Colossial Cookies!

 Well friends you asked for it!  Here is the recipe for the Colossial Cookies my Mom made growing up.

 

They are such a great treat...you can make them as big as your head...the bigger the better!

 

They have so much goodness in each one!  Oats- Peanut Butter- Chocolate Chips- the works!

 

Let me know if you try then- Enjoy!

 

 

Creamy Lemon Chicken

 

 Ok friends!  Time for my next TikTok Recipe- yeah!  You can check out "our" video below- have to include my editor Eva "The Pidge" Breton so she gets some credit :)

 

 

 This was such a quick and easy weeknight meal AND it went over well which is always half the battle with my kids!

 

You should make it...it is really easy... 

 

 

Ingredients

 

For the chicken cutlets:

• 2 large chicken breasts - or 4 medium chicken cutlets
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed - plus more to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream - do not substitute, see notes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped Italian parsley - for garnish
• Lemon slices - for garnish

 

Instructions

 

• Prep chicken cutlets: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to get thinner cutlets. Over plastic wrap, slightly pound the chicken to even thickness as needed using a meat mallet. This is for even cooking and to tenderize the chicken.
• Season and dredge chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (per chicken cutlet, use about ¼ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper). Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour and shake off any excess.
• Sear chicken: Heat a few generous drizzles of olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side undisturbed, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Start the sauce: Don’t wipe the skillet clean. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice until warm. Taste it, and add the second tablespoon of lemon juice if desired (I ended up adding 2 tablespoons).
• Add heavy cream: Turn down to low heat. Bring to a very light simmer. Then, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Return chicken to pan and bring back to a low simmer. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened a bit.
• Serve with lemon slices, a few grinds of black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!  I served mine with Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower FTW!  

 

Strawberry Galette

 

 

 Well friends I did it!  Well Eva and I did it.  We created a TikTok Channel for me and my content.  She is not only an amazing editor but she is great with socials and marketing.  My little 7th grader is becoming such a Branding Wiz.  She helped me create my intro video and a few more to get started with.

 

The first recipe I shared is for this amazing Strawberry Galette.  Truth be told, I didn't even know how to pronounce Galette until I watched Five Star Weekend and now I am obsessed!

 

I think if you have been following along for awhile then you know I am not much of a baker.  I consider myself a cook.  I love to cook.  It is therapeutic and helps me to decompress.  I meal plan like a ninja and try different recipes all the time.

 

I am working on my baking game and this galette came out great so I wanted to share it with YOU.  If you are on Tiktok and want to follow along, my channel is "Holly Helps Mamas".  The video below was posted yesterday.  

 

Here is the recipe and instructions and the video goes over how to put this bad boy together.  If you try it, let me know and enjoy! 

 

 

 

Ingredients

1 16- ounce carton strawberries sliced 

3 tablespoons granulated sugar. 

 1 small lemon zested 

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 

1 refrigerated pre-rolled pie crust 

1 egg 

1-2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar

 

Instructions

 

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
 

Add the sliced strawberries to a bowl along with the granulated sugar, lemon zest, cornstarch, and vanilla. Toss several times so that the berries are evenly coated.
 

Carefully unroll the pie crust onto the parchment lined baking sheet. It's okay if it's slightly too large to fit as you'll be folding the edges over.
 

Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the dough. Arrange the strawberries in an even layer leaving a 2-inch border free. 

 

Fold the edges of the dough toward the center over the berry filling, overlapping as needed. Gently press any folds to help them adhere.
 

Beat the egg in a small bowl for the egg wash. Brush the crust with the egg wash then sprinkle with the Turbinado sugar.
 

Bake in the preheated 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. 

 

Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Slice and serve with ice cream or freshly whipped cream if desired. 

 

Enjoy warm or at room temperature

 

 

 

The Dorm Haul is coming next...

Viral Turkish Pasta

 

 

Hi Friends!  I am coming at ya today with another new recipe.  This one was a hit here and when I have an occasional hit I always want to share it with you!  The recipe is pretty viral- I have seen people post it on TikTok and share recipes on Pinterest.  Here is my version- let me know if you try to make it!

 

 Ingredients

 

2 cups Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it serves as the base for our garlic sauce.

4 garlic cloves (grated): For that aromatic punch.

Juice from ½ lemon: Adds brightness and balances the richness.

Salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors.

1 lb ground beef: The heartiness of the dish.

1 yellow onion (diced): Sweetness and depth.

1 tsp sweet paprika: A warm, smoky flavor.

1 tsp garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlicky goodness.

½ tsp cumin: An earthy, fragrant spice.

3 tbsp tomato paste: For a rich, umami kick.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning to elevate the dish.

¼ cup butter: Adds richness to the sauce.

1 tsp sweet paprika: A second hint of sweetness and color.

Cherry tomatoes (halved): Freshness and a pop of color.

Fresh parsley (chopped): A final touch of brightness.

Feta cheese (crumbled): A tangy topping that complements the dish perfectly.

12 oz cooked pasta (like fusilli or penne): The base of this hearty meal.

 

Instructions

 

Prepare the Garlic Yogurt

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Cook the Spiced Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Make the Paprika Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add sweet paprika and stir until it begins to bubble gently. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Dish

In a serving dish or individual plates, add the cooked pasta.
Top the pasta with the prepared garlic yogurt, followed by the spiced beef mixture.
Drizzle the warm paprika butter over the top for an irresistible finish.

Add the Toppings

Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve and Enjoy!

Better Than Restaurant Ranch

 

Hi Friends!  Coming at ya with another recipe...who am I?  Hoping to get back to my roots here and share more recipes over the coming months.

 

I was inspired by one of my favorite Tik Tokers...she is a corporate mama and dynamite in the kitchen!  She shared this recipe and I wanted to share it with you because it is a winner here in our house.

 

This recipe is for Homemade Ranch- better than even a Restaurant Ranch!  It is great to dip meats in or as a side for a buffalo chicken dish or even with raw veggies or chips...it is very versatile, easy to whip up and oh so delish.  Hope you will give it a try.

 

Ingredients

 

1 Cup Mayo

1 Cup Sour Cream

2 Tablespoons of Ranch Seasoning

Sprinkle of Dill

Sprinkle of Garlic Salt

1 Cup Milk

 

Instructions

 

Mix together the first give ingredients.

Then whisk in the milk

Store in an air tight container in the fridge for at least an hour

 

Serve and Enjoy! See?  Easy Peasy!

 

 

 

 

Sweet Potato Burger Bowls

 

Hi Friends!  I want to preface this post and recipe by saying this is the most flexible recipe to work with.  You can add or omit anything you want...seriously.  This is a protein-packed and easy meal for you or the fam.

 

I tweaked it when making it for mine and I will explain.

 

I have seen variations of this recipe on Pinterest and TikTok.  One of my favorite TikTokers Alycia H was making a similar bowl one night and I felt inspired and it was sooo yum!  I wanted to share it with you AND share a recipe because it has been a minute since I have shared one here...anyway,  I digress...here is what I used to make four bowls

 

1 lb. ground beef

1 vidalia onion

2 sweet potatoes (or 1 sweet potato and 2 cups of rice)

1 avocado

2 cups cottage cheese (we like Good Culture brand)

 

Various toppings: Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, Pickled Onions, Truffle Hot Sauce 

 

 Wash your sweet potatoes/potato.  Rub with olive oil and salt. Then cook your sweet potato in the air fryer. It took approximately 30 minutes for 1 large potato.

 

Heat skillet, drizzle with olive oil.  Cook your vidalia onion until caramelized. Add in your ground beef.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned.

 

Assemble your bowls.

 

Cut sweet potato in half and mash each half in individual bowls. My girls do not like sweet potatoes so I substituted white rice in their bowls- cooked two cups so they would have 1 cup each.

 

Top the potatoes or rice with 1/4 of ground beef mixture. 

 

Slice avocado and spread between the four bowls.

 

Put 1/2 cup of cottage cheese on each bowl. 

 

Top with your toppings of choice - I did Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, Pickled Onions and Truffle Hot Sauce

 

It was DELISH!

 

Pastina!

 

Oh friends!  This one brought back too many memories and I was thrilled that my girls love it just as much as I did as a kid.

 

Pastina was given to us when we weren't feeling well or just needed to warm up or just because we were hungry.

 

I remember eating it at my aunt's house with my cousin- we couldn't get it enough!

 

I decided to try making it and it became an instant hit.  Sharing the recipe with you below.

 

Disclaimer: I have doubled or tripled my recipe in recent weeks because the girls are demanding leftovers...ha!  Hope you try it and enjoy

 

 

Ingredients  

½ cup Acini di peppe or any tiny pasta shape.

 1 ½ cups Chicken broth 

⅓ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated 

1  Egg 

1 tablespoon Butter 

Pepper to taste Optional

Instructions 

In a sauce pan add the chicken broth and the pasta.

Cook the pasta over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed and pasta is al dente.
In a bowl, whisk the egg and parmesan cheese until you get a uniform paste.

Remove the pasta from the heat and use a whisk to stir the pasta as you add the egg mixture.
Add the butter and keep stirring until it has dissolved.

Sprinkle more parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

Let's Look: Our Quick Weeknight Dinners

 

Hi Friends.  Thanks for stopping by.  I am joining Shay and Erica for their Let's Look Linkup and sharing some of our easy weeknight meals.  I think I have this subject mastered.  As I have said several times before, meal planning always helps to minimize stress during the week and another way to make your weeknights more simple, is to have some go-to recipes that don't take you long to whip up!  Here are a few of mine...

Walking Tacos

Find the Recipe HERE

BIG hit at our house

  

 

 Popcorn Chicken

Find the recipe HERE

 I serve this with either mashed potatoes or rice and broccoli- easy peasy!

 

 Turkey and Rice Skillet (but I always substitute ground chicken for the turkey)

Find the recipe HERE

 

 

 

 Breakfast for Dinner

We will typically do this once/week

Here is a great recipe for this night.  Find the frittata HERE

 

 

 

 and Chicken Broccoli and Ziti

Find my recipe HERE
 

It's always a good idea- everyone cleans their plates!

 

 

What are some of your easy weeknight meals?

Diana's Protein Balls

So right about now I am thinking about this summer...walks at the rail trail in town...healthy teas from Fuel Good...driving around and doing "drive bys" and "Diana's Sophomore Year Play List" - a list I made based on her most played songs this past year- songs that she got excited about...songs that helped her through her heartbreak and songs that make us laugh...all popular over the last year or two like "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" by Taylor Swift- "We Can't Be Friends" by Ariana Grande- "I Remember Everything" by Zach Bryan- "A Bar Song" by Shaboozey...anyway I digress

 

Another favorite this summer has been Protein Balls.  They make an awesome breakfast or even snack- packed with protein and flavor, they are always a good idea! 

 

I thought I would share our recipe with you today so you can try them too! 

 

What You Will Need:

 

• 1 ½ cups peanut butter
• ½ cup honey
• 1 ⅓ cups old fashioned oats
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder of your choice
  
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips OR mini M and Ms OR Raisins (you choose your mix ins- whatever you are feelin')
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• How To Whip These Bad Boys Ups:
  
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• • Add the peanut butter, honey, oats, vanilla protein powder, salt, and mini dark chocolate chips/mini M and Ms/raisins to a mixing bowl and use a rubber spatula to mix until the batter is combined
     
  • Use a mini cookie scoop or a spoon to drop energy balls with a spoon onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. They should be around 1 inch in size.
     
  • Roll the energy balls with your hands to form the shape
     
  • Place the cookie sheet with the energy bites on it in the freezer/fridge for 1 hour, or until the balls are hardened 
  • Transfer energy balls to a ziploc bag or plastic container and store in the fridge for around a week, or the freezer for 2-3 months We found storing them in airtight containers in the freezer works best for us.  We separate them into threes for portion control! We love playing around with the mix ins- are faves are ones with chocolate chips and/or raisins :) Enjoy! 

    

    
    

    
    
    

    
    
     
    
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Trader Joe's Spicy Margarita

 

Hi Friends!  Today I thought I would share a fun recipe with you.  I whipped this up on a whim on Friday night and really enjoyed it.  Thought you may too.  Knowing most of my readers are big Trader Joes fans like I am, this recipe may be for you!  

 

I am calling it the Trader Joes Spicy Margarita since it includes a TJs ingredient AND my suggested snack with this luscious cocktail is also from TJs!  FTW!

 

 

Ingredients

1 cup Trader Joe's Spicy Limeade

1 shot of Tequila of Your Choice

1/2 lime

Tajin for rimming your glass and extra sprinkle for flavor

Trader Joe's Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers

 

 

Instructions

 

Rim your glass with lime

Dip the glass in Tajin

Fill your glass with ice

Add 1 cup of TJ's Spicy Limeade

Add 1 shot of Tequila of your choice

Stir and Enjoy!

Best snack to go with this is the TJ's crackers I mentioned above- so delish!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italian Summer Dinner Party

First Things First....

 

 

 

and now...for our main event...

 

 

 

When I heard that Zach and Zoe were coming home for a visit, we agreed on a night for dinner and I decided to really dial things up.  If you have been following along for awhile then you know cooking for people is a way I show my love so I will often go overboard ;)

 

 

I thought there was no better time for an Italian Summer Dinner Party and I made some dishes that I want to remember and share here so I can refer back to these wonderful recipes.  I hope you will give them a shot as well!

 

But first....our VIPs :)

 

 

After the hugging attacks, we enjoyed some Market Basket Spinach Pie and Stuffed Grape Leaves while I got everyone a drink.  I didn't do anything fancy for drinks but it would be the perfect meal for an Aperol Spritz ;)  We stuck with water, seltzers, sodas and wine.

 

Here is what our Italian Summer Dinner Looked Like

 

Steak Pizzaiola

Find the Recipe HERE

This is a fairly simple recipe and just dials steak up a bit.  The sauce consists of tomatoes, olives, capers and onions and peppers- so colorful and delish.  I served the sauce on the size in case anyone didn't like it but it tastes even better when the steaks are sitting in this deliciousness

 

Caprese Salad

Kept this one pretty straight forward- the only tweak I made was to add some little golden tomatoes as well

You can find my Caprese recipes HERE  in this post

 

 

Next, I whipped up a Mediterranean Orzo.   The recipe calls for Shrimp in this yummy dish but I omitted the shrimp since Zoe doesn't eat fish.  Rob and I agreed the shrimp would be a nice addition or you could serve this with lamb kabobs OR even by itself- it truly could be a meal in itself and it is SO GOOD

Check out the Recipe HERE 

 

 

 and the finishing dish on our Italian Dinner was a Sauteed Zucchini and Corn and it was probably my favorite dish of this collection!

Check out the Recipe HERE

 

 

 and although not very Italian, I also whipped up a couple of desserts (even though I am really not a baker)

I made the Pioneer Woman's "Knock You Naked Brownies" which are essentially Chocolate Caramel Brownies.  Check them out HERE

 

 

 and Reeses Fluffernutter Bars

Find them HERE

 

 So yes...it was a delicious night BUT the highlight was hearing Zach's stories...we had some real good belly laughs and quality time...I cherish these times more than anything :)