Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts

Make Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts for Valentines Day or any time! Chewy treats covered in chocolate are a fun way to say “I Love You”.
Make Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts for Valentines Day or any time! Chewy treats covered in chocolate are a fun way to say "I Love You".

It seems like most people still enjoy traditional Rice Krispy treats, right? These chewy, decadent little snacks have been around since my childhood, and they’re a classic treat kids of all ages enjoy!

I decided to experiment and make a small amount in heart shapes for Valentines Day and cover them with chocolate. For fun, I made some hearts red-colored and some a traditional chocolate color!

After making the treats, I cut them out with a heart-shaped cookie cutter and covered each heart with melted chocolate. The two types of chocolate I use are red chocolate candy melts and milk chocolate candy melts, which can be purchased at most large craft stores.

Top the chocolate covered hearts with a few colorful sprinkles as garnish, and they’re done! These delicious treats stay chewy and crispy on the inside, with a festive, colorful outside coating! YUM! Here’s how to make chocolate covered krispie treats.

Scroll Down For a Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Make The Marshmallow Topping

Melt 1½ Tablespoons of butter on LOW heat in a large, non-stick saucepan. Add 3 cups of miniature marshmallows to the melted butter, and stir them in, covering them with butter.

Butter is melted in a large non-stick saucepan on the stovetop.Miniature marshmallows are added to the melted butter.

Stir the marshmallows constantly as they cook on LOW. They will begin to break down as they are heated, but keep stirring!

When the marshmallows are almost completely melted (about 95%), remove the pan from the heat, so they don’t become scorched on the bottom. 

The mini marshmallows begin to melt as they are cooked and stirred.When the marshmallows are 90% cooked, remove the pan from the stove.

Add The Rice Cereal Then Shape The Mixture

Immediately stir in 3 cups of crispy rice cereal. The mixture will be VERY thick, but keep stirring until all the cereal is coated.

Fit a piece of parchment or wax paper in an 8″x8″ baking dish, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. Spray the paper with non-stick spray. Pour the hot marshmallow mixture into the dish, and shape the mixture into a square (about 1″ thick) in the dish.

TIP: Use another piece of sprayed parchment/ wax paper to lightly press down and compact the mixture as you shape it. This lets you shape the square without hot marshmallow mixture sticking to your hands.

Stir crispy rice cereal into the marshmallow/butter mixture until combined.Pour mixture onto parchment paper lined baking dish.

Cut Out Hearts And Decorate!

Lift the edges of the paper up and lift the square form up and out of the baking dish, and let this mixture cool, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes.

After it cools, it’s time to cut out the heart shapes. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many “hearts” out of the cereal mixture as possible.

NOTE: I get 10-12 hearts with my cookie cutter, but the quantity you get will depend on the size cookie cutter YOU use. Re-shape mixture (if necessary) and continue to cut out more.

Place the heart-shaped treats back onto the paper after cutting them out. Let them rest for 45 minutes, because they need to be very firm and hold their shape before covering them with chocolate. 

Shape the crispy rice cereal mixture into a square and cool 15 minutes.Cut mixture into heart shapes using a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Cover The Krispie Hearts With Chocolate

Melt the chocolate according to package instructions, adding a Tablespoon of vegetable shortening, because it helps thin the chocolate a bit.

Red chocolate candy melts are melted in the microwave until smooth.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, dip each heart, one at a time, covering it on all sides. Use a spoon to help cover it with chocolate, and let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.

Place each heart back on the paper once chocolate-covered, and immediately add colored sprinkles to it while the chocolate is still warm before dipping the next heart.

NOTE: You may need to re-warm the chocolate if it begins to thicken, because the hearts are easier to cover when the chocolate is fairly thin.

After the chocolate hardens, take a small sharp knife and trim/clean up the heart around the bottom edges to remove any excess chocolate.

Sprinkles are added to chocolate covered krispie treats right after dipping.

Time To Enjoy Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts

The chocolate covered krispie treats are ready to be served and enjoyed, once the chocolate has hardened! Set them out on a platter, and let everyone dig in!

They are delicious, and will keep for 2-3 days at room temperature covered with plastic wrap. What I mean is… they will keep 2-3 days IF they don’t all get gobbled up first!

Milk chocolate and red chocolate candy melts are used to cover treats.One of the chocolate covered krispie treats is shown cut in half, on white plate.

I hope you enjoy these unique little treats. While I made them specifically for Valentines Day, any time of year is a good time to share these cute heart-shaped desserts with those you love!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I invite you to come back soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

Looking For More Recipes For Valentines Day?

You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have a few recipes that would be wonderful for Valentines Day, including:

Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest:
The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram:
jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signature

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Inactive "Resting" Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
 

Make Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts for Valentines Day or any time! Chewy treats, covered in chocolate are a fun way to say "I Love You".

Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate covered krispie hearts
Servings: 10 (approx. 10-12)
Calories Per Serving: 348 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • Tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 3 cups crisp rice cereal
  • 12 ounces chocolate candy melts* *see Note below
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening
  • colored candy sprinkles (optional, but a nice touch) as desired
Instructions
  1. Melt butter on LOW heat in large, non-stick saucepan. Add marshmallows; stir well, to combine.

  2. Cook on LOW, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are almost completely melted (about 90%). Remove pan from heat. Immediately stir in rice cereal until coated. Mixture will be VERY thick.

  3. Fit parchment or wax paper in an 8"x8" baking dish, leaving paper hanging over edges. Lightly spray with non-stick spray. Pour hot marshmallow mixture into dish. Shape mixture into a square (approx.1" thick) in the dish. TIP: Use another sprayed piece of parchment/ wax paper to lightly press down and compact mixture. This helps form a square without hot marshmallow mixture sticking to your hands.

  4. Lift the edges of the paper up and out of the baking dish. Let mixture cool, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many "hearts" out of mixture as possible. NOTE: I get 10-12 hearts with the cookie cutter I use, but the quantity you get will depend on the size cookie cutter YOU use. Place hearts back onto the paper to rest after cutting them out.

  5. Melt the chocolate candy melts according to package instructions, adding a Tablespoon of vegetable shortening, to thin the chocolate a bit.

  6. Dip hearts, one at a time, covering it on all sides. Use a spoon to help cover them with chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip back into bowl. Place heart back on the paper once covered. Immediately add colored sprinkles while chocolate is still warm, before dipping the next heart. NOTE: You may need to re-warm chocolate if it begins to harden or thicken, because the hearts are easier to cover when chocolate is fairly thin.

  7. Once chocolate has firmly set, take a sharp knife and trim (clean up) the hearts around bottom edges to remove any excess chocolate. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note: If using one color of chocolate melts only, it will take a 12 oz bag. If making red and chocolate colors, you will use approx. ½ bag of each color or variety.

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 348 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 92mg4%
Potassium 8mg0%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 36g40%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 52IU1%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Make Chocolate Covered Krispie Hearts for Valentines Day or any time! Chewy treats covered in chocolate are a fun way to say "I Love You".

 

Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas

Delicious Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, 3 cheeses, green chiles, and are covered in green sauce (makes 8)!
Delicious Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, 3 cheeses, green chiles, and are covered in green sauce (makes 8)!

Do you enjoy enchiladas? We LOVE them, and I make several kinds (cheese, pork, beef and chicken). This recipe is one I came up with many years ago, and continue to make for my husband and I.

The recipe is simple enough. Combine the filling ingredients, fill eight medium sized flour tortillas, place in pan, and cover with green enchilada sauce and more cheese. After baking them, the finished enchiladas taste wonderful!

I try to cook the chicken ahead of time, then the preparation of these yummy, cheesy chicken enchiladas goes really quickly. Here’s how to make chicken green chile enchiladas. I think you’re going to enjoy them!

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Shred Cooked Chicken

This recipe for enchiladas requires 2 cups of shredded chicken. I simply boil boneless chicken breasts in water until fully cooked, and try to cook them ahead of time.

Once cooked, drain and then shred the chicken using two forks OR put them in a Kitchen Aid mixer, and let the machine do the work!

Have you ever tried shredding chicken with a Kitchen Aid mixer before? It’s so easy. Put the cooked chicken in the bowl, and turn it on from low progressing to medium speed and in a very short time, the chicken will be shredded!

Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts are placed in a stand mixer to shred.The stand mixer completely shreds the cooked chicken breast quickly.

Prepare The Enchilada Filling

Place the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, diced green chiles, jack cheese, and cheddar cheese in a medium sized mixing bowl.

Add cumin, onion powder and garlic powder. Use a fork to mix these ingredients until fully combined. Take a tiny bite, then season with salt and pepper, to suit your taste.

Chicken, cream cheese, green chiles, jack and cheddar cheeses in a bowl.Seasonings are added to the chicken enchilada filling in a bowl.

Fill the Enchiladas

Before filling the enchiladas, spoon enough of the green enchilada sauce into a rimmed baking pan to barely cover the bottom (approx. 3-4 Tablespoons). If using smaller baking dishes, you may have to use two pans for the enchiladas (see my 2nd photo below).

Fill eight medium sized flour tortillas with the chicken mixture by evenly dividing it between the tortillas. NOTE: This “typically” is about 3-4 Tablespoons of chicken filling per enchilada.

Spoon the chicken mixture in a strip down the middle of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling, and then place the filled tortillas, seam side down into the prepared baking pan.

Filled enchiladas are placed in a baking dish for cooking.

Evenly divide the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top of each of the enchiladas, spreading it, to cover.

Green enchilada sauce is spooned over the chicken green chile enchiladas.

Bake The Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas

Sprinkle the chicken green chile enchiladas with the reserved jack and cheddar cheeses. Now it’s time to cook them.

Bake the enchiladas at 375°F (covered) for 20-22 minutes, removing the foil halfway through the baking time. When done, the cheese on top will be melted, and the sauce should be bubbly around the edges of the pan.

Grated jack and cheddar cheeses are sprinkled on top of the enchiladas.

Serve The Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas

Transfer the baking pan(s) from the oven to a wire rack, and let the enchiladas cool for a couple minutes before removing them from the pan.

Use a spatulas (or two, if needed) to transfer the chicken green chile enchiladas onto individual plates. If desired, garnish the enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, and/or cilantro.

The garnishes are your choice, of course. Honestly, these enchiladas are good just the way they are, so many times we don’t add a thing to them! Serve them while they are hot… and enjoy!

Two hot, baked chicken green chile enchiladas are served on a white plate.An enchilada is cut open, revealing the chicken filling inside.

I hope you have the chance to make these enchiladas, and trust you will enjoy them as much as we do. They’re really tasty!

Thank you for stopping by, and I invite you to come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

Looking For More Mexican/Southwestern Recipes?

You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have some delicious Mexican and Southwestern-style recipes to check out, including:

Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest:
The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram:
jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signature

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Delicious Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, 3 cheeses, green chiles, and are covered in green sauce (makes 8)!

Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
Keyword: chicken green chile enchiladas
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Calories Per Serving: 320 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 8 ounces light cream cheese softened
  • 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (canned)
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese **DIVIDED USE
  • 1 cup grated jack cheese **DIVIDED USE
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 10 ounces green enchilada sauce (canned)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375℉. Spoon enough enchilada sauce into a 9"x13" baking pan to barely cover the bottom (approx. 3-4 Tablespoons). Set aside.

  2. Place shredded chicken, cream cheese, green chiles, ¾ cup of jack cheese, and ¾ cup of cheddar cheese in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add cumin, onion powder and garlic powder. Use a fork to mix until combined. Take bite; season with salt and pepper, as desired.

  3. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture, evenly dividing it between 8 tortillas. NOTE: This "typically" is about 3-4 Tablespoons filling per enchilada. Spoon chicken mixture in a strip down the middle of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling; place seam side down in prepared baking pan.

  4. Evenly divide remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas, spreading to cover. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup jack cheese and ¼ cup cheddar cheese. Cover pan with aluminum foil.

  5. Bake enchiladas at 375°F (covered) for 20-22 minutes, removing the foil halfway through baking time. When done, cheese should be melted, enchiladas are heated through, and sauce is bubbly around edges of the pan.

  6. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let enchiladas cool 1-2 minutes before removing them from the pan. Use a spatula (or two) to transfer enchiladas onto plates. If desired, garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and/or cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas
Amount Per Serving (1 enchilada)
Calories 320 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 66mg22%
Sodium 1011mg44%
Potassium 289mg8%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 675IU14%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 300mg30%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Delicious Chicken Green Chile Enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, 3 cheeses, green chiles, and are covered in green sauce (makes 8)!

Blackberry French Toast Cups

Make delicious Blackberry French Toast Cups in an oven OR an air fryer. They’re easy to make, and are decadent, single serving breakfasts.
Make delicious Blackberry French Toast Cups in an oven OR an air fryer. They're easy to make, and are decadent, single serving breakfasts.

Every now and then I make French toast cups for our breakfast. They are a delicious, occasional TREAT we really enjoy, and I’ve been making them in different variations for years.

I came up with this version because I wanted to use some of our blackberries last summer. What I like about this dish is you make it the night BEFORE you’ll be serving it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, all you will need to do is bake and serve! 

I have included instructions for cooking this recipe in a traditional oven or an air fryer. Both are convenient, trusted methods which can be used to make this yummy breakfast.

The recipe (as written) makes two servings, but can easily be doubled or tripled, etc. Here’s how to make Blackberry French Toast Cups.

Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

Butter And Fill The Ramekins

The first thing you need to do is prepare the ingredients for overnight “refrigeration”. Yes, you need to plan ahead for this recipe! Make it up the night before you want to enjoy it for breakfast the next morning. Here’s how:

Butter the bottom and sides of 2 oven-safe ramekins. The ramekins I use are a standard size, about 4½ wide by 2″ tall.

Cut some 1-2 day old, fairly stale Italian bread into bite-sized cubes, leaving the crusts ON the bread. You will need 2 cups total. Divide HALF the bread cubes between the 2 ramekins, reserving the rest for a second layer.

IMPORTANT: The reason for using stale bread is that it has become slightly hardened, which allows it to soak in an egg mixture overnight without becoming so soggy that it falls apart into MUSH.

Add The Blackberries In Layers

Gently stir ½ teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar into the blackberries until the sugar dissolves. Add HALF of the blackberries on top of the bread cubes, dividing them evenly between the ramekins. 

Bread cubes and buttered ramekins are ready to go!A layer of bread cubes and blackberries in a buttered ramekin.

Repeat with a second layer of bread cubes, and another layer of blackberries, until the ramekins are full.

Second layer of bread cubes and blackberries are added to ramekin.

Mix And Add The Egg Filling

In a medium bowl, place the eggs, vanilla, milk, and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together with a fork or wire whisk until they’re well blended.

Eggs, milk, vanilla and sugar are whisked together to make egg batter.

Carefully pour the egg mixture into the ramekins, evenly dividing it between the two dishes. The mixture should come very close to the top of the ramekins. 

Egg mixture is poured over bread cubes and blackberries before refrigerating.

Time To Chill!

Use a spoon or fork to lightly press the bread cubes down into the egg mixture. You want as many of the bread cubes covered with the liquid as possible.

Cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator overnight (at least 6 hours). The bread cubes will soak up some of the liquid overnight.

Remove the ramekins from the fridge about 15 minutes before baking, to take off some of the chill. Remove the plastic wrap, and press the bread cubes back down into any remaining liquid. Preheat your oven to 375°F. during this time.

Bake Or Air-Fry The Blackberry French Toast Cups

Now It’s time to cook the Blackberry French Toast Cups! They can be cooked using a traditional oven OR an air-fryer. When baking, place a sheet of foil underneath, to catch any spills (for easy cleanup).

To Cook In An Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out free of “batter”. The French toast cups should be nice and golden brown on top.

To Cook In An Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350° F. Place ramekins carefully into the basket, being careful not to spill. Cook for 13 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 250°F, and cook 3 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out free of “batter”. The French toast cups should be nicely browned on top.

IMPORTANT: Since air fryer AND oven temps can vary with different manufacturers, be sure to check on the French toast cups occasionally toward the end of the cooking time, to ensure they do not overcook.

Tow baked Blackberry French Toast Cups cooling on a wire rack.A close up of one of the French toast cups cooling on a rack after baking.

Serve And Enjoy!

Once they’ve finished cooking (either method), transfer the ramekins to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Sift powdered sugar over the top of each ramekin before serving.

We think they taste best when they’ve had time to cool a bit, and we like to eat them warm, but not blazing hot!

My husband likes to eat his right out of the ramekin, with only sifted powdered sugar. I prefer to slide a butter knife around the edges of the ramekin and remove the French toast cup from the ramekin.

Powdered sugar is sifted on Blackberry French Toast Cups for serving.

Serve the blackberry French toast cups with powdered sugar, maple syrup or pancake syrup (whatever you prefer). Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy this delicious breakfast treat!

One of the French toast cups (out of the ramekin) served on a white plate.Inside of the French toast cup, which was served with pancake syrup.

I hope you have the chance to make this dish, and trust you will like it as much as we do! The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to meet your needs.

Thank you for stopping by, and I invite you to come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

Looking For More FRENCH TOAST RECIPES?

You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have some delicious French toast recipes, including:

Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest:
The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram:
jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Author's signature

↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

0 from 0 votes
Blackberry French Toast Cups
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Overnight Refrigeration (6-8 hours)
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 40 mins
 

Make delicious Blackberry French Toast Cups in an oven OR an air fryer. They're easy to make, and are decadent, single serving breakfasts.

Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blackberry French toast cups
Servings: 2
Calories Per Serving: 385 kcal
Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon butter softened (for ramekins)
  • 2 cups Italian bread cubes (stale-2 or 3 days old) cut in 1" cubes
  • ¾ cup blackberries (if frozen, thaw/drain)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
For Egg Batter:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup 1% milk
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serve With: powdered sugar, maple syrup or pancake syrup
    Instructions
    1. Butter bottom and sides of 2 oven-safe ramekins (4½" wide by 2" tall).

    2. Cut bread into 1" cubes (can leave crusts on). Divide HALF the bread cubes evenly between the ramekins, reserving other half for a 2nd layer.

    3. Gently combine lemon juice and 1 tsp. sugar with blackberries until sugar dissolves. Place HALF the blackberries on top of the bread cubes, dividing them evenly between ramekins. Add 2nd layer of remaining bread cubes, and 2nd layer of remaining blackberries, until ramekins are full. Set aside.

    4. Place eggs, vanilla, milk, and 2 tsp. sugar in a medium bowl; whisk until fully blended. Pour into the ramekins, evenly dividing between the two. Liquid should come very close to the top of the ramekins. 

    5. Use a spoon or fork to press bread cubes down into egg mixture, covering as many as possible with liquid. Cover ramekins with plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours). Remove ramekins from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking. Remove plastic wrap; press bread cubes down into any remaining liquid. Preheat oven during this time.

    6. To Cook In Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out free of “batter”. The French toast cups should be nice and golden brown on top.

      To Cook In Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350° F. Place ramekins carefully into the basket, being careful not to spill. Cook 13 minutes, then reduce temperature to 250°F. Cook 3 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out free of “batter”. The French toast cups should be nicely browned on top.

      IMPORTANT: Air fryer/Oven temps can vary widely- check for doneness occasionally toward the end of cooking time, so they don't overcook.

    7. Transfer ramekins to a wire rack; cool a few minutes. Serve in the ramekin or after removing it from the dish (use knife around edges to help remove it). Serve with sifted powdered sugar, maple syrup or pancake syrup, and enjoy!

    Nutrition Facts
    Blackberry French Toast Cups
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
    Calories 385 Calories from Fat 180
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 20g31%
    Saturated Fat 10g63%
    Trans Fat 0.2g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
    Monounsaturated Fat 6g
    Cholesterol 290mg97%
    Sodium 273mg12%
    Potassium 444mg13%
    Carbohydrates 33g11%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 24g27%
    Protein 16g32%
    Vitamin A 814IU16%
    Vitamin C 12mg15%
    Calcium 207mg21%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Make delicious Blackberry French Toast Cups in an oven OR an air fryer. They're easy to make, and are decadent, single serving breakfasts.

     

    Ham And Parmesan Gnocchi

    Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi with spinach is a simple, filling main dish. It’s easy to make (with pre-made gnocchi) and is absolutely delicious!
    Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi with spinach is a simple, filling main dish. It's easy to make (with pre-made gnocchi) and is absolutely delicious!

    Looking for a quick meal to serve after a busy day? I hope you’ll try this recipe for Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi. The recipe (for 4) comes together in hardly no time at all, and is filling and delicious.

    Thanks to the convenience of store-bought potato gnocchi, this recipe is a cinch to make, with minimal effort. Basically you will boil the gnocchi, then add it to a cooked ham, onion, garlic, butter, spinach, Parmesan and cream mixture.

    Can you multi-task? If you boil the gnocchi while you are preparing the rest of the dish, this dish will only take about 15 minutes from start to finish!

    It’s a simple, tasty recipe I believe you’ll enjoy! Here’s how to make Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi.

    Scroll Down for A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

    Cook The Butter, Ham and Onions

    Melt 5 Tablespoons butter on Medium heat in a large skillet. Once the butter has melted, add cubed ham and diced onion.

    Cook this until the onions become translucent in color and tender, stirring often. This usually will take about 3-4 minutes.

    Cooked ham pieces are cooked in melted butter in a large skillet.Chopped onions are cooked with small ham pieces in melted butter.

    Cook The Gnocchi

    TIP: Packaged gnocchi only takes a few minutes to cook. If you boil the water for the gnocchi in a separate pan while melting the butter in step #1, you can save time by multi-tasking!

    While the onions and ham are cooking, cook the gnocchi in boiling water, according to the package directions. Gnocchi is done cooking when they float to the top of the boiling water.

    Potato gnocchi are cooked in boiling water until done.

    Time To Add The Baby Spinach

    Once you begin cooking the gnocchi, go back to the skillet with the ham and onion. Add fresh baby spinach leaves to the skillet, and stir to combine the ingredients.

    As the spinach leaves begin wilting from the heat, add a heaping teaspoon of minced garlic and stir to combine. Be careful to not let the garlic burn or it will become bitter.

    Baby spinach leaves are added to the skillet with ham, butte and onions.The spinach begins to wilt in the heat of the skillet.

    Time To Add The Cooked Gnocchi

    When the spinach is fully wilted (1-2 minutes), add the cooked and drained gnocchi to the skillet, and stir again, until combined.

    Once spinach is wilted, this dish is ready for some sauce.

    Stir 3 Tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and 3 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the gnocchi. Stir well, until the sauce is covering the other ingredients.

    Season with a little black pepper. You can taste the gnocchi and then add salt, if desired. I find the Parmesan cheese and ham add enough saltiness, but it’s your choice.

    Whipping cream, Parmesan cheese and black pepper are added to gnocchi.

    Serve The Ham And Parmesan Gnocchi

    Continue cooking only until everything is heated through, and then transfer the hot Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi to a serving bowl.

    Garnish the gnocchi with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this delicious main dish. It tastes wonderful! 

    The ham and Parmesan gnocchi is served hot, in a white bowl.A close up of the Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi with spinach, on a white plate.

    I hope you have the chance to try this delicious meal, and trust you (and those you love) will enjoy it as much as we do.

    Thank you for stopping by today. I’m so grateful you did, and invite you to come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

    Looking For More GNOCCHI Recipes?

    You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have several delicious recipes featuring gnocchi, including:

    Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

    I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
    Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

    There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
    You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

    Find Me On Social Media:

    Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Pinterest:
    The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Instagram:
    jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

    Author's signature

    ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

    0 from 0 votes
    Ham And Parmesan Gnocchi
    Prep Time
    5 mins
    Cook Time
    10 mins
    Total Time
    15 mins
     

    Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi with spinach is a simple, filling main dish. It's easy to make (with pre-made gnocchi) and is absolutely delicious!

    Category: Main Dish
    Cuisine: All Cuisines
    Keyword: ham and Parmesan gnocchi
    Servings: 4
    Calories Per Serving: 451 kcal
    Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Ingredients
    • 5 Tablespoons butter
    • 2 Tablespoons chopped yellow onion
    • cups cooked ham (cut in cubes)
    • cups fresh baby spinach
    • teaspoons minced garlic
    • 4 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • 4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • salt and additional Parmesan for garnish (if desired)
    • 16 ounces potato gnocchi (some pkgs. may be 17.5 ounces)
    Instructions
    1. TIP: Packaged gnocchi only takes a few minutes to cook. If you boil the water for the gnocchi in a separate pan while melting the butter in step #1, you can save time by multi-tasking!

    2. Melt butter on Medium heat in a large skillet. Add ham and onion. Cook until onions are translucent and tender, stirring often (3-4 minutes).

    3. While cooking ham/onions, cook gnocchi in a saucepan of boiling water, according to pkg. directions. Drain well, when done.

    4. Add baby spinach to skillet; stir to combine. As spinach wilts, add garlic; stir to combine. Don't let garlic burn or it becomes bitter. When spinach is fully wilted (1-2 minutes), add the cooked, drained gnocchi; stir to combine.

    5. Stir whipping cream and Parmesan cheese into the gnocchi, until sauce covers all ingredients. Season with pepper. Taste and add salt, if desired. Cook only until heated through.

    6. Transfer gnocchi to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Nutrition Facts
    Ham And Parmesan Gnocchi
    Amount Per Serving (1 (1/4 of total))
    Calories 451 Calories from Fat 225
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 25g38%
    Saturated Fat 14g88%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 7g
    Cholesterol 90mg30%
    Sodium 1087mg47%
    Potassium 224mg6%
    Carbohydrates 43g14%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 15g30%
    Vitamin A 1758IU35%
    Vitamin C 14mg17%
    Calcium 99mg10%
    Iron 5mg28%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Ham and Parmesan Gnocchi with spinach is a simple, filling main dish. It's easy to make (with pre-made gnocchi) and is absolutely delicious!

    Blueberry Banana Bread

    Make three mini-loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread in under 45 minutes! Filled with juicy blueberries, this is a great snack or breakfast!
    Make three mini-loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread in under 45 minutes! Filled with juicy blueberries, this is a great snack or breakfast!

    Today I want to share with you a recipe to make three loaves of yummy blueberry banana bread. I’ve made many loaves of banana bread and blueberry bread over the years, but finally decided last Fall to combine the two in a recipe! DUH!

    Not quite sure why I’ve not thought of this combination before, but oh well! Bananas and blueberries pair wonderfully in this delicious bread, and the easy recipe yields enough batter to bake 3 small loaves. Here’s how to make blueberry banana bread. 

    Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

    Prepare The Batter

    Before making the batter, preheat your oven to 350°F. and prepare 3 mini-loaf pans by generously spraying or greasing them on the bottom and sides.

    To make the batter, sift flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir in blueberries until incorporated into the “dry ingredients”.

    NOTE: You can use fresh OR frozen blueberries for this recipe. If you are using FROZEN blueberries, do NOT thaw them before adding.

    Flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda are sifted into a large bowl.Blueberries are added to the dry ingredients for the mini-loaves of bread.

    In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas very well (until chunk-free), then add a large egg, vegetable oil and fresh lemon juice.

    Stir until these ingredients have been fully combined (and are fairly smooth). Once combined, add these “wet ingredients” to the bowl of dry ingredients.

    Eggs, oil, mashed bananas and lemon juice are mixed together in large bowl.Banana mixture is added to the dry ingredients and blueberries.

    Gently stir until the banana mixture has been incorporated into the batter. Don’t overmix. The finished batter for the blueberry banana bread will be very thick.

    The batter for the blueberry banana bread is ready for loaf pans.

    Bake The Blueberry Banana Bread

    Divide the batter evenly into the prepared mini-loaf pans, and top each loaf with additional blueberries (optional, but good!). These additional blueberries will decorate the top of each baked loaf nicely, when done.

    Place the loaf pans on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F. for 30-35 minutes OR until a toothpick inserted in the top/middle of the loaves comes out clean. The loaves should also be nicely browned on top.

    NOTE: See the NOTES section in the printable recipe card below for baking time if using this recipe to make one 9″ x 5″ loaf of this bread.

    The batter for the blueberry banana bread in loaf pans in the oven.Three mini-loaves cool in loaf pans on a wire rack, after baking.

    Time To Enjoy Some Blueberry Banana Bread!

    Transfer the loaf pans to a wire rack, and let the blueberry banana bread cool 12-15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan.

    Once they’ve cooled, run a butter knife around all the inside edges of the pans. Invert a plate on top of a loaf, then holding the platter and loaf pan tightly together, turn them upside down.

    This should release the bread from the pan. If the bread fails to release from the pan, turn it back over, let it rest a few more minutes, then try again.

    Let the blueberry banana bread cool slightly on the wire rack before slicing the loaf for serving. Cool the loaf completely before wrapping for storage or gift giving.

    The mini-loaves of baked blueberry banana bread in their baking pans.Cutting into the loaves reveals the juicy blueberries inside.

    Who Wants A Slice Of Blueberry Banana Bread?

    With three mini-loaves, you have the option of eating them all, storing them, or giving them as gifts. It’s your choice! I like to enjoy one loaf, freeze a loaf for later, and give one to family or friends.

    To serve, slice a loaf into your desired thickness, spread butter on a warm piece, and take a big bite! YUM… it is so delicious!

    NOTE: The calorie calculation given in the printable recipe card below is for one whole mini-loaf of this bread, because some people like THICK slices, while others prefer a THIN slice. Again… this is your choice!

    Two slices of blueberry banana bread, with melted butter on top.

    I hope you enjoy this delicious blueberry banana bread, whether it’s for a light snack or breakfast! You can freeze this bread as well, as long as it is tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

    Thanks for stopping by today, and I invite you to come back soon for more family friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

    Looking for More “Sweet” BREAD Recipes?

    You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have lots of delicious sweet bread recipes to choose from, including:

    Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

    I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
    Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

    There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
    You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

    Find Me On Social Media:

    Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Pinterest:
    The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Instagram:
    jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

    Author's signature

    ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

    0 from 0 votes
    Blueberry Banana Bread
    Prep Time
    10 mins
    Cook Time
    30 mins
    Total Time
    40 mins
     

    Make three mini-loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread in under 45 minutes! Filled with juicy blueberries, this is a great snack or breakfast!

    Category: Bread/Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: All Cuisines
    Keyword: blueberry banana bread
    Servings: 3 mini-loaves
    Calories Per Serving: 715 kcal
    Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
    Ingredients
    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 cup blueberries if frozen, do NOT thaw
    • 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas approx. 2 medium
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    Additional Blueberries (15-20) For Garnishing Top Of Loaves (optional, but nice!)
      Instructions
      1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously spray or grease 3 mini-loaf pans on the bottom and sides. **See NOTE section below if making one large 9x5 loaf.**

      2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Gently stir in blueberries until incorporated. Set aside. NOTE: If using FROZEN blueberries, do NOT thaw them before adding.

      3. In separate bowl, mash ripe bananas very well (until chunk-free); add egg, oil and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined (and fairly smooth). Add this to the flour mix. Gently stir until banana mixture is incorporated. Don't overmix; batter is thick.

      4. Divide batter evenly into 3 prepared mini-loaf pans; top each loaf with more blueberries, if desired. Place pans on middle rack of oven. Bake at 350°F. for 30-35 minutes OR until toothpick inserted in the top of loaves comes out clean. Bread should be nicely browned on top.

      5. Transfer pans to a wire rack; cool 12-15 minutes before removing loaf from pan. Once cooled, run a butter knife around inside edges of the pans. Invert a plate on top of a loaf, then holding platter and loaf pan tightly together, turn them upside down. This "should" release bread from pan. If bread fails to release, turn it back over, let it rest a few more minutes, then try again. Let bread cool slightly on wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

      Recipe Notes

      NOTES: The caloric calculation given is for 1 whole mini-loaf of bread. Calories per serving will depend on the thickness of your slices.

      **If you wish to use a large 9"x 5" loaf pan to make ONE loaf of this bread, bake for 55-60 minutes. Check it at 50 minutes for doneness, then continue baking until toothpick comes out clean.**

      Nutrition Facts
      Blueberry Banana Bread
      Amount Per Serving (1 mini-loaf)
      Calories 715 Calories from Fat 189
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 21g32%
      Saturated Fat 4g25%
      Trans Fat 0.1g
      Polyunsaturated Fat 11g
      Monounsaturated Fat 5g
      Cholesterol 62mg21%
      Sodium 793mg34%
      Potassium 694mg20%
      Carbohydrates 123g41%
      Fiber 5g21%
      Sugar 48g53%
      Protein 12g24%
      Vitamin A 165IU3%
      Vitamin C 13mg16%
      Calcium 145mg15%
      Iron 5mg28%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Make three mini-loaves of Blueberry Banana Bread in under 45 minutes! Filled with juicy blueberries, this is a great snack or breakfast!

      Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad

      Make Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad for lunch or dinner! Orzo pasta, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. are mixed in Italian dressing.
      Make Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad for lunch or dinner! Orzo pasta, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. are mixed in Italian dressing.

      Today I want to share a recipe I created for a delicious orzo salad with Italian dressing and lots of roasted vegetables! It can be enjoyed for dinners or quick lunches as a main dish or as a side dish.

      The salad has 4 cups of seasoned, fresh roasted veggies in it, and you can use any combo of fresh veggies you enjoy, as long as you have 4 total cups of bite sized vegetables. I love to include many colorful vegetables with different textures, for a beautiful salad!

      When I make this dish, I typically use broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, red and green bell pepper strips, baby carrots and red onion slices. The amount of each of these ingredients can be adjusted to suit your personal taste OR you can make it using other fresh veggies you enjoy.

      You can’t really hurt this simple recipe, folks! It’s delicious, and will keep several days in the refrigerator, so we can have it around for a quick bite. Here’s how to make Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad.

      Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

      What Veggies To Use?

      For this recipe I use a TOTAL of 4 cups of chopped vegetables, which includes baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, zucchini, and red & green bell peppers. All are cut into bite sized portions.

      NOTE: It’s important to note that this combination of vegetables adds lots of color AND flavor to the salad. However, you can use your own combination of fresh vegetables if you prefer. Keep the total amount of chopped veggies at 4 cups!

      Roast The Veggies

      The first thing you will need to do is prepare the vegetables for roasting (cut/slice, etc.).  Put all the prepped veggies in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss, until the vegetables are covered with the olive oil.

      Now season the veggies with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then gently toss again, until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Place the seasoned veggies in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

      Roast the veggies at 375°F. for 20-24 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, turn the veggies over in the pan, and then continue roasting.

      When done, the vegetables should be lightly caramelized on the outside, and tender to the bite. Let them cool to room temperature, once done.

      Seasoned vegetables are roasted in single layer on a baking pan.

      Cook The Orzo Pasta

      While the vegetables are baking, prepare the orzo pasta according to the package directions. This involves cooking the pasta for approx. 9 minutes in boiling, salted water until done (easy!).

      Once done, remove the pan from the heat, and drain the pasta, rinsing it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

      Orzo pasta is cooked in boiling salted water according to package directions.Cooked orzo is rinsed and drained well after it is finished cooking.

      After draining all the water from the cooked orzo, put the cooled orzo in a large serving bowl. Now it’s time to create the roasted veggie orzo salad.

      Rinsed and drained cooked orzo is put in a large serving bowl.

      Make The Salad

      Add the cooled, roasted vegetables to the bowl of orzo. Stir gently, to combine the veggies with the pasta.

      The cooled and roasted veggies are added to the orzo in the bowl.

      Pour Italian salad dressing over the veggies and pasta, and toss to fully combine all the ingredients. I like to use the salad dressing shown below (no- I’m not paid to endorse this product), but any well-seasoned Italian salad dressing will be perfectly fine to use.

      NOTE: You want the salad ingredients to be well coated with Italian dressing, but not floating in it. I usually begin by adding ¼ cup of salad dressing and toss. Add more salad dressing and adjust to taste, as needed.

      Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the roasted veggie orzo salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

      As the salad cools, the pasta will absorb some of the Italian dressing. If desired, add a little bit more dressing to the salad when you’re ready to serve it, to suit your own taste.

      Italian salad dressing is used to flavor the orzo salad.

      Serve The Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad

      Once the salad has had time to chill, it’s ready to serve. It is a wonderful side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a meatless main dish, too!

      After being chilled, the roasted veggie orzo salad is ready to serve.

      TIP: Remember to take a quick bite before serving, and add a little more salad dressing (if necessary) to suit your personal taste!

      Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad is a great main dish or side dish.

      I hope you have the opportunity to make this roasted veggie orzo salad, and trust you (and those you love) will enjoy it, too!

      Thanks for stopping by today. Please come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

      Looking For More SALAD Recipes?

      You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have lots of delicious salad recipes to check out, including:

      Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

      I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
      Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

      There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
      You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

      Find Me On Social Media:

      Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Pinterest:
      The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Instagram:
      jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

      Author's signature

      ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

      0 from 0 votes
      Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad
      Prep Time
      10 mins
      Cook Time
      20 mins
      Refrigeration (inactive prep)
      30 mins
      Total Time
      1 hr
       

      Make Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad for lunch or dinner! Orzo pasta, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. are mixed in Italian dressing.

      Category: Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish
      Cuisine: All Cuisines
      Keyword: roasted veggie orzo salad
      Servings: 4
      Calories Per Serving: 222 kcal
      Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Ingredients
      Vegetables: 4 cups total fresh veggies (I use red onion, baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, red & green peppers)
      • 4 cups fresh vegetables (your combination-see above) sliced or cut into bite sized florets/pieces
      • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
      • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
      • 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
      • ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
      Instructions
      1. Preheat oven to 375℉.

      2. Put prepared veggies in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil; toss, until veggies are covered with oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; gently toss again. Place veggies in a single layer on a large baking sheet.

      3. Roast veggies at 375°F. for 20-24 minutes. Halfway through baking time, turn veggies over in the pan; continue roasting, until lightly caramelized on the outside, and tender to the bite. Remove; cool to room temperature, once done.

      4. While vegetables bake, prepare orzo according to package directions. Once done, remove pan from heat. Drain pasta, rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process. Put well-drained orzo in large serving bowl.

      5. Add cooled, roasted vegetables to the orzo. Stir gently, to combine. Pour Italian salad dressing over veggies/pasta; toss to combine. NOTE: You want salad ingredients to be well coated with Italian dressing, but not floating in it. Try adding about ¼ cup of salad dressing first and toss, then add more salad dressing, adjusting to taste, as needed.

      6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; refrigerate salad at least 30 minutes before serving. As the salad cools, the orzo will absorb some of the Italian dressing. Take a bite. If needed, add a bit more dressing right before serving, to suit your taste. Enjoy!

      Recipe Notes

      NOTE: The caloric calculation is a "basic" estimate because a variety of vegetables and/or salad dressings may be used. For the benefit of this "general calculation" I used 2 cups broccoli and 2 cups cauliflower. Obviously the combination (and individual quantity) of vegetables and Italian dressing you choose to use in this dish will yield a slightly different caloric value.

      Nutrition Facts
      Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad
      Amount Per Serving (1 (1/4 of total))
      Calories 222 Calories from Fat 27
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 3g5%
      Saturated Fat 1g6%
      Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
      Monounsaturated Fat 2g
      Sodium 1872mg81%
      Potassium 385mg11%
      Carbohydrates 41g14%
      Fiber 3g13%
      Sugar 3g3%
      Protein 7g14%
      Vitamin A 285IU6%
      Vitamin C 65mg79%
      Calcium 42mg4%
      Iron 1mg6%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Make Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad for lunch or dinner! Orzo pasta, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. are mixed in Italian dressing.

       

      Baked Chicken Thighs and Legs

      Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs is a SIMPLE recipe for juicy baked chicken! Covered in a dry seasoning mix, they have great flavor, too!
      Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs is a SIMPLE recipe for juicy baked chicken! Covered in a dry seasoning mix, they have great flavor, too!

      If you happen to be looking for a simple, delicious chicken recipe, I hope you will check this one out! Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs are really easy to prepare with very minimal prep time or effort, and the results are wonderfully delicious!

      You can use chicken thighs (bone-in is preferred) OR any combination of chicken thighs AND legs, which is how I prefer to make this dish.

      The end result (after baking) is juicy chicken that has a great combination of spices and brown sugar, bringing great flavor to a simple dish. Here’s how to make baked chicken thighs and legs.

      Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

      Make The Spice Rub For The Chicken

      Before making the spice rub, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper (or aluminum foil).

       Place Italian seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir or whisk the dry spices together until they are fully mixed.

      This mixture is the dry spice rub you will use to season the chicken the chicken thighs and legs. Once fully combined, set the bowl aside for a moment while you prepare the chicken.

      Spices are placed in a bowl and they'll be used to season the chicken.Six spices are combined with brown sugar to make a spice rub for chicken.

      A Note About The Chicken 

      NOTE: This recipe calls for 8 total pieces of chicken (only 7 shown in photo below). You can use any combination you wish, including 8 thighs (or 5 thighs and 3 legs, etc.), which is what I typically use.

      The recipe will yield about 6 servings. I only eat one chicken thigh when I cook this dish, but my husband likes to eat two pieces… a thigh AND a leg.

      If you need more chicken for a larger family (or more adults), simply adjust the amount of chicken and seasoning mix accordingly. It is easy to do, so make it your own!

      The chicken used in the recipe is bone-in and skin-on. That being said, if you only have boneless, skinless chicken thighs, your cooking time will be about 10 minutes less to cook the chicken through to a safe internal temperature.

      Prepare The Chicken For Baking

      First, pat the chicken pieces dry, using paper towels to absorb the moisture. Once dried, place the chicken in the prepared baking dish, in a single layer.

      Rub or brush the chicken pieces with olive oil (on BOTH sides). Next, sprinkle each side with the spice mix, making sure to rub the spices into the chicken.

      Once the chicken pieces are oiled and seasoned on BOTH sides, re-position them in the prepared baking dish, with the skin side UP.

      Chicken thighs and legs are patted dry using paper towels.Seasoning mix is applied to both sides of the chicken pieces.

      Time To Bake The Chicken

      Place the chicken thighs and legs into a preheated oven. Bake at 400°F. for approximately 30-40 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly in that range, because of the different size chicken thighs that you may use.

      When done the internal temperature of the chicken should register 165°F. You can check the temp. by inserting a digital meat thermometer into a thick piece of the chicken thigh.

      Baked chicken thighs and legs are cooked for 30-40 minutes in oven.

      Transfer the cooked chicken thighs and legs out of the baking dish and onto a large platter, and serve immediately.

      A white platter with baked chicken thighs and legs on it.A close up of the baked chicken on a white plate, ready for serving.

      Serve The Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs

      This is such a nice comfort food type meal for us. My husband loves mashed potatoes and petite peas served with this chicken, when we have it for dinner.

      Whether you like eating 1 thigh and 1 leg, 2 legs, 1 thigh, or 2 thighs on your plate (so many combos!), I am confident you will enjoy this simply prepared, yet tasty chicken!

      Two baked chicken legs on a plate with mashed potatoes and peas.Mashed potatoes and peas are served on plate with two baked chicken thighs.

      I hope you have the chance to make this yummy dish. Thank you for stopping by, and I invite you to come back soon for more family-friendly recipes. Have a GREAT day!

      Looking for More CHICKEN Recipes?

      You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have LOTS of wonderful chicken recipes to choose from, including:

      Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

      I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
      Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

      There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
      You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

      Find Me On Social Media:

      Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Pinterest:
      The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Instagram:
      jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

      Author's signature

      Original recipe source (and with thanks to) Kristine, at: https://kristineskitchenblog.com/baked-chicken-thighs/

      ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

      0 from 0 votes
      Baked Chicken Thighs and Legs
      Prep Time
      10 mins
      Cook Time
      35 mins
      Total Time
      45 mins
       

      Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs is a SIMPLE recipe for juicy baked chicken! Covered in a dry seasoning mix, they have great flavor, too!

      Category: Main Dish
      Cuisine: All Cuisines
      Keyword: baked chicken thighs and legs
      Servings: 6
      Calories Per Serving: 453 kcal
      Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Ingredients
      For Chicken: You will need approx. 3 pounds bone-in chicken legs and thighs in total (this is the combo I use)
      • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
      • 2 chicken legs
      • Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
      To Make Seasoning Mix:
      • 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
      • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
      • 2 teaspoons paprika
      • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
      • 1 teaspoon onion powder
      • ½ teaspoon salt (table salt) (or use 1 t. coarse Kosher salt)
      • ½ teaspoon black pepper
      Instructions
      1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 13" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper (or aluminum foil).

      2. Place Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir or whisk spices together until fully combined.

      3. Pat chicken pieces dry, using paper towels to absorb moisture. Once dried, place chicken in prepared baking dish in a single layer. Rub or brush chicken pieces with olive oil (on BOTH sides). Next, sprinkle each side with spice mix, making sure to rub the spices into the chicken. Once chicken is oiled/seasoned on BOTH sides, re-position pieces in baking dish, skin side UP.

      4. Bake chicken at 400°F. for 30-40 minutes. Do not turn the chicken during this time. Your total baking time may vary slightly, based on the size of chicken pieces used. When done, internal temp. of chicken should register 165°F. Check temp. by inserting a digital meat thermometer into a thick piece of a chicken thigh.

      5. Transfer cooked chicken out of the baking dish and onto a large platter; serve immediately. Enjoy!

      Nutrition Facts
      Baked Chicken Thighs and Legs
      Amount Per Serving (1 thigh)
      Calories 453 Calories from Fat 306
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 34g52%
      Saturated Fat 9g56%
      Trans Fat 0.1g
      Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
      Monounsaturated Fat 15g
      Cholesterol 182mg61%
      Sodium 343mg15%
      Potassium 428mg12%
      Carbohydrates 4g1%
      Fiber 1g4%
      Sugar 1g1%
      Protein 31g62%
      Vitamin A 496IU10%
      Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
      Calcium 34mg3%
      Iron 2mg11%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Baked Chicken Thighs And Legs is a SIMPLE recipe for juicy baked chicken! Covered in a dry seasoning mix, they have great flavor, too!

      Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa

      Make delicious Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa with dates, apricots, honey, almonds and cinnamon. It’s a simple, healthy, protein-packed meal!
      Make delicious Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa with dates, apricots, honey, almonds and cinnamon. It's a simple, healthy, protein-packed meal!

      If you’re looking for a healthy, unique, and protein-packed breakfast, may I suggest this recipe for Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa?

      I found the original recipe in one of my cookbooks, featuring healthy recipes from the Mediterranean. It sounded good, so I tweaked the recipe a bit to suit our tastes, and this delicious breakfast dish (which I’ve made again and again) is the result! 

      Quinoa is the star ingredient, and it is now recognized world-wide as a “super food”, full of fiber, nutrients and protein! It’s an ancient food that has made a huge comeback in our modern food culture!

      The quinoa is cooked with cinnamon and milk, then fresh chopped dates, toasted almonds, dried apricots, honey and vanilla are added to it, for a huge boost of flavor! It’s delicious, and I would like to show you how easy it is to make. 

      Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

      Toast The Chopped Almonds In A Skillet

      The first thing you need to do is lightly toast raw almonds. Place raw, chopped almonds in a skillet. Turn the heat to MEDIUM, and cook the almonds, stirring often, for about 3 minutes.

      The almonds are finished toasting when they become fragrant, and are lightly browned. Once done, transfer them out of the hot skillet to a plate or paper towel, and let them cool.

      Once cooled, set aside about a Tablespoon of the almonds, because you will garnish the finished dish with them after it’s done. Let the rest of the almonds continue cooling.

      Chopped almonds are dry-toasted in a hot skillet for 3 minutes.

      Warm The Quinoa And Cinnamon

      Put the uncooked quinoa and ground cinnamon in a medium sized saucepan. Give it a quick stir to combine the two ingredients, then heat this for about a minute (Medium heat) until it is warmed through.

      Uncooked quinoa and ground cinnamon are warmed in a saucepan.

      Time To Cook The Quinoa

      Now add low fat milk and salt to the quinoa in the saucepan, and stir to combine. Bring this mixture to a boil on Medium heat.

      Once the milk comes to a boil, turn the heat down to very LOW. Put a lid on the saucepan, and simmer this mixture on low heat for approximately 13-14 minutes. Stir the quinoa every 3-4 minutes, then put the lid back on and continue cooking.

      Milk and salt are added to the pan of quinoa to begin cooking.Quinoa and cinnamon are cooked with milk and salt for about 13 minutes.

      Check the quinoa at the halfway point. If it seems like it is cooking and absorbing the milk really fast, add a couple more Tablespoons of milk, make sure the heat setting is at it’s lowest, and continue cooking.

      Stir the milk into the quinoa and continue cooking until it is done. The quinoa should be tender, and the liquid absorbed when it has finished cooking.

      A little bit of extra milk is added to the quinoa while it cooks.

      Add Remaining Ingredients To The Cooked Quinoa

      Once all the milk is absorbed (and the quinoa is tender), stir in the chopped apricots (reserving a few to garnish each serving).

      Add the chopped dates, honey, vanilla extract and the chopped, toasted almonds (except the reserved almonds for garnish).

      Stir to fully combine these ingredients. Now all that is left to do is divide the quinoa into serving dishes, garnish and serve.

      Apricots, vanilla, honey, dates and almonds are stirred into the quinoa.

      Serve The Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa

      Equally divide the apricot almond breakfast quinoa into two small serving bowls or dishes. Garnish the top of each portion with a few of the reserved toasted almonds and apricots.

      Serve the apricot almond breakfast quinoa immediately while it is still hot (or warm, depending on your personal preference). Grab a spoon and dig in to this delicious, protein-filled breakfast!

      Two white bowls full of apricot almond breakfast quinoa.Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa in a white bowl, ready to eat.

      I really hope you have the opportunity to try this yummy breakfast, and trust you will enjoy it as much as we do. The recipe can easily be adapted to make more servings, depending on the quantity you need.

      Thank you for stopping by today, and I invite you to come back again for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

      Looking For More BREAKFAST Recipes?

      You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have a wonderful variety of delicious breakfast recipes to choose from, including:

      Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

      I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
      Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

      There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
      You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

      Find Me On Social Media:

      Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Pinterest:
      The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Instagram:
      jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

      Author's signature

      Recipe adapted from: “The Essential 450 Best Mediterranean Diet Recipes” (Kindle Edition), published in 2016 by Topflight Cookbooks

      ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

      0 from 0 votes
      Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa
      Prep Time
      10 mins
      Cook Time
      13 mins
      Total Time
      23 mins
       

      Make delicious Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa with dates, apricots, honey, almonds and cinnamon. It's a simple, healthy, protein-packed meal!

      Category: Breakfast, Brunch
      Cuisine: Mediterranean
      Keyword: apricot almond breakfast quinoa
      Servings: 2
      Calories Per Serving: 393 kcal
      Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Ingredients
      • 5 dried apricots *DIVIDED USE, chopped
      • 1 dried date pit removed, finely chopped
      • 2 Tablespoons chopped raw almonds *DIVIDED USE, chopped
      • ½ teaspoon sea salt
      • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
      • 1 cup low fat milk
      • ½ cup quinoa uncooked
      • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
      • 1 Tablespoon honey
      Instructions
      1. Place chopped almonds in a skillet. Cook on Medium heat, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Transfer almonds to a paper towel; let cool. Set aside one Tablespoon almonds (as garnish for finished dish). Let the rest continue cooling.

      2. Put quinoa and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine, then heat for about 1 minute (Medium heat) until warmed through.

      3. Add milk and salt to the quinoa; stir to combine. Bring to a boil on Medium heat, then reduce heat to very LOW. Put a lid on pan; simmer mixture (LOW) heat approx. 13-14 minutes. Stir every 3-4 minutes, cover and continue cooking. Check quinoa at the halfway point. If it seems like it's cooking and absorbing the milk really fast, add a couple more Tablespoons of milk, make sure heat setting is at it's lowest, and continue cooking. Quinoa should be tender to the bite, and liquid absorbed when it's done.

      4. Remove pan from heat. Stir in chopped apricots (reserve a few for garnish). Add chopped date, honey, vanilla and almonds (except reserved almonds for garnish). Stir until combined.

      5. Equally divide quinoa into 2 small bowls. Garnish each with toasted almonds and apricots. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

      Nutrition Facts
      Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa
      Amount Per Serving (1 (1/2 of total))
      Calories 393 Calories from Fat 90
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 10g15%
      Saturated Fat 2g13%
      Trans Fat 0.1g
      Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
      Monounsaturated Fat 5g
      Cholesterol 9mg3%
      Sodium 642mg28%
      Potassium 804mg23%
      Carbohydrates 66g22%
      Fiber 7g29%
      Sugar 34g38%
      Protein 13g26%
      Vitamin A 867IU17%
      Vitamin C 1mg1%
      Calcium 216mg22%
      Iron 3mg17%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Make delicious Apricot Almond Breakfast Quinoa with dates, apricots, honey, almonds and cinnamon. It's a simple, healthy, protein-packed meal!

       

      Garlic Butter Herb Rolls

      Delicious Garlic Butter Herb Rolls are easy to prepare (using canned biscuit dough!), and are a perfect accompaniment for your favorite meal!
      Delicious Garlic Butter Herb Rolls are easy to prepare (using canned biscuit dough!), and are a perfect accompaniment for your favorite meal!

      If you’re looking for a totally EASY recipe for a dinner roll or bread to serve with a favorite soup, salad or main dish, then you’ve got to try these garlic butter herb rolls!

      Because they’re made using canned jumbo biscuits as the base, there is hardly any prep work involved. That’s a wonderfully quick way to get these yummy rolls on the table!

      The biscuit dough is halved, rolled into balls, then covered in a simple garlic butter herb sauce, and baked. That’s it, and I think you will love them because they have great flavor! Here’s how simple they are to make.

      Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

      Make The Dough Balls

      Preheat your oven to 375°F. before shaping the rolls, because you will want the oven hot and ready to go when you’re finished, to save time. Lightly grease a 10″ cast iron skillet or a large square baking dish and set aside.

      Remove the biscuit dough from the package and place the dough onto parchment paper or wax paper. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each of the biscuits in half. You will have 16 biscuit dough halves at this point.

      Using your hands, roll each piece between your palms into a ball, pinching the dough together to close any seams. Once done, let the dough balls rest on the paper while you mix the garlic butter herb sauce.

      Eight canned jumbo biscuits are cut in half.Each biscuit dough half is shaped into a ball.

      Make The Garlic Butter Herb Sauce

      To make the garlic butter herb sauce, combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley and oregano in a small bowl. It will be a slightly thick sauce once it’s fully mixed.

      Melted butter, garlic, oregano, parsley and Parmesan are combined in bowl.The butter herb sauce is combined and ready to top the rolls.

      Dipping The Dough Balls

      Dip each of the dough balls, one at a time, in the garlic butter herb sauce. I find it helpful to use a spoon to turn the dough balls over so all sides get coated with the sauce.

      As you finish coating each dough ball, place it into the prepared skillet OR baking dish. Repeat this process until all the dough balls are coated in sauce.

      TIP: Make sure to leave a small space between each of the rolls in the skillet or baking dish, so they have some “personal space” to rise and spread as they bake!

      Each dough ball is immersed and covered with the butter herb sauce.Butter and herb covered dough balls are placed in skillet OR baking dish.

      Time To Bake The Rolls!

      Now it’s time to bake these little cuties! Bake the garlic butter herb rolls at 375°F (or 190° C.) for 18-20 minutes. They’re done when the tops of the rolls are wonderfully golden brown.

      Remove the garlic butter herb rolls from the oven. There’s usually some seasoned, melted butter that ends up on the bottom of the skillet or baking dish.

      Use a pastry brush to brush the seasoned butter from the skillet or baking dish onto the tops of the finished rolls while they’re still hot.

      Sixteen butter and herb covered rolls are placed in a cast iron skillet.After baking, the garlic butter herb rolls are golden brown on top.

      Serve The Garlic Butter Herb Rolls

      Serve the garlic butter herb rolls right out of the skillet or baking dish while they’re HOT. Each of these tasty dinner rolls can be pulled apart from each other, to enjoy!

      We enjoyed them (this time) served with a delicious main dish of Salmon in Spinach Cream Sauce, and they paired perfectly with this meal. YUM!

      The rolls are beautiful to look at, they taste WONDERFUL, and it “might” appear like it took a lot of work to make them! You can see how simple these dinner rolls actually were to make, though, so that can be your little secret (wink, wink).

      The garlic butter herb rolls are ready to be pulled apart and eaten.One of the garlic butter herb rolls on a white plate, with salmon in background.

      I really hope you have the opportunity to make these delicious garlic butter herb rolls, and trust you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!

      We always love this super easy recipe that tastes GREAT every time! Any leftover rolls can easily be reheated in an oven or microwave!

      Thanks for stopping by today, and I invite you to come back again soon for more family friendly recipes. Take care, may God bless you, and have a GREAT day!

      Looking For More BREAD Recipes?

      You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have some really delicious bread recipes to choose from, including:

      Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

      I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
      Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

      There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
      You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

      Find Me On Social Media:

      Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Pinterest:
      The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Instagram:
      jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

      Author;s signature

      Original recipe source (and with thanks to): Anna, at http://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/2017/02/17/garlic-parmesan-skillet-rolls/

      ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

      0 from 0 votes
      Garlic Butter Herb Rolls
      Prep Time
      15 mins
      Cook Time
      18 mins
      Total Time
      33 mins
       

      Delicious Garlic Butter Herb Rolls are easy to prepare (using canned biscuit dough!), and are a perfect accompaniment for your favorite meal!

      Category: Bread, Side Dish
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: garlic butter herb rolls
      Servings: 16 rolls
      Calories Per Serving: 134 kcal
      Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Ingredients
      • 1 can jumbo biscuit dough (8 biscuits in pkg/can.)
      • 4 Tablespoons butter melted
      • teaspoons minced garlic = approx. 3 cloves, minced
      • 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese *fresh is best, if you have it.
      • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
      • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
      Instructions
      1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 10" cast iron skillet or large baking dish; set aside.

      2. Remove biscuit dough from package; separate/place dough on parchment or wax paper. Use knife or kitchen scissors to cut each biscuit in half. Roll each piece between your palms into a ball, pinching dough to close any seams, then place them back on the paper.

      3. Make sauce: Combine melted butter, Parmesan, garlic, parsley and oregano in a small bowl.

      4. Dip each dough ball (1 at a time), in the sauce. Use a spoon to turn them over so all sides are coated with sauce. Place dough ball into prepared skillet OR dish. Repeat until all the dough balls are coated. TIP: Leave a small space between each of the rolls, so they have "personal space" to rise and spread as they bake!

      5. Bake rolls at 375°F (or 190° C) for 18-20 minutes. They're done when the tops are nicely golden brown. Remove from oven. There will be seasoned melted butter that ends up on the bottom of the skillet. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush that butter onto the top of the rolls.

      6. Serve immediately, and enjoy these delicious, pull-apart dinner rolls.

      Nutrition Facts
      Garlic Butter Herb Rolls
      Amount Per Serving (1 roll)
      Calories 134 Calories from Fat 72
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 8g12%
      Saturated Fat 3g19%
      Trans Fat 0.1g
      Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
      Monounsaturated Fat 3g
      Cholesterol 8mg3%
      Sodium 306mg13%
      Potassium 69mg2%
      Carbohydrates 14g5%
      Fiber 0.4g2%
      Sugar 1g1%
      Protein 2g4%
      Vitamin A 95IU2%
      Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
      Calcium 22mg2%
      Iron 1mg6%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Delicious Garlic Butter Herb Rolls are easy to prepare (using canned biscuit dough!), and are a perfect accompaniment for your favorite meal!

       

      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew

      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew is an easy to make, meatless hearty stew with carrots, onion, garlic, celery and a hint of orange! It’s DELICIOUS!
      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew is an easy to make, meatless hearty stew with carrots, onion, garlic, celery and a hint of orange! It's DELICIOUS!

      If you’re looking for a healthy, filling dish that is scrumptious and has lots of healthy ingredients (and fiber) in it, may I suggest this recipe for Greek Cannellini Bean Stew? It’s a wonderful meatless dish that vegetarians AND meat-lovers will surely enjoy!

      Greeks call this bean stew “Fasolada”, and it is a much-loved national dish that is considered “comfort food”. This simple stew has its origins in ancient Greece and was typically made using dried cannellini beans.

      This version of the bean stew uses canned beans, which is very convenient, because it dramatically reduces the time needed to make this dish.

      The stew only takes 15 minutes of prep, and then it is simmered on the stove for 30-35 minutes. When it’s done cooking, you will be left with a creamy, thick stew I’m confident you’ll enjoy!

      The surprising ingredient in this soup is the addition of fresh orange slices while it cooks! The natural oils in the orange peel and the fruit itself provide a hint of orange flavor (not overpowering at all!), which is a nice touch. Here’s how to make the stew.

      Scroll Down For A Printable Recipe Card At The Bottom Of The Page

      Prepare The Veggies

      Heat olive oil on Medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the chopped onion, and carrot and celery slices to the hot oil.

      Cook the veggies 8-10 minutes in the hot oil, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and tender (especially the carrots).

      Onion, carrots and celery are cooked in hot olive oil in large soup pot.

      Building The Stew

      Once the onions, carrots and celery have softened, add dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, tomato paste and two slices of fresh orange (including peel) to the soup pot.

      Stir to combine these ingredients, then let them cook 2 more minutes on Medium heat, stirring occasionally.

      Orange slices, oregano, tomato paste and bay leaf are added to soup pot.

      Now it’s time to add the canned cannellini beans to the soup pot. You will use a total of 2 cans of beans, following the instructions below.

      Drain ONLY 1 CAN of cannellini beans and then add the beans (without liquid) to the stew. The remaining can of beans should be added to the stew INCLUDING THE LIQUID.

      Stir in 1 cup of water to the soup pot, salt and pepper, then stir to combine all the ingredients. 

      Cannellini beans, water, salt and pepper are now added to the stew.

      Cook The Stew

      Cook the Greek Cannellini Bean Stew (uncovered) for 30-35 minutes on a LOW simmer, stirring occasionally. The stew will thicken considerably as it cooks, which is a GOOD thing!

      If at any point, you notice the stew is cooking too fast or begins sticking to the bottom of the pan, make sure the heat is very low. You may wish to add a tiny bit of water.

      When the stew has finished cooking, and it’s thick and creamy, it is done. Remove the bay leaf and orange slices from the pot before serving.

      The Greek Cannellini Bean Stew cooks 30 minutes, or until thickened.The thickened bean stew is ready to be served once hot and thickened.

      Serve The Greek Cannellini Bean Stew

      Ladle the Greek Cannellini Bean Stew into 4 bowls, dividing evenly. If desired, garnish each serving with half an orange slice (this is optional).

      Serve the stew hot, and enjoy the wonderful flavor of this vegetarian dish. We especially enjoy eating the stew with a thick, crusty piece of garlic bread on the side. YUM!

      The Greek Cannellini Bean Stew is served with an orange slice as garnish.A spoonful of the thick, creamy Greek Cannellini Bean Stew.

      I really hope you enjoy this hearty cannellini bean stew. Even though it is meatless, it has lots of protein (from the beans) and vegetables, and always fills us up!

      Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit my blog. I appreciate it, and invite you to come back again soon for more family-friendly recipes. Take care, and have a GREAT day!

      Looking For More SOUP And STEW Recipes?

      You can find ALL of my recipes in the Recipe Index, which is located at the top of the page. I have lots of soup and stew recipes, including:

      Want More Recipes? Get My FREE Newsletter!

      I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1st and 15th) with lots of recipes, tips, etc..
      Would you like to join our growing list of subscribers?

      There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use.
      You can submit your e-mail address there, to be added to my mailing list.

      Find Me On Social Media:

      Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Pinterest:
      The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Instagram:
      jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

      Author's signature

      Recipe adapted from: Koula Barydakis at: mediterraneanliving.com/white-bean-soup/

      ↓↓ PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW ↓↓

      0 from 0 votes
      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew
      Prep Time
      15 mins
      Cook Time
      30 mins
      Total Time
      45 mins
       

      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew is an easy to make, meatless hearty stew with carrots, onion, garlic, celery and a hint of orange! It's DELICIOUS!

      Category: Main Dish, Soup
      Cuisine: Greek
      Keyword: Greek Cannellini Bean Stew
      Servings: 4
      Calories Per Serving: 405 kcal
      Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!
      Ingredients
      • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
      • ½ large yellow onion chopped
      • 3 medium carrots , peeled, thinly sliced
      • 3 stalks celery thinly sliced
      • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
      • 1 bay leaf
      • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
      • 2 thin slices orange round slices, include peel and flesh
      • 31 ounces canned cannellini beans =2 (15.5 oz. cans), DO NOT DRAIN
      • cup water
      • ¼ teaspoon salt or more, to taste
      • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or more, to taste
      Instructions
      1. Heat olive oil on Medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion, carrot and celery slices to the hot oil. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft/tender (especially the carrots).

      2. Add oregano, 1 bay leaf, tomato paste and two slices of orange (including peel) to soup pot. Stir to combine, then let them cook 2 more minutes on Medium heat, stirring occasionally.

      3. Drain 1 CAN of cannellini beans and then add the beans (without liquid) to the stew. The remaining can of beans should then be added to the stew INCLUDING THE LIQUID. Add water, salt and pepper to the stew; stir to combine ingredients. 

      4. Cook for 30-35 minutes on a LOW simmer, stirring occasionally. The stew will thicken considerably as it cooks. If at any point, you notice stew cooking too fast or sticking to the bottom of the pan, make sure the heat is very low. You may add just a tiny bit of water. When the stew has finished cooking, and it's thick and creamy, it is done. Remove bay leaf and orange slices from stew before serving.

      5. Ladle stew into 4 bowls, dividing evenly. Garnish each serving with a fresh half of an orange slice (OPTIONAL). Serve hot, and enjoy!

      Nutrition Facts
      Greek Cannellini Bean Stew
      Amount Per Serving (1 (1/4 of total))
      Calories 405 Calories from Fat 126
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 14g22%
      Saturated Fat 2g13%
      Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
      Monounsaturated Fat 10g
      Sodium 248mg11%
      Potassium 1294mg37%
      Carbohydrates 55g18%
      Fiber 13g54%
      Sugar 5g6%
      Protein 17g34%
      Vitamin A 7845IU157%
      Vitamin C 6mg7%
      Calcium 199mg20%
      Iron 7mg39%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!Greek Cannellini Bean Stew is an easy to make, meatless hearty stew with carrots, onion, garlic, celery and a hint of orange! It's DELICIOUS!