Rachel

Easy Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip Recipe

January 19, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

We are nearly a year into a massive change in all of our lives. I will be honest — at the beginning of all of this, I was ordering a TON of takeout and using meal-kit services. But something changed and I started to get much more creative with my meal ideas (thanks in large part to Pinterest). And even things like pizza needed to be switched up. I mean, how much pizza can a family eat?! Well, this super easy Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip recipe satisfies the need for ‘different’ and it’s amazing!

What you’ll need

This recipe is super easy. I do recommend using a cast iron skillet like this one. Heads up – do not wash it with soap and water!

Here’s what else you will need to make this easy cheesy skillet pizza dip:

6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) package frozen bread dough dinner rolls, thawed
One (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup pizza sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup (¾ ounce) sliced pepperoni
2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil, for garnish

I am SO happy that we are no longer a dairy-free family and can enjoy delicious foods like this dip. Because it is to die for.

How to make Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip

Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) package frozen bread dough dinner rolls, thawed
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup pizza sauce
¼ cup (¾ ounce) sliced pepperoni
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

STEP 1 -

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

STEP 2 -

Combine the butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

STEP 3 -

Cut each dinner roll into four equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

STEP 4 -

Dip the dough ball into the butter mixture. Place the dough ball along the outer edge of a 10-inch cast iron skillet, leaving the center open. Stack the remaining dough balls on top of the bottom layer.

STEP 5 -

Cover and allow the dough to rise until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella , mayonnaise, Italian seasoning and remaining garlic powder.

STEP 7 -

When the rolls have risen, layer the center of the skillet with cheese mixture, pizza sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Top with pepperoni.

STEP 8 -

Brush the rolls with remaining seasoned butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

STEP 9 -

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rolls are done. If the rolls begin to get too brown, tent them with aluminum foil.

STEP 10 -

Garnish with fresh basil.

STEP 11 -

ENJOY!

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Red Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe – Instant Pot Friendly

January 17, 2021 by Rachel 9 Comments

All the rage! That’s what hot cocoa bombs are. And, instead of paying $5 plus for ONE hot cocoa bomb, you can easily just make these on your own. Seriously. And, although I like to post recipes for kids, this one is red hot for adults (and parents), too! These Instant Pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs are to die for!

No Instant Pot? No worries!

I use my Instant Pot for most recipes because it is just an easy kitchen accessory. But it isn’t necessary. A double-boiler will work for melting the chocolate, but it is just super easy in the IP.

Here’s what else you’ll need to make these incredible bombs:

24 ounces of red candy melts
2 cups of marshmallows
7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
Sprinkles (optional)

That’s it! You’re sure to have an awesome Valentine’s Day with these cocoa bombs!

How to make Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

Yield: 14 Bombs

Instant Pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

24 ounces of red candy melts
2 cups of marshmallows
7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Turn your instant pot onto sauté mode. Place one and a half cups of water inside your instant pot. Place a glass bowl that will fit in your instant pot as it will act as a double broiler.

STEP 2 -

Add in your candy melts to the bowl. Continue to mix until the chocolate has completely melted.

STEP 3 -

Lightly grease the inside of your silicone molds. Add chocolate to your moms making sure that chocolate is completely coding the mold on the inside. Place in the freezer for about five minutes.

STEP 4 -

Remove your molds from the freezer. Add a half a tablespoon of cocoa powder and about 4 marshmallows per mold.

STEP 5 -

Add more of your melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows to close the mold and lock the cocoa and marshmallows from coming out. Return to the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Remove your cocoa bombs by pushing on the silicone side of the mold until the bomb pops out.

STEP 7 -

With a spoon, drizzle your remaining chocolate over the bombs. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

STEP 8 -

Place one bomb in your favorite mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate releasing the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

STEP 9 -

Stir with a spoon and enjoy!

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Easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops Recipe

January 16, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

Confession: I love making cute desserts more than I like eating them. It’s true. My husband hates when I bake or buy baked goods because I never eat them. But that doesn’t stop me from baking. And, like all kids, mine just seem to love everything teeny, tiny, or cute. So these easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops are sure to delight the heck out of them this season!

What you’ll need for this recipe

Listen — cake pops don’t have to be difficult. In this case, I used boxed cake mix. I made the cake according to the box instructions and then use half of it for these cake pops (I froze the other half to use at a later time). My kids prefer vanilla cake mix, so that’s what I used. But you can use whatever you like!

In addition, you’ll need the following for these Easy Valentine’s Day Cake Pops:

2 Tablespoons of cream cheese frosting, softened
12 ounces of candy melts, red
20 count of 6-inch cake pop sticks
Pink, red, or white sprinkles! Better yet? All three!

How to make this delightful snack!

Yield: 20 cake pops

Valentine's Day Cake Pops

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 of a cake (such as a box cake), baked
2 Tablespoons of cream cheese frosting, softened
12 ounces of candy melts, red
20 count of 6-inch cookie sticks
Pink, red, or white sprinkles!

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a large bowl, crumble your cake.

STEP 2 -

Add in your cream cheese frosting. Mix well with a hand mixer, spoon, or stand mixer.

STEP 3 -

Divide your cake into 20 sections. With the palm of your hand, round out each portion into a ball shape.

STEP 4 -

Place your cake pops on a sheet pan or plate, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

STEP 5 -

While your cake pops are in the freezer, place all of your candy melts in a medium sized bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

STEP 6 -

Remove the cake pops from the freezer.

STEP 7 -

Place your cookie stick in the candy melt, then the cake pop. Then add your cake pop to the candy melts. Coat the pop completely with the melt. On the side of the bowl, tap it gently with the stick removing any excess chocolate from the cake pop to create a smooth finish.

STEP 8 -

Place the cake pop on the parchment paper. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.

STEP 9 -

Continue steps 6 – 8 until each cake pop is complete.

STEP 10 -

ENJOY!

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Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles Recipe

January 14, 2021 by Rachel 10 Comments

This year, more than ever, we need to celebrate the small things. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — it’s time to make a big deal out of the small holidays for our kids. I’ve never been one to obsess over Valentine’s Day — even before I was married. I recognized it for what it was. But just today my 8-year-old second grader asked me if we could do something special. Last year he had a school party, but he knows that’s not happening now. So instead we’re going to make Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles for our at-home party!

What you’ll need for these Instant Pot Valentine’s Day truffles

I used my Instant Pot for this recipe because it makes the cake extra-moist. But you don’t necessarily need to use an IP. You can make the cake traditionally as well. I just really love the texture from pressure cooking.

As far as equipment, you’ll also need a springform pan. Other ingredients are vanilla almond bark, red food coloring, red velvet cake mix, eggs, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles, and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Throw in some holiday-themed sprinkles, and you’re good to go!

How to make your Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 box of red velvet cake mix
3 eggs, large
1 cup of water
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 rounded tablespoons of cream cheese frosting
18 ounces of almond bark, vanilla
Red food coloring
Sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

STEP 1 -

Mix together your cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs.

STEP 2 -

In your greased spring pan, pour in your cake batter.

STEP 3 -

Place one and a half cups of water to the bottom of your instant pot. Place the trivet inside. Cover your pan with aluminum foil. Place your pan inside the instant pot.

STEP 4 -

I close the lid on your instant pot, and make sure to close the ceiling valve. Set your instant pot to one hour 10 minutes on high pressure. Once the time is done, do a quick release.

STEP 5 -

Remove your take carefully from the instant pot by using a towel or hot pads, and use the trivet handles to pull the cake out. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Transfer your cake to a large bowl. Crumble it up. Spoon and three rounded tablespoons of frosting. Mix together.

STEP 7 -

Transfer the cake batter to parchment paper. Lay it out flat and use a small heart shaped cookie cutter to make each truffle.

STEP 8 -

After you have made each truffle, transfer to the freezer for about 15 minutes to allow them to harden.

STEP 9 -

While they’re in the freezer, make a small bowl of your white chocolate. Placed three squares in the microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

STEP 10 -

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring to create your desired pink color.

STEP 11 -

Remove the truffles from the freezer, place in your chocolate, and make sure they are completely coated. Remove them from the chocolate, transfer them back to the parchment paper and Top them with your sprinkles. The chocolate will start to harden.

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

STEP 12 -

ENJOY!

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

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Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards With Printable

January 13, 2021 by Rachel 9 Comments

The last twelve months have been anything but normal. Not just for us, either. I know it’s been crazy hard on our kids. And, not only that, but it’s been a helluva year for the girls of the world, too. I know that I lost one of my heroes — the notorious RBG was a hero of mine. And I was crushed when she passed. But there was also the release of a very powerful movie about a very powerful woman — Wonder Woman. My family went to a private pre-screening of the movie, just the five of us. It was incredible. And every since then, my four year old daughter has referred to herself as Super Wonder Woman (and I don’t have the heart to correct her). So why not this year for Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards?! Even if your son is giving them?

Because representation matters

Growing up we were told we can be anything. And, while that’s true, women and especially women of color, have obstacles in their way. And while I do my best to teach my daughters and son that both boys and girls (and everyone who identifies in between) are all valued. But there are just far more images of boy superheroes than girls. And that’s why I was so excited to see Wonder Woman 1984. My (almost) 5-year-old daughter was glued to the screen for the entire movie. She loved every action-packed minute of seeing a GIRL superhero.

So perhaps the boys and girls in your life will love these Valentine’s Day Girl Superhero Cards just as much as mine do!

The Printable

Grab your printable from here to make these absolutely adorable cards this Valentine’s Day. And if your kids are remote learning, why not send them snail mail to all of their friends and make this an extra special day for everyone!

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Game Day Ready with Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread

January 11, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

It’s almost time for the big day. Whether or not you’re a football-loving type, football season is basically a legit season. And personally? I am here for it. I’m here for it mostly because of the food and the cheers. And what better way to celebrate than with this game day ready Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread. It’s delicious. It’s easy. And it is absolutely delightful! Walmart has all of the Kraft Heinz ingredients, Dixie^® Ultra plates, and Vanity Fair^® Extra Absorbent napkins you’ll need to make this incredible dish perfect for feeding and serving everyone!

Why Baked Chili Cheese Dogs?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — there’s nothing better than gathering for the big game. If there’s a reason to host and to make delicious food? I’m there.

Also? Chili cheese dogs are life. And baking makes them even more awesome because it gives them an extra boost of flavor and crunch.

How to make Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

This recipe is super easy. All of the ingredients, plates and napkins I need are found at Walmart, which is super amazing because they offer Walmart Grocery Pickup so I can get all of our groceries in a safe way.

Here’s what you’ll need from Walmart

1 (thirty-inch) French baguette
4 ounces of VELVEETA
6 OSCAR MAYER All Beef Hot Dogs (depending on size of baguette)
1 can (15 ounces) of premade chili sauce
½ cup of KRAFT Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, cooked and chopped
½ yellow onion, diced
2 chives, sliced (optional topping)
¼ cup BREAKSTONE’S Sour Cream (optional topping)

How to make this delicious recipe!

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cut a ‘v’ shape into the end of the baguette. Continue down the length of the baguette, creating a ‘boat’ inside of the bread. Set on top of a large piece of tinfoil (enough to wrap the entire baguette).

3. Put the VELVEETA into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the VELVEETA for 90 seconds, stopping every thirty-seconds to stir. Cheese should be semi-melted. Use a spoon to spread VELVEETA into the bottom of the baguette ‘boat.’

4. Place hot dogs on top of VELVEETA cheese, end to end, until the baguette is full.

5. Spoon the chili sauce over the hot dogs. Top with ½ cup of shredded cheese and the bacon.

6. Fold tinfoil up over the baguette loosely at the top. Put into the oven on top of a baking sheet. Bake until warmed through and cheese is melted — approximately 25 minutes.

7. Let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with yellow onions and chives. Serve with an optional sour cream dollop!

8. Enjoy this messy meal with Dixie Ultra^® Plates (which are amazingly sturdy for this meal) and extra absorbent Vanity Fair^®Napkins to clean up any messy faces.

Supplies for serving

We served this messy meal on Dixie Ultra^® Plates and with Vanity Fair^®Extra Absorbent Napkins for a reason. Did you know that Dixie Ultra^® Plates can hold up to two pounds of food and they are strong enough for a one-hand hold? That’s the kind of strength you need when you’re piling up your plate with tasty treats on Game Day. Vanity Fair^®Extra Absorbent Napkins are one part paper towel and one part napkin – so there’s no excuse to use paper towel as napkin. These will really get the job done to keep hands clean when eating messy, cheese food like this Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread.

Use this recipe for all of your game day needs

Yield: 12 servings

Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 30-inch French baguette
4 ounces VELVEETA
6 Oscar Mayer® All Beef Hot Dogs
1 can (15 ounces) of premade chili sauce
½ cup of KRAFT Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
8 slices Oscar Mayer® Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon, cooked and chopped
½ yellow onion, diced
2 chives, sliced (optional topping)
¼ cup BREAKSTONE’S Sour Cream (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

4. Place hot dogs on top of VELVEETA cheese, end to end, until the baguette is full.

5. Spoon the chili sauce over the hot dogs. Top with ½ cup of shredded cheese and the bacon.

6. Fold tinfoil up over the baguette loosely at the top. Put into the oven on top of a baking sheet. Bake until warmed through and cheese is melted -- approximately 25 minutes.

7. Let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with yellow onions and chives. Serve with an optional sour cream dollop!

Baked Chili Cheese Dog