brews + food

Name: Baked Chili Cheese Dog Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
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)

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

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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?!

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Instant Pot Grinch Truffles

December 6, 2020 by Rachel 11 Comments

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch. Honestly, friends, I know things have been difficult for all of us lately. I know that we all feel like perhaps our hearts have grown larger and also more exhausted. And I think that’s exactly why I’m being extra celebratory this year. We could all use an extra dose or two of cheer. And what better way to bring smiles to those you love with Instant Pot Grinch Truffles!

Confession: I used to be a grinch!

In my thirty-plus years of life I have always loved Thanksgiving the most of all holidays. But having kids has changed me in a major way. I’m no longer a Christmas Grinch! In fact, I absolutely adore this time of year. Bring on all of the holiday cheer, the magic of Santa, and the adorable Christmas movies — just like The Grinch!

What You’ll Need To Make Instant Pot Grinch Truffles

These are super easy to make — promise! All you’ll need is the following:

1 box of Devil’s Food Cake
3 large eggs
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 cup of water
4 tablespoon of cream cheese frosting
6 squares of white baking chocolate
Green food coloring
35 Red heart sprinkles
my favorite appliance — the Instant Pot!
a round springform pan and tin foil

That’s it!

Instant Pot Grinch Truffles Recipe

Yield: about 35

Instant Pot Grinch Truffles

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” -- The Grinch.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s Food Cake
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup of water
4 tablespoon of cream cheese frosting
6 squares of white baking chocolate
Green food coloring
35 Red heart sprinkles

Instructions

Make the box of cake per the instructions on the back of the boxed mix.

Lightly grease a springform cake pan with cooking spray. Pour in your cake mix.

Cover with aluminum foil.

Place 1 1/2 cups of water inside the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the inner pot. Then place your cake pan inside your inner pot on the trivet.

Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 50 minutes. Once the time is up, press cancel, and do a manual release.

Remove the cake pan and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to completely cool.

Once your cake has completely cooled, place the contents in a large bowl and crumble.

Add in your frosting to the cake.

Mix well.

Using a cookie scoop, or a small spoon, grab a small amount of the cake mix. Roll the cake mix between the palm of your hands to form a ball. Place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

In a medium sized bowl, melt your baking chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

Add in your green food coloring to melted chocolate until desired color.

Remove your cake balls from the freezer. Dip each ball in your green chocolate. Coat completely, and transfer to a parchment paper to allow the chocolate to harden. Immediately place one heart sprinkle on the top of each truffle before the chocolate hardens.

Instant Pot Grinch Truffles

Once the chocolate has hardened - Enjoy!

Tell me — what’s your favorite version of The Grinch movie?!

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PIN ME - Instant Pot Grinch Truffles Recipe Perfect for Christmas

My Self-Care Routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

December 3, 2020 by Rachel 11 Comments

This month I turned thirty-five. My 36th birthday came in with little fanfare, but I feel more present than ever. In fact, I rang in this year by focusing on a just a few things: myself and my family. And that’s why I am here to share my self-care routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads.

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a term we throw around a lot these days. For me, self-care means unplugging and focusing on myself. But it’s something we all need. I know that I can easily get burned out if I don’t take a step back, take a breath, and focus on myself for point two seconds. In fact, just last week I was drowning with the need for a bit of time to focus on myself. Taking care of others, working from home, and homeschooling will (and can) do a number on anyone. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of ourselves.

My Self-Care Routine

I will admit it: I am addicted to social media. Sure, it can be fun. But in the past however many years, it’s also been a wonderful platform for me to use my voice and a wonderful way to stay connected. But there are major downfalls. Social media has made clear divides between people. Some of those divides just cannot be repaired. So self-care is exactly what I need in my life.

Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

Unplugging and unwinding with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads is my go-to for self-care. I mean, I need to be away from social media. And what better way than by joining a virtual book club like By Any Reads?! I get to connect with people across the country and do something I love — read!

This months book is Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. The book is both powerful and inspiring. As a cisgender white woman, I thought perhaps I would not be able to relate. But her book is about so much more than her experience as a transgender woman.

This book brought so many feelings to the surface. I’ve been struggling with my own sort of identity crisis. Turning 36 means that I’m nearing the dreaded ‘middle-age’. And I’ve talked quite a bit about my experience in becoming a mother and trying to ‘find myself,’ or rather, get to know myself again. It’s a journey I’m still on. And this book was a great example of how our lives are just one small transformation after another.

Are you interested in joining a virtual book club? Follow @RiondoProsecco on Instagram to learn more about December’s book selection!

My hopes for this year

My hope is that I can be an encouraging voice for my community. And that community includes YOU. I want you to #TakeASeccoTo yourself. Enjoy self-care in small ways. Even if that means sipping on Riondo Prosecco and reading a book. Get to know yourself through small acts of reflection.

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easy tips for a self care routine to unwind even in chaos

Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

October 28, 2020 by Rachel 20 Comments

Hiiiiii… my name is Rachel and I am kinda, sorta, obsessed with cake pops. It’s true. Once, my ‘true love’ was cupcakes. But nowadays it’s those perfect little bite-sized perfections of dessert — cake pops. And, of course, I love my local pop-maker, I sometimes just like to spoil my kids with this homemade Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe.

Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Why the instant pot for cake pops?

If you’ve experimented with the Instant Pot you’ll know — pressure cooking any food — entree or dessert — makes it super moist and extra delicious. Pressure cooking holds the moisture of food and creates an extra boost of flavor. I could seriously use my Instant Pot for everything.

Also, cake pops are expensive. Like, they can be really expensive — especially with three kids who want (at least) one! But making them in the Instant Pot? So incredibly inexpensive. I mean, I more than get my use out of my Instant Pot, especially with all of the dinners I make in it. But the other items, I mostly have on hand (minus the sticks

What you’ll need for this recipe:

For the cake:

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups flour
1 cup milk

For the chocolate coating:

6 blocks of Almond Bark (12 oz)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 container cream cheese frosting
1 drop pink gel food coloring
70 Treat sticks
1 package white round sprinkles

How to make Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops

How to make the cake

In a large bowl, beat together your sugar and butter. Mix until incorporated.
Next add in your oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
While alternating, in your flour and milk a little bit each time. Mix until incorporated.
Prepare your instant pot spring form cake pan by placing Parchment paper on the flat plate. Put the springform pan on top of it and close shop. Remove any remaining parchment that is sticking out using scissors or ripping it off. Spray with cooking spray, or grease with butter.
Fill your pan 3/4 of the way with the batter.
Fill your instant pot with 2 cups of water. Placed the trivet inside and place your cake on top of the trivet.
Close the lid on your instant pot and make sure that the ceiling valve is closed and facing away from you. Set your instant pot to 45 minutes.
Once your instant pot has finished cooking, do a manual released by pulling the ceiling valve towards you to remove any pressure.
With a towel or hot pads, pull the trivet out of the instant pot using the two handles. Transfer to cooling sheet and allow the cake to completely cool.

How to make the chocolate coating

While your cake is cooling, add in a small bowl together your Almond bark and 1 tablespoon of oil. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring each time. Make sure that your chocolate is completely melted.
Add one small drop of pink food coloring to your chocolate mixture. Stir well.
Add your cake to a large bowl as well as your frosting. Mix well.
Using a cookie scoop, or eyeballing the size ball that you want, using the palm of your hand, form a round ball. Line each one of your cake balls on a cookie sheet.
Once this is done, transfer your cake balls to the freezer for about 15 minutes too hard and slightly and cool.
After the 15 minutes, remove the cake balls. Taking a treat steak, dip it slightly in your chocolate. This will help it stay in the cake pot.
Dip your cake pop in the chocolate and cover it completely. Give it a few seconds to drip off any excess chocolate into the bowl.
I used a cake pop decorating stand, but you can use even a block of Styrofoam to place the stick in to stand on its own while the chocolate dries and solidifies. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.
Continue and repeat until you have made all your cake pops! Enjoy!

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Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Ingredients

Cake

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups flour
1 cup milk

Chocolate Coating

6 blocks of Almond Bark (12 oz)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 container cream cheese frosting
1 drop pink gel food coloring
70 Treat sticks
1 package white round sprinkles

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together your sugar and butter. Mix until incorporated.

Next add in your oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Mix until incorporated.

While alternating, in your flour and milk a little bit each time. Mix until incorporated.

Prepare your instant pot spring form cake pan by placing Parchment paper on the flat plate. Put the springform pan on top of it and close shop. Remove any remaining parchment that is sticking out using scissors or ripping it off. Spray with cooking spray, or grease with butter.

Fill your pan 3/4 of the way with the batter.

Fill your instant pot with 2 cups of water. Placed the trivet inside and place your cake on top of the trivet.

Close the lid on your instant pot and make sure that the ceiling valve is closed and facing away from you. Set your instant pot to 45 minutes.

Once your instant pot has finished cooking, do a manual released by pulling the ceiling valve towards you to remove any pressure.

With a towel or hot pads, pull the trivet out of the instant pot using the two handles. Transfer to cooling sheet and allow the cake to completely cool.

While your cake is cooling, add in a small bowl together your Almond bark and 1 tablespoon of oil. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring each time. Make sure that your chocolate is completely melted.

cake pop process

Add one small drop of pink food coloring to your chocolate mixture. Stir well.

Add your cake to a large bowl as well as your frosting. Mix well.

Using a cookie scoop, or eyeballing the size ball that you want, using the palm of your hand, form a round ball. Line each one of your cake balls on a cookie sheet.

Once done, transfer your cake balls to the freezer for about 15 minutes too hard and slightly and cool.

After the 15 minutes, remove your cake balls. Taking a treat steak, dip it slightly in your chocolate. This will help it stay in the cake pot.

Dip your cake pop in the chocolate and cover it completely. Give it a few seconds to drip off any excess chocolate into the bowl.

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

I used a cake pop decorating stand, but you can use even a block of Styrofoam to place the stick in to stand on its own while the chocolate dries and solidifies. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate dries.

Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

Continue and repeat until you have made all your cake pops! Enjoy!

Instant Pot Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe

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Flexitarian Meals are simple with Marie Callender’s from Walmart

October 20, 2020 by Rachel 19 Comments

My husband and I have made responsible choices for our purchases and would often make vegetarian dishes to reduce meat consumption. But, upon having kids, something changed. Our dedication to make flexitarian choices seemed even more important because our decisions directly impact our kids. But life gets busy. And meals from scratch get more difficult (especially on the weeknights). But flexitarian meals are simple with Marie Callender’s Chick’n Pot Pie made with Gardein Plant-Based Chick’n from Walmart.

Flexitarian Meals are simple with Marie Callender's from Walmart

What is Flexitarian?

A flexitarian is considered someone who follows a less-strict form of vegetarianism. Personally, I just really enjoy meat-free meals!

Why Marie Callender’s?

I grew up eating Marie Callender’s Pot Pies. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods. And Marie Callender’s Chick’n Pot Pie made with Gardein Plant-Based Chick’n is my go-to for that comfort food feeling. It’s made with the same golden, flaky, crust you know and love. But with Gardein Plant-Based Chick’n!

Flexitarian Meals are simple with Marie Callender's

Marie Callender’s Chick’n Pot Pie made with Gardein Plant-Based Chick’n is a regular family favorite in our house. My kids have no idea they are eating Gardein Plant-Based Chick’n. Plus they’re getting all of the veggies they need.

Flexitarian on a budget?

With three kids and two adults to feed, a flexitarian meal plan can easily go over budget. But it doesn’t have to. In fact, I work our flexitarian meals into our regular shopping from Walmart Grocery Pickup and we stay well within our grocery budget. It’s true! The Walmart frozen section is actually full of vegetarian, dairy-free, and flexitarian meals to satisfy the whole family.

Tips for Specialty Diet Shopping at Walmart

If you’re on the fence, add a couple of these to your next Walmart grocery pick up order and try them for yourself. I think you’ll be surprised at how much it tastes like the ‘real’ thing. And who knows! Perhaps you’ll be ready to try out the flexitarian lifestyle, too!