Tag: easy prep

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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™

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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  Marshmallows were originally made from the sap of the mallow plant and enjoyed only by royalty.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!

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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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1¼ 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!

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Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

This fresh-tasting cilantro lime shrimp pasta brings together simple ingredients to make an outstanding dish that’s healthy and easy to make!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 3
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter (¼ cup or ½ stick)
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 oz shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp dried chives
  • 2 tsp dried cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sauvignon blanc
  • 6 oz whole grain spaghetti, cooked

Lime butter:

  • 8 tbsp butter (1 stick or 4 oz), softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp  hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp  lime juice

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for lime butter and set aside.
  • Melt 4 tbsp butter in a saute pan over medium heat.  Add mushrooms and saute, undisturbed, for 4 minutes or until browned.  Flip the mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.  
  • When mushrooms are uniformly browned, add shrimp, chives and cilantro.  Saute for 2-4 minutes or until shrimp is opaque.  Do not overcook.
  • Add wine and lime butter to the pan.  Continue cooking until lime butter melts and is thoroughly mixed with the shrimp and mushrooms.
  • Toss with spaghetti and serve.  
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite pasta in this recipe or whatever you have on hand!  Cooked rice can also be substituted for spaghetti.
  • Hack: Canned or dehydrated mushrooms can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: Shrimp can be purchased individually from the seafood counter at most grocery stores.  They can also be purchased frozen in large 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 angel hair, cilantro, fast and easy, fast meal, healthy, lime, main course, pasta, quick and easy meal, quick dinner, seafood, shrimp, spaghetti

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:  Tomato and shrimp salad is another great way to take advantage of the healthy benefits of eating shrimp!

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Fast and Easy Pineapple Pork Chops

Pineapple Pork Chops are the perfect combination of sweet and savory with an Asian flair. This dish is super fast, super easy and super healthy so enjoy!

Pineapple Pork Chops

Pineapple Pork Chops

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pork chops
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½  tbsp Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into small tidbits
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions
 

  • Remove pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature, about 1 hour.  Dry chops with a paper towel and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the pork chops on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove chops from the skillet, and set aside.
  • Turn the heat down to medium.
  • Mix the chicken broth, soy sauce and vinegar into the skillet, and bring to a simmer.
  • Return the pork chops to the skillet and add pineapple. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 - 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the pork chop should read 145℉.
  • Remove chops from the skillet and set aside.
  • Mix honey and cornstarch into the skillet with the chicken broth mixture. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken. 
  • Serve broth with cooked pork chops and pineapple.
  • Hack:  Balsamic vinegar can be substituted for Chinese black vinegar.
  • Hack:  Unsweetened canned pineapple can be used in this recipe.
Keyword Asian cuisine, Asian food, Chinese cuisine, Chinese food, easy meal, easy prep, fast and easy, one pan meal, one skillet meal, pineapple, pork, pork chop, quick and easy

Did you know?  You can plant the top of your pineapple to generate a new plant!  Fair warning:  It takes between 12 and 18 months to be ready to harvest.

Suggestion:  Serve with baked rice pilaf.

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Crispy Oven Roasted French Fries

Who loves french fries? These healthier, oven roasted French Fries will hit the spot! I love to eat them with ketchup. What about you?

Oven Roasted French Fries

Oven Roasted French Fries

(Courtesy: Jenn Warren)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish, Snack
Servings 2
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large russet potato
  • 2 tbs butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425℉.
  • Wash potato and peel (if desired). Cut into ½” strips. Set aside.
  • Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl big enough to accommodate potato strips. Melt butter in the microwave. Mix in onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place potato strips in a bowl and toss with butter. Lay in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  • Bake in the oven to desired crispness, 20-30 minutes, turning once.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Hack:  To cook in an air fryer, preheat to 380℉.  Spread fries out in a single layer and air fry for 12-15 minutes or until brown, flipping once.
  • If your air fryer is equipped with a rotisserie basket, cook at 325℉ for 10 minutes.  Turn temp up to 400℉ and rotate the basket for 18-20 minutes or until browned.
  • Hack:  For a unique change of pace, serve your fries with easy cheesy buffalo chicken dip!
  • Hack:  These fries pair perfectly with pan-fried chicken tenders!
  • Hack: Reheat leftover fried in the oven just until warm.
Keyword baked, easy, easy prep, french fries, healthy, oven roasted, potatoes, snack

 

Potaoes are considered “empty calories” by many but nothing could be further from the truth!

Have you ever wondered if an air fryer is worth the investment?  Click here to dicover why I LOVE my Pamered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!!

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Best BBQ Beans (Stove Top)

This is the best bbq beans recipe ever! It matches a few fresh and simple ingredients with navy beans for a hearty and healthy meal. And clean-up is a snap!

Best BBQ Beans

Best BBQ Beans

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅔ cup dried navy beans
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 oz salt pork, chopped with rind removed
  • 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (2 tbsp)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (1 tbsp)
  • 1 cup chicken bouillon
  • 1 cup sweet and spicy barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Cover beans with 2 cups of water and allow to soak for 6 - 12 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Saute salt pork and onions in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until onions are tender (5-7 minutes). Add peppers and garlic. Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add bouillon and beans to the saucepan. Turn heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough water to keep beans from scorching.  Add more bouillon, if necessary.
  • Add barbecue sauce and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the sauce is thickened.
  • Hack: Freeze leftover portions sealed in serving-sized portions for future use. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Hack: One cup of frozen onions can be substituted for fresh onion in this recipe. Dehydrated onions and/or garlic can also be used.
  • Hack: One 15 oz. can of navy beans, drained and rinsed can be substituted for the dried beans in this recipe.
  • Hack: Feel free to use your favorite white bean in this recipe or whatever you have on hand!
  • Hack: Mix things up by adding your favorite veggies such as bell peppers or carrots.
Keyword barbecue, bbq, beans, dried beans, dried legumes, easy, easy prep, healthy, legume, navy beans, one pan meal, one pan recipe, quick prep, white beans

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

Suggestion: Serve with jalapeno cheddar cheese cornbread, if desired.

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast

What pairs perfectly with a pork roast? Why, cranberries, of course! This slow cooker cranberry pork roast is easy to make and is bursting with flavor!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 6
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place pork roast in a slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce, honey and onion powder.  Pour over pork roast.
  • Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
  • Remove pork from the cooker, shred and stir back into the sauce.
  • Serve over rice, egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in serving-sized portions for future use.
  • Hack:  Fresh cranberries are only between October and December, which is why they’re such a holiday favorite!  Take advantage of that time window to buy a few extra bags for your freezer. 
    Did you miss your chance?  Check the freezer section of the supermarket where you're likely to find some in the berry section.
Keyword Cranberry, cranberry sauce, crockpot, do ahead, easy meal, easy prep, pork, pork roast, pulled pork, slow cooker

cranberry

Did you know? People call cranberries a superfood for good reason: They have all kinds of health-boosting benefits.

Suggestion:  Serve this with sweet and spicy butternut squash!

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

This chicken and bean stew is full of healthy goodness and it’s easy peasy. Toss it in the slow cooker before you leave for work and let it cook dinner for you!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 6
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup dried pinto beans
  • ½ cup dried navy beans
  • 1½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup honey

Instructions
 

  • Place beans in a bowl and cover with water. Cover the bowl and allow to soak overnight.
  • Place beans in the slow cooker and add vegetable broth. Put chopped onions and green pepper on top of the beans. Add chicken, salt, black pepper, ketchup and honey.
  • Cook on low for 9 hours.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in serving-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, easy, easy dinner, easy prep, healthy, make ahead, navy beans, pinto beans, quick prep, slow cooker, stew

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

Want another slow cooker bean recipe?  Try this pork and bean one…it’ll remind you of the canned version you loved to eat as a kid!

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