recipe round up – Makin' it Mo'Betta

Creamy Hoisin Egg Roll Dipping Sauce

Kim

This post was sponsored by MINH® Mini Chicken Egg Rolls and I was compensated to write it. Regardless, what I have written reflects my own opinion and experience. I hope you find it useful.

The holidays are in full swing, and with that brings social gatherings. And obviously you can’t have a get together without lots of good eats…otherwise it’s just a meeting. (Ok, so I’m sort of paraphrasing Julia Child, but she definitely had a point.) I love party food (aka appetizers, appies, finger foods, or hors d’oeuvres <– hardest word ever to spell)

Sometimes we have hors d’oeuvre night where we just have a bunch of party food for dinner. My kids love that (for obvious reasons.) It’s mainly for “special occasions”. Anyway, as much as I love making everything from scratch, like homemade egg rolls, I often just don’t. have. time. So, I was thrilled to find these at Sam’s Club.

They are affordable, you get a bunch in a box, and most important – they are delish!

They are the perfect size to serve at a party too. They bake in the oven in under 15 minutes, and come with a tasty sweet chili sauce.

I’ve sprinkled this platter with dried cilantro and red pepper flakes (green & red!) but it could be easily omitted, or just added to the sauces. You could also use basil I think, but I would not recommend oregano (personal opinion).

Along with the sweet chili sauce, I wanted a white sauce (I almost made it green with the addition of green dragon sauce, but I wasn’t sure if it would look appetizing.) This is a mild, creamy, slightly sweet sauce that pairs well with the egg rolls and perfect for those who have a low heat tolerance (everyone in my house except me!), but you can easily spice it up by increasing the chili paste or adding red pepper flakes.

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In addition to mini egg rolls, my other “go-to” party foods are sausage balls (these are a must at Christmas and New Year’s!), Creamy Sausage Dip, Chips with restaurant style salsa, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, and at Christmas, there will be fudge on the dessert table, along with these…

Pretzel Treats…my kids LOVE these. Obviously, we don’t usually have fancy parties. We have family, kid-friendly parties! What’s your favorite party food?

Desserts – 4 ingredients or less!

Kim

Y’all have probably figured out by now that I love easy recipes. If it has just a few ingredients, especially if it’s a dessert…I’m going to give it a try. Here is a round up of quick and easy desserts, with just 4 ingredients or less!

I’m always amazed how something so simple can turn out so well! I shared these a while back over at , where I am a part-time contributing writer, and forgot to post here to let you all know. I’d love for you to head over at check them out!

If you are also a fan of the quick and easy, here are some other recipes that are low maintenance, yet tasty. Keeping a few items on hand will always allow you to whip something up at a moment’s notice. Your friends will think you are a master in the kitchen, but you will know you are the master of the shortcut!

Cake Mix Cookie Bars {4 ingredients}

Shortcut Lemon Brownies {3-ingredients}

3-Ingredient Cookies (no cake mix)

Chocolate Pudding Cake {4-ingredients}

Dump Cake {3-ingredients}

Skinny Apple Angel Food Cake {2-ingredients}

Bubble Up Apple Pie {4 ingredients}

Strawberries – A recipe round-up

Kim

Are you seeing bright red, delicious strawberries everywhere right now? Maybe you want to grab some and make one of these recipes for Father’s Day! Or for tomorrow…because why wait?!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pizza

Strawberry Spectacular – this has sweetened condensed milk AND cream cheese…so you know it’s gonna be good!

Strawberry Zucchini Marmalade – this doesn’t actually have fresh strawberries in it, but maybe you have zucchini piling up…you will be surprised at how yummy this is!

Chocolate Chip Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries n’ Cream Banana Oat Muffins

Very Strawberry Shortcake

I’ve got a few others on my “to make” list as well, like this , , and – which is definitely my kind of salad.

What’s your favorite strawberry recipe?

Ideas for Easter Brunch

Kim

Looking for ideas for Easter Brunch?

Check out this round-up to make an extra special breakfast or brunch for Easter or anytime! Muffins, scones, breakfast casseroles, and more.

Biscuit Breakfast Casserole

Make Ahead Awesome Breakfast Casserole

Baked Bacon and Eggs

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Warm Fruit Compote

Breakfast Pizza

Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole

Ham and Cheese Biscuit Pull-Apart Casserole

Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping

Sausage, Ham and Cheese Quiche

French Toast Casserole (egg-free)

Copycat King’s Hawaiian Bread

Sausage Balls

Sausage Muffins

Easy Oven Pancakes

Chai Latte Scones

German Pancakes

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins

Monkey Bread (with Parker House Rolls)

Easter Treats – Dessert Recipe Round-up

Kim

Easter is just around the corner, which doesn’t seem possible seeing as we had SNOW FLURRIES over the weekend! Most of the time, Spring is in full swing by Easter. However, the weather will not stop me from making bright and cheerful desserts. You gotta stand strong! Break out the pastel candy even if you are wearing jeans and sweaters! Bake up some lemony goodness despite the gray and cold! WILL IT to be Spring!! Okay, so maybe I got carried away.

Check out this round up of Easter Treats!

(Pictured above)

Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs

Hot Cross Buns

Cadbury ‘Deviled’ Eggs – No recipe – just Cadbury Eggs, cut in half and decorated with yellow frosting and sprinkles to look like deviled eggs. Very cute, VERY sweet! (It helps to chill the eggs for cleaner cuts)

Margarita Cake

The Ultimate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Spring Kit Kat Cake

‘Dump’ Cake

Thick and Chewy Cookies with Spring Chocolate Chips (or candy)

My favorite Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – can also make with spring candy or chocolate chips

Quick and Easy Lemon Brownies (3 ingredients!)

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m hungry now! Have you made out your menu for Easter Sunday? I’m still deciding…

I may be linking up at any of the following – (Monday) , , , , (Tuesday) , , ,, , (Wednesday) , , , , (Thursday) , , (Friday) , , , ,, , , , ,

Football Party Food

Kim

I’m the first to admit that I know nothing about football. However, I’m all about some party food. Even though I will not be having a party…it’s a school night, ya know…I will be fixing up some yummy snacks so we can gather around the TV and watch the Super Bowl (mainly the commercials and .) So, if anyone is still working on their menu, here are a few ideas –

Queso Dip {2-ingredients}

Hot Ham Dips

Meatball Sliders (also see 3-Ingredient Meatballs made in the crockpot)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Pork BBQ {Crockpot}

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Sausage Balls

Creamy Sausage Dip and Restaurant Style Salsa

Pizza Puffs (these are good at room temp too)

Pizza Monkey Bread

And *some* of you may be interested in this bright GREEN punch….

Obviously, minus the rubber duckies 😉

And for that sweet tooth…

~or~

Bourbon Fudge

For my low carb or diabetic friends…

Cinnamon Crunchies

So, is football your thing? Will you be watching or grazing the food table like me?

My Top 10 Favorite “Skinny” Recipes

Kim

I’m always experimenting in the kitchen, and often trying to reduce calories here and there while still having something good to eat. I like to try out new recipes, so something has to be pretty good for me to make it over and over again. Here is a list of “skinnier” recipes that I make frequently. (But remember…skinny doesn’t necessarily mean healthy!)

Top Ten Skinny Recipes:

1. 3-2-1- Skinny Mug Cake – this is actually a favorite of my children. All 3 like to make these, and they are handy for after school snacks or after dinner dessert. I personally don’t like them all that much unless I top it with hot fudge or chocolate chips or you know, something to make it fattening! It’s certainly not a health food, just a lighter version of cake! (and made in single servings)

2. Super Skinny Chocolate Muffins {copycat Vitatops} – These are very chocolate-y but have a pretty healthy ingredient list. I love them with a cup of coffee.

3. ‘Skinny’ Pizza – I ate these all the time when doing Weight Watchers. They are quick and easy and satisfy that craving for pizza.

4. 2-ingredient Apple Angel Food Cake – This recipe actually comes from Weight Watchers. You can use any pie filling or even a can of crushed pineapple. I’ve made several flavors.

5. Baked Mozzarella Sticks – this is another favorite of my kids, and we have recently discovered Baked Cheese Cups…which they also love. These are best when eaten soon after they are made.

6. Baked Egg Rolls – (can also be made in won ton cups.) I make egg rolls A LOT. I love them, they are filled with vegetables and baked, not fried. When I did Weight Watchers, one egg roll wrapper was only one point too!

7. Homemade Turkey Sausage – I rarely buy pork sausage anymore, and make this often. I have been experimenting with different spice combos…but this one is pretty good and basic. You can add heat or whatever you like to achieve the taste you want. I usually make breakfast sausage, but sometimes Italian too.

8. Bourbon Chicken – this is a great alternative to take-out Chinese food. It’s not fried, and it’s delicious.

9. Low-fat Brownies – made with brownie mix and yogurt. Again, I can’t say they are healthy, but sometimes you gotta have a brownie. (Black bean brownies are also good, but these are so quick and easy.)

10. Low Carb Pizza Crust – my favorite low carb pizza crust to date, you can pick it up without it falling apart, and it has a “real” pizza feel to it. My only minor complaint is the natural sweetness that comes out when roasting cauliflower.

Do you have a favorite “skinny” recipe? I’m thinking of putting together a list of crock-pot and soup recipes too. Maybe casseroles…anyone interested?

I may be linking up at any of the following – (Monday) , , , , (Tuesday) , ,,, , (Wednesday) , , ,, , (Thursday) , , (Friday) , , , , ,, , ,

Top Ten Recipes from 2014

Kim

Am I the only one who loves a Top 10? I have seen several from different bloggers and I always enjoy flipping through them. Even if it is someone I follow on a regular basis, there always seems to be a recipe I missed or forgot about. So, here are the most popular top ten recipes on Makin’ it Mo’Betta for this year…ughh…last year! Wowza…2015…hard to believe! (in random order)

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter ‘Better than Football’ Cake

2. Oven Baked Tacos

3. Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole

4. Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

5. Bubble Up Apple Pie {4 ingredients!}

6. Copycat Trader Joe’s Cowboy Bark

7. Quick and Easy Lemon Brownies {3 ingredients}

8. One Dish Chicken Dinner

9. Bubble Up Garlic Cheese Bread

10. Pancake and Sausage Muffins

I am also excited to share that a few of my recipes made it in the ! That’s so awesome! Thanks to everyone who supports my blog by stopping by, pinning, sharing, commenting, liking, etc. You are truly appreciated.

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Baked Shrimp Won Ton Cups & other (healthier) Appies! {#Nasoya #Sponsored}

Kim

This post is sponsored by Nasoya. All opinions are 100% my own.

Well, somehow Christmas is OVER. As I say every year, I have no idea how it came and went so fast. It doesn’t matter that I started listening to Christmas music in November and *gasp* had my tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving. Yep, I sure did…doesn’t matter however, because Christmas still came and went too fast.

Oh yeah, and 4 weeks before Christmas…Number One got sick. Three weeks before Christmas, Mr. Three got sick. Two weeks before Christmas, Miss Two got sick. And guess what happened ONE week before Christmas? You guessed it…mama got sick. So, that is why my last blog post was December 16. *insert sad face* I have all this cool Christmas stuff to share too…and who wants to read about that now? It’s New Year’s Eve. Party time! Then it’s ohmigahhh….resolution time. Time to give up everything we indulged in over the past month. *insert crying sad face*.

Luckily, I have something that will make the transition from indulgent eating to healthy eating virtually painless. It’s also party ready, fun, cute, portioned controlled, low fat. low in Weight Watchers points…no, I’m not talking about air. These actually taste great and are portable! Great for New Year’s, football, appetizers, or if you are like me, can make a meal out of them. They are Baked Shrimp WonTon Cups. They are quick and easy to prepare too. You can make the filling with whatever veggies and quantities you like. I’m just going to give what I use, and you can play with the recipe to make them your own.

Baked Shrimp Won Ton Cups

Filling:
1 bag Cole Slaw Mix (or you can shred your own cabbage and carrots)
3-4 green onions, chopped (I usually use whatever onion I have on hand, green/red/yellow)
1/4 – 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped (just depends on how much you like celery!)
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bag frozen small shrimp, thawed and cut in half or thirds (can also use chicken/beef/pork)
2 Tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer tamari)
1/2-1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (Hoisin is strong and sweet. I use it if I have it, but it’s not mandatory)
salt and pepper, (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place won tons in a mini muffin pan, one won ton per muffin cup. (Just push them down in the cup, there will be some overlapping). Set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat tablespoon of olive oil. Add onions and celery. Heat until onions begin to soften. Add garlic, heat a minute or two until fragrant.
Add bag of cole slaw mix, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and salt and pepper. Carefully stir (my skillet is always very full until cabbage begins to wilt.)
Add thawed shrimp, stir frequently until shrimp is pink. Once shrimp is done and cabbage is softened, remove from heat.
Place a tablespoon of mixture into the won ton cup. Bake won tons approximately 5-7 minutes, until lightly browned and crisp.
Remove cups from oven and place on serving tray. Top with cilantro and drizzle with Ponzu Sauce if desired.

*Feel free to add any veggies and seasonings you like. My only recommendation is watch the amount of liquid produced (some veggies leach a lot of water out). You want as little liquid as possible in your wrappers because it will cause them to fall apart.

This is the same filling I use for egg rolls too. I love baked egg rolls, which is odd, because I do not like fried egg rolls, and we all know everything is usually better fried. To make the baked egg rolls, use the same filling, put a few tablespoons of filling in an (fold them better than I do!), place on a baking sheet, spray both sides with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake about 10 minutes per side. They are healthy and delicious!

My kids love these Baked Mozzarella Sticks. They are so easy, as it is just a mozzarella cheese stick (“string” cheese) wrapped in an egg roll wrapper and baked. Spraying both sides with olive oil or cooking spray just like with the egg rolls. They can be dipped in marinara or pizza sauce too.

Since my kids love Baked Cheese Sticks, I knew they would like Baked Cheese Cups too. I was right! Just add cheese to your won ton cups and bake until the cheese is melted and won tons are brown and crisp. You could serve these along side a sauce as well. So much healthier than frying and I love the little cups for a party or as an appetizer. You could add anything really…any dip can be placed in a won ton cup and suddenly becomes portable! Tonight I am making Buffalo Chicken Dip in won ton cups…it will make it so easy to eat! You can also bake the shells then add things like chicken salad or pimento cheese…the possibilities are endless. It makes me want to put pretty much everything in a won ton cup. What can I say, I love party food.

Happy New Year’s Eve as my little one said first thing this morning! I’d love to hear what’s on your menu for tonight. Or tomorrow…I haven’t fully decided what I’m cooking for New Year’s Day yet…but I’m pretty sure it won’t be black eyed peas!

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Thanksgiving Ideas – Desserts!

Kim

For some of us, dessert is the most important part of any meal. For others, it’s an afterthought…and for some, it’s whatever can be bought because you absolutely hate to bake. Whatever category you fall into, there should be something here for you! We love dessert around here, so there were lots of recipes to choose from and most of them are pretty easy to whip up.

Pumpkin Spice Cake – this is a “doctored” cake mix and is full of Fall flavor.

Brown Sugar Pumpkin Cheesecake – a little more labor intensive but a change from traditional pumpkin pie

Pecan Pie Brownies – I think the name speaks for itself. Elevate your traditional pecan pie with a brownie base! These have gotten rave reviews in the past.

Fudgey Mocha Nut Pie – Another pecan and chocolate combo…this pie is rich and delicious. We will be making this or Chocolate Chess Pie this year.

Chocolate Chess Pie – a Southern tradition that makes an appearance every year.

Chocolate Oreo Chess Pie – We made this one last year. It was amazing. There is also a Chocolate Chip Cookie version a.k.a. Baltimore Bomb Pie. It’s the bomb alright!

If you are looking for something super quick and easy, I have a round up of “dump cakes“, as in ‘dump and go’, just a few ingredients but oh so good. The above Blueberry Dump Cake is one of my favorite desserts ever.

These German Chocolate Cake bars are one of the most popular recipes on my blog. Or you could go for the “real thing” …

German Chocolate Cake – the frosting is phenomenal.

A few other things that may come in handy – this 5-Minute Chocolate Frosting is delicious, and because my son is allergic to nuts and is super picky, I will be making cookies with my favorite thick and chewy cookie base. I’ll be adding fall colored M’s which he loves.

I also have some ‘special diet’ recipes – Dairy Free Chocolate Pie which is so good no one would ever know what it’s made of; Low Carb Chocolate Eclair Cake; low carb, gluten free “Thin Mints“; egg free Chocolate Cake (aka wacky cake). This is my “” Pinterest Board too.

As you can see, we usually do things a little different than the traditional pumpkin and pecan pie! Well, I should say in addition to the traditional pecan and pumpkin pie. You can’t have too many desserts!

Previous Thanksgiving Ideas posts –

for the kids

veggies

breads

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