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!

Air Fryer Ravioli

Air fryer ravioli is a delicious treat that’s sure to please. Switch things up by using different flavors of ravioli and a variety of dipping sauces!

Air Fryer Ravioli

Air Fryer Ravioli

5 from 1 vote
Course Appetizer, Snack
Servings 4
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 package refrigerated ravioli, any flavor (9 oz)
  • Oil cooking spray
  • 1 cup marinara

Instructions
 

  • Whisk egg and water until well incorporated.  In a separate bowl, blend the bread crumbs and cheese.
  • Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, followed by the bread crumb mixture.  Lay in a single layer on a plate and lightly coat both sides of each ravioli with cooking spray.
  • Lay ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure the edges don’t overlap.  
  • Air fry at 350℉ for 6 minutes.  Flip them over and continue to air fry for 3-4 minutes or until they are puffed up and light brown.
  • Serve with marinara sauce.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  If desired, freeze leftover ravioli (either before or after air frying) and marinara in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months.  Gently rewarm in the air fryer.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, buffet, fried ravioli, party food, ravioli, snack

Did you know?  Ravioli has been around since the 1400s and is a vastly different dish depending on what country you’re in.  Click here for some fun facts about this delicious food!

Suggestion:  Serve the ravioli with this super easy homemade marinara sauce!

Fruit Leather Snacks

These fruit leather snacks are a fun and easy way to get your kids to enjoy the wholesome nutrition of real fruit without a ton of added sugar!

Fruit Leather Snacks

Fruit Leather Snacks

(Courtesy Pampered Chef)
Course Snack

Instructions
 

5 Steps to Basic Fruit Leather

  • Add the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Divide the mixture into each well of the Deluxe Air Fryer Fruit Leather Trays. Spread the mixture out evenly, making sure the edges of the tray are clean.
  • Cook on DEHYDRATE according to the time listed below, rotating the trays halfway through.
  • Check for your desired doneness at the minimum time listed. The fruit leather is done when they’re no longer tacky. (Each tray might dry at a different rate.)
  • Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Favorite Flavor Combinations

    Strawberry

    • 2 pkgs (16 oz./454 g each) frozen whole strawberries, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange juice
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–15 hrs.

    Mango Pineapple

    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked mango, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked pineapple, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
    • 1½ tbsp (22 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–14 hrs.

    Cherry

    • 3 pkgs (10 oz./300 g each) frozen, pitted sweet cherries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 14–15 hrs.

    Peach Raspberry

    • 2 pkg (10 oz./300 g each) frozen peach slices, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 8–10 hrs.

    How to Choose Fruit For Your Homemade Fruit Leathers

    • You can use any fruit for your flavor combos. You can even add pureed cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for more nutrients. Our Test Kitchen suggests considering these three things when deciding what fruit makes good fruit leather.

    1. Is it a Watery Fruit?

    • Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries take longer to dehydrate because they have more water content. You can use applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds to thicken up your fruit purees.

    2. Is it a Pulpy Fruit?

    • Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, and passion fruit taste great but will give the leather a bumpier texture.

    3. Does the Fruit Turn Brown?

    • Fruits that oxidize quickly (turn brown) like apples, bananas, and pears turn out best when you add acidic fruit juice. Try adding lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice.
    • If you want to try using fresh fruit, you can get started with the Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe above and use 20 oz. (575 g) fresh whole strawberries with the stems removed. (That’s about 2 ¾ cups.) Then follow the recipe and dehydrate time as shown. 
    • Or try the Mango Pineapple recipe from above and use 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked mango (about 2 cups) and 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked pineapple (about 2 cups). You might be able to use a little less honey (about 1–1½ tbsp).
    • With fresh fruit that’s in season, you can enjoy excellent fruit leather but be prepared for a little bit more testing. Your fruit leathers might turn out different from batch to batch depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Fresh fruits and over-ripe fruits typically have more water and take longer to dehydrate.

    How to Store Fruit Leather

    • Once your fruit treats come out of the air fryer, let them cool completely. For easy eating, cut strips of parchment paper and place the fruit leathers on top. Then roll them from there. This way the fruit leather doesn’t stick to itself when it’s rolled up (and they look super cute!) 

    Why is My Fruit Leather Cracking?

    • As you roll up your fruit leathers they might break or crack. No worries. That batch just got a little too dry. They’re still perfectly good to eat. For the next batch, try reducing your dehydrate time.
    Keyword buffet, childrens recipes, dehydrated, easy, football snacks, fruit leather, fruit rolls, healthy, kid friendly, lunchbox, Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer, Pampered Chef Fruit Leather Trays, party food, picnic food, roll ups, snacks

     

    Get your fruit leather trays here!

    Read my review of the Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    This traditional wedding cake frosting is just the right amount to frost an 8″ single-layer round cake! It’s perfect for those times when you need a small cake!

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    Course Dessert
    Servings 14
    Calories 133 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup vegetable shortening
    • ½ tsp salt dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water
    • 1 tsp vanilla*
    • ½ tsp almond extract**
    • ¼ cup water
    • 4 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
    • Food coloring, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Put the shortening, salt solution, vanilla, almond extract, water and 2 cups confectioners' sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
    • Beat on low speed until well blended.  Turn the mixer speed to high and beat for 10 minutes.
    • Shut the mixer off and add the rest of the confectioners' sugar.  Beat on low speed until well blended, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency. 
    • With the mixer still running, add food coloring, a few drops at a time, to achieve the desired color.
    • *Use clear vanilla extract for a bright white frosting.
    • **Another flavor extract can be substituted for the almond extract or you can increase the vanilla by ½ tsp.
    • Hack:  Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
    • Note: This recipe will frost one 8" or 9" single-layer cake.
    Keyword buffet, dessert, easy, frosting, homemade frosting, party food, picnic food, traditional, wedding cake, white frosting

    Did you know?  The first recorded wedding “dessert” was a pie filled with oysters, lamb testicles, throat, rooster comb, and pine kernels.  Check out some other fun facts about wedding confections here!

    Suggestion:  Use this frosting to top a super fun tie-dye birthday cake!

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Asian coleslaw with ramen noodles is a fresh and easy take on a classic picnic dish.  It’s low in calories and fat as well as being a handy “make-ahead” salad!

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Course Salad
    Servings 4
    Calories 192 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ head cabbage, shredded (4 cups)
    • 1 carrot, shredded
    • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
    • 1 block of ramen noodles, uncooked (2 oz)
    • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)*
    • Toasted sunflower seeds (optional)*

    Dressing:

    • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • tsp ground ginger
    • tsp garlic powder
    • tsp black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Combine ingredients for the dressing and mix until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
    • Place cabbage, carrot and green onions in a gallon-sized zippered storage bag.  Add dressing to the bag and shake the bag to incorporate ingredients.  
    • Seal the bag tightly and store the coleslaw in the bag for at least 24 hours.  
    • Several hours before serving, coarsely crush ramen noodles and toss them into coleslaw.  This can be done up to 6 hours in advance for soft noodles or 1 -2 hours in advance if you want the noodles to retain some crunch.  
    • Sprinkle with sesame and/or sunflower seeds before serving, if desired.
    • *To toast seeds: lay them in a single layer      
      On a baking sheet.  Bake at 350℉ for 8 minutes or until lightly browned.      
      *or*       
      In a glass pie pan.  Microwave at 1-minute intervals until lightly browned.   
      *or*     
      In a skillet on the stovetop.  Cook over medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes.     
      –For all methods, shake or stir several times for even browning.
    • Hack:  Ask the produce clerk to cut a head of cabbage into wedges so you’ll only have to buy what you need.  They’ll wrap the leftover pieces and put it back on the shelf for sale.
    Keyword Asian cuisine, Asian food, Asian side dish, buffet, cabbage, cold side dish, cole slaw, coleslaw, make ahead, picnic food, salad, vegan, vegetarian

    Did you know?  Cabbage is part of the cruciferous collection of vegetables that are associated with lowering the risk of some types of cancer.

    Please check out my article for more health benefits of cabbage as well as some great recipe ideas.

    Freshly Baked Lemon Barley Scones

    The light and sunny flavor of lemon barley scones are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next afternoon tea…but you might be tempted to keep them all for you!

    Lemon Barley Scones

    Lemon Barley Scones

    (adapted from the King Arthur Whole Grain Baking Cookbook)
    Course Snack
    Servings 1 scone
    Calories 171 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Scones

    • 2 cups  (8 ounces) whole barley flour*
    • 1 cup  (4¼ ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
    •  ¼ cup (1¾ ounces) granulated sugar
    •  ¼ cup (1¾ ounces) light brown sugar
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp  baking powder
    • ½  tsp salt
    • ½  cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) cold, unsalted butter
    • 1 lemon
    • Lemon juice (if necessary)
    • 1 egg
    • ¾ cup (6 ounces) buttermilk**

    Glaze

    • ½ cup (2 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
    • 2 tbsp (1 ounce) fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tsp lemon zest

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Mix together the flours, sugars, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
    • Use a hand, box or rotary grater to grate the butter into the dry ingredients.  Use a fork or your fingers to quickly blend the mixture until it resembles bread crumbs.  Alternately, you can use a pastry cutter, fork or two knives to work the butter into the dry ingredients.
    • Using a zester or a small holed grater, zest the lemon into a small bowl and set aside.  The zest can also be removed using a vegetable peeler and then chopping the zest into small pieces.
    • Cut the lemon in half and juice it into a small measuring cup.  Add bottled lemon juice, if necessary to make it equal ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (just over ⅓ cup).
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, ¼ cup lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest (reserve the rest of the juice and zest for the glaze). Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir swiftly with a fork until the mixture is evenly moist.
    • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead the mixture two or three times to make it come together. Sprinkle in a little flour if it’s too moist to shape. 
    • Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape each into a disk that is ½“ high and 6” in diameter.  Cut each disk into 8 wedges and separate them slightly.  They should be almost touching but not quite, which makes them easier to separate after cooking.
    • Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through baking if the bottoms become too browned.  Remove from baking sheet to a cooling rack. 
    • While the scones are baking, mix together confectioners’ sugar, 2 tbsp lemon zest and the remaining lemon zest.
    • Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and drizzle with glaze.  Scones can be served warm or at room temperature.
    • *If using freshly milled barley flour, make sure to weigh, not measure, the amount needed.  This can be done before or after milling.
    • **If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, add ¼ cup buttermilk powder to the dry ingredients and ¾ cup regular milk or water to the wet ingredients.
    • Hack:  Scones will remain fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.  They can also be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
    • Hack: To easily zest lemons or other citrus fruit, use a vegetable peeler. Lay unused zest in a single layer and freeze. Store, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to 6 months.
    • Hack:  Leftover lemon juice can be frozen for up to 12 months.  Pour lemon juice into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until solid.  Transfer to freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for storage. 
    • Hack: Puree any leftover peeled lemons in the blender or food processor for use in recipes such as cakes, cookies or bread. 1 lemon yields about ½ cup, which can be sealed in a bag and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    Keyword afternoon tea, barley flour, breakfast bakes, buffet, King Arthur, lemon juice, lemon zest, scone, tea cake, vegetarian, whole grain

     

    Get the King Arthur Whole Grain Cookbook here!

    Use any leftover lemon juice in this Lemon Turmeric Dressing!

    Sweet Potato Apple Butter Casserole

    Sweet potato apple butter casserole combines the delightful tastes of fall in a hearty dish that’s easy to assemble and cook. It’s delicious any time of year!

    Sweet Potato Apple Butter Casserole

    Sweet Potato Apple Butter Casserole

    Course Side Dish
    Servings 8
    Calories 325 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Sweet Potatoes:

    • 2 lbs sweet potatoes
    • ¾ cup old fashioned apple butter
    • ¼ cup butter, melted (½ stick)
    • 2 eggs
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • ½ tsp nutmeg
    • ½ tsp salt

    Topping:

    • ¾ cup pecans
    • ½ cup dates
    • ¼ cup almond flour
    • 2 tsp butter, melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425℉  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay whole sweet potatoes in a single layer.  Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
    • Bake potatoes for 40-60 minutes (depending on size) until they are puffed and fork-tender.  Remove from oven.  Allow to cool slightly and then remove potatoes from their skins.
    • Turn oven back to 350℉.  Coat 1½ quart casserole (or 8” square pan) with cooking spray.
    • Place apple butter, ¼ cup of melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a mixing bowl.  Combine with an electric mixer or whisk.  Add potatoes and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.  Spread into the casserole.
    • Roughly chop pecans and dates.  Mix in 2 tbsp melted butter and almond flour.  Sprinkle over potatoes.
    • Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and hot with an internal temperature of 160℉.  
    • Hack:  Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or packaged in serving-sized portions and frozen for up to 12 months.
    • Hack:  The sweet potato portion of this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Sprinkle topping on before baking and allow a few extra minutes of baking time for the cold dish to come up to temp.
    Keyword apple butter, date topping, gluten-free, pecan topping, potato casserole, side dish, sweet potato, sweet potato casserole, vegetarian, vegetarian side dish

    Did you know?  Sweet potatoes have a surprising number of health benefits including maintaining blood pressure and insulin levels!

    Suggestion:  Use leftover apple butter to make apple butter muffins or pork chops with apple butter and onions.

    Easy Cheesy Sausage Balls

    These cheesy sausage balls make great hors d’oeuvres or appetizers.  They would also be a welcome addition to any buffet table.  Use any leftovers for a tasty sandwich!

    Cheesy Sausage Balls

    Cheesy Sausage Balls

    (Courtesy: Penny Jacques)
    Course Appetizer
    Servings 4 balls
    Calories 300 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 oz breakfast sausage
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
    • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup coconut flour
    • 1 egg
    • ½ tsp salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400℉.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.  Shape into 30 balls.
    • Bake the balls for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160℉.
    • Hack:  Mix things up by using maple or Italian flavored sausage.
    • Hack:  These balls can be made up in advance and stored, cooked or uncooked, for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
    • Hack:  Lay sausage balls, cooked or uncooked, in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in freezer until solid.  Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 4 months.
    Keyword appitizer, breakfast sausage, buffet, gluten-free, ground sausage, hors d'oeuvres, italian sausage, keto, low carb, maple sausage, meatball sandwich, meatballs

    Did you know?  It’s likely that meatballs did not originate in Italy!  Click here for some fun facts about meatballs!

    Suggestion:  Serve these sausage balls with fresh whole cranberry sauce or honey mustard dipping sauce.

    Homemade Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Rolled chocolate cookies are fun to make and taste great! Lily-Rose gives this recipe two thumbs up so round up your little ones and give it a try!

    Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Course Dessert
    Servings 36 cookies
    Calories 140 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • cups flour
    • cup cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • cups vegetable shortening
    • cups sugar
    • eggs, room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375℉.
    • Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.  Set aside.
    • Put shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached.  Mix on medium speed until well combined and light in color.  
    • Turn the mixer speed to low and add flour mixture, ½ cup at a time, until it’s all incorporated into the shortening mixture.
    • Place cookie dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll to ¼“ thickness.  Use a cookie cutter to cut into individual figures. Peel cookie dough away from shaped cookies.  Flip the parchment paper over onto a greased cookie sheet and gently peel cookies off and onto the cookie sheet.
    • Roll out the remaining dough on the parchment paper and cut with cookie cutters.  Continue until all the dough is used.
    • Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until there are no wet spots on top of them.  Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes and remove to a cooling rack.
    • Decorate with powdered sugar, glaze or frosting, if desired.
    • Hack:  Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 6 months.
    • Hack: Unbaked dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 6 months.
    Keyword buffet, chocolate cookies, cookie, cooking video, dessert, holiday baking, kids recipe, party food, picnic food, rolled cookies, sweets

    Read my review of the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer here.

    To see more videos from Lily-Rose and her 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!

    Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

    Don’t let that spiny skin intimidate you! Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread is a quick and easy treat to serve on crackers, bagels or in a sandwich.

    Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

    Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread

    Course Snack
    Servings 2 tbsp
    Calories 62 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup cream cheese, softened (8 oz block)
    • 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, NOT drained
    • ¼ cup chopped pecans

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and combine using the paddle attachment.
    • Cover mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
    • Serve with bagels, crackers, shortbread or sliced fruit.
    • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
    Keyword buffet, buffet food, canned pineapple, cream cheese, cream cheese spread, pineapple, pineapple spread

    Pineapple is sweet enough to rival most candies — and it packs way more health benefits.

    Suggestion: Slather some of this spread on a toasted oatmeal honey roll for a quick and delicious light meal!

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