Homemade Strawberry Gummy Bears Recipe

August 1, 2021 by Rachel 10 Comments

How is back-to-school right around the corner?! I am honestly in disbelief that Summer is nearly over. And, this back-to-school season has me thinking all about meal and snack options. Having spent the last year and a half trying out new recipes and tricks to get my kids to eat has its advantages. But the ultimate recipe is here. These homemade strawberry gummy bears are perfect in every single way.

What you’ll need to make this delicious recipe

I’m not going to lie. When I first thought about making homemade gummy bears I thought, “that sounds impossible.” But, after the last year and a half, I’ve found that I can do so many hard things. And so can you! Truthfully, this recipe is way easier than you would think. I used to be super intimidated by any recipe that required gelatin, but it’s actually super easy to work with.

Here’s what you’ll need to make strawberry gummy bears:

2 cups of strawberries, diced (or really any fruit of choice)
2 .25 ounce boxes of unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons of raw honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
a gummy bear mold

What if I don’t want to use gelatin?

I know not everyone is comfortable using gelatin. To be honest, I often substitute agar agar for gelatin in other recipes. Agar agar is the best 1 to 1 vegan option.

How to make Homemade Strawberry Gummy Bears

Homemade Strawberry Gummy Bears

Ingredients

2 cups of strawberries, diced (or really any fruit of choice)
2 .25 ounce boxes of unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons of raw honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Gummy bear mold

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place diced strawberries in blender with lemon juice, and honey. Blend to fully break down the strawberries. If fruit is full of seeds, run juice through a mesh strainer to catch the seeds. It’s much easier to fill the molds with no seeds.

STEP 2 -

Place juice in a saucepan over medium heat and add the gelatin. Continue to whisk the juice while bringing the juice to a slow boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.

STEP 3 -

Fill gummy bear molds with juice. The molds come with an eye dropper or I like to use a food squeeze bottle. Slowly fill each mold.

STEP 4 -

Place molds in the fridge for 20 minutes to solidify the gummies. While molds are cooling, keep the gummy mixture warm. If using a squeeze bottle, drop bottle in hot water, if using the dropper, place saucepan on warm.

STEP 5 -

To remove the gummies, pop them right out of the mold!

STEP 6 -

ENJOY!

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Breakfast Naan Pizza Recipe

July 27, 2021 by Rachel 11 Comments

If you haven’t noticed, I’m team Easy Recipes around here. But easy recipes can feel… repetitive. Pizza, pasta, breakfast for dinner. They can all get a bit ‘overdone.’ Switching up our go-to recipes and creating something exciting and new means the kids get excited for mealtime, too! This breakfast naan pizza recipe incorporates some of our very favorite foods. Most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious!

Why Naan?

If you’ve ever had naan bread, you’ll know that it’s fluffy, buttery, and delicious. In my opinion, it far exceeds the flavor of pizza dough. Nothing truly compares to fresh naan bread from a traditional bakery or restaurant. But Stonefire Naan, which can be found at Costco or Amazon, is a great option!

What you’ll need to make this recipe

Other than the naan, the other ingredients are very simple. Here is what you’ll need:

2 naan bread
3-4 eggs
4-5 slices of bacon – cooked & crumbled
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup red onion – chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
Dash of salt & pepper
parsley (fresh, chopped, optional for garnish)

What makes this breakfast naan pizza stand out

Besides using the naan, this breakfast pizza really stands out for other reasons, too! Personally, I love eggs in and on everything! Adding it to this breakfast pizza really is the icing on the cake. And, although it’s optional, I highly recommend the parsley garnish. I know you’ll enjoy this recipe, too!

The full Breakfast Naan Pizza Recipe

Breakfast Naan Pizza

Ingredients

2 naan bread
3-4 eggs
4-5 slices of bacon - cooked & crumbled
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup red onion - chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
Dash of salt & pepper
parsley (fresh, chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

STEP 1 -

Preheat the oven to 420 degrees F.

STEP 2 -

Drizzle naan with olive oil. Cook in the oven for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly crispy.

STEP 3 -

Remove naan from the oven. Top with cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon.

STEP 4 -

Carefully crack 1-2 eggs on top of each naan. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until bread is slightly brown, cheese has melted and eggs are cooked to your preference.

STEP 5 -

Remove from the oven and let cool, slightly.

Breakfast Naan Pizza Recipe

STEP 6 -

Top with a dash of salt, pepper and fresh parsley.

Breakfast Naan Pizza Recipe

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

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Air Fryer Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches Recipe

July 23, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

While I can appreciate a heat-and-eat Instant Pot recipe, some meals just require a little bit more attention. You know what I’m talking about. That Southern comfort, home cooking that just feels like home. For me, chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food. Making hand-breaded chicken breast that are cooked to perfection in the air fryer. It’s easy, delicious, and these air fryer chicken and waffle sandwiches are sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

What you’ll need to make this recipe

You’ll need a few ingredients and just a couple of tools to make these sandwiches. First, you’ll need your air fryer. Second, a waffle iron. The other ingredient you may not have on-hand would be the Morton’s Natures Seasoning. But you can find it most grocers or on Amazon.

Here’s what else you’ll need:

2 chicken breasts
cornstarch
flour
Morton’s nature’s seasoning
eggs
pancake mix
water
your favorite syrup!

That’s it! Super easy and delicious comfort food.

How to make Air Fryer Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

Yield: 4 chicken and waffle sandwiches

Air Fryer Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken Filets

2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup of cornstarch
1/2 cup of flour
2 tablespoons of nature’s seasoning
2 eggs

Waffles

2 1/2 cups of pancake mix
1 1/2 cups of water.

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Pound the chicken breasts using the flat side of a cleaver or kitchen hammer. Pound breast to 1/2” thick. Cut breast into 4 fillets.

STEP 2 -

In a bowl, mix flour and cornstarch with Natures Seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

STEP 3 -

Coat the fillets in flour mix, then egg wash and then back into the flour mix.

STEP 4 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place filets in basket. Spray filets with oil.

STEP 5 -

Cook fillets on 380°f for 12-15 minutes. Make sure chicken internal temp reaches 165°f. Flip filets and cook for 3-5 to crisp breading.

STEP 6 -

Let filets rest and cook.

STEP 7 -

Mix water and pancake mix to create waffle batter.

Using waffle iron, pour batter and cook.

Make sure batter is evenly dispersed.

STEP 8 -

Assemble the fillets between two waffle squares, and coat with warm syrup!

STEP 9 -

ENJOY!

If you’re looking for other easy recipes, I highly suggest you try this recipe here.

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Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

July 18, 2021 by Rachel 15 Comments

Now that life seems to be back in full swing, I’m trying to remember all of the easy recipe hacks I thought of during the ‘big shutdown’. One of the ways I have tried to simplify mealtime is to use as few pans as possible. This isn’t quite ‘one pan,’ but darn it, it’s close! You absolutely must try this easy sheet pan chicken quesadillas recipe!

What you’ll need to make this recipe

This recipe is one of the few that I share that doesn’t require some fancy kitchen gadget. No Instant Pot necessary. No air fryer. Nada.

Just your trusty old sheet pan! In fact, the only items you’ll need are the following:

2 chicken breasts, cooked + shredded
1 can of black beans
1/2 purple onion, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup of fresh salsa
2 tablespoons of oil
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
7-8 burrito-sized tortillas
2-3 stalks of green onion
sour cream (optional, garnish)
cilantro (optional, garnish)

Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Yield: 6 quesadillas

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cooked + shredded
1 can of black beans
1/2 purple onion, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup of fresh salsa
2 tablespoons of oil
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
7-8 burrito-sized tortillas
2-3 stalks of green onion
sour cream (optional, garnish)
cilantro (optional, garnish)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skiller. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until tender (about 5 minutes).

STEP 2 -

Add garlic, chicken, beans, spices, oil and salsa. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

STEP 3 -

Spray sheet pan with oil and place tortillas half on half off the pan.

STEP 4 -

Fill the middle of tortillas with chicken mixture.

STEP 5 -

Add cheese and green onions. Place remaining tortillas in center to cover area.

STEP 6 -

Fold over the outside tortillas and place another sprayed sheet pan on top to keep tortillas closed.

STEP 7 -

Bake in oven on 425 for 20 minutes.

STEP 8 -

Remove and cut into 6 pieces. ENJOY!

This is the perfect way to feed a feast to your family, in just a few easy steps!

Tell me — what’s your favorite, easy, family recipe?!

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Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe — Easy and Delicious!

July 14, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

Two years ago we started our first ever backyard garden. Last year, due to the circumstances of ‘staying home,’ I decided to go all in with my garden. Well, I planted a little bit of everything. And, although I would like to say that I got a little bit of everything in return, I didn’t. Instead I got, like, 20 tomatoes, 1 strawberry, and 35 zucchini. I knew that zucchini made awesome zoodles, but what else could I do with the other 20+ zucchini?! That’s when I decided to make these air fryer zucchini fries. And they have been an absolute hit with my whole family!

What you’ll need to make these incredible zucchini fries

10-11 baby zucchini or 4-5 regular zucchini
2/3 of a cup of panko crumbs
2/3 of a cup of grated parmesan
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

How to make Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Yield: 20-22 fries

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Total Time 26 minutes

Ingredients

10-11 baby zucchini or 4-5 regular zucchini
2/3 cup of panko crumbs
2/3 cup of grated parmesan
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Remove each end of the zucchini and cut into sticks.

STEP 2 -

In a bowl mix the panko, parmesan, and spices.

STEP 3 -

In another bowl, beat the egg.

STEP 4 -

Dredge the zucchini in the egg and then the breading mix. Repeat for extra crispy results.

STEP 5 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place sticks in the basket. Spray the zucchini and cook on 370 for 11 minutes or until golden.

STEP 6 -

ENJOY!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

If you’re looking for other easy recipes, try this one! You won’t regret it!

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Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

July 9, 2021 by Rachel 19 Comments

If you have ever travelled through or lived in Ohio, you’ll know there is a lot of ground to cover. We are lucky to live within driving distance to so many incredible places. With three young kids, taking 12-hour road trips is less than ideal. But finding places within driving distance here in Ohio is incredibly easy. And the perfect adventure and family fun can be found at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Why the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake?

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is located on the most beautiful lakefront location — right on Lake Erie. The views are truly picturesque. And the lodge is gorgeous — both inside and out! With 109 rooms and 25 lakeside cottages, there is truly a space for all sizes of families. Our family of 5 was more than comfortable in our fireplace room, overlooking the outdoor pool and splashpad.

Here are my favorite parts of the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake:

Lakeside and poolside

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake not only has incredible views, but it also features both an indoor and outdoor pool, and a splash pad. While we spent a lot of time exploring the strip and the state park, my kids wanted to spend every other waking moment at the pools.

We alternated between the indoor and outdoor pools for a change of scenery. But both pools have a view of Lake Erie that would give oceanside cities a run for their money. It is simply breathtaking.

Exceptional on-site dining at Horizons Restaurant

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake features on-site dining from Horizons Restaurant. With stunning views, both indoor and outdoor dining, and a rotating seasonal menu, it’s the perfect place for dinner with the family.

Our appetizer was the kids choice — Warm Pretzels with Guinness Beer Cheese. They were so good that the kids asked for another order!

Family Fun at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

All three kids ordered their own kids meal while the parents indulged in the most decadent meals we’ve had in a long time. My smoked pork chop with local blueberry beer glaze, and brussels sprouts and kale salad paired perfectly with my all-Ohio wine flight featuring Ferrante’s best wines.

Chad ordered the quinoa crispy shrimp, which he let me taste. Also an incredible option. In all honesty, all five of us were so impressed by both the service and the meals. I truly have not stopped thinking about my pork chop since our visit.

Comfort for the whole family

The service in the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake was outstanding. From our check-in experience, to the friendliness of the gift shop staff, we felt over-the-top welcomed by everyone.

The kids loved the fireplace in our room (despite the 90 degree weather). I couldn’t help but think about visiting in the winter to get the full effect of our beautiful fireplace room.

S’mores and Sunsets

Sure, the views of Lake Erie are stunning during the day. But a Lake Erie sunset is magical. Whether you visit the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake with your whole family, as a couple, or with girlfriends, you absolutely must catch the sunset.

I wish I could put into words how magical this moment was for my small kids. They’ve seen plenty of sunsets before; but none have compared to the sunset on the lake. The only thing that made it more magical for them was getting to make s’mores with this incredible backdrop.

The gift shop at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers s’mores kits and it is a must-do (especially if you ask my kids). Heck, even if you’re visiting as a couple, I highly recommend making s’mores with this view. What could be better than s’mores and this Lake Erie sunset?!

Family Activities at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Many people immediately think about the fun activities for couples in Geneva-on-the-Lake. But I am here to tell you there are absolutely so many fun activities for families. In fact, when we were in the car on the way home, all three kids declared that we must return for a visit soon!

Zipline Adventure Park with Lake Erie Canopy Tours

Before settling down and having a family, Chad and I were super adventurous. Heck, if we have a babysitter, we are still super adventurous. But there’s also a huge thrill in watching your children accomplish things they didn’t think they could do.

I will tell you that our middle child, Remy (age 5), is always the first to volunteer for something fun. But she also quickly realizes that she may be too nervous or scared. Luckily the guides with Lake Erie Canopy Tours and her brother, helped to convince her that she is strong and brave.

Both Ari (age 8) and Remy, completed the kids adventure course multiple times. Near the end of their hour long tour, Ari decided to see how quickly he could make it through the ropes course. His best time was about 2 and a half minutes.

I will forever be grateful for the confidence and bravery the staff helped to develop with my kids. And I cannot wait for Mila (age 3) to join in on the fun next year.

Tour the strip and park by renting a golf cart

During our first morning at the Lodge, I convinced my husband and kids that we should walk to get lunch from The Old Firehouse Winery. Honestly, it isn’t far. But what I didn’t factor into our adventure was the humidity and having 3 tiny people making the trek. But we made it! We enjoyed our lunch, wine slushes, and ride on the ferris wheel.

*Wine Slush at The Old Firehouse Winery.*

But, from there on out, we decided to travel the strip by golf cart rather than by foot. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers on-site rentals for kayaks, paddle boats, and golf carts. It made exploring so much easier — the strip is a lot longer than I expected!

Go for a ride on #5 Big Eli — and then grab a meal at Old Firehouse Winery

Old Firehouse Winery - Geneva on the Lake

Old Firehouse Winery, just minutes from the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, was purchased in 1956 for the now closed “Erieview Park.” After the park closed, Old Firehouse Winery bought it and it is the only winery in the world with its own ferris wheel!

You can purchase tickets from your server at the winery or in their storefront. But I offer you this pro tip: ride before you eat. The #5 Big Eli is fast. I may have had to put on a brave face for the kids (I’m afraid of heights, but I really wanted to experience seeing Lake Erie from that viewpoint. And it did not disappoint).

It is completely obvious why people visit Old Firehouse Winery. Even without the ferris wheel experience, the views and food are laid back and perfectly paired with their wine offerings.

Explore Geneva State Park

Geneva State Park is located right next door to the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. It’s easily accessible by walking or riding on the paved trail from the lodge. Or you can take the golf cart through the main entrance. Either way you enter, the state park offers amazing views, and almost 700 acres to explore.

A six-hundred foot beach shoreline is a great place for kids to play on the shore of Lake Erie. Who needs an ocean, right?!

Get your adrenaline pumping at Adventure Zone

Within our first hours in Geneva-on-the-Lake, we walked past Adventure Zone. It’s located less than a half of a mile from the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, so it’s an easy walk. My 8-year-old declared that we must go there! This family-owned and family-run business features a full arcade and a bunch of other exciting attractions.

We made the most of our visit to Adventure Zone by hitting the go-karts (yay for tandem karts), bumper boats, merry-go-round, and bungee trampoline before making the grand finale exit from Geneva-on-the-Lake: the Zip Zone Zipline.

I credit my 8-year-olds willingness to climb the 60-foot tower and fly down the 1000 foot zipline because he had previously done the kids course at Lake Erie Canopy Tours. To tell you the truth, this mama was nervous for sure! Chad and Ari climbed that tower and I watched like a hawk from below. I had butterflies in my stomach and so much excitement for this adventure for him.

And guess what? They both did great!

Whether you take a two-day trip or week long trip to the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, your family is going to have a blast. Book your stay today!