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Apple French Toast Casserole

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Spice up your breakfast with this amazing Apple French Toast Casserole! With tender-cooked apples, crispy bacon, and a sweet maple drizzle, it's the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of fall.

A square of french toast casserole on a white plate.
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As the weather is cooling off, it's time to consider fall baking. I love going to the orchard to get fresh apples for caramel apple pie and apple spice cake. It's a fun activity I look forward to each fall. And, of course, we can't leave without a few apple cider donuts.

Apples are so fun to bake with this time of year. Last year, I made a strawberry French toast casserole that my family fell in love with. Adding apples, bacon, and a maple glaze was a great way to give that delicious breakfast recipe a fall makeover.

Why You Will Love This Baked French Toast

Apple French toast casserole is a popular dish that combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the sweetness of apples. Adding a maple glaze and crunchy bacon gives this easy breakfast casserole a sweet and salty flavor that is irresistible.

  • Great flavor combination. Combining cinnamon-spiced apples with custardy, slightly crispy bread creates a delicious French toast casserole. The sweet apples and the salty bacon perfectly complement the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Perfect for breakfast or brunch. This breakfast bake is a great choice for weekend breakfasts, brunch, or the holidays. Sweet and savory ingredients make this a versatile dish that can fit into a brunch menu with other items.
  • Family friendly. This dish is a hit with everyone because of its familiar flavors, textures, and the delightful sweetness of cinnamon rolls. It's a happy fall option that the whole family can enjoy.
  • Versatile. While the original recipe calls for apples, this casserole can be made with other fruits, such as berries, peaches, or pears. Feel free to add your own creative touch based on personal tastes or the availability of ingredients.
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Broccoli Tortellini Pasta Salad

By · PUBLISHED · 8 Comments

Add this Tortellini Pasta Salad to your summer picnic plans. The creamy homemade dressing, crunchy bacon, and broccoli make this easy picnic salad a hit with everyone.

Two white bowls filled with a creamy pasta salad with veggies.
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During the summer, we eat picnic salads with grilled chicken or burgers for dinner. Our kids always request bacon ranch pasta salad or veggie pasta salad.

Last week, I changed up this broccoli salad by adding some tortellini pasta and smoked sausage. It was a delicious way to turn the side dish into a full meal.

Why This Cold Tortellini Salad Works

Your friends and family will love this delicious classic pasta salad recipe twist. It's creamy, cheesy, and made with cheesy tortellini, fresh broccoli, and crunchy bacon. The cold side dish is great for any summer activity!

  • Easy to Prepare. The pasta can be cooked and cooled beforehand, then mixed with other ingredients for a convenient and easy dinner.
  • Versatile. Customize your salad with various types of tortellini, veggies, and dressings like Italian vinaigrette, pesto, or balsamic dressing.
  • Summer-friendly. The dish is great for outdoor picnics and potlucks because of its fresh ingredients and chilled temperature.
  • Crowd-pleasing. The combination of bacon, creamy dressing, and pasta makes this salad popular with kids and adults.
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31 Picnic Salads

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Looking for Picnic Salads for your next backyard party? Check out our collection of 31 delicious recipes that are perfect for summer celebrations. Whether you prefer fruity salads or the classic potato salad, we've got you covered. These ideas will definitely be a hit at your potluck.

A collage of salad pictures with a white text box.
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When it comes to potlucks and BBQs, my favorite thing is choosing what to eat. I absolutely love picnic salads. Whether they're creamy, crunchy, healthy, or sweet, I can never pick just one. Just pile it all onto my plate because tasting everything is absolutely necessary!

What are Picnic Salads

Picnic salads are a variety of salads that are enjoyed outdoors during summer picnics, barbecues, or other gatherings. They often combine vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

These salads are convenient for travel, easy to serve, and can be doubled or tripled for a crowd. Whether heading to the park or the beach or having a backyard BBQ, a delicious cold salad is a great addition to the activity.

Different Kinds of Picnic Salads

There are various styles of picnic salads available to cater to everyone's taste. Some have fresh veggies, while others have cold fruit. You could have a salad with pasta or potatoes. Top them with a creamy dressing or season them with olive oil. As you can see, the options for easy picnic salad ideas are endless.

  • Pasta and Macaroni Salad - These use pasta as the primary ingredient. Add other toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, and some creamy or vinegar dressings for additional flavor.
  • Potato Salad - Made with boiled potatoes, this salad is mixed with mayonnaise or a vinaigrette, along with ingredients like chopped celery, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs.
  • Tuna or Chicken Salad - These salads incorporate canned tuna or cooked chicken mixed with mayonnaise or yogurt, vegetables, and sometimes fruits or nuts.
  • Vegetable Salad - Different vegetables make great salads. Broccoli salad, cucumber salad, or caprese salad are popular choices.
  • Fluff Salad - These delicious salads are more like a dessert. They have a cream cheese or whipped cream base with fruit, cookies, or chocolate.
  • Fruit Salad - A refreshing option, fruit salads feature a mix of fresh fruits like berries, melons, citrus, and more in citrus-based syrup or yogurt.

When preparing salads for picnics, it's important to consider food safety. Use fresh ingredients, keep perishable items cold, and try to serve them within a reasonable time frame so they are safe to eat.

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Ice Cream Tacos

By · PUBLISHED · 2 Comments

Ice Cream Tacos are the perfect way to up your dessert game! Delicious and irresistible, these tortillas are filled with ice cream and topped with melted chocolate and nuts or sprinkles. You won’t find a more delicious and fun treat anywhere else!

*This content is sponsored by Dixie Crystals Sugar. All opinions and ideas expressed are entirely my own.

Cinnamon sugar tortillas filled with ice cream on a white tray.
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Taco Tuesday is hands down the best day of the week. It's the day tacos steal the spotlight and turn an ordinary weeknight into a fiesta.

But did you know that tacos aren't just for dinner? Dessert tacos are a cool food trend that combines the best of both worlds. Rainbow sprinkles and vanilla ice cream stuffed in savory tortillas with cinnamon sugar will elevate your taco night.

Why You Will Love Tacos and Ice Cream

Ice cream tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy ice cream. Get creative and add choose toppings that fit your style and taste buds!

  • No special equipment is needed. You can bake the taco shells on the bottom of a muffin tin.
  • Saves money. Specialty ice cream treats can be pretty pricey because they range from $4-5 apiece. You can make ten homemade tacos for around $15, making them $1.50 each.
  • Hand-held snack. Each taco is individually wrapped, so it's easy to take on the go or share with friends for a sweet treat!
  • Sweet nostalgic treat! One bite of the homemade dessert taco will bring back memories of running after the ice cream truck as a child.
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Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

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The classic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole recipe is a beloved holiday side dish with creamy and crunchy textures. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the oven when ready.

A spoon lifting green beans and french fried onions out of a dish.
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When you think about side dishes for a holiday meal, Campbell's green bean casserole is a tried and true favorite. This classic recipe and sweet potatoes, corn pudding, and pumpkin pie are always on our holiday table.

There is something about this easy recipe with green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions that adds a comforting touch to dinners.

We have made this side dish for every holiday for as long as I can remember. It's one that both our families grew up eating, and we continued that tradition after getting married. 

Why You Will Love Green Bean Bake

Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without a pan of green bean casserole! Am I right? This is one of our favorite side dishes for many reasons. 

  • Easy to Make - The recipe is simple, inexpensive, and requires little prep time. You can make it with six ingredients, which is excellent when short on time or money.
  • Holiday Tradition - It's a classic dish, especially for Thanksgiving. People look forward to having it every year for family get-togethers and holidays.
  • Eat It Anytime - Even though it's famous for holidays, you can enjoy it any day as a side dish with different meals.
  • Add a Creative Touch - You can change the recipe by adding cheese, bacon, or different flavors to make it the perfect side dish.
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Salted Caramel Mocha

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Make a Salted Caramel Mocha at home with this Starbucks copycat recipe. It's made with coffee and milk and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Trust me, you'll want to enjoy this delicious drink all year.

A clear mug with a latte topped with whipped cream in it.
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A salted caramel latte and pumpkin cream cold brew are my two favorite fall drinks. I can't get enough of either of them!

Unfortunately, the salted caramel mocha was discontinued in 2021. It makes me sad that the popular seasonal drink is not on the Starbucks menu anymore.

I am going to show you just how easy it is to make one at home, though. In just minutes, you will be sipping on a delicious latte and thinking about how much money you saved.

Why You Will Love This Caramel Latte

Mixing chocolate, caramel, hot coffee, and steamed milk creates a delicious homemade version even better than at a coffee shop.

  • Saves money. Buying drinks at coffee shops can be expensive over time. Making homemade allows you to enjoy the same flavors without the high price tag.
  • Convenient and easy. Making the drink at home eliminates the need to travel to a coffee shop and wait in line. It's a great option, especially for those who want to enjoy their favorite Starbucks drink without leaving the house.
  • Available all year. Enjoy seasonal drinks year-round by making your favorite copycat recipes at home.
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Banana Nutella Quesadillas

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These Banana Nutella Quesadillas are filled with a delicious combination of creamy chocolate and banana slices. A buttery cinnamon sugar crust adds a satisfying crunch to the sweet tortilla.

A stack of tortillas filled with chocolate and banana slices.
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Years ago, my husband and I took a trip to St. Maarten, where I ate Nutella crepes for breakfast every morning. It was a fabulous way to start out each day.

That simple breakfast inspired me to create these easy pan-fried Nutella tortillas. Crepes are delicious, but sometimes you don't want to spend the time making batter and cooking each one. That's when leftover tortillas are your best friend!

A bit of butter, cinnamon sugar, and a ripe banana inside a tortilla becomes an ooey, gooey treat that the whole family will love.

Why You Will Love this Banana Nutella Recipe

Dessert quesadillas are a fun and easy twist on Nutella crepes. A layer of fresh fruit gives it a delicious flavor.

This easy treat will bring a smile to your face. We start with sweet cinnamon sugar tortillas, fill them up with the popular hazelnut spread and ripe bananas, and then pan fry them until they’re perfectly golden brown.

  • Quick and easy. Using store-bought tortillas makes it so simple to have a Nutella banana quesadilla ready in under 10 minutes.
  • Delicious and gooey. The combination of chocolate, banana, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust makes these sweet tortillas a delightful treat. The melted chocolate spread will have everyone licking their fingers.
  • Great snack. This gooey tortilla is perfect for breakfast, brunch, after-school snacks, a quick dessert, or a late-night chocolate craving. Trust me. No one will complain when you serve them.
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41 Canned Chicken Recipes

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These easy Canned Chicken Recipes are a convenient way to quickly get dinner on the table. Chicken in a can is quick, affordable, and you can use it in different recipes. For busy families, that's a huge win!

A collage of chicken recipes with a white text box.
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Why Make Chicken Recipes

There are so many easy meals that you can make with chicken. Combine simple ingredients with chicken, and you can have a quick meal that even picky eaters will love. It works for elegant meals or busy weeknight schedules.

Chicken from a container is an excellent protein option. It tastes just as good as fresh chicken and is so versatile! It is a great item to keep in your pantry because it saves time and money.

This chunk chicken breast is an excellent substitute for cooked shredded chicken and can be used in almost any quick and easy dinner recipe. We love using it to make this cheesy chicken soup and this chicken ravioli in minutes. 

  • Great Protein Source. You can use this meat in sandwiches, wraps, buffalo chicken dip, or top salads and pasta recipes. It's a great way to add protein to your dinner recipes when you don't have time to cook something from scratch.
  • Saves Time. Pull it out of the pantry and make an easy dinner in 20 minutes. This is much quicker than cooking from scratch or taking the time to thaw and cook a whole bird.
  • Short Prep Time. All you have to do is open and drain the meat before using it. Rotisserie meat from the grocery store may already be cooked, but pulling everything off the bones takes time. And sometimes you don't want to deal with that mess when making an easy meal.
  • Saves You Money. It is a cheap pantry item to keep stocked. One of the best ways to save money is by making dinner at home using ingredients from your pantry instead of going out to eat.
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

By · PUBLISHED · 6 Comments

Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful way to welcome fall. This Starbucks copycat recipe has a creamy cheesecake filling inside a pumpkin spice muffin, making it the perfect fall breakfast!

Two muffins with a cheesecake filling stacked on top of each other.
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I love the fall season because I can bake pumpkin scones or bread without judgment. Our kids give me funny looks when I bake pumpkin recipes in the summer. But that's ok. Sometimes you need treats like pumpkin dessert hummus or these pumpkin muffins.

Recently I shared a recipe for Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew, so making the Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins was next on my list. A cream cheese filling is a delicious way to enjoy cheesecake for breakfast.

If you love that filling, you will love these carrot cake muffins and zucchini cream cheese muffins.

Why Make This Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

The combination of soft, fluffy pumpkin spice muffins filled with a creamy cream cheese center will have everyone asking for more. Not only are our pumpkin cream cheese muffins delicious, but they'll also prepare everyone for fall.

  • Save time and money. Skip the long lines and over-priced food at the coffee shop by recreating these treats in your kitchen.
  • Soft and delicious. Get ready to indulge in the most heavenly muffins you've ever tasted! These muffins come out of the oven unbelievably light and fluffy with a sweet, creamy center.
  • Great fall breakfast. This simple recipe contains spices and real pumpkin, making a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.

The best part is that you don't have to wait for these seasonal pumpkin muffins to appear in stores. You can bake them in your kitchen all year long.

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Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

By · PUBLISHED · UPDATED · 13 Comments

The creamy spiced cold foam on this Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew tastes like the coffee shop version. If this is your favorite fall drink, save money by making this Starbucks copycat recipe in your own home.

Two cups of iced coffee with cold foam being poured on top.
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Pumpkin Cold Brew

Raise your hand if you love pumpkin spice season. I love getting a Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew and pumpkin scones when they have them. I usually take multiple trips in the fall to enjoy that fantastic pumpkin spice drink and these pumpkin cream cheese muffins. 

The problem with going to coffee shops all the time is that it can get expensive. So, I wanted to find a way to make and enjoy a pumpkin cold brew at home.

When you find the perfect copycat recipe, there is no reason not to enjoy them all year. This Starbucks matcha green tea recipe and this frozen caramel coffee have been on repeat all summer.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Our easy copycat recipe will show you how to recreate the pumpkin cream cold foam in the comfort of your own home. Say goodbye to long lines and hello to saving money!

  • Made with Pumpkin—Our cold coffee drink is made with real pumpkin puree, giving it the best pumpkin flavor.
  • Easy to Make - This popular fall drink can be ready in minutes. You can make both the cold brew recipe and sweet cream ahead of time, making it easy to whip one up whenever the craving hits.
  • Sugar Free and Dairy Free - The best part of making this drink at home is that you can make it without all the sugar. Oh, yeah! This pumpkin cream cold brew will save you time, money, and calories!
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