Main Dishes, Uncategorized

Putting a Spin on Tradition: Our Take on Beefy Onion Soup Casserole

Putting a Spin on Tradition: Our Take on Beefy Onion Soup Casserole

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Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re taking a delightful detour into the world of vintage recipes with a modern twist. Our star of the day is a Beefy Onion Soup Casserole, initially discovered in a cherished Campbell’s Soup cookbook. We know life sometimes throws curveballs, and our pantries might only sometimes have every ingredient. No worries, though! We’re all about turning recipes into flexible guidelines, making delicious adaptations with the treasures hiding in our kitchen cabinets.

Picture this: a bubbling, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying casserole that warms your soul and taste buds. Our journey begins with the basics – ground beef, onion soup mix, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for that extra punch. The original recipe called for the classic Campbell’s touch with their brand of onion soup concentrate and beef consommé, but fear not if it’s not in your pantry – we’re switching things up with packets of onion soup mix and a rich beef gravy for that same comforting essence.

Add half a stick of butter, long-grain rice, and water for the final touch. You will want to use regular long-grain rice for this recipe. Minute rice or any other fast cooking variation will not cook properly. We also chose to add a golden layer of cheddar cheese on top because everything is better with cheese, right? So, grab your apron, get ready to improvise, and embark on a delicious journey where recipes are merely stepping stones to your kitchen creativity! 🌟

Beefy Onion Soup Rice Casserole

Indulge in the comforting embrace of our Beefy Onion Soup Rice Casserole – a hearty and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to a cozy, home-cooked meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 packets onion soup mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 12 oz jar beef gravy
  • 1/2 stick butter sliced into several pieces
  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • 29 oz water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  • In a 10 inch cast iron skillet brown ground beef. Drain grease.
  • In a large measuring cup or bowl mix together 21 oz of water, garlic powder, and 2 packets onion soup mix. Pour into skillet.
  • Rinse 2 cups of long grain rice. Do not use instant. Place in skillet.
  • Mix together 1 jar of gravy with remainder water. Pour into skillet. Mix well.
  • Place butter slices across top. Cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, open oven and remove foil from skillet. Bake an additional 20 – 30 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is done.
  • Remove from oven, fluff rice to mix seasonings into all areas of rice. Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Casserole, Cast Iron Cooking, One skillet meals, Simple Recipe, Skillet meals

If you, too, want the one-pan cast iron cooking experience but don’t currently have a cast iron pan handy, fear not. You can find it at the link below.

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Main Dishes

Streamline Your Mornings with Freezable Breakfast Sandwiches

Streamline Your Mornings with Freezable Breakfast Sandwiches

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Do you ever find yourself caught in the morning rush, racing against the clock to get out the door? We’ve all been there – you dash to your car and suddenly realize you have just enough time for a detour through the drive-thru for a quick breakfast fix. It’s a common scenario. We’re all too familiar with the paradox: too busy to cook at home, yet not too busy to wait in line for someone else to prepare our morning meal.

But what if we told you that with just a little extra effort on the weekend, you could have a convenient and healthier alternative ready to grab on those hectic mornings? Not only is it kinder to your wallet, but it’s also kinder to your waistline. We’re talking about a homemade breakfast solution to revolutionize your mornings.

We’re excited to share a recipe for a delicious and satisfying ham, egg, and cheese English muffin sandwich. These are completely customizable to your own tastes. Add whatever toppings you want. The best part? You can make a batch in advance and store it in your freezer, ensuring a ready-made breakfast option for up to three months. Say goodbye to fast-food pit stops and hello to a homemade, stress-free morning routine!

Ham, Egg, and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches

Freezer-friendly meal prep breakfast sandwiches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 8 eggs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 English muffins
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 6 cheese slices
  • 6 ham slices
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Cut muffins in half
  • Brush butter over muffins and place in preheated oven until toasted.
  • Mix eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper. Pour into a casserole pan or jumbo muffin pan. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until eggs are firm.
  • If using casserole pan, cut eggs into desired size. Assemble sandwiches with egg, a slice of ham, and a slice of cheese.
  • Wrap each sandwich with plastic wrap or divide with deli paper so that the muffins do not stick together when frozen.
  • Place in the freezer. Store up to 3 months.
Keyword Breakfast Sandwiches, Freezer Friendly, Ham, Egg, Cheese Muffin, Meal Prep

If you’ve been following our method for slicing the eggs, you’re in for a treat – you can use the leftover eggs to whip up a mouthwatering breakfast scramble for immediate enjoyment. However, if you’d like a more straightforward way to prepare your eggs without slicing, consider using muffin tins or similar pans. Looking for suggestions? Check the links below for recommendations on suitable kitchen tools that pair perfectly with this recipe.

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Desserts

No Sugar Added Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: A Taste of Country Comfort

No Sugar Added Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: A Taste of Country Comfort

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Welcome to our cozy kitchen, where the drool-worthy aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the room. Today, we’re delving into the heart of old-fashioned, country-style cooking with a twist—a classic chocolate chip cookie baked to perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet. But there’s a delightful secret: we’ve reimagined this beloved treat by bidding farewell to added sugars. In its place, we’ve turned to natural zero-sugar alternatives for our sweeteners, crafting a wholesome and indulgent cookie.

To sweeten the pot, we’ve chosen sugar-free chocolate chips that melt into each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll transport you to simpler times. So, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey of homemade goodness that’ll warm your heart and tickle your taste buds! Whether you know your way around a kitchen or a novice, this recipe will become your new go-to for guilt-free indulgence. Let’s dive in and savor the joy of creating a sweet masterpiece that will become a family favorite for generations.

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No Sugar Added Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

This is an easy recipe that uses sugar substitutes. The same great taste of a chocolate chip cookie without the added sugars.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Equipment

  • 1 10 – 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Swerve brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup allulose baking blend
  • 1 1/2 sticks melted butter

Instructions
 

  • Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer blend together the melted butter, Swerve brown sugar, and allulose baking blend.
  • Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Blend well.
  • Add in the flour mixture a little at a time. Mix and then add more until it is all combined.
  • Add the chocolate chips.
  • Spread the cookie dough into the cast iron skillet.
  • Place in the oven for 25 – 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. When it just turns golden brown remove from the oven.
  • The cast iron skillet will be hot. IIt will continue cooking as the cast iron skillet cools down.
  • Serve with your favorite ice cream and chocolate syrup. Enjoy!
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Diabetic Friendly, No Sugar Added Skillet Cookie, Skillet Cookie
Breads, Desserts, Recipes

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

“Satisfy Your Cravings Guilt-Free: The Ultimate No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe”
Our quest for a guilt-free sweet fix often feels like a culinary adventure in a world where sugar rules. But worry not, because we’ve got the perfect solution: our No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe. If you’re searching for a healthier way to indulge your sweet tooth, you’re in for a tasty ride.

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Imagine your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh blueberries and the citrusy scent of lemon as this delicious bread bakes. It’s like a cozy, sunlit morning captured in a loaf, and it’s about to make your day a whole lot sweeter – without the sugar crash.

But this isn’t just another recipe; it’s a salute to mindful eating. It’s proof that ditching refined sugar doesn’t mean saying goodbye to flavor.
So, toss on your apron, fire up the oven, and dive into the world of moist and delicious No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread!

No Sugar Added Lemon Blueberry Bread

Get ready to have your taste buds blown away by this amazing Lemon Blueberry Bread recipe! It's super easy to make and is drool-worthy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups All purpose flour or the flour of your choice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar substitute
  • 1/3 cup butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest zest 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 tbsp all purpose flour for blueberries

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease and flour a loaf pan.
  • In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
  • In another mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • Next add in part of the flour mixture and half of the milk. Mix together and continue until all the flour and milk is added. Do not over mix. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.
  • Rinse off the blueberries. Then toss them in a bowl with 1 tbsp of flour. Coat all the blueberries with flour.
  • Fold the blueberries into the batter.
  • Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 55 – 65 minutes. Check at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean then it is done. If not, bake a few more minutes. Remember every oven cooks differently.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes before removing from the loaf pan.
  • Mix all the glaze ingredients together and let it set for a few minutes while the bread cools.
  • Remove from the loaf pan and pour the glaze over the bread. Enjoy the drool-worthy treat!
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Easy desserts, Easy Recipe, Lemon Blueberry Bread, No sugar added
Main Dishes

Reduced Fat Lasagna for two

Reduced Fat Lasagna for two – make one and freeze one.

This is a drool-worthy reduced fat lasagna recipe. It is made in a loaf pan. The recipe is for 2 loaf pans so you can make one now and freeze one for a later time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 per pan
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Loaf Pans

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 1/2 cup Zucchini diced
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Squash diced
  • 1/2 cup Onion diced
  • 1/4 cup Mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves Pressed Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Oregano chopped
  • 1 tsp parsley flakes
  • 1 lb Ground turkey
  • 1 jar – 26 oz Sauce marinara or spaghetti
  • 1 15 oz Ricotta Cheese made with part skim-milk
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese fat free shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 box Oven ready lasagna sheets I used Barilla brand
  • Aluminum Foil Enough to cover loaf pans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in diced zucchini, yellow squash, and onion.
  • Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until barely tender with a fork.
  • Add pressed garlic cloves. Cook an additional minute and remove from skillet.
  • Brown the ground turkey.
  • Once turkey is brown add in the basil, oregano, and mushrooms.
  • Mix in the squash, zucchini, and onions. Add the sauce. Mix well.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • In a mixing bowl add the ricotta cheese, eggs, and parsley. Mix well.
  • Spray the loaf pans with cooking spray.
  • Add about 1/4 cup sauce mixture to the bottom of both loaf pans. Spread it out. Place 1 lasagna sheet over it.
  • Spread about 1/3 cup of ricotta cheese mixture over that.
  • Then add another 1/4 cup sauce mixture.
  • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add another lasagna sheet. Top with ricotta mixture.
  • Add sauce and then top with parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  • Spray the aluminum foil with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Wrap both loaf pans tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 30 minutes and then remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • If you want the top toasted turn oven on broil for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Remove from oven and let it set for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

There are 6 servings per loaf pan. Each serving has 252 calories. 10g fat. 24g carbs. 
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Downhome Cooking, Healthier Alternatives, Lasagna Recipe, Low Fat Recipes, Reduced Fat Recipe
Breads, Main Dishes, Recipes

Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread Waffles are savory waffles. Simple ingredients are used to make this drool-worthy human treat. Top it with BBQ Chicken or your favorite chili.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 489 kcal

Equipment

  • Waffle Iron

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/4 cup Cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tsp onion powder optional
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp oil or butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a waffle iron sprayed with oil to a temperature between 375 – 400 degrees F.
  • In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients.
  • Mix until combined. Do not over mix.
  • Pour batter onto preheated waffle iron.
  • Depending on the type of waffle iron used you may need to flip after 3 – 4 minutes. Then cook until steam no longer comes from waffle iron.
  • With a butter knife go around the edges to make sure the waffle isn't sticking. Remove and butter waffle.
  • Repeat until all batter is used.
  • Top with whatever you normally like to eat with cornbread. I topped mine with BBQ chicken. Enjoy!

Notes

If you are cooking for a crowd you can place the waffles in a 200 degree oven on a skillet or wire rack until they are all done. This way the waffles stay warm. 
Keyword Appalachian Cast Iron Co, Cast Iron Cooking, Cornbread, Downhome Cooking, Simple ingredients, Southern Cooking, The Great American Waffle Iron, Waffle Iron, Waffles
Main Dishes, Recipes

Honey Garlic Salmon

Honey Garlic Salmon

This is a quick, healthy, drool-worthy recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Salmon Fillets
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your heat preference
  • 1/3 cup Raw Honey
  • 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 whole Lemon Sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to skillet.
    Heat over medium heat.
  • Mix together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and pepper flakes.
  • Salt and pepper salmon fillets.
  • Once skillet it hot, add in salmon fillets skin side up. It needs to be sizzling hot before adding fish.
  • Cook for 6 minutes. Then flip to other side. Add another tablespoon of olive oil at this time if needed.
  • Add in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in sauce. Simmer for 3 – 4 minutes. Baste salmon fillets with sauce.
  • Top with lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!
Main Dishes, Recipes

Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This recipe comes from a Keto Cookbook I own. I have changed a few things but not much. It is a delicious, filling, flavorful, low carb meal. It has 3 carbs per serving.

Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This recipe was inspired by a recipe I found in a Keto Cookbook. I have changed a few things. It is very flavorful and drool-worthy! It has 3 carbs per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Servings 9
Calories 445 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups Shredded Chicken
  • 5 oz Sliced Ham
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 6 oz Swiss Cheese Or whatever cheese you prefer
  • 1 Lemon juiced
  • 6 oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish with the shredded chicken.
  • Top with sliced ham.
  • In a mixing bowl, add all of the remaining ingredients except Swiss cheese.
  • Mix until smooth. It should have a spreadable paste texture. If it is too thick add a little chicken broth to smooth it out.
  • Spread over chicken and ham.
  • Bake for 35 – 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Diabetic Friendly, Keto Friendly, Low Carb Recipes, Keto Friendly, Simple Recipe
Desserts, Recipes, Uncategorized

Keto Peach Cobbler

This recipe is from a Keto Cookbook I own. I’ve changed a few things on the recipe. I am posting the changed recipe below. The original recipe said to cover with foil so the dough doesn’t burn. I am changing that to bake for 15 – 20 minutes until the dough is golden brown and then cover with foil. Also, I add more cinnamon than the original recipe called for. Lastly, I think vanilla extract needs to be added. I’m adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the recipe.

Keto Peach Cobbler

This is an easy low carb, no sugar added recipe that is Diabetic friendly. 9 carbs per serving. A serving is 1/3 cup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12
Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans No sugar added Peaches Can also use frozen or fresh peaches.
  • 3 tbsp Monk Fruit Use whatever sugar substitute you prefer
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Topping

  • 3/4 cup Finely Ground Almond Flour
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Flour
  • 1/4 cup Monk Fruit Or whatever sugar substitute you prefer
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 1 tsp of butter or coconut oil in a skillet or 9 inch pie plate and place in oven while preheating to melt.
  • Pour drained peaches into a mixing bowl. Add in monk fruit, vanilla extract, and xanthan gum. Mix well.
  • Pour peaches into skillet or pie plate. Arrange in a single layer. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients. Almond flour, coconut flour, salt, baking powder, monk fruit, and cinnamon.
  • Mix in egg, heavy cream, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. It will have a cookie dough consistency.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to dip the dough onto the peaches.
  • Bake uncovered for 15 – 20 minutes and check. If the dough is golden brown then place foil over to prevent the dough from burning. This should bake a total of 45 minutes on 350 degrees.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with sugar free whipped topping or Keto Ice Cream. Those recipes can be found on my YouTube channel.
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Diabetic Friendly, Diabetic recipes, Easy desserts, Low Carb Recipes, Keto Friendly, No sugar added, Peach Cobbler, Summer recipes
Main Dishes, Recipes

Low Carb Garlic Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Low Carb Garlic Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This is a delicious low carb recipe that takes under 30 minutes to make. This has 7 1/2 carbs per serving.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 574 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Pork Chops Bone-in or boneless – whichever you prefer
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups mushrooms sliced
  • 1 tbsp roasted minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Pour olive oil in a cast iron skillet and heat over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
  • Make sure the pork chops are dry. Then coat both sides with spice mix.
  • Add the butter to the skillet. Turn heat up to medium high.
  • Once butter is melted add the pork chops to skillet. Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side. They should be nice and brown.
  • Place pork chops on a plate and set aside.
  • Using the same skillet, add the mushrooms. Cook 3-4 minutes. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen up any bits of pork chop.
  • Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley to the mushrooms and stir everything together.
  • Add the chicken broth and cream. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste the sauce to see if it needs additional seasoning.
  • Place the pork chops in the sauce and simmer for 3 more minutes. Sprinkle some parsley flakes on top and enjoy.
  • This is good served over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or mashed cauliflower.
Keyword Cast Iron Cooking, Keto Friendly, Low Carb Recipes, Keto Friendly, Pork Chops, Under 30 minutes