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recipes

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

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I am a sucker for childhood nostalgia. I’m not the kind of person to refer to the time I grew up as ‘the good ol’ days,’ but we certainly had a significant bit of nostalgia from the 80’s and 90’s. For whatever reason, Little Debbie Star Crunch cookies are the perfect bit of nostalgia for me. And these Copycat Star Crunch Cookies are — dare I say it — even better than the original!

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

What you’ll need to make this recipe

I was amazed at how few ingredients it takes to make this bite of nostalgia. As much as I love using fancy kitchen gadgets, you’ll be happy to know that this doesn’t require any of those things. In fact, there are only five simple ingredients in these cookies.

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons of salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of caramel bits
  • 2 cups of mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups of rice cereal

That’s it! Super simple and straightforward.

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

How to make Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

Yield: 8 cookies

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies

Copycat Star Crunch Cookies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of caramel bits
  • 2 cups of mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups of rice cereal

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Add the butter, chocolate chips, and caramel bits to a large microwave-safe dish. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute.
  2. Stir the mixture and microwave for 30 seconds at 50% until melted and creamy.
  3. Add the marshmallows and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until smooth.
  4. Add the rice cereal and mix until the cereal is fully coated.
  5. Using a 1/4 measuring cup, scoop the mixture and roll it into a ball. Spraying your hand with oil makes this easy and less sticky.
  6. Place rolled the ball on parchment paper and compress it with your hand or the flat side of the 1/4 measuring cup.
  7. Repeat until 8 cookies are pressed.
  8. Let sit and firm for a few minutes.
  9. Serve right away or wrap individually in plastic wrap or parchment and store for lunch boxes!
© Rachel

If you love Little Debbie copycat recipes, you’ll also have to try these Cosmic Brownies! They are equally as delicious. And, if chocolate is your jam, they’ll be perfect!

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Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

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When I first became a mom I swore up and down that my kids would eat all-organic, never try fast food, and all of the other things that people who aren’t yet parents think they’ll do! Ha! Turns out, I knew nothing about parenting before I was a parent. And, honestly, I’m happy about that. My kids have recently discovered how much they love Doritos. Ari likes the super spicy ones, but the girls both love the Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese. So why not combine the two things they love? These air fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders check all the kid-friendly dinner boxes. And that’s a total win for me.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

What you’ll need

The awesome thing about this recipe is that it basically consists of all of the things we parents already have in our house. Sure, you’ll need an air fryer. But the other items (including the Doritos) are things we generally have on-hand. I’ll admit — I sometimes don’t have normal crackers for chicken tender breading. But ya know what I always have? Doritos. We always have Doritos in this house.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 1/2 bag (4.5 oz) of nacho cheese Doritos
  • 3 cups of panko crumbs
  • 1 cup of cornstarch
  • 1 lb of chicken tenders (approximately 12-15)
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 3 eggs

My only other advice would be to use air fryer liners to help keep the mess at a minimum.

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

Yield: 12-15 pieces

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Doritos Chicken Tenders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 bag (4.5 oz) of nacho cheese Doritos
  • 3 cups of panko crumbs
  • 1 cup of cornstarch
  • 1 lb of chicken tenders (approximately 12-15)
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Add the chips to a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until crumbs resemble the same size as panko with some larger pieces.
  2. Mix panko and chip crumbs in a large dish. Set aside.
  3. Mix the cornstarch and the spices in another dish. Set aside.
  4. Beat the eggs in another dish. Set aside.
  5. Toss the tenders in the cornstarch, then in the egg wash, and then finally in the chip crumbs. Fully coat the tenders. Repeat for each tender in each step.

  6. Place the tenders on parchment paper in the air fryer basket and spray them with oil. Cook each batch at 400° F for 15 minutes, flipping and spraying with oil halfway. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° F for food safety.
  7. Remove tenders and let cool.
  8. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

© Rachel

Enjoy!

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Fun Unicorn Party Snacks

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Real talk: Kids with January birthdays have it rough. Not only is it right after Christmas, but in many places it is so darn cold. So no fun, outdoor parties. It’s usually dreary, cold, and just blah. This year I want to make her birthday is fun as possible. And what is more fun than a unicorn party!? These fun unicorn party snacks are going to be the perfect way to celebrate her birthday!

Fun Unicorn Party Snacks

How to make a fun unicorn party snacking board

Let’s be real – a huge part of the allure of this is the presentation. And I’m the first to admit that I think pretty food also means the most delicious food. And delicious this is!

Fun Unicorn Party Snacks

Here’s what you’ll need as far as ingredients:

  • 3 Tablespoons of Butter
  • 5 cups mini marshmallows
  • 6 Cups of Rice Cereal
  • 1 – 19 ounce package of golden sandwich cookies
  • 1 bag of microwave popcorn
  • 1 – 24 ounce brick of white almond bark
  • Pastel food colors: blue, pink, and purple
  • Unicorn sprinkles
Fun Unicorn Party Snacks

Most of this is normal stuff that all of us moms have handy. But be sure to get those unicorn sprinkles linked above — because they are the absolute cutest.

How to make Fun Unicorn Party Snacks

Yield: 30

Unicorn Party Snacks

Fun Unicorn Party Snacks
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons of Butter
  • 5 cups mini marshmallows
  • 6 Cups of Rice Cereal
  • 1 - 19 ounce package of golden sandwich cookies
  • 1 bag of microwave popcorn
  • 1 - 24 ounce brick of white almond bark
  • Pastel food colors: blue, pink, and purple
  • Unicorn sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Add butter to a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows begin to melt.
  3. Once melted and creamy, add the rice cereal, mix and remove from heat.
  4. Pour warm rice cereal mixture into a 13x9 dish. Flatten the mixture to fill the dish and level.
  5. Set aside.
  6. Melt 4 cubes of almond bark in the microwave 30 seconds at a time stopping once smooth and melted. Divide into three bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to respective bowls until desired colors are reached.
  7. Dip a cookie halfway into the chocolate and set aside on parchment. Do this equally per color. Apply sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
  8. Pop the bag of popcorn. When done, pour out onto a sheet pan with parchment. Pick out any uncooked kernels and spread the popcorn out.

  9. Use the remaining colored chocolate to drizzle across the popcorn. Melt and color more as needed.
  10. Apply sprinkles before the chocolate drizzle sets.
  11. Let the chocolate cool and the break popcorn into handfuls of drizzled popcorn.
  12. By this time, the rice crispy treats will have set. Cut into desired size portions.
  13. Melt 3-4 more cubes of almond bark.
  14. Insert a popsicle stick into the melted chocolate just a little bit the insert sticks into each treat.
  15. Dip each treat halfway into the chocolate and set it on parchment. Let the chocolate set.
  16. Use the remaining colored chocolate to drizzle over the dipped treats, melt and color more if needed.
  17. Apply sprinkles to treats before the drizzle sets.
  18. Once snacks have set and the chocolate has dried, serve at the next unicorn gathering for some fun-themed snacks!
© Rachel

Other Unicorn Party Must-Haves

I’ve crowd sourced other amazing unicorn party must-haves. Here are some of my favorites.

Check out these unicorn headbands! From Kitchen Table Classroom

Adorable Unicorn Dreamcatchers from Hello Wonderful.

No Sew Tulle Table Skirt from Press Print Party.

Unicorn Selfie Prop

What else would you add to your unicorn party?! Leave a comment below!

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One-Pan Steak and Potatoes

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Confession: I have been slacking on meals lately in a major way. I mean, our family has basically been eating quick and easy frozen foods for the past three weeks straight. Even if I prep in advance, I don’t seem to have my life and schedule well enough together. But now that we are 32 school days into the year, we’ve dealt with first and second illnesses, as well as have a good handle on our extracurricular routine, I’m back to my regularly scheduled easy HOMEMADE meals. Thank goodness! And what better way to start the week than with an easy One-Pan Steak and Potatoes recipe!

One-Pan Steak and Potatoes

What you’ll need for this recipe

The best thing about one-pan (or, sheet pan) recipes is that there are minimal steps involved. Even better? Minimal dishes! Which is just perfect.

One-Pan Steak and Potatoes

So besides a sheet pan, here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 7 ounces of Baby Potatoes
  • 10 ounces of Green Beans
  • 2 Steaks, at room temperature
  • 1 small Red Onion, chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon of Salt
  • 1 teaspoon of Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon of Garlic
  • 1/3 cup of Butter, melted

That’s it! How easy, right?!

How to make One-Pan Steak and Potatoes

Yield: 4

One-Pan Steak and Potatoes

One-Pan Steak and Potatoes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 21 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces of Baby Potatoes
  • 10 ounces of Green Beans
  • 2 Steaks, at room temperature
  • 1 small Red Onion, chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon of Salt
  • 1 teaspoon of Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon of Garlic
  • 1/3 cup of Butter, melted

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Slice the potatoes into halves and place them on the sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine the melted butter and garlic.
  4. Coat the potatoes with garlic butter.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. While the potatoes are baking, sprinkle the steaks with salt & pepper.
  7. Remove the sheet pan from oven & turn the oven to broil.
  8. Place the green beans & onion onto the sheet pan. 
  9. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
  10. Coat with garlic butter.
  11. Then place each steak onto the sheet pan coating each with butter.
  12. Place the sheet pan back into the oven and broil for 6 minutes for medium steaks. 
  13. Remove and ENJOY!
    One-Pan Steak and Potatoes
© Rachel

If you’re looking for more easy recipes, check this one out.

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

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It’s mid-September(ish) and we are finally set to have some semi-decent Fall weather this week. I’m going to run with it and make my NEWEST and most favorite recipe ever. These are perfect for Halloween, but also for football season. Who doesn’t love a jalapeño poppers, am I right?! These delightful (and adorable) poppers will have everyone in the spirit for some Fall fun. Be sure to make these Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies your must-have for all of your Fall parties.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

What you’ll need

Besides having some bomb jalapeños, you’re going to need one major component for this recipe. And that is an air fryer. Now, I’ve spoken about my love of Ninja Foodi’s before, but this one works really well also.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 1 can of crescent roll
  • 6 fresh jalapeños
  • 1 – 8 ounce package of cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 egg
  • 24 candy eyeballs

That’s it. If you’re looking for more Halloween recipes, check this out!

How to make Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies

Yield: 12

Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Mummies

Air Fryer Jalapeño Mummies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 can of crescent roll
  • 6 fresh jalapeños
  • 1 - 8 ounce package of cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 egg
  • 24 candy eyeballs

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Clean and prepare jalapeños by slicing them open, removing the seeds and endocarp (the whitish membrane that seeds are attached to.), and rinsing the insides out. Try to leave the stem intact. Provides a perfect handle.
  2. Roll out crescent roll dough leaving individual rolls together. Pinch closed the perforations.
  3. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll flat to 1/8” thick.
  4. Cut slices long ways to mimic mummy wrap. Set aside.
  5. Add cheeses and garlic to a mixing bowl and whip until light and airy.

  6. Fill the inside of the jalapeños.
  7. Wrap the jalapeños in the dough to mimic a mummy. You can overlap the dough but the dough will expand so do not over-wrap the jalapeños. You want to see the jalapeños under the wrapping.
  8. Whisk the egg and brush over the wrapped jalapeños.
  9. Place in a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 375°f or until the dough is golden brown.
  10. Once cooked remove and let cool.
  11. Place two eyes on each jalapeño pushing into the cheese filling.
  12. Serve with ranch and enjoy.
© Rachel

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Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels

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I’m just going to say it. I am beyond thrilled to say that my kids are back in school. Sure, we had a great run with homeschooling. But I truly am so happy that my kids are getting back into a much needed routine. I’ve tried to make this adjustment period a bit more special to them than our everyday life. One super simple way to do that is through food. These Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels are simple, delicious, and the perfect after school treat.

Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels

What you’ll need

This after school snack is so easy. Truly the one issue I seem to run into is the local stores not having the snap pretzel squares in stock. They really are the only pretzels that will work for this! Sometimes it’s just easier to find them on Amazon.

  • 24 Snyder Of Hanover’s Snap Pretzels
  • 24 Hershey Kisses
  • 24 M&M’s

Obviously, I keep extra hershey kisses and M&M’s on hand. Especially because there are little hands assisting me in the kitchen. And if I only had 24 of each available, these would never get made properly.

How to make Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels

Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels

Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 Snyder Of Hanover's Snap Pretzels
  • 24 Hershey Kisses
  • 24 M&M's

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Preheat the oven to 215° F.
  2. Place pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Unwrap each Hershey Kiss and place in the center of each pretzel.
  4. Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes until the kisses begin to melt (they'll become shiny and begin to deform), remove from the oven.
  5. Immediately (and carefully) place one M&M on top of the melted Hershey kiss.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.
    Easy Hershey Kiss Pretzels
    © Rachel

    Looking for more simple recipes?

    If you need a few more quick and easy snacks to appease the kids after school cravings, check out these 15 delicious dips!

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