Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Sometimes I just have a hankering for something sweet. But not too sweet. This classic coffee cake is the perfect solution! And it’s wonderful for any time of the day.

I love pairing it with my new International Delight Light Iced Coffee in the afternoon for a tasty treat. I’ve also subbed the vanilla light iced coffee in the recipe! But it also tastes wonderful in the morning with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. The best part? It takes very little time to make.

If you need a great dish to bring in for a potluck, to surprise a friend, or to simply have on hand as a quick breakfast option, I highly suggest trying this classic coffee cake recipe!

Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Recipe Type: Breakfast
Ingredients
  • 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)
  • 1/2 cup sifted whole wheat flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk or International Delight Vanilla Light Iced Coffee
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Topping:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
  1. In small mixing bowl, combine topping ingredients. Blend with fork until crumbly. Set aside.
  2. Sift sifted flour with baking powder and salt into a bowl. In a medium bowl, beat together beaten egg and 3/4 cup sugar and 1/3 cup melted butter. Add milk and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture and mix well.
  3. Pour batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square or 9-inch layer-cake pan. Sprinkle topping crumb mixture evenly over batter.
  4. Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake tests done. Partially cool in pan on wire rack. Cut coffee cake into squares or wedges while still warm.

 

Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese

One of my favorite comfort foods is mac and cheese. There’s just something about the creamy goodness of the sauce and the filling, tasty noodles that screams satisfaction. I know that after every serving of mac and cheese I’ll have a smile on my face and a very full belly.

A few years back I was watching Ina Garten and she made her Grown Up Mac & Cheese. After watching her make this dish I’ve never made mac and cheese the same again! With a few key tips I took from Ina I’ve created a family favorite that we make at least once a month: Spinach and Bacon Mac and Cheese.

What I absolutely love about this dish is, like many of my favorite dishes, it’s a “whats left in the fridge” kind of meal. You can use just about any cheese you have on hand and throw in any vegetable you think might be tasty. Some nights it’s broccoli, other nights it’s frozen peas. Last night it was spinach.

So skip the boxed mac and try something that is sure to become a quick family favorite. You will not be disappointed!

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The Best Turkey Meatloaf Ever

the best turkey meatloaf ever

The Best Turkey Meatloaf Ever

When I first started Weight Watchers before my son was born I fell in love with making meatloaf from ground turkey. While I heard complaints about ground turkey being too dry and not as good as ground beef I was determined to make a tasty and healthy version of one of my favorites.

With a few additional ingredients to my original meatloaf recipe I created a delicious meal that I make over and over again. It truly is the best turkey meatloaf ever! I cheat a little and use the Trader Joe’s frozen fire roasted onions and peppers. Then I chop them up into smaller pieces. I think that the juices from the cooked veggies really add more flavor to the whole meal.

The best part is how versatile it is. While I always include the ingredients below I sometimes add extra veggies or different cheese to the mix to change it up. Well… and to clean out the fridge. Grated zucchini is probably the best addition to this recipe. But make sure to squeeze out all of the excess liquid first before adding it.

If you’re looking for a great way to incorporate veggies into you meal without having to pile on an extra serving, this is a great way to do it! Now I just wish my kids would start to gobble it up as much as my husband and I do. We think they might be warming up to it though.

The Best Turkey Meatloaf Ever
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup onions and peppers, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup swiss cheese (any type would work)
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Saute onions and peppers in a nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Grab a small cup or bowl and mix together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Set aside to top meatloaf later.
  4. Place ground turkey in a large bowl, add sauteed veggies, egg, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, panko, swiss cheese, salt and pepper. Mix together well until everything is incorporated.
  5. Grab a loaf pan and add meat mixture to the pan forming a round dome on top. Cook for 40-45 minutes.
  6. Take meatloaf out of the oven and top with a thin layer of the ketchup mixture. Place back in the oven and cook for another 15 minutes or until fully cooked and the inside reads 160 degrees.
  7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serves 5, 2 slices = 1 serving at 6 WW points

Veggie Pizza Appetizer Recipe with Ranch

Veggie Pizza Appetizer Recipe with Ranch

Veggie Pizza Appetizer Recipe with Ranch

With New Years Eve right around the corner the one thing on my mind are appetizers! Having an easy meal plan for this long night is the key to our success and easy appetizers are our #1 priority. This veggie pizza appetizer recipe with ranch is not only easy but there isn’t much cooking involved!

You cook the crust up separately and then add the ingredients minutes before the guests arrive. Plus with tons of fresh veggies on top this is a semi-healthy option for those who have already started on their New Year resolutions.

And we’re always serving ranch with chips and veggies so grabbing a 1/2 cup of the prepared dip before setting it out is super easy. And it gives this appetizer a delicious taste! Out of ranch dip mix? just use sour cream and it’ll still taste yummy.

Veggie Pizza Appetizer Recipe with Ranch

Recipe Type: Appetizer
Ingredients
  • 2 cans crescent rolls
  • 8oz light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup ranch dip mix, prepared
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup broccoli, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup english cucumbers, chopped
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Roll out both tubes of crescent roll dough onto a rimmed baking sheet. Press seams together to make one large piece of dough. Bake for 13-17 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Set dough aside and let cool for 30 minutes.
  4. Mix cream cheese, ranch dip, dill, and garlic powder together. Spread over cooled dough.
  5. Sprinkle chopped veggies over the cream cheese spread evenly.
  6. Cut into even pieces and serve.

 

Easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

sausage and egg breakfast casserole

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

One thing I love to have on hand are easy, throw together recipes for breakfast and brunch. With a playgroup playdate scheduled at our home at least once a month with our friends these easy recipes come in handy. And while my overnight french toast is our go-to for most events this easy sausage and egg breakfast casserole is just as simple and mighty tasty!

I try and stock up on breakfast sausage when I see it on sale so I always have a few packs in the freezer ready for such occasion. And day old bread is never a problem to find in this home. So if you’re hosting people over or simply want an easy dish to make on the weekend and reheat during the week, this breakfast casserole is for you.

Plus, just like the overnight french toast you simply make this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge till a few hours before you need it.

sausage and egg breakfast casserole baked

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Recipe Type: Breakfast
Ingredients
  • 1 pound pork
  • 6 slices of bread, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. The night before place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
  2. Layer bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in a lightly greased 7×11 inch baking dish. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cube mixture. Cover, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
  3. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  4. Bake 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let set 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers and re-heat in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick and simple breakfast during the week.

*A special thanks to Kerri for sharing the original recipe with me. With a few modifications I made this a family favorite!

Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

One of my favorite cookies is a chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Combining the best of both worlds, healthy oatmeal and delicious chocolate chips! It’s no wonder that I’m always on the search for the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Well I’ve struck gold with this recipe and have improved it even more with the addition of some delicious butterscotch chips to give this cookie an out of this world flavor perfect for any celebration!

I’m sure you could probably make this even more rock star by adding nuts but I forgot and needed to get these in the oven for our playgroup cookie exchange.

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Chicken Korma with Saffron Rice and Peas Recipe

Chicken Korma

Indian food is one of my favorites. Second only to Mexican food. The only problem is… my husband doesn’t care for it. So the only time I get it is when I go out with friends or I make it myself when he isn’t around.

Lucky for me I had the opportunity to create a Life of Pi inspired Indian dish from ingredients found at World Market. I made this delicious Chicken Korma and paired it with some saffron basmati rice with peas and Channa Masala.

Not only is this meal tasty, it’s easy to make and includes5 ingredients in the main dish. If it weren’t for the rice I would have been able to make this meal in less than 30 minutes.

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Baked Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Squares Breakfast Recipe

Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal Squares

Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Squares

If you’re a peanut butter lover AND watching your figure don’t walk, run to go make these healthy baked peanut butter and banana oatmeal squares!

These little squares are packed with flavor and super filling. Now you may be saying healthy oatmeal squares? But if you look at the recipe, there’s nothing “diet” about them. I mean they have butter and real sugar!

No skimping out on this one. If you’re like me and eat a hearty breakfast every morning, help yourself to two servings piled with bananas on top and non-fat vanilla yogurt on the side for an awesome and very tasty breakfast. Each square is only 4 WW+ points.

Seriously… go make these now. [Read more…]

Cranberry Cream Scones {Breakfast Recipe}

Cranberry Cream Scones

Whenever I need something quick and tasty for either breakfast or dessert I almost always go to scones. How can you not?

They’re super filling, very versatile and quick to throw together. You can put just about anything in a scone. Have some raisins? Throw them in! Down to a handful blueberries? Why not use those. And while your at it get some fun ingredients together for toppings. Cinnamon sugar, cream, powdered sugar icing, chocolate, strawberry jam… lots of options!

I also love that I can form the scone into any shape I want. I can make them into biscuits. I can cut them into small triangles or big triangles. I could even use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. And the best part about this recipe is that they not only taste super good on the day they’re made but they taste great the day after as well. The perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea.

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Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Rolls {Appetizer Recipe}

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

We are a bacon loving family! Who isn’t? And with the holidays coming up, we’ll be thinking of lots of appetizers to serve guests. So why not combine a few favorites with this awesome bacon wrapped asparagus roll?

It’s simple, only 4 ingredients, and easy to make! Plus the combination of the cream cheese and bacon inside with the asparagus is to die for. And how can you go wrong with buttery crescent rolls!

[Read more…]



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