Tag Archives: breakfast

Roasted Peppers & Onions

Dinner Ideas April 25, 2026 Leave a comment

Having a jar of homemade roasted peppers and onions is very useful in cooking. These vegetables are flavorful and tender, making them great for many dishes. They can quickly improve salads by adding a smoky flavor and bright color. In sandwiches, they add a sweet, caramelized taste that makes the sandwich more delicious without extra sauces. As a side dish, roasted peppers and onions go well with grilled meats, pasta, or rice, providing a quick and healthy option. Storing them in a jar keeps them fresh and flavorful for a long time, making them a handy ingredient in the kitchen. Overall, having a jar of roasted peppers and onions makes cooking easier, cuts down on processed foods, and adds flavor and health benefits to many meals.

Ingredients

  • 3 tri-color peppers
  • 1 large sweet or yellow onion
  • Olive oil

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
  2. Wash and completely dry peppers. Slice in half and remove the stem and seeds.
  3. Lightly brush the inside and outside of the pepper halves with olive oil.
  4. Arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper with the skin side up, ready for roasting.  
  5. Peel and halve an onion; slice the onion halves into wedges and place them on the same baking sheet as the peppers. Drizzle with olive oil.  
  6. Place the baking sheet on the top shelf of the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the skins on the peppers are charred and blistered.
  7. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Remove and discard the skins from the peppers; they should slip off.
  8. Cut peppers into chunks and layer with the roasted onion slices in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Cottage Cheese Pancake – Single Serve

Dinner Ideas April 23, 2026 Leave a comment
Fluffy pancake with melted butter, blueberries, and syrup on a plate with coffee mug and glass of orange juice
A warm cottage cheese pancake topped with peanut butter and maple syrup

Single-serve cottage cheese pancakes offer numerous health benefits, making them an excellent choice for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal or snack. One of the primary advantages is their high protein content, 17 grams, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Cottage cheese, being a rich source of casein protein, provides a slow-digesting protein that helps keep you full for longer periods, thereby aiding in appetite control and weight management. These pancakes can be customized with various toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or honey, enhancing their flavor and nutritional profile.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2.5 tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Process

  1. Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and whip until smooth.
  2. Add the egg, flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and blend until smooth.
  3. Batter should be thick but pourable.
  4. Place a small non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add two teaspoons of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the cooking surface evenly.
  5. Once the butter is foamy and the pan is hot, pour the batter into the center of the pan.
  6. Cook for 2 minutes until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the bottom is set and lightly golden.
  7. Using a spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden and cooked through.

Topping Ideas

  • Peanut Butter or PB+
  • Almond butter
  • Preserves, jelly, or jam
  • Butter
  • Maple Syrup
  • Honey
  • Fruit

Cottage Cheese Apple Cinnamon Kuchen

Dinner Ideas April 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Enjoy the Cottage Cheese Apple Kuchen, a healthy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with creamy cottage cheese. This recipe is ideal for health-conscious people because it contains no added sugar, letting the natural flavors stand out. Made with almond flour or rolled oats, it is a gluten-free option that provides a slight nutty taste and a soft, tender texture. This Kuchen is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. It is not only tasty but also nutritious. Cottage cheese adds protein and calcium, while apples provide fiber and antioxidants. Since it has no added sugar, it is suitable for those watching their sugar intake or on a low-sugar diet. Whether you want a healthy treat or a comforting baked good, this Cottage Cheese Apple Kuchen is a great choice. It offers a good balance of health benefits and delicious flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any time of day.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup almond flour or rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. (175°C)
  2. Grease 2 2-cup (472 ML) ramekins
  3. Whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
  4. Add almond flour, or oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Stir in the apples.
  6. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until set and lightly golden. The batter should be firm to the touch in the center.
  7. Cool and Serve

Optional Add Ins

  • ¼ cup chopped Walnuts
  • ¼ cup blueberries

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 10, 2026 Leave a comment
Deviled eggs topped with spicy shrimp and green herbs on a plate with lemon wedges

Discover the delightful world of Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs, a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that promises to excite your taste buds and brighten your table. These eggs are not just ordinary; they are a feast for the senses, combining the rich, smoky spices of Cajun cuisine with the succulent sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to add a splash of color to your appetizer platter, Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are sure to be a hit, offering a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and visual appeal that will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh minced parsley, for garnish

Shrimp

  • 12 small shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Paprika and green onions for garnish

Process

  1. Heat 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  3. Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque, slightly curled, and golden.
  4. Remove and cool.

Assembly Directions

  1. Place eggs in a large pot; be sure the eggs are completely submerged in water.
  2. Bring water to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-high, and simmer for 11 minutes.
  3. Drain the hot water and fill the pot with cold tap water. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, remove the shells. It’s easier to remove shells when the eggs are warm.
  4. Slice eggs in half and remove the yolk to a separate bowl. Place the whites on a serving platter.
  5. Mix yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Spoon mixture into egg whites. Top each egg with minced red onion and a small shrimp. Sprinkle with paprika. Keep eggs refrigerated until they are ready to serve.

Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs

Dinner Ideas April 9, 2026 Leave a comment
Deviled eggs topped with shrimp, bacon, and pickles served with Bloody Mary ingredients.

Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a splash of fun and flavor? Introducing the delightful twist on classic deviled eggs: Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs! This recipe combines the savory richness of traditional deviled eggs with the bold, tangy kick of a Bloody Mary cocktail. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you want to impress your guests with something uniquely delicious. One of the most exciting ways to make these eggs is by using Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs as a base.

Serve these Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs chilled, garnished with additional pickled vegetables or olives. They make a striking addition to any brunch table or cocktail party, offering a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that will delight your guests. For an extra touch, pair them with a cold Bloody Mary cocktail to complete the theme.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ teaspoon celery seeds, or celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 slices of crisp, cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 12 Bacon pieces
  • 12 sliced celery leaves
  • 3 Sliced lengthwise sweet baby Gerkin pickles
  • 12 cherry tomatoes

Process

  1. Place eggs in a large pot; be sure the eggs are completely submerged in water.
  2. Bring water to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-high, and simmer for 11 minutes.
  3. When finished, drain the hot water and fill the pot with cold tap water.
  4. When cool enough to handle, remove shells from the eggs. (Note: shells are easier to remove when warm.
  5. Cut the eggs in half horizontally, not from top to bottom. If needed, trim the bottom of each egg so it can stand upright on a plate or dish.
  6. Remove the yolk to a separate bowl. Place the whites on a serving platter.
  7. With a hand mixer, beat or hand-mash together the yolks, mayonnaise, horseradish, garlic, tomato paste, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  8. Spread Old Bay seasoning onto a small plate. Tip the cut edges of the egg whites into the seasoning.
  9. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the rimmed egg whites. To garnish, spear a sliced pickle, a slice of bacon, and a cherry tomato on a toothpick and top the egg with it. Slide celery leaves into the yolk mixture. Keep eggs refrigerated until they are ready to serve.

Sautéed Zucchini Noodles

Dinner Ideas, Weight Watcher Friendly March 8, 2026 Leave a comment

I purchased a small, handheld device that turns zucchini into noodle-like strands, similar to spaghetti. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin slices, then stack and cut them into strips. A box grater can also be used by sliding the zucchini down its large holes. Additionally, spiralizers or mandolins are effective tools for slicing zucchini into noodles. Many slicers suitable for this purpose are available at market or online offering a variety of options for preparing zucchini noodles easily and efficiently.

Incorporating zucchini into your diet offers numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced nutritional plan. Zucchini, a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable, is low in calories but rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its inclusion can support overall health, aid in weight management, and promote well-being.

Ingredients

  • 2 – 3 zucchinis’, wash do not peel, remove ends
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, sliced on the long side
  • About 1 cup of any other vegetable, such as sweet peppers, mushrooms, broccoli florets, spinach or cauliflower
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
  • 4 tablespoons Parmesan grated
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of butter (use real butter)
  • ½ tsp of kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes

Process

  1. Set your sliced zucchini aside.
  2. Chop your onions, slice your other vegetables.
  3. Heat a wok or other heavy pan on medium-high with 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  4. When oil is hot, add onions, and vegetables (except fresh spinach, add that last)
  5. Sauté until soft
  6. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add butter
  7. When butter is melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, add zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes in hot butter. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, Parmesan and salt over vegetables in pan and stir together, if using fresh spinach add it now and stir until wilted.

Add Ins

  • Add shredded chicken, scallops, or shrimp to noodles to turn a side dish into a full meal. Include poached eggs for breakfast or add spaghetti sauce with ground beef or turkey for a hearty, satisfying dish.

Notes

Overcooking zucchini strands makes them soggy, similar to overcooked pasta. Aim for a firm texture, or ‘al dente.’ The strands should have a slight bite, not be too soft, ensuring better taste and texture.

Cream Cheese Banana-Nut Bread

Bread, Breakfast, Dessert February 12, 2026 Leave a comment

There are so many recipes for Banana Nut Bread and truthfully, they are all pretty good. I discovered this recipe about 10 years ago and decided it is the best recipe I have ever made for Banana Nut Bread, moist, dense with an intense banana flavor highlighted by toasted walnuts and cinnamon streusel topping. This recipe makes two loaves, great for gifting or freezing for later use.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup butter, softened
  • 1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 with dark spots) *
  • 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8 x 4-inch bread pans.
  2. Mix butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
  3. Gradually add sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just blended after each addition.
  5. COMBINE flour and next three ingredients
  6. Gradually add to the butter mixture at low speed until blended.
  7. Add bananas, vanilla and nuts.
  8. Spoon batter into two greased and floured bread pans.
  9. Top with streusel topping.
  10. Bake for 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan.
  11. Cool pans on wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
  12. Cool completely before slicing.

STREUSEL TOPPING

Ingredients

  • ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon.

Process

  1. Mix all ingredients for streusel together in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle over the batter before baking
  3. Press streusel into the dough with the back of a spoon to ensure streusel is baked into the loaf and doesn’t shed when removed from the pan.

*Note: the riper the bananas (black even) the more banana flavor will impart in your recipe. I use frozen bananas that have been defrosted in the refrigerator, they are overripe and work wonderfully.

Cabbage Pancakes

Dinner Ideas February 2, 2026 Leave a comment

These cabbage pancakes make an excellent appetizer or side dish, but they are also hearty enough to serve as a meatless main dish serve them with fried eggs for a delicious meatless meal. The spicy sauce is excellent. The pancakes are good on their own, but with the sauce, they taste even better.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of finely grated and chopped cabbage
  • 1 small onion grated, about ½ cup
  • 1 small carrot, finely shredded
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or ½ cup almond flour for gluten free)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic – minced
  • 2 tablespoons of oil for sautéing

Process

  1. Thinly slice the cabbage, if using pre-bagged coleslaw mix, finely chop it and place it into a mixing bowl.
  2. Grate small onion and carrot with box grater, add the eggs, salt, and dill to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
  3. Add the flour and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  5. Use a measuring cup to scoop half a cup and put it on the skillet.
  6. Cook the pancakes until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
  7. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Spicy Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons sour cream (or plain Greek Yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust for taste)

Notes

  • You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I reheat them in the microwave or eat them cold. You can also freeze them in freezer bags, separating layers with wax paper.

Single Serve Cheese Soufflés

Dinner Ideas January 31, 2026 Leave a comment

This was my first time attempting to make a cheese souffle, I’ve had the recipe for about 20 years and decided to check out other recipes online to compare ingredients and methods. I decided to use this one with a few ingredient additions because it was simple. I honestly didn’t think it would turn out. But I have to say, even though my 8-ounce ramekins were filled to the top with the egg mixture, they were beautifully puffed, golden, crispy crust and light as air inside. The taste was incredible and I devoured both.

Great for brunch, a light supper or as a versatile side dish, these melt-in-your-mouth souffles are flavorful, fluffy and fun. Served hot, egg soufflés can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of toasted bread, making them a wholesome and refined light meal option.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup milk, or cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, or Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon of cream of tarter
  • 2 eggs, separated

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Crack eggs and separate yolks from whites.
  3. Beat egg yolks with a fork and set aside.
  4. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter.
  5. Stir in the flour until smooth; gradually add milk.
  6. Bring to boil and cook stirring for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  7. Reduce heat, stir in cheese until melted. Remove pan from heat.
  8. Gradually add a small amount of hot cheese mixture to the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly to prevent cooking. Then, pour the mixture back into the pan, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Set aside to allow it to cool slightly.
  9. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
  10. Fold a third of the whites into the egg yolk mixture to loosen then fold in the remaining whites, streaky whites are okay, do not overmix. Pour into prepared ramekins. Wipe rims of ramekins clean.
  11. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. *Note: do not open the oven door while cooking.
  12. Serve immediately.  They will deflate as they cool, but will still be delicious!

Light as Air Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup

Dinner Ideas January 28, 2026 Leave a comment

Pancakes for dinner? Why yes! When my kids were young, we often ate breakfast for dinner once a week, usually on Friday. We also had a special night called Taco Tuesday, which they enjoyed. Having a plan where you have one breakfast and one dinner each week can make meal planning easier and healthier. It helps organize meals better, reduces the stress of deciding what to eat, and allows trying new recipes or cuisines. This method also simplifies shopping and helps control portion sizes. As the children grew into teenagers, I encouraged them to plan and cook a family meal on a designated night, which helped them learn cooking skills and become more independent.

Initially, this plan did not provide much relief from the kitchen work. However, as they gained confidence in their skills, planning meals became easier and less tiring. Watching them become more independent turned mealtime into an enjoyable experience.

Light as Air Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry syrup, to serve (see below

Process

  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl.
  2. Put egg yolks and milk into another bowl and gently beat in the sifted dry ingredients.
  3. Put the egg whites into a clean mixer bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Using a spatula, fold whites into the batter.
  4. Heat the prepared griddle over medium-low heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook in batches over low heat until small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the underside is golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook the other side for 1 more minute.
  5. Spread with whipped butter (recipe below) and maple syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, or fresh fruit.

Whipped Butter

  • ½ cup of softened butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of whipping cream, milk or water
  • Whip the butter and liquid of your choice until light and fluffy.

Variations

  • Add a teaspoon of honey for honey butter or
  • ½ teaspoon of Cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweet topping

Fruit Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries, raspberries or blueberries

Process

  1. Bring sugar and water to a boil.
  2. Gradually add fruit of choice, return to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Strain fruit if desired.
  5. Serve with pancakes, waffles or ice cream.