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Simple Snack Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge (Stevia or Honey Sweetened)

February 15, 2018 by Laura 5 Comments

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

Who says we can only eat fudge during a holiday season? This Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge is so low in sugar we can eat it in the middle of February, every other Thursday, and if you’re really feeling sassy, on a Monday afternoon after you’ve washed the breakfast dishes.

fudge1

Or not. I mean, you don’t have to actually wash the dishes before rewarding yourself with this fudge. I think it is enough work to have dirtied the dishes in the first place, am I right? Indeed. Fudge all around!

This Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge needs no special occasion. Though it will feel like a special occasion while you’re eating it because of the fact that it is fudge and it tastes amazing. I suppose the fact that it has the word “cheesecake” in the title also proves its greatness. You will be tempted to feel guilt over splurging on this treat since Christmas was two months ago and you’ve been doing such a good job of eating right since the first of the year. But no guilt is allowed or even warranted because this fudge isn’t full of sugar! Yep. It’s sweetened with a little honey and a little stevia. That’s it.

Of course this qualifies as a Simple Snack Recipe because you can blend all the ingredients together in just a couple of minutes. What a treat!

Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge

Simple Snack Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge (Stevia or Honey Sweetened)
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 18 pieces
Ingredients
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 8-ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tablespoons honey
  • 30 drops liquid stevia (I like NuNaturals brand best)
Instructions
  1. Blend ingredients together in a high power blender.
  2. Spread mixture in an 8x8 inch dish.
  3. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
  4. Cut into pieces and serve.
  5. Store fudge in the refrigerator.
3.4.3177

Simple Low Sugar Chocolate Cheesecake Fudge

This recipe is easy to adapt. Add more or less honey, stevia, and cocoa powder per your preference. You can find NuNaturals Liquid Stevia here (my affiliate link).

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

Can’t wait to share more!

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

Simple Snack Recipe: Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans

February 13, 2018 by Laura 9 Comments

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

We thought you might like a simple snack that is a little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and obviously, a little bit nutty. Everyone likes to be a little bit nutty sometimes. So how about some Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans?

sweet and salty pecans11

When I first decided to experiment with this recipe, I planned to surprise Matt with Sweet and Salty Almonds after he’d put in a hard day’s work. So I searched the pantry. No almonds. I searched my freezer. No almonds. I searched my other freezer. No almonds. I searched my other freezer. (I have a lot of freezers.) No almonds.

sweet and salty pecans12

What I did find was package after package after package of pecans. Apparently my desire to stock up for our Pecan Pie needs way back at Christmas time took over my brain and prevented me from ever adding almonds to a shopping list. After all, there’s no such thing as Almond Pie. At least I don’t think there is.

Anyway, Matt never knew about the Sweet and Salty Almonds because on the day of this nutty experiment, I presented him with Sweet and Salty Pecans and all was well.

sweet and salty pecans13

Aside from the time it took for me to search through all my freezers behind all the leg of lamb, cube steak, and bags of peaches from last summer’s harvest in a futile effort to find almonds that didn’t exist, making these Sweet and Salty Pecans was super fast and easy.

sweet and salty pecans14

So grab either almonds or pecans (or both if you’re feeling extra nutty). Make a batch or three of these Sweet and Salty Nuts. They make a great snack to enjoy when you need a pick-me-up!

Simple Snack Recipes Series

Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans

Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole almonds or pecans
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 Tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or sucanat
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
  1. Stir water, sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium sauce pan.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Pour the almonds or pecans into the boiling liquid, stirring for about one minute until the nuts are coated with the syrupy mixture.
  4. Spread prepared nuts onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
  5. Cool and serve or bag them up to give as treats!
3.4.3177

Simple Sweet and Salty Almonds or Pecans

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!)

Can’t wait to share more!

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

Simple Snack Recipe: Parmesan Crisps

February 11, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

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

How many recipes can you make with just one ingredient? Can this even qualify as a recipe? Have you ever tried anything like these Parmesan Crisps? Should I write this entire post in question form?

parmesan crisps11

These Parmesan Crisps are about to become your new best friend. They are so fast to make that you have no choice but to stand right in front of the oven while they bake because there is no time to walk away and come back before they are finished and ready to pull out. I mean, you slide these into the oven, you take a moment to breathe, then you open the oven and your snack is ready to eat.

For me, the most difficult part of making these Parmesan Crisps is getting out a cookie sheet while preventing my muffin tins to clatter down out of the cabinet at the same time. Someone should really organize that cabinet before someone gets hurt.

Simple Snack Recipes Series

Once the cookie sheet has been successfully acquired, I find it best to lay down a silicone baking mat. At the very least, spread parchment paper on your cookie sheet so these crisps won’t stick to the pan. Then scoop about one tablespoon of cheese into little piles on the pan, leaving about one inch of space in between each pile like so:

parmesan crisps15

Slide the cookie sheet into a hot oven for 3-5 minutes so the cheese can melt and brown and tada! You have Parmesan Crisps.

parmesan crisps13

parmesan crisps14

parmesan crisps12

You can eat these right off the pan, but we like them best dipped in salsa.

Even better news: This idea works with any cheese you like. Colby jack is a winner. Cheddar. Pepper Jack. This is all too much fun.

Parmesan Crisps

5.0 from 1 reviews
Simple Snack Recipe: Parmesan Crisps
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 1-2 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
  3. Scoop about one Tablespoon of cheese onto the pan, leaving about one inch of space in between each pile of cheese.
  4. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Watch to be sure they don't over-bake!
3.4.3177

Simple Parmesan Crisps

I think the best thing about this Parmesan Crisps idea is that you can make them very quickly when your family needs a snack. This is a huge win at our house as we almost always have cheese on hand.

As for my cookie sheet and muffin tin cabinet, someone really should do something about organizing it before someone gets hurt.

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!)

Can’t wait to share more!

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

Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Cookie Cups

February 4, 2018 by Laura 12 Comments

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

This is a recipe in which my beloved Fat Bomb treat teams up with my dearest Honey Sweetened No-Bake Cookies to create No Bake Cookie Cups in perfect harmony.

no bake cups11

Indeed, I’m talking about actual harmony as these No Bake Cookie Cups sing to me when I walk into the kitchen each morning. It’s like I have my very own Barber Shop Quartet sitting in my refrigerator. Just think of it! I open the fridge door at 6:30 am and these cookie cups take off their red and white striped hats to salute me. Then the singing begins.

I’ll spare you the song lyrics, but they are obviously all about how well I pull off the “just rolled out of bed” look with my mis-matched pajamas and fly-away hair.

Simple Snack Recipes Series

Why all the hoopla about this simple snack recipe? Because it truly is my very favorite. These No Bake Cookie Cups are a perfect mix of nourishment and deliciousness. They are super filling because they are loaded with good fat and protein. The oats make them seem more like a no-bake cookie, and well, oats are good. The fact that these are made in muffin cups makes them even easier to make and definitely easier to eat.

no bake cups12

So basically, these No Bake Cookie Cups are perfection, which is why we can all break out in to four part harmony together as we rejoice over this snack.

Here’s why they qualify as a Simple Snack Recipe: These come together in about five minutes. Scoop all ingredients into a saucepan and stir together until melted (five minutes, tops). Add the oats. Pour into muffin cups. Refrigerate. Eat. Sing. Be happy.

Such a Simple Snack Recipe!

No Bake Cookie Cups

Simple Snack Recipe: No Bake Cookie Cups
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • ½ cup coconut oil (I use expeller pressed so the coconut flavor doesn't overpower.)
  • 1 heaping Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • Liquid stevia to taste (I use 1½ droppers full of NuNaturals Brand.) or 2-3 Tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup whole rolled oats
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, heat and stir together coconut oil, cocoa powder, butter, honey, and peanut butter. (If using stevia as sweetener, wait to add it until after ingredients are melted and you've removed the pan from the heat.)
  2. Stir until melted.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in oats.
  5. Pour into 12 lined muffin tins. (I prefer to use silicone liners for these.)
  6. Freeze for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. Store in fridge and enjoy.
3.5.3229

Simple No Bake Cookie Cups

It’s worth noting that these taste best right out of the fridge and start to melt quickly if left out for longer than two minutes. Don’t ask me about the time I packed one to eat at a basketball game. Ok fine. I’ll tell you anyway. I once packed a No Bake Cookie Cup to eat at a basketball game, but by the time we arrived and I got it out to enjoy, it had turned to a baggie full of mush that required a spoon and five napkins. Good story, huh?

Stay tuned for more great (stories and also) Simple Snack Recipes you’ll love!

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

Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs (on a Simple Budget)

January 21, 2018 by Laura 1 Comment

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

These Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs will make everyone think you are a gourmet chef. Which, of course, you are. No one has to know your secret. The secret about how you spent five minutes making the chicken. Let’s just keep that between us.

lemon garlic chicken11

No one has to know how little you spent on this meal either. We can let everyone think you went all out with time and money.

Want to know how much it cost me to serve this entire meal to my family? There were five of us home the last time I made this. My husband and me, our 17-year old son, our 15-year old son, and our 13-year old son. We ate a full pan of these chicken legs with mixed greens, grapes, and green beans. Total cost for all of us to eat?

$5.61

Total. For the entire meal. For five of us to eat a plate full of nourishment.

Indeed. I’m so glad I did the math!

I always watch for chicken legs to be marked down at the store, which is a huge money saver! This time I used two packages which had been marked down to a tiny $1.27 and $1.34! So total for my meat this meal was just $2.61. Incredible! Add in the greens, veggies, and grapes and I’m estimating that our total for this meal was just $5.61.

Now, not to geek out too much, but this breaks down to just $1.12 per person for this meal. Man, I am loving this Simple Meals on a Simple Budget series! It is challenging me to see what meals pack the most punch to stretch our grocery budget!

Oh! And I saved the chicken bones after we cleaned up all the meat and threw them into my Instant Pot for a small batch of chicken broth. Waste not, want not, right? :) Remember that little tip because the next Simple Budget recipe I plan to share will use that broth!

Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs

Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs (on a Simple Budget)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 10-12 chicken legs
  • 1 large-sized lemon
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Lay chicken leg in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, juice and zest the lemon.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to the lemon juice/zest and stir.
  4. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  5. (Do this ahead of time and refrigerate for 2-24 hours to marinate if you wish.)
  6. Bake, uncovered, in a 425 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until juices run clear.
3.4.3177

Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs

Catch the running list of Simple Meals on a Simple Budget here.

Simple Recipes on a Simple Budget

Want even more Simple Recipes?

  • 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

Enjoy all these recipes without effort when you become a Simple Meals member! Every week we’ll send you a great menu plan full of Simple Recipes like this one. We’ll equip you with a grocery list. We’ll break everything down so that your meal prep is as simple as possible. We’ll give you bonus tips and recipes and freebies. And this is all for just $1 each week. You’ll love it!

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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!

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken (on a Simple Budget)

January 9, 2018 by Laura 2 Comments

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

My favorite meals to make are the meals I can dump into the crock pot and forget about until dinner time. This Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken is one of those meals. It turns out juicy, flavorful chicken with no effort!

bbq applesauce chicken11

While I like cooking my chicken in the crock pot, I’ve started always cooking my rice in my Instant Pot. What did I ever do without my Instant Pot!?

bbq applesauce chicken12

Grab out some greens, steam a veggie, and this meal is perfection on a plate with very little effort!

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ⅔ cup natural applesauce
  • ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Chili powder to taste
Instructions
  1. Place chicken pieces at the bottom of a crock pot.
  2. Sprinkle salt and chili powder over chicken.
  3. Drizzle on applesauce and bbq sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
  5. Serve over rice or potatoes.
3.4.3177

Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken

Catch the running list of Simple Meals on a Simple Budget here.

Simple Recipes on a Simple Budget

Want even more Simple Recipes?

  • 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

Enjoy all these recipes without effort when you become a Simple Meals member! Every week we’ll send you a great menu plan full of Simple Recipes like this one. We’ll equip you with a grocery list. We’ll break everything down so that your meal prep is as simple as possible. We’ll give you bonus tips and recipes and freebies. And this is all for just $1 each week. You’ll love it!

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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!

Simple Tuna Patties (on a Simple Budget)

January 4, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

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

These Simple Tuna Patties are definitely going to become a new staple around our house.

tuna patties11

Anytime we eat tuna, I like to use yellow-fin tuna in water. If I wait for sales and then stock up, I can get it for around $1.14 per 5-ounce can. There are even cheaper varieties, but those tend to include unnecessary ingredients I want to avoid. This one only contains tuna, water, and salt. :)

Since we’re talking about Simple Meals on a Simple Budget right now, how about we do a little math story problem?

Laura needs three cans of tuna to make Simple Tuna Patties. Her tuna costs $1.14 per can. What is the cost of her tuna for this recipe?

This is math in the real world, Baby. It’s the answer to, “But when will I ever use this stuff in real life?” that we all asked back in our middle and high school days. Though I’ve still never used one lick of the Geometry and Alegebra 2 I worked so hard to learn in high school so I’m still a little bit bitter about that.

Well anyway, $3.42. The answer to my tuna math problem is $3.42.

tuna patties22

I will admit that before trying these, I thought the idea of mashing tuna into patties and frying them sounded weird. So if you also saw the title of this recipe and got weirded out, let me assure you of how wonderful these taste! Every single person in my family loves these. They are easy, filling, delicious, and inexpensive. So how about another tuna story problem? This one is more complex. Prepare yourself.

Laura pays a minimum of $5.60 for one pound of grass-fed ground beef. If she makes hamburger patties for her family, she uses two pounds of ground beef. How much money does she save when making one recipe worth of Tuna Patties instead of hamburger patties?

tuna patties33

Here, I’ll make it easy. Two pounds of burger = $11.20. $11.20 take away $3.42 is $7.78 and that is how much money I save when making these Simple Tuna Patties for my family’s lunch.

(I used a calculator to solve this problem because my high school math teachers are no longer the boss of me. Also, they told me I would use the sine, cosine, and tangent stuff in my future and that was a lie. So I’ll use my calculator if I want. And I will apparently go off on a tangent. So at least I’m using that one.)

tuna patties44

Simple Tuna Patties

5.0 from 2 reviews
Simple Tuna Patties (on a Simple Budget)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 6-8 patties
Ingredients
  • 15-ounces canned tuna in water, drained
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons dried minced onions
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (I recommend palm shortening or refined coconut oil as these are both flavorless and remain stable at high temperatures.)
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, stir together all ingredients except for the oil.
  2. Heat about 3 Tablespoons of oil in a skillet.
  3. Drop a large scoop full of tuna mixture into hot oil, pressing to flatten into a patty.
  4. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until both sides of the tuna patty is golden brown.
  5. Serve right away.
3.4.3177

Simple Tuna Patties on a Simple Budget

Here’s one more math story problem for you:

If Susie becomes a Simple Meals member for the tiny cost of $1.00 per week, receiving complete and easy meal plans, grocery lists, recipes, time-saving tips, and more, how happy is Susie every single week of her life? And how much time has Susie saved each week? And how much money has Susie saved? And how well does Susie’s family eat??

Well now, this one is a no-brainer. :) Join us here —>

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Want more Simple Recipes?

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

Simple Lentil Nachos (on a Simple Budget)

January 2, 2018 by Laura 4 Comments

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

Simple Lentil Nachos is a don’t plan ahead, don’t thaw meat, don’t worry about dinner recipe! If only all meals could be this easy. Oh, and it’s also a don’t spend much money recipe. High fives all around.

lentil nachos11

Welcome to the first recipe in our Simple Meals on a Simple Budget series! 
Watch for more recipes like this all month long. :)

Now you know me. I’m a meat-lovin’ girl, living in a household of meat-lovin’ men, all of whom are athletes who need large amounts of protein every day. So I always cringe just a little bit when discussing “meatless recipes” because while I love that this is a great way to save money, I don’t love how unsatisfied meatless meals leave my sons. They love carbs and can eat potatoes until the cows come home, but well, they definitely need the cows to come home. And then they need said cows to land on their plates in the form of a roast or a patty.

But this is what I’ve learned: While it doesn’t work well to go meatless for an entire day at my house, it certainly is possible to offer one or two meatless meal every couple of days. As long as I try to balance our meatless meals with plenty that are meaty, and as long as our meatless meals are still full of protein, we do okay.

Phew, kind of sounds like we’re high maintenance around here. Nope. Just hungry. Hungry, hungry, hungry.

So…Simple Lentil Nachos. This recipe is ridiculously easy so brace yourself for the simplicity. It’s also relatively boring if not dressed up with tasty toppings. But rest assured, once you’ve filled your bowl with all that you love, scooping this onto a chip is actually quite good!

Here’s how simple it is to make Lentil Nachos:

1) Cook lentils (which is, by the way, effortless).
2) Add salsa and salt.
3) Serve in a bowl with your favorite nacho fixins.
4) The end.

lentil nachos22

Don’t tell all the other beans, but lentils have become my favorite legume because of how effortless they are to prepare. No need to plan ahead or soak. Just boil and serve.

Simple Lentil Nachos

Simple Lentil Nachos (on a Simple Budget)
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dry lentils
  • 2½ cups water
  • 16-ounces salsa
  • Your favorite nacho toppings like cheese, olives, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and onions
  • Your favorite tortilla chips
Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together lentils and water.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  4. Stir in salsa, heating for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Serve mixture with tortilla chips and your favorite nacho toppings
3.4.3177

Simple Lentil Nachos

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Want more Simple Recipes?

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  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
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  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
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Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

December 19, 2017 by Laura 13 Comments

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

This Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse recipe was originally published here in 2014. I decided it deserved to be bumped back up to the top of my site so you can relive the deliciousness. It’s such an easy recipe that you can quickly make it during these last few days before Christmas!

chocolate mint mousse 3

This is one of the easiest treats you will ever make. You’ll especially appreciate the final step. Allow me to explain…

Many a recipe (including this one) will instruct us to:

    1. Mix ingredients.
    2. Pour mixture into serving dishes.
    3. Chill for at least two hours.

Is it just me, or does it seem that in order to follow the directions diligently we should mix our ingredients, pour the mixture into serving dishes, then promptly “put our feet up and do nothing for at least two hours?” It says to “chill” right? If we read this literally, I do believe we are being told to do absolutely nothing. Relax. Take a breather. Chill out already.  For two entire hours (or more – don’t forget the “or more”).

Is anyone else thinking about Amelia Bedelia right now?  (If you haven’t read those children’s books, you’re missing out.)

Now I’m not exactly sure what to think about recipe instructions that say, “chill until firm.” Rarely do I notice more defined muscle tone when I’m chillin’ in my chair for two hours or more. “Chill until it jiggles in the middle” – well now, unfortunately that makes quite a bit more sense.

I’ll be the first to admit that taking time to rest doesn’t come easy for me. I’d love to “chill” after mixing up a recipe – but who will take care of all those dirty dishes? Amelia Bedelia, perhaps?  If only.

While I’m sure we could have a lovely discussion about taking time to rest, washing dishes, or encouraging healthy muscle tone – I will now turn the conversation back to this new recipe I’d like to share, letting you know that in fact, once you mix it up, it needs to be poured into serving dishes and chilled.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Dark Chocolate Peppermint MousseYum

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
 
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Author: Laura
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
  1. Measure ¾ cup cream into a sauce pan.
  2. Heat until hot, but not boiling.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Add chocolate chips, stirring until melted.
  5. Stir in peppermint extract and set mixture aside.
  6. Whip the remaining ¾ cup cream in a bowl until firm peaks form.
  7. Fold chocolate mixture gently into whipped cream.
  8. Spoon mousse into 6-8 bowls or cups.
  9. And finally, the instructions you've all been waiting for: Chill for at least two hours before serving.
3.4.3177

To be clear, this means that you need to put the mousse into the refrigerator for at least two hours until you are ready to serve it to your family or guests. Before the pan and bowl get crusty, wash your dishes and wipe down the counter-tops. Then hug your children, check the mail, return a phone call, switch out the laundry, get out meat for dinner, scrub the gunk off the floor, and re-hang the curtain that got pulled down.

After that, by all means, you should chill. :)

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Simple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie

December 14, 2017 by Laura 2 Comments

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

Once you’ve got your Chocolate Pie Crust made, you’ll need this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie recipe to go with it.

peanut butter chocolate chip pie11

I will say right off the bat that if you must avoid peanuts at your house, simply leave the peanut butter out of this recipe and make a regular Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. This tastes amazing either way!

peanut butter chocolate chip pie12

Can you use a regular pie crust for this pie? Of course you can. I’m not the boss of you. You can even use a graham cracker crust. You can go crustless. So many options!

No matter what though, I do suggest that you make this pie. It is super easy and a huge hit!!

Simple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie

5.0 from 1 reviews
Simple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 8 pieces
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter*
  • ⅔ cup sucanat or sugar OR 30 drops liquid stevia
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips***
Instructions
  1. In a high power blender mix cream cheese, peanut butter, sweetener, cream, and vanilla until thick and smooth.
  2. Fold in chocolate chips.
  3. Spread into a prepared pie crust.**
  4. Chill pie in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
3.4.3177

*Get our Natural Peanut Butter recipe here.
**Find our Chocolate Pie Crust recipe here.
***These are our favorite Mini Chocolate Chips to use.

Simple Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie

Need more cheesecake recipes? Some of these will be great in the Chocolate Pie Crust! Or in a Regular Whole Wheat Pie Crust. Or maybe they should remain crustless. Ohhhh, the options!

Easy Cheesecake Recipes

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Whip
  • Low Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Easy, Low Sugar Mini Crustless Cheesecakes
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits
  • Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits
  • Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Cheesecake Dessert
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

What are your favorite desserts to make at Christmas time? Think you should add this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake to your list?

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