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Delicious Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

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I’m in full on back-to-school mode over here. I’m trying not to be, but the deadline of school/homeschool start is quickly approaching. This year I’m getting creative with lunches and snacks. The past few months have given me a new confidence in the kitchen. And, despite how strange this school year may look, I’m ready to tackle lunches and snacks like a pro with these Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe!

Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

I have to admit — my guiltiest of guilty pleasures are the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. I don’t know what is so glorious about them. Nostalgia, maybe? I’m not certain what it is — but these Copycat Cosmic Brownies contain all of that same magic!

Make school snacks fun

As we all know, this will be an unprecedented school year. No one really knows what it will look like for our kids — or us. Although I have decided to keep my kids home full-time and do distance learning, my plan is to still keep the school day structure. Before the pandemic started, I saw the writing on the wall. I watched what was happening in other countries, and I knew schools would be shut down in the US. So I stocked up on snacks and craft supplies. Those lasted approximately two weeks. Ha!

spatula with dessert

Now that I have a bit more time to prep for what’s to come, I was able to prepare in other ways. I bought a few sets of bento boxes from Amazon. My goal is to still make ‘school lunches’ for the kids. That way they aren’t trying to snack all day.

Cosmic Brownies or Bust

Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

My love for Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is apparently a trait I passed on to all three of my kids. And I can’t blame them! Fun fact — I’m not a big fan of chocolate, especially in candy. But these copycat cosmic brownies?! OMG — SO good!

spatula

You’ll have most of the items you need to make this recipe. The one ‘specialty’ item would be the rainbow chips. If you’ve ever eaten a cosmic brownie, you know those aren’t just regular chocolate chips on top! Nope! Those are candy coated chocolate chips. I bought a bag here off Amazon and it was the best priced per ounce.

The full Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe

Copycat Cosmic Brownies

Copycat Cosmic Brownies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 cup brown sugar 
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 
  • 2 large eggs plus 2 yolks 
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

Glaze

  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Topping

  • ¼ cup Rainbow Chocolate Chips

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
    3. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, whole eggs and yolks in a large bowl.
    4. Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler, then whisk together until fully combined.
    5. Whisk in the vegetable oil.
    6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour and cocoa.
    7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
    8. Meanwhile make the glaze.
    9. Place chopped or grated chocolate into a medium-sized, heatproof bowl and set aside.
    10. In a large heatproof bowl combine your sweetened condensed milk and butter.
    11. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir.  Microwave another 30 seconds.
    12. When the butter is melted carefully add your chocolate chips and stir in until melted.  You can also microwave for 15 seconds more until chips are all melted and ganache is smooth.
    13. Pour the ganache over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with the rainbow chips. 
    14. Let cool completely before slicing.
    15. ENJOY!
© Rachel

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Backyard Bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

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I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the Summer of 2020 may go down in history as one of the weirdest ever. We cancelled our big family vacation at the beginning of the pandemic. And, shortly thereafter, I managed to convince my husband that we should just put that money into making our backyard a little paradise. Complete with a backyard bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer.

We started with putting up a huge privacy fence. We hired a local contractor off of a Facebook recommendation. Also, we immediately ordered raised garden beds. And then we set into motion a plan to build a deck, complete with a hot tub. If we were going to be home, I might as well make the most of it, right?

Backyard Bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

Speaking of enjoying it, this Rosemary Citrus Spritzer is the perfect nightcap to be enjoyed on our blissful deck. It’s super refreshing and equally delicious.

First, start with simple syrup.

You start making this Rosemary Citrus Spritzer by preparing your own simple syrup. Sure, you could always purchase simple syrup. But it’s SO easy to make it yourself — and way more delicious!

simple syrup rosemary citrus spritzer

All you need to make simple syrup is one whole orange, one whole lemon, sugar, a sprig of rosemary, and a sauce pan.

Then, add the spirits — Prosecco, Vodka, and Limoncello

The other thing you need is prosecco. My favorite prosecco is Riondo Prosecco. It’s affordable and you don’t need to use the whole bottle (because it’s a screw cap!). So you can enjoy this one glass at a time — no pressure.

backyard bliss rosemary citrus spritzer

In addition to the perfect prosecco, you’ll need vodka and limoncello. My favorite vodka is a local company, Buckeye Vodka. But you can use any good vodka.

Check out the full recipe!

Yield: 8 ounces

Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

rosemary citrus spritzer

Ingredients

  • Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons of sugar
  • Juice from one orange
  • Juice from one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of orange zest
  • 1 ounce of vodka
  • 1 ounce of limoncello
  • 1 ounce of coconut water
  • 2 ounces of Riondo Prosecco

Instructions

For the simple syrup:

  1. Add 1 sprig rosemary, sugar, orange and lemon juice, and orange zest to a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce to a simmer, stir, and cover for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and strain, let cool 5-10 min. 


Mixing:

  1. Pour 1 ounce simple syrup into a glass with ice.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir & enjoy!
  3. Garnish with rosemary and an orange!

© Rachel

This is the perfect drink for your staycation, don’t you think?

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Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad

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Listen, y’all. I’ll admit Summer is not my favorite season. Not by any stretch. It’s hot and I just don’t like the overwhelming humidity. But ya know what I do like? Easy Summertime meals like this yummy + easy Summertime Frito Salad.

What makes this salad special?

First off, it’s easy. Second, it’s a total guilty pleasure. Third, even my kids will eat it! So I suppose technically it’s only a salad in terms of ‘a bunch of items mixed together.’ You know, in the same way that tuna salad is a ‘salad’.

Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad

Honest to goodness, I personally love any salad that is not based in lettuce. It’s true! I just don’t love lettuce! Fruit salad? Yes. Pasta salad? Yep. Ham salad? Sure do love it! Rockne’s Firestone Salad (an Akron classic, if you ask me)? THE absolute best.

But I DO love a good delicious and simple Summertime salad! And, like I have said, this one meets all of the criteria for amazing. It’s fresh, tasty, and you won’t be able to stop yourself from going back for seconds!

Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad

Warning: It’s addictive, but not at all healthy!

If you are looking for something to bring to your potluck or end of Summer celebration, look no further than here. But if you are looking for something healthy, please don’t look at this! haha! I mean, seriously, this is NOT one of “those” meals! But it is delicious and it does switch up the normal potluck and mealtime routine.

Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad

This yummy + easy Summertime Frito salad will satisfy every craving!

Frito Salad

Frito Salad

Ingredients

  • Fritos 9oz package
  • 2/3 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Green pepper, diced
  • 1 can of corn, drained (substitute fresh corn for a different take!)
  • Cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tbs chili powder 
  • 1 tbs onion powder 
  • 1 tsp ground cumin 
  • 1 tsp garlic powder 
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper 

Instructions

    1. Dice the green pepper and combine in a large bowl with the drained corn.
    2. Combine the seasonings and the sour cream until well mixed.
    3. Add sour cream mixture to the green peppers and corn.
       
    4. Just before serving, add in the Fritos and fold to combine. Top with chopped cilantro for an extra special touch!
      Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad
    5. ENJOY!

Notes

For an extra kick, mix in:

  • Chopped green or black olives
  • Minced jalapeno
  • Sriracha
  • Diced red onion
  • Diced tomato

© Rachel

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Smoky Paprika Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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Guys, it has been HOT across the midwest lately. Like, really, really, hot! In times like these I just cannot imagine turning on the stove or the oven to make dinner (and the other 5,000 meals a day my kids insist on eating). Luckily, the Instant Pot and the grill are my best friends! And these Smoky Paprika Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the most delicious way to beat the heat!

If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll love these! They are just the right amount of ‘heat,’ but perfectly balanced from cooking on the grill! To get in our daily dose of veggies, we take whatever we have ready in our garden! Our zucchini and squash seem to be thriving this first year, so we have an abundance!

paprika shrimp skewers

Speaking of gardens, this was our very first year growing and planting! Since moving into our new home almost two years ago, we now have plenty of space. We didn’t plant anything last year, as we were still getting settled. But this year I knew I wanted to plant as many veggies as possible!

smoky grilled shrimp

Chad ordered two raised beds and we assembled them. Naively, I thought this would be enough space for everything. Guys — I was very wrong! While things are growing well and producing fruits and veggies, certain items are completely taking over! I, clearly, did not space seeds and plants out appropriately. And our cucumber plants are wrapping themselves around literally everything else!

grilled shrimp skewers

I’ve certainly learned a lot with this first garden. And I’m already planning on purchasing several more raised beds after the season ends (in anticipation of next Summer)! In the meantime, we will enjoy the heck out of all of the zucchini!

So if you’re looking for a delicious, easy, weeknight recipe — then look no further than these incredible Smoky Paprika Grilled Shrimp Skewers!

Yield: 6-8

Smoky Paprika Grilled Shrimp Skewers

paprika shrimp skewers

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • red pepper (to taste)
  • sea salt (to taste)
  • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and cleaned

Instructions

    1. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes in water before using.
    2. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt together in a mixing bowl.
    3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and mix until well-coated.
    4. Let the shrimp sit for a minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge, covered.
    5. Preheat the grill (or charcoal grill) to medium heat, oil the grates and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
    6. Transfer skewers to a plate.
      grilled shrimp skewers
    7. ENJOY!
© Rachel

If you’re looking for a dessert recipe to accompany these grilled shrimp skewers, be sure to check out this delicious chocolate tart!

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Vegan Chocolate Tart (gluten free / dairy free / Vegan )

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Having two kids with dairy intolerances has its challenges. For one — it can feel impossible to make a dessert that kids enjoy. But the reality is that gluten free and dairy free desserts are way easier to make than you may think! In fact, this vegan chocolate tart, which is both dairy free and gluten free, is incredible and enjoyed by all ages!

vegan tart

Vegan and Dairy Free Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

Incorporating dairy free or vegan dishes into your diet is actually way easier than you would think. Mostly everything has a vegetable or nut substitute. And, in meals where appropriate, a ‘cheesy’ flavor is easy to replicate!

If you’re looking to incorporate more vegan options into your diet, there are a few things you should always have on hand! My suggestion is to stock up on cashews, nutritional yeast, and Ajoyo almond milk.

Lick the spoon! — It’s Vegan!

We’ve all seen desserts that look too decadent to eat. This is one of those. But it’s easier to make than you would think! Simple ingredients and a simple process. And absolutely nothing to stop you from licking the batter off the spoon!

vegan ingredients

Your family and friends will never know this vegan chocolate tart is also gluten free

Gluten Free + Vegan Chocolate Tart

vegan tart

Gluten Free / Egg Free / Dairy Free

Ingredients

Tart Crust

  • 1/2 cup of buckwheat flour
  • 1/2 cup of whole almonds
  • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter alternative ( or for non-vegan, unsalted butter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Tart Filling

  • 7 tablespoons of dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of vegan whipping cream
  • 4 tablespoons of AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon of instant coffee
  • 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract 
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

For the base / crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place the buckwheat flour and almonds in a Vitamix or food processor and grind to form a firm powder.
  3. Add the powder to a bowl. Then add all the remaining ingredients and mix it together by hand until everything is well combined.
  4. Spray tart tin with cooking spray. Place the crust mixture on the tart tin and spread evenly with a spoon or hands.
  5. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes (until cooked through).
  6. Remove and set aside to cool.

For the filling:

  1. Warm a medium saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add the vegan cream, chopped chocolate, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar to the saucepan. Stir until all of the chocolate melts.
  3. Add AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk to the saucepan and stir in the corn flour until it is completely dissolved. Cook and continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat, and add the salt, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the pan. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Let filling cool for roughly 15 minutes before pouring it into the cooled tart base.
  6. Spread the filling evenly and place in fridge for 6 hours to chill.
  7. Serve with your choice of fresh fruits! ENJOY!
© Rachel
vegan chocolate tart
vegan tart

Tell me — what’s your favorite vegan substitute?!

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Easy 4th of July Apple Galette Recipe — VEGAN!

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As things really hang in limbo with the reopening of everything, the kids and I have been still hanging at home. But this has left a lot of time to try new recipes. Lucky for me, I have three little taste-testers — and one big one! Creating a vegan apple galette recipe just in time for the 4th of July was a huge success!

tart dessert

While not everyone agrees on meals I make (mostly because kids are picky, y’all!). They will always agree on dessert! And, can you blame them? Nope!

So I’m sharing this delicious (and vegan!) Apple Galette recipe — just in time for the upcoming 4th of July holiday! It’s sweet, a little tart, and a whole lot of delicious!

Apple Galette

APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup of whole wheat flour OR all purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon of powdered sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons of cold butter / butter alternative
  • 1/4 Cup of water, ice cold
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk (for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon of sliced almonds (optional)

Filling

  • 2-3 apples, sliced and cored
  • 4 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice

Instructions

To make the crust:

  1. Place the flour, salt, sugar, and butter into a bowl and give this a mix, breaking the pieces of butter into smaller chunks, rubbing into the flour.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
  2. Add the apple cider vinegar and ice cold water to the mix. Gently start mixing it with the dry flour until it starts to form a ball.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
  3. Once the dough is well mixed, wrap it with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS

To make the filling:

  1. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Toss the apples with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until well-coated.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS

To assemble:

  1. Preheat the oven 350 degrees.
  2. Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll out until relatively round and thin.
  3. Sprinkle half of the sugar on the rolled crust.
  4. Place the sliced apple filling in the middle of the rolled crust and spread it evenly leaving a half a centimeter edge.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE PROCESS
  5. Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of the filling.
  6. Take a small edge and fold it over the filling. Repeat this step taking small sections of the dough until the galette is formed.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
  7. Brush the folded over crust with AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
  8. Bake the galette for about 30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. 
  9. Let it cool before serving.
    APPLE GALETTE RECIPE
  10. ENJOY by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
© Rachel

As you can see, this recipe can easily be modified to be made into a fully vegan recipe. Some of my favorite butter alternatives are coconut oil and avocado oil, but I wouldn’t recommend either of those for this particular recipe. Instead, try and use the Country Crock Plant Based Butter Sticks! They have the same density and consistency of milk-based butter, which definitely helps in this recipe.

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Tell me — what’s your favorite apple recipe?!

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