Tag: #EasyandQuick

Posted in #Recipes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Jazzing up dinner is a snap with a chicken bacon ranch casserole. This dish is similar to mac and cheese but is turbo-boosted with ranch seasoning and the super protein combo of cooked chicken and bacon. I love recipes that start with ranch dressing mix, because the mix is perfectly savory and adds zesty herbs and spice to almost anything. The guy who invented ranch dressing was on to something!

Adding ranch dressing and mix to this pan of creamy pasta gives it the perfect punch of flavor, which makes my friends and family always compete for second helpings. Once you make bacon chicken ranch casserole, either as a side dish or the main event, the casserole will go into heavy rotation and become one of your favorite casserole recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Ingredients

overhead shot of ingredients
Dan Roberts for Taste of Home
  • Spiral pasta: Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, and spirals are the best choice for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. Spiral noodles have many nooks and crannies, so each bite is super saucy.
  • Milk: Milk creates a creamy blend of flavors and textures. We use 2% milk, but you can use whole or skim. Note: If you use the latter, your sauce will be thinner.
  • Ranch salad dressing: Ranch is so tasty thanks to buttermilk, herbs and mayo (in just the right proportion). You can make ranch dressing from scratch or buy your favorite bottled brand at the store.
  • Ranch salad dressing mix: You can use your favorite ranch dressing mix or whip up a batch from your spice cupboard.
  • Cream cheese: Rich and smooth, cream cheese melts easily and creates a luscious texture in this bacon chicken ranch casserole.
  • Cooked chicken: Chop up some leftover chicken if you have it, but rotisserie chicken from the market is a quick fix when you don’t have time to roast a bird. (This is just one of many dinners to make with rotisserie chicken!)
  • Bacon: Bacon brings smoke and crunch to this casserole. Try baking bacon for evenly crisp strips without a lot of fuss.
  • Colby cheese: Colby cheese is mild and melts easily, making it the perfect finishing touch for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. You can use other good melting cheeses if needed. I love Gouda, sharp cheddar or a flavorful Gruyere. For added flavor and consistency, shred the cheese yourself instead of buying the bags of pre-shredded stuff.
  • Sliced green onions: For the pop of color and the kick of flavor, a little green onion is worth the few extra moments of chopping. Chives are also a great option.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

What sounds better, 20 or 30 minutes of hands-on work chopping and dicing and mixing and sauteing and such, or about five minutes of hands-on work and a four- to five-hour slow cook? If you’re thinking that a teriyaki chicken thigh recipe that lets the slow cooker do the work for you is the right answer, then we tend to agree. Slow-cooked teriyaki chicken thighs could not be much more tender or flavorful, and they make a wonderful anchor for many different meals.

You likely already have all the ingredients needed to make this dish, with a possible exception of ground ginger and the boneless skinless chicken thighs themselves, so make a quick run to the store, and then let’s get cooking. Or rather, let’s get the slow cooker going.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

  • Chicken thighs: This recipe uses 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat, and consider lightly pounding larger pieces of meat to tenderize them.
  • Sugar: Sugar goes delightfully well with the salty and savory notes in this dish. It’s an essential ingredient in the teriyaki sauce you’ll be creating.
  • Soy sauce: We strongly recommend a reduced-sodium soy sauce for this recipe (and in most recipes, for that matter). You’ll hardly notice any less of a salty taste, and you’ll be cutting out a lot of sodium, of course.
  • Cider vinegar: In most cases, cider vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the same thing, if you were wondering. You can use a product labeled as either.
  • Garlic: Use one large garlic clove, and make sure to mince it well so it fully blends into the recipe.
  • Ground ginger: Ground ginger is a potent spice, so don’t use more than the prescribed 3/4 teaspoon.
  • Pepper: Just 1/4 teaspoon of pepper has a welcome little kick. You can add a bit more if you like things spicier.
  • Cornstarch: The cornstarch is mixed with cold water to help form the perfect consistency for the finished sauce.
  • Hot cooked rice (optional): Serving teriyaki chicken thighs with hot cooked rice is technically optional, but it’s a match made in heaven, so we recommend it!

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

30 Fall Cake Ideas for Cozy Autumn Gatherings

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

When it comes to desserts, I think fall has the most delicious flavor combinations. Our fall cake ideas showcase the best of the season, with recipes filled with apples, pears, cranberries and pumpkin. Paired with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, these cakes are as cozy as pulling on a favorite sweater.

My favorite autumn cakes fill the kitchen with rich, warm aromas, like a coffee cake loaded with fruit or apple pie-inspired cupcakes that balance sweet and tart. This collection also has cake ideas for fall holidays, so you can make a cake to go with other spooky and sweet Halloween treats or a turkey-themed cake for Thanksgiving. If you really want to impress, try a piecaken, which combines pie and cake in one towering, centerpiece-worthy dessert.

These autumn cakes are also great for quiet evenings at home. A spiced Bundt goes beautifully with mugs of French hot chocolate after dinner, while a pumpkin loaf shared around the fireplace feels just right. To keep cakes fresh, store them in airtight containers at room temperature or in the refrigerator (for creamy frostings) and enjoy them all week when the craving for something sweet and seasonal strikes.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Wild Rice Stuffing

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Readers love this wild rice stuffing recipe for two reasons: The wild rice adds a wonderful toasty flavor to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, and it’s a good way to use the turkey’s giblets. The giblets (heart, liver, kidneys, gizzard and neck) are the secret to wild rice stuffing’s rich and savory flavor. Remove the giblets from the bird’s cavity, simmer on the stovetop until tender, then chop and add right to the stuffing.

Gone are the days of tossing the giblets in the trash. Keep them, because this wild rice stuffing will become your go-to recipe!

What is wild rice?

It’s a semi-aquatic grass that grows natively in North America’s Great Lakes region. While it mimics other types of rice in texture and appearance, wild rice isn’t a true rice. It belongs to a separate but related species called Zizania and is one of only a handful of grains native to North America. People like wild rice for its nutty flavor and for being healthier than conventional rice—it’s higher in both protein and fiber. It’s also a rich source of vitamin B, antioxidants, folate, phosphorus, niacin, magnesium and zinc.

Ingredients for Wild Rice Stuffing

  • Turkey giblets: The giblets refer to the small package of organ meat stuffed inside a turkey during processing. This package usually contains the bird’s heart, liver, kidneys, gizzard and neck.
  • Wild rice blend: This recipe calls for a store-bought wild rice blend, but you can create your own blend of wild rice, white rice and brown rice for the perfect flavor and texture.
  • Celery: This aromatic gives the stuffing flecks of green color along with a fresh vegetal flavor.
  • Onion: Use white, yellow or sweet onions to make this recipe.
  • Seasoned stuffing: This recipe takes a shortcut and uses preseasoned crushed stuffing.
  • Chicken broth: The broth adds moisture and rich poultry flavor. Pick up a good store-bought chicken broth or use homemade chicken broth.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

28 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A bronzed, roasted turkey is the classic crowning glory of a Thanksgiving spread, but the evolution of various holiday side dishes is where you can mark the passage of time. What might’ve been all the rage 30 years ago has been pushed off your menu and out of your mind. This collection of non-traditional Thanksgiving sides revisits nearly forgotten recipes and offers new, less expected ideas for your holiday table.

Many of these recipes are vintage side dishes passed down through families that make the holiday feel complete. From vintage fluff salads to stuffings with fruit or oysters, they deliver familiar flavors and comfort in the best way. Other sides offer an alternative to your go-to recipes, with a dash of vinegar or a scattering of crisp pancetta giving vegetables a bright, modern twist.

This collection includes all the ingredients and recipe ideas you associate with Thanksgiving, like cranberry, sweet potatoes and the best Thanksgiving stuffing recipes, so you don’t miss your favorites that define the holiday. While they might be non-traditional, these combinations prove that a Thanksgiving menu doesn’t have to look the same every year to be memorable.

Taste of Home

Posted in Book Reviews

Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“Move over, cupcakes, there’s another bite-size treat sweetening up a bakery near you . . . they’re bites of home-style dessert that fit in your palm.” —The Seattle Times

Praised by Bon Appétit, DailyCandy, and Sunset magazine, the secrets behind Dani Cone’s signature handmade, all-natural miniature pies are revealed for the first time inside Cutie Pies: 40 Sweet, Savory, and Adorable Recipes. Whether you’re grabbing the perfectly portable Flipside on the way to work, enjoying a Piejar as a tasty afternoon treat, or looking for a fun and impressive dinner party dessert, Cutie Pies provides the perfect morsels to satisfy sweet and savory cravings alike.

Inside Cutie Pies, Cone presents 40 exclusive recipes inspired by the unique line of compact pastries she serves at her Seattle-based Fuel Coffee and High 5 Pie locations, which have received a Best of Seattle Weekly award. Sweet, one-of-a-kind treats like a Mango-Raspberry-Lemon Piepop mingle with savory recipes like Cone’s Curry Veggie Piejar, all in a distinct and delightful design.

Cutie Pies is illustrated throughout with more than 20 mouthwatering, full-color photographs, and its contemporary fashion and straightforward recipes enable bakers everywhere to create these tiny treats with big flavor.

“Pies are quickly becoming the ‘new’ cupcakes. Get in on the ground floor with Cutie Pies. This is such a fun cookbook.” —A Well-Seasoned Life



“If you are looking for great recipes for pies to impress, this will fit that niche. It is also a good selection for those who are following a vegan or gluten-free diet.” —FoodReference.com

Sarah S
5.0 out of 5 stars 
Incredible Pie from Incredible People
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
These recipes are amazing! I haven't made them all myself, but I have tried several of the options at High 5 Pie. I literally dream about double blackberry pie. This was a must-have addition to my kitchen, especially now that I don't live within driving distance of High 5 Pie!

Most of the recipes are interchangeable between a standard 9-inch pie, a 7-inch deep dish pie, a half-pint mason jar pie, muffin tin sized cutie pies, mini-muffin tin sized petit-5s, pie pops, or the ultra portable flip flops, which is great because it adds so much versatility. There is a really great variety of flavors too.

What is even more amazing is that I had a question about a recipe, emailed the store, and got a response the next morning.
Vanessa Hill
5.0 out of 5 stars 
Adorable Book, Perfect Results
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my daughter as a Christmas gift. Tonight, I arrived home from work to find the most adorable, exquisite, cupcake-sized blueberry pies waiting for me to sample. In a word, heaven! I bit in to the picture-perfect treat, and was rewarded with a mouthful of delight: lush, rich, tender crust, and a lemon-laced blueberry filling that was so surprising, fresh and flavorful it almost brought tears to my pie-loving eyes. This was my daughter's second attempt at pie baking, ever, and her result was something so delicious it could easily have been the product of a seasoned pastry chef. Pie nirvana. A cookbook that can guide even a novice to results like this deserves all 5 stars.
Posted in #Recipes

31 Easy Appetizer Recipes Ready in 15 Minutes Max

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just serving family dinner, starting with appetizers is extra fun. It’s a great way to sneak in a special in-season vegetable or whet appetites with an out-of-the-ordinary treat. Our best easy appetizers offer tons of variety: Think sweet and savory dips, fancy skewers, baked pinwheel, crunchy snacks, fresh veggies and cheese plates. You’ll find choices for vegetarians and carnivores, and ideas for every season of the year.

Taste of Home

Posted in Book Reviews

The Complete Book of Smoothies

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Your complete guide to making simple, healthy smoothies

When you need a nutritious breakfast on the go or a midday snack, it doesn’t get any easier than a smoothie. This complete guide to creating smoothies offers more than 100 recipes packed with fresh flavors and nourishing ingredients. With helpful tips and tricks for making the most of your blends and nutritional information included with every recipe, you can add a nourishing routine into your daily life.

The Complete Book of Smoothies includes:

115 creative recipes—Sip on health-boosting blends, protein powerhouses, antioxidant-rich recipes, classic green smoothies, kid-friendly beverages, and drinkable desserts.

Prep and setup—Discover which smoothie staples to keep on hand, how to store ingredients to extend their shelf life, and how to swap for dietary needs or personal preference.

Smoothie anatomy—Learn how to build your smoothie from the base up, including pre-blending and layering ingredients for the perfect creamy texture.

Enjoy a fast, easy, and refreshing drink anytime with The Complete Book of Smoothies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The Complete Book of Smoothies by nutritionist Andrea Mathis is packed with quick, nutritious, and delicious recipes that are fun, easy to make, and suitable for busy families or anyone looking to eat better and feel better. I would happily recommend this book to patients, friends, and family.” —Dr. Tara of @drtarasunshine, MD, mom of 3, and healthy food blogger

“Rockstar dietitian Andrea Mathis brings her fun and joyful spirit to the kitchen and all the smoothies she creates! She breaks down everything you need to know to make a perfectly delicious healthy smoothie, and this book is a must for anyone looking for new tasty smoothie recipes!” —Mary Ellen Phipps, registered dietitian nutritionist, Milk & Honey Nutrition

“This book is a must-have for every smoothie lover! Registered dietitian Andrea Mathis shares not only how to make delicious smoothies that appeal to every taste, but also how to make each one nutritious at the same time. I know this book will be a staple in my kitchen for years to come.” —Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet and founder of Healthy Mom, Happy Family

“Andy has created a beautiful, fun, and nourishing collection of smoothies. There’s something for everyone, and I’m excited to make my way through the recipes!” —Marisa Moore, registered dietitian nutritionist in media & culinary nutrition communications –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

About the Author

ANDREA MATHIS, MA, RDN, LD, is an Alabama-based registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of the healthy food blogs Beautiful Eats & Things and Little Eats & Things. Andrea has worked in several different health care settings, including clinical, public health, and long-term care. She believes in achieving optimal health by incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and making healthy eating fun! –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Posted in #Recipes

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Pigs in a blanket are a classic party appetizer for a reason. What’s not to love about buttery dough wrapped around a savory, smoky sausage? The dish isn’t exactly memorable, though; your guests have probably had dozens of versions of pigs in a blanket that all taste (and look) the same. Our pigs in a blanket wreath is a cute and festive change-of-pace that no one will forget!

This creative pigs in a blanket idea is delicious and fun to eat. The little crescent dough bundles bake together to create a pull-apart pigs in a blanket ring. Garnished with rosemary sprigs, it looks like a festive Christmas wreath, but the recipe isn’t just for the holidays. Serve it on game day, at family get-togethers or anytime you need crowd-pleasing finger food.

Ingredients for Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

  • Crescent roll dough: Crescent dough is the base of our three-ingredient pigs in a blanket wreath. Its buttery, salty character is so flavorful that it doesn’t need added ingredients to taste great. Use one of our Test Kitchen’s picks for the best crescent dough, or make your own crescent roll dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
  • Miniature smoked sausages: Also known as cocktail weiners or lil smokies, these tiny sausages taste as full-flavored as hot dogs but with an added hint of smokiness. They should be easy to find at the grocery store, but you can substitute sliced hot dogs if you can’t find them.
  • Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs add a festive flair to this pigs in a blanket Christmas wreath.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cranberry feta pinwheels hit all the right notes: creamy, salty, tangy, sweet. The whipped cream cheese gives the filling its plush texture, while crumbled feta adds a briny sharpness that doesn’t hold back. Dried cranberries bring chewy pops of tart-sweet flavor, and chopped green onions cut through the richness with a clean, peppery edge. The filling is then spread on soft flour tortillas that are rolled into tight spirals. These feta and cranberry pinwheels chill into neat little bites with just enough structure to hold their shape but still feel tender when you sink your teeth in.

These are the kind of snack that disappears fast, whether you’re setting them out for a party or pulling a roll from the fridge for lunch. They look as good as they taste—white and green flecked with ruby red cranberries—and they’re designed to be made ahead. Let them hang out in the fridge for a bit while the flavors deepen and the tortillas soften, and everything will hold together like a dream.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheel Ingredients

  • Whipped cream cheese
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Green onions
  • Dried cranberries
  • Flour tortillas

Taste of Home