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Chicken Enchilada Soup in a white bowl topped with blue corn tortilla chips and fresh slices of jalapenos.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

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This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is made with white beans, chicken, green chiles and corn. It’s full of fresh flavors and is great served with tortilla chips, rice or salsa.

A collage of photos including all ingredients in the slow cooker and a bowl of chicken enchilada soup garnished with tortilla chips and fresh sliced jalapenos.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Nothing quite beats a big bowlful of warm soup on a cold winter’s evening, does it?

I love making soup in my slow cooker because I can put it together in the morning and let it simmer to perfection all day, plus soups are a healthy, frugal dinner option for those on a budget making it a win-win.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is made with white beans, green chiles, corn and sour cream. It’s full of delicious flavor and is sure to be a hit with Mexican Food lovers.

This soup is best served with tortilla chips, rice, fresh avocado or salsa. Happy Cooking Friends!

Want more delicious soup recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup:

Using a large slow cooker, add all ingredients EXCEPT the sour cream.

Stir all ingredients to combine.

Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.

Just before serving, stir in the sour cream.

Serve warm with corn tortilla chips, rice, salsa or fresh avocado.

Chicken Enchilada Soup in a white bowl topped with blue corn tortilla chips and fresh slices of jalapenos.
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

A warm and spicy soup made with chicken, white beans, chiles and corn.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hrs
Total Time6 hrs 15 mins
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Servings: 10
Calories: 128kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 - 15 ounces cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 - 4 ounces cans chopped green chiles
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Using a large slow cooker, add all ingredients EXCEPT the sour cream.
  • Stir all ingredients to combine.
  • Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
  • Just before serving, stir in the sour cream.
  • Serve warm with corn tortilla chips, rice, salsa or fresh avocado.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
White hot chocolate bombs covered with rainbow icing and sprinkles on a brown cutting board.

Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bomb

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Make up a batch of these Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs for a fun gift or treat for your family and friends. They are sure to bring joy and smiles to the young or old.

A collage of photos including a set of four rainbow hot chocolate bombs sitting on a wooden board and a single hot chocolate bomb sitting on a wooden cutting board.

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Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs

These hot chocolate bombs are extremely popular right now and for good reason, have you made any or watched videos of them in action?? They’re pretty fun to watch, “explode.”

It’s a simple concept really, just make a hollow ball of chocolate and fill it with hot cocoa mix and seal, then pour steamed milk over it and watch it melt and turn into a delicious treat.

These Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs are a super fun way to liven up a boring evening, give on Valentine’s Day, as birthday party favors or just as a fun surprise. I promise that you won’t be disappointed when you make these.

They’re almost guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and don’t we all need an excuse to smile these days? I hope you enjoy the recipe friends!

How to Make Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs:

Place white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate chips are fully melted.

White chocolate chips in a white bowl.

Put a spoonful of melted chocolate inside one cup on the silicone mold and use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold. Continue this process until all the molds are coated.

Melted white chocolate in red silicine dome pan.

Set the remaining chocolate aside for sealing and decorating.

Allow the chocolate to set completely, around 2 to 3 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the chocolate in the refrigerator.

When the chocolate is set, carefully remove each of the chocolate pieces from the mold.

Add a small amount of instant hot cocoa mix to half of the pieces and top the hot cocoa mix with marshmallows and half of the sprinkles.

Four halfs of a hot chocolate bomb with instant hot chocolate mix inside sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Four half shells of a hot chocolate bomb filled with instant hot chocolate, mini marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Reheat the chocolate in 15 second intervals until melted.

Pick up an empty chocolate piece and dip the edges into the melted chocolate.

Carefully place it on top of a filled piece and lightly press it into place. Use your finger to smooth melted chocolate around the seam. Continue until all the chocolate bombs are sealed.

White hot chocolate bombs without toppings sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Melt the pink and green chocolate according to the package instructions, then place the melted chocolate into piping bags.

Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bombs to decorate. Sprinkle remaining sprinkles over the top of the bombs.

Allow the chocolate decorations to set before using, around 1 hour.

White hot chocolate bombs covered with rainbow icing and sprinkles on a brown cutting board.

To use the hot chocolate bombs place the bomb in the bottom of a mug. Pour one cup of hot milk over the top of the bomb to melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is completely melted, stir to combine, drink and enjoy!

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White hot chocolate bombs covered with rainbow icing and sprinkles on a brown cutting board.
Print Recipe

Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs

White chocolate balls filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and sprinkles that when placed in steamed milk, melts, pops open and creates a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Prep Time4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time4 hrs 30 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Rainbow Sprinkle Hot Chocolate Bombs
Servings: 6
Calories: 534kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Put a spoonful of melted chocolate inside one cup on the silicone mold and use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold. Continue this process until all the molds are coated.
  • Set the remaining chocolate aside for sealing and decorating.
  • Allow the chocolate to set completely, around 2 to 3 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the chocolate in the refrigerator.
  • When the chocolate is set, carefully remove each of the chocolate pieces from the mold.
  • Add a small amount of instant hot cocoa mix to half of the pieces and top the hot cocoa mix with marshmallows and half of the sprinkles.
  • Reheat the chocolate in 15 second intervals until melted.
  • Pick up an empty chocolate piece and dip the edges into the melted chocolate.
  • Carefully place it on top of a filled piece and lightly press it into place. Use your finger to smooth melted chocolate around the seam. Continue until all the chocolate bombs are sealed.
  • Melt the pink and green chocolate according to the package instructions, then place the melted chocolate into piping bags.
  • Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bombs to decorate. Sprinkle remaining sprinkles over the top of the bombs.
  • Allow the chocolate decorations to set before using, around 1 hour.

To Use Hot Chocolate Bombs:

  • Place the bomb in the bottom of a mug. Pour one cup of hot milk over the top of the bomb to melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is completely melted, stir to combine, drink and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition information includes one bomb and one cup of 2% milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 584mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 407mg | Iron: 2mg
Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole sitting on a white plate with a fork.

Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole | Low-Carb | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free

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Try this Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole for a delicious low-carb, Keto, gluten-free, grain-free meal that is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings with all of it’s cheesy, melty, salty goodness.

A collage of photos consisting of a shot of the recipe ingredients and a portion of the finished casserole sitting on a white plate.

Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole

Okay everyone, the holidays are over, so it’s time to pack up the sweets and eat a more balanced diet, right?? At least that’s what I’m trying to do and I know a lot of my readers are as well.

That’s why I’m excited to bring you this low-carb, Keto Ham and Cheese Casserole that uses only 5 simple ingredients and is hearty and filling enough to satisfy those comfort food cravings.

I love a nice warm, hearty casserole, especially in the wintertime, but they aren’t always the best option for my waistline, which is why I absolutely love trying new ways to use vegetables as the filler ingredient just like in this recipe.

Cauliflower is amazing for you being low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, so why not give it a try in this amazingly delicious casserole.

I’m telling you, it will hit the spot and satisfy you. You won’t miss the carbs. Now, let’s get onto the recipe and if you want more low-carb recipes, then be sure to check out the list below.

Want more low-carb recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

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Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole sitting on a white plate with a fork.
Print Recipe

Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole

Tender cauliflower florets and salty chunks of ham covered in a delicious homemade cheese sauce, baked to perfection in the oven.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Ham & Cheese Cauliflower Casserole | Low-Carb | Keto
Servings: 8
Calories: 658kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 large heads cauliflower stems removed and separated into evenly-size florets may substitute 6 cups frozen florets
  • 1 cup ham cubed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream may sub. half & half or whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Fill a large stockpot with water to three-quarters full. Add 1 tsp salt.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook florets for about 10 minutes or until fork tender.
  • Drain the cauliflower well and place in the casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle the ham over the cauliflower.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  • When the butter is melted, add the heavy cream and bring to a boil, stirring often.
  • Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in 2 ½ cup of the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring often, for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and begins clinging to the sides of the skillet.
  • Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and ham. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the cauliflower begins to brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 658kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2008IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 383mg | Iron: 1mg
Cinnamon Roll Waffles stacked on a plate drizzled with glaze and topped with fresh fruit.

Waffle Iron Cinnamon Roll Waffles

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Make up a batch of these Waffle Iron Cinnamon Roll Waffles for an easy and delicious breakfast treat that is sure to make everyone happy.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles stacked on a plate drizzled with glaze and topped with fresh fruit.

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Waffle Iron Cinnamon Roll Waffles

If you love just about anything cinnamon flavored then this recipe is for you. It’s fun to think up new ways to use the waffle iron and these cinnamon roll waffles are also pretty fun to eat.

There’s nothing to making these, simply pop your cinnamon roll dough on the your waffle iron, cook until brown and drizzle with icing. This is a perfect recipe for letting kids help in the kitchen because it’s just so simple!

I know you and your loved ones will enjoy these cinnamon roll waffles for a special breakfast or dessert any day of the week. If you want more creative recipes using your waffle maker, then be sure to check out the list below.

Want more delicious waffle iron recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

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How to make Cinnamon Roll Waffles:

Preheat waffles maker and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Place one cinnamon roll into each waffle reservoir.

Store-bought cinnamon roll dough in the waffle iron before cooking.

Close waffle maker and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes or until brown and crispy.

Crispy cinnamon roll waffles in the waffle iron.

Remove cinnamon roll waffles from waffle maker.

Top with icing or syrup and serve hot.

A stack of cinnamon roll waffles on a white plate with fresh fruit in the background.

Cooking Tips:

  • To make store-bought icing thinner, just add a small amount of hot water and stir. This makes it easy to pour the icing straight onto the cinnamon roll waffles.
  • You can also mix powdered sugar with milk to create more icing for your waffles.
  • You can batch cook these and freeze them for later. Then simply pop already made waffles into the toaster for an easy on the go breakfast.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles stacked on a plate drizzled with glaze and topped with fresh fruit.
Print Recipe

Waffle Iron Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Cinnamon roll dough cooked crispy and golden brown in the waffle iron and drizzled with sugary icing.
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Waffle Iron Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Servings: 8
Calories: 160kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Store-bought cinnamon rolls in a can
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat waffles maker and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place one cinnamon roll into each waffle reservoir.
  • Close waffle maker and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes or until lightly brown and crispy.
  • Remove cinnamon roll waffles from waffle maker.
  • Top with icing or syrup and serve hot.

Notes

  • To make store-bought icing thinner, just add a small amount of hot water and stir. This makes it easy to pour the icing straight onto the cinnamon roll waffles.
  • You can also mix powdered sugar with milk to create more icing for your waffles.
  • You can batch cook these and freeze them for later. Then simply pop already made waffles into the toaster for an easy on the go breakfast.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 330mg | Sugar: 10g | Iron: 1mg
Black-eyed peas and rice in a white bowl.

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John {Black Eyes Peas and Rice}

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Make a big batch of Hoppin’ John in your Slow Cooker for a nutritious and filling meal made with black-eyed peas, ham and rice that is sure to please even the pickiest pallet.

Black-eyed peas and rice in a white bowl.

Slow Cooker Hoppin’ John

It’s said that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring you luck. Now, I don’t believe in luck, but I’ll gladly join in on this tradition because it’s just so plain tasty.

Black-Eyed Peas, also known as cowpeas are full of fiber, protein, calcium, iron and all kinds of other vitamins and minerals, so why not start the new year out by eating a serving of this filling and healthy legume?

We grew cowpeas for the first time this year in our garden and they produced like crazy. We ended up with 7lbs of dried black-eyed peas from approximately 70 sq feet of growing space.

We’re definitely planning on growing them again next year because they were such a success. They love heat and humidity, so if that is your climate, then you might want to give them a try in your garden too.

Now, who’s ready to start this new year off right and give this tasty dish a try? Let’s get cooking friends!

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How to make Slow Cooker Hoppin” John:

Place ham in slow cooker and top with all other ingredients EXCEPT for the rice. Stir to combine.

All ingredients in slow cooker, except rice, before cooking.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.

Carefully remove the ham and shred it with two forks.

Return the ham to the slow cooker and add the rice.

Make sure that the rice is below the liquid so that it cooks evenly.

Hoppin' John in slow cooker.

Cover slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours on high or until the rice is tender.

Stir and remove the bay leaves before serving.

Black-eyed peas and rice in a white bowl.
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Hoppin' John

Black-eyed peas, rice, ham and vegetables cooked together in the slow cooker.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Total Time4 hrs 10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Hoppin' John
Servings: 10
Calories: 267kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ham bone with meat or about 3 cups leftover ham
  • 1 28 ounce bag frozen black eyed peas
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes according to your tastes
  • 2 tbsp creole seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 - 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 3 cups white rice uncooked

Instructions

  • Place ham in slow cooker and top with all other ingredients EXCEPT for the rice. Stir to combine.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.
  • Carefully remove the ham and shred it with two forks.
  • Return the ham to the slow cooker and add the rice.
  • Make sure that the rice is below the liquid so that it cooks evenly.
  • Cover slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 hours on low or until the rice is tender. (I would check the rice every 30 minutes to make sure that it doesn't overcook and become mushy.)
  • Once rice is cooked, stir and remove the bay leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

If using dried black eyed peas, you will need to add to the cooking time. Cook on high until peas are soft, before adding the rice.
For more flavor, you can add 2 tbsp of bacon fat at the beginning of the cooking time if you have it on hand.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 327mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 857IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg
Cheesy Pizze Dip topped with pepperoni with a ring of garlic bread around it in a cast iron skillet.

Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip {One Pan Skillet Recipe}

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Try serving this Skillet Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip for a fun weeknight dinner or at your next party or get-together. Simply pull off a piece of garlic bread and get dipping!

Cheesy Pizze Dip topped with pepperoni with a ring of garlic bread around it in a cast iron skillet.

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Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip

If you’re looking for a fun comfort food to serve for dinner, at a party or for a family movie night, then this recipe is for you.

Everyone will love this cheesy pizza dip topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni and surrounded by butter dipped garlic bread browned in the oven in a cast iron skillet. It’s the perfect cheesy, melty, bready dish that is sure to satisfy all of those comfort cravings.

This dish will definitely warm you up on a cold winter’s night and would be the perfect thing to serve with popcorn and hot cocoa for a fun family movie night.

If you don’t like pepperoni, feel free to switch it out for your favorite pizza toppings such as sausage, bell peppers, Canadian bacon or black olives. You can really customize it and make it just like your favorite take out.

What are you waiting for? Get to the kitchen and start baking friends!

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How to Make Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Cut each dinner roll into four equal parts rolling each piece into a ball.

Dip the dough ball into the butter mixture.

Place the dough ball along the outer edge of a 10-inch cast iron skillet, leaving the center open.

Bread dough balls dipped in butter in a small glass dish inside of a cast iron skillet.

Stack the remaining dough balls on top of the bottom layer.

Bread dough dipped in butter layered around the inside perimeter of a cast iron skillet.

Cover and allow the dough to rise until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

While the dough is rising, mix the cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella , mayonnaise, Italian seasoning and remaining garlic powder.

When the rolls have risen, layer the center of the skillet with the cheese mixture, pizza sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Top with pepperoni.

Pizza dip layered with pepperoni surrounded by raw bread dough in a cast iron skillet.

Brush the rolls with remaining seasoned butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. If the rolls begin to get too brown, you may tent with aluminum foil.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Cheesy Pizze Dip topped with pepperoni with a ring of garlic bread around it in a cast iron skillet.

Cheesy Pizze Dip topped with pepperoni with a ring of garlic bread around it in a cast iron skillet.
Print Recipe

Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip

A cheesy pizza dip surrounded by bread dough dipped in butter and baked in a cast iron skillet until golden brown.
Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Garlic Bread Cheesy Pizza Dip
Servings: 8
Calories: 358kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 - 16 ounce package frozen bread dough dinner rolls, thawed
  • 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • ¼ cup ¾ ounce sliced pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Combine the butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  • Cut each dinner roll into four equal parts rolling each piece into a ball.
  • Dip the dough ball into the butter mixture.
  • Place the dough ball along the outer edge of a 10-inch cast iron skillet, leaving the center open.
  • Stack the remaining dough balls on top of the bottom layer.
  • Cover and allow the dough to rise until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  • While the dough is rising, mix the cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella , mayonnaise, Italian seasoning and remaining garlic powder.
  • When the rolls have risen, layer the center of the skillet with the cheese mixture, pizza sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Top with pepperoni.
  • Brush the rolls with remaining seasoned butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. If the rolls begin to get too brown, you may tent with aluminum foil.
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 544IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 1mg
Four hot chocolate bombs sitting on a red and white striped plate.

Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs

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Make a batch of these Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs filled with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and holiday sprinkles to gift to family and friends or to drink at home on a cold winter’s night!

A colloge of photos showing how to make Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs.

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Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs

Hot Chocolate Bombs are one of the newest food trends. I’ve seen them popping up everywhere lately, so I thought I’d share a recipe with you today showing how to make them.

What are Hot Chocolate Bombs?

Basically, they are a hard ball of chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and other goodies that you place in steaming milk and as it melts, it pops open to create a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate.

They may look fancy, but they don’t really require anything out of the ordinary except this Dome Silicone Mold. In fact, if you make bath bombs, then you may already have one of these sitting around.

Other than that, chocolate chips, hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows are pretty much all that you need to make these fun Hot Chocolate Bombs.

You could whip up a batch to give as gifts by simply packaging them in small plastic bags and tying them with a ribbon and printed instructions or you could make some for your family to enjoy on a cold winter’s night.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this special holiday treat. Cheers!

Want more delicious Christmas recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

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How to Make Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs:

Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate chips are completely melted.

Put a spoonful of melted chocolate inside one cup on the silicone mold and use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold. Continue this process until all the molds are coated.

Red silicone tray filled with melted chocolate spread out in a thin layer.

Set the remaining chocolate aside for sealing and decorating the bombs.

Allow the chocolate to set completely, around 2 to 3 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the chocolate in the refrigerator.

When the chocolate is set, carefully remove each of the chocolate pieces from the mold.

Add a small amount of instant hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and sprinkles to half of the hardened chocolate pieces.

Half of the hardened chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Half of the hardened chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and holiday sprinkles sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Reheat the remaining chocolate in 15 second intervals until fully melted.

Pick up an empty chocolate piece and dip the edges into the melted chocolate.

Half of hot chocolate bombs dipped in melted chocolate for sealing.

Carefully place it on top of a filled piece and lightly press it into place. Use your finger to smooth melted chocolate around the seam. Continue until all the chocolate bombs are sealed.

Melt the red and green chocolate according to the package instructions, then place the melted chocolate into piping bags.

Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bombs to decorate. Sprinkle remaining sprinkles over the top of the bombs.

Allow the chocolate decorations to set before using, around 1 hour.

Finished hot chocolate bombs drizzled with red and green icing sitting on a wooden cutting board.

To make the hot chocolate bombs, place the bomb in the bottom of a mug. Pour one cup of hot milk over the top of the bomb to melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is completely melted, stir to combine. Enjoy!

Four hot chocolate bombs sitting on a red and white striped plate.
Print Recipe

Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs

Chocolate balls filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and sprinkles that when placed in steamed milk, melts, pops open and creates a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
Prep Time4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time4 hrs 30 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs
Servings: 6
Calories: 229kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
  • Put a spoonful of melted chocolate inside one cup on the silicone mold and use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold. Continue this process until all the molds are coated.
  • Set the remaining chocolate aside for sealing and decorating the bombs.
  • Allow the chocolate to set completely, around 2 to 3 hours. You can speed up the process by placing the chocolate in the refrigerator.
  • When the chocolate is set, carefully remove each of the chocolate pieces from the mold.
  • Add a small amount of instant hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and sprinkles to half of the hardened chocolate pieces.
  • Reheat the remaining chocolate in 15 second intervals until fully melted.
  • Pick up an empty chocolate piece and dip the edges into the melted chocolate.
  • Carefully place it on top of a filled piece and lightly press it into place. Use your finger to smooth melted chocolate around the seam. Continue until all the chocolate bombs are sealed.
  • Melt the red and green chocolate according to the package instructions, then place the melted chocolate into piping bags.
  • Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bombs to decorate. Sprinkle remaining sprinkles over the top of the bombs.
  • Allow the chocolate decorations to set before using, around 1 hour.
  • To make the hot chocolate bombs, place the bomb in the bottom of a mug. Pour one cup of hot milk over the top of the bomb to melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is completely melted, stir to combine. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition information includes 1 bomb and 1 cup of 2% milk per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 2mg
A sugar cookie with chocolate frosting, candy eyes, nose and pretzel ears that makes it look like a reindeer.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies

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These Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies are a quick and easy way to spread cheer this holiday season!

A sugar cookie with chocolate frosting, candy eyes, nose and pretzel ears that makes it look like a reindeer.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Who wouldn’t be filled with the holiday spirit after passing a plate of these festive Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies?

They look like a complicated project, but trust me, they’re as easy to make as frosting a cookie and slapping on a couple of toppings.

Children especially will love making and eating these fun reindeer sugar cookies. They would be great to serve at a holiday event or for gifting to neighbors, co-workers and friends.

I hope whipping up a few dozen of these Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies becomes a treasured Christmas tradition that the whole family looks forward to year after year.

This recipe uses store-bought sugar cookie dough, but feel free to use your own homemade recipe or try my Cake Mix Sugar Cookies that always turn out soft and delicious. Happy holiday baking friends!

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How to make Reindeer Sugar Cookies:

After your sugar cookies have cooled, spread an even layer of chocolate icing over the top of each one.

Sugar cookies with chocolate frosting sitting on a cooling rack.

Place two candy eyes in the center of the cookie and put one red chocolate candy directly below the eyes.

Sugar cookies with chocolate frosting, candy eyes and nose sitting on a wire cooling rack.

Place two mini pretzels at the top of the cookies to form the reindeer’s antlers and you’re done!

Finished reindeer cookies sitting on a black wire cooking rack with a red and white checked towel underneath.

A sugar cookie with chocolate frosting, candy eyes, nose and pretzel ears that makes it look like a reindeer.
Print Recipe

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies topped with chocolate icing, chocolate candies and pretzels to make the face of a reindeer.
Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Sugar Cookies
Servings: 24
Calories: 155kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package pre-made sugar cookie dough prepared according to package instructions
  • 1 tub pre-made chocolate icing
  • 48 candy eyes
  • 24 red chocolate candies
  • 48 mini pretzels

Instructions

  • After your sugar cookies have cooled, spread an even layer of chocolate icing over the top of each one.
  • Place two candy eyes in the center of the cookie and put one red chocolate candy directly below the eyes.
  • Place two mini pretzels at the top of the cookies to form the reindeer’s antlers and you're done!

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Chocolate chip muffins sprinkled with red, white and green sprinkles sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins

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These Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins are a quick and easy way to make a fun homemade holiday treat that your family is sure to love!

Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins sitting on a wooden cutting board.

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Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins

I love incorporating special holiday touches into our day to day lives throughout the Christmas season, but I’m also a busy mama and don’t want to spend too much time and effort on it.

My secret is doing simple things such as, adding Christmas sprinkles to homemade chocolate chip muffins, that doesn’t require much effort on my part, but it’s something that the children still get excited over.

These Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays with your family. Simply serve them for a fun holiday breakfast or festive afternoon snack.

You could also send them in your child’s lunchbox for a fun Christmas treat on a normal weekday. I know your family will love these and I hope this recipe helps to make your holiday season a little bit brighter. Merry Christmas friends!

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How to Make Chocolate Chip Christmas Muffins:

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition. Beat in the milk and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and sprinkles until well combined.

Muffin batter in a white mixing bowl with a pile of sprinkles and chocolate chips on top.

Fill each cup of the muffin pan 2/3 of the way full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and sprinkles on top of each muffin, if desired.

Muffin batter sprinkled with chocolate chips and sprinkles in a muffin tin.

Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool and enjoy!

Chocolate chip muffins sprinkled with red, white and green sprinkles sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Chocolate chip muffins sprinkled with red, white and green sprinkles sitting on a wooden cutting board.
Print Recipe

Christmas Chocolate Chip Muffins

Muffins with mini chocolate chips and Christmas sprinkles.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas Chocolate Chip Muffins
Servings: 12
Calories: 337kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips plus more for topping
  • ¼ cup red and green sprinkles plus more for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition. Beat in the milk and vanilla.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Fold in the mini chocolate chips and sprinkles until well combined.
  • Fill each cup of the muffin pan 2/3 of the way full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and sprinkles on top of each muffin, if desired.
  • Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg
Sweet Potato Muffins on a wooden cutting board.

Sweet Potato Muffins

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These Sweet Potato Muffins are full of the sweet and cinnamon-y flavors of fall that your whole family is sure to love!

Sweet potato muffins on a wooden cutting board.

Sweet Potato Muffins

We grow a huge amount of sweet potatoes in our garden each year, because they’re so low-maintenance, practically pest/disease free and store extremely well.

This means that I use sweet potato in as many ways as I can throughout the year and this recipe for Sweet Potato Muffins is one of my family’s favorite ways to eat them.

I pretty much love muffins of any kind, but these are one of my favorites because they make a dense/moist muffin and they’re packed full of fiber and vitamins making them a healthy option (aside form the sugar in them, of course).

I like to make my sweet potato puree ahead of time and store it in the freezer or bake up a bunch of sweet potatoes for dinner in the slow cooker and throw in a few extra to make muffins the next day.

I know your family will enjoy the recipe for Sweet Potato Muffins. Happy baking friends!

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How to Make Sweet Potato Muffins:

Cook sweet potatoes using method of choice (microwave, slow cooker, oven, etc.) until fork tender, remove skins and mash.

Preheat oven to 325. Grease muffin tin.

In large mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

In medium mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Wet ingredients dumped over dry ingredeints in a mixing bowl.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tin and bake 22-24 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Baked muffins in a muffin tin with an orange and white plaid tea towel.

Sweet Potato Muffins on a wooden cutting board.
Print Recipe

Sweet Potato Muffins

An easy and delicious muffin recipe using sweet potatoes and cinnamon.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time24 mins
Total Time34 mins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Sweet Potato Muffin
Servings: 12
Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potato
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • Cook sweet potatoes using method of choice (microwave, slow cooker, oven, etc.) until fork tender, remove skins and mash.
  • Preheat oven to 325. Grease muffin tin.
  • In large mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  • In medium mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.
  • Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Spoon batter into greased muffin tin and bake 22-24 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 13512IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

 

Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gift

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Put together a few of these adorable Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gifts that only cost approx. $3 each and give them to friends and neighbors this Christmas season!

Santa Mug filled with hot chocolate ingredients sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gift

If you’re looking to make a few gifts for family, friends or neighbors, all while sticking to a budget, then you’ll definitely want to stick around and see how to make these adorable Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gifts.

I’m all about homemade gifts AND saving money and this project will get you both.

Can you believe that Dollar Tree has these adorable Santa Mugs for only $1?? Of course, if this mug isn’t your thing or you can’t find the exact one at your local Dollar Tree, then just pick up another holiday alternative and get to making those gifts!

When you make at least four of these mugs, they’ll end up costing you about $3 or so dollars each, can you believe that such a cute gift is so inexpensive?

Plus, whomever you decide to give these gifts to will truly be blessed because they’ll know that you took the time and effort to put this together for them.

Also, there is a free printable gift tag for you to attach to the mugs and make them even more personalized. Download your set of free printable gift tags here.

Printed gift tags for Santa Mug Gifts sitting on a marble countertop.

Alrighty friends, who’s ready to roll up those sleeves and get to making these Santa Mug Hot Chocolate Gifts??

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Want more affordable gift ideas? Here are a few of our favorites:

Empty Santa Mugi with marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate candy and hot choclate sitting next to it.

How to make a Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gift:

Fill one plastic bag with mini marshmallows. Tie the top closed with a piece of twine.

Fill another bag with Snow Caps. Tie the top closed with a piece of twine.

Small plastic bags filled with marshmallows and chocolate candy pieces tied with red and white twine, sitting on a marble countertop.

Place three packets of hot chocolate in the mug.

Place the small bags of marshmallows and Snow Caps in front of the hot chocolate packets.

Add mini candy canes.

Print out theses gift tags on card stock and cut out the tags around the outer border.

Printed gift tags for Santa Mug Gifts sitting on a marble countertop.

Punch a hole in the end of the tag and tie it to the handle of the mug with twine.

You’re all set. Happy gift making friends!

Santa Mug filled with hot chocolate packets, candy canes, marshmallows and chocolate candy sitting on a marble countertop.

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Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gift

Learn how to make a $3 hot chocolate gift set from Dollar Tree using hot cocoa mix, candy and marshmallows wrapped up in a Christmas mug.
Prep Time10 mins
Active Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Keyword: Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Santa Mug Gift Set
Cost: 3

Equipment

  • Pair of Scissors

Materials

  • Santa mug or other holiday mug
  • Instant hot chocolate packets
  • Snow Caps or other small chocolate candy
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Mini candy canes
  • Small plastic bags
  • Twine
  • Printable gift tags

Instructions

  • Fill one plastic bag with mini marshmallows. Tie the top closed with a piece of twine.
  • Fill another bag with Snow Caps. Tie the top closed with a piece of twine.
  • Place three packets of hot chocolate in the mug.
  • Place the small bags of marshmallows and Snow Caps in front of the hot chocolate packets.
  • Add mini candy canes.
  • Print out the gift tags on card stock and cut out the tags around the outer border.
  • Punch a hole in the end of the tag and tie it to the handle of the mug with twine.
  • You're all set. Happy gift making friends!

Notes

Click here to download your free printable gift tags.
V8 Chili in a white bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream and garnished with a jalapeno.

Quick and Easy V8 Chili {60 Minute One Pot Chili}

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This Quick and Easy V8 Chili uses only six ingredients and cooks in one hour making it a simple weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

V8 Chili in a white bowl garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream and jalapeno.

 

Quick and Easy V8 Chili

Most of us love a good chili recipe, right? I know our family eats chili at least once per week during the cooler months and it always warms us up on a cold, dark evening.

I normally make chili in the slow cooker, but it’s nice to have a stove top recipe on hand for when I need it.

This V8 Chili cooks in one hour and uses only one pot making it a quick and easy option for busy families. Plus, it uses V8 juice making it healthy and full of vegetable goodness that no one will even notice!

To save money, you may want to consider making your own chili seasoning. I make my own homemade seasonings all the time and rarely buy the store-bought packets because it saves me money and it is healthier for my family.

I know you and your family will enjoy this easy recipe, so let’s get to cooking!

Want more chili recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

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How to Make Quick and Easy V8 Chili:

In a large pot, brown ground beef and onion until cooked through.

Cooked ground beef and oinion in a stainless steel pot.

Add the V8, chili beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Stir to combine.

Chili ingredients in a stainless steel pot.

Cook chili over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.

V8 Chili in a white bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream and garnished with a jalapeno.

V8 Chili in a white bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream and garnished with a jalapeno.
Print Recipe

Quick and Easy V8 Chili

One hour chili made in one pot that uses only 6 simple ingredients.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Quick and Easy V8 Chili
Servings: 10
Calories: 160kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot, brown ground beef and onion until cooked through.
  • Add the V8, chili beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Stir to combine.
  • Cook chili over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 817mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1608IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg

7 Ways to Have an Old-Fashioned Christmas

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A collage of Christmas items on a wood background including fresh greenery, berries and dried orange slices.

How to Have an Old-Fashioned Christmas

I have an old soul and I really love incorporating old-fashioned traditions and values into my modern life.

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season has reached a fever pitch in the last few decades and I think it’s wise to slow down, clear our heads and appreciate what truly matters this time of year.

In generations past, Christmas wasn’t about shopping for hours on end and piling expensive presents under the tree. Instead, people used what they had to make gifts and homemade treats to give.

Today, I want to share with a you a few simple things that you can do to slow down and connect with those that you love.

This post was originally published in December of 2015, but has been updated for your convenience.

 

Decorate with Natural Decor

One easy thing that you can do is choose a real tree over a fake one. So many things are fake and plastic in our modern world that I think we sometimes forget the beauty of the natural world around us.

Sure you can go to your local big box store and purchase a perfectly symmetrical plastic tree with a ton of shiny glittery decor to go on it, but I think the simplicity and imperfection of a real tree has more to offer our tired and weary souls.

The smell of fresh greenery, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks adds to the ambiance of the season and helps to feed our desire for connecting with nature and living a simple life.

And if you’re feeling really festive, then why not throw a few of these ingredients to simmer on the stove in this recipe for an Easy DIY Christmas Simmer Pot.

Here are some items that you can buy or collect and use to decorate:

You don’t have to spend a fortune to deck the halls, just look around at what you have on hand, roll up those sleeves and get creative. Celebrate the season with the beauty of what nature has to offer.

Make Handmade Decorations

Another great way to celebrate the old-fashioned way is to make handmade decorations. Most people didn’t have the money to buy store-bought decorations so they used what they had to make their own.

Stringing cranberries and popcorn to make garland is a great idea, also making cinnamon dough ornaments is easy and fun for adults and kids alike.

Another easy idea involving your kids is to make a paper chain countdown to Christmas where you remove a chain every morning until Christmas day.

Check out these DIY Christmas Decor projects that you can make:

Give Homemade Treats

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season is by making homemade treats to give to those that I love. I would much rather make up a big basket of treats to give than buy a present from the store.

In decades past, women used to bake for weeks before Christmas so they would have treats to give to everyone that they loved. Don’t forget to involve your kids and make it a family affair! Check out the list below for some easy recipe ideas to get you started.

Some of my favorite homemade treats include:

Make Gifts to Give

Another important old-fashioned tradition is to make gifts instead of buy them. I love this because time is precious and if you take the time to make a gift for someone then you’re showing them how much you love and care for them.

I personally enjoy receiving homemade gifts because it makes me feel loved, plus I know that it’s unique.

I try to make as many homemade gifts as I can each year because I enjoy the process and it keeps me out of the stores which are crazy this time of year.

An easy idea for a homemade gift is to take your favorite baking recipe and make it into a gift in a jar. Just fill the jar with the dry ingredients and attach instructions for completing the recipe. Anyone can do this and people LOVE them!

An easy idea for small children is to have them make their own Christmas Cards or pictures to give. Little kids LOVE doing stuff like this and it’s so important to teach them the joy of giving at a young age. You may also be interested in my article, 10 Ways to Serve with Young Children During the Holidays for more ideas.

Spend Time Together

The best way to celebrate the holiday season in my opinion is to simply spend time with those that you love.

This can be challenging in our busy modern lives, but it’s important to be intentional about this and block out time each week to do something with your family.

Last year, we sat down as a family and created a Christmas bucket list. Each family member listed two things that they wanted to do during the holidays and we put them on our calendar. This is a simple way to make sure that everyone’s favorite holiday traditions are kept and it’s pretty simple.

Some of the activities from our list were, making Christmas cookies, watching Elf, going to IHOP for pancakes and looking at Christmas lights.

Some more easy activities that you can do together include ice-skating, making gingerbread men, reading Christmas stories, etc. For more ideas and a free printable check out 25 Christmas Activities for Kids.

Sing Christmas Carols

I know this sounds really simple, but just think about it, before screens and radios, people made their own music. I think it’s an important human tradition that should be continued, especially during the Christmas season.

Does someone in your family play an instrument? Maybe you could gather around the piano or guitar and spend an evening singing together.

If no one you know plays an instrument, you could sing accapella or put on a holiday CD and let Bing sing for you, either way continuing the tradition of singing Christmas Carols is a great way to connect with the past and have an old-fashioned Christmas.

Light Candles

If you want a truly old-fashioned holiday experience, then why not turn off the lights for an evening and use old-fashioned lighting such as an oil lamp or candlelight. Why not make an evening of it and light a fire, make hot cocoa and put on some Christmas music or just listen to the silent winter night. How cozy does that sound?

Celebrate the TRUE Meaning of the Season

I’m including this not because it’s old-fashioned to believe in Jesus, but because it’s out of fashion in our current culture. The true meaning of the season is that God sent his only Son Jesus to die for our sins so that we could have everlasting life.

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus and I hope that you take the time to reflect on that and read the Christmas Story with your family that is found in Luke 2:1-20.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”

Luke 2:14

There’s much to learn from the past about slowing down and focusing on what’s important. I hope you will incorporate some of these things into your own own holiday celebration, especially the birth of Jesus. Have a Merry Christmas and if you want to read more articles like this one, then be sure to check out the links below!

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Want more Old-Fashioned tips and tricks? Here are a few of our favorite articles:

A pile of carrot cake muffins on a white plate.

Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins

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These Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins are full of the delicious flavors that you know and love in a slice of carrot cake, but they’re made in muffin form and are full of cinnamon-y, sweet goodness.

Carrot cake muffins in a stack on a white plate.

 

Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins

Zucchini season has come and gone this year, but if you’re a gardener, I bet you have a few bags tucked away in the freezer for making zucchini bread during the winter.

I love a good zucchini bread recipe, but these Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins blow any plain zucchini muffin that I’ve tried out of the water. They literally taste like carrot cake (without the cream cheese frosting, but of course you could add that to these if you wanted.)

I’m telling you, these muffins are out of this world. Seriously, they’re good.

Of course, I have a thing for a good homemade muffin or quick bread recipe as you can tell if you follow me, because I have a ton of different recipes that I’ll share below, but these Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins are definitely in my top five of all time.

So what in the world are you waiting for, go ahead and start baking. I know you’ll love them.

Want more amazing quick bread recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:

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How to make Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin tin.

In medium size mixing bowl, combine egg, brown sugar, sugar, coconut oil, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon.

Add shredded carrots and zucchini. Mix until combined.

Muffin batter in a white bowl, with shredded zucchini and carrot on top before mixing.

In small mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Fold in chopped nuts until just combined. (optional)

Muffin batter in a white bowl, with chopped pecans sprinkled on the top.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Muffin batter in muffin tin laying on a mint green towel with a wooden spoon next to the pan.

Muffins will be sticky (and delicious!).

A pile of carrot cake muffins on a white plate.

A pile of carrot cake muffins on a white plate.
Print Recipe

Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins

The flavors of carrot, zucchini, brown sugar and cinnamon come together to make a delicous muffin!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins
Servings: 12
Calories: 202kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil melted (may sub. melted butter or vegetable oil)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini or yellow squash
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Grease muffin tin.
  • In medium size mixing bowl, combine egg, brown sugar, sugar, coconut oil, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon.
  • Add shredded carrots and zucchini. Mix until combined.
  • In small mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Fold in chopped nuts until just combined. (optional)
  • Spoon batter into greased muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Muffins will be sticky (and delicious!).

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1852IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg
Tender, juicy turkey breast served on a whilte plate over rice garnished with fresh Rosemary.

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

by Leave a Comment

This Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays without having to mess with a whole bird. It’s tender, juicy and full of delicious flavor.

Tender, juicy turkey breast served on a whilte plate over rice garnished with fresh Rosemary.

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Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

I love Thanksgiving with the bird, the stuffing and the gravy, but sometimes you need a simpler solution if you’re feeding fewer people than normal, which is probably the case this year as a lot of people are modifying their normal holiday plans due to the pandemic.

It’s also great because this recipe uses the slow cooker instead of the oven, which frees up a ton of space for side dishes, pies and rolls.

I love a good turkey breast because they’re juicy, tender and full of delicious flavor. Enjoy the recipe friends and happy holidays!

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How to Make Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast:

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour water into the bottom of the slow cooker.

In separate bowl, mix dry seasonings together.

Rub turkey breast with oil.

Rub turkey breast on all sides with dry seasonings.

Place turkey breast in the slow cooker and cover.

Raw boneless turkey breast roast in a black slow cooker.

Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

Tender, juicy turkey breast served on a whilte plate over rice garnished with fresh Rosemary.
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast Roast

A boneless turkey breast cooked to juicy perfection in the slow cooker.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time6 hrs
Total Time6 hrs 5 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 155kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 - 3 pound boneless turkey breast roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pour water into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • In separate bowl, mix dry seasonings together.
  • Rub turkey breast with oil.
  • Rub turkey breast on all sides with dry seasonings.
  • Place turkey breast in the slow cooker and cover.
  • Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
A portion of Turkey Pot Pie on a white plate.

One Pan Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

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This Skillet Turkey Pot Pie is the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and it uses a biscuit topping making it quick and easy to prepare!

A collage of photos including Turkey Pot Pie in a skillet topped with biscuits and a portion of Turkey Pot Pie scooped out onto a while plate.

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Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

Who doesn’t enjoy a good pot pie recipe?? I really love this one because it uses turkey instead of chicken making it perfect for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers.

Also, the filling is cooked in a cast iron skillet, so you will only be dirtying up one pan. Can I get an amen for less clean up??

Plus, it has a biscuit topping instead of pie crust, making it a filling, delicious meal that is sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.

Truth be told, I’m actually not a huge pot pie person, but I could eat biscuits all day long and so this recipe to me is so much better than your typical pot pie.

Give it try. I know your family will enjoy it just as much as mine did and be sure to check out more recipes below using up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Want more recipes using Thanksgiving leftovers? Here are a few of our favorites:

Want more easy Thanksgiving recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:

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How to Make Skillet Turkey Pot Pie:

Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees.

In a 12-inch skillet, saute the onion with the olive oil over medium heat. Cook for approx. 3 minutes, stirring often, or until softened.

Next, add the potato, mixed veggies, seasonings, turkey, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt.

Mixed vegetables, cooked turkey and butter in a cast iron skillet.

Sprinkle the flour over the contents of the skillet and stir to combine.

Cook about 2 minutes before slowly adding the chicken broth, stirring and scraping the bottom.

Reduce the heat to low and allow to bubble for two minutes or until it thickens. Remove skillet from heat.

Creamy Turkey Pot Pie filling in a cast iron skillet.

Lay biscuits on top of filling mixture.

Place skillet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the biscuits on top are golden brown.

Allow the turkey pot pie to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Turkey Pot Pie in a cast iron skillet with a golden brown biscuit topping as the crust.

A portion of Turkey Pot Pie on a white plate.
Print Recipe

Skillet Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

A savory pie filling of turkey and veggies, topped with a layer of golden brown biscuits.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time45 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Skillet Turkey Pot Pie
Servings: 6
Calories: 497kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 large yukon gold potato cubed into small pieces
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups leftover turkey breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoon butter divided
  • 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 12 raw biscuits frozen, canned, or homemade

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees.
  • In a 12-inch skillet, saute the onion with the olive oil over medium heat. Cook for approx. 3 minutes, stirring often, or until softened.
  • Next, add the potato, mixed veggies, seasonings, turkey, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the contents of the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Cook about 2 minutes before slowly adding the chicken broth, stirring and scraping the bottom.
  • Reduce the heat to low and allow to bubble for two minutes or until it thickens. Remove skillet from heat.
  • Lay biscuits on top of filling mixture.
  • Place skillet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the biscuits on top are golden brown.
  • Allow the turkey pot pie to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

Notes

You may substitute 1 cup frozen cubed potatoes for the fresh potato.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1525mg | Potassium: 751mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3338IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 4mg

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