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brews + food

Self-Care Routine with Post Dunkin’ Cereals

August 23, 2020 by Rachel 17 Comments

Thank you Post for sponsoring this post. Post Dunkin’ cereals are rolling out nationwide now. To find a retailer carrying the cereal, check the store locator at dunkincereal.com

Fewer things are more precious to a mom than coffee. Kids are obviously more precious, but they are also the reason we need so much coffee. Am I right? I would love to say that I getting enough sleep at night. But I’m not. As a mom of three, there just isn’t enough time in the day for adequate sleep. But there is enough time in the mornings for me to squeeze in a little self-care routine with Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato cereals — which pairs perfectly with my Dunkin’ Coffee.

Self-Care routine with Post Dunkin'

Need some tips for a successful morning routine? Well look no further! Here are my tried and true tips for getting a little morning boost to get you through another busy day!

But first, Post Dunkin’ Cereal … and coffee

In a perfect world, I would be waking up at dawn — before the kids groggily arise from their slumbers. But? This isn’t a perfect world. In reality, the kids are the first awake and I am the last. I try and stay in bed for those precious extra few minutes of almost sleep, but it’s never long enough. Instead, I roll out of bed and get the kids some breakfast. Once they are settled, I pour a giant mug of Dunkin’ coffee — and then a giant bowl of Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato or Post Dunkin’ Mocha Latte cereal.

dunkin cereals

My kids know not to ask too many questions before I have my morning coffee. But now I have to remind them that I need to eat my coffee, too! The new Post Dunkin’ cereals are TO DIE FOR — especially if you are coffee-obsessed like me! Savoring those few moments where the kids are quiet and I’m enjoying my coffee and Post Dunkin’ Cereal is sacred for me. Because after the coffee comes the chaos!

Self-Care = Home-Care

My main job as a mom is to keep my kids alive. And I consider the day a success if I’ve done so. But I also have to clean this house, because children are tiny little tornadoes of destruction. So most of my post-coffee morning routine consists of picking up toys, gathering up laundry, and doing an endless amount of dishes. Can that be considered self-care? I sure hope so. I mean, sometimes I’ll throw on some NPR or Kidz Bop while I’m cleaning. So it totally counts.

If I’m being honest, I really do try and get in a few moments to myself. Usually it’s by reading a chapter in my Book of the Month book or catching up on some social media scrolling. But, of course, it’s between still doing all of those other mom things.

More (cold) coffee

After the self-care portion of your morning is complete, sit back down for a second cup of coffee. By this point, it’s likely cold. And, heck, why not a second bowl of Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato Cereal. A second bowl is the perfect way to round out the morning.

Self-Care routine with Post Dunkin'

Do all of the things

The rest of our mornings are a blur of coloring, PlayDoh, screentime, and Disney Princess movies. The days as a mom are super long. And, oftentimes, I find myself at the end of a long day thinking “What the heck happened today?!” But we have survived 100% of these days. My kids know how much I love them. And, even if I don’t sleep for the next 18 years, at least I’ll always have coffee — and Post Dunkin’ Cereal.

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Learn more about how you can incorporate Post Dunkin’ Cereals into your morning routine.

Filed Under: #MomLife, brews + food, parenthood, tips + tricks Tagged With: brews + food, motherhood, parenthood, tips + tricks

Delicious Air Fryer Salsa Verde Recipe

August 17, 2020 by Rachel 18 Comments

It’s official tomato season! All over social media I’m seeing photos of friends reaping their harvest of tomatoes, tomatillos, squash, and zucchini! Our recent harvests have been very plentiful! So why not put some of these garden veggies to use with making a super easy and super delicious air fryer salsa verde recipe!

Air Fryer Salsa Verde recipe

What you’ll need

I know that air fryers have recently soared in popularity, but it doesn’t have to be a standalone appliance. In fact, I despise standalone kitchen appliances. They take up so much space! If you’re in the market for an air fryer please consider getting the Breville Convection and Air Fryer (it’s currently on sale right now!). We had an older version of this Breville Convection Toaster Oven, and when it came time to replace it, we went with this exact model. I know, I know… it’s not the most inexpensive option out there. But we get daily use out of it. More than a few times a day, in fact!

Delicious Air Fryer Salsa Verde Recipe

But you’ll also need tomatillos! Tomatillos, or husk tomatoes, can be grown across North America. So if you’re looking for something to grow in next years backyard garden, look no further! You’ll likely be able to find tomatillo seeds in your local garden store, but if not be sure to check a website like Seeds Now! Hurry! It’s time to start planning next year’s garden, now!

But why air fry?

Air frying is such a good alternative to traditional frying. It’s a way healthier option! Air frying doesn’t use any oil, so no need to worry about unneeded cholesterol spikes!

And why this recipe?

Because it is SIMPLE and delicious! And who doesn’t like those two things!? Besides a pound of tomatillos, it calls for a jalapeno, half of a white onion, a teeny pinch of salt, and cilantro (if that’s your jam — PS. it IS my jam!). How easy is that, right?! I am basically obsessed.

The Air Fryer Salsa Verde Recipe

Yield: 16 ounces

Air Fryer Salsa Verde

Air Fryer Salsa Verde

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. tomatillos, peeled and rinsed
  • 1 large jalapeno (or 2 serranos for spicier salsa)
  • ½ small white onion 
  • salt to taste
  • cilantro, handful
  • water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Air Fryer Salsa Verde
    Place the tomatillos and onion into the air fryer basket, depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to do this in batches. Close the machine and set temperature to 390F for 5 minutes.
  2. Air Fryer Salsa VerdeCarefully open the air fryer and very gently remove the tomatillos, place them on a small bowl. If the jalapeno has also softened and browned a bit remove it from the air fryer as well.
    Air Fryer Salsa Verde
  3. Leave the onion in the air fryer but flip it over. Set temperature to 390F and time to 3 minutes. Once time is up check on the onion, it should be softened and a bit browned on the edges.
    Air Fryer Salsa Verde
  4. Allow the ingredients to cool before placing them in a Vitamix or blender. Add the salt and the cilantro on top. Any liquid that was released by the tomatillos while they cooled should also be added.
    Air Fryer Salsa Verde
  5. Blend until you have a smooth salsa. If desired, add water to thin it down some more. Taste for salt and add as needed!
    Delicious Air Fryer Salsa Verde Recipe
  6. ENJOY!
© Rachel

Easy peasy, am I right?! Just pair with your favorite tortilla chip and you’re DONE! Tell me — what’s your favorite way to use an air fryer?

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Filed Under: air fryer, brews + food, dairy-free, easy recipes, recipes, vegan Tagged With: air fryer, brews + food, dairy-free, easy recipes, recipes, vegan

Delicious Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

July 28, 2020 by Rachel 21 Comments

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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Filed Under: back-to-school, brews + food, children, desserts, easy recipes, recipe, recipes Tagged With: back-to-school, brews + food, children, desserts, easy recipes, recipes

Backyard Bliss Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

July 21, 2020 by Rachel 21 Comments

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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Filed Under: brews + food, drinks, easy recipes, recipe, recipes Tagged With: brews + food, drinks, easy recipes, recipes

Yummy + Easy Summertime Frito Salad

July 19, 2020 by Rachel 19 Comments

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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Filed Under: brews + food, easy recipes, recipes, summer Tagged With: brews + food, easy recipes, recipes, summer

Smoky Paprika Grilled Shrimp Skewers

July 13, 2020 by Rachel 25 Comments

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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Filed Under: brews + food, cooking, dairy-free, easy recipes, recipe, recipes Tagged With: brews + food, dairy-free, easy recipes, recipes

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