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Simple Cheesy Salsa Chicken – 2 Minute Prep!

January 27, 2019 by Laura 4 Comments

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

What has kept me from thinking of this idea Simple Cheesy Salsa Chicken before? After all, I’ve been on a grand mission to use the same basic, real food ingredients in all different ways to create a variety of easy-to-throw-together meals. And yet, it never occurred to me to put chicken and salsa together, then stir in some cheese?

It’s like the idea was too simple to even become an idea. But aha! We have thought of it, it has become a wonderful idea, and now we can put dinner together with 2-minutes of “work.”

You may recall the Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef idea, in which we put a frozen (yes, frozen!) roast into the crockpot and dump salsa on top. It cooks itself, falls apart like magic, and tastes amazing in tacos, burritos, salads, or simply on a fork. Now let’s take that same idea and use chicken instead.

Frozen chicken, to be exact. Unless you are the type to actually remember to thaw your meat. Thawed meat works well too. Some of us are underachievers who cannot handle thinking of and walking to the freezer hours before meal prep time. We feel ridiculous about this weakness, but it is what it is. Dinner arrives at the table just the same because we have learned ways to compensate for our lack of meat-thawing skills. We have accepted that thawing meat is not our gift. We have moved on.

Therefore, we take frozen, boneless chicken and put cook it with salsa until it falls apart. We eat it with joy, and because of this, we are never motivated to remember to thaw meat again.

Simple Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Simple Cheesy Salsa Chicken - 2 Minute Prep!
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (we like Colby jack best, but any will work!)
Instructions
  1. Place chicken and salsa into a Crockpot, Instant Pot, or cooking pot.
  2. Crockpot: Cook on low for 7 hours.
  3. Instant Pot: Seal and cook on manual at high pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Stove Top: Cover and cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly and shreds easily.
  5. Once meat is cooked, shred or cut into chunks and serve with cheese on top.
  6. Serve over cooked rice or tortilla chips or a bed of lettuce.
3.5.3229

Want More Simple Recipes?

We’ve got a huge list, and it keeps growing!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • 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
  • Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole
  • Easiest Beef Roast in the Instant Pot
  • Simple One-Dish Chicken Florentine
  • Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas
  • Simple Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
  • 5-Minute Cheesy Hamburger and Potatoes
  • Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Soup
  • Simple Broccoli Bacon Chicken

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Easy Low Sugar Peanut Butter Brownies

January 24, 2019 by Laura 1 Comment

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

My first attempt at creating Low Sugar Peanut Butter Brownies actually turned out too sweet! This was shocking seeing as I had cut the sugar down tremendously from the original recipe I had found to give me the inspiration. I cut it down even more and voila. Peanut Butter Brownie perfection!

I love that cutting down sugar in recipes still turns out awesome treats. These are as simple as can be, perfectly moist (as long as you don’t overbake them), and made even more fabulous because of the peanut butter whipped frosting we spread over the top.

Make yourself a batch, pour yourself a glass of milk, sit back, and enjoy!

Easy Low Sugar Peanut Butter Brownies

Easy Low Sugar Peanut Butter Brownies
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12-15
Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter*
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar or sucanat
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (leave this out if your peanut butter is already salted)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup whole grain flour (I use freshly ground soft white wheat)
  • Frosting:
  • ¾ cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 10 drops liquid stevia
  • 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, heat butter and peanut butter until melted.
  2. Stir together melted butters and sugar in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add salt and eggs, mixing well.
  4. Fold in flour and stir until well combined.
  5. Spread batter into a 9x9 or 8x8 inch baking dish.
  6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until brownies are lightly browned.
  7. Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting.
  8. FROSTING:
  9. In a high power blender, or in a bowl with a hand mixer, whip frosting ingredients together until thick and smooth.
  10. Spread over Peanut Butter Brownies.
  11. Store in the refrigerator.
3.5.3229

*I use homemade peanut butter from one of the following recipes:

  • Peanut Butter (just peanuts!)
  • Peanut Butter (super creamy – like Skippy or Jif)

Here are many more Low Sugar Treats for you to enjoy!

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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!

Easy Low Sugar Cream Cheese Cut Out Cookies

January 22, 2019 by Laura 3 Comments

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

Is it just me, or can we all agree that when we add cream cheese to a recipe, it will become extra – top notch – amazing? May I interest you, then, in these Cream Cheese Cut Out Cookies? Don’t worry – they are low in sugar. Oh, but also don’t worry – they still taste incredible!

You’re going to want to add this recipe to your list of keepers! We make these Cream Cheese Cut Out Cookies for just about every holiday. Pumpkin shapes in the fall, trees and stockings at Christmas time, and hearts for Valentine’s day. If we’re really feeling crazy, sometimes we’ll make them randomly in June. It just so happens that we have a cookie cutter in the shape of Mickey Mouse. June’s as good a month as any to make a Mickey cookie.

Since I’m not much into sugar anymore, I like eating these as-is, without frosting. My kids, of course, prefer to frost theirs. In case you need some low sugar (or high sugar) frosting recipes, I will share them below. But for now…

Easy Low Sugar Cream Cheese Cut Out Cookies

Easy Low Sugar Cream Cheese Cut Out Cookies
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 24-30
Ingredients
  • 1 cup melted butter (two sticks)
  • 8-ounces softened cream cheese
  • ½ cup raw sugar or sucanat
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3½-4 cups flour (I use freshly ground hard white wheat flour)
Instructions
  1. Stir together melted butter, softened cream cheese, and sugar.
  2. Add eggs, baking powder, and vanilla.
  3. Stir in flour until well combined. (Use a little less or a little more flour as needed.)
  4. Place dough in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
  5. Once dough is chilled, roll on a well-floured surface and cut out into desired shapes.
  6. Bake in a 350° oven for 10-15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. (I prefer mine just barely done so that they stay soft!)
  7. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
3.5.3229

Want more Low Sugar Treat recipes? This awesome eBook is full of them!

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Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 1/2 cups unbleached organic powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whip butter and cream cheese with beaters until fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until mixed thoroughly.

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 2 droppers full)

Whip ingredients together until smooth. Frost cookies just before serving.

Low Sugar Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons milk
2-4 Tablespoons honey (sweeten this to your taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan combine butter, cocoa, milk, and honey. Cook and stir over low heat until ingredients are well combined and mixture begins to thicken slightly. Removed from heat. Stir in vanilla. Spread onto cookies.

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

Simple Broccoli Bacon Chicken

January 20, 2019 by Laura 1 Comment

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

Remember that one day we had a lot going on and needed a quick meal that everyone in the family would enjoy? Oh yeah. That’s every day. Well, I guess that means every day is a good day to make this Simple Broccoli Bacon Chicken.

I’m telling you right now that Simple Meals and the simple recipes that go with it have spoiled me for all the meal plans and recipes in the entire world that require any thought or effort. I am now so used to putting together delicious dishes that take hardly any time.

So when I see a recipe that requires more “work” than quickly putting a few healthy and simple ingredients into a dish and baking, crock potting, or instant potting it for our dinner, I’m like, “No sorry. I can’t possibly boil those noodles before adding them to my casserole dish. Step aside, complicated recipe that requires me to actually thaw my meat ahead of time. How dare you suggest that I take the time to saute a vegetable before putting it into my pot? Who am I? What’s her name??” {Laura takes a moment to look up the fabulous…oh yes! Julia Child.} “Who am I? Julia Child?”

Ironically, I refuse to take “extra,” detailed steps when putting a recipe together, but while writing about my recipe rebellion I will take a few extra seconds to Google “lady chef made into a movie blogger person.” Three cheers for Google who can read my mind and interpret from my garbled keywords the information I am trying to discover.

Indeed, I am basically the complete opposite of the amazing and incredible Julia Child. She braised this and souffled that, and she turned out food called “Boeuf Bourguignon.” Meanwhile, I’m like, “Here, put these four ingredients in a dish and bake it until it’s done. We call this ‘Cass-er-ole.'”

I’ve gotta hand it to Julia (who I have now decided to be on a first name basis with). Everything she made was impressive, what with her duck confit {Laura pretends to know what this is} and her scalloped gratineed {just smile and nod}. I think she would have been delightful to know in person. Do you think she would cringe while watching me throw frozen, raw hamburger meat into my Instant Pot as we talked about recipes over a cup of tea?

Well anyway. Here’s today’s not-so-Julia-Child-style recipe. Once again, we see that we simply lay chicken in a dish, put some other stuff on top, and bake it after our five minutes of “work.” All the while, we are quizzing our kids on their spelling words and thinking of clever ways to pronounce hors d’oeuvres.

Simple Broccoli Bacon Chicken

Simple Broccoli Bacon Chicken
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 head fresh broccoli
  • ½ pound cooked bacon crumbles
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (any of your favorites will work!)
Instructions
  1. Lay chicken in the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Cut broccoli into florets and place them on top of the chicken.
  3. Sprinkle bacon crumbles over the chicken and broccoli.
  4. Sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole.
  5. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until chicken has cooked through and juice runs clear.
3.5.3229

More Simple Recipes

After all this talk about Simple Recipes, I’m pretty sure you’ll want this huge list of the many recipes we’ve shared that can be put together in just a few minutes!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • 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
  • Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole
  • Easiest Beef Roast in the Instant Pot
  • Simple One-Dish Chicken Florentine
  • Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas
  • Simple Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
  • 5-Minute Cheesy Hamburger and Potatoes
  • Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Soup

Join Simple Meals!

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We love how Simple Meals has been saving family time for so many, and helping people put great food on the table each night! Join us for just $1/week!

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3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats

January 15, 2019 by Laura 11 Comments

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

I will admit to you that I find it silly to write “3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats” as a title. Why? Because all three ingredients are listed in the title, so the title is basically the post.

There’s nothing else you will possibly need to know since obviously, to make 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats you need peanut butter, honey, and Rice Krispies. My job here is done.

Ah, but wait. You still don’t know how much of each ingredient to use to make these fine treats. I guess you still need me after all. Phew. 

I had a lot of fun playing with this idea to try Rice Krispie Treats without the marshmallows. It all made sense and tasted delicious in my head, but recipes in my head and recipes in real life don’t always turn out the same.

Would they be gooey chewy like I was hoping, or would they turn out hard like bricks and crumble everywhere? Would they be sweet enough? Or maybe too sweet? Would they even stay together, or would they just fall apart and turn into peanut butter honey flavored Rice Krispie cereal?

One never knows until one tries the recipe inside one’s head while hoping for the best. How delighted was I when this recipe came out chewy gooey good on the first try! (It helped that I stirred in cereal just a little at a time until I reached my desired gooeyness level.) The peanut butter – honey – crunch combo reminds me of a childhood treat that included ingredients I no longer use. So I am perfectly thrilled with these awesome 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats and can’t wait for you to try them too! (Bet you can’t guess what the 3 ingredients are…)

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats

5.0 from 1 reviews
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Rice Krispie Treats
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter*
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2½ cups Rice Krispies (the off brand works great!)
Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, stir peanut butter and honey over low heat until runny and smooth.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies.
  3. Press mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish.
  4. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
3.5.3229

*I use homemade peanut butter from one of the following recipes:

  • Peanut Butter (just peanuts!)
  • Peanut Butter (super creamy – like Skippy or Jif)

Want more great recipes that call for 5 or fewer ingredients? Grab our most popular eBook!

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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!

15 Family Favorite Real Food Soup Recipes

January 13, 2019 by Laura 1 Comment

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

I shared this list last year, and felt it was worth sharing again! I added all the latest to this list, so here are 15 Family Favorite Real Soup Recipes!

Before we talk soup, first, let’s talk Broth. Here’s my tutorial on making Chicken Broth on the stove-top. In addition, here’s my tutorial on making Beef Broth on the stove-top. I actually like making Beef Broth more often, simply because it doesn’t require the tedious task of boning a chicken. But that’s just me trying to save time in the kitchen. :)

UPDATE: I’ve started making broth in my Instant Pot, which truly is easy and a great time saver! That has become my go-to method of broth making!

And now, who’s ready for some awesome soup recipes?

15 16 Family Favorite Real Food Soup Recipes

  1. Beefy Vegetable Soup
  2. Cheeseburger Soup
  3. Chicken Noodle Soup
  4. Chicken Tortilla Soup
  5. Chili
  6. Homemade Tomato Soup
  7. Pizza Soup
  8. Potato Soup
  9. Simple Taco Soup
  10. Chicken Soup with a Kick
  11. Twenty Minute Taco Soup
  12. The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  13. Creamy Chicken Soup
  14. Simple Noodle Soup
  15. Simple Hamburger Soup
  16. Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup with a Kick

Hospitality and SoupYum

As much as possible, we enjoy inviting college students over on Sundays after church. We tell our sons (our oldest two are students at York College) to invite whoever they want, so we never know who might show up on our porch. It’s a blast! Of course, we now also have several regulars who come every Sunday that they are available, and now they are inviting their friends too! So when I make soup for such gatherings, my soup pots are large. :)

In case you’re curious, and I’m sure you must be, the favorite soups our local college students enjoy are:

  1. Potato Soup
  2. Chicken Soup with a Kick
  3. Twenty Minute Taco Soup

These are the simplest to prepare, and they are always a hit. As an added bonus, the Chicken Soup with a Kick and the Twenty Minute Taco Soup are allergy friendly (if I leave out the cheese), so everyone can enjoy them without issue.

What to serve with the soup?

I’m glad you asked. When we have guests, here are some fun ideas for what to serve alongside our soup!

  • Love, smiles, and good conversation – Not to be cheesy, but if we serve nothing but soup, and spend time loving our guests, that truly is all that matters).
  • Muffins – Here are many ideas and recipes!
  • Fresh fruit, with or without dip – Grapes, strawberries, apple slices, and oranges are always a hit; our favorite fruit dip recipe is this one.
  • Fresh veggies with or without dip – Find several great dip recipes here.

Enjoy soup. Enjoy hospitality. And take advantage of this!

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How to EASILY Make Broth in the Instant Pot

January 10, 2019 by Laura 4 Comments

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

It’s hard to beat homemade broth when it comes to nutrition and flavor. Now that I’ve learned to make broth in the Instant Pot, I’m never going back!

Don’t have an Instant Pot? Here are my stove-top, stock pot instructions for how I make Chicken Broth and Beef Broth. I’ve been making broth that way for years and would continue to do so had I not invested in my beloved Instant Pot.

I had a difficult time believing that making broth in such a short time in the Instant Pot (just a little more than an hour) could turn out the same wonderful product as making broth in my stock pot (for 4-6 hours). But it’s true. Broth made in the Instant Pot is just as fabulous as broth made slowly in a stock pot on the stove!

Have I convinced you yet to get an Instant Pot? Oh how I love mine!

How to Easily Make Broth in the Instant Pot

How to EASILY Make Broth in the Instant Pot
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: Roughly 1 gallon
Ingredients
  • Beef soup bones or chicken bones
  • Variety of carrots, celery, onions, and leeks per your family's preference. (I usually use 3-4 pounds of veggies per batch of broth.
  • Sea salt
  • Water
Instructions
  1. Put chicken or beef bones into your Instant Pot.
  2. Add as many vegetables as you can - carrots, celery, onions, leeks.
  3. Sprinkle sea salt liberally.
  4. Fill pot to the Max-Fill line with water.
  5. Seal Instant Pot, and cook on High Pressure for 55 minutes.
  6. Allow pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Release pressure, and strain vegetables and bones out of liquid.
  8. Blend vegetables in a blender until smooth.
  9. Add blended veggies into the liquid broth. This adds more flavor and nourishment!
  10. Re-use bones to make another batch of broth if you like! The second batch of broth isn't as rich, but I like getting a two-for-one!
3.5.3229

When people eat soup I’ve made with this broth, they always ask for my secret. I believe it is the veggies cooked into the broth then blended and added back in. Once I blend the veggies and stir them into the broth, I have a rich, thick, orange broth – much different than store-bought. And so, so much better!

Coming up in my next post, I will remind you of my family’s favorite soup recipes to use with this great broth!

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

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Low Sugar, Whole Grain)

January 6, 2019 by Laura 3 Comments

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Who needs sugar when you can eat butter? What I mean to say is, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars taste lightly sweet and deliciously buttery. What else can we possibly need? (Chocolate chips.) Ah yes. Chocolate chips. Well, I guess we’ve thought of everything.

As many of you know, I’m not much into sugar anymore. But I do like a barely sweet treat to enjoy with my coffee. I’m not terribly picky. I think something is plenty sweet when it is only barely sweet. Much more sweetness than that seems like much too much these days.

My kids think I’m weird about this (and at least a couple of other things) and have become a bit leery of my homemade “super low sugar treats.” If Mom is eating it, it must be one of those weirdo stevia sweetened things and it probably won’t taste as good as a candy bar. I beg to differ, but I also remember being a teen and liking my Twix and Pepsi.

Now then, I guess it’s my job to confess that because of the aforementioned, I have learned to wait to eat my low sugar treats until AFTER I have served some to my sons. The two sons still living at home are the pickiest of our four. (And now we have an almost-adopted son, so I’ll be learning to say five sons instead of four, oh my goodness!)

My picky kids aren’t always willing to try new foods, so I must be wise in how I present them. I am MOM, therefore I know more than they do (about everything except Fortnite). I know very well that they will like the treat if only they try it with an open mind. After all, did I mention the butter? And the chocolate chips? And there’s actual sugar in it, not stevia. It’s just that I cut the sugar from 1 1/2 cups all the way down to just a 1/2 cup.

Just eat the cookie bars, kids.

So they did. And they like them. Shocker.

I snuck one later with my coffee, which made them second guess for a moment if they still liked them. Silly boys.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

4.0 from 1 reviews
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Low Sugar, Whole Grain)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 9
Ingredients
  • 1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)
  • ½ cup brown sugar or sucanat
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole grain flour (I use freshly ground soft white wheat)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Stir together melted butter and brown sugar.
  2. Add eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla, stirring well.
  3. Stir in flour until well combined.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Spread dough into an 8x8 inch baking dish.
  6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Allow bars to cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
3.5.3229

Are your kids leery to try any of your “healthier foods” for fear you might be serving them something weird? Silly kids.

Here are many more Low Sugar Treats that I promise my kids like, so yours will too!

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Simple Creamy Chicken Soup for Crock Pot or Instant Pot

January 3, 2019 by Laura 4 Comments

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This Simple Creamy Chicken Soup is the definition of comfort food.

Hmmmm. Actually, the definition of comfort food (I just looked it up) is: food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking.

I believe I have just re-defined comfort food. No longer must it be associated with a high sugar or carb content. Certainly not in the case of this Creamy Chicken Soup. We can associate it with home cooking (because we will be at home, cooking it) and it is likely that your children will someday associate it with their childhood.

But there is no pasta or potato involved in the making of this soup to make it high in carbs. Add some if you like. I’m personally in it for the chicken and the cheese. I find it delightfully comforting.

Simple Creamy Chicken Soup

Simple Creamy Chicken Soup for Crock Pot or Instant Pot
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1-2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 10-ounce can Rotel
  • 32-ounces (4 cups) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 8-ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups shredded Colby jack or cheddar cheese
Instructions
  1. Place chicken, Rotel, broth, salt, and paprika into an Instant Pot or Crock Pot
  2. For Instant Pot: Seal and cook on manual at high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release.
  3. For Crock Pot: Cook ingredients on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is no longer pink.
  4. Remove chicken from Crock Pot or Instant Pot. Shred it and put it back into the pot.
  5. Stir in cream cheese, cream, and shredded cheese until smooth.
  6. Serve with frozen corn sprinkled in if desired
3.5.3229

I added a carb by sprinkling frozen corn into our soup to cool it and sweeten it. So I guess this meets the definition of comfort food after all!

Don’t have an Instant Pot? I have and love this one.

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  • Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

 

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Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

January 1, 2019 by Laura 11 Comments

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

I have a major confession, and I think you will all be a tiny bit shocked. (No I didn’t start eating margarine. Who do you even think I am?) For years, I deemed this Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe the best in the world. I held to this opinion for years. And now. NOW, I have discovered a recipe that is even better than the best. Allow me to introduce you to the marvelous, wonderful, fabulous 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!

If you don’t yet have an Instant Pot, I feel you, I get you, and I was on your Non-Instant-Pot-Team for many years. Then I finally gave in and allowed this jewel to change my life forever. I truly do love my precious Instant Pot because it saves me so much time and energy in the kitchen. It’s like God knew we all needed Simple Meals and Simple Recipes so on the eighth day He created the Instant Pot. And God said it was good.

What are my favorite foods to make in my Instant Pot? I’m so glad you asked.

  • This fabulous new 10-Minute Mac and Cheese (true story)
  • These incredible Mashed Potatoes (sorry Grandma; they’re even better than yours)
  • 5 Pounds of FROZEN Hamburger Meat (which is completely cooked in 30 minutes and ready to save my life all week long)

If you don’t yet have an Instant Pot, might I recommend that you save up and invest in one? I do think you will love it as much as I do!

For all the Instant Pot owners out there, you’ll be delighted to know that this 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese can actually be ready to serve – from start to finish – in just 10-minutes. This has become a great go-to lunch for my boys at home or a wonderful side dish at dinner after a busy day.

Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

4.0 from 2 reviews
Simple 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 16-ounces whole grain pasta (any shape)
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 Tablespoons butter (always butter, never margarine, amen, hallelujah)
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (we love Colby jack)
Instructions
  1. Stir uncooked pasta, water, butter, and salt in your instant pot.
  2. Seal and cook on manual, high pressure for 4 minutes.
  3. Quick release the pressure.
  4. Open the pot and stir in the cream and cheese until melted and creamy.
3.5.3229

Want More Simple Real Food Recipes?

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  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
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  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
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  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
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  • Simple Beanie Weanies
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  • Last Minute Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
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  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
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  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
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  • 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
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  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
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  • 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
  • Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole
  • Easiest Beef Roast in the Instant Pot
  • Simple One-Dish Chicken Florentine
  • Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas
  • Simple Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
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Want these recipes in your hands?

We’ve got most of these recipes already in eBook format so you can download, print, and hold them in your hands!

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