Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

This brown rice mushroom risotto is made with brown rice instead of the traditional arborio rice, which ups the nutritional value. Using the oven makes it super easy!ll

Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto

Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 8 oz carrots, julienned (2 cups)
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (2 cups)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375℉.
  • Place broth in a saucepan and place it on the stove to heat.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a separate oven-proof pan.  Add onions, garlic and salt.  Saute until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add wine and rice to the onions and heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a simmer. 
  • Add heated broth to the rice mixture.  Cover the pan with a tightly fitting lid and place in the preheated oven for one hour or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the rice is cooking, place the remaining olive oil in a saute pan and add carrots.  Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add mushrooms to the carrots and saute for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove rice from the oven and stir in butter and parmesan cheese until it takes on a creamy texture.  Stir in carrot mushroom mixture and serve.
  • Hack: Dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe!
  • Hack: One cup of chopped frozen onions can be substituted for fresh onion in this recipe.
  • Hack:  Check the produce department of your local grocery store for single and/or pre-cut carrots and mushrooms to avoid having to buy more than needed. 
Keyword brown rice, healthy, low calorie, mushroom, rice, rice side, risotto, vegetarian

Did you know?   Brown rice is a super nutritious whole grain packed with various nutrients.

Suggestion:  Pairing brown rice with beans provides a powerhouse of nutritional benefits so serve this with one of my bean recipes such as red bean casserole!

Easy Homemade English Muffins

Sure, you can pick up a package at the store but these easy homemade English muffins are super fresh and tasty with some jam or chutney!

Easy Homemade English Muffins

Easy Homemade English Muffins

Course Bread
Servings 1 muffin
Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients
  

Starter:

  • ¾ cup water
  • tsp yeast
  • ¼ tsp sugar
  • cup all-purpose flour

English Muffin Dough:

  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp yeast
  • cups all-purpose four
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

Starter:

  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix water and sugar.  Heat in microwave to a temperature of between 110℉ - 115℉.  This should take less than a minute and it’s very important to use a thermometer to get the correct temperature.
  • Dissolve yeast in water mixture and set aside for 7 minutes to proof.  Normally, I would look for a foam to form on the top but in this case, because of the small amount of yeast, the blooming will not be obvious.
  • Mix the flour with the yeast mixture.  Cover and leave it at room temperature for at least 4 hours or up to 16 hours.  It will be fluffy and full of bubbles.

English Muffins:

  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix milk, butter and sugar.  Heat in microwave to a temperature of between 110℉ - 115℉.  This should take less than a minute and it’s very important to use a thermometer to get the correct temperature.
  • Dissolve yeast in milk mixture and set aside for 7 minutes to proof.  It should “bloom” or form a foam on top.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the flour, cornstarch, salt and baking powder.  Add starter and bloomed yeast mixture.  Beat on low speed for 8 minutes.
  • Cover and let rise for 1½ hours.
  • Preheat a skillet to 325℉. Place English muffin rings (I used silicone egg rings) on the skillet and spray lightly with cooking spray.  Pour ¼ cup of batter into each ring and “swish” it around a bit to spread it out.
  • Cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes until a skin forms on the upper side of the muffin.  Remove the ring, flip the muffins and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 200℉.
  • Transfer muffins to a rack and allow to cool completely.  For the best flavor, store in a tightly covered container or plastic bag overnight before eating.  
  • Hack:  If you prefer to bake these in the oven, reduce the initial rising time to one hour.  Place rings on a baking sheet and coat lightly with cooking spray.  Pour ¼ cup of batter into each ring, cover and let rise for an additional hour.  Bake in a preheated 350℉ oven for 25 minutes or to an internal temp of 200℉.
  • Hack: If you don’t have rings, you can make these without them.  The edges will not be as well-defined but they will still taste great!
  • Hack:  Store English muffins at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 8 weeks.
Keyword bread, breakfast, easy, english muffin, fried, homemade, sandwich, simple, skillet, toast, yeast

 

While the origin of the English muffin is uncertain, the name is strictly American.  The British version is known as a “crumpet”.  Check out some more fun facts here!

Suggestion:  Serve these with some old-fashioned apple butter or fig chutney!

Simple French Fry Dipping Sauce

Ready to branch out from plain ketchup with your French fries? This creamy, lightly spicy French fry dipping sauce recipe is the best!

French Fry Dipping Sauce

French Fry Dipping Sauce

Course Condiment
Servings 2 tbsp
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
  • Serve as a dipping sauce for french fries, appetizers or as a sandwich spread.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • Hack:  Make this sauce your own by adding more hot sauce, substituting barbecue sauce for the ketchup, using a different mustard (brown or dijon, for example), or adding horseradish or Worcestershire sauce! 
Keyword burger sauce, chicken tenders, condiments, creamy salad dressing, dipping sauce, French dressing, french fries, golf sauce, ketchup, keto, low carb, Marie Rose, mayochup, mayonnaise, onion rings, pink sauce, red white, sandwich spread, sauce cocktail, vegetarian, yum yum sauce

What was the very first condiment?  Check out the history of condiments here!

Suggestion:  Not only does this taste great with oven-roasted french fries, you could also serve it with pan-fried chicken tenders or homemade pigs in a blanket!

Super Easy Peanut Butter Bread

This super simple and easy peanut butter bread is a fresh take on a depression-era staple. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time or anytime!

Easy Peanut Butter Bread

Easy Peanut Butter Bread

Course Bread, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 475 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • ½ cup milk, room temperature
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Coat a standard loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.  
  • Add peanut butter to the flour mixture.  Use your hands to blend the components together to form a crumble texture.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg and sugar on high until pale.  
  • Turn the mixer to medium speed and add applesauce and milk to the egg mixture. Stir in baking soda.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.  The batter may be lumpy.
  • Pour mixture into loaf pan and bake until the internal temperature reaches 200℉ or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean, 60-70 minutes.)
  • Let the cake rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes and then turn it out of the pan.
  • Allow to cool completely before slicing.
  • Hack: Do not use natural or organic peanut butter in the recipe. The emulsifiers contained in shelf-stable peanut butter are necessary for the success of this bread!
Keyword baking soda, breakfast, brunch, buffet, classic, easy, oven baked, peanut butter, quick bread, snack, traditional, vegetarian

Did you know? While many worry about the fat and calorie content of peanut butter, studies show that its nutritional profile can be a valuable part of a healthy eating plan!

Suggestion:  These old-fashioned peanut butter cookies are another classic recipe made from the classic staple!

Original Rice Krispies Treats™

Rice Krispies Treats™ is a classic recipe that we all remember fondly from our childhood. This no-bake recipe uses only 4 ingredients and your littles can help!

Original Rice Krispies Treats™

Original Rice Krispies Treats™

Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies™ cereal
  • 1 package Mini M&Ms;™, optional (10 ounce or 1½ cups) 
  • 3 tsp butter
  • 1 bag marshmallows (10 oz or about 40)

Instructions
 

  • Use cooking spray to coat a 10”x13” pan.
  • Measure Rice Krispies™ and Mini M&Ms;™ into a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Put the marshmallows and butter into a separate large bowl.  Place in the microwave and heat on full power for 2 minutes.*  Stir until marshmallow and butter are well combined.
  • Add the cereal mixture to the marshmallow and stir quickly to combine.  
  • Use a buttered spatula, waxed paper or buttered hands to gently press the mixture into the prepared pan.  
  • Allow to cool and cut into 2” squares for serving.
  • *This step can also be done on the stovetop.  Place marshmallows and butter in a large pan.  Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are melted and smooth.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days.  Separate layers with waxed or parchment paper.  They can also be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 6 weeks.
  • Hack:  Experiment by using flavored marshmallows, food coloring (added to melted marshmallows) and/or different stir-ins such as candies, nuts or sprinkles.  Go crazy and let me know how they turn out!
Keyword candy, childrens recipes, Cooking Cousins, cooking tutorial, cooking video, dessert, easy, easy prep, fast and easy, Khloe Rose, kid friendly, kids recipe, Kindergarten Cook, Lily Rose, M&M, Marshmallow, no bake, quick and easy, Rice Krispies, snack

Did you know?  Marshmallows were originally made from the sap of the mallow plant and enjoyed only by royalty.  Check out some more fun facts here!

To see more videos from The Cooking Cousins and their friends, check out our YouTube channel!  Don’t forget to like, subscribe and press that notification button so you won’t miss any new videos!

Suggestion:  Milk and cereal bars are another easy, no-bake goodie for your littles to make!

Low Carb Chicken Pizza Crust

This low carb chicken pizza crust is incredibly easy to put together and will have your meal on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Low Carb Chicken Pizza Crust

Low Carb Chicken Pizza Crust

Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cups cooked chicken, finely shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder, optional
  • ½ tsp garlic powder, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 500℉.
  • Place chicken into a bowl. Add cheese and egg. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape into a 6”-8” circle.  The thinner, the crisper the crust.
  • Bake for 5-8 minutes until there are no wet spots on the crust.
  • Cover with desired toppings and cheese.  Bake for 8 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Hack:  You can substitute one 10 oz can of chicken for this recipe. Open and drain the canned chicken.  Spread it on a parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 350℉ for 10 minutes.  Cool and continue with the recipe.
Keyword chicken, crust, easy, easy meal, easy prep, fast and easy, healthy, high protein, keto, low calorie, low carb, pizza, quick and easy

Did you know?  Chicken is a great source of protein and has been linked to a variety of health benefits.

Suggestion:  This low carb cauliflower pizza crust is another great way to follow enjoy pizza on a keto meal plan!

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

This warm and creamy seafood casserole au gratin is a perfect all-in-one solution for a busy weeknight or buffet table!  Comfort food at its finest!

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

Seafood Casserole Au Gratin

Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 6
Calories 602 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (one block)
  • cups heavy cream
  • 12 oz cooked crabmeat, canned or thawed
  • 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¾ cups cooked rice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp hot sauce
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½  cup butter-flavored crackers, crushed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, saute the onion, celery, green pepper and mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter until soft.  
  • Stir cubed cream cheese and remaining butter into the vegetables until melted and well incorporated.  Mix in heavy cream.
  • Add crabmeat, shrimp, rice, garlic powder, hot sauce, cayenne, and salt to the skillet and combine with vegetables.
  • In a small bowl, combine cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs. 
  • Sprinkle cracker crumb mixture over the top of the seafood mixture.
  • Transfer skillet to oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
  • Serve hot.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite vegetables in this casserole or whatever you have on hand.
  • Hack:  Frozen or dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack: Canned or jarred mushrooms can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite seafood in this recipe or whatever you have on hand.
  • Hack:  One 12 oz can of evaporated milk can be substituted for the cream.
  • Hack:  Shrimp can be purchased individually from the seafood counter at most grocery stores.  They can be purchased frozen in larger portions if you wish to keep some on hand.  Thaw needed amounts before cooking.  
  • Hack: Seafood can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.  It can be thawed more quickly by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging them in a bath of cold water for about an hour.
Keyword baked, casserole, crab, creamy, hearty, seafood, shellfish, shrimp, stir fry, vegetarian

Did you know?  Shrimp is a healthy addition to your diet.  It provides a high amount of nutrients that aren’t abundant in other foods!

Suggestion:  Serve this dish with some freshly made authentic naan bread!

Fresh Caramel Apple Turnovers

These caramel apple turnovers are a delicious hand pie made with fresh apples and a flaky crust. Serve them warm or cold with ice or whipped cream!

Caramel Apple Turnovers

Caramel Apple Turnovers

Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Servings 12
Calories 379 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup butter, frozen (2 sticks or 8 oz)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 8 tbsp cold water
  • Additional flour for dusting

Filling

  • 2 pounds apples
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ upc deluce de leche
  • 1 egg white beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • Dusting sugar

Instructions
 

  • Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl.  Set aside.
  • Remove frozen sticks of butter and grate them using the largest holes of a box cheese grater.  Return the butter to the freezer until ready to use.
  • Use a whisk to mix the sour cream and cold water,  Store the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Add butter to the flour mixture and toss until well incorporated.  Pour in the sour cream mixture and stir to combine.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a rough triangle.  Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter.  Press it out into a rough triangle again and repeat the folding process.  It’s important to work quickly so that the butter doesn’t get soft.  You should be able to see chunks of butter in the dough.
  • Divide the dough into two portions.  Wrap the portions tightly and put them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • While the dough is chilling, peel, core and thinly slice apples.  
  • In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch.  Add to apple slices and toss to coat.
  • Preheat oven to 400℉.
  • Remove one portion of the dough and roll it into a 10” x 15” rectangle.  Cut it into 6 equal squares.
  • Place ¼ cup of apple filling into the center of each square and top with 1 tbsp deluce de leche. Fold the dough over the top of the apples to create a triangle.  Moisten dough slightly and press to seal.
  • Place turnovers on a cookie sheet.  Brush each one with egg wash and dust with a small amount of sugar.
  • Repeat with the second portion of dough.
  • Bake turnovers for 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown.
  • Transfer turnovers to a wire rack and allow to cool.
  • Hack:  Store turnovers at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Hack:  To freeze cooked or uncooked turnovers, lay in a single layer on a cookie and allow to freeze.  Wrap each tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.  Add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time for frozen turnovers.
Keyword afternoon tea, apple turnover, apples, breakfast, brunch, caramel, cooking video, dessert, Dulce de Leche, flaky, fruit, instructional video, kid friendly, kids recipe, Kindergarten Cook, Lily Rose, Lily Rose Kindergarten Cook, pastry, turnover, vegetarian

While it’s impossible to say exactly where or when the turnover was invented, rumor has it that the first apple turnover was made in 1630 in St. Calais, France!

Suggestion:  Leftover apples?  Make some homemade applesauce!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork and Beans

This easy-peasy slow cooker barbecue pork and beans recipe is made with pork chops, bacon and a sweet and spicy homemade barbecue sauce.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork and Beans

Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork and Beans

Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cup dried great northern beans
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (2 tbsp)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbsp)
  • 2 slices  bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 2 pork chops (8 oz total)
  • 1 cup beef bouillon
  • cup sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Cover beans with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 – 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Place beans in a slow cooker.  Cover them with the chopped onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic and bacon pieces.
  • Lay the porks chops in the slow cooker in a single layer.
  • In a small bowl, mix the bouillon, barbecue sauce, ketchup and brown sugar.  Pour this mixture over the top of the pork chops.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it on low.  Cook on low for 8-12 hours or until beans are tender. This will depend on bean size and individual slow cooker temperature.
  • Hack:  If you don’t have great northern beans, use navy beans or whatever white beans you have on hand!
  • Hack: Frozen or dehydrated onions can be used in this recipe!
  • Hack:  One can of any kind of white bean can be substituted for the dried beans.  It is not necessary to soak the canned beans overnight.  Reduce slow cooker time to 3-5 hours or until pork chops are fork tender.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Keyword barbecue, bbq, beans, dried beans, dried legumes, easy, great northern beans, healthy, pork, pork chop, quick prep, slow cooker, white beans

Did you know?  Great northern beans are a member of the legume family.  Legumes come in many options, are inexpensive and they’re packed with nutrition!!

Suggestion: Pair this dish with cheddar cheese jalapeno cornbread for a hearty and delicious meal!

Click here to check out my slow cooker recommendations!

Easy Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

This Greek yogurt granola cup is made from homemade granola and Greek yogurt with a hint of honey, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s healthy, low sugar and delicious!

Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

Greek Yogurt Granola Cup

Course Breakfast, lunch, Snack
Servings 1
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • tsp vanilla
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • ¼ cup fruit nut granola

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix yogurt, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir in granola just before serving.
  • Hack: Stir in some chopped fruit or berries for an exciting twist!
Keyword breakfast, fast and easy, granola, greek yogurt, healthy, low calorie, lunch, make ahead, oatmeal, oats, parfait, quick and easy, snack, vegetarian

Did you know?   Oats are a great way to start your day.  They’re packed with nutrition that combats heart disease and diabetes while helping control your weight and digestive health.  Check out the facts here!

Suggestion: This strawberry banana yogurt smoothie is another super quick and easy way to serve up a healthy breakfast!

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