Category: Lemon Juice


Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/davecampbell/foodwatcher.com/wp-content/plugins/feedwordpress/feedwordpress.php on line 2022

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This cozy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is the perfect hot breakfast for cool fall mornings, and it’s great for meal prep, too!

The post Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Who needs those autumn-themed candles when you’ve got Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in the oven? NO ONE. This warm and cozy oatmeal casserole, of sorts, is the epitome of fall vibes. Not only will this baked oatmeal make your house smell amazing, but it’s an easy way to meal prep breakfast for the week ahead. It’s cozy, delicious, filling, and EASY. 🙌

Overhead view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with the corner being scooped out.

What is Baked Oatmeal?

If you’re new to baked oatmeal, it’s kind of like bread pudding, but made with oats instead of chunks of bread. It’s sweet, rich, hearty, and absolutely amazing. The texture is soft and moist, but not goopy like traditional oatmeal can be, and it gets just a little bit crispy around the edges of the baking dish. You can eat it hot out of the oven and the leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave. I like to pour a little cold milk over top for a delicious hot-cold combo. Baked oatmeal can also be frozen in single-serving containers for quick reheatable weekday breakfasts!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal combines our usual baked oatmeal base with apples that are coated in a little cinnamon and sugar, and then baked until they form an apple pie-like layer on the bottom of the oats. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible apple cinnamon baked oatmeal:

  • Fresh apples: Pick a sweet or semi-sweet variety of apple, like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. And, of course, take advantage of the fresh fall apples for the best price and flavor!
  • Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, not quick oats or minute oats, to achieve the best texture. Quick oats are too thin and will create a mushier texture.
  • Milk and eggs: Milk and eggs create a custard that keeps the baked oats soft, tender, and moist. I like to use whole milk, but you can substitute it with non-dairy milk if needed.
  • Brown sugar and applesauce: Using both broth sugar and applesauce to sweeten the baked oatmeal creates an even bigger apple pie-like flavor without having to use too much added sugar.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla make these baked oats that classic fall aroma!
  • Lemon juice: A little lemon juice brightens up the baked apples and really makes their flavor shine.
  • Cornstarch and baking powder: These two ingredients are added for texture. The cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, creating a pie-filling-like texture. The baking powder lightens the oat mixture just a touch so it’s not quite so heavy.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is pretty versatile. You can eat it either hot OR cold. I love it just out of the oven with a little cold milk poured over top, but it’s also great cold after it’s been refrigerated overnight. You can top it with some nuts or even some whipped cream for an even more dessert-like treat!

How to Store The Leftovers

After baking, divide the oatmeal into single-serving portions and refrigerate until completely cool. The baked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or you can transfer it to the freezer for longer storage (about three months). Refrigerated or frozen baked oatmeal can be reheated quickly in the microwave.

A bowl full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with milk.
Overhead view of a casserole dish of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with the corner being scooped out.
Print

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This cozy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is the perfect hot breakfast for cool fall mornings, and it's great for meal prep, too!
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.92 recipe / $0.99 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 (about 1.3 cups each)
Calories 336kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Baked Apple Layer

  • 4 medium apples (about 2 lbs. total) $2.66
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice $0.06
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.06
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon $0.05
  • 1/8 tsp cloves $0.02

Baked Oatmeal Layer

  • 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce $0.91
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar $0.12
  • 2 large eggs $0.18
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract $0.59
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1 tsp baking powder $0.06
  • 1 tsp cinnamon $0.10
  • 1.5 cups milk* $0.72
  • 2.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats $0.72

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice the apples.
  • Place the diced apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or 2 qt.) casserole dish. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the apples are coated in sugar and spices.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  • While the apples are baking, prepare the baked oatmeal mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Then add the milk and whisk to combine again.
  • Finally, stir the dry oats into the applesauce mixture and stir until fully combined.
  • After the apples come out of the oven, give them a good stir, then pour the oat mixture over top. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  • After baking for 30 more minutes the oats should be golden brown on top and you may see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Let the oats cool for about five minutes before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I use whole milk but you can use any type of milk, including non-dairy varieties.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.3cups | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 514mg | Fiber: 7g
Overhead view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with ingredients on the sides.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos

Four apples on a cutting board.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice four medium apples (about ½ lb. each).

Apples in the casserole dish with sugar, spices, and cornstarch added.

Place the apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch or 2-quart casserole dish. Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp cloves. Stir until the apples are evenly coated in sugar and spices.

Baked apples in the casserole dish.

Cover the dish with foil and bake the apples for 15 minutes in the preheated 375ºF oven.

Eggs, applesauce, sugar, and spices in a bowl.

While the apples are baking, begin preparing the oat mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup brown sugar.

Milk being poured into the bowl of applesauce mixture.

Add 1.5 cups milk to the applesauce mixture, then whisk again to combine.

Dry oats stirred into the applesauce and milk mixture.

Add 2.5 cups rolled oats (not quick oats) and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Oat mixture in the casserole dish on top of the baked apples.

After the baked apples come out of the oven, give them a stir, then pour the oat mixture over top of the apples. Place the dish back into the oven (uncovered) and bake for 30 minutes more.

Baked oatmeal in the casserole dish from above.

After 30 minutes the oats should be golden brown around the edges and you might see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Side view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with a portion scooped out.

The bottom layer will be sweet and tender baked apples and the top layer will be a soft baked oatmeal. SO GOOD!

Milk being poured into a bowl of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal.

I like to eat my apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with a splash of cold milk on top!

More Baked Oatmeal Recipes

The post Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Pork and Cherry Rice Bowl

These pork and cherry rice bowls are a quick and delicious rice bowl meal with a unique sweet and savory twist!

The post Pork and Cherry Rice Bowl appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you want to break free from the same old same old, these Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls are a ridiculously delicious and unique twist on the classic rice bowl. Sweet and juicy cherries are a perfect contrast for unctuous, savory (and super budget-friendly) ground pork. The dish is finished with an acidic cherry sauce made with pork drippings that truly brings it all together. The best part: It’ll be on the table in about a half hour!

Overhead view of a pork and cherry rice bowl garnished with parsley.

What Is A Pork And Cherry Rice Bowl?

Ultimately, it’s a rice bowl. You have a grain, some protein, and produce. But rice bowls can get boring, and this out-of-the-box combination is savory with a touch of tart sweetness. For me, it was love at first bite.

Ingredients For Apple Slaw

While these rice bowls are easy enough for a weeknight meal (they come together in about a half hour!), their bold flavor makes them perfect for a special occasion. Here’s what you’ll need to make Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls:

  • Rice: This is the foundation of this rice bowl. I use jasmine rice in this recipe, feel free to use your favorite type, though of course the water ratio and cooking times might change depending on the type of rice used. If you need it, check out our handy tutorial on How To Cook Rice.  
  • Ground Pork: I use ground pork sausage patties because they’re budget-friendly and super convenient. They are already seasoned, so you only have to cook the pork through. Pork sausage patties are usually made with fennel or sage, seasonings that pair perfectly with savory cherries. You can, of course, use your favorite ground pork or plant-based sausage here; just make sure it isn’t something way out there like beer and cheese jalapeño.  
  • Cherries: I use frozen sweet cherries that are pitted and ready to go. They break down quickly into a sauce. Any type of sweet cherry will do here. If you want to use fresh, you’ll need to make sure they are pitted before putting them in the mix. Canned sweet cherries are fine as long as the don’t have added sugar. This is a savory preparation. If you don’t like cherries, I recommend you try one of our other fantastic rice bowls. 
  • Red Wine: Helps create our cherry sauce and adds depth of flavor. The alcohol thoroughly cooks out, so you won’t be getting anyone tipsy. If you want to skip the wine, use cranberry juice or chicken stock.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add dimension by bringing a touch of smoky heat. Though it is a subtle heat and nothing that will knock your socks off, feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to the sauce. If you don’t have lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar. 
  • Italian Parsley: Adds herbaceous notes to the mix and is also used for garnish. 
  • Garlic and Yellow Onion: These are aromatics that help add bulk and flavor to the ground pork. You can substitute the onion with a tablespoon of onion powder and the garlic with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. If you can’t do onions and garlic, skip them.
  • Butter: Helps pull the sauce together and gives it a nice sheen. 

What To Serve With Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls

If you want to bulk up your meal, pair these Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls with an easy Side Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, or Herby Potato Salad. They’re also excellent with Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms or Lemon Butter Green Beans.

How To Store The Leftovers

Store the rice and ground pork separately in airtight containers; otherwise, the rice will soak up that delicious sauce. You can refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave or on a stovetop until steaming. 

Side view of a pork and cherry rice bowl.
Close up overhead view of a pork and cherry rice bowl.
Print

Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls

These pork and cherry rice bowls are a quick and delicious rice bowl meal with a unique sweet and savory twist!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $7.27 recipe / $1.82 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories 749kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp salted butter, divided $0.38
  • 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed $0.75
  • 2.5 cups boiling water $0.00
  • 1/4 tsp salt, divided $0.01
  • 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
  • 12 oz. pork sausage $2.99
  • 1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped $0.42
  • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh sweet cherries $1.25
  • 1/2 cup red wine $0.94
  • 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp lemon juice $0.01

Instructions

  • In a medium pot with a heavy lid or in a rice cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in the rice. Toast the rice in the butter, stirring until fragrant. Then add the boiling water and 1/8 teaspoon salt.
  • Once the rice comes to a boil and there are small steam vent holes across the surface, cover and cook for 15 minutes. When the fifteen minutes are up, remove the rice from the heat, but do not uncover the pan. Allow the rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes before removing the lid.
  • In the meantime, place a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the pork sausage to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Mix the chopped Italian Parsley into the pork.
  • Remove the pork from the pan, leaving the juices in the pan. Add the red wine to the pan and deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits. This should take about 1 minute.
  • Chop the cherries into quaraters and add them to the deglazed pan, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces into a thin syrup, about 5 minutes. Take the cherries off the heat. The rice should also be done cooking by now, so make sure to take it off the heat and allow it to steam for 10 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and lemon juice to the cherry sauce. Stir to incorporate. Add the final tablespoon of butter to the cherry sauce and stir until it melts.
  • Once the ten-minute resting time for the rice is up, uncover and fluff it. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Divide the rice between four bowls. Top the rice with the ground pork. Drizzle with cherry sauce. Garnish with Italian parsley and serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 749kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 35g | Sodium: 796mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make Pork and Cherry Rice Bowls – Step by Step Photos

Boiling water being poured into a pot with rice.

In a medium pot with a heavy lid or in a rice cooker, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 2 cups of rice. Toast the rice in the butter, stirring until fragrant. Then add 2 1/2 cups boiling water and 1/8th teaspoon salt. 

Half cooked rice in the pot, showing air vents in the surface.

Once the rice comes to a boil and there are small steam vent holes across the surface, cover and cook for 15 minutes. When the fifteen minutes are up, remove the rice from the heat, but do not uncover the pan. Allow the rice to steam for an additional 10 minutes before removing the lid.

Sautéed onion in a skillet.

In the meantime, place a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in it. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 

Cooked pork sausage in the skillet.

Add 12 ounces of pork sausage to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Mix ½ cup chopped Italian Parsley into the pork. 

Red wine being poured into the pan to deglaze.

Remove the pork from the pan, leaving the juices in the pan. Add 1/2 cup red wine to the pan and deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits. This should take about 1 minute.

Reduced red wine sauce in the skillet.

Chop 1/2 cup fresh or frozen sweet cherries into quarters, then add them to the deglazed pan, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces into a thin syrup, about 5 minutes. Take the cherries off the heat. The rice should also be done cooking by now, so make sure to take it off the heat and allow it to steam for 10 minutes. 

Butter added to the cherry red wine sauce in the skillet.

Add the remaining 1/8th tsp salt, 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp lemon juice to the cherry sauce. Stir to incorporate. Add the final tablespoon of butter to the cherry sauce and stir until it melts.

Fluffed rice in the pot.

Once the ten-minute resting time is up, uncover the rice and fluff it. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Cherry pork rice bowl being assembled.

Divide the rice between four bowls. Top the rice with the ground pork. Drizzle with cherry sauce. Garnish with Italian parsley and serve.

A fork digging into a pork and cherry rice bowl.

More Rice Bowl Recipes

The post Pork and Cherry Rice Bowl appeared first on Budget Bytes.


Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/davecampbell/foodwatcher.com/wp-content/plugins/feedwordpress/feedwordpress.php on line 2022

Lemon Blueberry Bars

Say hello to your new summer obsession: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! Tart, fresh lemon paired with sweet, juicy blueberries- all wrapped up in a creamy cheesecake layer and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Yum! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just…

Say hello to your new summer obsession: Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! Tart, fresh lemon paired with sweet, juicy blueberries- all wrapped up in a creamy cheesecake layer and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Yum! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a treat-yourself moment, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert...

Read More

This article was written and published by Oh My Veggies. It may not be reproduce or republished without permission of the author. The original article can be found here: Lemon Blueberry Bars.

Peach Cobbler

This buttery peach cobbler hits! You can use fresh or canned peaches, which makes this easy peach cobbler recipe a crowd and wallet-pleaser!

The post Peach Cobbler appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This buttery old-fashioned peach cobbler hits! Juicy summer peaches and a crispy cake-like topping will always be a crowd-pleaser, which is why this homemade peach cobbler recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dessert to the star of the potluck. Plus, you can make it with fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, so it’s an easy recipe that’s also easy on your wallet! (It comes in at under a dollar a serving! Woot!!)

Overhead shot of peach cobbler with a scoop taken out in a glass pie plate.

What Is Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler is often credited as a dessert created in the American South, but it’s actually Native American in origin. This dish of sweet, juicy summer peaches baked with a simple buttery batter is so easy to make and so yummy it’s almost criminal. Be warned: it smells so good that your loved ones will beg to devour it straight from the oven. Let it rest a few minutes before you dig in because it’s LAVA HOT. I speak from experience.

Ingredients For Peach Cobbler

You might want to double this recipe for Peach Cobbler because it will go fast, and you might have some feelings about that. I recently had two teenagers destroy the whole thing before I finished my first serving, and I was inundated with waves of deep resentment. Here’s what you’ll need to make Peach Cobbler:

  • Peaches– are the star of the show here. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen. You don’t have to peel your peaches if you don’t want to. It’s a textural thing for me. If using canned, get them in their own juices, and don’t discard the juices. If they are canned in syrup, again, keep the juices, but omit the brown sugar in the recipe. If using frozen, let them thaw before mixing with the other ingredients.
  • Sugar – helps sweeten the batter and the filling and deepens the color of the crust. You’ll use brown and granulated, though if you only have one type, use what you have. This recipe is very forgiving.
  • Spices – cinnamon pairs beautifully with peaches, adding a gentle dimension to the flavor profile. I also use a touch of ground ginger and nutmeg to create a deeper flavor, but if your peaches are super tasty, feel free to skip them both.
  • Lemon Juice– adds a much-needed acidity to the sweet filling and helps thicken the peach juices. You can use fresh or bottled.
  • Cornstarch– helps thicken the peach juices while keeping them clear and glossy. If you don’t have cornstarch, thicken the filling with 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour. FYI, it might get a little cloudy.
  • All Purpose Flour– creates the batter for the cobbler. We have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour and can’t give any specific guidance, though I bet it would be tasty with almond flour.
  • Baking Powder – leavens and aerates the batter. If you don’t have baking powder, use 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cup of milk called for in this recipe.
  • Almonds – pair incredibly with peaches and add texture to the cobbler. While I use sliced, feel free to use chopped. You can substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts. Skip the almonds if you have a nut allergy or if they’re not as budget-friendly as you’d like.
  • Milk and Butter– create the batter. The fat in the milk keeps the crumb velvety, so use whole or add a tablespoon more butter if you’re using 2% milk. If you want to keep things vegan, use plant-based butter and milk.
  • Vanilla – scents the batter but can also be skipped if you don’t have any on hand.
Overhead shot of a scoop of peach cobbler in a white bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What To Serve WitH Peach Cobbler

Warm Peach Cobbler pairs perfectly with our easy recipe for No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream or double down on that peach flavor and make our amazing No-Churn Balsamic Peach Ice Cream. You can also drizzle it with our Easy Caramel Sauce or a few tablespoons of silky Blueberry Sauce. I love it topped with our Homemade Whipped Cream and Small Batch Crunchy Candied Walnuts.

How To Store Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is good for up to three days. Since it contains dairy, you’ll want to refrigerate it after it cools in an air-tight container. If you have leftovers, try to enjoy them within a day, as the flavors and textures dull quickly. You can also freeze peach cobbler. Cool it before storing it in an air-tight container with parchment paper on the surface. It will keep for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Peach Cobbler

It’s best to reheat peach cobbler in a 350°F oven until steaming. If reheating from frozen, it’s fine to put the cobbler in the oven straight from the freezer. While you can reheat peach cobbler leftovers in a microwave, the texture of the cobbler will change. If you choose to go the microwave route, heat it in 30-second increments until steaming.

Side shot of peach cobbler with a scoop taken out in a glass pie plate.
Overhead shot of peach cobbler with a scoop taken out in a glass pie plate.
Print

Peach Cobbler

This buttery peach cobbler hits! You can use fresh or canned peaches, which makes this easy peach cobbler recipe a crowd and wallet-pleaser!
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Total Cost ($7.15 recipe / $0.89 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 443kcal
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Filling

  • 6 peaches*, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch slices $2.76
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar $0.22
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger $0.02
  • 1 tsp cornstarch $0.04
  • 1 tsp lemon juice $0.03

Batter

  • 8 Tbsp salted butter, melted $1.02
  • 1 1/2 cups flour $0.21
  • 1 cup sugar $0.40
  • 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds $1.27
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder $0.09
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon $0.02
  • 1 pinch nutmeg $0.01
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1 cup milk $0.30
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract $0.72

Instructions

  • Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the sliced peaches, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Let the peaches sit for five minutes to absorb the sugar and spices and release their juices.
  • Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the peaches and their juices. Cook down the juices for about 5 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with the lemon juice to create a slurry, then add it to the peaches and stir well. Turn the heat to mid-high and bring to a boil.
  • When the juices have thickened to the point that they stay separated when you run a spoon through them (about 5 minutes), take the pan off the heat.
  • Add the melted butter to the pie dish and add the cooked peaches and their juices to the dish.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, sliced toasted almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Stir in the milk and vanilla and mix lightly, just until a batter forms. Pour the batter on top of the peaches.
  • Bake until the cobbler is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool before serving and enjoy!!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*You do not have to peel the peaches if you don’t want to. If using canned peaches, use two 15-ounce cans of peaches in their own juices. Do not drain the juices. If using frozen sliced peaches, use 2 pounds, but thaw them before mixing them with the brown sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 346mg | Fiber: 3g

How to Make Peach Cobbler – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of peaches and brown sugar with other filling ingredients in a white bowl.

Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the 6 sliced peaches, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger. Let the peaches sit for five minutes to absorb the sugar and spices and release their juices.

Overhead shot of of cornstarch slurry being added to peaches in a silver pan.

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the peaches and their juices. Cook down the juices for about 5 minutes. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to create a slurry, then add it to the peaches and mix in well. Turn the heat to mid-high and bring to a boil.

Overhead shot of of peaches being cooked in a silver pan to thicken their juices.

When the juices have thickened to the point that they stay separated when you run a spoon through them (about 5 minutes), take the pan off the heat.

Overhead shot of cooked peaches being added to butter.

Add 8 tablespoons of melted butter to the pie dish and add the cooked peaches and their juices to the dish.

Overhead shot of wet ingredients being mixed into dry ingredients.

In a large bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Stir in 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix lightly, just until a batter forms.

Overhead shot of raw peach cobbler in a glass pie plate.

Pour the batter on top of the peaches. The butter will rise to the top. I prefer a buttery, crispy topping, so I don’t stir the batter into the peaches. If you’d like to have some of the peaches popping through the topping, mix it lightly into the peaches.

Overhead shot of baked peach cobbler in a glass pie plate.

Bake until the cobbler is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and collecting ALL OF THE COMPLIMENTS. For the most amazing experience, top it with ice cream or whipped cream!

Overhead shot of a scoop of peach cobbler in a white bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

More Easy Peach Recipes

The post Peach Cobbler appeared first on Budget Bytes.


Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/davecampbell/foodwatcher.com/wp-content/plugins/feedwordpress/feedwordpress.php on line 2022

Homemade Fresh Fruit Freeze Pops

These summery fresh fruit freeze pops are made with pectin for a less icy, more pleasing mouthfeel; they’re essentially a quick freezer jam in popsicle form! The beauty of this recipe is its unique consistency, but also its versatility—I’ve used strawberries, blueberries, and peaches here, but you can use pretty much any fruit you want […]

The post Homemade Fresh Fruit Freeze Pops first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

These summery fresh fruit freeze pops are made with pectin for a less icy, more pleasing mouthfeel; they’re essentially a quick freezer jam in popsicle form!

The beauty of this recipe is its unique consistency, but also its versatility—I’ve used strawberries, blueberries, and peaches here, but you can use pretty much any fruit you want (the sky is the limit!)

Three jars with different flavors of Freezer Jam Ice Pops: Peach, Strawberry, and Blueberry

The freezer provides ample opportunities to preserve seasonal fruit for later, and these freezer jam pops do exactly that in a way that’s both fun to eat and as tasty as (or tastier than!) biting into a juicy ripe peach or strawberry or blueberry or any fruit, really.

Whether you call them freeze pops, otter pops, flavor ice, icy poles, freezies (hiya, Canada pals!) or Zooper Doopers (hello Aussie mates!) one thing is for sure: these refreshing summer treats are sure to beat the heat.

While fresh fruit popsicle recipes abound, this recipe has a uniquely pleasing texture that comes from a (not so) secret ingredient: pectin. The pectin makes the pops smoother, less icy, and softer to bite. With just a little bit of sugar plus a lemon juice and citric acid to make the flavors even brighter, you have yourself one perfect summer treat.

(more…)

Tuna Pasta Salad

This classic tuna pasta salad is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or potluck. It’s easy to make, cool, creamy, and perfect for a crowd.

The post Tuna Pasta Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

It’s officially H.O.T. outside, so I’m leaning into my cold pasta salads hard these days! This Tuna Pasta Salad is an easy classic that is cool, creamy, inexpensive, and it keeps me full. This one is seriously simple and it’s the perfect salad for summer BBQs, potlucks, to pack for lunches, or to have a quick cold meal when you’re sweating it out in this heat. So bookmark it now because you’ll want to revisit it, again and again, this summer!

Close up overhead view of a bowl full of tuna pasta salad.

What’s In Tuna Pasta Salad

This classic recipe is really simple and most of the ingredients are fairly inexpensive. To make this tuna pasta salad you’ll need:

  • Pasta – We used small shells, but you can use any small shape. Bowtie pasta is another great option.
  • Tuna – Canned tuna is probably the most expensive ingredient in this pasta salad, but a little goes a long way! We used two 5oz. cans to span all six servings. If you want to reduce the price even further, drop down to one can and increase the amount of peas for more protein!
  • Onion – A little onion adds depth of flavor and a lot of great crunch to this salad. We used red onion for color, but a sweet onion also works!
  • Dressing – This tuna salad uses a super simple homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried dill. Simple but good!

what Kind of Tuna to Use

I prefer chunk light tuna for this pasta salad because it’s a good balance between affordable and having a good texture for the salad. Tuna labeled “solid” will have larger prettier pieces, but usually fetches a higher price. Albicore or white tuna will have a lighter color and a milder flavor. …but I kind of like the stronger taste of tuna for this salad!

Variations on Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna pasta salad has been a classic for decades and everyone makes it a little different. If you want to branch out from the recipe below, here are some other ingredients you can try:

  • Add diced cheddar for more richness
  • Substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter flavor
  • Substitute the onion with shallots for a milder onion flavor
  • Add diced celery for more crunch
  • Add diced hard-boiled egg for more inexpensive protein
  • Add a couple tablespoons of dill or sweet relish for more flavor
  • Try canned salmon in place of the tuna
  • Add fresh herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon, green onion)

Can You Make Tuna Pasta Salad Ahead?

You can make tuna pasta salad ahead of time, which can be helpful for potlucks and BBQs, but it’s definitely best when eaten on the same day it’s prepared. I would advise against making it more than one day ahead because it will begin to dry out the longer it stays in the refrigerator. Luckily, this pasta salad is a snap to make, so it’s easy to whip up on the day of!

Close up side view of a bowl full of tuna pasta salad.
Close up side view of a bowl full of tuna pasta salad.
Print

Tuna Pasta Salad with Peas

This classic tuna pasta salad is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or potluck. It's easy to make, cool, creamy, and perfect for a crowd.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $4.83 recipe / $0.81 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 about 1 cup each
Calories 478kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise $0.92
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice $0.12
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill $0.03
  • ¾ tsp salt $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion $0.11
  • 1 cup frozen peas $0.47
  • 12 oz. mini shell pasta $1.13
  • 2 5oz. cans chunk light tuna, drained $1.98

Instructions

  • Make the dressing first. Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then set the dressing aside.
  • Finely dice the red onion and measure out the frozen peas.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until it's almost fully tender (about 5-6 minutes), then add the frozen peas. Continue to cook the pasta and peas together for the last minute or two, or until the pasta is fully tender. Drain the pasta and peas well in a colander, allowing them to cool.
  • Once the pasta and peas are well drained and mostly cooled, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the diced red onion, drained tuna, and prepared dressing. Fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 598mg | Fiber: 3g

 

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad – Step By Step Photos

Ingredients for tuna pasta salad dressing in a bowl, not stirred together.

Make the dressing first. Combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp dried dill. Stir everything together, then set the dressing aside.

Diced red onion and a measuring cup full of frozen peas.

Finely dice about ½ cup of red onion. Measure 1 cup of frozen peas.

Boiled pasta and peas in a pot full of water.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz. small shell pasta (or any other small shape) and boil just until tender. When the pasta is almost cooked through, add the frozen peas and let them cook with the pasta for the last two minutes. Drain the pasta and peas well in a colander, allowing them to cool.

Ingredients for tuna pasta salad being combined in a bowl.

When the pasta and peas have drained well and cooled down (slightly warm is okay), add them to a large bowl with two drained 5oz. cans of tuna, the diced red onion, and the prepared dressing.

Finished tuna pasta salad in a bowl.

Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and coated in dressing.

Close up side view of a bowl full of tuna pasta salad.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat!

More Easy Tuna Recipes

The post Tuna Pasta Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad recipe is the perfect summer meal! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a potluck or picnic.

The post BLT Pasta Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

One of my favorite things about summer is a big ol’ juicy BLT sandwich. But until those gorgeous summer tomatoes come in, I’ll be enjoying that BLT flavor in salad form. This BLT Pasta Salad gives me all that creamy, tomatoey, balcony flavor I love but in a cold and refreshing pasta salad form. Plus, it’s great for all your summer BBQs, picnics, and potlucks. So if you haven’t tried this classic summer pasta salad, put it on your list!

Overhead view of a bowl full of BLT pasta salad.

What’s In BLT Pasta Salad?

Okay, just in case you’ve never experienced the beautiful simplicity of a BLT sandwich, let’s start there. “BLT” stands for “bacon lettuce tomato”. A BLT sandwich is just crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes between two slices of bread, slathered with mayonnaise. It’s simple and perfect.

For BLT Pasta Salad we keep the core flavors the same, but we flesh it out just a bit. I think lettuce is a bit too delicate for pasta salad, so I used fresh spinach instead (I think it holds up better and has better color and texture for a pasta salad). To give the dressing a little more flavor than just plain mayo, we add a little ranch dressing, lemon juice for zing, and some salt and pepper. And then finally, I added a little diced red onion to round out the flavor and texture of the salad. It’s still super simple and totally delish!

What Kind of Pasta to Use

You can use any short pasta shape for this recipe, like rotini, small shells, macaroni, orecchiette, cavatappi, or farfalle (bowtie). I went for bowtie because I thought the shape was super cute in this salad!

How Long Does it Last?

This BLT Pasta Salad benefits from a little time in the fridge (you’ll want it to sit for 10-15 minutes for the best flavor), but it will eventually dry out, so you’ll want to make it the same day if you’re serving it to guests. I ate the leftovers for two days after I originally made the salad and while it was still amazing the next day, it did get a little dry by day two. So for best results, make this salad the same day you plan to serve it and try to eat up those leftovers within a day or so!

Close up side view of a bowl of BLT pasta.
Close up side view of a bowl of BLT pasta.
Print

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad recipe is the perfect summer meal! It's easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a potluck or picnic.
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $7.39 recipe / $0.92 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 1 cup each
Calories 466kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. bacon $2.30
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise $0.92
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing $0.30
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice $0.12
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper $0.02
  • 12 oz. bowtie pasta* $1.25
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes $1.89
  • 1/4 red onion $0.11
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (packed) $0.46

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.
  • While the bacon is cooking, prepare the dressing. Stir together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set the dressing aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until tender (7-8 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander, rinse it briefly with cool water to cool it down, then let it drain very well.
  • While the pasta is cooking and draining, prepare the vegetables. Slice the grape tomatoes in half, finely dice the red onion, and roughly chop the spinach.
  • Once the pasta is cooled and drained, add it to a large bowl along with the spinach, tomatoes, onions, and dressing. Stir everything together until evenly combined and coated in dressing. Let the pasta sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to blend, then stir once more and serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 546mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad – Step by Step Photos

Cooked bacon in a skillet.

Begin by cooking 8oz. of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.

Dressing ingredients in a bowl, not stirred together.

While the bacon is cooking, make the salad dressing. Combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ranch dressing, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Set the dressing aside.

Cooked bowtie pasta in the pot being lifted by a pasta fork.

Add a tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 12oz. bowtie pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender (7-8 minutes). drain the pasta in a colander. Give it a quick rinse with cool water to cool it off, then let it drain very well.

Sliced grape tomatoes and diced red onion on a cutting board.

While the pasta is cooking and draining, slice one pint of grape tomatoes in half and finely dice ¼ of a red onion (about ⅓ cup diced).

Chopped spinach on a cutting board.

Roughly chop 2 packed cups of fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients for BLT pasta salad being combined in a bowl.

Once the pasta is cooled and well drained, transfer it to a large bowl and add the spinach, tomatoes, onions, and dressing.

BLT pasta salad after the ingredients are stirred together.

Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to blend a little more, then give it one more stir before serving.

Close up overhead view of BLT pasta salad in a bowl.

So summery!

More Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

The post BLT Pasta Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Lemon Meringue Butter Cake

This moist and fluffy butter cake is bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a crispy toasted meringue that practically melts in your mouth. Talk about one unique dessert! So you’ve heard of lemon meringue pie… but what about lemon meringue cake? It’s the delicious dessert mashup you never knew you wanted, combining a tender […]

The post Lemon Meringue Butter Cake first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

This moist and fluffy butter cake is bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a crispy toasted meringue that practically melts in your mouth. Talk about one unique dessert!

So you’ve heard of lemon meringue pie… but what about lemon meringue cake? It’s the delicious dessert mashup you never knew you wanted, combining a tender lemon butter cake with swirls of crispy meringue.

Cut squares of Lemon Meringue Butter Cake on a marble background with white knife and stack of plates in the background.

Baking is as much about texture as it is flavor, and one of my favorite tricks to elevate baked goods is to introduce a textural contrast, in this case via a crispy meringue topping.

I’d actually brainstormed and tested a lemon meringue blondie a few years back, which proved frustratingly problematic (the blondie wouldn’t fully bake with the meringue topping, I still have no idea why).

So when I decided to attempt a cake with a similar meringue topping, I pulled out my first test cake from the oven fully expecting an underbaked disaster.

Disaster it was not.

I was pleasantly surprised, as I fully expected this one to give me a lot more trouble (though I still tested it a few times, tweaking the flavors and the proportion of cake to meringue [my first cake was like 4 inches tall, no exaggeration]).

In the end, the butter cake base bakes perfectly in the time it takes for the meringue to get golden brown and crispy, and the result is ever so satisfying, both tastefully and texturally.

(more…)

Strawberry Passionfruit Lemonade

Welcome summer with this refreshing twist on a classic lemonade, made with Meyer lemons, fresh passionfruit juice, and a ruby red strawberry syrup for the perfect amount of sweetness and strawberry flavor. Sure lemonade is refreshing, but have you ever tried strawberry passionfruit lemonade? The unique combination of fruit results in an extra tart, bright […]

The post Strawberry Passionfruit Lemonade first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

Welcome summer with this refreshing twist on a classic lemonade, made with Meyer lemons, fresh passionfruit juice, and a ruby red strawberry syrup for the perfect amount of sweetness and strawberry flavor.

Sure lemonade is refreshing, but have you ever tried strawberry passionfruit lemonade? The unique combination of fruit results in an extra tart, bright fruity flavor that folks of all ages will adore.

Three glasses with pretty ombre colored Strawberry Passionfruit Lemonade, with black passionfruit seeds speckled throughout and cut lemons and strawberries scattered around.

We’ve had a lovely spring here in Nashville, but the heat and humidity are definitely upon us now. In this kind of weather there are few things more refreshing than an ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade.

If that lemonade is gussied up with strawberry and passionfruit… well, I’m not complaining (really, it’s all of my favorite flavors in one dewy glass!)

It’s one of those recipes that is ripe for adaptation too (get it? ripe?) whether you use sparkling instead of still water, replace the strawberries with blueberries or blackberries, or even add a splash (or more than a splash) of something boozy for an adults-only variation.

Pouring strawberry syrup into 3 glasses filled with ice and a bright yellow lemon passionfruit juice.

This is an adaptation of my Passion Fruit Meyer Lemonade recipe from a few years back. The main difference being the addition of strawberries, which are cooked down with the sugar syrup. This version also has a bit more lemon juice to passionfruit, mainly because passionfruit is a bit of a rare find these days and I wanted to preserve the precious little I have, but also to give a better balance of flavors and tartness to the final product.

The flavors in this recipe are beautifully balanced; as much as I love strawberry I didn’t want that to be the the only thing you tasted. Instead, you should get equal amounts of strawberry as you do the passionfruit and Meyer lemon.

(more…)

Strawberry Meyer Lemon Tart

The taste of springtime in one show-stopping tart: a velvety smooth Meyer lemon curd and a layer of bright strawberry jam nestled inside a lemon-scented shortbread crust, and topped with fresh strawberries and edible flowers. Lemon and strawberry come together in a tart that’s as bright in flavor as it is in color. Using Meyer […]

The post Strawberry Meyer Lemon Tart first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

The taste of springtime in one show-stopping tart: a velvety smooth Meyer lemon curd and a layer of bright strawberry jam nestled inside a lemon-scented shortbread crust, and topped with fresh strawberries and edible flowers.

Lemon and strawberry come together in a tart that’s as bright in flavor as it is in color. Using Meyer lemons gives the curd filling a well-balanced sweetness with a vibrant lemon flavor, paired with fresh strawberries and a layer of strawberry jam for a perfect finish.

Rectangular Strawberry Meyer Lemon Tart topped with fresh strawberries, lemon twists and edible flowers.

Technically lemon season is at its end, but, thanks to an over-eager tree trimmer, my aunt had a surplus of lemons that needed to be used immediately. Three days later (the postal service is an amazing thing) I found myself with yet another box full of gorgeous Meyer lemons.

After having already made a lemon loaf cake and lemon mousse cakes and a double batch of homemade limoncello, I decided to revisit an old lemon tart recipe to update and rephotograph.

Well, one thing led to another and I ended up making something entirely different (are you surprised? You shouldn’t be).

Seeing that strawberry season is upon us, combining strawberries and lemons seemed like an obvious choice. While I toyed with the idea of mixing the strawberries into the lemon curd, or even adding a layer of strawberry gelée on top, I ultimately decided to keep it simple and spread a layer of fresh strawberry jam in the bottom of the crust. I was a bit worried the jam would mix with the curd or even migrate to the top in the oven, but, to my surprise, it came out as a beautifully defined layer of strawberry jam beneath a vibrant yellow lemon curd.

(more…)