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Simple Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups (or Casserole)

April 29, 2018 by Laura 9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Sometimes I experiment with recipe ideas and they turn out to be big flops. You don’t know about these because they don’t get shared here, for all the obvious, not-so-tasty reasons. This Simple Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cup or Casserole recipe got rave reviews at our house, making it definitely blog worthy. How can cooking real food continue to get easier??!

Have I mentioned that I discovered Mr. Dells Frozen Hashbrowns at the grocery store and declare them to be a fabulous option? They contain one ingredient: Potatoes. Other frozen hashbrowns at the store have a slew of ingredients listed that I can’t pronounce. So either make your own frozen hashbrowns or see if you can find a brand like Mr. Dells that includes plain ol’ potatoes. I try to have big bags of these on hand at all times now as they are super convenient!

To make this recipe, simply brown meat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Spread mixture into a casserole dish (easy!!) or scoop the mixture into muffin tins (still easy but one more step). Bake and serve. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Simple Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole

Simple Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 24 cups or 6-8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef, lamb, or turkey
  • 15-ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
  • ½ - 1 cup ketchup (depending on how much your family likes ketchup)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (we like Colby jack or pepper jack best, but any variety will work!)
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Brown meat in a skillet until no longer pink.
  2. Mix cooked meat and remaining ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
  3. For Cups: Scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins (I find that it works best to melt a bit of oil in each tin so that the baked nests pop right out!) Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  4. For Casserole: Spread mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
3.5.3229

Freezer Friendly!

Make this recipe into a casserole, cover, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake it, take it from the freezer, cover it with foil and slide it into a cold oven. Bake at 250 degrees for 2.5 hours or until bubbly.

Want more Simple Recipes?

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  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Simple Skillet Taco Pasta
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
  • Simple Beanie Weanies
  • Simple Crock Pot BBQ Spareribs
  • Simple Pizza Chicken Bake
  • Simple Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake
  • Last Minute Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
  • Simple Oven Fried Chicken
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • From Burrito Bar to Casserole (a 5-Minute Meal!)
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • Super Simple Lasagna
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
  • Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests
  • Simple Cornbread Waffles with Chili
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs
  • Simple Noodle Soup
  • Simple Three Cheese Spaghetti
  • Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef

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Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef (2 Ingredients!)

April 26, 2018 by Laura 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Ready to cook dinner while you’re sleeping? This Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef idea is genius!

My Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast has become a staple around here. So one night I thought, “Why can’t I try the same idea but use salsa instead of bbq sauce? Then we can have Mexi-Wraps for lunch tomorrow?

I love it when good ideas turn out amazing results! But I love it even more that this recipe is so easy your two year old can make it. My favorite is that this cooks while we’re sleeping so we can wake up and have a good meal ready to serve later in the day. Or if you prefer, start this cooking in your crock pot first thing in the morning and have an awesome meal ready at the end of the day.

Now, some have cautioned against putting frozen meat in a crock pot. I have no hesitation about this, and I think we all know I’m terrible about ever remembering to thaw meat. So if given the chance, I will put frozen meat into my crock pot because this saves brain power. Coffee can only do so much.

The work involved in making this Simple Salsa Shredded Beef includes none other than:

  1. Putting a frozen roast in a crock pot.
  2. Dumping on a jar of salsa.
  3. Letting it cook all night or all day.

Praise God, Glory Hallelujah.

After cooking for 10-12 hours, this meat has become so flavorful and tender it practically falls apart before you even come near it with a fork. Shred it quickly, cry a joyful tear over how marvelous your meal is going to be, and serve this to your family with a smile. After all, you didn’t have to work hard to make this. So you still have energy to smile. What a gift.

Use this Simple Salsa Shredded Beef as Mexi-Wraps in tortillas with taco/burrito fixin’s. Use it to make Simple Spanish Rice Bowls. Toss it into a Taco Salad. Eat it directly out of the crock pot. Who can help it?

Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef

Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef (2 Ingredients!)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 3-4 pound beef or lamb roast
  • 16-ounces salsa
Instructions
  1. Place frozen or thawed roast into a crock pot.
  2. Pour salsa over the top.
  3. Cook in a crock pot on low for 10-12 hours if frozen. If thawed, cook for 8-10 hours on low.
  4. Shred meat and serve.
3.5.3229

Want even more Simple Recipes?

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  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
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  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
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  • Last Minute Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
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  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
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  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
  • Simple Oven Fried Chicken
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • From Burrito Bar to Casserole (a 5-Minute Meal!)
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • Super Simple Lasagna
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
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  • Simple Tuna Patties
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  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
  • Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests
  • Simple Cornbread Waffles with Chili
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs
  • Simple Noodle Soup
  • Simple Three Cheese Spaghetti

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Super Moist Flourless Brownies

April 22, 2018 by Laura 22 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

From now on, these Super Moist Flourless Brownies are the ones I will be making for my family. I’m very happy to share that there are no bananas involved in the making of this recipe. Allow me to explain how I really feel about this…

Deliver me from all recipes that are naturally sweetened with bananas. (See also: Pudding made creamy because of avocados.)

I love the idea; I think it is beautiful. What a fantastic way to sneak in fruits and veggies by adding them to our treats! But I’ve tried the banana-peanut butter-cocoa powder ice cream and I just can’t make myself like it. The same is true of the pancakes made with only bananas and eggs. Chocolate pudding made by blending avocados? I just can’t.

Am I picky? I like to think not. For goodness sake, I’m the girl who eats fresh spinach straight out of the container as a snack (basically this is me being too lazy to actually take time to get out bowl and a fork). So picky I am not. But I just can’t get into eating blended frozen bananas that are pretending to be ice cream.

Should we broach the subject of brownies made with black beans? I think this is a genius idea, but my children are less than impressed. Most of my healthy attempts at creating a low-sugar-no-flour brownie have fallen ridiculously short of, “Mom, make them this way every time!”

Until now.

The ingredients in these Super Moist Flourless Brownies won’t even shock you. There’s no secret ingredient that will cause you to cringe or question whether or not your family might actually try one.

You’ll be wonderfully amazed! These brownies actually have the taste and texture of brownies that come from a box, only of course, the real food ingredients make them even more delicious! My kids took a bite of these and couldn’t believe that these brownies were “actually healthy.” Our first pan lasted a very short time.

Look at these ingredients! How good can we feel about feeding these brownies to our kids? Good enough to serve them for breakfast? Absolutely.

Super Moist Flourless BrowniesYum

Super Moist Flourless Brownies
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups (12-ounces) Almond Butter
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
  1. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Spread batter into a buttered 8x8 inch baking dish.
  3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 13-15 minutes. (Remove them from the oven when they are just slightly underdone so they come out moist!)
3.5.3251

Can you sub out peanut butter for almond butter? I don’t know why not. In fact, I think that would create a delicious chocolate-peanut butter brownie worth writing home about.

Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe! Get excited about the nourishment and energy the brownies provide. Savor eating brownies for breakfast with your morning coffee. Delight in the fact that there are no bananas involved in the making of this treat. As for me and my house, we’ll save the bananas for creating smoothies and banana bread.

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Did you notice that this new Super Moist Flourless Brownie recipe includes only 5 ingredients? How does this keep happening?? (OK, I admit. I’ve been on a High Five Recipe rampage. We all win when I get on a kick like this!)

Want 111 more recipes that include 5 or fewer real food ingredients? Here’s our best collection!

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Also, I’ve got to be sure you all see this incredible deal that is only being offered a few more days! 6 eBooks for $6!!

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

How to Feed Guests Who Can’t Eat Gluten

April 19, 2018 by Laura 8 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Gluten intolerance has become a big issue in America. I could go into all the reasons for this, but for now, let’s just thank Jesus for being our bread of life. :) Regarding this very serious gluten situation, when serving food to friends or family members who can’t eat gluten, it is very important that we know how to extend hospitality so we can prevent our guests and loved ones from becoming sick.

Sick?? Yes. While some simply experiment with eating gluten free to see if it is a diet that helps them feel better or lose weight, there are some who have a solid diagnosis of Celiac Disease or other gluten intolerance that mean that they must avoid all gluten, all the time, no matter what.

What is gluten?

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten can also be found in regular oats that have been processed in a facility that processes wheat, rye, or barley. (Oats that have been clearly labeled “Gluten Free Oats” are safe.)

How to Feed Guests Who Can’t Eat Gluten

Truth: A person with Celiac Disease can’t eat even one tiny morsel of something that contains gluten without getting sick. We’re talking about sauce that has been thickened with a tiny bit of wheat flour, chicken that has been breaded with crushed wheat crackers, or even a small nibble of communion bread at church. There’s no such thing as “don’t worry – this only has a little bit of wheat in it” when it comes to feeding someone who must eat gluten free. For these people, gluten free eating isn’t an option, it is a must.

Sooooo, be aware of this and be cautious! But don’t be afraid. I’ve learned over the past decade how to easily feed my friends who can’t eat gluten. I don’t even need to buy special food to do this! I simply cook regular food, making sure to read all labels and avoid wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

Easy Meals to Feed Gluten Free Friends

You’d be amazed at how many foods are naturally gluten free! When in doubt stick with meat, fruit, and veggies. For more ideas, check out this huge list of simple meal ideas! They are gluten free without even trying!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
  • Simple Beanie Weanies
  • Simple Crock Pot BBQ Spareribs
  • Simple Pizza Chicken Bake
  • Simple Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
  • Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs

Easy Snacks to Feed Gluten Free Guests

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars (3 ingredients!)
  • Easy Cheesy Popcorn
  • Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip

What to Avoid When Cooking For People Who Can’t Eat Gluten

Again, the ingredients to stay away from when cooking gluten free are wheat, barley, rye, and regular oats. In addition, you need to avoid:

  • Previously opened ingredients: There might be wheat bread crumbs in your jar of peanut butter or on a used stick of butter. Start fresh to be sure your food isn’t contaminated with gluten!
  • Baking stones and cast iron: These can absorb gluten, so it’s best to use stainless steel or glass pans and bowls.
  • Wooden cutting boards and wooden spoons: Again, these can absorb gluten. Use stainless steel utensils and a plastic cutting board instead.

A Few More Gluten Free Cooking Tips

  • If you want to serve bread with your meal for guests who can eat gluten, place it away from the food that is gluten free.
  • It’s a good idea to cover a baking pan with parchment paper before putting food on it in an effort to protect it from gluten contamination.
  • If you use your blender or mixer, be sure to wash it thoroughly first.
  • If you’re planning to grill meat (a wonderful choice for cooking for GF friends!) be sure to clean the grill grates before cooking meat so you can keep the meat gluten free. (This is important if you ever use your grill to heat up bread or Texas toast.)
  • Don’t be offended if the person you’re feeding asks to see packages, ingredients lists, or if they ask specifics about how something is cooked! Their health depends on it and they must be assured that the food they are eating is safe for them!

Gluten Free Friends: What are your favorite meals? Are there any other tips you’d appreciate the rest of us knowing about?

Remember, cooking gluten free food truly isn’t difficult once you realize how many thousands of food options there are that are naturally gluten free. Again, be cautious and courteous, but don’t be afraid. You’ll find that making gluten free meals really is as easy as cooking meat, steaming veggies, and slicing fruit!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats

April 17, 2018 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

I’ll admit it. My family took one look at these Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats sitting in the fridge and asked, “Mom, what are those things that look like Poop Emojis?!”

What can I say? I whipped them up and plopped them down and this is what they turned out looking like. You don’t even want to make them now, do you?

I promise they taste delicious! I suppose if you took more time to make them pretty, you can avoid this conundrum at your house. But what’s the fun in that? Forever and always, these snacks will be called Poop Emojis at our house. I don’t even remember what the actual title of this recipe is. Chocolate Chip Cookie something or other?? Meh, the new name is much more fun.

I suppose I’ll find a little maturity here and tell you that these Poo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats are naturally grain/gluten free, full of protein, are low in sugar, are full of healthy fats, and are a very filling and delicious snack. There you go. See, I can be a grown up when I want to.

{Giggles and pokes an elbow into your ribs while showing you this picture}

I am so sorry. I can’t even. Apparently today, I’m a nine-year old boy. Um, so uh, just whip the ingredients, fold in the chocolate chips, and then freeze the mixture into these funny looking globs and with that, I must stop writing words and just give you the recipe.

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Treats (Low Sugar, Grain Free, 5 Ingredients)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 12 ounces almond butter (1½ cups)
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 30 drops liquid stevia, 3 Tablespoons real maple syrup, or a combination of both
  • 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine cream cheese, almond butter, butter, and sweetener in a high power blender or in a bowl with a hand mixer, whipping until smooth.
  2. Fold in chocolate chips.
  3. Scoop mixture onto a parchment paper-lined or silicone lined cookie sheet.
  4. Freeze for 30 minutes.
  5. Transfer treats to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
3.5.3229

What do I have to say for myself?

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?

I’ll go read my Bible now.

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Want more awesome recipes that only include 5 or fewer ingredients? We’re pretty excited about this gem!

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

The Easiest Way to Make Brown Rice

March 13, 2018 by Laura 25 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

My friend Emily has been encouraging me to try this little “bake your rice in the oven” trick for quite some time. As it turns out, this really is the easiest way to make brown rice!

rice55

Now, I’ve been making rice on the stove-top for years without any problem. Then I got an Instant Pot and tried making rice in that.

Confession: While it is actually very easy to make rice in the Instant Pot, I kept having to look up how to do it because I could never remember from one time to the next. So ultimately, this didn’t make my life easier. Ha! Old habits die hard. I didn’t want to have to actually think about how to make rice. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

So I went back to my “cook rice on the stove-top” method.

Then Emily said something again about making rice in the oven, about how easy it was, and about how the rice turns out perfectly every single time. Fine. I decided to try it. After all, the method did sound very simple.

Boom. I’m going to use the oven method every time from now on. It’s a no brainer! And it actually is easier than making rice on the stove-top because I don’t have to boil water first, then add rice, then turn down the heat, yada, yada.

Here are the basics you need to know to make brown rice in the oven:

  1. Always use 2 parts water to 1 part rice.
  2. Cover the dish.
  3. Bake for 1 hour at 350.

Here’s a basic picture tutorial. Watch and be amazed.

1. Put rice in a dish.

rice11

2. Add water. Cover, and bake for 1 hour at 350.

rice22

3. The rice is done. It is perfect. Your life just got easier.

rice33

4. Be amazed and look at the rice from a different angle. Stare joyfully at the rice.

rice44

5. Move on. It’s time to eat the rice.

rice55

The Easiest Way to Make Brown Rice

5.0 from 1 reviews
The Easiest Way to Make Brown Rice
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Ingredients
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Place one part rice to two parts water into a baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle in sea salt according to your taste. (You can add salt later if you prefer.)
  3. Stir.
  4. Cover.
  5. Bake in a 350 oven for one hour.
3.4.3177

The Easiest Way to Make Brown Rice

This will forever more be my go-to rice making method. I love how simple it is! And the rice truly turns out perfect!

What’s your favorite way to make brown rice? Have you ever tried this oven method? I think you’ll love it!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

The Easiest Way to Make Fruit Leather

March 6, 2018 by Laura 3 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Ever wondered the easiest way to make Fruit Leather? Or did you even know that making Fruit Leather is actually ridiculously easy?!

fruit leather66

Indeed, Fruit Leather is one of the easiest snacks you can make. Many recipes call for added sugar, but in our experience, none is necessary!

Also, making Fruit Leather at home costs only pennies. And it is a great way to use up fruit that is almost ready for the compost pile! Store-bought fruit leather is super convenient, so I definitely take advantage of this option from time to time and buy them for ease when we’re on the road for ball games. But if I can make it at home instead, I do.

Tips for Making Fruit Leather

  • The easiest way to make fruit leather is to spread leftover applesauce on your pan and dehydrate per the instructions below.
  • Peaches, nectarines, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and watermelon are also great choices for Homemade Fruit Leather.
  • I avoid pineapple for fruit leather as it tends to be too stringy.
  • We’ve found that bananas by themselves don’t make a great fruit leather. But blending pureed bananas with other pureed fruit is a winner!
  • Speaking of mixing fruit together, we like mixing a variety of fruit to make more exciting fruit leather options.
  • Use a high power blender to turn your fruit into a super smooth and spreadable puree. Otherwise you might end up with chunky fruit leather. :)

fruit leather55

The Easiest Way to Make Fruit Leather

We’ve got more detailed info below. But here are the basic instructions so you can see how simple this is!

  1. Puree fruit.
  2. Spread mixture onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
  3. Bake for 4-10 hours at 170 degrees.

fruit leather11

fruit leather22

fruit leather33

fruit leather44

The Easiest Way to Make Fruit Leather

The Easiest Way to Make Fruit Leather
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Ingredients
  • Approximately 1 cup fruit
Instructions
  1. In a high power blender, puree fruit until smooth.
  2. Spread pureed fruit onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, making sure the fruit is no more than ⅛ inch thick.
  3. Dehydrate in a 170 oven for 4-10 hours or until the entire sheet is no longer wet.
  4. (Mine tends to dehydrate from the outside in. Once the middle is dry, the fruit leather is done!
3.4.3177

The Easiest Way to Make 100 Fruit Leather

Have you ever tried to make fruit leather? What are your favorite flavors and fruit combinations?

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The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes (Only 6 Ingredients!)

March 1, 2018 by Laura 9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Whether or not you need to eat a gluten free diet, you will want to make and enjoy these fabulous and highly nutritious 6-Ingredient Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes! Wait until you hear how and why we came up with this recipe.

coconut flour cupcake22

My 18-year old son came home after a weekend away and shocked me by saying this, “Ok, Mom. For the next 30 days, Jacob and I are cutting out all junk food and empty carbs. We’re going to do 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups every day. At the end of the 30 days, we’re going to see how we feel, and then we’ll eat birthday cake.”

Birthday cake? Well yes. This was part of the plan because Justus happened to be turning 18 the day his eating challenge ended. Perfect timing, eh?

I was amazed during the 30 days that followed Justus’ proclamation. He was extremely disciplined, ate loads of fruits and veggies for snacks, and even packed big salads to eat in the bleachers between his basketball games. (By the way, his friend who joined him in this challenge is also on the basketball team. They cracked me up more than once as they sat side by side eating salad in the bleachers. Here are your team captains, ladies and gentlemen, showing leadership on and off the court.)

While I loved this challenge the boys had set their minds to, I was also very cautious. Justus has zero body fat and is extremely active, so I watched carefully to be sure he was getting plenty of good carbs, good fats, and good proteins along with his fruits and veggies. He realized only two days into the challenge that he needed to keep a big supply of easy and filling snacks around the house so he would stay full and energized throughout the day.

simple-chicken-cheeseballs1

He made himself Chicken Cheeseballs, Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips, Honey Sweetened Fat Bombs, and Low Sugar Crustless Cheesecakes.

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Throughout the day, Justus would randomly drop down to the floor and do a round of push-ups or sit-ups. I even caught the kid searching for high protein snacks on Pinterest, then heading to the kitchen to experiment. Is he my son or is he my son? It was too much fun. (I’m still debating whether I’m going to let him graduate high school and move out in a few months.)

Together we came up with this wonderful recipe for The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes. Call them muffins if you want as these are full of nourishment and very adaptable. Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes are very filling since they are so full of fiber and protein. Commonly I watched Justus eat three of them along with an entire pound of strawberries. Ha! No need to worry that this kid was still getting enough good carbs and calories while on his “diet.”

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I truly think eating treats like these Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes can be good for all of us! Coconut flour is a wonderful source of fiber, protein, and fat. It’s grain free so it gives our bodies a break from all the wheat or rice we often consume. I plan on serving these to my entire family for breakfast and snacks long after Justus’ special diet ends.

Where to Get Coconut Flour

I tend to shop around to find the best price for Coconut Flour and have even discovered that our local Wal-mart now carries it. A little Coconut Flour goes a long way, so keep that in mind as you shop for this gem.

  • Amazon has a variety of Coconut Flour options. Here’s a good one for a good price!
  • Healthy Traditions carries a top-knotch brand of Coconut Flour. I only purchase from them if they are offering a sale paired with free shipping.
  • iHerb is a great option. They offer a variety of quality brand names to choose from.

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You’ll notice that most Coconut Flour recipes call for a significant amount of eggs. This is because Coconut Flour is very dry. Eggs provide liquid needed, plus “stickability” in recipes. I love that combining Coconut Flour with so many eggs makes treats like this so high in protein and good fat!

Ready to enjoy these amazing Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes?

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes

The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 6 eggs
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
Instructions
  1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Scoop batter into 12 paper-lined muffin tins.
  3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
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The Best Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes

I personally love these cupcakes with a big scoop of Stevia-Sweetened Cream Cheese Frosting spread over the top or plopped onto the plate.

Stevia Sweetened Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquid stevia to taste (I use about 30 drops)

Whip ingredients together in a blender or with a hand mixer until smooth.

If you don’t mind the added sugar, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of each cupcake before baking. Add nuts if you like.

Coconut_Flour_Muffin

Here a few other coconut flour recipes you’ll find here at Heavenly Homemakers:

  • Coconut Flour Muffins
  • Coconut Flour Banana Muffins
  • Coconut Flour Drop Cheddar Biscuits

What are your favorite ways to get plenty of good carbs, fats, and proteins?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip

February 27, 2018 by Laura 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

When you eat Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip you might find yourself pausing to say out loud, “Is there anything better than this dip with strawberries? Anything at all on this entire earth?”

chocolate fruit dip23

Some of the children standing in the room might answer your rhetorical question and suggest that winning a soccer game, getting an A on a difficult test, or finally finishing Geometry for the rest of your life is better than the Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip. But then he will pop a chocolate dip-covered strawberry into his mouth and remember quite clearly that indeed, this snack is better than almost anything in the entire world. And perhaps it goes without saying that eating this Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip with strawberries immediately after winning a soccer game, getting an A on a test, or finally finishing Geometry for the rest of your life is the perfect way to celebrate all good things.

Far be it from me to ruin the strawberry-dipped moment by reminding said child that one day when he has a child of his own, he may encounter Geometry all over again as a dad who helps his kid try to understand linear equations and obtuse angles. This is not the time to speak of the Geometry of the future. Let the child enjoy this Geometry-Free Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip pleasure, am I right?

I guess now you know how we all feel about Geometry at our house. Sorry, Mathematicians. We try. And we appreciate your care and concern about figures that are congruent. We realize that life as we know it is so much better because of your vast knowledge. But we would prefer to create fun videos and music to entertain you in your down time. And we like making delicious food to feed you. Dear Mathematicians. May we interest you in a Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dipped strawberry? We think it will give your protractor a run for its money.

Truly, isn’t it a joy that we all have interest in different things? This is what makes the world go ’round. But also, this Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip!!!! As sure as the world is spinning, dipping your fruit in this will make each day better no matter your opinion of working with Isosceles Triangles.

Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip

5.0 from 1 reviews
Simple Snack Recipe: Creamy Chocolate Fruit Dip
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
  • 8- ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 heaping Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Sweetener of your choice (30 drops liquid stevia, 3 Tablespoons real maple syrup, or ¼ cup sugar)
Instructions
  1. Blend ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  3. Serve with fresh strawberries, bananas, raspberries, apples, or blueberries.
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Simple Chocolate Fruit Dip
Looking for more Simple Snack Recipes?

We’re sharing new recipes all month! So far here’s what we’ve come up with:

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread (blends together fast!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars (3 ingredients!)
  • Easy Cheesy Popcorn

Do you like math with your strawberries?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Snack Recipe: Easy Cheesy Popcorn (made with real cheese!)

February 25, 2018 by Laura 6 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

It’s too easy. This Easy Cheesy Popcorn? Prepare to be amazed.

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I’ve been meaning to share this Simple Snack Recipe idea with you for something like four or eighty years. Our friends often take this fun snack to share at get-togethers and it’s always a huge hit! Every time I think to myself, “I have GOT to learn their secret and share it with everyone at Heavenly Homemakers!”

And then I forget about it until the next get together that involves the Cheesy Popcorn and well, here we are four or eighty years later.

I finally did it though! Today, before every single one of us have become great-great grandparents, I finally thought of the popcorn. I finally remembered to ask and I finally learned all the tricks. Turns out, making Easy Cheesy Popcorn is as easy as adding butter, cheese, and salt to already popped corn. So you and I could have been enjoying this Cheesy Popcorn delightfulness long, long ago.

cheesy popcorn11

Be impressed that I got all these details from the 13-year old son of the Family of Easy Cheesy Popcorn Experts. He was at our house hanging out with my 13-year old son. (By the way, we can no longer say “the kid came over to play” because when you’re 13 that is not cool. They hang out. They do not play.) Anyway, I interrupted a game of soccer they were playing to ask a boring recipe question. God bless the teenage boys who come hang out with my kids. What can I say? I knew that if I didn’t ask about the popcorn right at that moment another eighty years will go by and we would never learn these secrets.

So here you go. Easy Cheesy Popcorn. It is a snack of champions because it is loaded with good, nourishing fat and it tastes incredible too.

 Easy Cheesy Popcorn

Simple Snack Recipe: Easy Cheesy Popcorn (made with real cheese!)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unpopped popcorn
  • Coconut oil
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (parmesan, Colby jack, or cheddar recommended)
  • Sea salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Pop 1 cup of popcorn in coconut oil or in an air popper.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and cheese together, stirring until well combined.
  3. Shake a liberal amount of sea salt into the butter/cheese mixture and stir.
  4. Pour butter/cheese mixture over the popped corn and stir.
  5. Serve right away.
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Easy Cheesy Popcorn

Looking for more Simple Snack Recipes?

We’re sharing new recipes all month! So far here’s what we’ve come up with:

  • No Bake Cookie Cups (5 minute prep!)
  • Cream Cheese Salsa Dip (2 ingredients!)
  • Pineapple Coconut Quick Bread (blends together fast!)
  • Parmesan Crisps (so easy you won’t believe it!)
  • Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge
  • Creamy Italian Veggie Dip
  • No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
  • Honey Sweetened Flourless Peanut Butter Bars (3 ingredients!)

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