Author name: Lauren Allen

Meal Plan (203)

A collage of 5 images from meal plan 203.Using a weekly meal plan is the best way to cook healthier for your family and save money and time! This week’s menu includes our popular Meatball Subs, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Pasta Salad and Ham and Swiss Sliders. Did you know you can customize this meal plan, swap out recipes, and…

The Perfect Charcuterie Board

The best charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, spreads, and fruit.My step-by-step guide for how to make a Charcuterie Board, including food ideas, what pairs well together, and how to assemble it for any season, group size, or occasion. Charcuterie Boards are such a fun and beautiful way to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer. What to add to a Charcuterie Board: When building a…

Meatball Subs

A homemade Meatball Sub sandwich recipe with a toasted sub with melted cheese, topped with three meatballs, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.What’s not to love about this easy Meatball Subs recipe with flavorful meatballs served in a toasted bun with melted provolone cheese and marinara sauce? Easy and delicious! I How to make Meatball Subs: Meatball mixture: Mix crushed saltine crackers, beef broth, spices, and egg (everything except the meat and flour) until combined and set…

Popcorn Chicken

A pan of homemade popcorn chicken, crispy and ready to be served with a dipping sauce.This homemade Popcorn Chicken recipe is everything you want it to be: crispy and crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It couldn’t be easier to make and can be cooked in the oven, air fryer, or fried. How to make Popcorn Chicken: Coat Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces then place…

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe packed with chicken and vegetables in a bowl ready to enjoy.Our easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is so flavorful and hearty, and tastes so fresh. It’s packed with veggies and I love serving it with homemade breadsticks. How to make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add onions, carrots, and celery…

Whole Wheat Bread

The best whole wheat bread recipe on a cutting board with four slices freshly cut and ready to enjoy with butter and jam.The best Whole Wheat Bread recipe is light, soft, and fluffy! Made with 100% whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey, this bread vanishes instantly, it’s so good! How to make Whole Wheat Bread: Spray bread loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper. Make Dough: In…

Ham and Cheese Sliders

A pan of a Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe with one being lifted to show the melted cheese.These easy Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate crowd pleaser! They have ham and cheese on Hawaiian rolls and drizzled with a buttery Dijon mustard sauce, then baked until golden and cheesy. Make them for a quick dinner or fun appetizer. How to make Ham and Cheese Sliders: Assemble: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in…

Chicken Pasta Salad

A cold Chicken Pasta Salad recipe in a big bowl with wooden tongs starting to pick some up.Our cold Chicken Pasta Salad recipe has spinach, mandarin oranges, craisins, almonds, and parmesan cheese tossed with bowtie pasta and chicken in a creamy greek yogurt dressing. It’s fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious! How to make Chicken Pasta Salad: Make Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth or use a blender to make it really…

Spanish Lentil Stew

A hearty Spanish Lentil Stew recipe in a bowl with potatoes, veggies, and chorizo.This Spanish Lentil Stew recipe is incredibly flavorful, hearty and comforting, made with chorizo, lentils and veggies. How to make Spanish Lentil Stew: Sauté Chorizo: Slice chorizo into ¼’’ rounds. Heat a large pot on medium heat then arrange the chorizo slices in a single layer. Cook for 1 minute, just to lightly render some…

Muesli

A homemade Muesli recipe in a big green bowl with oats, dried fruit, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.This homemade Muesli recipe is packed with oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit. Enjoy it with milk as cereal, sprinkled on yogurt, or use in overnight oats. It’s a healthy breakfast that will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle your day! How to make Muesli: Combine: Pour oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and…

Baked Salmon

An easy baked salmon recipe on a platter, cut into four fillets and ready to serve.It’s so easy to make my Baked Salmon recipe at home, and it’s just as good (and much less expensive) than a restaurant. We love a garlic butter seasoning, but have tips for using other salmon seasonings as well. How to bake Salmon: Rest Salmon on the counter for 20-30 minutes until at room temperature.…

Protein Banana Bread

A loaf of a high protein banana bread recipe with a few slices cut and ready to enjoy.This high Protein Banana Bread recipe has the same moist and delicious texture as traditional banana bread but it’s high protein, low sugar and fat and made with whole grains, so you can feel good about having an extra slice! Want more macro-friendly healthy recipes? Try Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Protein Pizza, Chia Pudding, or Honey…

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

A plate of water chestnuts wrapped in bacon with a delicious glaze, ready to enjoy with toothpicks.This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnut recipe is absolutely addicting! The crunchy water chestnut combined with the crisp bacon and a simple flavorful glaze that makes it shine. These are perfect for holidays, game day, or really anytime! How to make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts: Make Sauce: Mix brown sugar, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce together. Set…

Baked Brie

The best Baked Brie recipe wrapped in a puff pastry and served in the center of a platter surrounded by sliced baguette, grapes, and green apples.Our Baked Brie recipe couldn’t be easier, wrapped in a flakey puff pastry and baked until the cheese is melted and gooey. We love to serve it on a platter with apples, baguette slices, crackers, grapes, and figs. How to Bake Brie: Roll puff pastry: Lightly flour a surface then place puff pastry on top.…

Bacon Wrapped Dates

A sheet of easy Bacon Wrapped Dates, freshly baked with a delicious glaze.This delicious Bacon Wrapped Dates recipe (aka Devils on Horseback) has a date stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. The homemade glaze takes it over the top and makes it one of the absolute best appetizers! How to make Bacon Wrapped Dates: Glaze: Make the glaze by combining maple syrup, cilantro,…

Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A slice of an easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe, topped with cream cheese frosting and served on a white plate.Our easy Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe has all of the flavors of a cinnamon roll but without all the work! It’s a crowd pleaser and great for lunch or dessert. Ingredients Needed: How to make a Cinnamon Roll Cake: Make Batter: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vanilla. Stir in the melted…

Magic Bars (7 Layer Bars)

An easy Magic Bar recipe with the layered bars cut and stacked on top of each other.These easy 7 Layer Bars have a graham cracker crust topped with layers of chocolate, butterscotch, toffee, nuts, shredded coconut. Ingredients for 7 Layer Bars: How to make Magic Bars (7 Layer Bars): Layer: Make a graham cracker crust by crushing the graham crackers and mixing with melted butter. Press into a greased 8″ square…

Wild Rice Pilaf

A bowl of a cranberry wild rice pilaf recipe with a spoon lifting up a bite.This cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf recipe is bursting with flavor and makes the most beautiful side dish. The wild rice is cooked in a flavorful and veggie-filled broth and topped with crunchy pecans and Craisins before serving. More party-worthy holiday side dishes include our Corn Casserole, Homemade Dinner Rolls, Whipped feta with roasted vegetables, Balsamic…

Pecan Cobbler

An easy Pecan Cobbler recipe in a bowl topped with vanilla ice cream.This delicious Pecan Cobbler recipe is one of the easiest desserts to make and so delicious with a gooey caramel pecan filling baked into a delicious cake-like cobbler. Want more delicious dessert recipes? Try Apple Pie, Bananas Foster, Cherry Clafoutis, or Plum Cake! How to make Pecan Cobbler: Make Batter: Slice butter into pieces and…

Cranberry Sauce

A cooked Cranberry Sauce recipe in a bowl with a spoon lifting some up.Our traditional Cranberry Sauce recipe is the perfect accoutrement for the holidays, only takes 15 minutes to make, and can be made in advance. It’s a must with Thanksgiving turkey, a charcuterie board, or a delicious spread for your sandwich. Want more homemade Thanksgiving recipes? Try my classic Thanksgiving Turkey or a Spatchcock Turkey, Garlic…

Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

A slice from an easy Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake recipe a being lifted to show the chocolate and vanilla layers.This incredible Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake has layers of creamy cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache topping all on an Oreo cookie crust. You can impress anyone with this decadent and sophisticated dessert! Want more pie recipes? I recommend Grasshopper Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, or Apple Pie! How to make…

The Fastest Way to Make Mashed Potatoes? Use Your Instant Pot

Our easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and ready in a fraction of the time-no boiling or draining required and all made in one pot. How to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Cook Potatoes: Peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on if you prefer). Cut them into quarters and place in the…

Broccoli Salad

The best Broccoli Salad with bacon, craisins, and onion in a large bowl with a serving spoon.The best Broccoli Salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and flavorful with bacon, craisins, almonds, and a simple dressing. It’s an easy and quick side dish everyone loves! Want more easy side dishes? Try Potatoes Au Gratin, Corn Casserole, Quinoa Salad, or Roasted Vegetables! How to make Broccoli Salad: Prep Broccoli: Blanch chopped broccoli, and whisk…

Graham Cracker Crust

A homemade graham cracker crust inside a glass pie plate with scattered graham crackers around it.With only 3-ingredients, our homemade Graham Cracker Crust is a no brainer replacement to the taste-less store-bought alternatives. It takes minutes to make and tastes amazing. There’s no secret I love pie recipes, and a pie is only good as its crust, so be sure to try my Easy Pie Crust and Oreo Pie Crust.…

Cranberry Fluff Salad

An easy Cranberry Fluff salad recipe served in a glass and topped with three fresh cranberries.Our Cranberry Fluff Salad recipe is made with fresh cranberries, sweetened with crushed pineapple and loaded with fluffy marshmallows. It’s a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to. This may be my favorite side for Thanksgiving, it’s right up there with Thanksgiving Stuffing, Homemade Rolls, my favorite Turkey, and easy Lemon Cream Pie! Only 6 Ingredients…

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