Name: Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 31 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4-5 medium sized russet or golden potatoes; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 tablespoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1 teaspoon of pepper; Kabob skewers; parsley, optional as garnish

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

November 20, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Tornado potatoes are a fun, flavorful, and visually striking snack that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something crispy and delicious. With their spiral shape and golden, crunchy texture, they’re like a cross between French fries and potato chips—perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a side dish. Best of all, making these tasty tornado potatoes at home is simpler than you might think! In this post, we’ll guide you through a quick and easy recipe that will have you twisting up your own batch in no time. Get ready to elevate your potato game with this irresistible treat! These air fryer Tornado Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

Why you should consider getting an air fryer

Using an air fryer to make recipes at home is a game-changer for busy families. It cooks food faster than traditional methods. Thus, saving you time in the kitchen. While also using less oil, making meals healthier without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer’s versatility means you can easily prepare everything from crispy snacks to juicy chicken and even baked goods, all with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking. It offers a safer and more efficient way to enjoy homemade meals together.

We have two air fryers. My personal favorite is this dual-cook air fryer from Ninja. The Ninja Foodi allows two different temperature settings and cook settings, so you can make two different items at the same time.

What you’ll need to make this tasty dish

Making Tornado Potatoes in the air fryer is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients! All you’ll need are russet or golden potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, along with a couple of kabob skewers to create that signature spiral shape. Parsley is entirely optional, but really helps bring out the final flavors. The air fryer does all the work, delivering crispy, golden potatoes in no time without the mess of deep frying. It’s a fun, hassle-free way to enjoy this delicious snack or side dish right at home!

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes Recipe

Yield: 6

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 1 minute

Total Time 31 minutes

Ingredients

4-5 medium sized russet or golden potatoes
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
Kabob skewers
parsley, optional as garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

Place potatoes in the microwave for 1-1.5 minutes. This softens the potatoes for skewering.
Stick skewers through the center of the potato’s long ways. Place potatoes in the center of the skewer.
With a knife, make an angled cut in a corkscrew rotation from one edge to the other cutting clear to the skewer.
To separate, loosen the ringlets and pull outwards. Keep in mind the size of your air fryer basket. You might need to cut away excess skewer.
Brush potatoes with oil inside and out and season with spices.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400° for 15-18 minutes. (This step may need repeated based on the size of your air fryer baskets).
Remove and let cool.
Repeat as needed until all potatoes are cooked to perfection.
ENJOY!

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Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

November 19, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Garlic herb butter is the ultimate kitchen secret for adding rich, savory flavor to just about any dish. Whether you’re spreading it on freshly baked bread, topping a juicy steak, or tossing it with pasta, this easy garlic herb butter recipe is a game changer. With just a few simple ingredients—like fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and creamy butter—you can elevate your meals in minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a delicious gift for foodie friends. This homemade garlic herb butter is versatile, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat in no time!

An Easy Garlic Herb Butter recipe is perfect for the holiday season because it adds a touch of elegance and flavor to all your festive meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, spreading it on warm dinner rolls, or using it to enhance a holiday roast, this fragrant butter elevates simple dishes to something truly special. The combination of garlic and fresh herbs is both comforting and savory, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option that can be prepped in advance, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of holiday cooking. This homemade garlic herb butter also makes a wonderful gift when packaged in a cute jar, offering friends and family a little taste of the season’s warmth and flavor.

What you’ll need for this recipe

To make this flavorful garlic herb butter, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Start with 4 cups of heavy whipping cream to create the base for your butter. Next, add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh, earthy flavor. 2 tablespoons of minced garlic will give the butter its rich, savory kick, while 4 stems of thyme infuse the butter with a fragrant herbal note. These simple ingredients come together to create a buttery spread that’s perfect for enhancing your meals, from fresh bread to roasted vegetables and beyond.

It’s such an easy recipe that is just perfect for Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Yield: 2 cups

Garlic Herb Butter

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups of heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons of parsley
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
4 stems of thyme

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

Place the heavy cream in a stand mixer and whisk on medium speed for 3 minutes. The cream will start to whip and thicken.
Once thickened, increase the speed to high and whisk for 5 minutes out until butter form in the whisk and separates from the buttermilk. You’ll want to cover the bowl to avoid splashing.
Once butter is formed strain away from buttermilk using cheese cloth. Form the butter into a ball and drain the butter milk. Discard or use the butter milk.
Add butter, parsley, garlic and removing the thyme from the steams and mix together for 2 minutes.
Use soft butter or form into a log and refrigerate to harden to form.
ENJOY!

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Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

November 18, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Rich, creamy, and comforting, Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s perfect for cozy dinner. Traditionally, it can take time to prepare. Enter the Instant Pot! With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of this beloved dish in a fraction of the time. Ground beef is simmered in a savory, creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions. Thus, creating a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff will become your new go-to for a satisfying, no-fuss meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.

But why use an Instant Pot?

Using the Instant Pot to make meals is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It combines multiple cooking functions—pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking, and more—into one appliance, saving both time and effort. The pressure cooking feature significantly speeds up cooking times, making it possible to prepare meals like stews, soups, and even roasts in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the Instant Pot locks in flavors, tenderizes meat quickly, and allows for hands-off cooking, so you can set it and forget it while it does the work. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping a comforting meal for family and friends, the Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy homemade, flavorful dishes with minimal cleanup.

What you’ll need to make this satisfying meal

To make a delicious and comforting Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. They come together to create a rich, creamy dish. From tender beef and savory onions, to hearty egg noodles and a smooth sour cream sauce. This recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to get started on this flavorful, one-pot meal.

ground beef (the leaner the better, but 85/15 works just fine)
salt and black pepper
vegetable oil
amedium sized onion
garlic
tomato paste
beef broth
butter
mushrooms (portabella are preferred, but whatever mushroom you have on hand will work)
cornstarch
cold water
sour cream
egg noodles

How to make Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Yield: 4

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 29 minutes

Ingredients

1-pound of ground beef, 85/15
salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, divided, plus more as needed
1/2 medium sized onion, diced
1 Tablespoon of garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
1 1/2 cups of beef broth
1 Tablespoon of butter
5 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
1 Tablespoon of cornstarch
3 Tablespoons of cold water
1/4 cup of sour cream
8 ounces of egg noodles, raw

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

Set your instant pot to sauté mode. Once your pot is hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Brown your ground beef. Once browned, strain the grease and set aside.
Add in one more tablespoon of oil and your butter. Once your butter is completely melted add in your mushrooms. Sauté them for about five minutes until they have softened and caramelized. Then set aside.
If needed, add a tablespoon of oil. Add in your onions and sauté for about three minutes until they soften and caramelized. Add in your garlic and stir for another minute to release the flavors.
Add in your beef broth and ground beef.
Add your sour cream and cooked mushrooms. Mix well.
Add your egg noodles to your pot. Mix well so that each noodle is covered in the gravy mixture.
Press cancel on your instant pot. With your noodles still raw, lock your lid in place and allow your noodles to cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Open your lid, and make sure your noodles are cooked to your liking.
Once your noodles are cooked give it one more store and transfer to a bowl. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Now that you’ve made a delicious and flavorful dish, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend meal. Whenever you make this meal, enjoy the perfectly cooked combinations of beef, mushrooms, and a savory sauce. Thankfully leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just getting started, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge in a comforting, homemade meal that’s both quick and delicious!

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Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookie

November 16, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of Crumbl’s famous chocolate chunk cookies, then this recipe is about to become your new go-to! Soft, chewy, and packed with generous chunks of rich milk chocolate, these homemade cookies capture the same irresistible flavor and texture you love from the Crumbl bakery. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe delivers the ultimate indulgence—right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a fresh batch of warm, gooey cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What you’ll need for this recipe

To recreate the delicious, bakery-style chocolate chunk cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. They come together to create the perfect soft and chewy texture. First, start with unsalted butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base. Then and add both brown sugar and granulated sugar for a sweet balance and slight caramel flavor. The secret to those thick, soft cookies is the combination of eggs and vanilla extract, which bring moisture and depth of flavor. Then, of course, no chocolate chunk cookie would be complete without a generous amount of high-quality milk chocolate chunks, ensuring every bite is filled with creamy chocolate goodness. A touch of flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt round out the mix to make these cookies perfectly balanced. Gather these ingredients and prepare for a cookie experience that rivals your favorite Crumbl treat!

Here are the ingredients to make Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

flour
cornstarch
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
egg
egg yolk
vanilla extract
chocolate chunks (these are my go-to)
flaky sea salt

Making homemade cookies, like these Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies, is more than just a fun baking project—it’s a heartwarming way for families to bond and create lasting memories together. The process of mixing ingredients, shaping dough, and waiting for the warm cookies to bake in the oven offers a chance to slow down and enjoy quality time with loved ones. There’s something special about the aroma of fresh-baked cookies filling the house, bringing everyone together around the kitchen counter. Plus, when you bake at home, you can customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Therefore making it a perfect opportunity to pass down traditions, share stories, and enjoy a sweet treat made with love. These Copycat Crumbl cookies bring the joy of a beloved bakery right into your home, offering a little slice of happiness with every bite.

Yield: 6 cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of butter, softened
3/4 cup of light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chunks
flaky sea salt, optional for topping

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix the sugars and butter until fluffy.
After scraping the side of the mixing bowl, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, then continue whisking for two minutes.
Gradually add the dry ingredients until fully mixed and smooth.
Fold in the chocolate chunks.
Let the cookie dough sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Spoon out about a cup of cookie dough and form into a ball 2-3” in diameter.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dough balls 2” apart. You can bake them as dough balls or form the dough into a flatter cookie shape.
Bake at 350º F for 15 minutes.
Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a baking rack.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over cookies, if desired.
ENJOY!

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Copycat Little Bites Party Cakes Muffins

October 27, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

We need to talk about kids and snacks. My kids will hyperfocus on a snack and then eat through it in a day. I wind up spending an ungodly amount of money on a singular snack. Part of me thinks that I can’t complain. I mean, heck, they’re eating! Like with everything, all of this comes in phases. And right now we’re in a Little Bites phase. These kids absolutely cannot get enough of the Little Bites muffins. Specifically, the party cakes. But I’m getting really tired of paying what feels like a hundred dollars for 5 mini muffins. So I did what any mom would do — I made a dupe recipe! These copycat Little Bites Party Cakes Muffins are the perfect dupe. Your kids will never know the difference!

What you’ll need

It’s actually super easy to make these copycat muffins. But you’ll never fool your kids if you use a full-size muffin tin. That’s why you need these mini muffin tins. As for the ingredients themselves, those are easy peasy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

all purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
sugar
vegetable oil
eggs
milk
vanilla
multicolor sprinkles

With just a handful of ingredients, you can easily duplicate the world’s most expensive muffins! — Also, I hope you understand that this is said in jest. But, as parents, we all know that these (absolutely scrumptious) muffins are mega overpriced. So don’t pay for them anymore!

And if you need extra props to convince your kiddos, keep one of those extra bags and throw these in it.

How to make Copycat Little Bites Party Cakes Muffins

Yield: 32-36 muffins

Copycat Little Bites Party Cakes Muffins

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

2 ¾ cups of all purpose flour
1 tablespoon (heaping) of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
1 ¼ cups of sugar
½ cup of vegetable oil
3 large eggs
½ cup of milk
3 teaspoon of vanilla
¾ cup of multicolor sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

Preheat the oven to 350ºf and generously spray your mini-muffin pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla, making sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
In another separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar) thoroughly.
Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will lead to dense muffins that don't rise properly. The mixture should be fluffy and moist. Stop mixing once the dry ingredients have dissolved into the wet ingredients.
Gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Drop ½ to 1 tablespoon of batter into each spot on a mini-muffin pan.
Bake in the oven for 7 minutes at 350°F (on the middle rack), or until the muffins are fully cooked. You can confirm the cook by the toothpick method.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Repeat until batter is gone.
Enjoy!

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Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie

September 5, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

If you’re a die-hard Crumbl cookie fan, you’ll understand the excitement of recreating their iconic Pink Sugar Cookie at home. Crumbl cookies expanded to the Northeast Ohio market in 2023 and our family was HERE FOR IT! In fact, I may have lined up on opening day for BOTH of our local Crumbl Cookies stores. It’s true! I immediately fell in love with these warm, soft, and buttery flaky cookies. If you have yet to try Crumbl cookies, what are you waiting for? I mean, who doesn’t love a yummy dessert?! These Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookies will have you addicted to your new favorite cookie.

Crumbl Cookie is a popular bakery chain known for its delectable and innovative cookie creations. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t immediately get the hype before I tried them. But Crumbl Cookie fanatics, you know that each bite is a heavenly experience! The flavors meld together to form the perfect balance of sweetness, with a texture that melts in your mouth.

It’s something you need to taste to understand. If you’re not local to a Crumbl (or even if you are), what better way to experience the flavors than by recreating them with this Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie recipe?

Here’s what you’ll need to make Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookies

I love baking from scratch. If you do, you should have most of these ingredients on-hand. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of your favorite cookies:

butter
vegetable oil
granulated sugar
powdered sugar
egg
pure vanilla
flour
baking powder
baking soda
cream of tartar
milk
pink food coloring

Just twelve ingredients stand between you and your newest favorite indulgence. What are you waiting for?!

Yield: 5-6 cookies

Copycat Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

1 stick of butter, softened
¼ cup of vegetable oil
¾ cup of granulated sugar
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ teaspoons of vanilla
2 ½ cups of flour
½ teaspoon of baking powder
¼ teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar

Icing Ingredients

1 stick of butter, softened
2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
½ teaspoon of vanilla
Pink food coloring

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar; set aside.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and 3 tablespoons powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in the oil.
Add the egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture until just blended.
Portion the dough into 2 1/2” balls (or 130g). Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and flatten to form a 4-5” cookie.
Arrange the cookies on a pan about 2” apart and bake for 9-12 minutes at 350°F.
Allow to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla, blending to your desired consistency, adjusting with more cream or sugar as needed.
Mix in a few drops of pink food coloring until you achieve the desired shade.
Frost the cooled cookies and refrigerate them.
ENJOY!