Side Dish Archives - Busy Moms Helper

The Absolute Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

February 20, 2020 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

It’s safe to say that everyone loves chicken noodle soup. It’s tasty, great when you’re down with the flu, and highly nutritious. Homemade chicken noodle soup is full of vitamins and minerals that can jumpstart your whole body and give any disease a run for its money. The same, however, cannot be said about store-bought chicken soup – it’s best to stay away from it.

Even if you are a beginner, the soup is extremely easy to prepare. The only problem is that there are too many recipes and each one claims it’s the ‘ultimate’. Well, worry no more. We have the absolute best chicken noodle soup recipe that ‘hides’ a few secret ingredients that make it all the better.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
1 tablespoon canola oil
10 cups chicken broth
3 cups egg noodles
1 garlic clove (minced)
4 celery ribs
1 onion (chopped)
A bit of fresh thyme
A bit of fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Season the chicken thighs with pepper and salt, then cook it in a pot with canola oil for about 3-4 minutes per side. Save a few tablespoons from the drippings if you want for future soups.

Next, chop the onions if you haven’t already and cook for around 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir well, then add the broth and bring everything to a boil. This is the base for the soup. Add any other veggies you have (or like to add) and the cooked chicken, then simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot after about half an hour, add noodles, and cook for 20 more minutes. Shred the meat and throw the bones away, then add parsley and thyme to it. Put it back in the top, add the bay leaves, check the seasoning and that’s it. Save some of the veggie scraps for a delicious pot of chicken noodle soup next time. Bon appetite!

Source: www.healthyfoodhouse.com

Enjoy a Three-Veggie Soup That Will Heal Your Gut

February 20, 2020 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

Do you love soups as much as we do? If you do, you’re in for a treat. We have a simple gut-healing soup with the Holy Trio of vegetables for you that will boost your health like nothing else.

Many experts claim that our health begins in the gut. If you have a healthy gut, you can expect great overall health as well. Our digestive system is much more important than we think. It doesn’t just digest foods – it controls various other bodily functions. We rarely treat the gut as we should, forgetting all about the importance of veggies. Luckily, this soup will fix that and keep your gut in optimal shape. With it, it will also improve your overall health.

The soup won’t take much of your time to prepare – it’s easy even if you’re not a kitchen maestro. Just follow the instructions below and your gut will thank you.

Homemade Garlic-Asparagus-Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons tarragon
½ cup broccoli florets
½ cup onion (chopped)
½ lb. asparagus (chopped)
6 cups bone broth
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup coconut cream
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

Start by sautéing the onions for a few minutes, then sear the asparagus and broccoli. They should be done when golden. Add the garlic and deglaze everything with the broth. Let the mix boil, turn the heat on low and simmer the soup until the vegetables are soft and tender. Add the spices after around 20 minutes, then puree the soup to perfection.

Before serving, whip up the lemon juice and coconut cream, then serve with the soup. Bon appetite!

Gluten-Free Summer Quinoa Salad

June 17, 2019 by Stephanie Kirkos Leave a Comment

Happy Monday! This is Stephanie from Steph in Thyme, and today I am sharing a healthy side dish for your next supper or picnic. This Gluten-Free Summer Quinoa Salad is filled with sweet and savory flavors for a light, refreshing, and healthy summer side.

My aunt made a variation of this quinoa salad a few years ago at a Labor Day picnic. I’ve never been the biggest fan of fruit in salads, preferring a purely savory plate. Load up the veggies, but add in fruit? Heavens, no!

Well, all that changed with this Summer Quinoa Salad. I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved the sweet and savory flavors together in one bite. The sweetness of the seedless grapes and ripe blueberries contrast nicely against the tangy crumbled feta, crisp cucumber, and savory vinaigrette.

The fresh fruit also adds color and texture to the dish, each bite chock full of ripe fruit and creamy feta. For a bit of crunch, I recommend adding a few tablespoons of pine nuts or walnuts.

Quinoa, the base of this salad, is one of the healthiest foods on the planet, first cultivated over 5,000 years ago by the Incas who considered it “the Mother of all Grains.” Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, rich in fiber, and high in protein (in addition to numerous other health benefits).

Red and white quinoa have slightly different textures – white quinoa creamier and softer, red quinoa maintaining more of a bite after cooking. I often combine the two together for a blend of textures and colors. For added flavor, I always cook the quinoa in broth versus water.

The vinaigrette is oh so simple – red wine vinegar and dijon mustard whisked together with olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

(If you’re following a gluten-free diet, check to make sure that the mustard you are using is gluten-free. The vinegar in mustard may have been distilled from gluten grains, posing a reaction risk).

This salad is delicious served chilled or slightly warm (my preference). So healthy and simple, but rich with flavor and texture. Grab a fork and dig in!

Summer Quinoa Salad with sweet and savory flavors of crumbled feta, blueberries, and grapes in a tangy vinaigrette l Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper

Print Recipe

Gluten-Free Summer Quinoa Salad

A delicious and refreshing quinoa salad with crumbled feta, fresh grapes, blueberries, and cucumbers tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time30 mins

Servings: 6 -8 servings

Ingredients

Quinoa Salad

1/2 cup uncooked red quinoa
1/2 cup uncooked white quinoa
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup halved green seedless grapes
1/2 cup halved red seedless grapes
1/2 cup seeded diced cucumber
3-4 tbsp pine nuts optional

Vinaigrette

2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard gluten-free, if needed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and broth. Heat over medium and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Transfer quinoa to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar and mustard together. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking vigorously as you do. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
Place the blueberries, feta, cucumber, and grapes in a large bowl. Pour the cooled quinoa over top. Add the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat and combine the ingredients. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator prior to serving.

Notes

You can certainly adjust the quantities of fruit, adding more or less according to preference and taste.

Grilled Pork with Tinfoil Fried Rice

July 9, 2018 by Danielle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RealFlavorRealFast #CollectiveBias

Hubby is absolutely LOVING his grill from father’s day, and will use about any excuse to heat it up for cooking. When I told him I bought a delicious marinated pork loin, there was no doubt in my mind that he’d want to grill it – and I was right! For a little extra fun for our meal, we wanted to do a more unique side dish – fried rice, but on the grill. It turned out amazing, and was super easy to make. So break out your own grill and enjoy this tasty Grilled Pork with Tinfoil Fried Rice!

Several years ago I shared hubby’s favorite marinated pork loin – we all loved the incredible flavor and the ease of cooking (because we’re all about easy meals here!), so when I saw the Smithfield Roasted Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper Fresh Pork Tenderloin while I was placing my Walmart grocery pick-up order, I knew that it would be a hit. I made sure to get enough of the pork loin, then also the ingredients I’d need for the tinfoil fried rice side dish, as well. The next day, I picked up my order quickly – gotta love saving time on errands, right?! If you haven’t tried Walmart’s grocery pick-up service, I highly encourage you to give it a try and see how it works for yourself.

One of the reasons we all (especially hubby) love Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is because it provides real fresh, real flavor, real fast – providing real solutions for real life. It’s 100% fresh pork, so you can have a delicious, hassle-free meal in no time! It’s perfectly marinated and seasoned, making it great for any night of the week. I love the flexibility – try it grilled, roasted, sauteed or even slow-cooked. Try it YOUR way, and I’m sure you’ll love it!

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup Instant Rice
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
1 cup Vegetables of Choice, diced
1/4 cup Onion
Garlic Powder, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
6 Sheets of Tinfoil (roughly 12″ squared)
Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork

Directions

In a bowl, combine the rice, water, broth, vegetables, and onion until well-mixed. Allow to sit just a few minutes to start absorbing the liquid.
Divide the mixture (use a ladle or similar so you also scoop the liquid) between the 6 sheets of tinfoil. Season with garlic powder and pepper to taste.
Fold two sides of foil together twice, making sure it’s secure. Fold over and roll up the other two ends.
Heat grill to medium heat, about 350-400 degrees F. Remove the pork loin from the packaging. Spray or rub your grill with olive oil (to prevent burning and sticking), then place the pork onto the grill and cook carefully – turning often to avoid burning. Cook the pork, covered, about 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
After the pork has been cooking about 5 minutes, place the tinfoil packets on the grill and cook, covered, about 15-20 minutes, or until rice is soft.
After done, CAREFULLY open the tinfoil packets (away from grill) – the steam will be extremely hot, so use caution. Fluff with a fork and transfer to plates.
Cut the pork loin into strips or cubes (your choice!) and serve on top of the fried rice.

That’s all it takes – it’s super quick to make, and the flavor is AMAZING!

The whole family loved the grilled pork – full of flavor and very tender. The rice was super fun, because how often can you say you cooked rice on a grill? Something more unique for your summer BBQs!

Want even more fun? Be sure to check out the Hero of the Grill Contest & Sweepstakes at SmithfieldGetGrilling.com where you can share & nominate who inspired YOU to get grilling for a chance for your hero to win $5,000! Not to mention, you can enjoy great grilling content and enter for a chance to win prizes DAILY.

What would you serve Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork with?

Garlic Parmesan Knots

February 26, 2018 by Danielle

Are you a garlic fan? We sure are, especially garlic bread with spaghetti or other red-sauced pasta. I don’t often like spending tons of time, though, so these super-quick Garlic Parmesan Knots are perfect! (originally shared March 2014)

I know I just did a recipe using refrigerated crescents/biscuits the other day with these Super Quick Beignets, but they’re just SO HELPFUL when you’re trying to make something in a hurry! Seriously, I keep some packages stocked in my fridge at all times. At the moment there are……12 packs! Yup, that’s about normal here!

I love baking up these Garlic Parmesan Knots often because they’re so quick and easy. Plus, delicious! Serve them along with some spaghetti or red-sauced penne pasta. Or, just a flavorful side roll! And read on to find another variation I do that is super sweet and tasty!

Ingredients

2 cans Refrigerated Crescent Rolls (or Biscuits)
1/4 cup Olive Oil
3 tbsp. Parmesan Cheese (grated, or the shaky kind)
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Oregano Flakes
1 tsp. Parsley Flakes

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F. Spray two cookie sheets; set aside.
Take the Crescent Rolls/Biscuits and roll into a long, skinny rope. Tie the rope into a knot, sticking the ends into the ball.
Place the knots onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Make sure the middles aren’t doughy/uncooked.
Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl, then brush onto the knots while they’re still warm.

Notes: Makes about 20 knots, depending on the size of the rolls/biscuits package you choose.

VARIATION JUST FOR FUN: Roll the dough into ropes, spread with some butter/cinnamon/sugar mixture. Tie in a knot, cook as above. Drizzle/brush with a good cinnamon roll frosting 🙂

20+ of the Best Roll Recipes

November 16, 2017 by Danielle

I have to admit, I use to be terrified to make rolls. I’d had so many different ones others would make, I was intimidated, convinced it would be a challenge. Then I gave it a try, and realized it was so EASY! With Thanksgiving coming up soon, I now happily volunteer to bring rolls every time – and am always eager to try new, delicious variations! Now YOU have all the help you need with picking the perfect roll recipe this holiday season, with 20+ of the Best Roll Recipes!

20+ Best Roll Recipes for the holidays or any occasion #rolls #bread #recipe #food #thanksgiving #holidayfood #sidedish

I love good rolls! You can serve them with so many different dishes, and really switch it up with jelly, honey, butter, glazes, you name it! They shouldn’t be a huge headache to make, though, especially during the holiday season. I mean, really…you have enough other foods to worry about like the turkey, stuffing, not to mention a dozen or so desserts! Who needs to also stress about making the perfect roll?! Not me anymore, thanks to this collection of 20+ of the Best Roll Recipes!

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls w/Honey Butter Glaze

20+ of the Best Roll Recipes / by Busy Mom's Helper

Garlic Feta Bacon Crescent Rolls

Lion House Rolls (aka: Best Roll Recipe Ever)

Best Homemade Rolls Ever

Brioche Thins

Quick & Tasty 60 Minute Dinner Rolls

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Fluffy Bread Machine Rolls

Jalapeno Cheddar Dinner Rolls

Cake Mix Rolls

Make-Ahead Potato Crescent Rolls

10 Minute Rolls

Garlic Dinner Rolls

Sweet Potato Rolls

How to Make the Best Cinnamon Rolls

My New Favorite Dinner Roll Recipe

30 Minute Dinner Rolls

Butternut Squash Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Potato Rolls

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Pesto Rolls

30 Minute Rolls

Crescent Rolls

Gourmet-Style Garlic Jalapeno Burger and Fry Sauce

November 1, 2017 by Danielle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LeaveBlandBehind #CollectiveBias

Remember when you were a kid, and anytime you got a hamburger or cheeseburger was wonderful – regardless if it was super plain and boring? I loved having burgers for dinner, but now as an adult I sure do expect more FLAVOR and ‘personality’ to it. Gone are the days of bland, typical burgers now that you can whip up this Gourmet-Style Garlic Jalapeno Burger and Fry Sauce easily at home! It’s bursting with incredible flavor, and is a truly special sauce that takes your burger from ‘eh’ to WOW!

Don’t worry, y’all know how much I try to avoid complex dishes or meals that take too long – even though this Garlic Jalapeno Burger may SOUND difficult or time-consuming, it’s not at all! Just grab all of your ingredients during your next Walmart shopping trip – including the ‘secret ingredient’ that makes this sauce finger-licking good….NEW McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning. It’s one of the NEW McCormick Garlic Seasoning Blends now available at Walmart, and boy does it give such an amazing flavor to so many dishes – I had to stock up on several so we can try it out on more new things.

You can find it in the spice aisle, along with McCormick Garlic Ranch Seasoning. You can use either of these tasty seasonings anywhere you’d normally use Garlic Powder – add it in before, during or after cooking for an extra boost of flavor. They really bring garlic to the next level of flavor, and help take the guesswork out of recipe free cooking – because who wants to stick exactly to a recipe all the time?! I love using McCormick seasonings because they inspire a love of home cooking and help empower all cooks (even those still learning, like us) through flavor!

Seriously, this sauce takes these burgers far away from the regular ‘ol bland stuff and gives them a boost of flavor that really goes well with the burgers and toppings – plus it works amazingly as a fry sauce, so you get two uses from one sauce!

It just so happens that hubby had to work from home the day I made these, meaning he was able to taste-test my creation – and absolutely loved it! He even packed a bit of the leftovers for lunch the next day because it was such a hit 🙂 He was sure glad I bought several of the McCormick Garlic Seasoning Blends, since he’s also brainstorming on more things that it can be added to for some really great flavor.

Just look at that sauce dripping on the burger – so much great taste in every bite! Like I said, don’t worry because it’s really easy to make….

Ingredients – Sauce

3/4 cup Mayo
3 tbsp. Ketchup
2 tbsp. BBQ Sauce
1 tsp. Yellow Mustard
3 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp. McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning

For the entire meal you’ll need:

Sliced Tomatoes, lettuce, etc.
Sliced/Diced Onions (I sprinkled some seasoning on these and grilled them – delish!)
Hamburger Buns
Ground Beef/Burger Patties
Cheese of Choice, sliced
French Fries!

Directions

In a bowl, whip all of your ingredients until well-combined.
Use as a sauce for your burgers, and a dip for your fries.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy!

At first I was worried that using the same sauce for the burgers and the fry dip would be ‘too much’ – but goodness no! It was perfect, bringing out great flavor for each thing in a complimentary way. Loved it! Once you fall in love with the taste, you’ll want to sprinkle it on new things to try as well – I even sprinkled some into the actual ground beef patties of our burgers!

You can adjust the amount of seasoning you put in to fit your taste preference – it was still great with just 1 tsp. in the sauce, but for the better flavor we wanted we preferred 2 tsp. in ours.

Mmm….this sauce was almost addictive, it was just so tasty! And yes, it’s so good you’ll be licking your fingers (and maybe even your plate)!

I’m so glad I’m not a kid anymore, happy with a regular, bland burger – I want delicious flavor bursting in every single bite! These gourmet-style Garlic Jalapeno Burgers are just what the doctor ordered, and still were quick to fix up because us busy mommas deserve great taste without spending our valuable time!

What dish would YOU try NEW McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning in?

Noodle Stuffed Tomatoes

October 30, 2017 by Danielle

This post was sponsored by No Yolks as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. #NoYolks #NoOtherNoodle #IC

Ya’ll know I’m a HUGE fan of easy weeknight meals that make everybody happy. As busy moms, we don’t have time to spend forever in the kitchen creating new masterpieces! Or do we? By trying noodles in new and unexpected ways, you can create all sorts of amazing dishes that not only peak people’s interest (gotta keep the kiddos happy, right?) but also taste incredible – like these Noodle Stuffed Tomatoes!

I was really wanting to whip up something new, and the other day had a pot boiling water so I could cook up some No Yolks noodles (I love that they always cook up smooth, firm and fluffy, and stay that way after mixing them with your favorite recipes). After brainstorming how I wanted to fix these up to serve for a quick snack or light meal, I decided that including tomatoes would be perfect – but not in the normal diced way!

Instead of putting diced tomatoes mixed into the noodles, why not mix the noodles inside the tomatoes?! I had to give it a try – and it turned out super fresh and delicious, and the perfect size for a great party appetizer, afternoon snack or even a simple lunch!

Ingredients

Tomatoes, washed
No Yolks noodles
Shredded Cheese of Choice
Basil for topping, if desired

Directions

Cook your No Yolks Noodles according to package directions.
Cut the tops off the tomatoes (and little off bottoms if you want it to stand flat better) and scoop out the insides.
Spoon some noodles into each empty tomato. Top with a good sprinkling of cheese.
If desired, nuke in the microwave 5-10 seconds to melt the cheese. Sprinkle some basil on top, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Seriously, you’ve gotta give this new twist on traditional noodles & tomatoes a try because it is da bomb!

Not only are No Yolks noodles the perfect addition for when you need a delicious meal in a hurry, but they’re also a smart choice because they’re a healthy egg noodle alternative, made from egg whites so there’s no cholesterol. Plus they’re low in fat and sodium, so I feel much better about feeding them to my family! You can nab them in Broad, Extra Broad, fine, Kluski, Dumplings and even Stir-Fry.

There’s so many creative ways to incorporate noodles into your busy weeknight meals because they’re incredibly versatile. No Yolks is for way more than just stroganoff or casseroles! Give them a try in soups like Miso and French Onion, or in dishes like Sriracha Cheesy Noodles or Noodles with Kale and Walnut Pesto. So many options for new and unexpected dishes! Take these tasty & fun Pizza Noodle Cups for example – A unique take on a definite family-pleasing dish.

Find more great noodle recipe videos HERE!

Be sure to follow No Yolks on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more tasty goodness!

Habanero Cheesy Bread

September 28, 2017 by Danielle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KingOfFlavor #FieldToBottle #CollectiveBias

Guys, it’s FINALLY cooling down here in Texas and I’m thrilled because that means we can go outside more – without melting, at least. This means more picnics, barbecues, and get-togethers….and all of those mean tasty food! One great dish to whip up for a fun gathering outside is this delicious Habanero Cheesy Bread – super easy to make, and full of incredible flavor, it’s sure to be a huge hit for any occasion!

If you’re a big fan of regular cheesy bread like I am, you’re going to be thrilled to give this recipe a try because the El Yucateco® sauce enhances the flavor, making it a definite winner in the tasty food category. For this batch, I used their El Yucateco® Green Chile Habanero sauce because I love the green chile flavor mixed with the cheesiness of the bread. Pure deliciousness!

Plus – you could win awesome prizes that’ll help you discover new places!
#KingofFlavorSweepstakes (9/28 to 10/27)

El Yucateco®’s ingredients come from Field to Bottle. It includes no artificial colors, but the same great taste that makes it the King of Flavor since 1968. I grabbed a few from Target – so be sure to stock up next time you’re there running errands. This cheesy bread recipe would be great to try the different flavors with, so don’t be scared to mix it up a bit to see how each kind accents the flavoring in a unique way.

The different flavors they have are:

El Yucateco^® Green Chile Habanero
El Yucateco^® Red Chile Habanero
El Yucateco^® XXX Hot Kutbil-ik
El Yucateco^® Caribbean Habanero
El Yucateco^® Black Label Reserve
El Yucateco^® Chipotle
El Yucateco^® Jalapeno

Maybe I’m dorky, but I love the bottles they come in – they’re so convenient, and you can easily throw it in your purse for on-the-go to your next outing!

Note: makes 1 bread loaf

Ingredients

3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 tbsp. Sugar
8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
2 tbsp. El Yucateco^® Green Chile Habanero
1 cup Milk
1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
For cheese topping: 1-2 cups Shredded Cheese, 1/4 cup Butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F. Spray or line a bread pan, set aside.
Combine the first 8 ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cream cheese, milk, vegetable oil & El Yucateco® sauce) and mix until well-combined and a dough forms. If too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s a nice, doughy consistency.
Scrape dough into bread pan and bake about 40-50 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove and CAREFULLY (will be very hot) cut a checkered pattern on the top.
Mix the cheese and butter (you can add a little El Yucateco® sauce if desired), then stuff all over the top of the bread and into the cut parts. Cover with foil and bake about 15 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Allow to cool, then enjoy on your next adventure!

I’m eager to try this with other flavors to see how the taste changes, and to find out which is my favorite!

Check out all that cheesy goodness!

Another perk to this cheesy bread recipe is that you don’t need to let it rise forever (or at all) like some breads – I’m all for quick and easy baking 🙂

Be sure to grab some El Yucateco® sauce the next time you’re at Target so you can whip up this amazing Habanero Cheesy Bread for your next outdoor party or gathering.

What flavor El Yucateco® sauce would YOU use in this recipe?

Party Ready Black Bean Dip

August 29, 2017 by Danielle

Whether you’re celebrating the start of a new school year, have a big family gathering, or a big sports party, you’ll be well-prepared with this delicious, Party Ready Black Bean Dip. Easy to whip up, it’ll be sure to please the crowd for any get together you have coming up. Or even just enjoy it as a snack for a lazy movie-filled afternoon – it’s totally up to you!

Note: makes about 2 cups of dip

Ingredients

2 (15 oz.) cans Black Beans, rinsed & drained
1 medium Red Onion, roughly chopped
4 -6 cloves Garlic, peeled & minced
2 Jalapeños, seeded & chopped
1 tbsp. of Olive Oil
2 tbsp. fresh Lime Juice (1 whole lime approximately + more if desired)
¼ cup Water (approximate)
1/4 cup fresh chopped Cilantro, plus more for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan.
Add the onions, garlic and jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft – about ten minutes. Don’t let it brown.
Meanwhile: open, drain and thoroughly rinse the black beans.
Transfer the cooked onion mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the black beans, salt, lime juice, water and cilantro. Blend until smooth, stopping and scraping the sides as you go.
If the dip is too thick, add more water or lime juice, a little at a time to thin it out a bit.
Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm, cold or room temperature with tortilla chips.

Notes

Most of the heat from the jalapeños is in the seeds and ribs, so leave those out. If you like a spicier dip, reserve the seeds and add them little by little when you’re blending the dip.
Ground Cumin is a staple in most bean based dips. If you want, add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground cumin while blending. Cumin is a strong spice, so a little goes a long way.

Which chips would you enjoy with this bean dip?

20 Easy Homemade Jam Recipes

July 31, 2017 by Danielle

I’m in Utah visiting my relatives right now, and one thing we’ve enjoyed together is picking fresh berries from my sister’s garden. The kids absolutely LOVE it! We plan to make some freezer jam this week with her tasty raspberries, so I thought it’d be great fun to share 20 Easy Homemade Jam Recipes so you can whip some up for yourself!

Some of the recipes can probably be switched up depending on which product you have available, others may have to wait until a certain type is in season. Either way, there’s plenty of delicious jam recipes to choose from in this list!

3 Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam from wellplated.com
Slow Cooker Bacon Jam from chilipeppermadness.com
Blackberry Chia Seed Jam from twopeasandtheirpod.com
Apple Jam from farmtotablela.com
Clementine Jam from theviewfromgreatisland.com
Peach Freezer Jam from recipegirl.com
Rose Petal Jam from feastingathome.com
Habanero Nectarine Jam from theviewfromgreatisland.com
Habanero Pepper Jam from chilipeppermadness.com
Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe With No Pectin from scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
Homemade Low Sugar Cinnamon Plum Jam from happyfoodstube.com
Blueberry Jam With Mint from afarmgirlsdabbles.com
Triple Berry Refrigerator Jam from pinchofyum.com
Easy Strawberry Jam (no Pectin) from sweetandsavorybyshinee.com
Old Fashioned Strawberry Jam Recipe from mypoppet.com.au
20-minute Refrigerator Jam from greenhealthycooking.com
Pear And Ginger Jam (small Batch) from domesticgothess.com
Apple, Cinnamon And Cranberry Jam In Bread Machine from sourdoughmovement.com
Homemade Apple Jam from anncoojournal.com
Canned Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter from thehappyflammily.com

What flavor jam is YOUR favorite?

20+ Irresistible Bacon Recipes

July 27, 2017 by Danielle

It seems like a major food-craze that hasn’t gone away in past years is BACON. People love it – and for good reason, since it’s downright delicious! Here we’re sharing 20+ Irresistible Bacon Recipes, with everything from breakfast, sides, rolls, snacks and more to fit into your bacon craving any time of day.

Bacon, Cheddar, and Jalapeno Pinwheels – Yellow Bliss Road