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Rachel

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

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Confession: I never really had fast food growing up. And, because of that, it took me a while (read: 30 + years) to figure out what I liked and what I didn’t like. I was not the typical “Taco Bell at college” type of girl. But the truth is, I’ve developed quite a taste for a few Taco Bell items (like the bean burrito, sans onions). But I also love the crunchwrap. So I decided to perfect a Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme recipe.

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

What you’ll need

I highly recommend using an air fryer for this recipe. Sure, you can grill and press this, but it is far more delicious in an air fryer. As far as ingredients, you should have most on hand.

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme
  • 1/2 pound of taco meat
  • 1/2 cup of nacho sauce
  • 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 3 burrito size tortillas
  • 3 tostada shells

If you’re looking for other easy recipes, be sure to check out these.

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

Honestly, if you’re a fan of the Crunchwrap, you are going to LOVE this! And, despite Taco Bell’s already low prices, these are extra cost effective!

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme recipe

Yield: 3 wraps

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound of taco meat
  • 1/2 cup of nacho sauce
  • 1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 3 burrito size tortillas
  • 3 tostada shells

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Add 2 tablespoons of nacho sauce to the center of the burrito size tortilla. Top nacho sauce with taco meat.

STEP 2 -

Cover tostada with sour cream and place on top of taco meat, sour cream side up.

STEP 3 -

Top sour cream with lettuce, cheese and then tomatoes.

STEP 4 -

Fold in tortilla layering each edge over the other until the burrito shell is closed.

STEP 5 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place crunch wrap in the basket folded side down. Spray top with oil and cook on 350 for 7 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Flip and cook on 350 for 3 minutes.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

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We have had an air fryer built into both our oven and toaster oven for the last 3+ years. But it took until getting our Ninja Foodi for me to really get hooked on the air fryer. We literally cook everything in it. We started with little things like chicken fingers and french fries. But now we’re using it for other things — like frying fresh cod and making our own Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

You’ll need an air fryer and this

The recipe is super easy. And it calls for one of my husbands favorite ingredients — orange zest! Honestly, the first time I used orange zest in any recipe, my husband freaked out (in a good way)! And I’ve been hooked on zest ever since!

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 1 chicken breast, cubed
  • flour
  • cornstarch
  • paprika
  • cayenne
  • Natures Seasoning
  • 2 eggs
  • an orange
  • soy sauce
  • white vinegar
  • brown sugar
  • minced garlic
  • cornstarch mixed with water
Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

That’s it! Just make a side of rice (I use my Instant Pot for rice) and serve your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken over it! If you’ve never made rice in the Instant Pot before, here’s what you need to know:

I highly recommend using jasmine rice. Measure a cup of jasmine rice. Rinse in water and then put the cup of jasmine rice in your Instant Pot. Add 1 and 1/4 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Lock and seal the Instant Pot. Set your Instant Pot to manual for 4 minutes. Once the Instant Pot timer goes off, let the IP natural release for 10 minutes. Then release the rest of pressure.

The recipe

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1/3 cup of cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of Natures Seasoning
  • 2 eggs

Sauce

  • 1 orange, juiced + reserve a 1/2 Tablespoon of zest from peel
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup of white vinegar
  • ½ cup of brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a saucepan over medium heat, add all of the sauce ingredients and bring to a slow boil. Once slow boiling reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sauce sticking. Let sit on warm while the chicken cooks

STEP 2-

In a mixing bowl, mix spices, flour and cornstarch.

STEP 3 -

In a separate bowl whisk egg.

STEP 4 -

Coat the chicken in the flour, and then dredge in egg.

STEP 5 -

Return chicken back to flour and fully coat.

STEP 6 -

Place breaded chicken in oil sprayed air fryer basket. Spray chicken with oil.

STEP 7 -

Cook on 380 for 10 minutes.

STEP 8 -

Once all chicken is cooked, increase sauce heat to low medium and add fried chicken. Stir until chicken is completely coated.

STEP 9 -

ENJOY over rice!

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Copycat Reese’s Eggs Recipe

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Truth time: Last week when I posted my Marshmallow Peeps recipe, I thought that this weekend was Easter. Let’s just say that my brain is totally fried these days. Because Easter is definitely not until next week. But, truth be told, I can use all of the time I get to prep. And, in true foodie fashion, my prep includes duplicating those to-die-for eggs. Yep. And this Copycat Reese’s Eggs recipe is everything you need this Easter — and all year!

Copycat Reese's Eggs Recipe

What you’ll need to make this Copycat Reese’s Eggs recipe

I used my Instant Pot for this recipe, because I love it. But it’s totally not necessary. At the very least, you’ll need a double-boiler. But otherwise, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
  • 6 Tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 – 12 ounce bags of chocolate melts
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2/3 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 6 Tablespoons of butter
Copycat Reese's Eggs Recipe

THE RECIPE

Copycat Reese's Eggs

Copycat Reese's Eggs Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
  • 6 Tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 - 12 ounce bags of chocolate melts
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2/3 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 6 Tablespoons of butter

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, vanilla, brown sugar, salt and peanut butter. Stir until melted together.

STEP 2 -

Stir in powdered sugar a few tablespoons at a time until combined completely.

STEP 3 -

Using a small baking scoop, scoop out a ball of peanut butter mixture. Form into an egg shape and place on parchment paper.

STEP 4 -

Once eggs are formed place in freezer for 2 hours.

STEP 5 -

Place your mixing bowl on the tall instant pot trivet and one cup of water in the instant pot liner. Set instant pot to sauté and stir the chocolate melts until fully melted. Add oil if chocolate needs to be thinned out.

STEP 6 -

Remove eggs from freezer and dip using a fork in the melted chocolate. Completely cover eggs and place back on parchment.

STEP 7 -

Allow the eggs to sit and shell to harden.

STEP 8 -

ENJOY!

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe — Super Easy

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Y’all, if I thought that St. Patrick’s Day snuck up on me, I was not prepared for Easter. This year Easter is so darn early! I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been obsessed with marshmallow peeps. But what about those of us who want to enjoy marshmallow peeps year-round? Well, this copycat marshmallow peeps recipe is exactly what you need!

Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe

Everything You’ll Need for Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe

If you’ve never had homemade marshmallow, you are in for a treat! Honestly. Previously, I was a tad bit intimidated by the idea of making my own marshmallow. But it’s honestly not as difficult as I’d imagined. Just be sure you have a candy thermometer and a bunny cookie cutter.

Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe

Here’s everything else you’ll need:

  • 1 box of unflavored gelatin
  • sugar
  • salt
  • powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • vanilla extract, optional but recommended
  • yellow decorating sugar
  • blue decorating sugar
  • pink decorating sugar
  • green decorating sugar

That’s it! These peeps are going to rock your world. They are delicious. You will never go back to those store bought peeps. These Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe are the best thing ever.

The Full Recipe

Yield: 16 peeps

Marshmallow Peeps

Copycat Marshmallow Peeps Recipe

Other: Candy thermometer.

Ingredients

Marshmallow Bricks

  • 1 box (.25oz) of unflavored gelatin
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup of Powdered sugar for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla, optional

Peeps

  • 8 Marshmallow bricks
  • 3 ounces of yellow decorating sugar
  • 3 ounces of blue decorating sugar
  • 3 ounces of pink decorating sugar
  • 3 ounces green decorating sugar

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Combine the box of gelatin and 1/2 cup of water in stand mixer bowl. Let’s sit and solidify for about 5 minutes while melting sugar.

STEP 2 -

In a saucepan on high heat, combine sugar with 1/4 cup of water. Do not stir, stirring will make crystals form.

STEP 3 -

Melt the sugar until temperature reaches 240 degrees or the softball mark on a candy thermometer.

STEP 4 -

Once temperature is achieved, pour over gelatin while mixing on medium with whisk. After mixed together, set mixer on high and let mix for 10 minutes or until marshmallow fluff forms. For flavoring option, add vanilla at the point of whipping.

STEP 5 -

In 9 x 9 pan, grease with oil then dust with powdered sugar. Pour whipped marshmallow into pan and coat top of marshmallow with a dusting of powdered sugar.

STEP 6 -

Let marshmallow sit for a couple of hours before removing and serving.

STEP 7 -

Cut marshmallow bricks to measurements of cookie cutter.

STEP 8 -

Cut marshmallow brick in half to make marshmallow and inch thick.

STEP 9 -

Using the peeps bunny cookie cutter (or any cute cutter you desire), compress the cutter onto the marshmallow brick and remove excess marshmallow.

STEP 10 -

Apply colored decorating sugar to marshmallow after brushing outside of marshmallow with a little bit of water fully coating peep.

STEP 11 -

Let dry and serve.

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe

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Busy weeknights are back. And that means I have even less time to make dinner for our family of 5. One of my favorite ways to save time on meals is by using my Instant Pot. Y’all know how much I adore my Instant Pot. I mean, these meals are so. darn. easy! And this Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup recipe is to die for! Seriously.

Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup

Why the Instant Pot

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times juicier and more flavorful. Sure, you could make soup in a stock pot on the stove; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup

What you’ll need for Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup

Besides your Instant Pot (or other pressure cooker equivalent), you’ll only need the following:

  • 1 pound of ground pork sausage
  • olive oil
  • an onion
  • one yellow pepper
  • mushrooms
  • great northern beans
  • chicken broth
  • water
  • russet potatoes
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • red pepper flakes (optional)
  • fresh spinach
Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup

The Recipe

Yield: 4 - 6

Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup

Instant Pot Sausage & Spinach Soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground pork sausage
  • 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup of mushrooms, chopped
  • 15.5 ounce can of white beans (I used great northern beans)
  • 4 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups of water
  • 3 cups of russet potatoes, chopped and peeled
  • 3 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups of spinach

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil to pot. Once hot, add your sausage. Saute until meat is browned (about 5 minutes).

STEP 2 -

Then add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to Instant Pot. Stir and cook until softened; about 3-5 minutes.

STEP 3 -

Add in your remaining ingredients EXCEPT or the spinach to your Instant Pot.

STEP 4 -

Close the lid. Close the valve and set your IP to High Pressure for 10 minutes.

STEP 5 -

Once the cooking is complete, wait 10 minutes for a slow release of pressure. Then use the quick release valve to release the leftover pressure.

STEP 6 -

Remove the lid and add in your spinach. Stir.

STEP 7 -

Serve in your favorite soup bowl! Enjoy!

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

How to build consistency in your homeschool routine

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One area that many homeschool families struggle is with consistency. Even from just doing this for a short period of time, I know it’s true. Being constant with our schooling is an important factor in keeping things going smoothly. And also for reaching their educational goals and milestones. Building consistency in your homeschooling routine can help build consistency in your everyday life, too! Here are a few ways you can help to build consistency in your homeschool routine.

Prioritize the must-dos

Choose a few subjects that absolutely must be done daily. For most families, this will include reading and math. If you do nothing else, do those two (or three) subjects. Build up the constant habit of daily reading and math time with your children as early as possible. These easy tasks will lay the foundation that will help keep your days running smoothly. Even if your homeschool day is a short one.

Healthy Habits build routines

Building consistency is all about building healthy habits. Create a new habit each month and add it to your family’s day. These tiny changes will turn into healthy habits that will stick around.

How to build consistency in your homeschool

Healthy habits, like incorporating walks, extra outdoor time, hikes, or art time, will help the kids and you. Knowing these things are built into your homeschool day will make everyone more willing to do the less-than-fun things.

Don’t overload your days

Something I learned early on is that it’s really easy to overload your homeschool day. You’ll think you’re not doing or teaching enough. So you’ll add more and more tasks on, but it doesn’t get done; nor does it make your day any easier. Overloading your day will only overwhelm you. And, honestly? You’re less likely to get anything done that day.

How to build consistency in your homeschool

Instead, plan the minimum you need to get done and if everyone is up for more or wants to explore something new pull out the extra work and get ahead. If you do plan out a full schedule try not to look at it for the day until you and your children are ready to dive in to prevent that feeling of overload.

Set rewards for consistency

We decided, as a family, to set rewards for a straight week of consistency. We track our consistency on a chart, earn rewards individually, and as a group. It helps to keep us all accountable. These goals can be things like a family trip to Target on a Sunday morning (the kids personal favorite). But having bigger, monthly goals is helpful, too. Plus, it gives us something to look forward to. This will help fuel each days efforts — even on days where not everyone is feeling the lesson plans.

Track your progress

Truly seeing progress in your child’s learning can be a big encouragement to stick to consistency day after day in your homeschool. It’s true for both the teacher (mom or dad) and the kids. Personally, I wasn’t sure my Pre-K daughter was learning enough. Day after day of sight words seemed to just be hum drum. But that consistency? It paid off the moment she said the first word before I had a chance to say it!

How to build consistency in your homeschool

It was a game-changer. Honestly. I felt like we had been in an endless loop of sight cards. And then one day it just clicked.

Plan intentional days off

When burn out starts to kick in it is easier to stick with it when you know you have a break coming up. Be sure to plan regular breaks at regular intervals with your family. These breaks can line up with your local schools so that your kids can spend time with friends; or you can do your own thing on your own schedule!

When all is said and done, just make homeschooling a priority and have semi-set hours. Flexible and consistent is key. Make priorities, stick to those priorities, and find consistency in the rest.

Tell me — what’s your key to staying consistent with homeschooling?