My Favorite Recipes
Hey everyone, here you can find all of my favorite recipes. One of my favorite things to do is cook for my family. They are always asking me “what’s to eat”? For me it’s a calming way to relax and get my mind off of things. There is something satisfying about cooking a meal and having everyone want seconds. It’s a feel good moment. I love to make people happy and it’s an amazing thing when you can make someone happy with food. Food can be healing, comforting and we need it everyday. It brings together families, and is soothing for the soul.
I’ll be adding my favorite recipes on this page as time goes on. These recipes are all the usual things I cook and are family approved. My son will always tell me if it’s not good and I’ll only put on here things he approves! I also will have recipes only I enjoy, (not-boy approved), sound selfish? Well hey, moms matter too!
I try to cook with organic options when possible and always less than $30 for a family of 4. There are times when I like to splurge, usually during the holidays but for the most part I keep it budget friendly and healthy as possible. I’ll be listing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as deserts. I’m definitely not a professional chef, just a mom that likes food and and enjoys cooking.
Someday I’d love to make a cookbook with all my favorite recipes. Who knows if I can get the proper photos and perfect kitchen backdrop in the future. Something to look forward to, goals ladies! We all have to dream!
I hope you enjoy my recipes and get a chance to try them. I’m pretty sure you will love them too!
Dinner Ideas
Monica’s Marvelous Marinara
Using only three ingredients. So easy and so delicious! Pour over your favorite pasta and wait for the compliments.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add butter and saute' onions until golden brown, add in tomatoes. Simmer for about one hour. In a blender mix sauce until smooth. Serve over your favorite pasta. Top with fresh parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Although this sauce is absolutely perfect, you can certainly add in your own spices to kick up the flavor even more. Try a dash of red pepper flakes or even chopped garlic or fresh basil.
Best White Bean Chicken Chili
This delicious chili is sure to impress anyone. Full of flavor and healthy too!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté onion and green peppers in a pot until cooked for about 5 mins.
- Add in cooked rotisserie chicken, green chilies, spices and stir.
- Add in beans and chicken broth then simmer on low for 20 mins.
- Stir in greek yogurt at the end to add the creaminess.
- Serve with garnishes. Top with your favorites! I love fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, cheese, and jalapeño! Serve with yellow tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add in beef, sprinkle flour over the beef and cook until browned.
- Add in rosemary, carrots, celery, and can tomatoes. Stir
- Add in cup wine and scrape off brown bits from bottom of pan.
- Add in beef broth, cover and simmer on low for one hour.
- Serve with a sliced french baguette and a glass of red wine. Enjoy!
Texas Ranch Chicken
This is one of my favorite recipes. It's easy and delicious! Enjoy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, butter the baking dish
- Mix together wet ingredients in a large bowl. Add the seasonings. Stir
- Line the bottom of the dish with half of the torn tortillas. Layer on half the chicken, onions and bell peppers. Top with half of the cheeses. Pour on the wet mixture. Repeat the steps of layering. End with the wet mixture on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover foil, bake for 10 more minutes.
- Serve with a dollop of greek yogurt or sour cream. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy!
Every fall season I make these fun stuffed peppers for my son. They are always a favorite!
Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
The perfect halloween dish everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until golden brown. Add in ground beef and cook until brown. Add salt, pepper, cloves, and tomatoes and ketchup. Cook until blended about 5 mins. Remove from heat and stir in rice.
- Meanwhile cut out the stem ends of your peppers and start carving the funny faces as you wish. Steam the peppers for about 10 minutes until tender. Stuff the beef mixture into the peppers and top with the lids. Top with cheese optional. Bake for about 30 mins. Serve and Enjoy!
Party Potatoes
The ultimate potato casserole that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix together chopped onion, hash browns, sour cream, cream of celery soup, pepper and cheese.
- Pour into your casserole dish.
- Top with crushed ritz crackers and melted butter.
- Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
- Enjoy!
Desserts
The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe! Made with luxury chocolate chips and pecans, these cookies are perfectly chewy, rich, and irresistible. Try them today!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. (It makes clean up so much easier)
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Gently fold in the luxury chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Don’t over bake.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Perfect Gingerbread Cookie
The best gingerbread cookie ever. This is an easy recipe and the whole family will want to help. Once the dough is made, enjoy cutting out your favorite shapes and have fun making these cookies!
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and molasses until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined.In a medium bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt until combined. With the mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, as well as  fresh ginger, orange zest, until dough just comes together. Don't over mix.Divide dough in half and create two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours. Divide dough in half and roll each piece of dough between two pieces of parchment to 1/4" thick. Chill until firm.)Preheat oven to 350° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until 1/4" thick. (Alternatively, peel off both sheets of parchment from dough, then replace one sheet of parchment back underneath dough.) Cut out gingerbread men with a 3" wide cutter and transfer to baking sheets.Bake until slightly puffed and set, 9 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Step 6 Repeat with remaining disc of dough. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as you wish. Enjoy!
Santa’s Whiskers
My mom made these cookies for me every christmas season when I was growing up and now I make them for my son. They are delicious and very festive looking. Great for christmas parties. A true holiday classic!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla and beat well.Next add flour and beat until well mixed. Stir in cherries and pecans. Divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 7-inch-long log. Roll each log in 1/4 cup of the coconut to coat. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on a wire rack. Makes about 70 cookies. Enjoy!
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe
Moist and delicious! The perfect cake for spring.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and butter on medium just until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. With the speed on low, add the powdered sugar in 3 batches and beat until smooth between each addition. Then place the frosting in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before using.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter then flour a 9-inch round and 3-inch deep cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.Put the carrots into a large mixing bowl and set aside.Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process for 5 seconds. Next add this mixture to the carrots and toss until they are all coated with flour.In the bowl of the food processor combine the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and greek yogurt.With the processor still running drizzle in the avocado oil. Pour the mixture into the carrot mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees and bake for another 20 minutes or until the cake reaches about 210 degrees in the center.Remove the pan from the oven and allow cake to cool 20 minutes in the pan. After 20 minutes, take the cake out and allow the cake to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting after cake has cooled completely!Enjoy!
- CREAM CHEESE 1 package of cream cheese4 tbs of butter2 cups of powdered sugarIn the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese and butter on medium just until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. With the speed on low, add the powdered sugar in 3 batches and beat until smooth between each addition. Be sure to place the frosting in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before frosting the cake.
Notes
Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of cake if desired.
The Perfect Pumpkin Bread
A simple and easy recipe you will love to make year round.
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl mix sugar, eggs, and oil.
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour, spice, salt, baking powder.
- Add the pumpkin to sugar mixture.
- Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture.
- Add the water, and stir together until combined.
- Bake at 350 for about 55 minutes in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners or spray with oil.
- In a large bowl add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then in another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until combined. Stir all together until combined. Fold in the cup mini chocolate chips.
- Bake until golden brown or a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee or tea.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze
Soft, buttery cookies that are festive and delicious!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, extract and 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Add enough of the remaining milk until you reach the consistency that you like. If the mixture is too thick, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more sugar. Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies. Let set for 1-2 hours.
- Cookie Directions:Cream the butter and sugar together for a couple of minutes using a mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla and salt and continue to beat on medium until fully incorporated. Add the flour gradually until your mixture has formed a dough. Shape the dough into a ball (it will be a little crumbly). Tightly wrap the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour in the refrigerator.Preheat oven to 350 F.Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Make an indentation with your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into the centre of each ball. Fill the indentation with jam. But be careful that you do not overfill the indentations.Place cookie tray into refrigerator while the oven preheats.Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Notes
You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Blueberry Lemon Bread
A delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea time. This is the perfect blueberry bread with a hint of tangy lemon, topped with a sweet lemon glaze! Pair it with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line your bread loaf pan with parchment paper or oil.
- Mix the canola oil and sugar with a mixer or a spoon until blended. Add in the lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, eggs, and the milk. Stir until blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt with a fork. Slowly add into the wet ingredients. Add in the blueberries and fold them in gently.
- Pour into the loaf pan. Bake for 45 mins or until top is lightly browned or a knife comes out of the middle clean.
Glaze Directions
- In a small bowl, blend together the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a tbs of zest with the powdered sugar. Mix well.
- Drizzle on top of the bread once its cooled.
- Slice and serve!
My Favorite Coffee
LINK: VitaCup Coffee
Use Discount My Code “Fancy30”
Brunch
Holiday Breakfast Casserole
A colorful and delicious holiday breakfast casserole. Perfect for a crowd on Christmas morning!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown sausage in skillet, drain. Add in onions, bell peppers and saute for 3 minutes.
- Toast bread and cube.
- Grease a 9 x13 baking dish and place toast sprinkled on bottom of pan.
- Mix together eggs, salt pepper and milk.
- Top the toast with sausage and bell pepper mix.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and bread.
- Lastly sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Enjoy!
Lunch
Ingredients
Method
- Start with quinoa base, add chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, garnish with feta cheese then top with cilantro. Mix olive oil, lemon and garlic in a small bowl for your dressing. Drizzle on top and serve. Enjoy! This recipes is for one bowl. Simply double the recipe to make additional bowls.
Fancy Quinoa Kale and Apple Salad
This is my favorite salad for fall. It's super healthy and delicious! Crisp apples and crunchy walnuts with fancy goat cheese. It's the most appetizing salad for the season. Makes a great side dish for your Autumn meals. Also a Perfect hostess dish.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook quinoa and cool, set aside.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon, honey, dijon in a separate bowl.
- Steam kale just until softened for about 2 mins. Drain water. Then add half the dressing and toss.
- Mix in remaining ingredients: add apples, quinoa, cranberries and walnuts. Add rest of dressing. Top with goat cheese.
- Serve
Notes
Stores well in fridge for about a day.
Best Ever Lentil Soup
This Lentil soup is healthy and filling. It's so good on a fall or winter night. Add a squeeze of lemon and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it with warm french bread to dip. Amazing!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrot, onion, celery and 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes (this step is important as it will add flavor to your soup!).
- Stir in the marinera and garlic and cook, until the garlic is fragrant and softened, 2 minutes. Add in the lentils, vegetable bouillon, 5 cups water, thyme, 2 bay leafs, oregano, stir to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the lentils are softened with just a bit of bite, 45 minutes. Â
- Remove the bay leafs. Blend about half of the soup in a blender until smooth then stir back into the pot. Stir in the fresh squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Garnish with more parsley and lemon. Serve with french bread and enjoy!
Turkey Renewal Garden Soup
This turkey renewal garden soup recipe, is a nourishing melody full of wholesome ingredients to nourish your body and soul.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or dutch sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground turkey and brown.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, zucchini and cabbage to the pot and cook until slightly softened, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
- Season with dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, turmeric, salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parmesan cheese.
Italian Sliders
This crowd pleasing sandwich bursts with flavor. A perfect sandwich to serve at any event.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice Hawaiian rolls in half
- Layer the deli meat and cheese starting with the salami, then turkey. Top with cheese.
- Add sliced tomatoes
- In a bowl, mix together mayo, mustard, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Stir in red onion, banana peppers and shredded lettuce. Mix until combined.
- Spread melted butter and grated parmesan cheese on top of buns and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes covered in foil. Then remove foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes. Just to toast the rolls and melt the cheese. Careful not to burn.
- Slice the sliders and serve warm.
- Enjoy!
Appetizers
Fall Charcuterie Board
A fancy array of simple ingredients. Perfect for entertaining a group of 4-6 people. Serve with wine or champagne.
Ingredients
Equipment
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip
Make the ultimate buffalo chicken dip! This creamy, cheesy, and spicy party favorite is easy to prepare and perfect for game days, gatherings, and snacks.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, onion salt, and garlic powder using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the buffalo chicken mixture to the cream cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×9 baking dish. Smooth out the top with the back of a spoon.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with diced green onions. Serve hot with celery sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers.
Smoothies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend all ingredients until combined. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- blend, serve, enjoy!
Green Goddess Smoothie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!