recipes

Name: Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 lbs of pepper marinated hanger steak. (Flank steak can be substituted, marinated to taste); 2 bell peppers, any color (I used yellow and red), thinly sliced; 1 cup of water; 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls; 8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced (12 slices); 1 Tablespoon of butter; 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch (optional – see step 2); Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe

March 5, 2021 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Over the last few months, my life has become a lot more hectic. Between homeschooling and my other work-from-home gig, I am completely spent by 3PM. Which means easy dinners are the absolute only way we all eat at a reasonable time. And these Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are easy, delicious, and sure to please the whole family!

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 cook the steak another way; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

How to make Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs of pepper marinated hanger steak. (Flank steak can be substituted, marinated to taste)
2 bell peppers, any color (I used yellow and red), thinly sliced
1 cup of water
12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced (12 slices)
1 Tablespoon of butter
1 Tablespoon of cornstarch (optional – see step 2)
Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place meat, peppers, and water in the instant pot.

Cover and close pressure valve. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes.

STEP 2 -

When finished, release pressure valve and open lid.

Remove meat and shred. Add your meat back to your Instant Pot with peppers. For thicker sauce, add A tablespoon of cornstarch.

STEP 3 -

Slice Kings Hawaiian Roll in half. Add the bottom portion of the buns to a 8 x 8 baking pan.

STEP 4 -

Spoon the meat and peppers onto the buns. Evenly distribute.

STEP 5 -

Cover meat and peppers with provolone cheese. Add top of buns and cover with aluminum foil. Set under the broiler on high.

Should take about 3 minutes for cheese to melt.

STEP 6 -

Remove from broiler. Butter buns and top with parsley.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

How To Make TikTok Pasta – Viral Recipe

March 1, 2021 by Rachel 6 Comments

Confession: I only get on TikTok when someone sends me something funny. I don’t have a login. And I have not made a single TikTok (or Reel, for that matter). I’m just not a huge fan of being ‘funny’ on camera. But that doesn’t mean that amazing things don’t happen on those videos. And I’m grateful that someone sent me this recipe that seems to have gone totally viral on TikTok. And so I decided to use my oven and Instant Pot to recreate it. So I’m going to share with you how to make TikTok Pasta!

What you’ll need to make this recipe

When I first saw this video, I was — no joke — dumbfounded at how easy this was. Like, why hadn’t any of us thought of this before?! It’s silly easy. And crazy delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

20 ounces cherry tomatoes
10.5 ounces feta cheese, brick
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1/2 Tablespoon of coarse sea salt
1/2 Tablespoon of pepper
1 Tablespoon of minced garlic
10 ounces of your favorite pasta (I used spaghetti noodles)
Basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instant Pot (optional)

The Instant Pot is totally optional, but I have to say this — if you’ve never made pasta in a pressure cooker, you’re totally missing out. Pressure cooker pasta is cooked to perfection. Alternatively, you can absolutely just boil water and cook the pasta that way.

How to make TikTok Pasta

TikTok Pasta - Viral Recipe

Ingredients

20 ounces cherry tomatoes
10.5 ounces feta cheese, brick
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1/2 Tablespoon of coarse sea salt
1/2 Tablespoon of pepper
1 Tablespoon of minced garlic
10 ounces of your favorite pasta (I used spaghetti noodles)
Basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place tomatoes in a 13 x 9 baking pan and coat with 2 tablespoons of oil and garlic.

STEP 2 -

Place the brick of feta in center of tomatoes and top with spices and remaining oil.

STEP 3 -

Bake in oven on 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

STEP 4 -

While feta is baking, place pasta in instant pot and cover water. Seal lid and pressure valve.

Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Manually release pressure when done and drain pasta water.

STEP 5 -

Once feta is done, stir tomatoes and feta until creamy sauce forms.

Pour over drained pasta and serve garnished.

STEP 6 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Fried Oreos Recipe — Super Easy!

February 26, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

We’re in the midst of what feels like the longest Winter of all time. I kid, because I know it has basically been the longest year of all time. But one of the things I feel like many of us missed over the last year was going to county fairs and state fairs. Maybe we can hit up our local fair this year, but if not I have the perfect solution to your fair-food problem. Just make these super easy Air Fryer Fried Oreos from the comfort of your own home!

What you’ll need for this recipe

Besides your air fryer, this recipe has very few ingredients.

15 OREO cookies (regular or Double Stuffed). If you ask me, always go with Double Stuf. Always.
8 canned biscuits or 8 homemade biscuits
1/2 a cup of powdered sugar
1/2 a cup of milk

That’s it! Just a few ingredients and you’ll have delicious, better-than-fair-food, from the comfort of your own kitchen! Check out the full air fryer fried Oreos recipe below!

How to make Air Fryer Fried Oreos

Yield: 15

Fried Oreos Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

15 OREO cookies (regular or Double Stuffed)
8 canned biscuits or 8 homemade biscuits
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Flatten the biscuit dough and cut in half.

STEP 2 -

Quickly dip Oreo cookie in milk.

STEP 3 -

Wrap the Oreo cookie in halved biscuit dough completely covering cookie. Form the dough into a ball in palm.

STEP 4 -

Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the cookie balls in air fryer basket leaving at room to expand for 10 minutes. Spray cookies with oil.

STEP 5 -

Cook at 370 degrees for 5 minutes or until golden.

STEP 6 -

Dust your fried Oreos with powdered sugar and serve.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Hush Puppies Recipe

February 17, 2021 by Rachel 15 Comments

I grew up in a very Catholic household. As such, we celebrated lent in the traditional ways — by not eating meat on the holy days as well as Fridays. This is a tradition I have enjoyed continuing with my own family. But, my kids and I get really tired of the traditional french fries that are served with fish. So, instead, we like to switch it up and serve these air fryer hush puppies.

Why the air fryer?

So the Air Fryer in itself is a fairly new (and hot!) commodity. But our convection toaster oven has had an air fry function built in for the last 3+ years. So I’ve had the chance to play around with the air fry function a bit. It worked okay, but having an actual air fryer has seriously changed the game. It heats up very quickly. Something as simple french fries turn out absolutely delicious. And these hush puppies? Well, let’s just say, my southern father is proud!

And if you’re on the fence, just see all of these amazing recipes you can make with your air fryer.

What you’ll need

Besides the aforementioned air fryer, you’ll need the following:

Yellow Cornmeal
All Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Paprika
Egg
Paprika
Milk

That’s it! Most of these items are things you already have in your kitchen. I know I always have to double-check to make sure I have the yellow cornmeal. But, otherwise, most of the items you likely have on hand.

Air Fryer Hush Puppies Recipe

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 Cup of Yellow Cornmeal
1 Cup of All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of Pepper
1/2 Tablespoon of Garlic
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 tablespoon of parsley
1 Egg
3/4 Cup of Milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a mixing bowl, add cornmeal, flour, baking powder and sugar. Mix until completely combined.

STEP 2 -

Add the egg, milk, and spices.

Mix until combined. Let batter sit in refrigerator for 30 minutes

STEP 3 -

Roll the batter into desired size balls.

Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place battered balls in the basket. Spray the balls with oil.

STEP 4 -

Cook at 380 for 5 minutes, turn balls, spray with oil and cook for 5 more minutes.

STEP 5 -

Remove from air fryer and ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

February 12, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

As a foodie, I’ve always been obsessed with the yummy things that people gravitate towards. But it wasn’t until my late 20’s that I was introduced to warm Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. Honestly, I didn’t realize what the big deal was. That is, until a co-worker brought me my first ever warm Krispy Kreme donut. And that, my friends, was a game-changer. Recently I had the pleasure of introducing my kids to Krispy Kreme. But, instead of spending the money a couple of times a month to pick some up, I decided to make my own Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts recipe!

Why you need an air fryer

What you’ll need to make Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Besides your handy dandy air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

That is it! Honestly, the most ‘difficult’ part is the prep of the glaze. But the glaze is the absolute best part of a Krispy Kreme donut, am I right?!

Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Using a baking hole punch, punch hole from center of biscuit.

STEP 2 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place four donuts leaving space to expand. Spray donuts with oil.

STEP 3 -

Cook on 390 for 5 minutes.

STEP 4 -

Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and evaporated milk until completely combined.

STEP 5 -

Place donuts on a cooling rack over a baking sheet.

STEP 6 -

Pour glaze over donuts. Reuse captured glaze from baking sheet and re-glaze donuts 6-8 times.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

February 7, 2021 by Rachel 5 Comments

Okay, friends. Valentine’s Day is almost here. I know I’ve given you loads of options for sweets and treats. But I’m going to keep this ‘traditional.’ I know so many people who are obsessed with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Confession: I am not one of those people. I love peanut butter, but I just think that those peanut butter cups are gross. If I go for store-bought, I prefer Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups. But if I want to really want to knock the socks off my family, I make my own. And these heart shaped peanut butter cups are the perfect addition to our Valentine’s Day.

What you’ll need

I’m not going to lie, the design of these and decorating can be a tad bit intimidating. But I promise it is way easier than you think. I’ll include tips to make this an easy process — with a delicious outcome!

Ingredients –

1.5 Cups of dark chocolate wafers
6 ounces of natural peanut butter (smooth, and stirred really well to ensure there isn’t any peanut oil visibly present)
3.5 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
Good pinch of quality salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Heart mold
edible gold leaf, nonpareils (optional)

The heart molds can be purchased on Amazon. If you’re looking to really step up the design, get the edible gold foil. It’s gorgeous and it’s a showstopper. Do not be intimidated by it!

Notes on the recipe

Be sure to use the freezer when noted. The chocolate needs to be hardened. And so does the peanut butter mixture. Otherwise, it will be a gooey mess.

How to make your Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

1.5 Cups of dark chocolate wafers
6 ounces of natural peanut butter (smooth, and stirred really well to ensure there isn’t any peanut oil visibly present)
3.5 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
Good pinch of quality salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Heart mold
edible gold leaf, nonpareils (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth.

STEP 2 -

Fold a piece of parchment paper in half then transfer the peanut butter to one half, fold the other side of the paper over so the peanut butter is in the middle of the two sheets, and smooth the peanut butter mixture to an even ½ inch thickness. Set this in the freezer for about 20 minutes. *It is easier to work with frozen peanut butter mixture, but you can certainly do this with softer peanut butter, it will just be a little bit harder to work with.

While that is chilling you can start with the chocoolate.

STEP 3 -

Melt the chocolate to package instruction and carefully smooth it into each corner of the heart molds with a small rubber spatula.

You want to have a solid and even coating on the hearts, for this carefully turn the mold around and look at it from each direction to make sure no spots are missed.

I like to have the silicone mold on a tray or plate while doing this as it helps with stabilizing the tray while the chocolate is setting up.

You will have plenty of chocolate left over in your melting dish after this step, you will use this in the next steps. Leave the tray on the counter while the peanut butter filling chills.

STEP 4 -

Remove the filling mixture from the freezer and free hand cut or use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts that will easily fit into the center of the chocolate hearts.

STEP 5 -

The chocolate should still be very liquidy and the peanut butter hearts should easily push right into the chocolate.

Try to press them in just enough that they are in all the way-but not so far that they would likely push through to the chocolate that would be the top part of the hearts once removed from the molds.

STEP 6 -

Pour the rest of the chocolate over the hearts and carefully smooth out so the chocolate evenly fills all of the space around and over the peanut butter filling. Try not to add so much that the bottoms will be mounted up with the chocolate, aim for a flat bottom.

STEP 7 -

Set in the freezer to chill for about 20 minutes.

STEP 8 -

Remove the completely solid hearts from the mold, I like to use food safe gloves for this to avoid fingerprints.

STEP 9 -

Use the remaining melted chocolate to drizzle over the top of some or all of the hearts. Sprinkle nonpareils on some.

STEP 10 -

I used clean food tweezers to apply a little edible gold leaf on two of the hearts. The trick to using gold leaf is to get the surface of the item you will be decorating just a tiny bit wet. This can be tricky with chocolate so try to add just tiny droplets of water on the exact spot you want the gold. The gold leaf holds up perfectly fine in changing temperatures such as room temp, the fridge, freezer and then back to room temp again.

STEP 11 -

ENJOY!

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.