this recipe! Leave a star-review and comment down below and join my newsletter so you’re the first to know of new recipes!

How to be a Good Wife… the Lessons We’ve Learned

How to be a good wife: Lessons learned over the years from wives all around, with tips and tricks that make their marriage work!

Husband and wife married on the beach

Am I the perfect wife? No.

Do I know a perfect wife? No.

But I do believe I am a good wife, and that I know a lot of good wives out there.

How to Be a Good Wife

I also know that we can definitely screw up and have flaws (we all do) and still be a good wife. (You’ll also love reading “How to Improve Your Relationship in 30 Seconds Each Day!”)

A good wife can also be defined in many different ways, by different people.

For instance, my husband may say there are different characteristics that make up a good wife, then what Billy, John, and David who live down the street say. (I have no idea if a Billy, John or David live down the street… so don’t be offended if you think I’m talking about your husband.)

You may also love our other marriage posts like: “How to Respect Your Husband” and How to Make Your Husband Want to Come Home

I have also learned a LOT in my marriage, and I’ve polled those of you in the “Fab Society” group on what lessons you have learned while being a wife, so I’m hoping what we have to share with you today, will help in some way.

Now, even if you’re not visiting this post for help… and just happened across this post, I truly hope something still resonates with you.

I know there were some things that others suggested that made me more aware and intrigued with what would happen if I would incorporate them into my marriage.

What are the Tips to be a Good Wife?

So again, although you may not agree with all of them, these are lessons we’ve learned and things that we’ve noticed in our (the Fantabulosity community) marriages, so we hope that something will speak to you today and help!

Do you have to do all or any of these to be a good wife? Absolutely not. They’re just great lessons we’ve learned that work in our marriages and we’re hoping one or all will help you in some way.

Below, I’ve compiled real-life answers from other wives, so you’ll notice some will look just like Facebook comments… because they are!

Be sure to let us know below or in the Creating Your Happy group if this helps!

28 Tips to Be a Good Wife

1. God first. There’s a reason this is #1. It never fails. When God is put first in our marriage, everything else flows a lot easier. Even if only one of you is putting God first, it’s amazing what He (God) can do.

2. During a really difficult time in our marriage, I felt like I gave, gave and gave some more, even when I didn’t want to, because I wasn’t feeling loved in return. I didn’t walk away easily, and I’m thankful for that, because I believe our marriage is stronger now because of it.

But listen… I’ll be honest, there was a time when I couldn’t give anymore. I stopped trying and I was done. But more to come on that later.
Also, don’t get me wrong…My husband has never physically abused me. So I’m not saying that if you are being abused, that you should stay. If you are being abused, get help immediately.

3. We marry our dads. Not really, but we tend to carry over any behaviors we grew up with … and unintentionally live like our husbands have the same traits as our fathers, or live like they SHOULD have the same traits.

4. It’s hard. Can I just leave it at that? Because it is. It’s just hard. It takes work and no two people are the same, so when we come together as one, it may take some changing and reshaping to fit the pieces together.

5. When he’s upset and we can’t seem to get along, I’ve realized that sometimes it’s not about me or even something specific that happened with us. There could be something going on that I don’t understand or that I don’t even know about. I was so thankful when my husband helped me write “What to do when your husband doesn’t come home” because it helps explain a lot of things that I didn’t realize as his wife.

6. We all have a love language and learning what his is, is crucial and a game-changer. When we speak our spouse’s love language, he will feel more loved than when we show it in other ways. Plus, sometimes we tend to show love in our own love language, rather than his. So what’s a love language? I went in to more on this in The Secret Weapon in our Marriage.

7. Although I feel better when I “throw up” on him (vent, complain, and be negative about the unimportant things in life) he then feels it, and then I feel bad about that.

It’s like I have a temporary relief but regret minutes later. So unless it’s an important matter or I’m really struggling with something, I try to work through it instead of dumping it off on to him.

8. Pray about it before spouting about it. When something is bothering me, or in the heat of the moment, it is MUCH easier said than done, but taking a minute to pray about it does two things:
a. helps me think through things while giving me a breather
b. God will sometimes speak to me in those moments, and I’ll have a better way to approach a tough conversation with my husband.

9. “Don’t have big conversations on midnight week” – Facebook reader
This can also be explained as “don’t have big conversations when one has had a stressful/long week/day. Timing can mean everything! Which leads to the next recommendation from a Facebook reader that made me chuckle…

10. “We have a rule-no important chats when hungry, horny, or tired.” – Facebook Reader
This made me laugh out loud. I love it! But I’m not sure if there are moments in the day that one of us isn’t feeling one of these. Haha!

11. “That I take him for granted way too often. If I were to slow down every once in a while I would see that he is always by my side.” – Facebook Reader

12. “We are a team. Our marriage comes first then the kids. I was doing so much that I felt like he was an intruder so to speak.” – Facebook Reader

13. “Small stuff doesn’t matter. If something is bothering you (ie: dishes, laundry, etc.) just do them because it’s not affecting your partner. In ten minutes after they’re done, it’s not going to matter anymore.” – Facebook Reader

14. “If you have expectations for how an event or procedure is going to go in regards to your husband – make them known beforehand. He then has the opportunity to live up to the expectations you have set rather than fail your unsaid threshold.” – Facebook Reader

15. “Just celebrated our 18th wedding Anniversary and I have learned many lessons over the years. I think the most important is not giving up during the bad/hard times and compromise!” – Facebook Reader

16. “People always say you will have good years and bad and we have experienced both but have never given up on each other or our marriage in the bad years! Statistics of interracial marriage is higher than the average divorce rate due to culture differences especially when raising children. We have to compromise often and meet in the middle with a solution!” – Facebook Reader

17. “A couple of things… When you are frustrated or upset with your spouse, sometimes you have to look deep down inside and realize that it might be your thought process or you could really be the cause of your own frustration, then communication is the key.
It is all a give and take, but you and your spouse have to put your marriage first before kids, jobs, etc… (well besides God) It is SO hard to do that, but the family starts with husband and wife….. AND realize that there is a difference between joy and happiness. You won’t always be happy every day but you can still be unhappy or face hard times, and have joy.” – Facebook Reader

18. “I’ve learned to not take everything personal. It’s hard because when he is going thru stuff and lashes out at me then it’s easy to think many negative thoughts. Sometimes you have to step back and redirect your thoughts to something positive on purpose.” – Facebook Reader

19. “LOVE this! We are constantly changing as people. We change jobs, locations, friends, family, new people enter your life, and some people exit out of your life–all of this changes you and your spouse. You have to be willing to change together.
We never go to bed angry, we always talk it out no matter what. Never say the word divorce, ever. We disagree on irrelevant things at times, which can get heated because we both want to be right and don’t back down from wanting to be right and have decided to agree to disagree and let the little stuff go. We are a team and we work toward our goals together.” – Facebook Reader

20. “Pick your battles! I remember a lady complaining that her husband put the roll of toilet paper on the wrong way for 25 years! The other person said to her-“so he is finally doing it right”? She answered and said “NO, but after 25 years I decided to stop complaining about it!” – Facebook Reader

21. “True forgiveness.” – Facebook Reader

22. “RESPECT. I believe is truly what has kept my husband & I together through good and bad times. We can agree to disagree by respecting each other’s views and coming together to work as a team. That can mean taking a break to come back together and discuss further & let emotions settle so we can mutually agree (compromise).
Along with all the above great comments. TEAMWORK. that necessarily doesn’t always mean 50/50.. I have my low days & he picks it up or vice versa. TIME. Making time to spend with each other. COMMUNICATION. Always talking & really listen to each other. Not making Assumptions… SELF CARE. this is so important in order to make my relationship healthy. We need to take care of ourselves spiritually, mind & body.” – Facebook Reader

23. “We’re still newlyweds I suppose so I have a lot to learn but I’ve learned a lot about truly being open with someone else, especially about the things that cause me anxiety – like sharing finances with someone has been great mostly but also it’s such a mindset change to be open about talking about money. That’s just one example but there are a ton of things I’ve learned to really share that I would have kept to myself before.” – Facebook Reader

24. “Oh Gosh where do I start! After 37 years I probably could write a book … It’s ok to be wrong, it’s not important to be right, he is my biggest supporter & best friend… Respect Respect Respect. 
Don’t nag, he may or may not get projects or chores done but our relationship is more important than any silly ole project. 
Food really does make him happy! 
Don’t go to bed mad, you won’t be able to sleep anyway. 
I’m not his employee so I ask to not be treated like one and Life is great.” – Facebook Reader

25. “It gets easy to nag so try not to do that and show some interest in things that he loves.” – Instagram Reader

26. “Always be encouraging and give praise for the things he does. That is what keeps a guy going.” – Instagram Reader

27. “Treat your spouse the way you want to be treated.” – Instagram Reader

28. “Never EVER put down your spouse in front of other people!” – Instagram Reader

29. “Listen to husband instead of railroading him into thinking what you want him to think.” – Facebook Reader

I am BEYOND thankful for all of you who have shared your favorite tips for being a good wife. Thank you so much!

If you’ve loved reading this or if you’d love to add something to our list, be sure to let us know in the comments! Share the love and help a fellow wife!

You May Also Love:

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners: A work from home or side hustle that’s easier than you think, selling products online with these tools!

How to Sell on Amazon for Beginners

I am BEYOND honored to have a friend here today, sharing her knowledge and tips with us about how her family got started selling on Amazon and still to this day, sells products on Amazon!

Let me build the scene for you (You know my inner Sophia from Golden Girls has to come out every now and then… “Picture it, 1922… Sicily…” )

Listening to Pat Flynn’s podcast a couple of months ago, I happened across an episode that had a couple being interviewed, chatting about their success with selling on Amazon, and the dreams they’ve achieved while doing so.

I was so impressed with them and fell in love with their story.
So much so, that I got up the courage to reach out to them and ask if I could help share their story/products here on Fantabulosity with those of you who have dreamed of selling on Amazon too!

More Articles I Think You’ll Love:

  • How to Make Money Online: 7 REAL Ways that are AUTHENTIC to you!
  • How to Start a Blog
  • 5 Ways You Can Outsource Your Business

The Selling Family – Selling on Amazon

Family Business - How to sell on amazon - husband wife child sitting around table

Would you believe that Jessica from The Selling Family, emailed me back within no time?
I couldn’t believe it… someone that I had decided that was pretty much a celebrity, answered my email and responded to it in a flash!

I knew in that instant, that she and her husband were something special.

After chatting through email a few times, Jessica said that she would love to share with Fantabulosity readers, some of her story and tips for those of you who are considering selling products on Amazon!

So without further ado, I am honored to have Jessica here, answering some of the questions I thought you all might like the answers too when it comes to selling on Amazon.

Hi Jessica! Thank you SO much for joining us. Here are some of the top questions that I have for you, that I think Fantabulosity readers will want to get the scoop on…

“Why did you start selling on Amazon?”

I started selling on Amazon shortly after losing my full-time job in 2008. I was working for a company in the housing industry and there was major downsizing because of the recession. It was actually my husband, who was a manager at the same company, who had to let me go!

We were not in a place to live on one income so I knew I needed to find work right away. Luckily, I had been selling on eBay on the side so I had some experience there.

I took my last corporate paycheck and spent all of it at yard sales.
I sold all of the yard sale finds on eBay and that’s how I ended up in the business of online reselling.

Replacing A Corporate Income

It only took me a few months on eBay to replace my old corporate income! By using my profits to buy more inventory, I was able to quickly grow the business. But it was also starting to take a lot of my time.

That’s the thing about eBay. Each time you want to sell an item, you have to take a photo of it, create a listing, pack it up when it sells, drive it to the post office, and wait to see if there are any customer complaints or returns.

You’re really limited by the number of hours you have each day. Especially since you also need time to go out and look for more inventory to sell.

In the summer of 2010, I started chatting with a group of eBay sellers who were trying their hand at selling on Amazon.

Now this might sound crazy to you now, but back then Amazon really was just a place for books. So sellers were going to thrift stores and library sales, picking out used books, and reselling them on Amazon. They’d make maybe $1 per book so they’d do this all day long.

I wasn’t all that interested in selling books. I tried it, but it just wasn’t for me. But what did interest me about Amazon was their fulfillment program for third-party sellers called Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA). I had a feeling that with FBA, I’d be able to grow and scale my business that much faster.

I was right about my hunch. By 2011, I was making enough money that I was able to help my husband Cliff retire from his corporate job. We’ve been running an Amazon business together as a family ever since.

“How does it work? Do you buy things at the store and ship them to Amazon or to each customer?”

Here’s the big difference between Amazon FBA and basically everything else out there for reselling.

With FBA, you don’t ship directly to the customer. Instead, you buy your inventory and you ship it in bulk to an Amazon Fulfillment Center. They have these all over the country.

Once Amazon has your inventory at one of their warehouses, they handle most of the work.

  • They store your inventory in their warehouses
  • They pack the items and ship them to customers (usually with free 1-day Prime shipping!)
  • And they even handle returns and customer service issues.

This is great because it means you can run a reselling business without looking like a hoarder! With eBay, I always had inventory and packages scattered all over the house.

But the real benefit is how much time it saves. Instead of packing up individual shipments and driving to the post office, I just create one or two big boxes at a time and send them to Amazon. It means that I get to spend more time buying inventory and less time doing busy work.

Now there are a lot of ways to buy inventory for reselling on Amazon FBA. But the primary ways that I find inventory are through Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage.

Retail Arbitrage and Online Arbitrage

With Retail Arbitrage, I am driving to local retail stores, looking at inventory, and then buying items that I can resell for a profit on Amazon. Technology has made this process so much easier because there are smartphone apps that tell you which products are winners and which ones aren’t worth selling.

deodorant in the store - buy and sell online
Grabbing products like this Deoderant at a retail store, and selling it for more than what you’ve purchased it at, is key!

And unlike shopping at yard sales, when I’m doing Retail Arbitrage, I have the ability to get 5-10 of an item at any given store. If it’s a hot seller, I drive across town hitting different locations to buy more. Given the choice, I’d rather sell 25 of the same item than 25 different items.

When I do Online Arbitrage, it’s really similar, but I’m shopping at retail websites instead of retail stores. So maybe I spend an afternoon browsing barnesandnoble.com looking for profitable inventory.

I keep shopping for inventory until I have enough to create a shipment to send off to an Amazon warehouse.

Free 7-Day Email Course

If you want to learn more about how this all works, I have a free 7-day email course that covers the basics. This will introduce you to Retail Arbitrage and show you how to find profitable inventory. If you’re having a hard time believing that someone would pay more for an item on Amazon than they would at Walmart, this is the course for you!

“Do you have to be super tech-advanced to be successful or start an Amazon business?”

Amazon requires less technical skill than blogging (this is based on my experience with both). You don’t have to create a website because you get to use Amazon.com to sell your inventory.
So you don’t need the design, SEO, and hosting tech skills that are standard in the blogging world.

But, of course, you need some tech basics. You’ll need to sign in to Amazon’s Seller Central dashboard daily to check your sales and your pricing. You may have to occasionally download a report into a spreadsheet to check on something. You should definitely be very comfortable with a laptop or desktop computer, your smartphone, and a printer.

And, as I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of apps and extensions that make Amazon selling a lot easier. If you’re comfortable downloading and using apps on your phone and Chrome extensions on your computer, then you’re off to a good start.

“Can you do it part-time? Or does it take a full-time workload to make it work?”

This is my favorite thing about doing Retail Arbitrage with Amazon FBA: you can do it 8 hours a week or 80. It’s like you get to choose how much money you want to make and act accordingly.

It’s the kind of business model where the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. So if you want to make an extra $500 a month to put towards savings, you could do this super part-time.

But I know plenty of people who support their families doing Retail Arbitrage full-time. When Cliff and I were fully focused on our Amazon business, we were profiting over $100,000 per year. And that was with about 20-hour workweeks.

There are a lot of ways to scale this business for growth if that’s your big vision. But I have plenty of students who are thrilled to make a part-time income “just” by shopping at Target on the weekends 🙂

“Could you get in to creating your own product and then drop-ship? Or is that more advanced?”

On Amazon, creating your own product is called Private Label. This is a popular business model, but it’s not one that I recommend to new sellers. And, personally, it’s not a business model that I’m interested in exploring.

One great thing about Retail Arbitrage, besides the flexibility, is that you can get started for less than $1,000. But if you need to find a supplier in China to Private Label a product for you, it’s going to take a bigger investment up front.

Private Label vs. Retail Arbitrage

When I’m buying inventory at Big Lots or Walmart, I can buy just one or two of an item to test how it sells on Amazon. But with a Private Label supplier, you’re going to need to buy a large quantity upfront. Plus, you’ll have to pay for shipping overseas.

The other big unknown with Private Label is you don’t know if your item will sell. You need to plan on paying for PPC Advertising to get Amazon customers to find your products. That’s not something I have to worry about because I know that Amazon shoppers are already looking for items like Clorox toilet wands and Betty Crocker brownie mix.

All that being said, a lot of people do start with Retail Arbitrage and then add Private Label selling once they are more comfortable with the Amazon platform.

As for dropshipping, you never have to worry about that if you use FBA. Dropshipping can be pretty risky (and is usually against the rules on Amazon). So with FBA, just ship your items to Amazon and they’ll handle shipping to the customer. If you’re really someone who never wants to touch inventory, there are ways to do this with Online Arbitrage that don’t involve dropshipping.

“What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started?”

It’s funny, because people get jealous when they find out I’ve been selling on Amazon for 10 years. They say, “it must have been so easy!” because there were fewer sellers online.

It’s true that there were fewer sellers, but there were also fewer buyers. And it was basically the technological dark ages! Now there are so many amazing tools and apps that make Amazon selling easier and more profitable.

So it’s hard for me to even compare Amazon then and now. But there is one thing I wish I could have done differently. I wish I could have reinvested more of my profits back into the business.

I had to take money out of every Amazon payment to pay myself. That was just the reality of getting our personal bills paid each month. But now I encourage my students to try to reinvest all of their profits back into the business for the first three months. That’s how you can really grow your business quickly.

I really felt like I was just winging it back then because there weren’t any systems to follow. Amazon was still the untested new thing, especially outside of books, so I just had to figure it out as I went.

Which is exactly why I started blogging about Amazon FBA. I just wanted people to know about this amazing business opportunity (especially since most of my IRL friends thought it sounded crazy!).

A lot of people probably think that online reselling is just a hobby, but I want to make sure that people know that this is a real, legitimate business.

Work at Home Mom Dream…

Amazon is such a wonderful business model for moms because of the flexibility and freedom that it allows. Cliff and I get to work together, homeschool our son, and travel as a family all because of Amazon FBA. If you’re looking for a more flexible way to make money while working from home, FBA could be a great fit.

Ready to Start Selling on Amazon?

If you’re ready to get started, I have an online course that walks you step-by-step through the process of starting and growing your business. Amazon FBA is a whole lot easier if you have a tested system to follow, and that’s what I teach in my Amazon Boot Camp.

It amazes me how many people could benefit from an Amazon FBA business and they just don’t know that it exists. So thanks for giving me the opportunity to share more about it 🙂

Thank you Jessica!

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us Jessica. I had NO idea about so much of this, but have been super curious. I’m not going to lie… I’m REALLY considering selling on Amazon myself because I would love to be able to have “shopping” as a staple part of my business!

Have more questions for Jessica? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear them too!

If you loved this post on how to sell on Amazon, you may also love my other posts on blogging and online business!

Pin the Image Below to Remember It:

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot: A quick and easy sausage and cabbage recipe that only takes 4 minutes in the pressure cooker.

I truly didn’t think that cooking kielbasa and cabbage could get any easier, but the Instant Pot made me a believer with this recipe as well.

If you love cooking with the Instant Pot, then you’ll also love our favorite Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe and the Cheeseburger Macaroni that our kids adore.

Quick Kielbasa and Cabbage Recipe

When I set out to make this recipe, I knew I wanted to keep it as simple as it could be, and hoped that the few flavors I did use, would result in a TON of flavor… and I was RIGHT! We also add kielbasa to this slow cooker sausage casserole, and it has so much flavor!

Now, although it’s also quick to make sausage and cabbage on the stovetop, using the Instant Pot not only made it faster, but I believe it trapped in flavors that I don’t get when cooking on an open stovetop.

How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage

You can find the full recipe and printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but I’d love to walk you through with steps/photos for extra tips too!

Cabbage

Wash and chop up a head of cabbage, discarding the core. If you aren’t sure how to core a cabbage, I found a great how-to core a cabbage video tutorial for you that will help, even if you don’t have the type of cabbage I’m using in this post.
Although, I did core mine a little different than they did. It just depends on what tickles your fancy.

Chop up your cabbage into bitesize pieces and set aside.

Sliced Head of Cabbage to use in kielbasa and cabbage recipe in the instant pot
Head of cabbage to chop

Chicken Broth

You can use regular store-bought chicken broth, homemade chicken broth or even make this instant chicken broth base that I’ve started using… because my mom did.

That woman is a queen of cooking, so I always love to take notes in her kitchen!

Chicken broth powder mixed with water for kielbasa and cabbage
Chicken Broth

Kielbasa (Smoked Sausage)

Now for this recipe, I like to switch things up for the kielbasa at times, and grab a fun new smoked sausage if it’s on sale or a new flavor!

I normally use kielbasa (hence the reason this is the recipe for kielbasa and cabbage) but when I bought the ingredients to take the photos this time, I couldn’t resist the andouille smoked sausage.

Andouille tends to have a spicy kick to it, so if you have young eaters or those who aren’t fans of some “kick” then you’ll want to stick to kielbasa, polish sausage or regular smoked sausage.

Andouille Sausage to use in this kielbasa cabbage instant pot recipe
I chose to use andouille sausage instead of kielbasa when taking photos this time and it was GREAT too!

Chop your kielbasa in to small, bite-size pieces and set aside!

Chopped smoked sausage - kielbasa
Chop your kielbasa (or smoked sausage)

Butter

In the Instant Pot, pot… pour your chicken broth and add a stick of sliced butter.

Chicken broth and butter in instant pot
Add chicken broth and butter to Instant Pot

Next, pour your cabbage in to the pot, making sure to leave enough room for the sausage and enough room for the lid to screw on.

If you have a really large cabbage, it could result in too much cabbage for the pot, so eyeing it is best.

Chopped cabbage in instant pot
Place chopped cabbage in Instant Pot

Layer on the kielbasa, again, making sure there’s enough room for the lid to screw on. Ideally, you don’t want to stuff the pot so full that the food is touching the lid. So filling the pot to about the level I have here below will work!

TIP: Placing the kielbasa or smoked sausage on top is KEY! During the cooking process, the juices from the meat drip down in to the cabbage for ultimate flavor!

Chopped kielbasa and cabbage in the Instant pot to cook
Place chopped kielbasa in the pressure cooker

How Long to Cook Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot

You ready for the hard part? Place the lid on, turn the nozzle to seal, pressure cook on high, and turn the timer to 4 minutes.
(Four minutes gives the cabbage a nice texture of cooked, but not soggy! However, if you prefer a super soft cabbage, you may want to do another minute.)

Not hard at all, right?

When the timer goes off, you want to “quick-release” the pressure, but turning the nozzle to “vent”! NOTE: This can burn your hand, so take precaution and use a dish towel or my all-time favorite heat resistant gloves for this!

Do NOT remove the lid of the Instant Pot until the float valve goes down!

Once you take the lid off, soak in the smells of dinnertime!

Cooked kielbasa and cabbage in the pressure cooker
Cooked kielbasa and cabbage

Salt and Pepper (Optional)

The kielbasa will have salt in it, so you may not need as much salt as you’d normally want, so salt and pepper to taste!

We use this Himalayan salt (it’s our all-time favorite now because it’s fine grain and lasts for a really long time) and regular ground black pepper for this recipe.

Salt and Pepper for smoked sausage and cabbage recipe
Salt and Pepper
Sprinkle salt and pepper on to cabbage and kielbasa
Sprinkle in salt and pepper, to taste

Mix together the kielbasa, cabbage, and spices and it’s ready to serve/eat!

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot
Kielbasa and Cabbage, ready to eat!

What do you Serve with Kielbasa and Cabbage?

Side Dishes for Kielbasa and Cabbage

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot
Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot

How to Store Leftover Kielbasa and Cabbage

Kielbasa and Cabbage Recipe
Cooked in 4 minutes and ready to eat!

This kielbasa and cabbage recipe does do pretty well, leftover. Know that the cabbage may get a little softer after reheating, but that’s why I also like having a crisper cabbage… to allow for leftovers!

Kielbasa and Cabbage in a white bowl, on a fork
Perfect leftover too!

Recipe

Cabbage and kielbasa cooked in the Instant Pot.
Print Pin
5 from 37 votes

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot

Kielbasa and Cabbage in the Instant Pot: A quick and easy sausage and cabbage recipe that only takes 4 minutes in the pressure cooker.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 264kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage cored and chopped
  • 1 13.5 oz kielbasa or smoked, polish sausage (more than 13.5 is ok!)
  • .5 cup salted butter sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Chop up cabbage in one 1 inch pieces. Set aside.
  • Cut up kielbasa in to ½ in – 1 in. pieces. Set aside.
  • Add chicken broth to the instant pot, and cut up a stick of butter in to slices and add to chicken broth.
  • Add in chopped cabbage, making sure to leave enough room for kielbasa.
  • Top with kielbasa, leaving enough room for the lid, and so the sausage does not touch the lid! No need to stir.
    (As the kielbasa cooks, the drippings will cook down in to the cabbage.)
  • Put the lid on, and turn the dial to "seal" and pressure cook on "high". Set the timer to 4 minutes.
  • When the timer ends, safely turn the vent to release the pressure (I use these heat resistant gloves). When the float valve goes down, it's safe to remove the lid.
  • Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper) and stir.
  • Serve immediately or remove from Instant Pot insert, so the cabbage stops cooking and doesn't get mushy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 932IU | Vitamin C: 87mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A side dish that can be served cut in half, cubed, or made to use in a casserole or baby food!

Sweet potatoes can be such an easy side dish for so many main courses. Baking sweet potatoes or even using the air fryer to make sweet potato fries are staples in our house!

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

After visiting a local steak house for lunch the other day, and ordering a side salad a sweet potato, (great light lunch combo by the way) I fell in love all over again with sweet potatoes.

I had forgotten how easy they are to bake in the oven as an easy side dish and knew my boys would love to have them added to the mix for weeknight dinners, along with this Instant Pot cauliflower soup and these Instant Pot mashed potatoes!

But if I’m making a weeknight dinner, you better believe I want to save time. So when I decided to experiment with cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, I was so excited to cut the time in half and STILL have delicious, fluffy sweet potatoes!

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker

It really is as easy as you think!

With or Without Steamer Basket

Since I have an Instant Pot for a pressure cooker, I use the steamer basket that I bought to go with it. However, if you want to cook them without the steamer basket, you can use the trivet that came with yours if you have one, or something similar.

TIP: It’s best to have something inside like the steamer basket or trivet to elevate the potatoes, so they don’t sit on the bottom of the pot. You want them to evenly steam.

Small Sweet Potatoes

I recommend grabbing small sweet potatoes from the grocery store, because the bigger they are, the harder time you’re going to have trying to cram them into the pressure cooker.

4 raw sweet potatoes to cook - how to cook in a pressure cooker

2-Ingredients

That’s it! That’s all you’ll need. Two ingredients.

  • water
  • sweet potatoes

Pressure Cook on HIGH for 20 Minutes

You can find the full recipe card below to print/pin for your future reference, but I wanted to share tips/photos along the way in case you like to follow along closely like I do when browsing recipes online!

Add 1 cup of water to the inside of the stainless steel pot of your Instant Pot (or pressure cooker).

Steamer Basket: If you’re using a steamer basket, place the 4 washed potatoes inside of the basket and lower into the Instant Pot.

Trivet: If using a trivet, place it in the bottom of the Instant Pot and place the washed potatoes on top of the trivet.

How to cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot
Place raw sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot

Place and secure the lid on to the pressure cooker, adjust the steam release handle to “sealing” and select to pressure on “high” and set the timer to cook for 20 minutes.

Natural Release

When the timer reaches “0”, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure. (This took 10 more minutes for me.)

When the float valve lowers, it is safe to remove the lid and serve the potatoes how you wish!

Cooked Sweet Potatoes in an Instant Pot
Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Safely Remove from Instant Pot

The sweet potatoes will be HOT so use tongs or my favorite heat resistant gloves to remove them from the Instant Pot, and when handling to cut in half!

Cooked Sweet Potatoes on a white plate
Cooked, fluffy sweet potatoes

Toppings for Sweet Potatoes

If you want to serve your sweet potatoes by cutting them in half and topping with your favorite toppings here are a few of our favorite topping ideas:

  • butter
  • sugar
  • brown sugar
  • cinnamon
  • marshmallows or marshmallow topping
  • salt/pepper
Sweet Potatoes with Butter on a white plate

More Sweet Potato Recipes

We love cooking sweet potatoes many other ways. If you do too, you may also love these roasted sweet potatoes and these candied sweet potatoes!

Or, if Thanksgiving is near, this easy sweet potato pie recipe is one to hang on to!

Sweet Potato with Cinnamon and Sugar
Cinnamon and Sugar Topping

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Now, if you prefer mashed sweet potatoes, you can definitely keep things quick by using the Instant Pot or pressure cooker too!

  • Wash, peel and cube your sweet potatoes in to about 1-in cubes.
  • Add one cup of water
  • Place cubed potatoes in a steamer basket or right inside the pot with the water.
  • Seal, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • This time, manually release the pressure. (CAREFUL WITH THE STEAM.)
  • Drain your potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  • Mash the sweet potatoes with a hand mixer or potato masher, along with butter (I like to use about 3-4 Tbsp), cinnamon and brown sugar to taste (maybe a little salt if not using salted butter) unless you’re planning on using the mashed Instant Pot sweet potatoes for a sweet potato casserole, or one of our favorite ways to use them in Sweet Potato Casserole Bread Pudding or Sweet Potato/Butternut Squash Pancakes

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

Recipe

Sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.
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5 from 11 votes

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A side dish that can be served cut in half with butter and sugar, cubed or made to use in a casserole or baby food!Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A side dish that can be served cut in half, cubed or made to use in a casserole or baby food!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Natural Release 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 potatoes
Calories 447kcal
Author Jessica Burgess
Cost $3.00

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 4 Small Sweet Potatoes Washed
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Add one cup of water to Instant pot
  • Put potatoes in steamer basket or on trivet.
  • Set to "pressure cook" on high and set timer for 20 minutes. (May take about 5-10 minutes to come to pressure. May need to pressure longer if using LARGE potatoes, however, large potatoes wouldn't fit in my pressure cooker.)
  • When the timer is up, allow to natural release. (This can take about 10 minutes)
  • When the float valve goes down, safely remove the lid.
  • Sprinkle with butter and cinnamon/sugar if desired!

Video

Notes

Be careful using large sweet potatoes, as they may not fit in the Instant Pot well and may take longer to cook.

Nutrition

Serving: 1potato | Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 1752mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 73772IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 3mg

If you love easy recipes, then you definitely don’t want to miss all of the quick and easy recipes here on Fantabulosity!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Comfort food at its finest, this cheesy lasagna brings the popular buffalo chicken dip appetizer to dinner as a main dish!

When it comes to needing a dinner idea, there are a TON of options out there. But when you can make something like this buffalo chicken comfort food dish, it stands out from the crowd and is such a nice change of pace from the same old thing!

Love buffalo chicken? Make these buffalo chicken sliders alongside this dinner, and you’ll have a hearty, spicy meal!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

I’ve been such a fan of the buffalo chicken dip appetizer for quite a few years now and then quickly also fell in love with the buffalo chicken soup and these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders!

So when I found myself craving buffalo chicken dip that day, I knew that I MUST find a way to turn it into a main dish… and this recipe was born!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

I had never made anything like this, so I started experimenting with what I had on hand at home, and if you ask me… it may just be the best lasagna I’ve ever made. Well, along with this other chicken lasagna recipe of course.

Buffalo CHEESY Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Why is it so good? Well it could possibly be because it is LOADED with cheese. Do you have to put as much cheese in it as I did? Nah, but I can tell you that I didn’t regret the amount I put in.

What Kind of Cheese do you Use for Lasagna?

I used what I had on hand, so feel free to mix it up when you make yours, but I used:

  • mozzarella
  • provolone
  • cheddar

You could also use:

  • ricotta (like when we used ricotta for our lazy lasagna soup recipe!)
  • all mozzarella
  • Colby & Monterey
  • fiesta blend
  • Italian style
  • Parmesan
  • pepper jack (for extra heat)
  • sliced cheese would also work and melt just fine!

What Kind of Hot Sauce do you Use for Buffalo Chicken Recipes?

This is a no-brainer. Frank’s Hot Sauce is our favorite to use for any “buffalo chicken” recipe that we make. Frank’s also makes a buffalo wing sauce that I’d like to try instead of the traditional hot sauce, so let me know if you give this a try!

Easy Chicken Lasagna

After making this myself, I saw a few other chicken lasagna recipes online that used quite a few ingredients and that required making a roux.

I’m big on making things as easy as possible so I was glad this turned out DELICIOUS by simply using what I had on hand and required little effort.

Tips for Making it Easy

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

When making ANY lasagna, I like to cook a few extra noodles in case they fall apart during the cooking process, so although you’ll only need 9 for this recipe, it may not hurt to cook a couple of extras.

  • Cook the lasagna noodles al dente, according to package directions.
Cooked Lasagna Noodles
Cooked Lasagna Noodles

Lasagna Filling

In a mixing bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and hot sauce.

Cream Cheese, Ranch Dressing, hot sauce in bowl for buffalo chicken lasagna filling
Hot Sauce, Cream Cheese, Ranch Dressing

I used my hand mixer to do this, but you may be able to mix it with a fork if your cream cheese is really soft???

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Sauce Filling
Blended cream cheese, ranch dressing (or blue cheese) hot sauce

Next, add in your crumbled blue cheese and stir with a spoon until mixed in.

Add blue cheese crumbles to lasagna filling
Add in blue cheese – stir

Assemble the Lasagna

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of the buffalo sauce mixture into the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking to the dish.

Spread thin layer of sauce in bottom of baking dish for buffalo chicken lasagan
Spread thin layer of sauce in baking dish

Step 1 of Layering: Next, place three lasagna noodles on the top…

Layer on al dente lasagna noodles for buffalo chicken lasagna
Layer on 3 lasagna noodles

Step 2 of Layering: Sprinkle on a third of the shredded cooked chicken.

Sprinkle on cooked rotisserie chicken for the lasagna

Step 3 of Layering: Using a fourth of the shredded cheese, sprinkle on top of the chicken.

Layer on the shredded cheese
Layer on shredded cheese

Step 4 of Layering: Spread a third of the buffalo sauce mixture on top of the shredded cheese.

Repeat layers for buffalo chicken lasagna
Repeat the layering process – sauce, noodles, chicken, cheese

Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers until you have used all of the noodles and…

Uncooked Buffalo Chicken Lasagna ready to be baked
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna assembled, ready for cheese topping.

…top the lasagna with the last ¼ of the cheese remaining.

NOTE: Don’t feel like you have to follow this layering process exactly. Lasagna is forgiving, so feel free to switch it up or layer how you prefer. I just recommend to definitely top with shredded cheese for that “golden glow” on the top after baking!

Top Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with Shredded Cheeses
Top with remaining cheeses – ready for baking!

How Long to Bake Chicken Lasagna

With the noodles and chicken already cooked, the lasagna doesn’t have to cook through for “doneness” but rather to melt all of the cheeses and heat through.

Preheat the oven and bake at 350° for about 35 minutes, uncovered.

Cover with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Baked Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Allow to Rest Before Serving:

Once the lasagna has finished baking, remove from oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the cheeses to adhere to the noodles and sauce, for easier cutting/serving.

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
As you can see above, I cut/served the lasagna while hot, so it’s MUCH harder to serve this way. Allow the lasagna to cool for at least 15 minutes, if possible, for easier serving.

How to Serve Lasagna

If desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley! If you’re feeling extra brave, drizzle with extra Frank’s Hot Sauce or even ranch/blue cheese dressing!

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna in a serving dish
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or parsley if desired!

Side Dishes for Lasagna

We can’t forget a side dish for this comfort food classic! Our favorites to have with lasagna are:

If you love pasta dishes like this one, then you’ll also love this lemon chicken pasta recipe!

Recipe

Small white dish full of buffalo chicken lasagna serving.
Print Pin
4.89 from 9 votes

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Comfort food at it's finest, this cheesy lasagna brings the popular buffalo chicken dip appetizer to dinner as a main dish!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Calories 937kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Equipment

  • oven
  • hand mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 packages cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups ranch dressing
  • 2 cups hot sauce we like Frank's Hot Sauce
  • 5 oz. blue cheese crumbles
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken we debone a whole rotisserie chicken
  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups provolone shredded (optional)
  • 9 lasagna noodles

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Cook lasagna noodles al dente according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ranch dressing and hot sauce with a hand mixer.
  • Stir in blue cheese crumbles.
  • In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce mixture in to the bottom.
  • Drain your noodles, and layer 3 of the cooked lasagna noodles into the baking dish.
  • Spread on a third of the buffalo sauce mixture.
  • Sprinkle on a third of the cooked, shredded chicken
  • Sprinkle on a third of the shredded cheeses
  • Repeat the layering process using all of the noodles and end with cheese on top!
  • Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting to allow the cheeses and filling to cool a bit for easier serving.

Video

Notes

We cook an extra couple of lasagna noodles in case we have some fall apart while cooking/assemlby.
Feel free to reduce the shredded cheese or substitute the flavors of cheese!
TIP: If possible, allow baked lasagna to cool for about 15 minutes for easier serving. Not allowing the lasagna to rest is ok, it’s just much harder to serve with the hot, melted cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 937kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 73g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 2947mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1591IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 739mg | Iron: 2mg

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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot: A homemade “hamburger helper” dinner ideas that can be quick for a family meal using items that you may even have on hand!

Hey there quick meal idea lovers. I’m right there with you, hence the reason I finally took the plunge and bought the Instant Pot. Oh yes, this version of hamburger mac and cheese on the stovetop, can be made in a pressure cooker too!

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

After staring at my pantry the other day, I decided I wanted to experiment a little bit with the Instant Pot, and now you’re looking at the result. After we realized how quick and easy it was, I knew I had to share it with you.

I wasn’t sure if I’d ever like another “cheeseburger” dinner as much as we love the baked cheeseburgers but this dish is an amazing easy dinner idea when the comfort food craving calls! (We also think you’re going to love this cheeseburger subs recipe too, if you’re a cheeseburger fan.)

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

Not only is there a ton of flexibility that you can have with this recipe, but the ease of throwing it all together was also my FAVORITE part.

Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe in the Instant Pot

Answering Your Cheeseburger Macaroni Questions:

Can I use Velveeta instead of canned cheddar cheese soup?

I haven’t tried this, but I don’t see why you couldn’t substitute it. I’d just make sure to use about 10 oz. of Velveeta (cut up into cubes, like we did in this Rotel Dip, and maybe add a little bit of milk — maybe ¼ cup??? – guessing here) since the canned cheese is a little more liquified than the block cheese. If you try this, let us know!

How do you defrost ground beef in the Instant Pot?

Want to use frozen beef? You totally can, because I do too! I typically either forget to thaw it out, or I decide at the last minute to make something with it. I made this using frozen ground beef, although provided directions for thawed beef too!
But when I’m totally on my game and remember to thaw ground beef out naturally, you definitely find me making The BEST Cheeseburger recipe, where I use browned butter and basic ingredients/methods to make them the juiciest burgers I’ve ever had! So if you were on your game today, or just snagged some ground beef from the grocery store, you may want to make this cheeseburger recipe too!

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Now, I LOVE a good boxed, Hamburger Helper dinner from the grocery store. But what I REALLY love about this recipe is that it’s similar, super easy… (no, everything doesn’t come in a box) but the flavor of this dish is way more powerful!

Other Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe…

When sharing this recipe with you, I’m keeping in mind that a lot of you may desire a different level of seasonings and spices and I want to keep it as easy as possible.

So expect this to be a very basic recipe that could use extra spices and flavors… or cheese. You can NEVER go wrong with adding more cheese!

However, here are a few things I’d suggest doing additionally to really add flavor to it so it doesn’t come out bland.

Items to Add to Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • Garlic Pepper (It’s my absolute favorite, to sprinkle on to the top of each serving, but not for my kids.)
  • Extra shredded cheese on top of each serving is a MUST in my book.
  • Add milk after cooking if you prefer it more creamy.
  • Salt and Pepper as desired, but remember… you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
  • Sour Cream (Reader Suggested)
  • Hot Sauce – I haven’t tried this yet, but I could definitely go for this on my serving.
  • Can of diced tomatoes and green chilies! (Reader Suggested)
  • Bacon or bacon bits for super easy additions! (Reader Suggested)

Left Over Cheeseburger Macaroni?

If serving this leftover, you may want to add a little milk to it before reheating, just to recreate a creamy texture.

Cheeseburger macaroni recipe in the instant pot

I so hope you love this recipe. We ate on this for a couple of days and I’m already looking forward to making it again because it was so quick. It one of our favorite ground beef recipes that we turn to a lot.

This recipe is not only a great family dinner idea to meal plan with, (get your meal planning printable in the home management binder) but it serves as the perfect dish to deliver to someone in a meal care package to eat on for a few days!
Maybe just send along a little extra milk too, so they can add a bit to enhance the creaminess when reheated!

If you’re into quick and easy recipes, then you’ll LOVE to blog the recipe archives here on the blog, OR make dinnertime insanely easy, and grab my “Fabulously Fast Dinners” cookbook where I’ve done all of the dinner time planning for you!

More Comfort Food Recipes

If you love comfort food, then you’re in the RIGHT place. Here we believe that food is love. So when you either want to show yourself some love, or make something comforting for someone you love, then browse our favorite easy-to-make recipes!

But I’ve picked out some of our favorite comfort dishes here…

This Cheeseburger Casserole has all the flavors of a cheeseburger but in a dish that’s perfect for a family weeknight meal, or even a care package!

If you have extra elbow macaroni noodles, you can use them in this old-fashioned macaroni and tomatoes recipe!

30-Minute Taco Pasta Recipe – This 30-minute Taco Pasta Recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner! If you are a busy mom looking for a simple, quick, and healthy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, this taco pasta recipe is for you.

Chili Mac Recipe – In less than 30 minutes, and a few simple ingredients, this chili mac using ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, elbow macaroni, and cheese, will soon become a new favorite spin on a chili recipe! But similar to chili mac, this slow cooker goulash recipe is always a great choice!

Recipe

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot
Print Pin
4.51 from 112 votes

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot

Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot: A "hamburger helper" style dinner idea that can be quick for a family meal using items that you have or can keep on hand!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 663kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef drain after cooking if using a fatty beef
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 10.5 oz can of cheddar cheese soup
  • 3 cups broth chicken or vegetable (Recently updated from 2.5 cups to 3)
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper as desired
  • garlic pepper seasoning optional

Instructions

  • If ground beef is frozen, pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot, put on the lid, make sure the valve is on “seal”, and select 25 minutes on “high” manual mode. Ground beef should be fully cooked before moving forward.
  • If starting with thawed ground beef, turn the “saute” setting on and cook the ground beef, garlic powder, and onion powder until beef is no longer pink.
  • Next add in broth, elbow macaroni, can of cheddar cheese soup and salt/pepper if desired.
  • Lock lid and close the valve to “seal” and cook for 4 minutes on manual “high” setting. The pressure cooker will take about 5 minutes to seal, 4 minutes to cook and then quick release the valve to let the pressure out.
  • Add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
  • Divide and sprinkle on remaining shredded cheddar on to each serving, for extra cheesy goodness! 
  • Tip: Get creative by sprinkling on seasonings like garlic pepper seasoning, hot sauce, and anything else that you love, to add more flavor!

Notes

This recipe is a basic cheeseburger macaroni recipe. You may want to add seasonings and other flavors to kick it up a notch with flavor. I wanted to keep it very basic for kids! If in doubt, add more cheese! You can never go wrong with more cheese! 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (about 1-½ cups) | Calories: 663kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1136mg | Potassium: 729mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 449mg | Iron: 3.3mg

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Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: A quick tutorial on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot in as little as 9 minutes!

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Oh how my world has been rocked.

I don’t know if I’ve been this excited since I fell in love with the garlic roasted broccoli or the first time I made Instant Pot polenta or sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot!

I’m not going to lie… I always bypassed the spaghetti squash in the grocery store because I felt intimidated by it, and in no way did I think I’d actually like what was inside. (Kind of like the first time I hear of cauliflower soup… I didn’t know how amazing it actually was!)

Whole Spaghetti Squash
Whole Spaghetti Squash – Wash Before Cutting in Half

But when I got the Instant Pot, it’s like I put my brave hat on and started experimenting to see what kinds of things I could cook and how they’d turn out.

Well I am BEYOND excited to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised when this spaghetti squash came out lookin’ fine as can be after only 9 minutes.

Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

According to Healthline, spaghetti squash is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B6. So it’s a popular healthy side dish recipe in our house!

How to Cut a Spaghetti Squash

As you’ll see in my video and the photos, I cut the spaghetti squash vertically, from end to end.
However, I’ve since heard that you can cut horizontally for a longer “noodle”. But I liked the “noodles” the way they were and will continue to cut horizontally.
NOTE: Be VERY careful when cutting because the skin is so thick and you’ll need to use a sharp knife.

Can you freeze cooked spaghetti squash?

You can! Cook as directed, and then allow to cool. Once cooled, store in freezer container/bags and store up to 8 months.

Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot?

You can! Like the recipe below, use one cup of water, place squash on trivet and turn the vent to the “sealing” position and pressure on high for 12 minutes. When timer ends, quick-release, remove squash, slice in half and remove seeds. Using a fork, pull the insides to create spaghetti-like strands.

I even went so far to add some parmesan, garlic, and butter to it, but that recipe will come later!

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot

For now, we’re only going to go over how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, because you may choose to use it differently after it’s finished cooking!

How to Cut Spaghetti Squash

As you’ll see in the video tutorial I’ve provided here or the image below, I just use a very sharp knife, and being VERY careful, I cut the end with the stem off and then cut the squash in half, vertically.

Spaghetti Squash Cut in Half - Scoop out the Inside Pulp and Seeds
Spaghetti Squash Cut in Half – Scoop out the Inside Pulp and Seeds

Scoop Out the Inside of Spaghetti Squash

Next, before placing in your Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) scoop out the inside of each half of the squash, removing all of the strands and seeds. Discard.

Add Water

Pour one cup of water in to your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.

1 cup of water for pressure cooker
1 cup of Water

Next, place the two halves of the spaghetti squash inside of the pot, on top of the trivet.

Pressure Cook on High

Once the squash is inside the pot, place the lid on and turn the vent to the “sealing” position.

Turn the timer to 9 minutes and pressure on “high”.

NOTE: Finding the perfect cook time to recommend can be a struggle depending on the size of the spaghetti squash that you have. Also, be cautious of the size of squash you purchase, and the size of your Instant Pot, pot.

Cooked Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
Cooked Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot

Quick-Release

When the timer runs out, quick-release by turning the vent from “sealed” to “venting” using a hand-towel, potholder, or my favorite heat-resistant gloves you see below.

These have changed my world in the kitchen! I’ll wear these for recipes that require quick-release but I’ll also wear them when I’m lifting the trivet out of the pot!

Red Heat Resistant Gloves
My favorite heat resistant gloves

Creating the “Spaghetti” out of the Squash

Still wearing your heat resistant gloves (or dish towel/potholder) hold on to one end of the spaghetti squash.

Using a fork, scrape out the inside of the spaghetti squash
Using a fork, scrape out the inside of the spaghetti squash

Using a fork, turn the fork upside down and begin at the vertical end of the squash and begin to scrape the cooked pulp towards you. This will create a “spaghetti” and “noodle” like texture!

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Cooked, pulled spaghetti squash

Watery Spaghetti Squash

TIP: If you find that your spaghetti squash is watery (this squash can be watery at times) it may not hurt to place it in a colander to let it drain before serving/mixing with the sauce.

If spaghetti squash cools while draining, briefly toss over heat while mixing with the other ingredients if desired.

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash

Our favorite way to serve spaghetti squash is simple. Butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a dash of red pepper flakes!

Spaghetti Squash with Butter and Garlic
Garlic Butter Sauteed Spaghetti Squash

However, you can use spaghetti squash:

Recipe

Spaghetti squash that was cooked in the Instant Pot, and has red pepper and parmesan cheese on top.
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: A quick tutorial on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot in as little as 9 minutes!Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: A quick tutorial on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot in as little as 9 minutes!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 75kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 spaghetti squash

Instructions

  • Wash outside of spaghetti squash
  • Place trivet inside of Instant Pot, pot and pour 1 cup of water in to pot
  • Slice the stem-end of the spaghetti squash off and then slice the squash in half, vertically. You'll need a sharp knife and bee VERY careful as this can be dangerous since the outside is so thick and difficult to cut.
  • Using a spoon, scoop out the inside strands and seeds. Discard.
  • Place the two halves inside of the pot, facing one another.
  • Place the lid on, and turn the vent to the "sealing" position.
  • Pressure cook on "high" and set the timer for 9 minutes.
  • When the timer ends, quick-release the vent (I use my favorite heat-resistant gloves for this) until the valve lowers.
  • Once valve has went down, remove the lid and squash and transfer them to a plate or cutting board.
  • Using a fork, turn the fork upside down and begin scraping the insides of the squash by starting at the vertical-top part of the squash and pulling the fork towards you. This will create a "spaghetti-like" texture.
  • Serve warm with desired seasonings, sauces, spices.

Video

Notes

BE VERY careful cutting the spaghetti squash in half. This can be very dangerous!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity — I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook.

Love Instant Pot Recipes?

Then you’ll LOVE the others I have here on Fantabulosity!

Christmas Gift List Template

Christmas Gift List Printable: Keep gift buying organized with a free printable tracker template that has fill-in-the-blank bullet points to manage gifting!

Christmas Gift List Printable on clipboard with pink pretty decor

Christmas Gift List Template

Hi there! Pen and paper kinda gal here.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good spreadsheet and digital organizer like Trello (actually, I couldn’t survive without Trello) but there is something about writing things out with a fun pen and cute sheet of paper or a printable, which is why I created my home management binder too!

So if you’re like me and love a good pen to paper kind of organization every once in a while, then I want to share my Christmas Gift List with you, to help you manage and keep track of the Christmas gifts you’re buying for friends/family this year!

You’ll Also Love:

Gift List Printable

Christmas Gift Tracker List Printable

When designing this printable, I wanted to keep things clean and simple, and use my favorite color, coral, to match all of the other printables created here on Fantabulosity!

How to Use the Gift Printable Checklist

Simply jot down all of those that you need/want to buy for, and then list out any ideas that you have.

Once you’ve purchased or gathered the item(s) you’re giving them, mark through it!
There’s something so satisfying about crossing something off a list, don’t ya think?

Christmas Gift List Bullet Journal

I know so many of you are fans of bullet journaling, so I’m hoping that this printable is an easy addition to your own journal if you have a way of including it.

8.5 x 11 Portrait Size

This printable is designed to be printed and used loosely or can be added to a three-ring binder. However, sizing it down should work just fine if you have a smaller binder/journal you’d like to add it to.

Just check your computer’s settings to make these adjustments.

How to Access Your Free Gift List

It’s simple! Just select the button below to get your free gift list printable!

Get Your Free Gift List

Did You Use This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

If Christmas is On Your Mind, Then You’ll LOVE These Other Related Posts Too!

How to Host a Favorite Things Party

If you’re looking for a fun party (or a low-key gathering with friends) a favorite things party is incredibly fun! Read how I host this party and play the gift exchange game!

Fleece Blankets with ribbon and spruce sprigs and tags. Favorite Things Party Ideas - How to Host Favorite Things Party Favors

Tips for Creating a Holiday Place Setting

I love personalizing a place setting for guests. It can help a guest feel more welcome when things are in someone else’s home, and can help make them feel a little more special! See how I designed this fun holiday place setting for Coca-Cola!

Tips for Creating a Holiday Place Setting

Customizable Place Card Printables

Talk about personalization! With these free customizable place card printables, you can type in your guest’s name, print out and wrap around a cloth napkin! Such an easy way to add a sweet gesture during the holidays! Use the “I’m thankful for” option or the “Welcome” option for your very own table!

Holiday welcome place cards

Pin it To Remember it!

Christmas Gift List Printable - Great for bullet journaling and organization #christmas #giftlist #checklist #organizer

Cookie Dough Fudge

Cookie Dough Fudge: This recipe is easy to whip up for a quick dessert or to serve guests at a holiday party! With only a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect to save for an easy dessert go-to!

Cookie Dough Fudge with chocolate chips

Welcome to my little space on the Internet where I LOVE enticing those of you that have a sweet tooth as much as I do with as many easy dessert recipes that I can!

Once every few months, I get a specific craving for edible cookie dough… but if I’m wanting to make something that’s a little easier to share with others, I’ll whip up this cookie dough fudge!

If it’s quick, easy, uses everyday ingredients, and has chocolate in it, then you can bet that it’s going to be a favorite around here. (Have you tried these cookie dough stuffed crescent roll bites, yet?)

Which brings me to one of the best things since sliced bread… cookie dough fudge.

Fudge with Chocolate Chips?

I mean, cookie dough? Fudge? Chocolate chips? All combined in one easy, no-bake dessert recipe? Sign me up to bring dessert to every pot luck from now on.

The slight crunch of the chocolate chips inside of this smooth, creamy fudge is the perfect texture in almost every, stinking, bite.

Fudge with Chocolate Chips
Fudge with Chocolate Chips

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well not only does this fudge resemble a cookie dough flavor, but it also has the flavors of white chocolate, because of the addition of the melted white chocolate mixed in!

Cookie Dough Fudge with Chocolate Chips stacked
Cookie Dough Fudge is the perfect dessert for parties!

It’s incredibly easy, and if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’re in luck. No baking required (just a microwave) and you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients for Fudge:

  • .5 cup butter 1 stick – softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups mini chocolate chips
  • 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1.5 cups white chocolate melted

You’ll start by making sure you’ve greased a 9-inch pan and have lined it with parchment paper.

Next, with a stand or hand mixer, mix together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Heat the Flour:

Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave the flour until it’s hot, about 1 ½ minutes and add the flour and salt to the creamy mixture.

Melt the Chocolate:

 Melt the white chocolate in the microwave at 10-second intervals, stirring between, until melted.

 While that’s melting, stir the chocolate chips into the mixing bowl. 

Once the white chocolate has melted, add the sweetened condensed milk to the chocolate and stir until smooth. 

Combine the Two Bowls of Ingredients:

Add mixture to the mixing bowl of the flour mixture, and mix it on low until completely blended.

Setting the Fudge

Pour Fudge into the square pan, and press evenly into the pan with a spatula, or the back of a large spoon.

Refrigerate:

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or longer if needed, until the fudge is firm, and set.

Cut fudge into 1 to 2-inch squares, and place on a plate or platter to serve.

Cut the Cookie Dough Fudge
Cut in to bite-size, one serving pieces

Easy Dessert for Parties

Oh friend… this fudge is not just for the holidays. Especially cookie dough fudge. I think that flavor is more of a summer-time flavor that is great all-year-round. So combining and ever so popular flavor like cookie dough with a popular holiday treat, then it’s a game-changer.

Taking fudge to a party or serving it at your own party is ideal due to the lack of silverware, utensils or plates needed for this dessert.

It’s a grab-and-go style and can even be made ahead of time, which is a HUGE perk when planning and hosting a party.

Cookie Dough Fudge on a white farmhouse table
A dessert that can be made in advance!

If you love recipes like this, then you’ll really love this Butterbeer Fudge recipe that’s a kid and family favorite around here too!

Recipe

Fudge with Chocolate Chips
Print Pin
5 from 8 votes

Cookie Dough Fudge

Cookie Dough Fudge: This recipe for cookie dough fudge with chocolate chips is easy to whip up for a quick dessert or to serve guests at a holiday party!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 24 1-in squares
Calories 232kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • .5 cup butter 1 stick – softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups mini chocolate chips
  • 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1.5 cups white chocolate melted

Instructions

  • Spray a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper. 
  • In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. 
  • Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave the flour until it's hot, about 1 ½ minutes. 
  • Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until smooth. 
  •  Melt the white chocolate in the microwave at 10-second intervals, stirring between, until melted.
  •  Stir chocolate chips into mixing bowl. 
  • Add the sweetened condensed milk to the melted white chocolate, and stir until smooth. 
  • Add the White Chocolate mixture to the mixing bowl, and mix on low until completely blended.
  • Pour Fudge into the square pan, and press evenly into the pan with a spatula, or the back of a large spoon.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or longer if needed, until the fudge is firm, and set.
  • Cut fudge into 1 to 2-inch squares, and place on a plate or platter to serve.

Notes

Fudge may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity — I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook.

Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls

Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls: Shopping for your daughter, niece or friend just got a lot easier with these popular gift ideas!

Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls

Oh how I had fun shopping around online for gift ideas for teenagers! I did have to recruit a little help (ok, a LOT of help) from my niece on this post to make sure I actually recommended gift ideas that the teenage girls in your life would actually like!

Have others to buy for? Here are more gift ideas you’ll love

From trending girl gifts to everyday necessities that any girl would love, you’re sure to find something here to complete your gift buying list!

P.S. Did you get my free printable Christmas Gift List download yet? You’ll want to get your hands on that pronto!

Ok, so let’s get to the items I’ve found online for you to help make your Christmas shopping a little easier.

Note that most of these gift ideas are from Amazon, just because if you’re familiar with Fantabulosity, you know I survive on Amazon prime, and I’m assuming you may too.

However, you may also find some items here from Target, Uncommon Goods, and Anthropology!

Many of these links contain affiliate links.

Gifts for Teenage Girls:

  • 60Pcs Premium Velvet Hair Scrunchies – Oh I love how scrunchies have made a comeback. This contains 60 pcs and she’ll surely be able to pick a color that she loves with this set!
  • adidas Women’s Adilette Aqua Slide Sandal – I feel a bit of nostalgia with these too, and the pastel colors are adorable!
  • Cute VSCO Laptop Vinyl Stickers for Water Bottles – So apparently young girls are loving adding stickers to their water bottles these days, and this set is just one of many available!
  • Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Flask – Oh but not just any water bottle! A Hydro Flask is what she wants this year!
  • Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm – Good ole Burt’s Bees never gets old. She’ll love this as a stocking stuffer or just to balance off another gift you’re getting her!
  • Fairy Lights – She’ll love these to decorate her room to show off as the background in her SnapChat or TikTok videos!
  • Crocs Classic Clog – How are these back in style!? I love it. They are and they’re SO hot right now.
  • Madden Girl Women’s Brando Slide-On Sandal – I feel like a broken record here, but what in the world!? I totally wore these in the 90’s and grinned when I saw teenage girls wearing them with their socks!
  • VSCO String Wave Bracelet – The string bracelets are HUGE and she probably wants a 100 of them to wear at once on her arm. Pick her favorite color (or get a variety) and surely she’ll be in love!
  • Bright Fuzzy Socks – Well you don’t have to be a teenage girl to love fuzzy socks. (I actually owe this idea to my teenage nephew, as he likes buying fuzzy socks for his girlfriend for her birthday and Christmas!)
  • DIY Journaling Set – Girls are loving the DIY things right now, where they can get crafty and create new things. I thought this DIY journaling set was flipping adorable!
  • Vineyard Vines Tees – I’m sure you’ve noticed the girls wearing the oversized t-shirts, with the shorts, crocs and carrying their hydro flasks… well a popular t-shirt right now for teenage girls tends to be a Vineyard Vines tee and they have super cute styles right now!
  • Lightess Cinema Light Box – For a little room decor, she’ll love creating messages on these before her friends come over for a visit!
  • Phone Case – Who doesn’t need a new phone case? Or a backup at least!? Snoop around and figure out her favorite color and see if they have a phone case in her shade!
  • Charging Hub – How handy is this charging station for her phone and other accessories!?
  • Roku Streaming Stick – On the higher end of a Christmas gift as far as price, I think is an affordable way to give her the option to watch a TON of tv in her room!
  • DIY Lip Balm Kit – A mix of the lip balm and DIY ideas above, a lip balm kit would be fun to create favorite flavors and scents!
  • Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa – Whether she’s staying with a friend, going camping with the family or she needs a quick nap in between soccer games, she’ll love this air sofa!
  • KODAK Smile Instant Print Digital Camera – Teenage girls are too young to remember our polaroid days, so they’re loving the instant print digital camera!
  • Apple AirPods with Charging Case – On the more expensive side of gift ideas, I don’t know if there’s a teenage gal out there that wouldn’t LOVE these. Heck, I wish I could get some of these this year!
  • Weighted Blanket – These are all the rage right now, and even if it’s just a trend, it has been said that they can help with anxiety and help you sleep better!
  • Starbucks Gift Card – What girl wouldn’t love to be able to hop over to Starbuck’s to get her favorite treat without having to ask mom and dad for money!?
  • Candy – Don’t just grab a bag of candy off of the shelf at the store. Buy a few different kinds in the same color, or buy her favorites and build a candy basket in a cute container that she can reuse, like a make-up bag or jewelry box!

Did I Miss Something?

I’m sure there are SO many other items out there that a teenage girl would love, and I want to hear about it! Drop a note in the comments and let me know what it is so I can add it to this one to help others out!

What About Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys?

If you also have a teenage guy on your list, you’ll find this list of gift ideas for teenage boys super helpful too!

Orange Sherbet Punch

Orange Sherbet Punch: This 3 ingredient punch using lemon lime soda (or 7up) is perfect for all your upcoming parties and the holidays!

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear.

Orange Sherbet Punch

Hey Fantabulosity readers! I know how much you loved Jessica’s family-favorite, BEST Fruit Punch recipe, so it was time to have another punch favorite, orange sherbet punch! Or if you want to make a punch recipe without ice cream, this orange fall punch recipe is delicious too!

Sherbet or Sherbert?

I’m going to admit… I spelled and said sherbet, like SHERBERT, for YEARS! Who’s with me? I really hope I’m not alone.

But it turns out, according to Writing Explained, Sherbet is the answer!

More Recipes You’ll Love

It’s Meg from Meg’s Everyday Indulgence and I’m so super excited to be sharing another delicious recipe with you today, Orange Sherbet Punch.

It’s perfect for holiday parties, birthday parties, special dinner ideas, and everything in between.

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear. All you need is orange sherbet, lemon lime soda and orange juice.

Orange Sherbet Punch with 7up

Adding a lemon-lime soda like 7up, sprite or ginger ale to a punch is crucial, in my opinion.

It helps break up the sugary-syrupy texture that ice cream and orange juice, at least in this recipe, creates.

ORANGE SHERBET PUNCH INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you need to make orange sherbet punch:

  • Orange sherbet
  • Orange juice
  • Lemon-Lime Soda, like 7up or Sprite

Easy, right?

TIP: If you’re making it in a punch bowl, add the orange juice and lemon-lime soda and carefully stir together. You want to keep as many bubbles in the punch as possible so gentle stirring is key.

Also, before you plan on making the punch, it’s important to make sure your lemon-lime soda is chilled so that everything is cold and ready for serving. Nobody wants a kind of warm party punch.

Add in the Orange Sherbet

Next, add the orange sherbet by the scoopful into the punch bowl. Let the punch sit for a few minutes to allow the sherbet to soften a bit before serving.

The extra punch of orangey goodness that the orange juice provides really puts this punch above and beyond the typical sherbet punch.

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear. All you need is orange sherbet, lemon lime soda and orange juice.

How to Serve Punch:

You have two options for serving this punch.

First, you can make a big batch in a punch bowl. This is a great option if you’re having a big gathering where it will disappear quickly.

If it’s just your family or maybe you need a late-night treat, you can make it by the glass as well.

The amounts for both options are included in the recipe card below.

Party Punch

I love having paper straws on hand for drinking this punch. You can use plain paper straws or find festive ones that coordinate with your party. I love a good theme.

You can dress up your punch by adding thin slices of oranges to the rims of your punch glasses. It’s a simple way to fancy up this super simple punch.

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear. All you need is orange sherbet, lemon lime soda and orange juice.

Can I Substitute Another Sherbet Ice Cream Flavor?

If you aren’t able to find orange sherbet, don’t you worry!

You can change up the recipe with a variety of sherbet options. Lime, raspberry, pineapple or rainbow sherbet would all pair deliciously with the orange juice and lemon-lime soda.

I haven’t tried these options personally but I know the citrus of the liquid ingredients would taste really lovely with all of the sherbet flavors listed.  

Can I Make this an Alcoholic Punch

You sure can my friends. I think a white rum, pineapple rum or vodka would be a great addition to this orange sherbet punch.

Another option is to keep the alcohol to the side and your guests can choose if they want their punch spiked.

If there are kids around, be sure to keep it out of their reach and clearly label which option is safe for them to drink.

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear. All you need is orange sherbet, lemon lime soda and orange juice.

PERFECT ALL YEAR LONG

Make sure you keep your refrigerator and freezer stocked with these three ingredients because I guarantee you’re going to enjoy this easy punch recipe throughout the year!

More Drink Recipes

Recipe

orange sherbet punch recipe
Print Pin
5 from 6 votes

Orange Sherbet Punch

This 3 ingredient Orange Sherbet Punch is perfect for all your upcoming holiday parties. Whip up a batch and watch it disappear. All you need is orange sherbet, lemon lime soda and orange juice.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 19kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

For Large Batch Serving:

  • 2 liter bottle lemon lime soda, chilled
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • ½ gallon orange sherbet

For Single Serving:

  • 1 cup lemon lime soda
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 scoop orange sherbet

Instructions

  • For large batch serving: Add lemon lime soda and orange juice to a large punch bowl. Stir very gently. Scoop sherbet into the punch and allow to sit for 3 minutes before serving.
  • For single serving: Pour lemon lime soda and orange juice into a glass. Gently swirl. Add a scoop of orange sherbet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1glass | Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.02mg

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Template

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Template: This free printable organizer will help keep your holiday meal planning organized!

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Printable Download for FREE

About three years ago, (I’m writing this in 2019) I had a friend reach out and say,

[I need] a planner for cooking holiday meals. Ingredients, order of cooking, something to organize 3 days of cooking. When/how/where. So you don’t go “oh crap I needed one more pie crust, and whoops I forgot to cook the hashbrown casserole.” It needs to be computer based so it can be printed.

So, I held on to that note from her and copy/pasted it in to my Trello account (because I’m kind of a crazy person like that, and love to have thought/ideas organized for when I need them) and I dug it out today when the creative bug hit me.

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Printable

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I decided to put my “creative bug” to good use and finally create a Thanksgiving “schedule” template that you can print for your upcoming dinner!

I wanted to create (and still may at some point) a very thorough Thanksgiving schedule, with more suggestions, recipes, cooking tips, etc. but I thought I’d keep it simple for those of you who want something NOW!
(Because what I have swarming around in my head is a BIG deal, and would take a lot of time.)

More Thanksgiving Articles You’ll Love:

3-Page Printable Meal Organizer

In this free printable, you get 3 sheets total, and I want to help walk you through how to use them and why I made two versions of the meal plan scheduler.
But, if you’re ready to just get right to it, head to the pink box towards the bottom of this post where you can enter your email to get access to the entire printable library, including this Thanksgiving Meal Planner!

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Printable
Thanksgiving Meal Planner

2 Meal Plan Scheduler Versions

To try and accommodate those of you who tend to make the Thanksgiving staples AND who tend to stray from the traditional recipes, I’ve created two different versions of the scheduler.

Thanksgiving Meal Planner Template Printable
  1. Scheduled, Suggested Items + Room for More!
    With this printable sheet above, you can see that I have the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and recipes included. I’ve also noted when and on what days you should prepare/think about them!
  2. Blank, Fill-in Meal Planner
    With this blank meal planner below, it’s for those of you who don’t really stick to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. OR, perhaps you want to use the first one, and then use this second one for overflow for extra items you’ll be serving
Thanksgiving Meal Planner Schedule Template

So good news… when you get this Thanksgiving meal planner, you’ll get both files so you can decide to either print one or both!

Recipe Organization Printable

Along with the first two printables, you also get this 3rd recipe planner printable, so you can jot down the different ideas or recipes you plan to make for each portion of the Thanksgiving dinner!

Thanksgiving Dinner Planner
  • Appetizers
  • Entrees
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Drinks

Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping List

If this is your first time here, then you may not know about the free grocery shopping list printable that I created for you a long time ago!

Free grocery shopping list printable download

So rather than re-create a grocery list just for this meal plan, I thought I’d introduce you to my ever-so-favorite (and popular) free grocery shopping list, so that way you can use it forever and ever, rather than just for Thanksgiving!

Head here to get the grocery shopping list printable!

How to Access Your Free Thanksgiving Meal Planner…

It’s simple! Just select the button below to get your printable right now!

Get Your Thanksgiving Meal Planner HERE!

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes

Our family hasn’t really had FULL traditional, Thanksgiving food in a few years (except for the roasted turkey!) so I knew there may be more out there like us, who don’t want a Thanksgiving meal planner filled with dishes that they won’t use/need so I wanted to keep things simple, flexible and straight to the point!

Our Thanksgiving dinners lately have usually included items like:

Are you a big Thanksgiving tradition follower when it comes to meal planning or do you like to switch things up sometimes? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Did You Use This?
Snap a pic and hashtag it #Fantabulosity — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Gift Ideas for Teenage Guys

Gift Ideas for Teenage Guys: Instead of giving the guy who has everything a handful of cash again this year, here are gift ideas he may love!

Gift Ideas for Teenage Guys

Why are teenage boys so hard to shop for?

With two boys of my own, I’m not sure I’m looking forward to gift-buying when they get older. Course, when it’s your own kids, it may be easier than buying for a boyfriend, brothers, nephews, cousins, friends, etc.

So to help those of you out with great gift ideas for teenage guys, I’ve done a little research and have given you a GREAT list of ideas to choose from!

P.S. Did you get my free printable Christmas Gift List download yet? You’ll want to get your hands on that pronto!

Ok, so let’s get to the items I’ve found online for you to help make your Christmas shopping a little easier.

Note that most of these gift ideas are from Amazon, just because if you’re familiar with Fantabulosity, you know I survive on Amazon prime, and I’m assuming you may too.

However, you may also find some items here from Target, Nike, and Urban Outfitters!

Many of these links contain affiliate links.

Gifts for Teenage Guys

  • MoonPod – PERFECT for gamers or a guy who loves to relax in his room or in front of the tv on the weekends! Sit, lay, recline… it does it all!
Moon Pod on floor with little boy
  • Bluetooth Beanie Hat – With as many podcasts, YouTube videos and TikTok videos that teenagers are watching these days, this Bluetooth beanie hat will come in handy during the colder months!
  • Cornhole Game Set – Cornhole is a game for all ages, but more and more teenagers are playing this on the weekends with their friends!
  • Drone – No matter if they want to catch amazing views on the senior trip or if they need a hobby for the weekend, a drone will be the perfect addition!
  • Nike White Tennis Shoes – White tennis shoes are HOT this season and so many boys are wearing them!
  • Vineyard Vines Tees – As with teenage girls, some guys like to wear this style too!
  • Skateboard – Have a vsco guy on your list? If he doesn’t have a skateboard, odds are he’d love one!
  • Phone Case – As much as teenage guys use their phones, a phone case is a safe bet!
  • Bluetooth Speaker – Make listening to music easier while hanging out with friends with this Bluetooth speaker!
  • Under Armour Socks – Whether it’s for football practice or just to wear with his new slides, he’ll love a new pair of Under Armour socks!
  • YETI Hopper Sidekick Dry – When he’s going for a long day of soccer games, send him with this YETI bag to keep goodies in, instead of a typical cooler/lunch box.
  • Yeti Trucker Hat – Does he love hats? A Yeti hat may just be on his wishlist!
  • Personal Charging Hub – Help keep him organized with this charging hub, to charge his phone and all of his electronics!
  • Phone Charger – Speaking of charging a phone, no one can have too many phone charges. Give him something that he can actually use!
  • Roku Streaming Stick – If he’s going off to college or needs something for the den, this streaming stick will help him watch whatever he loves to binge out on!
  • Cordless Electric Shaver – Like it or not, he may be ready to shave! Give him something nice to use, to learn on.
  • Apple AirPods with Charging Case – A HOT gift for the last year has been Apple Airpods and almost any guy would love these!
  • Gas Gift Card – He’s driving to visit his girlfriend, back and forth to practice or just to hang out with his buds… he’ll love using a gas gift card instead of his savings account!
  • Favorite Things – Arrange some of his favorites in to a reuseable container like a tackle box, plastic storage container for his dorm room or a basket! (sunflower seeds, jerky, candy, socks, scratch off’s, fast food gift cards, etc.) Need an idea for your boyfriend? This Red Hot gift basket idea may be your style!

Did I Miss Something?

I’m sure there are SO many other items out there that a teenage guy would love, and I want to hear about it!

Drop a note in the comments and let me know what it is so I can add it to this one to help others out!

Or, this is a great list for toddler boys if you have another little guy to buy for.

What About Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls?

Oh I have that list too! Head over to see the 23+ Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls!

Easy Blueberry Pancakes

Easy Blueberry Pancakes made from scratch with everyday ingredients and fresh blueberries (or frozen) to create the BEST fluffy pancakes at home!

Breakfast recipes are sort of my jam. (Ha! “jam”. See what I did there?) But in all reality, if this is your first time here, you’re also gonna love my Easy, Fluffy American Pancakes, Pumpkin White Chocolate Pancakes, and my Easy 5-Minute Butternut Squash Pancakes (for when you want to sneak in a veggie for the kids.)

Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry Pancakes

If you love pancakes as much as I do, then you’ll want to get a hold of this list of over 95 pancake toppings to add to all sorts of pancakes!

Easy Blueberry Pancakes

Why are pancakes so stinking good?

I think they’re my favorite to make for breakfast because they can be so versatile by adding just about anything to them to give them some extra “oomph”.

With pancakes, you can either add ingredients right in to the pancake batter or sprinkle on top just before serving. Here is a quick list of my favorite toppings…

Pancake Toppings:

  • chocolate chips
  • honey
  • maple syrup (or agave syrup can be a healthier alternative or even )
  • peanut butter
  • caramel sauce (check out this low carb/no sugar syrup I used for my son’s keto diet)
  • whipped cream
  • strawberries
  • peaches
  • blackberries
  • blueberries (Make a batch of these blueberry buttermilk muffins too!)
  • bananas
  • nuts
  • cream cheese/powdered sugar “frosting”
  • apple pie filling (or any pie filling)
  • crumbled bacon (mix with a maple cream or syrup – OMG)
  • sneak in sweet veggies like canned sweet potato or butternut squash
  • I’d even go so far to say adding your favorite cookies like we did with these Oreo pancakes, would even be fun!

But honestly, I don’t know if there’s anything better than a classic blueberry pancake. That warm, sweet burst of blueberry flavor when you bite in to a blueberry pancake is hard to replicate with any other topping.

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries

When you’re whipping up these blueberry pancakes, feel free to use fresh or frozen.

Fresh is always better in my opinion, but I know how life goes, and sometimes we only have frozen on hand, and they work perfectly fine. If you’re grabbing blueberries at the store, grab extras to make this blueberry cobbler recipe in the cast iron skillet.

Should frozen blueberries be thawed before baking?

Nope! Throw them in just as they are. They should thaw out while cooking… HOWEVER, they may still have a cold temperature if your pancakes cook too fast and don’t allow the berries enough time to reach warm.

Fresh or frozen blueberries work just fine for pancakes

How to Make Blueberry Pancakes from Scratch

If you’ve been making Fantabulosity recipes for a while, then you KNOW I love a good shortcut when it comes to cooking, because:

“Good food doesn’t have to be difficult.”

so a good pancake mix like “Krusteaz” does come in handy but there’s something about a homemade pancake “mix” that just may make you fall in love. Especially when it’s an easy homemade pancake recipe… like this one.

The crisp outside edges with the soft fluffy center and the addition of the warm, juicy berries are hard to beat.

So let’s get into HOW to make them…shall we?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

See ingredient list and printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk (Or if you prefer almond milk, you may love making these pancakes made with almond milk!)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • Roughly 1 cup of fresh blueberries washed and stems removed.

Mix the Pancake Batter:

First, combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to remove any large lumps.

Add in all of the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.

Pancake batter

How to Cook Pancakes

Preheat a griddle or large skillet until warm and add in about 2 tablespoon of butter.

Using a measuring cup, measure out ¼ cup of batter and place in the middle of the skillet or on the griddle.

If you are using a griddle place pancakes about 1-2 inches apart.

Top with 5-6 fresh blueberries and press lightly into the batter.

Blueberry Pancakes with fresh blueberries in a pan
Add in blueberries to the top of the pancake(s)

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown, flip and repeat.

Cooking blueberry pancakes in a skillet on the stove
Flip the pancakes with the top start to form small holes.
Fluffy Blueberry Pancake Recipe from scratch
Fluffy blueberry pancakes

Serve with butter and warm syrup and enjoy! (Or get creative with the toppings ideas I mentioned above and make your own creation!)

Pouring syrup on blueberry pancakes
Drizzling maple syrup over the top of the blueberry pancakes
Do you put whole blueberries in pancakes?

I do! You’re more than welcome to cut them in half, or mash them up completely and mix in with the batter, but I prefer them to be whole and added in after the batter has been dropped in to the pan.
(Berries tend to burn easily, so be careful!)

Can you freeze blueberry pancakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze blueberry pancakes for up to 2 months. A tip that I’ve loved using, is once the pancakes have cooled, place a layer of pancakes in a ziptop freezer bag and then layer a piece of wax or parchment paper on top. Add another layer of pancakes and repeat with paper if necessary! This way when you go to grab the pancakes out of the freezer, they won’t be stuck to one another.

How do you defrost frozen blueberries?

Don’t microwave them, as tempting as it is. They can get soggy and too warm for what you need. Instead, thaw them in a cold water bath for a few minutes.

What to Serve with Pancakes:

Some of my favorite things to serve along with pancakes for a small or even BIG breakfast buffet are:

Fluffy blueberry pancakes recipe
Look at those fluffy centers of the pancakes!

If you love sweet berry desserts, make sure you make this razzleberry pie too!

Recipe

Blueberry Pancakes
Print Pin
5 from 8 votes

Blueberry Pancakes

Easy Blueberry Pancakes made from scratch with everyday ingredients and fresh blueberries (or frozen) to create the BEST fluffy pancakes at home!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12 pancakes
Calories 145kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup blueberries give/take the amount (Fresh or Frozen)

Instructions

  • Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk to remove
    any large lumps.
  • Add in all wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
  • Preheat a griddle or large skillet until warm and add in
    about 2 tablespoon of butter.
  • Using a measuring cup, measure out ¼ cup of batter and place
    in the middle of the skillet or on the griddle. If you are using a griddle
    place pancakes about 1-2 inches apart. Top with 5-6 fresh blueberries and press
    lightly into the batter.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown, flip and repeat.
  • Serve with butter and warm syrup and enjoy! 

Nutrition

Serving: 1pancake | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1mg

More Easy Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love:

Share the love and pin this recipe for later…

EASY Blueberry Pancakes Recipe that are homemade! #easypancakes #easyblueberrypancakes #homemadeblueberrypancakes

Camping Party

Camping Party: A camping party theme for kids of any age! This party theme is so much fun with easy DIY decor and your little campers will love it!

I am THRILLED to share with you, one of my latest party themes…a Camping Birthday Party for indoors.

Camping Birthday Party Ideas for indoors, camping party! Living room campout for kids.

If you love kids party ideas, then you’ll love the Nautical Birthday, Milk & Cookies Playdate, Woodland Friends and the ice creamy party that I’ve styled!

This is one of my favorite party themes for an afternoon of fun or for a slumber party for boys or girls!

Don’t forget these slumber party ideas if you’re nailing down the perfect one for your kiddo!

Camping Party Ideas

This camping party theme is ideal for any age boy or girl! You can really turn it into a sleepover, or you can just “pretend,” it’s a sleepover, with the younger little guys and gals.

Plus, you can have fun making your own invitations for the party using Canva!

Can you imagine how excited the kiddos would be if they were able to wear their pajamas to a birthday party!?

Camp-In Sleepover! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Shopping online the other day, I fell in LOVE with Pottery Barn Kids, and the tents and sleeping bags that they had. I knew a camp-in sleepover HAD to be my next party theme.

A camping-themed party is such a fun way to entertain your party guests! Plus, what kid doesn’t enjoy sleeping in a sleeping bag?!

Camp-In Sleepover! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Birthday Cake

My creative ideas started flowing, and I knew I wanted to create a “fire,” as a cake topper, to carry on with the camping theme.

Various candies and sweets made a yummy, perfect topper.

I used:

  • Nutty Buddy
  • SweeTarts Ropes

and just layered them on top of a pre-made cake! You could easily use any flavor of cake that you want, but I used a white cake with coconut frosting to match the theme of the table!

You could also make a s’mores-themed cake or s’mores dip with marshmallows, a chocolate bar, and graham crackers! What’s a camping trip without s’mores!?

A Camp-In Sleepover! "CAMP," mini painted easels. Camping birthday cake. How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

I found these mini easels and set them up to inspire the kids when it was time for them to paint!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Camping birthday cake with fire. How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

The kids loved (and maybe fought over) the yummy logs and fire.

A Camp-In Sleepover! Camping birthday cake with fire. How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Party Foods

Camping party food ideas can be so fun to plan, and there are a lot of ideas to choose from. Here’s what I used for this kid’s party!

Carrot Cake Cookies, stuffed with vanilla icing perfectly complimented the sugar rush that I was going for. You could also make one of my favorite easy cookie recipes for your camping party, like these Rocky Road Cookies!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Cookie Sandwiches for a camping party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

S’Mores Trail Mix

I brought out these trail mix s’ mores cups with teddy grahams, chocolate, and mini marshmallows., and served them in cute little kraft bowls!

Trail mix is a classic camping party food and making a trail mix bar is another great idea! Including chocolate chips, graham crackers, pretzels, nuts, marshmallows, etc. would be a great way for older kids to get creative.

A Camp-In Sleepover! Smores trail mix for a camping party! Teddy Grahams, marshmallows and Hershey Bars! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Easy Hot Chocolate

And see this deliciousness? The kids had a blast mixing chocolate milk, which I quickly zapped in the microwave and turned in to hot chocolate, perfect telling (and reading) stories around the campfire!

To add to the fun, I filled adorable glass jars with the hot chocolate! You can use cute mugs with mini marshmallows if that’s easier!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Chocolate Milk in fun glass bottles for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Birthday Party Activity + Party Favors

Every party needs a little hands-on activity, right?

But turning a hands-on activity into perfect party favors works even better!

Allowing the party guests to paint their own birdhouses, and take home, is the perfect all-around party idea!

Friendship bracelets, finger paints, tie-dye shirts, etc would all be great DIY camping party favors. That way, the kids are entertained during the party and not sent home with junk!

Supplies Needed for Birdhouse Party Favors:

A Camp-In Sleepover! Birdhouse painting activity for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Party Games & Fun

A room FULL of tents can lead to a crazy amount of fun for the kids.

But so can hours and hours of games like Hide and Seek, and getting cozy in the sleeping bags…. cuddling up around the “fire,” for storytime, is something the kiddos also love!

A Camp-In Sleepover! A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

How do you host a camping party?

There are a couple of different types of camping parties you could host. You can host an indoor camping party for younger kids or a backyard camping party for older kids!

Tents, sleeping bags, and decorations can be set up indoors or outdoors! Camping party food can be easy snacks for indoors or you can roast hot dogs and marshmallows for an outdoor party!

A Camp-In Sleepover! A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Activities for Camping in a Tent

There are tons of things the happy campers can do inside the tents! Reading books, telling stories, watching movies, card games, board games, etc.

Tents are an easy way to keep the kids entertained because it’s something fun and different for them! A great idea to keep them busy for longer is to have them put together the tent as well!

A Camp-In Sleepover! A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Decorations

Camping theme decor can be so fun, and most of them can be used for other items later! I love a good everyday party item that can be used over and over.

We get SOOO many compliments on this fun tent. It doubled as decorations for the camping party and the kids love playing with it long after the party is over. But little decorations mattered too. They were:

  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Wooden logs (for a fake fire)
  • Birthday banner
  • Kaleidoscope
A Camp-In Sleepover! Bear Snores On for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

The bear. I couldn’t resist, THE BEAR. The kids went NUTS over how big he was, and loved wrestling him! Still to this day, he’s a favorite wrestling partner in our house!

A Camp-In Sleepover! This HUGE bear!!! How fun for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Need gift ideas? This is a great list of toddler boy gift ideas!

Who knew a camp-in sleepover, would make it so easy for the kiddos to get ready for bed?!

A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Add some fun by encouraging guests to wear their favorite pajamas, even if it’s not an overnight party!

A Camp-In Sleepover! A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Love Party Ideas?

Me too. You can see all of the fun parties I’ve styled and hosted to get more ideas!

Best Toaster Oven: Reviews and Favorite Picks

Best Toaster Oven: The top 5 toaster ovens after researching customer reviews and specs of each one! Shop them today on Amazon and find out the favorite!

If this is your first time here, then you should know just how much I LOVE new kitchen gadgets. I’ve reviewed quite a few and have given my honest reviews from the unboxing-get-go’s for things like the:

and today I’m ecstatic to be chattin’ about toaster ovens.

What is a Toaster Oven?

Well, according to Wikipedia,

“Toaster ovens are small electric ovens with a front door, wire rack and removable baking pan. To toast bread with a toaster oven, slices of bread are placed horizontally on the rack. When the toast is done, the toaster turns off, but in most cases the door must be opened manually. Most toaster ovens are significantly larger than toasters, but are capable of performing most of the functions of electric ovens, albeit on a much smaller scale.”

But if you ask my mom who has one, she’d say,

“I love it! I can cook things like chicken strips for the grandkids, and even warm up leftover pizza that tastes MUCH better than using the microwave.”

Toaster Oven Reviews

But where do I begin? Researching, that’s where! So I’ve researched and compiled 5 toaster ovens that are great to choose from based on customer and Fantabulosity reader reviews!

Best Toaster Oven: Which One To Buy

Listed in no particular order… and sharing my top pick at the bottom of this post!

1. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

The reviews on this one from Amazon really surprised me considering I read AND READ so many reviews on so many toaster ovens and there were a lot of negative nelly’s on the others.

It’s also an Amazon Choice pick!

Favorite Reviews:

  • Heats up fast and cooks whatever we put in it!
  • Works like a charm and controls are easy to use.

Favorite Specs:

  • The expanded toaster oven fits nicely on the countertop, while the curved interior makes room for 12” pizzas and 6 slices of bread.
  • Digital Controls easy-to-use buttons provide precision control over time, temperature, and function: bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza, frozen snacks, potatoes, cookies
Black + Decker Toaster Oven Review

2. Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer

Yes, you read that right… this toaster oven is also an air fryer! I love that it’s also a brand that has been around for some time, and I always feel better about buying a brand I’ve heard of/used/liked.

Not to mention, it looks REALLY really sleek and I’d love to see this on my counter.

Favorite Reviews:

  • It looks great, it’s very spacious, and it does everything it says it can do.
  • Cooks fast, and watch your temperatures.

Favorite Specs:

  • It not only bakes, broils, and toasts, it also lets you air fry right inside the oven.
  • This link takes you to a BUNDLE that INCLUDES: Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer with Light Silver – Home Basics 5-Piece Knife Set with Premium Cutting Board
Cuisinart Toaster Oven

3. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven

I know, I know… it’s another Cuisinart, but I couldn’t help it based on the reviews.

Plus, this one doesn’t have the air fryer functionality, so if you really weren’t looking for that addition, then you wouldn’t necessarily need the previous toaster oven.

Favorite Reviews:

  • “This thing rocks. I can’t even come up with a single little downside thing.”
  • “I’ve made whole chickens, cookies, pies, toast, veggies, etc in here. I’ve read some other reviews that it takes a while to pre-heat (I’d say maybe 5 minutes for a 350 setting), but I never felt that way.”

Favorite Specs:

  • 15 cooking functions, including innovative dual cook, and speed convection.
  • Extra Large Capacity with All the Space You Need to toast 9 slices of bread, Bake a pizza up to 13 inch in diameter, and more!
Cuisinart Toaster Oven

4. Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven

This Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven is one of the top-rated at Walmart, and after reading the reviews, I understand why.

Plus, this is an affordable toaster oven, and looks user-friendly.

Favorite Reviews:

  • “Works great. Whether we’re toasting bread, heating up a frozen pizza, or reheating dinner, it does the job. No complaints!”
  • “First off this oven has really great heat control and to my findings is pretty darn close to each heat setting, kudos here for that. Before you buy this oven do make sure that you have the counter space for it.”

Favorite Specs:

  • Reheats 28 percent faster and uses 64 percent less energy
  • Versatile cooking with 4 settings include: toast, bake, broil and keep warm

5. Oster Toaster Oven

Again, another brand that I’ve heard a lot about, and feel comfortable purchasing from.

Plus, the buttons and controls look easy to use and figure out.

Favorite Reviews:

  • “It’s perfect for just toasting bread or baking a casserole. I like that it is bigger than a lot of other brands and the convection feature helps cook food faster.” (A casserole?! Genius.)
  • “I love the fact that it has a lighted interior and the crumb tray handle is on the outside to easily remove the tray and crumbs.”

Favorite Specs:

  • Digital controls with 7 cooking settings and an interior light for easy viewing (which I hear some don’t have!)
  • “Large interior can accommodate one 12-inch pizza, casseroles, cookies, and even a roast!” A ROAST!?
Oster Toaster Oven Review

My Toaster Oven Pick?

It’s a close call between the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven and the Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer for me.

The BLACK + DECKER is sleek and the amount of good reviews tempt me.

But the Cuisinart that is also an air fryer would be really nice. EXCEPT, if you have an air fryer already… then you’d probably prefer to use that since it would be bigger and hold a lot more. Yes?

So since I already have an air fryer, my pick is going to be:

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

I’ve also realized that his toaster oven has an option to get the 3-racks, which would be REALLY nice to have for those bigger cooking sessions!

Buy this Toaster Oven on Amazon

Black + Decker Toaster Oven Review

Do you have a favorite toaster oven? Let us know in the comments below which one and why you love it!

Instant Pot Chili Mac

Instant Pot Chili Mac: An easy weeknight meal or the ultimate comfort food! This hearty chili mac is made in under 30 minutes in just one pot for easy clean-up.

With so many Instant Pot favorites around here, this recipe is NO exception!

Instant pot chili mac in white bowl
Instant Pot Chili Mac
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe, like the Instant Pot Cajun Pasta that we love so much too, is perfect for those busy weeknights and last-minute dinner ideas because you can keep the ingredients on hand! Made with lots of cheese, elbow pasta, lean ground beef, and other pantry ingredients that you almost always have!

A one-pot meal is my favorite type of meal because it takes much less time to clean up. All you have to do is throw the instant pot in the dishwasher when you’re done!

Hearty meals like instant pot chili mac, white chicken chili, or this Frito chili pie are the ultimate comfort food for dreary days. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for the whole family. (Especially this crock pot goulash if you’re feeding the family!)

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chili Mac

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (see more ground beef recipes for dinner)
  • 1 red onion (chopped)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 can (15oz)kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 ½ cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

Similar ingredients are used in this hamburger mac and cheese recipe!

Ingredients for instant pot chili mac
Ingredients

How to Make Instant Pot Chili Mac

  1. Press saute mode on the Instant Pot, add oil and wait 3 minutes.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and saute, during cooking, with the help of a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook the meat long enough for it to be fully brown.
  3. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
beef, onions in instant pot
ground beef, peppers and onions
  1. Add the rest of the ingredients except ½ cup of cheddar cheese and green onions. Give it a good stir.
Instant pot chili mac
beans, tomatoes, cheese, pasta
  1. Close the lid, and place the valve on sealing mode. Select high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. (Keep in mind that it will take about 20 minutes for the pressure to rise and start cooking)
  2. Once cooked, release the pressure immediately, open the lid, and stir.
instant pot chili mac and cheese
Cooked pasta
  1. Serve in a hot bowl, add more cheese and green onion.

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions for you in case you’re out of a particular ingredient or follow a certain diet…

  • Impossible meat – For instant pot vegetarian mac, you can use impossible meat or another plant-based meat.
  • Different noodles – If you don’t have macaroni pasta or cavatappi noodles, you can use bow-tie, rotini noodles, or penne noodles.
  • Ground turkey – If you’re out of ground beef or rather use another type of meat, you can use ground turkey instead.
  • Black beans – Kidney beans and/or black beans work great in this recipe so feel free to use your favorite or add half and half.

Variations

Although this recipe is hearty and delicious as is, there are a few ways you can spice it up…

  • Extra cheese – Topping classic chili and instant pot chili mac with extra cheese is one of my favorite things. The cheese melts and adds this ooey gooey texture.
  • Sour cream – You can also top this pressure cookie chili mac with sour cream or a dollop of greek yogurt. (unsweetened greek yogurt!)
  • Spicier – Adding a little extra spice to easy recipes is never a bad idea! Top with cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra zing.
pasta with beans in white bowl

Storage

You can store this chili mac in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftover chili mac is just as delicious as fresh chili mac and it’s super convenient. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

You can also store this pressure cooker chili mac in the freezer for up to 5 months. Make sure you use a freezer-safe container and freeze into separate servings so you can thaw single servings at a time.

Equipment

You’ll need an Instant Pot or another pressure cookie for this chili mac recipe. You can order an Instant Pot online or find one at your local Walmart or grocery store.

2 bowls of chili mac with spoons on white table

Expert Tips and FAQs

What is the difference between goulash and chili mac?

Goulash and chili mac are very similar in the sense they are a one-pot meal with ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, cheese, etc. but American goulash doesn’t contain beads.

Is chili mac a midwest thing?

Instant pot chili mac with beans is a common Midwest meal or side dish. It’s great for game day parties, neighborhood gatherings, and other laid-back events.

Why did my chili burn in the instant pot?

The burn message on your instant pot simply means that the inner pot of your instant pot has gotten too hot. You might have a small amount of burnt chili mac in the bottom of your pot but not enough to ruin the whole dish.

Instant pot chili mac recipe
Cheesy Chili Mac

If you’re a fan of chili, you’ll also love this classic chili recipe and this white chicken chili. I love making chili because it keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for leftovers.

Recipe

Print Pin
5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Chili Mac

An easy weeknight meal or the ultimate comfort food! This hearty chili mac is a made in under 30 minutes in just one pot for easy clean up.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 638kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 red onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed 1 can
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 ½ cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  • Press saute mode on the Instant Pot, add oil and wait 3 minutes.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the impossible meat or ground beef and saute, during cooking, with the help of a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook the meat long enough for it to be fully brown.
  • Add onion and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is softened.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients except ½ cup of cheddar cheese and green onions. Give it a good stir.
  • Close the lid, and place the valve on sealing mode. Select high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. (Keep in mind that it will take about 20 minutes for the pressure to rise and start cooking)
  • Once cooked, release the pressure immediately, open the lid, and stir.
  • Serve in a hot bowl, add more cheese and green onion.

Notes

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions for you in case you’re out of a particular ingredient or follow a certain diet…
  • Impossible meat – For instant pot vegetarian mac, you can use impossible meat or another plant-based meat.
  • Different noodles – If you don’t have macaroni pasta or cavatappi noodles, you can use bow-tie, rotini noodles, or penne noodles.
  • Ground turkey – If you’re our of ground beef or rather use another type of meat, you can use ground turkey instead.
  • Black beans – Kidney beans and/or black beans work great in this recipe so feel free to use your favorite or add half and half.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 638kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 814mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 711IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 5mg

No-Bake S’Mores Cheesecake Recipe

This no-bake s’mores cheesecake recipe is an easy dessert that is made using ingredients of your favorite fireside treat!

Similar flavors are in our Arkansas Possum Pie (yes, that’s the real name of it!) and it’s delicious too! We actually have a lot of no bake dessert recipe ideas that feature these ingredients, so if you’re a fan… then you’re in the right place!

Smores Cheesecake - No Bake Recipe

S’mores Cheesecake

I told you how much I love a good s’more when I shared the pumpkin white chocolate smores.

I’m also a fan of that blissful dessert that’s easy to whip up over a campfire, and it’s something my kids BEG for when they hear we’re doing ANYTHING related with camping.

More Cheesecake Recipes You’ll Love:

No Bake S’mores Cheesecake Recipe

But I don’t believe that s’mores should only make an appearance during a cookout, and I’m also a believer that combining two favorite desserts, deserves its own recipe blog post. I bring you this delicious no-bake dessert.

Grab the full printable recipe below!

Marshmallow Fluff

You’ll start by mixing together the cream cheese, marshmallow ice cream topping, and sugar with a blender or mixer… then set aside. This creates a yummy marshmallow “fluff” that will be the filling.

Marshmallows for smores cheesecake recipe

Try not to take a bite while it sits there. Or do. Whatever floats your boat.

smores cheesecake marshmallows

Graham Cracker Crust

In a food processor (or my handy dandy trick of shoving them in a ziptop bag and beating the heck out of it with a rolling pin) blend (or beat) until fine. (You could also try making this Biscoff crust recipe if you’d prefer that!)

Crust for no bake cheesecake

Add in melted butter (yep, you can pour this right in the bag if you want) and mix it together until it forms a wet sand consistency.

Press it in to the bottom of a cheesecake pan until even.

Smores cheesecake graham cracker crust

No-Bake Cheesecake Filling

Add in the whipped cream to the marshmallow mixture (and now take a quick bite if you wish) and blend on high until smooth.

Now pour mini marshmallows in to the batter and mix, gently folding them in.

Pour the batter over the crust and smooth out evenly.

Refrigerate Cheesecake

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Decorate Your No-Bake Cheesecake

There’s no “right” way to decorate your cheesecake, so feel free to decorate with icing, Hershey bars, and leftover graham crackers.

Freeze Your Cheesecake

Place in the freezer and freeze for one hour.

Top with a little chocolate drizzle like the magic shell fudge, if desired!

S'mores Cheesecake - no bake recipe

If you love this recipe, then you’ll also love this chocolate cream cheese pie and our no bake turtle pie, that are full of chocolate and a no-bake prep, similar to our Nutella Oreo cheesecake!

Recipe

Smores Cheesecake - No Bake Recipe
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

S’mores Cheesecake Recipe – No Bake

This No-Bake S’mores Cheesecake Recipe is an easy dessert that is made using ingredients of your favorite fireside treat!This No-Bake S’mores Cheesecake Recipe is an easy dessert that is made using ingredients of your favorite fireside treat!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigerator and Freezer Time 3 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 600kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 12.5 oz. jar of Smucker's Marshmallow Ice Cream Topping
  • 3 tablespoon Melted Butter
  • 2.5 14.4 packages of Graham Crackers 2 ½ boxes
  • 16 oz. Cream Cheese
  • ⅔ cup Sugar
  • 16 oz. Whipped Cream
  • 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
  • Vanilla Icing 
  • Mini Hershey Bars
  • Magic Shell Fudge (optional for topping)

Instructions

  • Start by placing your cream cheese, sugar, and marshmallow ice cream topping into a large mixing bowl and mix with a hand mixer until smooth, and set aside.
  • Next place 2 packages of graham crackers into your food processor and blend until fine.
  • Add in melted butter gradually, blending after each tablespoon, until it forms a wet sand consistency. 
  • Pour crumb mixture into the bottom of a cheesecake pan, and press down evenly to form crust.
  • Add your whipped cream to your cheesecake batter and blend on high until smooth.
  • Pour your mini marshmallows into your cheesecake batter and fold until mixed well.
  • Pour batter over crust and smooth out evenly.
  • Place in refrigerator for 2 hour and let set.
  • Remove from fridge and decorate with icing, hershey bars, and left over graham crackers, as desired.
  • Place in the freezer for one hour. 
  • Drizzle with magic shell fudge if desired. 

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 162mg | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 1283IU | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 1mg

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you love easy desserts, then you’re in the right place. Food is love around here, and desserts are extra bonus points for letting someone know how you feel.

So if it’s easy, and tasty, then you better believe it will be shared in our dessert recipes archive.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Two flavors combined that will excite your tastebuds! Plus, how to roll up the dough and even freeze it for later to slice and bake cookies!

We absolutely love cookie recipes, so we’ve made sure to offer fun spins on the recipe like with this chocolate and peanut butter cookie but also with a traditional peanut butter cookie and these cake mix peanut butter cookies.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is there really anything better than a chocolate chip cookie? (Or the cookie dough that you’re NOT supposed to eat, but I do…)

Well something that could be better is a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.

Taking one of my favorite dessert recipes and adding another favorite ingredient, just.made.sense.

Full recipe and printable recipe card towards the end of this post for your convenience.

For these chewy AND crunchy cookies, you get to use everyday ingredients like:

  • 1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups creamy Peanut Butter ( you can use Sun Butter or Wow Butter, Peanut free, as a substitute for Peanut allergy)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 5 cups flour
  • 4 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

that makes this cookie recipe so easy that you can whip them up at the last minute for an impromptu family gathering or as a fun dessert for the kids on the weekend.

Homemade Slice & Bake Cookies

What I also love about this peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, is that it can be made and baked right away, or you can roll all of it/some of it and freeze for up to six months!

Slice and Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you want to freeze part of the dough for this cookie recipe, simply wrap waxed paper tight around the cookie log, (more instructions on that in the recipe card) and wrap in aluminum foil, tightly.

Place in freezer, and keep up to 6 months.

Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, remove the log, and slice and bake when desired.

Chocolate Chips on slice and bake peanut butter cookies

When it comes to backing, I’ve found some favorites for cookie supplies and tips to make cookies even better!

  • Bake on parchment paper to reduce clean-up!
  • Or, grab this silicone Silpat Baking Mat to change your cookie life.
  • Chilling your cookie dough can make a BIG difference in how the finished cookies turn out. Refrigerating solidifies the fats in the cookies, so it takes a longer time to melt when in the oven, makes a fluffier cookie. (Rather than spreading out super thin.)
  • Salt? YES… adding salt can create the perfect salty/sweet contrast. I always shake the shaker one or two times more than the recipe calls for because I love that extra little kick. (It’s a secret I’ve had since making chocolate chips cookies as a little girl.)
  • Let your baking sheet cool before adding a new batch of cookie dough to them. If you don’t, they will start cooking before you place them into the oven
Cookies on baking sheet - chocolate chip peanut butter cookies

If you’re a fan of cookies with chocolate chips, then you must know about this chocolate chip banana cookie recipe too!

Recipe

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Two flavors combined that will excite your tastebuds! Plus, how to roll up the dough and even freeze it for later for slice and bake cookies!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 28 cookies
Calories 467kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter Or sun butter, wow butter, peanut free)
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 5 cups flour
  • 4.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • .5 teaspoon salt (I prefer kosher or pink Himalayan salt)
  • 6 oz. chocolate chips (or more/less depending on what you prefer)

Instructions

  • In a stand mixer, cream the butter, shortening, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, water and vanilla, until light, creamy and smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and salt until well blended, and add to peanut butter mixture a little at a time, mixing until smooth, scraping the sides of the mixing bowl to make sure all ingredients are well blended.
  • Remove cookie dough, and divide into three equal amounts, placing dough on waxed paper.
  • Form into a log, about 10 inches long, each, and place dough in refrigerator to chill, about an hour.

Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Remove log from refrigerator, and slice ¼ inch thick.
  • Roll edges of cookies in mini chocolate chips, and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet before removing.
  • Remove slightly warm cookies to cooling rack to completely cool. Enjoy!

To Freeze Cookie Dough

  • If you want to freeze part of the dough for later, chill and roll in chocolate chips, but then simply wrap the waxed paper tight around the cookie log, and wrap in aluminum foil, tightly.
  • Place in freezer, and keep up to 6 months.
  • Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, remove log, and slice and bake when desired.

Notes

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.7mg
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Slice and Bake Cookies

Love Easy Dessert Recipes?

If you love easy recipes, then you’ll want to get your hands on our quick and easy desserts! Pin them for later, so you can remember them for when you need them!

Pin These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ooooh la la! These are DELISH! Easy and chewy peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie recipe! #chocolatechipcookies #peanutbutter #peanutbutterchocolatechipcookies #easy #cookierecipe #cookies #chewycookies

Asian Chopped Salad

Asian Chopped Salad: A flavorful salad that’s easy to make at home and is a wonderful change-up from the typical garden salad!

Chopped Asian Salad - in a white bowl with mandarin oranges on top
Asian Chopped Salad

We are HUGE fans of salad recipes here, but having the same old salad every day can get boring.
Unless we’re having the BEST Side Salad recipe… that one NEVER gets old.

So tossing things up (no pun intended… well, ok, maybe a little) making this Asian Chopped Salad to serve alongside a weeknight dinner or to take along to a potluck dinner, adds amazing flavors to the menu!

Recipes You’ll Also Love:

Salad Ingredients

As with all the recipes here on Fantabulosity, you can count on easy to use, everyday ingredients, and HOPEFULLY ingredients that you already have on hand, or can easily pick up at the nearby grocery store.

This salad is no different, although some of the ingredients may need to be picked up if you don’t usually have an Asian recipe on the menu!

This recipe is very forgiving, so if you don’t have an ingredient on hand don’t be afraid to skip it!

Grab the following to make this salad:
(Full, printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post for your convenience!)

Salad Ingredients:

Ingredients in Chopped Asian salad recipe
Ingredients for Asian Chopped Salad
  • small package cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix
  • packaged red cabbage
  • romaine lettuce leaves
  • cilantro
  • green onions
  • can mandarin oranges- drained
  • crunchy rice noodles
  • edamame – shelled and cooked
  • slivered almonds for garnish
Chopped Asian Salad Recipe in a white bowl

Asian Dressing Ingredients:

  • sesame Oil
  • olive Oil
  • rice Vinegar
  • juice from can of mandarin oranges
  • honey
  • clove garlic
  • fresh ginger
  • juice from half a lime
Grating ginger for Asian chopped salad
Ginger
Making the salad dressing for the Asian chopped salad
Honey
Mix dressing with a whisk for the Asian chopped salad recipe
Asian Salad Dressing

Tips for Making this Asian Chopped Salad

As with any recipes, feel free to change/add what works best for you. But here are some tips to make this recipe easier or faster.

  • You can chop your own cabbage and carrots if desired.
  • You can find shelled and cooked edamame in the freezer section.
  • The edamame provides a punch of protein to make this a filling lunch option.
  • Serving suggestion: Fried Rice or Spring Rolls (Can grab both in the freezer section!)
Chopped Asian Salad with mandarin oranges

Recipe

Chopped Asian Salad - in a white bowl with mandarin oranges on top
Print Pin
5 from 5 votes

Asian Chopped Salad

Asian Chopped Salad: A flavorful salad that's easy to make at home and is a wonderful change-up from the typical garden salad!
Course Salad
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 187kcal
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

Asian Salad Ingredients

  • 16 oz.

    cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix

  • 1.5 cups packaged red cabbage or shred red cabbage
  • 3 romaine lettuce leaves
  • .25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 15 oz. can mandarin oranges with 1 tablespoon of juice reserved
  • .5 cup crunchy rice noodles
  • 1.5 cups edamame shelled and cooked
  • slivered almonds for garnish optional

Asian Salad Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon juice from mandarin oranges
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic small, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced

  • Juice from half a lime

Instructions

  • In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
  • Toss thoroughly to combine.
  • Top with extra crispy rice noodles and almonds, if desired.

Notes

  • You can chop your own cabbage and carrots if desired.
  • You can find shelled and cooked edamame in the freezer section.
  • The edamame provides a punch of protein to make this a filling lunch option.
  • Serving suggestion: Fried Rice or Spring Rolls (Can grab both in the freezer section!)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2590IU | Vitamin C: 69.2mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Favorite Salad Recipes

If you love salads, then you’ve come to the right place! Browse our favorite savory salad recipes and our dessert salads to fill up your Pinterest boards!

Best Side Salad Recipe

How to Make a Cheese Board

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BoursinCheese #CollectiveBias

How to Make a Cheese Board: Ideas, presentation and display. It’s all about trial and error, moving and adjusting, to make this easy appetizer something to be proud of.

How to Make a Cheese Plate Appetizer: Ideas, presentation and display can be easy with a little trial and error! fantabulosity.com

On party day, or if hosting in our home for a holiday, my menu is ALWAYS something that can be quickly created, so I can allot time to decorate and prepare for the guests.

You’ll also love this brie with maple syrup recipe to serve on your cheese board!

I’m not the type that likes to stand in front of the oven all day. So I always keep quick recipes and menu items in my “food bank,” like this cheese board.

So many times, I’ve been asked,

Jessica, how do you do that? How do you make the cheese board look so good?

You all, my secret is trial and error. (Plus a little color never hurts either.)

How to Make a Cheese Board

How to Make a Cheese Plate Appetizer: Ideas, presentation and display can be easy with a little trial and error! fantabulosity.com

Start with the Hero: The Cheese

It all starts with the cheese… the hero!

I usually try to find a cheese that most people would like, and not get too crazy with it, to appeal to most taste buds.

Cheese like this Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs, is a good choice because it is a creamy, crumbly cheese, that spreads easily, and has an AMAZING flavor…enough to eat by itself!
Pair it some of the items I mention below, and you’ll have yourself a spread that no one can resist!

How to Make a Cheese Plate Appetizer: Ideas, presentation and display can be easy with a little trial and error! fantabulosity.com

Grab the Carbs:

Next, layer different types of bread around the cheese, or on the outside edges of the board.

In the video below, you’ll see how I changed it up to achieve different looks. Don’t be afraid to rearrange! I use pita bread a lot, but will occasionally add crackers or french bread for a variety.

A Fruitful Touch:

Then, fill the board or plate with fruits that are in season, or that match the current tablescape or party decor if possible.

But of course, any colors of fruits will do! Just make sure they’re “finger-food,” type fruits that are easy to grab and snack on through hors d’oeuvres hour, or throughout the evening. (So no fruit that turns brown quickly. Here I used blueberries and grapes. They matched the greenery party tablescape, and fit right in.

A Little Crunch:

My sweet, sweet husband, teases me every night about how I can’t sit and snack without picking a “crunchy,” food. So the same goes for my cheese board. I’m a huge lover of different textures when it comes to recipes and food styling.

So by adding nuts, it gives it JUST the crunch it needs. Spice it up a bit, and add a fun-flavored nut, with a sweet or salty flavor.

How to Make a Cheese Plate Appetizer: Ideas, presentation and display can be easy with a little trial and error! fantabulosity.com

Visual Learner?

More of a visual learner? Me too. So while styling this cheese board, I captured how I arrange it, and reposition, to achieve the perfect look!

See how easy that is!? There’s really no right or wrong way, (unless you’re wanting to be super incredibly fancy and proper, but I never really have a need for that type of presentation) so this works just fine for us!

I hope you give it a try. Remember that when it comes to making a cheese board, keep it simple. Simple and easy can look beautiful too!

A big thank you to Boursin® for sponsoring this post.

20 Eggplant Recipes

20 eggplant recipes to add to your Pinterest boards and weekly dinner menu: Roasted, fried, Italian, grilled and so much more!

Eggplant Recipes

Eggplants are popular vegetables to use in recipes, possibly because they are easily one of the most versatile vegetables out there.

Whether you are looking for a hearty main course or a simple snack or side dish, eggplants are a perfect choice! Plus, eggplant is so easy to incorporate into foods you already love!

More Recipes You’ll Love:

Easy Eggplant Recipes

Many of these recipes are so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!

Roasted, Fried, Italian, Grilled & MORE Eggplant Recipes

Here you’ll find eggplant recipes that make the perfect dinner or even a side dish for your next meal.

Air Fryer Eggplant Fries by Fantabulosity

Have you ever made fries with eggplant? This recipe is so easy and makes for the best eggplant fries right from the air fryer.

Eggplant pancakes on plate.

Eggplant Pancakes by The Top Meal

Incorporate eggplant into breakfast with these unique and tasty pancakes. These savory cakes are going to be a favorite way to make things deliciously interesting at the first meal of the day.

A plate of pasta with roasted eggplant mixed in.

Eggplant Pasta by Green Bowl 2 Soul

Roasted eggplant pairs perfectly with pasta and tomato sauce. This makes a great summertime dinner that is veggie packed for a filling meal.

A plate of crispy tempura eggplant with chopsticks.

Eggplant Tempura by A Mummy Too

This recipe is so tasty that you can fake your family out. They would absolutely believe these crispy battered tempura eggplants came from a great restaurant.

Baba ganoush in bowl next to cucumbers.

Baba Ganoush by Pinch and Swirl

This spread is smoky, creamy and oh so good. Bake your eggplant in the oven to speed the process up without sacrificing flavor.

Baked Eggplant Gratin by Joy Filled Eats

This easy side dish has the best garlic and basil sauce. It is creamy, easy to prepare and is vegan, so everyone can enjoy a scoop.

Melanzane Parmigiana in baking dish.

Melanzane Parmigiana by Emma Eats and Explores

This dish feels as cozy as the best pasta dinner, but it doesn’t have the noodles. I know you will love the three cheese blend this eggplant dish offers. It tastes perfect with the eggplant.

Eggplant casserole in baking dish.

Eggplant Rollatini by Vegan Huggs

Make long thin slices of eggplant and tuck plenty of ricotta inside. This simple meal is vegan, and has the best smoky flavor for a dish that delights with every bite.

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole by Cook With Kushi

If you have some eggplant, cheese and tomato sauce, you can whip up this delicious and easy dish. It works as a side or the main course on those nights you want a meatless meal.

Eggplant Fries with Honey by The Foodolic

Bring the flavor of a favorite tapas from Spain to the table with this simply delicious way to serve eggplant. Coarse salt, fresh eggplant and sweet honey make this such a yummy side or starter to share.

Eggplant dish in bowl.

Eggplant Masala  by Rosanna Etc

Spinach, chickpeas, eggplant and masala spices make this dish completely delicious. You will want to serve this with yogurt on top to add a creaminess that sets this dish off.

Eggplant Napoleon photo/recipe credit

This dish is so easy to assemble, but it has so much fantastic flavor! Layers od eggplant slices, tomato sauce and cheese come together to make a perfect summer meal that won’t weigh you down.

Eggplant chip dipping in to sauce.

Crispy Baked Eggplant by Spend with Pennies

Bake this crispy eggplant for a delicious side. This will pair well with burgers, pasta or chicken for a fast and filling addition to dinner.

Eggplant recipe in skillet.

Mediterranean Eggplant Stew by Sour and Sweets

This stew is loaded with tasty ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and onions to make a meal that is like a vacation for your taste buds. Get the flavors of the Mediterranean  on your dinner table!

Eggplant pasta in baking pan.

Pasta Alla Norma by Gypsy Plate

This dish is a Sicilian classic for good reason; it is delicious! Make this pasta dish with buttery eggplant and tomato sauce for a meatless meal that is simple and so satisfying on a summer night.

A serving of eggplant parmesan on a white plate with a fork.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan by The Wooden Skillet

Baked eggplant parm makes for such a wonderful summer meal. With crispy bread eggplant, tangy tomato sauce and creamy, melty cheese, what’s not to love? Serve this dish with a salad and a glass of wine for the ultimate pairing.

Eggplant recipe in casserole dish.

Cheesy Baked Italian Sausage Casserole by Mae’s Menu

This Italian sausage baked casserole is loaded with cheese and is a highlight during eggplant season. The ricotta cheese layer makes this easy casserole feel extra indulgent.

Aubergine Spaghetti by Where Is My Spoon

Skip the red sauce, and go with this creamy garlic eggplant sauce. It is completely delicious and makes for such a great twist on pasta for dinner, using seasonal ingredients.

Cubed eggplant with sauce on plate.

Crispy Eggplant by I Heart Vegetables

This crispy eggplant is sure to be a summer side you can’t stop eating. Pair it with grilled meats, or simple summer sandwiches for a flavorful meal that uses in season produce.

A platter of eggplant bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and garlic.

Grilled Eggplant by The Wooden Skillet

This grilled eggplant is loaded with seasonal goodies like fresh tomatoes and garlic drizzle with olive oil to make a bruschetta unlike any other! It is so good that you will want to make this every week as an appetizer.

More Eggplant Recipes?

Have a favorite eggplant recipe? Share it right here in the comments below! I’d love to add it to my list!

Burger Bar Ideas for Your Next Party

This post has been sponsored by Huhtamaki, Inc. makers of the Chinet® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Burger Bar Ideas: Toppings ideas and a food bar that you and your guests will love at your next party! Plus, a free “Burger Bar” printable for your table!

Burger Bar Ideas

Burger Bar Ideas

A burger bar has been a food bar on my “wish list” for hosting for quite some time.

So when my cheeseburger lovin’ son’s birthday rolled around, I KNEW it was the perfect time, and now, I’m sharing it with you today so you’ll have my favorite tips and ideas to host your own!

Have guests that aren’t eating red meat? Serve these crispy chicken burgers on your burger bar instead!

Burger Bar Free Printable Sign

All food bars should have a sign, right?! I love creating food labels or signs for parties and this one was no exception.

But today, I’m sharing this free burger bar sign printable with you too, so you can save it and have your very own!

Save your free “Burger Bar” sign here!

Burgers for the Burger Bar

It goes without saying, but burgers are needed for your burger bar.

What I love about burgers for a food bar? They’re easy to make ahead of time if needed!

Grill, bake burger or cook burgers on the stove before party time, and keep them warm in the oven while you set up the rest of the toppings! Here are some different types of hamburger recipes that you may find helpful when building your burger bar!

Burger Toppings Ideas

Deciding on toppings was one of my favorite steps to planning this burger bar. The ideas are endless, and it’s the perfect time to experiment with fun, new toppings.

I saw this idea on Pinterest and fell in love with it, so I had to recreate it myself!

Here is a list of traditional toppings for burgers, along with some of my favorite out-of-the-box ideas if you have guests who love to create and taste-test!

Burger Bar Ideas for Your Next Party

The options are endless when it comes to burger toppings! From classic toppings such as ketchup and mustard to shaking things up by using items such as taco sauce and guacamole!

ketchup

Ketchup can be a staple burger topping but it's also fun to add some kick to your burger by using a spicy ketchup sauce if you can take the heat!

mustard

Who doesn't love mustard on a big ole juicy burger!? Regular mustard is always a favorite to offer at a party but feel free to add others to the mix, such as hot mustard, honey mustard, horseradish mustard and more!

mayo

Love miracle whip or mayo? That's the question of the century! Offering one or the other is a safe bet but it can also be fun to offer a fiesta mayo or "fancy sauce" using a mixture of mayo & ketchup!

ranch dressing

We're HUGE fans of ranch dressing, especially the buttermilk restaurant style. However, making a jalapeno ranch dressing to serve on top of burgers is HARD to beat!

bbq sauce

BBQ sauce isn't just for pork steaks! Slather that juicy sauce all over your burgers, whether it's on the grill while they're cooking to get a "sticky" texture or pour it over the top of a cooked burger for extra flavor!

guacamole

If you've never tried this easy guacamole recipe on a burger, I'm afraid to say you're missing out! The flavor combo of the two is a powerhouse!

lettuce (leaf, spinach or romaine)

That crispy, crunchy texture of a lettuce leaf on a burger is absolutely delicious! Using leaf lettuce is our favorite because of the bright color and texture, however, romaine, spinach or head lettuce is definitely acceptable!

onions (red, yellow, white or green)

I don't know about you but a crips onion on a burger screams summertime. Red, yellow, white, or even green onions can pack a punch in the flavor department!

tomatoes

Vine-ripened tomatoes can add a juicy texture to an already juicy burger! Remember...don't refrigerate your tomatoes if you can help it! Refrigerating them can really reduce the flavor.

pickles

Hamburger dills, bread and butter, and spicy pickles are just a few pickled cucumbers that seem to top the list when it comes to burger toppings!

bacon

Crispy or floppy bacon? No matter what you prefer, bacon is good on everything, especially a grilled or oven-baked juicy burger! Here's how we cook bacon in the air fryer!

cheeses

Sliced, shredded or cheese sauce... it's all a must on a burger if you ask me!

Some fun cheeses to consider for burgers toppings are:

sliced American

sliced pepper jack

shredded cheddar

sliced swiss

havarti

queso

pineapple

Pineapple on pizza? Or pineapple on a burger? How about BOTH! Top your burger with a fresh slice of pineapple or even toss it on the grill first to give it a little more flavor, like we did with our Aloha burger recipe.

fried onions

Fried onions aren't just for green bean casserole anymore! They can give the added crunch you're looking for!

hot sauce

If you can handle the heat, pour on your favorite hot sauce to give a juicy burger a "buffalo chicken burger" feel!

spice blends & mixes

There are endless amounts of spices and blends you can top your burgers with; either while they cook or to sprinkle on after.

Some of our favorites are:

lemon pepper

garlic pepper

greek seasoning

bbq seasoning

garlic powder

Italian dressing mix

fried egg

An over-easy egg (or fried egg if you're not a fan of runny yolk) can turn a regular burger in to a breakfast burger that you'll NEVER forget!

potato chips

Potato chips aren't just a side dish anymore! Toss on your favorites under the bun and feel the "CRUNCH" that no other topping will give you! Here are some fun potato chip topping ideas:

regular potato chips

Doritos (like we use in the Dorito casserole)

Funyuns

Chili Cheese Fritos

Sour Cream & Onion

jalapenos

If you love spicy, topping your burger with fresh jalapenos or even pickled or fried/breaded jalapenos are a game-changer in the burger world!

mushrooms

Although you can use mushrooms like portobello mushrooms on a burger, we absolutely LOVE fried mushrooms as a burger topping!

taco sauce

Who says Tuesday is only for taco recipes? I think a taco burger makes a lot of sense to switch things up during the week! Not only does adding taco sauce to a burger make it delicious, adding taco toppings to a burger can REALLY blow your tastebuds' mind!

pizza sauce

Have you heard of a pizza burger? It's true... it exists and it's a must-try for sure! Add pizza sauce to your burger, along with a little mozzarella cheese and if you're feeling frisky, add some pepperoni or your other favorite pizza toppings to the burger!

How to Style a Burger Bar

One of my favorite party styling hacks is to use items that you already have around the house.

However, for this party, I did make a trip to the store and snagged a few items because a lot of my home decor is in storage from a recent move.

So, before you head to the store to buy items that you won’t use any other time, “shop” your house to see if you can find things like:

  • baskets
  • trays
  • storage containers
  • jars

Burger Side Dishes

Although a burger bar is full of goodness already, I wanted to offer an easy side dish to serve alongside the burgers.

French fries are my kiddo’s favorite, so french fries it was!

Other side dish ideas for you:

  • potato chips
  • pasta salads
  • raw veggies
  • dips
  • fruit trays or kebabs

Why Food Bars are the BEST for Parties

With different taste buds, planning a menu for a party can be stressful.

Will they like this? But what about the people who don’t? Are they allergic?

…and the list of worries can go on.

With food bars, leave the food creation up to your guests! This way, they get to choose what they put on their plate and what to serve it with!

Plus, food bars are easy to set up and most ingredients can be made beforehand, leaving more time for you, the host, to mingle and relax!

Outdoor Backyard BBQ

There are MANY perks when it comes to outdoor entertaining.

Find a shady tree, some lawn chairs, (maybe some water toys for the kids), grab a table and fill it with your favorite foods! (Or set-up a low table like I did for the party in the backyard.)

Your guests will love the relaxed atmosphere and the ease of coming and going… while kiddos run around (without tearing up the inside of your house) and the adults can catch up with friends!

What is YOUR Favorite Food Bar?

I have a few other food bar ideas up my sleeve (baked potato, s’mores, waffle bars) but I’d love to hear what ideas you have. I may just have to put that on my list!

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive: A quick list of tricks to try when you need more focus and productivity in your work space.
6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

There are times, no matter where I’m at in my home working, that I consider it “desk work.”

This time is set aside for those moments when I have to meet a deadline online or even to just catch up on emails.

If I don’t prepare myself, my “desk work time” can slip away quickly, and leave me distracted, and still ending up with a full to-do list.

I want to share my favorite tips and tricks for making your desk work more productive if you’ve found that sitting down to work… tends to overwhelm you, or becomes a waste of time. Give these 6 items a try the next time to you sit down to get busy.

1. Turn your email notifications off

I’m so addicted to my email. Ok, I’m addicted to my laptop and phone too. (But I’m working on that with my therapist, I promise.)  

But when it comes to email, there’s a rush of “Ooooh, what is it!?” When I see a new email come through.

So when sitting down to knock important things off of my to-do list, I have to shut it off. On my Mac, I literally have to right-select the email app in my dock and close it.

If you access your email from a browser, simply close the tab. Taking the distraction of email out of the equation, you may not feel like you have to respond immediately to that email that comes through.

I’ll admit…

Is it just me, or do you get this “rushed,” feeling, feeling like you have to respond ASAP to someone’s email because you’re afraid that they’ll think you don’t care, or are too busy to respond?
(We will save those crazy thoughts for another day, and tackle those together. #peoplepleaser)

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

2. Make a “to-do” list in the morning

Even if you’re not a pen-to-paper kind of person, making a to-do list in your phone, on your computer, or wherever it feels comfortable, can be a HUGE factor in being more productive in your desk work.

The minute that you feel like you’ve completed all of your tasks for the day, take a look at your list from that morning. You may have forgotten something very important!

Offset brain damage… 

Our minds can have a lot of brain damage throughout the day. So relying on a list to refer to, may just save you from forgetting that important task that needs completed asap.

Plus, if you’re like me, getting the satisfaction of checking things off, can leave you feeling like you’ve completed more tasks during “desk time,” than you thought.

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

3. Close your social media tabs

FOMO. Not going to lie. I have FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) at times when it comes to social media. You too?

Do you feel like you’re going to miss out on something if you don’t check your Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and then rotate back through, wasting precious minutes (even hours) scrolling through social media, and getting lost in the mindless activity?

Say “no” to FOMO…

I’ve had to train myself to say, “Goodbye,” to social media, during desk work times. Removing the hundreds of distractions & push notifications that social media can push out in a days time, can suddenly give you back minutes (even hours) of your desk time. Soon, you’ll find that you can knock out some serious tasks, and have the satisfaction of completing those tasks.

When, if you had spent that time browsing Facebook, and Instagram… all you’d walk away with, is seeing that one of your friends has tried a new coffee flavor, isn’t feeling well, or has shared another selfie that looks just like the millions of other selfies they’ve shared in the last week. (I’ve totally taken selfies. Not discounting the fun of Facebook and Instagram… but save it for “down-time.”)

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

4. Turn on some music

Some days it’s the “Laid Back Beach Music,” station, or maybe even the “80’s Cardio,” playing in the background of my desk work, but I always have music on.

Total silence makes my mind go CRAZY, thinking about all of the things that I need to accomplish that day, and at times drifts off to topics that I shouldn’t waste time thinking about.

Search for the beat…

If you’re struggling to find a station that motivates you to put the pedal to the metal, there are apps and certain stations out there, that are specifically “focus,” and “work” music.

With some trial and error, see if there’s a station or certain type of music that helps you focus.

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

5. Get settled from the start

As a full-time blogger and mom, I work inside my home 90% of the time.

Which means, I have two little guys running around the house all day, that LOVE to have “Mom” sit down and check out the newest coloring page that they created, each time I walk through the room.

Trust me, I LOVE that I’m able to be at home with them. But when I have a deadline to meet, sometimes it’s hard to get that met when they tug at my heartstrings to show me their new favorite find.

and do less laundry…

So when it comes to trying to stay motivated at my desk, getting settled from the start will help keep me focused.

A full/warm coffee, pen/paper, laptop, and headphones, are my go-to items to have on hand when I’m ready to hammer down. I’ve found if I’m missing one of those items, within minutes I’ll want to get up from my desk. Then, the chances of getting distracted by one of the kiddos, or remembering that the laundry needs to be changed out will be slim.

6 Ways to Make Your Desk Work More Productive

6. LastPass

Get LastPass for Free: I found out about this password manager from a mastermind Facebook group that I’m a part of.

Someone posted a question about how everyone keeps track of all of their passwords that they need often, and not so often. MULTIPLE members replied with “LastPass,” and went on about how it’s the best way to manage passwords.

So when I found out that something like this existed, I realized how much time it would save me when I’m at my desk working. No more searching for my passwords for each site that I visit in my desk work routine.

Keep it together…

  • You only need one master password to all of your accounts, that you can access wherever you are.
  • I don’t have to think of new passwords anymore, because it will generate one for me, and remember it when I need it.
  • I can safely share any info that I want, including credit card info, passwords, and other sensitive items that I wouldn’t feel safe sharing with someone in a text.
  • It can be started on any device: I started it with an app on my phone…
LastPass to remember passwords: 6 ways to make your desk work more productive
  • Everything put in the “vault,” is synced automatically and is secure, with bank-level security standards.
  • I can keep digital records by using their secure notes to store insurance cards, membership info, prescription details, WiFi logins, social security numbers, and passports!
  • Then, of course, my favorite part… it’s FREE!

Here are a couple of screenshots from my phone, so you’ll know what to look for, and what it looks like before you get started!

LastPass to remember passwords: 6 ways to make your desk work more productive
LastPass to remember passwords: 6 ways to make your desk work more productive

Let’s Get Productive

I so hope you’re ready to get down to business at your desk, and get productive!

Now, if you’ve done everything that you can think of to make your desk work more productive, but are still not keeping up with all of the work, check out my post on “5 Ways you can Outsource to Grow your Business.” Outsourcing has played a major role in my business growth, and so glad that I have learned how to delegate certain tasks.

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Desk work productivity tips

Home Finance: Routines + Tools for the Bookkeeper at Home

Home Finance: Routines + Tools for the Bookkeeper at Home. Easy tactics and streamline procedures to reduce the dreaded taboo topic!

First Finance Tip:
Prayer — Ha! Only kidding. Sort of. You guys, when you own your own business, I swear some people think that you’re swimming in gold coins like the cartoon Duck Tales. Please tell me this was someone’s favorite childhood cartoon too!?

Home finance and ways to save sanity

Alright, but for real… money has been a stressful situation here in our household before, and no matter what you do for a living, whether you work for someone or own your own business… know you’re not alone. Prayer has sure been something I turn to during stressful times, but let’s get down to the nitty-gritty tips and tricks that you can do to tackle this topic at home:

How I manage them, use certain tools to organize, and tactics to keep my sanity.

Home Finance: Routines + Tools for the Bookkeeper at Home

I mentioned in the video that I really encourage you to read the blog post details below because I link to some of the items I talk about, so you can see what I’m talking about and referring to.

So if you aren’t able to watch the video now, that’s a-ok; you can see details below. But I totally encourage you to come back and watch it when you get time, because sometimes hearing it sinks in more than reading it.

Home Finance: Routines + Tools for the Bookkeeper at Home

1. Quickbooks

Back when I worked in my husband’s office as a bookkeeper, I started using Quickbooks. I was terrified and so intimidated by it — until I started using it. It is incredibly user-friendly, and I picked it up super quick.

When I came back home full-time, I knew I wanted to continue using Quickbooks for our home finances. This way, I can track expenses easily, and believe it or not… using Quickbooks makes finances so much easier. I have mine set up to where it syncs with my bank and my credit cards, so that’s less data entry that I have to do. Plus, I use the online version so I can track/use it if I’m about and about if I need to! It’s crazy good to be able to keep track of where and how you’re spending money and come tax time, your accountant may just love you.

I have the Simple Start plan, and you get it free for 30 days! You can sign up for it here:

Get Quickbooks

I also use Quickbooks for my business (this here blog), and it’s so nice to be able to track my income/expenses each month and see how much I make and bring in each month/year.

Home Finance - Schedule a day

2. Pick a Day Each Week

I’ve chatted about theme days before on Creating Your Happy, and finance falls into one of my theme days.

I know each week on Tuesday (for example), that THAT’S the day I work in my finances. So each week, I know when Tuesday rolls around, it’s go-time. I log in to my Quickbooks, grab my “bills to be paid” folder, my wallet, and I get to work.

This can routine can work if you get a paycheck once a week, every two weeks, randomly in bigger chunks, or however you make an income. For example:

Weekly/Bi-Weekly Paycheck:

If you get paid every two weeks on Friday, perhaps setting your “finance day,” to every Saturday morning would be a good fit for you. On the Fridays where you get a paycheck, you know that the next morning is when you sit down and pay the bills. But on the Saturday morning after a Friday that you do not get paid… YOU STILL sit down and work on finance. This could look like:

  • Updating your checkbook/Quickbooks
  • Gathering up bills and taking a mental note of what’s on the horizon
  • Following up on a bill that you’ve been meaning to call and ask a question about

So even though you may not physically be paying bills on your “off” week, still sitting down, updating and checking in, can make a HUGE difference.

Things won’t catch you off-guard as much, you may not forget about that “one” bill that you’ve been meaning to check in to, etc.

Self Owned Business/Commission Income:

If you own your own business or work off of commission, this routine can be so beneficial. Checking in once a week, whether you have the funds yet or not… can be a huge help.

Updating transactions weekly can really help avoid the dreaded bank reconciliation time, or “Crap, how much do I REALLY have in the account” moments, by organizing and updating it in small chunks. No one wants to sit in front of a checkbook for 5 hours on a Saturday updating 3 months of transactions, do they?

Plus, when you still check in weekly, whether you’ve received your commission or payout from a project yet or not… you’ll most likely avoid the “Oh crap, I thought I was going to have WAY more than that left-over after I paid bills…” when you finally got paid.

Weekly & Bi-Weekly

So, like with the weekly/bi-weekly paycheck people above, your “off weeks” could look something like this when waiting for the “big” check to come in:

• Update your checkbook/Quickbooks
• Gather up bills and take a mental note of what’s on the horizon
• Follow up on a bill that you’ve been meaning to call and ask a question about

Your finance day can be chosen by you. What day/time do you REALLY see yourself working on this for a few minutes each week?

Don’t set yourself up for failure before you even start. Then, once you determine that day… stick to it. You’d be surprised how much better your days/weeks can become if you just sit down and tackle it in small chunks, instead of assuming/ignoring your finances.

Don’t Ignore It

With finance being so taboo in some homes, we tend to ignore it until we have to deal with it. Which this can cause so much anxiety, fear, and overall misery in our day to day when something triggers a thought relating to it. Not to mention the unhealthy spending habits that some can make when they assume they had enough money to buy that new hot tub they’ve wanted.

Home finance using mobil deposit

3. Mobile & Automatic Deposits

Yes, I know this may not be an “ah-ha” moment for some of you. But for those of you who haven’t given it a chance, just hear me out. I fought this so hard for so long too. It was new and I didn’t trust it. But the moment I tried it for the first time with a small $8.00 check (because what do I have to lose?) was so refreshing to know that I didn’t have to pack the kids up or remember to stop by while out running errands to make the deposit.

Give that mobile deposit (if your bank offers it) a chance. The time that you save waiting in line, packing the kids in the car, driving across town, can be a game-changer.

4. Same Online Login for Accounts

I mention in the video above that I’m NO Dave Ramsey. And if he watched this, he may slap my hand. For those who really lack in the financial management and self-control area… this may not be a good tip for you.

But for those of you who do have some self-control, this may be a helpful tip. I keep at least two of my accounts under the same bank login. Why? Because when I forget or need something at the last minute (on the weekend, evening, whenever) I’m able to go into my bank login and make a transfer of funds from one account to the other. It automatically hits and I’m able to use the funds right away.

This could vary from bank to bank, but this practice has come in super handy for me.

Example: It’s Sunday morning and your refrigerator just went out. Your emergency money is in your savings account, but you need it in your checking PRONTO so you can use the debit card to buy a new one. Tomorrow is a holiday and the banks are closed. It will be Tuesday before you can get to the bank and withdraw your emergency money.

If the two accounts that you have under your bank login are a savings account (that you only touch during emergencies) and a checking account (that you use to pay your daily/monthly bills) or if your emergency checking and your regular checking were on the same bank login, you could (depending on your bank) just transfer to the money to the checking account and head to Lowe’s to snag a new fridge.

Less stress + less work = sanity.

Home finance with husband and wife

5. Determine Who Gets What Debit Card

The moment my husband looked at me and said,

“How about I get rid of this debit card, so you’re the only one that has it, and then I’ll have my own? That way, you’ll always know what’s coming out when and there won’t be any surprises?”

…changed our marriage-financial relationship. I no longer go day to day thinking, “Well what if he used the debit card today for something big that I didn’t plan on him getting?”

This can look different in so many households, and I get it. But if you find yourself constantly arguing, getting upset because he/she didn’t bring that receipt back to you, or they forgot to tell you about that big purchase he/she made that just made a check that you made out and mailed, bounce… I really encourage you to come to an agreement on who has what debit card.

Home Finance Printable sheets, pink and black
Image Via: ElagantInk

6. Finance Printables

Last, if you’re a pen and paper kind of person, then you just may LOVE the finance printables that I use and fell in love with. I’ve mentioned these in a blog post before: 7 Organization Ideas & Tips to Stay Organized, and I thought they were worth mentioning again.

I love being able to have an overview of what’s coming up, and there’s just something about being able to handwrite it all out to make it “stick” in my brain. So if you’re wired like me, you may find these super helpful too. You can get them here:

Finance Printables

Or, if you have debt to payoff, this debt tracker free printable will be so helpful too!

I so hope you found these home finance tips helpful and found something that may take some stress off of a sometimes stressful topic in your house!

For more tips like this, you’ll LOVE my post on How to Make Your Desk Work More Productive! 

Thank you so much for coming by. I’d love it if you’d drop a note below to say hey, and tell me what you use to help with your finances at home!

How to Remove Chalk Marker & Clean a Chalkboard

How to remove chalk marker off of a chalkboard: After trying SO many different things, this is what finally worked! (It only takes two things!)

I’ve been doing some testing over the last few months trying to find out how to clean my chalkboard. As you know, I love to decorate my chalkboard for each holiday or season that is approaching.

How to clean a chalkboard: my Christmas chalkboard art

How to Remove Chalk Marker

With this, has come a “pain in the rear,” process, of trying to figure out how to remove chalk marker from a chalkboard.

I don’t get it. I have 2 or 3 other chalkboards, and the chalk marker simply wipes off, with a wet rag.

But with the chalkboard in my entry, from Restoration Hardware??? Forget it. I thought I was going to have to send it back, and get a plan B in place for my entry wall, because I was struggling with getting the “ghost,” shadow of a chalk marker off of the board.

That was until I FINALLY came up with a technique that works for me, and NOW so many others!

Check out the comments at the bottom of this post for success stories! Yay!

You don’t want to miss how to make your own DIY Chalkboard frame too!

How To Remove Chalk Marker from a Chalkboard https://fantabulosity.com

How to Clean Your Chalkboard

I am, in by NO means, saying that this will work for you. I am not responsible for anything that happens to your chalkboard.

Actually, I recommend reading the instructions on how to clean your chalkboard that came with it, before you even touch it with a chalk pen or marker. Some say you have to “treat,” them before applying anything.

I, however… did not read my instructions, and I feel that’s where I messed up. If I had treated it, I may not have the problem of the markers leaving a ghost shadow.

How to Remove Chalk Marker from a Chalkboard

After trying soap and water, Clorox wipes, all-purpose cleaner, vinegar, a magic eraser…and let the list go on… I couldn’t find anything that would work.

Finally, I was so fed up, that I just started experimenting.

I decided I didn’t care if it messed up my chalkboard, I was going to try anything to get that chalk dust shadow off of my board, no matter what it did to it.

Which led me to this:

How to Remove Chalk Marker from Chalkboard https://fantabulosity.com

Magic Eraser + Vinegar

That folks, is a magic eraser, AND some vinegar. I combined the two for some serious chalk marker removin’ solution.

Yes… this is me scrubbing away below. Now… this is important. I DO have to put a little muscle behind the scrubbing. It doesn’t just pleasantly wipe off.

So your arms may get a workout, but honestly, I think that’s just a bonus. No need to do my arm workout that day.

(Who am I kidding? I don’t work out)

How to Remove Chalk Marker https://fantabulosity.com

So I just use the magic eraser and rub up and down, and in a circle, in a small area first. When that chalk spot is gone, I move on to the next area!

Another Helpful Tip for Cleaning Your Chalkboard:

Keep a dry rag or towel, nearby, so you can wipe off the “wetness,” after every few scrubs, so you can lower the risk of just letting chalk-smear dry.

(Also, I tend to have some “black,” come off on my magic eraser when I do this. I’m wondering if that’s a normal thing, or if that was part of that, “I should have pre-treated this thing first,” deal.)

My little guy is so helpful below. I’m sure you other moms can appreciate not being able to do anything alone. 🙂

A Mommy is Never Alone https://fantabulosity.com

Did this Clean Your Chalkboard?

So there you have it! I really hope this helps ease your frustration with trying to get chalk marker off of your chalkboard. Talk about making a DIY gal go CRAZY!

Join all of the others and let me know below… did this work for you? I’d love to know! Make sure to check out more of my favorite cleaning tips and tricks!

Love Easy Recipes and Decorating Your Home?

Remember, if this is your first time here, hang around and check out some of our favorite simple and easy recipes, home decor posts, and SO much more!

Want to see the rest of our home?

Or if you LOVE browsing homes in your downtime, you can take a tour of our home, (inside and out) starting with part 1 of our home tour.!

How to erase chalk marker off of chalk board

“Pin” this image, so you can always come back to it if you run into the same problem I did!

How To Remove Chalk Marker off of a chalkboard! Those shadows drive me nuts! https://fantabulosity.com

Homemade Lunchable and Free Printable School Lunch Planner

This post has been sponsored by Kleenex®, Danimals, and NABISCO. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have some picky eaters AND I’m pretty selective about what I want them to eat, so packing school lunches can become a chore if I let it be.

However, I’ve come up with some of my favorite lunch packing solutions and I’m sharing them with you today, in case you’re looking to save your sanity during the school year.

Planning Starts at the Grocery Store

You all KNOW how I feel about Target.

Well it’s no different when it comes to picking up school lunch items from there… especially when Target has their order pickup and I can just back on up and pop the hatch!

Convenience + Variety of Products

At the store, (or if ordering online) my eyes are always open for products that offer convenience because let’s face it… if I haven’t had my coffee yet in the morning, this mama needs quick and easy.

Our Current Favorites

Danimals® Squeezables Kids’ Yogurt

Not only are my kids obsessed with these, I love using them as an additional “ice pack” for their lunches, since you can freeze them and they thaw by lunchtime!

Plus, if you’ve been following me lately, you know I’m paying attention more and more about what I feed them. So the fact that these do not have high fructose corn syrup and have no colors from artificial sources… gives it an A+ in my book!

Mini CHIPS AHOY! Cookies

So I get voted “the BEST mom” when I slip these into their lunch boxes, and I have to say that I get pretty excited about that.
The NABISCO multipack also comes with NUTTER BUTTER Bites and OREO Mini Cookies so the kids love a variety of lunch-time treats.

They get something they love and it doesn’t take much for me to pack them each morning!

Kleenex® Wet Wipes

So a newer favorite lunch box hack of mine, is to grab a wet wipe or two, and place them in a small plastic bag so they can wipe their hands off before/after lunch.

I know they are “supposed” to wash their hands before lunchtime, but I feel better about sending these in, just in case they need a wipe down right before and after eating too.

So if you love strolling the Target aisles as much as I do, keep your eyes open for school lunch ideas that would provide a great level of variety and convenience for your kid’s lunches, like these do!

School Lunch Box Packing Tips

Each year, I let my boy’s pick out their own lunch box, but I make sure it’s a LOGICAL lunch box.

Ideally I want it to have a pocket or two for storing items and I want it to be big enough to fit everything that I like to pack.

Pockets

I really love the pockets inside for storing things like the Kleenex® Wet Wipes, so it keeps them separate from the food and so they don’t slip out when they open their lunch boxes.

Straps

Straps aren’t a MUST in a lunchbox, but when they have them, I get super excited. I like to send a bottle of water with my boys, so when I can secure it to the side, I don’t have to worry about it rolling around and mashing goodies inside.

Small Containers

I’m a BIG fan of small containers. This way we can send things like veggies and dips easily and keep fragile things protected that could otherwise get mashed.

Fun Notes + Lunch Box Jokes

You don’t have to have fancy stickers or professionally created prints outs… but including a sweet note or a joke goes a LONG way with my boys and in a lunchroom cafeteria.

My son said that the jokes in his lunch box every day are a HIT and his friends can’t wait to hear them.

I just love being able to play a small part in the middle of his day with either a funny joke or a quick “I hope your day is SUPER! – Love Mom” note. I just hope he continues to think it’s cool for a while. Visit www.backtolunch.com for more tips and tricks for back to school!

Want to pack this lunch idea? See below…

FREE School Lunch Planner Printable

Want to make things even easier and feel TOTALLY on your game?

I’ve created a free school lunch planner printable (actually two, so you can choose which colors you want!), to help plan ahead and keep track of things for the school week ahead.

Pink School Lunch Planner
Download the Pink HERE
Blue School Lunch Planner
Download the Blue HERE!

Simply print out this planner each week when you’re doing your grocery shopping online or filling out your meal planner, and plan out what you (or your kids) will pack each day for the upcoming week.

The more you can plan ahead and know exactly what to have on hand and what to pack, will streamline your mornings and save so much of your sanity!

What are YOUR favorite school lunch hacks?

I would love to hear your favorites, or what your kiddo thinks is a MUST have in his/her lunch box each day!

Drop a note below and let me know!

Recipe

School Lunch Packing Ideas
Print Pin
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Homemade Lunchable

A school lunch idea – Homemade Lunchable with veggies and dip, along with fruit and favorite snacks!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 lunchable
Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. 1 slice cheese
     any flavor
  • 3 1.5 oz. slices turkey deli meat or other meat you can substitute
  • 5 Ritz crackers
  • ½ cup mixed vegetables grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, celery sticks)
  • 1 Tbsp. ranch dressing
  • ½ cup mixed melon cubes
  • Mini Cookies
  • Yogurt
  • Bottled Water
  • Wet Wipes

Nutrition

Serving: 1lunchable

Baby Gift Basket

Baby Gift Basket Idea: For a boy or girl, this present will be perfect for the baby shower or just to give to the mom to be!

Recently, our friends had a baby (eeeeek… she’s so precious) and I wanted to put together a little something for them to show them a little love. And since I love sharing gift ideas with you, I knew I had to share this one too!

Now if you missed my “Box of Sunshine,” gift idea, or the “Happy Pops Day,” basket, don’t forget to go check those out. Hint: You’ll find my secret to making gift baskets look fabulous, in my “Box of Sunshine,” post!

Baby Gift Basket

When I’m putting together a gift basket for a new baby, I love using YELLOW! Why? Well, because yellow is so bright and cheery and this way it works for either a boy or a girl.

Plus, if they have another kiddo, they can use the yellow for the next baby that comes along too!

New Baby Gift Basket Ideas https://fantabulosity.com

Didn’t this turn out just adorable? Not because of me… but because EVERYTHING “baby,” is just adorable.

Need something fun for a baby shower? These printable parenting advice cards are so fun and a great alternative to a baby shower game.

Best Baskets for Gift Baskets:

I bought this basket a LOOONG time ago, for just this kind of thing. I love buying these, 3 or 4 at a time, to have on hand for gift giving. But I can’t even tell you where I got it. However, here are some of my favorite baskets:

World Market Gift Baskets

Pier 1 Gift Baskets

Amazon Wire Baskets

H&M Home

What to Put in a Baby Gift Basket?

Well you can put just about anything you like in a gift basket, but here are the items you’ll find in this one:

  • Size 2 Diapers (To grow in to. I stacked these in to the bottom, to “lift,” the other goodies, “up.”)
  • Receiving blankets – I rolled two in the back, and rolled one, for the front center, so the “owl” would add a little centerpiece
  • Snack cup (my favorite baby-snack must-have.
  • Teether (in the plastic case)
  • Baby shampoo/body wash
  • Rubber Ducky (because everyone needs one of those.)
  • Book
  • Sippy cup

Gift Basket Tip:

When building a gift basket, always try to stick with one “main,” color.

In this one, I decided to go with yellow. Of course there’s a little orange and pink in there too… but the big “wow,” is the yellow. I do this because then it all looks a little more uniform, rather than all over the place.

Free Printable Gift Tag: “Welcome Baby”

New Baby Gift Basket Idea with free printable https://fantabulosity.com

I have a fun surprise for you, to make your gift basket making a little easier!

When I designed my gift tag for this gift basket, I wanted to make it available to you, so you could use it.

Just print it, and cut it. You can either tape it on to your basket, or punch a hole in it like I did, and tie it with a ribbon. Get it here:

welcome baby gift basket free printable
Download “Welcome Baby” Gift Tag HERE!

I hope you have fun getting creative and building your New Baby Gift Basket! As always, let me know if you have any questions! I love hearing from you!

Until next time,

XO!

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Sangria Gift

What new mom and dad wouldn’t love a sangria kit to take the edge off of the really stressful days?!

Aw, how cool is this! DIY Gift Idea: Sangria for Friends, housewarming, for women, new neighbor, anyone! Who wouldn't love this!? They can even use the drink dispenser again and again!

Pin it for Later!

New Baby Gift Basket Ideas https://fantabulosity.com

More Gift Ideas

If you love making gift baskets or gifts in general, then you’ll LOVE browsing my gift ideas!

Hosting a Baby Shower?

If you’re the one with hosting duty, don’t miss the CUTEST ideas for baby showers and new moms here:

How to Make Money Online: 7 REAL Ways that are AUTHENTIC to you!

How to make money online: After running a successful business online for a few years now, I’ve learned a lot of different ways to make money from home, and now I’m sharing them with you!

How to Make Money Online

It’s no secret that I love blogging, but a second-runner up is brainstorming and helping others figure out what their passions are, so they can start an online business around it.

Since getting involved in the blogging world, I’ve come to find out a LOT of different ways that you can make money online and how accessible it really can be for you!

Interested in blogging as a way to make money online? My Fantabulous Blogging 101 course is now open and ready to help you get your very own blog up and running the RIGHT way, and help you through the tech set-up, name creation and get you well on your way, to having a successful blog and forging ahead of so many others who set out to try to do it on their own!

how to start a blog - online business

7 Ways to Make Money Online

So if you’ve been wanting to:

  • generate a side income
  • make money online to replace your full-time income
  • have a creative outlet and make money with it
  • grow your current business
  • turn your hobby into a business
  • … so much more

then you’ll want to watch the quick video I’ve included below of the Facebook and Instagram LIVE that I did, sharing 7 ways that you can make money online, no matter WHAT you’re passionate about, or what your goals are.

Can’t Watch the Video?

No problem at all. I get that… I have littles at home that I’m often snuggling with, in bed, or in a room where the tv has cartoons on… so videos don’t always work for me.

So if you can relate, and you’d rather read about my 7 ideas for how to make money online, I’ve included them for you below…

But first, I want you to think about a couple of things before you start thinking about how to make money online.

  1. It’s important that you ENJOY what you’re doing. If you don’t, you’ll resist… procrastinate… and lack the energy to work on it.
  2. If you want to make money online, but you have no idea what you could sell or create an online business with… think about this:
    – What is something you’ve struggled with in the past, that you’ve fixed or created to make things easier? Could you sell this? Could you offer this as a service to help others out there struggling with the same thing(s) you were?

1. Sell Handmade/Homemade Items

Do you love crafting, sewing, candle making, designing and printing t-shirts? There are so many places online that you can sell the items that you’re already creating and having fun creating!

2. Selling Digital Products

Planners, ebooks, checklists, calendars, organization printables, logos, website design, etc. are items that you can create digitally and upload to sell online. No overhead of physical products, that live on the internet 24 hours a day, that can sell and automatically deliver to the buyer!

3. Services

What are you good at, certified in or enjoy helping others with? You can offer this service online to others who need help!

  • Live videos on Facebook group or using software like Zoom to offer services like coaching/consulting!
  • Virtual Assistant work, offering support for online businesses like posting to social media, managing emails, and so much more!

4. YouTube (Video Creation)

If you love creating and being on video, you can create videos on just about anything you want, and upload those videos to YouTube.

How do you make money by doing that?

  • You can get sponsored work with brands, that pay you to create videos about their products.
  • You can get paid for ads that appear on your videos.
  • Create videos about your product/service that you have, to generate sales and business.

5. Dropshipping

I don’t know a ton about dropshipping, but it’s definitely an option and something I know a lot of people do.

If you’ve had a dream of owning your own online shop where you sell products that you love, but don’t want the overhead and work dealing with packing up and shipping the actual products… you can dropship the items that you have in your online store.

Find a company that offers dropshipping, and you can manage your online store, but the dropshipping company can handle the physical work behind the scenes.

6. Amazon

I don’t know a lot about selling on Amazon, but I sure do know a lot of people who have made money selling on Amazon.

There are many ways that you can do this, and I highly suggest that you check out The Selling Family for their courses that they offer in how to get started doing this and how to do it successfully!

I recently listened to their story on Pat Flynn’s podcast and learned SO SO much.

My mind was blown when I heard that you could use Amazon’s app to scan products that store (say on the clearance rack) to see how much money you could potentially make if you bought it and re-sold it on Amazon.

7. Blogging

Oh my favorite thing ever… blogging! I can confidently say that blogging is a great way to make money online because I’m doing it! I started this blog as a hobby but after finding out that I could make money with it, fueled me to turn it in to an online business.

To say that I’m so grateful for what blogging has done for me and my family is an understatement.

By blogging, I’ve been able to financially support my family in two of the most toughest years of our lives (financially and emotionally). With a kiddo that has unexplainable seizures, I’m able to stay at home with him and go to endless doctor appointments… all while my blog can operate and make money for me in the background.

If you’ve ever felt the slightest push to consider blogging, I urge you to explore that thought a little more. It truly is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

I only blog about the things/topics that I enjoy and it has literally been a life-saver.

Join Fantabulous Blogging 101 HERE if you’re ready to start your blog today too!

Are there more ways to make money online?

You bet. But these are the top 7 that I know for a fact can help you make money online and are either my favorite or that I know personally works for someone I know.

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