Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

These Boursin cheese mashed potatoes are absolutely insanely yummy. They are chock full of all sorts of good things, like cream and cheese. Boursin cheese has such a fantastic savory flavor.

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Super-Flavorful Potatoes

The key to these potatoes is boiling the water with the garlic already added. This really adds to the flavor. We have a copycat Boursin cheese recipe that really saves on the cost of making these potatoes. You’ll find it hard to tell the difference between it and the real thing.

Inspired by a recipe from Nibble Me This.

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

These Boursin cheese mashed potatoes are absolutely insanely yummy. They are chock full of all sorts of good things, like cream and cheese.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesy, mashed potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 366kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 cloves garlic peeled, smashed
  • 6 medium russet potatoes rinsed, peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1 5.2 ounce Boursin Cheese I used Shallot & Chive
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • chives chopped, for garnish, if desired (I used green onions)
  • chicken gravy warmed, for topping, if desired

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the garlic to the water.
  • Add the potatoes and boil 5-10 minutes or until softened.
  • Drain and add potatoes back to pot on burner. Turn heat off.
  • Add in the cheese, sour cream, heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mash potatoes with a masher, stirring to combine.
  • Serve topped with gravy and chives, if desired.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 1399mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Easy Chicken Gravy

If you need to make a big batch of good ole easy chicken gravy and you don’t have any chicken drippin’s on hand, this is the way to go. Hands down, the best fast gravy you can make! I wasn’t shy when I went to pouring when I made a chicken sandwich, either. It’s my take on a French dip, but using chicken and delicious gravy instead.

Chicken and Gravy Sandwiches

Great Gravy For All Gravy Situations

This easy chicken gravy is good on just about anything. Pour it over chicken-fried steak. Or over fried chicken. Speaking of fried chicken. if you have a charcoal grill, you just have to try my Vortex fried chicken!

I also make an outstanding turkey gravy for Thanksgiving. It’s a lot more work, but oh, is it ever worth the time.

Chicken and Gravy Sandwiches
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4 from 1 vote

Easy Chicken Gravy

If you need to make a big batch of good ole easy chicken gravy and you don’t have any chicken drippin’s on hand, this is the way to go. Hands down, the best fast gravy you can make! 
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword gravy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 116kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the butter to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt.
  • Add pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Whisk in the flour, cooking, for 3 minutes.
  • Whisk in the broth.
  • Add bouillon.
  • Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly hot and thickened.
  • Add salt and more pepper, to taste.

Notes

You can substitute Better Than Bouillon for the cubes.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 1608mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Country Five Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

I made a few of these Country Five bean soup mixes in a jar and gave them out as gifts. Of course, before I did that I made a ‘test batch’ for ourselves. The soup is simple and tasty and quite hardy. I love homemade soup. And even as easy as this is to make, it’s fantastic. I keep a few jars of the mix on hand for a quick and delicious soup any time. Now, granted, I don’t keep the fancy fru-fru versions of the jars in my own pantry for my own use. I save those to give away as special gifts for friends, neighbors and relatives.

Country Five Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

Give The Gift Of Soup

All the recipient of your country five bean soup mix in a jar needs is a pound of smoked sausage (skinless, turkey… any kind will do), a can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, some water and little time! That’s it! In no time, they’ll be enjoying a bowl of delicious soup that looks, tastes and even smells homemade, like it should!

For the recipe card I just threw a little something together in Word. You can download it here. To print them I used Avery Personal Creations Textured Postcards (3380).

This recipe is based on a recipe from Savings Lifestyle.

Country Five Bean Soup Mix in a Jar
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4 from 2 votes

Country Five Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

I made a few of these Country Five bean soup mixes in a jar and gave them out as gifts. The soup is simple and tasty and quite hardy. I keep a few jars of the mix on hand for a quick and delicious soup any time.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, soup
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 506kcal

Ingredients

The jar ingredients (makes 1 jar)

The recipient will need

  • jar soup mix from above
  • 1 pound smoked sausage cut into rounds
  • 1 diced tomatoes with Italian spices
  • 4-6 cups water

Instructions

To assemble the soup-in-a-jar ingredients

  • Layer beans into a 1 quart resealable jar.
  • Place remaining ingredients into a resealable baggie and add to jar.

Instructions for cooking

  • Remove spice packet from jar.
  • Rinse beans in cold water and add to a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add enough water to cover the beans. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Add spices, tomatoes and sausage. You can brown the sausage first if you wish.
  • Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Taste the soup when done, you may want to add a pinch or two of salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 1298mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps Syrup Topping

There I was, sitting here dreaming about the ice cream with Peep syrup we made when it hit me. I bet that melted Peeps (aka Peep Syrup) would be great over Rice Krispies Treats. And it was! Really, how can you go wrong with melted Peeps! Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps syrup topping is awesome!

Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps Syrup Topping

Really Easy. And Fun.

I didn’t feel like making the treats from scratch, so I picked up a box of the already-made kind. They’re dangerously good. They’re perfect for making these Rice Krispies treats with Peeps syrup topping.

These are easy to make. The Peep syrup adds a nice twist. Try different colors of Peeps for a different look! And just between us, I find that melting Peeps is fun to do. My wife can’t stand the sight of them ‘dying’.

The syrup is also great over ice cream.

Also try my Cheerios nuggets.

Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps Syrup Topping
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5 from 1 vote

Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps Syrup Topping

There I was, sitting here dreaming about the ice cream with Peep syrup we made when it hit me. I bet that melted Peeps (aka Peep Syrup) would be great over Rice Krispies Treats. And it was!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place Peeps into a non-stick pot over medium heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Stir occasionally until the Peeps are completely melted.
  • Place treats on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
  • Spoon Peep syrup over treats.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Garlic Ranch Pretzel Bites

These yummy spicy garlic Ranch pretzel bites are a different take on our bacon cheddar bites. I wanted to try something with a little more kick, and these have it. You really cannot stop eating them. They’re dangerous.

You can make these with regular Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix if you don’t want a little spice. But even the spicy version is not that spicy. Everyone at my wife’s office loved these!

Spicy Garlic Ranch Pretzel Bites

Little Bites Of Joy

Even though they aren’t as big as full-sized pretzels, these spicy garlic Ranch pretzel bites are also great dipped into a warm cheese sauce. For me, I eat them like popcorn. One after another. They definitely do not last long!

Try our nacho cheese sauce, beer cheese sauce, Southwestern cheese sauce, or a good ole everyday cheese sauce.

Also check out my balsamic, cheddar, and pizza pretzel bites! They are all out of this world good too!

Spicy Garlic Ranch Pretzel Bites
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Garlic Ranch Pretzel Bites

These yummy spicy garlic ranch pretzel bites are a different take on our bacon cheddar bites. I wanted to try something with a little more kick, and these have it. You really cannot stop eating them. They’re dangerous.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic, pretzel bites, Ranch, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 115kcal
Author Mike

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 F.
  • Combine salad dressing mix and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk in the oil.
  • Add the pretzels and gently toss to coat completely.
  • Pour pretzels out onto a baking sheet.
  • Bake for approximately 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The pretzels are done when all of the oil has been absorbed.
  • Let cool before serving.

Notes

Also great made using pretzel rods or twists.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Easter Eggs

I made a batch of Jell-O Jiggler Easter eggs, and I got to thinking…. if I cut them in half and added a bit of this, and a bit of that… I’d end up with deviled eggs. Sort of. So here they are! Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Easter Eggs are crazy cool looking and big time fun to eat!

Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Easter Eggs

Simply Addicting. And Fun.

I have to admit that these Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Easter Eggs are much more addicting than I thought they’d be. I mean besides how awesome they look, they’re just yummy! Maybe it’s because my Jell-O meter has been on ‘E’ for while.

The molds for these eggs can be difficult to find. You don’t have to make eggs, though. Other molds are just as good and just as fun, so use whatever you can find. Just make them colorful and no one will notice even if you use dinosaur molds!

Also try my no-boil deviled eggs.

Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Easter Eggs
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Jell-O Jiggler Deviled Eggs

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Author Mike

Instructions

  • Make the eggs as directed.
  • Lightly wet a knife and cut the eggs lengthwise.
  • Squeeze a bit of whipped cream onto each egg half.
  • Sprinkle with candy sprinkles.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

You can make the eggs themselves ahead of time, but do not top until ready to serve.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Jell-O Jiggler Easter Eggs

Well, ain’t these Jell-O jiggler Easter Eggs just cute? They’re super easy to make… if you have a Jell-O Jigglers egg mold… and I just happen to have one! In fact, I went totally nuts and ordered all of the molds that Kraft has. They’re cheap, really. And fun.

Note: Kraft no longer sells the molds but you can find similar ones online.

Jell-O Jiggler Easter Eggs

Make Them Exciting!

I made a batch of these using some of the cool new flavors of Jell-O. Tropical Fusion and Island Pineapple were just a few of them. Just let them set and enjoy. The mold makes 6 eggs. To make all 6 of the same flavor, use a 6 ounce package of Jell-O gelatin. And of course, just use 2 3 ounce packages of your favorite two flavors to make 3 eggs of each.

Make some Jell-O Jiggler deviled eggs and have a great day!

Jell-O Jiggler Easter Eggs
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5 from 1 vote

Jell-o Jiggler Eggs

The most fun you'll ever have making Easter eggs.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword eggs, jello-o
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 108kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Boil the water.
  • Open gelatin packet and pour into a medium sized bowl.
  • Spray the egg mold with non-stick spray.
  • Seal well.
  • Add water to gelatin and whisk for 2 minutes.
  • Pour into a container with a spout (I used a 2-cup measuring cup) and pour into the molds.
  • Place mold onto a plate (I put it in a medium-sized Tupperware container), just in case you get some leaking or dripping.
  • Refrigerate for 4 hours.
  • Run bottom of mold under warm water, then tap a few times on the countertop. The mold should open right up and the eggs will pop out!

Notes

Refrigerate eggs until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 24g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Ice Cream with Peeps Syrup

I admit it. I have a strange fascination with melting Peeps. My wife can’t even come into the kitchen when I’m melting them. She just can’t stand seeing them ‘die’. So she was nowhere to be found when I made ice cream with Peeps syrup.

Ice Cream with Peeps Syrup

Poor Lil Peeps

The other day I made Shamrock Peep Rice Krispies treats that came out rather good. Then I came across this idea to melt Peeps to make syrup for ice cream. I found it at the We Are Not Martha blog. Another opportunity to melt Peeps? Sign me up! Heck tried it over Rice Krispies treats too!

For an awesome milkshake made with peeps, check out our toasted peep milkshake. Ice cream is also fantastic topped with my slow cooker dulce de leche.

Ice Cream with Peeps Syrup
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5 from 1 vote

Ice Cream with Peep Syrup

I admit it. I have a strange fascination with melting Peeps. My wife can’t even come into the kitchen when I’m melting them. So she was nowhere to be found when I made ice cream with Peeps syrup.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 scoops of your favorite ice cream
  • 10 Peeps

Instructions

  • Place Peeps in a medium non-stick pan over medium heat.
  • Add in 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Melt Peeps, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour syrup over ice cream and serve.

Notes

Don’t leave the melting Peeps unattended. You don’t want them to burn.

Nutritional values are approximate.

Salisbury Steak

I was watching an episode of Best Recipes Ever the other day. It’s a Canadian-based cooking show that luckily also now airs here in Indianapolis. The host, Christine Tizzard, was making Salisbury steak. I filed the idea away as something I might make one day.

Salisbury Steak

But as the days passed, I kept thinking about that steak more and more. And yes, I thought about the Salisbury steak that comes in Hungry-Man TV dinners, which were a food staple for me in my college years. The recipe from Christine kept popping into my head, so I finally up and made it and it was GOOD!

Also try my Salisbury meatballs.

Salisbury Steak
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4 from 1 vote

Salisbury Steak

A great take on the classic dish.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Salisbury, steak
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 669kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the beef in a large bowl.
  • Add salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons water.
  • Using your hands, mix well then form into 2-3 1/2″ thick patties.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties. Remove to a plate.
  • Remove the drippings from the pan.
  • Add the onion and cook until just soft.
  • Add the mushrooms and thyme and saute until mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • While still stirring, slowly add the stock. You might need a whisk to help prevent any clumping.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be thick.
  • Add the patties back into the skillet. Cover and simmer until the meat is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Serve patties covered with gravy.

Notes

These can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to reheat and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 979mg | Potassium: 1294mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Rapid Rolls

These rapid rolls from Kelsey Nixon are superb! They are flaky and sweet. Perfect for soppin’, or biscuits and gravy, or even as slider rolls. They are also very easy to make. All you need is a mixer and a 12″ cast-iron skillet. The heck with buying pre-made rolls. These are way, way better!

And let me tell you, I am no baker. I can barely open a bag of flour without there being some sort of catastrophe. These are easy enough to make that even I could do them. About the hardest part is trying to get the balls of dough for each roll roughly the same sizes. They don’t have to be perfect. In fact, non-perfect dough balls kind of adds to the ‘made at home’ feel that these rolls have.

Rapid Rolls

Perfect For The Holidays

This recipe for rapid rolls makes a big ole batch. So it is perfect for a family get-together! The rolls are just as great the next day so don’t worry that it makes so many.

You can freeze any leftovers and re-heat later.

Also, the dough is (supposedly) great as a pizza dough. I’ll try that next!

Also try my Italian herb skillet bread.

Rapid Rolls
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5 from 1 vote

Rapid Rolls

These rapid rolls are superb! They are flaky and sweet. Perfect for soppin’, or biscuits and gravy, or even as slider rolls. They are also very easy to make.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword rolls
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 165kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 packets active dry yeast .25 ounce packets, or about 6 3/4 teaspoons jarred yeast
  • 1 ¾ cups warm water
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt divided, plus more for sprinkling
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour you might need more

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Place warm water into the bowl of a mixer fitted with a mixing paddle.
  • Add the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbling.
  • Add in the honey,
  • Turn the mixer on low.
  • Pour in 1/2 cup of the butter, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and both eggs.
  • Begin adding the flour, slowly. After about 4 cups keep an eye on the mixture as you add more dough. You want the dough to be only slightly sticky, forming a ball that does not stick to the sides of the bowl.
  • Lightly dust a work surface with flour.
  • Shape the dough into a large log and cut into thirds.
  • Then cut each third in half, for a total of 6 pieces. Cut each portion in half again, and then one more time. You'll end up with 24 pieces all roughly the same size.
  • Form dough pieces into small balls.
  • Lightly butter a 12″ cast-iron skillet.
  • Add dough balls. Let rise for 20 minutes or until they double in size.
  • Brush tops of dough with melted butter.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

Best served hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.