brews + food

Name: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup milk of choice; ½ cup of hot coffee; 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons of brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; Optional: caramel and whipped cream

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

October 4, 2020 by Rachel 15 Comments

Fall is OFFICIALLY here! So are you Team Pumpkin Spice or Team Apple Cider?! I will tell you I’m 100% Team Pumpkin Spice over here. But I can throw down some mega cash to keep my Pumpkin Spice Latte addiction in check. Instead, I developed a deliciously perfect copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte recipe of my own!

This recipe is equal parts easy and delicious. You can make this recipe hot or over ice and it is incredible!

What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own perfect pumpkin spice latte:

¾ cup milk of choice (almond milk, coconut milk, coconut milk, cows milk)
½ cup of hot coffee
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional: caramel and whipped cream (I highly recommend adding on, if you so desire)

How to make this scrumptious drink!

Mix your milk with pumpkin puree, spice, and brown sugar. Heat it in a microwave for 1 minute, or over medium high heat on the stove. When hot, stir ingredients together.
Add a ½ of a cup of hot coffee.
Top the delicious drink with whipped cream and caramel, if using. Dust with another pinch of pumpkin pie spice.

Guys. This recipe is amazing. It’s the absolute perfect recipe for Fall. I cannot get enough.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The perfect drink for Fall!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

¾ cup milk of choice
½ cup of hot coffee
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional: caramel and whipped cream

Instructions

Mix milk with pumpkin puree, spice, and brown sugar. Heat in a microwave for 1 minute, or over medium high heat. When hot, stir ingredients together.
Add ½ cup of hot coffee.
Top with whipped cream and caramel, if using. Dust with another pinch of pumpkin pie spice.

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Keto Sauteed Kale Prosciutto and Fried Egg Recipe

September 3, 2020 by Rachel 21 Comments

It’s been quite a week over here. We were thrust into a new routine and I thought for half of a second that I had a grasp on it. I was very wrong. And my whole mood has just been ‘off.’ I need a major reset of attitude, mentality, and health. And what better way to do so than trying out a new Keto Sauteed Kale, Prosciutto, and Fried Egg Recipe!

Keto Sauteed Kale Prosciutto and Fried Egg

I’m not doing a keto diet, but I am still doing intermittent fasting. In truth, this pandemic has not been helpful to that lifestyle. I’ve been eating a lot of processed foods. And I know I’m not alone. I’m aware that most of us have been struggling with stress and anxiety throughout recent months. So why not do a little reset, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or all of the above?

Intermittent Fasting and Meals

I’ve talked about my decision to try intermittent fasting a little bit here. But, again, I definitely got ‘off track’ in recent months. But now that I’m ‘resetting’ I will be back to a 20/4 cycle. Basically, that means I fast for 20 hours and keep my ‘eating window’ open for approximately four hours a day.

It’s really important to end your fast with something that will fuel your body. And that’s why this keto sauteed kale, prosciutto and fried egg recipe is so perfect. It balances out the need for protein and leafy greens, but it’s also so delicious (which I can tell you after a fast, you want something yummy).

“Are you eating for 4 hours straight?”

I am absolutely not eating for four hours straight. But if I’m hungry again in that four hour window, I will have another meal or snack. If I make this particular recipe to break my fast, I will likely eat again nearing the end of the four hour mark. Like I’ve said, it’s a great meal to break my fast with, but it’s not so heavy that I can’t eat again.

What you’ll need for this recipe

This recipe is honestly super easy. I grabbed some prosciutto at Trader Joe’s, but it can be found anywhere. You’ll definitely need a couple of eggs, fresh kale, and olive oil. That’s it!

Keto-friendly Sauteed Kale, Prosciutto, and Fried Egg Recipe

Sauteed Kale, Prosciutto, and fried egg

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of olive oil
6 cups of chopped kale
4 ounces of chopped prosciutto
2 eggs

Instructions

recipe ingredients

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add prosciutto.
Saute prosciutto until edges turn brown, and it starts to get crispy.
Add kale and saute with prosciutto, for about 2 minutes.
Remove from saute and put into a separate plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat, and add eggs.
Fry eggs to desired doneness, then place on top of kale and prosciutto.

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PIN ME - Keto-Friendly Sauteed Kale, Prosciutto and fried egg recipe

Easy and Delicious Instant Pot Mexican Casserole Recipe

August 31, 2020 by Rachel 34 Comments

This past weekend we (finally) had some cooler weather. I’m taking it as a sign that it’s nearly my favorite time of year. The Fall weather also brings a back-to-school season which, itself, brings more hussle and bussle. Despite our new school year being remote, I still expect our weeknights to be very chaotic. So in an effort to streamline dinnertime and make something that everyone will love, I made this super easy Instant Pot Mexican Casserole recipe.

Why the Instant Pot

My husband has been using a pressure cooker for years. I’ve always hated the traditional pressure cookers because I think they are scary (and, quite honestly, I just don’t trust that I can use one properly). But if you’re holding out because you think the Instant Pot isn’t worth it — you’re oh so wrong!

I use my Instant Pot for literally everything: eggs, rice, spaghetti and meat sauce, and even yogurt! You can grab one here for a great price. Honestly, it’s an amazing investment. It saves me so much time when preparing meals for my family.

What you’ll need for Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

Besides an Instant Pot, you’ll need the following:

1 pound of ground beef
2 cups red enchilada sauce
3 cups cheddar cheese grated (divided)
10 corn tortillas cut into strips
Sour cream (optional garnish)
Cilantro (optional garnish)
Black olives (optional garnish)

I know that many people feel differently, but we are Team Cilantro and Team Black Olives over here! So we definitely use them as a delicious garnish.

The recipe itself takes only a few minutes of prep. This is a one-pot meal, so you brown the ground beef right in the Instant Pot itself! Just use saute mode to brown the beef, then add all of your ingredients to the pot! Super easy!

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole Recipe

Yield: 4

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Additional Time 2 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
2 cups red enchilada sauce
3 cups cheddar cheese grated (divided)
10 corn tortillas cut into strips
Sour cream (optional garnish)
Cilantro (optional garnish)
Black olives (optional garnish)

Instructions

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

Turn your Instant Pot on sauté mode. Brown your beef.
Once the meat is browned, pour in the enchilada sauce. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Pour in 1.5 cups of cheese, and all of the sliced tortillas. You can also add black beans, corn, or black olives! Anything you know your family will enjoy!
Stir everything well at this point until completely incorporated.
Pour in the remaining cheese, and add the lid to the Instant Pot. Close the valve.
Cook on “High” for 3 minutes to melt the cheese. Release the pressure manually.
Once done, serve with more olives, sour cream, and/or cilantro as garnish!
Enjoy!

Tell me — what’s your favorite weeknight recipe?

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PIN ME - Easy Weeknight Meal Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

Delicious Bento Box Pizza Muffins Recipe

August 27, 2020 by Rachel 24 Comments

Next week we start up back-to-school. The start date has been pushed out two weeks from when we originally go back, but I think we needed this time to prepare. From my understanding, our new schedules for distance-learning will be far more rigid than they were in the spring. But there will be routine. And that is something that we thrive on! Our lunch break will be short, so I’ll be trying to squeeze in as much nutrition as possible in those few minutes. And this Bento Box Pizza Muffins Recipe is jam-packed with nutrition! Bonus? The kids will eat them up!

DELICIOUS BENTO BOX PIZZA MUFFINS RECIPE

Why a bento box?

As a mom of three kids, I’ve learned to get creative. A few years ago I found that if I put my kids food into a cupcake tin or a bento box, they are 100% more likely to eat. I stocked up on a few small cupcake tins and bento boxes. Later I added a handful of silicone liners, and the rest is history.

What you’ll need for this recipe

It’s easy to make pizzas on bagels or mini naan; but this recipe twists it up a bit. So instead of crust, you’ll use flour, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vegetable oil. Add in some fresh tomatoes, tomato puree, cooked chicken, fresh cheese, and basil! Pro tip: make your life easy and use canned chicken or repurpose some of your rotisserie chicken!

Once prepared, the muffins will cook in approximately 25 minutes. You can prep this in advance for a weeks worth of lunches. Or, better yet, use some now and freeze the rest for later!

The Bento Box “extras”

Again, it may seem silly. But adding in some blueberries and carrot sticks just adds more ‘color’ and more fun for the kids! Use a mini cookie cutter in the shape of a star or a heart to jazz up kiwi slices!

Bento Box Pizza Bites Recipe

Yield: 12

Pizza Muffins

Ingredients

1 and 1/4 cups of plain flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
3 tablespoons of tomato puree
1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup of cooked chicken
1/4 cup of grated mozzarella + extra for topping
1 teaspoon of dried basil
salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Line a muffin tray with paper muffin liners.
Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters and cut the cooked chicken in chunks. Set Aside.
In a mixing bowl, add the flour and baking powder. Mix.
Add the vegetable oil, eggs, milk and tomato puree to the bowl. Whisk until batter is smooth.
Add the cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken, grated mozzarella, dried basil, salt and pepper. Gently mix until combined.
Pour the mixture into the muffin liners.
Top with grated mozzarella.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 min until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
ENJOY!

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To freeze just place into freezer bags.

Tell me — what’s your favorite bento box add-on for kids?!

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PIN ME - Kid Friendly Pizza Muffins Recipe -- Perfect for bento box lunches

PIN ME - Pizza Muffins Recipe -- Perfect for bento box lunches

This Golden Milk Recipe is TikTok Famous

August 24, 2020 by Rachel 6 Comments

I need to admit something — I’m not big on following trends. I’m not even ON Tik Tok. But Food trends? Food trends are my jam. So when Golden Milk went Tik Tok Famous, I decided to hop on board an perfect this for myself. I tried a few different methods and this Golden Milk Recipe is TikTok Famous for a reason!

What is golden milk?

Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink made with warmed milk, turmeric, and other spices. It’s been said to help reduce inflammation, but also has other health benefits like boosting your immune system and helping to improve your mood!

Regardless of health benefits, this golden milk recipe is delicious. It reminds me of my favorite warm-milk teas. It’s smoothe, delicious, and spiced to perfection. You’ll find it to be the perfect combination of cozy, creamy, nutty, and rich.

What you’ll need

Even a novice cook will have almost all of these ingredients in the house. If you actually do not have turmeric, don’t fret. It can be found in any grocer’s spice aisle. We buy our turmeric from a small, local, middle eastern store; but you can truly find it anywhere. I also suggest using either almond milk or coconut milk in addition to the whole milk that the recipe calls for. It adds an extra layer of flavor.

And remember those cheesecloths you needed for my Instant Pot Dairy Free Yogurt Recipe? You’re going to need those for this recipe, too!

Golden Milk Recipe

Golden Milk

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon honey
1 whole stick of Cinnamon
½ teaspoon of whole Cloves
5 green cardamom seeds (approximately ½ teaspoon green cardamom seeds)
½ teaspoon whole peppercorn
approximately one 1” wedge of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a small saucepan.
Whisk until combined, over medium-high heat.
Once combined, whisk occasionally, until heated. About 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, and strain over sieve or cheesecloth.
Top with grated cinnamon.

Once you try this recipe for yourself, you’ll quickly understand WHY a Golden Milk Recipe is Tik Tok Famous! It’s obviously beautiful, but it’s also SO good!

Tell me — have you tried this Golden Milk craze yet?!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

PIN ME - Mom Morning Self-Care Routine with Post Dunkin' Cereal

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