recipes

Name: Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
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

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles Recipe

January 14, 2021 by Rachel 5 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

PIN FOR LATER

Game Day Ready with Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread

January 11, 2021 by Rachel 11 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

PIN FOR LATER

Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe

January 10, 2021 by Rachel 14 Comments

It’s been a lot longer than I expected since my last travel adventure. One of my favorite things to do when we travel is eat! Honestly, I feel like half the time we have planned our travel around the restaurants available. When we travelled to Las Vegas, I just knew I had to try In-N-Out Burger. We do not have In-N-Out here in the Midwest, and we certainly didn’t have it when I lived in New York! So In-N-Out was something I knew we had to try. And we LOVED it. So much so that I’ve been dying to try recreating it at home! And that’s why I made this Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe!

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 burgers on the grill; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

What you’ll need for these Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Besides your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll need only a handful of other items.

One pound of 80/20 ground beef
1 Tablespoon of salt
1/2 of a Tablespoon of onion powder
1 Tablespoon of pepper
Three slices of American Cheese
3 hamburger buns
1/2 of a Tomato, sliced
3 iceberg lettuce leaves
1/2 an onion, sliced
3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing

That’s it! Read the full recipe card details below to make your very own Copycat In-N-Out Burgers. But, be forewarned: you’re going to want to make these every single day!

The Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time to come to pressure 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
1 Tablespoon of salt
1 Tablespoon of pepper
1/2 Tablespoon of onion powder
3 hamburger buns
3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
1/2 Tomato, sliced
3 iceberg lettuce leaves
3 slices of American Cheese
1/2 an onion, sliced

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

STEP 1:

Mix together your beef, salt, pepper, and salt.

STEP 2:

Divide the meat into three sections. Pat them into 3 flat patties. Wrap them in aluminum foil.

STEP 3:

Add 1 ½ cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside with your patties (in aluminum) on the trivet.

STEP 4:

Close the lid on your IP. Close the sealing valve. Set your IP to High Pressure for 10 minutes.

STEP 5:

When the 10 minutes has finished, do a quick release of the pressure.

STEP 6:

Remove the patties from the aluminum foil.

STEP 7:

Assemble your burgers. Add your thousand island dressing to the bottom bun. Add your tomato, lettuce, burger, cheese, and onion slice.

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Enjoy!

Tell me — what’s your favorite fast-food burger joint?!

Pin and save for later

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

January 6, 2021 by Rachel 5 Comments

I know, I know — Hot Cocoa Bombs are all the rage! But I just can’t stop! And I won’t stop, honestly. Not only do my kids love them, but I love making them. My kids can’t even finish a full mug of hot chocolate, but that doesn’t stop them from wanting one, like, every single day. And, y’all know I’ve been trying my darndest with this whole ‘staying-at-home’ thing. I’m trying desperately to keep my children excited, entertained, and engaged. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not try my hand at an Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe?!

No Instant Pot? No Problem!

Sure, this recipe calls for an Instant Pot. But you don’t necessarily need an Instant Pot for these! I’m basically obsessed with mine. But you could just as easily use a double boiler. I just prefer the IP because I just find that it’s less messy. There’s a Sauté function on every Instant Pot that makes sautéing and searing super easy.

What you’ll need for this recipe

Besides an Instant Pot or double-boiler, you’ll need the following:

24 ounces of pink candy melts
2 cups of marshmallows
7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
Sprinkles — I recommend super fun Valentine’s Day Themed Sprinkles like these!

Yield: 14 Cocoa Bombs

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

STEP ONE

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 TWO

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

STEP THREE

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

STEP FOUR

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

STEP FIVE

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 SIX

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

STEP SEVEN

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

STEP EIGHT

Please one or two bombs in your favorite mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate releasing the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

STEP NINE

Stir with a spoon and enjoy!

Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs

I can’t wait for you to try these Instant Pot Cupid Hot Cocoa Bombs!

PIN FOR LATER

Sheet Pan Pancakes

January 5, 2021 by Rachel 10 Comments

My kids have always been picky eaters. Once they find something they absolutely love, they stick to it. Big time. My eldest loves a bowl of cereal, but that has been an acquired taste. In my 8+ years as a mom, I’ve tried to feed my kids every breakfast food imaginable. But the one thing they always seem to want? Pancakes. And pancakes just so happen to be my least favorite breakfast food to make. Mostly because three kids times three pancakes each means I am standing at the stovetop over a pan for nearly an hour (to make sure there are enough for my husband and I, as well as leftovers). It can be downright daunting! So I got creative. These easy weekday (or weekend) morning sheet pan pancakes are the perfect way to make pancakes for a crowd!

Getting creative and innovative

Listen, every mom has had moments of being at home with their kids at some point in their motherhood journey. But this pandemic took it to a whole other level! Suddenly our kids — and, who am I kidding, we! — are eating 24/7. Grocery deliveries and BJ’s Drive Up orders are now happening twice weekly. It’s basically insanity. And during insanity comes ingenuity. Is that the saying? Probably (most definitely) not, but let’s roll with it.

Who would have thought that something as simple as foregoing the griddle could be so life-changing? Okay, perhaps life-changing is a bit dramatic. But morning changing? Totally and completely accurate.

What you’ll need

This recipe is beyond easy peasy. Just grab your favorite pancake mix, water, and some vanilla, and you are good to go! Oh — and a sheet pan. Any old sheet pan will do! Just be sure you grease it (we prefer avocado oil or coconut oil).

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Yield: 12 servings

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups boxed pancake mix
2 cups of water
2 Tablespoons of Vanilla

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP ONE -

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

STEP TWO -

Mix together your pancake mix, water, and vanilla.

STEP THREE -

On a lightly greased sheet pan, pour in your pancake mix.

STEP FOUR -

Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

STEP FIVE -

Allow it to cool before cutting into it.

STEP 6 -

Cut into 12 servings. Top with butter, syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and/or more! ENJOY!

Weekday Morning Sheet Pan Pancakes

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

January 1, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

I’m obsessed with making small moments into big memories for my kids. And, perhaps, this year more than ever. Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. Not even while my husband and I were dating. I just kind of saw it for what we have made it — into a “Hallmark holiday.” But kids don’t see it that way. I vividly recall Valentine’s Day as a kid. My dad used to shower my sister and I with chocolates and gifts. It was ‘his’ holiday. Even as a kid it was clear that my mom ran the show on other holidays. But Valentine’s Day was his. To continue this tradition, my husband has taken to showering our kids with chocolates and gifts at Valentine’s Day. He’ll even pass of my Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts as his. And I’ll totally let him!

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

What you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Why an air fryer?

Okay, so I know I have given mad love to my Instant Pot. But we’ve been on the air fryer bandwagon as well. Like, for a long time. For the last 2 years we have hardly ever used our ‘bake’ feature on our oven — or our deep fryer. Because our air fryer has done so many amazing things. I throw the kids pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in it for a quick and easy lunch. But I can also make yummy treats like these pop tarts!

Yield: 8 Pop Tarts (approximately)

Air fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 21 minutes

Ingredients

15 ounces of premade pie crusts (equivalent to 2 frozen crusts)
4 ounces of strawberry preserves total (reserve 1 ounce for the frosting)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons of valentine day sprinkles
1 heart cookie cutter

Instructions

STEP ONE:

Lay your pie crust out flat on a lightly floured surface. With your cookie cutter cut out as many heart shaped hearts you can with the amount of pie crust you have.

STEP TWO:

On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.

STEP THREE:

Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.

STEP FOUR:

Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal.

STEP FIVE:

Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.

STEP SIX:

Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.

STEP SEVEN:

Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.

pop tarts

STEP EIGHT:

Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.

STEP NINE:

Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.

STEP TEN:

While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar and jelly preserve. Mix, and whisk together. You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting thicker.

STEP ELEVEN:

Drizzle your frosting over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.

Air Fryer Valentine’s Day Strawberry Pop Tarts

STEP TWELVE:

Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!