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Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

by 36 Comments

This homemade strawberry rhubarb jam recipe is super simple and made with just 4 ingredients. It is a freezer jam recipe can also be stored in the fridge or processed in a hot water bath for storage.

This homemade jam recipe was passed down from my mom to me and has become a personal favorite of mine over the years. The great thing about this vibrant jam is you can use fresh or frozen rhubarb and strawberries and get the same delicious results.

Overhead view of homemade berry rhubarb jam in jar
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❤️ Why you'll love it

✔️ This delicious strawberry rhubarb jam recipe is super easy and convenient to make and stored in the freezer.

✔️ You will enjoy having your own jams to enjoy in the winter months that tastes as fresh as the day it was made.

✔️ This strawberry-rhubarb jam makes an excellent filling for thumbprint cookies and tarts.

🥘 Ingredients

Fresh rhubarb 

Sugar

Fresh strawberries

Strawberry gelatin

Rhubarb stalks with the green tops cut off

🔪 Instructions

  1. Place rhubarb and sugar in a large saucepan and stir to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes, stirring often.
  2. Place the rhubarb mixture on a burner at medium heat. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Turn the the burner down to medium low heat and continue to cook until rhubarb is soft.
  3. Combine strawberries with the rhubarb mixture and cook until it begins to thicken, stirring often.
  4. Remove the hot jam mixture from the heat and stir in the gelatin; set aside to cool, or immediately pack in hot jars. Cool to room temperature. Once jam cools, what you won't be using soon in the freezer.

🥄 Equipment

Freezer safe containers

Large pot

Wooden spoon

Rubber scraper

Berry Rhubarb Jam on toast

🥫Storage

Store homemade jam in air tight sealed containers in the refrigerator up to xx weeks and the freezer up to 1 year.

📖 Variations

  • Substitute fresh raspberries for the strawberries
  • Add a bit of lime juice or zest to the jam in step 3 to add a citrus flair to the recipe.

💭 Tips

  • Purchase the freshest bright red strawberries as possible and choose rhubarb stalks that have more red than green color to them. This will give you the best results in beautiful quality jam.

🙋 FAQ's

Can you use sugar free jello to make this jam?

Sugar free products are not recommended for this recipe.

Do I need to use pectin to help the jam set?

No pectin is needed. The rhubarb and strawberries have their own natural pectin and the gelatin is aids in the setting of the jam.

Do you use a hot water bath canner to seal the jam jars?

This is a freezer jam recipe, so a hot water bath is not necessary, however, if you wish to store the jars on a pantry shelf, I recommend doing a hot water bath.

side view of jam in jar

🍽 Serve with...

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is a perfect for making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to spread on an english muffin, and to use in other sweet delicious recipes.

👪 Serving size

This jam recipe makes 8 cups of jam. Two tablespoons of jam is equal to 1 serving. The whole recipe will yield 64 servings.

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Featured Image for Strawberry Rhubarb jam recipe.

Homemade Berry Rhubarb Jam

Shelby Law Ruttan
This homemade strawberry rhubarb jam is a freezer recipe made with 4 simple ingredients. It is great for sandwiches, toast, muffins, and more.
4.67 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 64
Calories 46 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • RPlace rhubarb and sugar in a large saucepan and stir to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes, stirring often.
  • Place the rhubarb mixture on a burner at medium heat. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Turn the the burner down to medium low heat and continue to cook until rhubarb is soft.
  • Combine strawberries with the rhubarb mixture and cook until it begins to thicken, stirring often.
  • Remove the hot jam mixture from the heat and stir in the gelatin; set aside to cool, or immediately pack in hot jars. Cool to room temperature. Once jam cools, what you won't be using soon in the freezer.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonCalories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Berry Rhubarb Jam
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

by 41 Comments

This Strawberry Rhubarb Tart is an easy, rustic dessert made with flaky filo dough, fresh strawberries, and a touch of strawberry rhubarb jam for just the right balance of sweet and tart. It's the kind of dessert that looks special but comes together without much effort.

Featured image for strawberry rhubarb tart.

I love desserts like this when strawberries are in season, but I've made it year round with great results. It reminds me of the simple fruit tarts my grandmother favored, like this Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Galette, nothing fussy, just good ingredients doing their job.

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Why You'll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

Easy prep: this tart uses store-bought filo dough and a simple fruit filling keeping prep time short.

Rustic style: the free-form shape gives it that relaxed, bakery-style look without worrying about perfection.

Seasonal flavor: fresh strawberries paired with strawberry rhubarb jam make this a spring and summer dessert that still works any time of year.

Light texture: crisp and filo pastry keeps the tart light, not heavy, even after dessert.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Filo dough: creates a thin, flaky crust without making or chilling pastry dough.
  • Strawberries: fresh berries bring natural sweetness and juicy texture.
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Jam: adds edpth of flavor and that classic strawberry-rhubarb pairing.
  • Cardamom: a small amount adds warmth that pairs nicely with fruit.
  • Butter: helps the filo bake up crisp and golden.
  • Sliced almonds: add a light crunch and a subtle nutty finish.
a close-up view of an unbaked tart showing layers of fresh sliced strawberries and jam topped with sliced almonds on a raw filo pastry base.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap strawberry rhubarb jam with raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry jam.
  • Use blueberries or sliced peaches in place of strawberries when in season.
  • Replace sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different texture.

Variations

  • Mixed Berry Twist: substitute the sliced strawberries with a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a deeper color and more complex berry flavor.
  • Peach Ginger Delight: replace the strawberries and jam with sliced peaches and apricot preserves, then swap the cardamom for ground ginger to create a warm, summery profile.
  • Savory Nut Crunch: use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds and add a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the top to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
A close-up of a baked strawberry rhubarb tart slice featuring a vibrant red fruit filling, golden-brown flaky pastry edges, and a topping of toasted sliced almonds.

Tips for Working with Filo Dough

  • Keep unused fillo covered with a dampt woel so it doesn't dry out.
  • Layer the filo sheets, brushing lightly with melted butter between layers for the best texture.
  • Don't worry if the edges look uneven. This rustic strawberry rnubarb tart is meant to look casual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Filo vs. Phyllo?

Phyllo and filo dough are simply different spellings for the same paper-thin pastry dough.

Can I swap fresh rhubarb for the strawberries?

You can use fresh rhubarb, but steam it for 8 minutes first and increase the jam to ½ cup to balance the tartness.

How can I prevent a soggy crust?

To keep the bottom crisp, avoid over-filling with juicy fruit and bake the tart on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.

A close up of a finished slice of strawberry rhubarb tart featuring a bright red fruit filling and a light, flaky golden-brown filo crust topped with toasted almond slices.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to help the filo crisp back up. Avoid the microwave, as it softens the crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Strawberry Rhubarb Tart slightly warm topped with sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

More Easy Strawberry and Rhubarb Desserts You'll Love

If you enjoy this tart, you might like my Strawberry Almond Cream Tart or this Strawberry Rhubarb Pudding Cake. This Strawberry Rhubarb Compote is delicious over ice cream or alongside your favorite grilled meat. This Rhubarb Lemonade is a refreshing drink while this Rhubarb Ice Cream with Golden Oreos is a tasty summertime treat.

Loved this recipe? Don't forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know how your tart turned out in the comments below! If you're on Instagram, tag me @grumpyshoneybunch or use #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your beautiful bakes!

📖 Recipe

Featured image for strawberry rhubarb tart.

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Strawberry Rhubarb Tart is a simple, rustic dessert that tastes just like spring with its perfect balance of sweet berries and tart jam. Using flaky filo dough makes it incredibly easy to get that bakery-style golden crust without all the extra work!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 211 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 5 sheets filo dough
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 quart strawberries washed, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamon
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry rhubarb jam
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ⅛ cup sliced almonds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Stir jam into sliced berries and set aside. Mix sugar and cardamon and set aside.
  • Lie filo dough out flat on baking sheet (I covered mine with a slipmat) and using a pastry brush cover filo dough with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Fold edges of filo dough on all 4 sides.
  • Sprinkle entire filo dough (crust and center) with cardamon sugar. You may not use all of it. I did use most because my berries were tart and the jam wasn't super sweet.
  • Place jam and berry mixture in center of dough being careful to keep inside of the edges. Sprinkle top of berry mixture with 1 Tablespoon sugar and the sliced almonds.
  • Bake in oven for about 20 minutes or until filo dough has browned nicely.
  • Enjoy plain or with some sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 4gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 136IUVitamin C: 94mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 34g
Keyword easy strawberry rhubarb dessert, filo pastry dessert, rustic strawberry rhubarb tart, spring strawberry dessert, strawberry dessert with jam, strawberry filo tart, Strawberry Rhubarb Tart, Strawberry Rhubarb Tart with Filo Dough, summer strawberry recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine

by 27 Comments

Last week I participated in Presto Pasta Nights. I really love pasta. That may seem like a strange statement to some of my friends who knew me before. In my past. Like previous to 2005. I wouldn't make spaghetti for Grumpy. He used to complain that I didn't make it. Then something happened. I tried this dish for Shrimp with Penne and Squash. I fell in love with pasta that wasn't spaghetti. Then, I found out that spaghetti wasn't all that bad when you mixed up the sauce recipe and made it different than just pasta sauce and burger.

Since I now enjoy pasta so much and since I found out there is Presto Pasta Nights, well, how can I not participate!! It is good to have pasta at least once a week! 😀 This week's event is being hosted by Sara of I'm a Food Blog. Make sure you check her blog out on Friday for the roundup!

If you like Cooking Light and you like shrimp, then you really must try this dish. I made this for the first time on New Year's Eve for Grumpy and myself. It was so good that as soon as I knew I was making pasta for this week's event, I knew this was the recipe I would share! Enjoy!

Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine
Cooking Light October 2007 page 238

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups chopped plum tomato (about 5)
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red pepper and garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute. Add shrimp; sauté 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients (through salt); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in pasta; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.Place 1 ½ cups pasta mixture on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Cupcakes

by 27 Comments

These Strawberry Cupcakes are light, tender, and filled with real strawberry flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Topped with a sweet, simple glaze, these cupcakes are a fresh and pretty dessert that's easy to love.

I was inspired to create a lighter cupcake after baking my Strawberry Yogurt Muffins, another recipe I enjoy during berry season. This cupcake recipe reminds me of the simple, wholesome sweets my mom and I would bake together when strawberries were in peak season.

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Why You'll Love Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

  • They're lower in fat but still moist and flavorful.
  • Real strawberries give them a bright, natural taste.
  • Perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Recipe Variations

Make them into mini cupcakes for a sweet bite-size dessert perfect for parties.

Add a handful of mini white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.

Stir finely chopped fresh basil into the glaze for a lightly herbal twist.

Top cooled cupcakes with a fluffy whipped cream frosting instead of a glaze.

Top Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets nicely.

Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.

Don't overbake - remove the cupcakes when a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

How to Store

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cupcakes with a glass of Strawberry Mojito for a light and refreshing treat. They're also lovely alongside a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, or for a brunch table, serve them with a Strawberry Basil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes

Shelby Law Ruttan
Strawberry Cupcakes made with fresh strawberries and a simple glaze. Light, fruity, and perfect for everyday baking or special occasions.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 255 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

For the cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with cupcake liners and set aside.
  • Place sliced strawberries in a food processor and process until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another large bowl, using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat sugar and ½ cup butter until well blended.
  • Add eggs to sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, beat in egg whites.
  • Add flour mixture and buttermilk to sugar mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add pureed strawberries and mix until just blended.
  • Using a large cookie scoop (or ¼ cup measure), scoop batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool cupcakes in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting

  • Place cream cheese, butter, and liqueur in a medium bow. Using an electric hand mixer, beat at medium speed until well blended and creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, and beat just until blended.
  • Frost cupcakes and decorate with fresh cut strawberries if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 136mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 278IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 42g
Keyword Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

by 23 Comments

This Classic Potato Salad is a side dish recipe made with potatoes, celery, onion, eggs, and a combination of mayo and mustard dressing. It is then decorated with another hard boiled egg and grape tomatoes then sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Classic Potato Salad is perfect as a side to the Steakhouse Bacon Cheeseburger, or Fireman's Field Day Chicken Barbecue.

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Summer Salads

This potato salad recipe is a traditional summer salad that mom would make often. It was popular potluck salad for picnics, family reunions, or just as a side dish to one of the dinner proteins she would make on the grill.

As a child I was not a fan of potatoes. Unless they were in french fry form or potato salad form. This recipe is light on the onions, which is something I would not eat as a child. Getting a chunk of onion as a kid was not pleasing. As a result, I like any raw onions in cold salads to be chopped fine.

🥔 What Potato To Use

I see this talked about all around the internet. And, like everything else, the best potato to use for potato salad is not something that in general I see everyone agreeing upon.

Having been a long time non-fan of potatoes, I can say from my own experience, there are two types of potatoes that are the best.

I used russet potatoes for this recipe because that is what I had on hand. While I see many people do not recommend russet, I do. Normally considered a baking potato, it has a low moisture content. For this reason alone, I think it is a great potato for this mayonnaise based salad. My interpretation of a low moisture potato means the salad will not become runny.

My second choice of potato for this salad is the Yukon Gold. I like the buttery flavor of this potato and it lends a comfort feel to the salad.

Potato Salad Ingredients clockwise, cooked potatoes in a blue bowl, chopped hard boiled eggs in a cream colored bowl, a red measuring cup with diced onions, a can of smoked paprika, a white dish with diced celery, a turquoise dish with yellow mustard, and a pink bowl with mayonnaise.

🥘 Ingredients

Potatoes, for the recipe pictured russet potatoes were used.

Celery

Onion

Mayonnaise

Mustard

Smoked Paprika

Parsley

🔪 Instructions

Step 1:

  1. Cook, drain, and allow the potatoes to cool.
  2. Chop the potatoes using a hand chopper, or dice with a knife.

Step 2:

  1. Add the chopped egg, celery, and onion to the chopped potatoes. Toss to combine.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and mustard.
  3. Add the mayonnaise mixture and potato mixture until well combined.

Step 3:

  1. Transfer the potato salad to a serving bowl.
  2. Cut the remaining egg into quarters. Arrange on top of the salad.
  3. Place halved grape tomatoes on top of the salad. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and smoked paprika.
Mayonnaise and mustard mixed together in a coral colored bowl with a rubber spatula in the mixture.

💭 Top Tips

  • Overcooked potatoes will make a watery and loose salad no matter what potatoes are used.
  • Once cooked, immediately turn off the burner and drain the potatoes. Set the potatoes back on the burner 5-10 seconds. The residual heat will to in evaporating any water left on the bottom of the pan.
  • Cool the potatoes completely before assembling.
  • Use a biscuit cutter to chop the potatoes. I use this one, it is what my mom always used, is inexpensive and lasts forever!
Chopped cooked potatoes in a blue mixing bowl.

Cooking The Potato

Below are what I feel is are the best ways to cook a potato for potato salad:

Baking: Scrub the potato, remove any eyes and stab the potato with a knife 3-4 times. Season and bake on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 50 minutes or until a fork or knife pierces the potato easily. Allow the potato to completely cool. Then, remove the skin and chop for the salad.

Boiled, depending on the size of the potato, it can take from 15-25 minutes. The larger the potato, the longer it will take. To test the potato for doneness, stab it with a fork or knife. If it slides in easily, the potato is cooked. If it breaks when it is stabbed, it is likely overcooked. Once cooled, the potatoes can be chopped for the salad.

Mixed potato salad in a blue mixing bowl with a rubber spatula in the bowl.

📖 Variations

  • Add ½ cup shredded carrots.
  • To add layer of sweet to the salad add 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.
  • Stir in ½ cup of diced garlic dill pickles.
  • Use a spicy, sweet hot, or yellow mustard in place of the dijon mustard.
  • Reduced-fat mayonnaise or using half greek yogurt and half mayonnaise will reduce the fat content.
  • Substitute sweet paprika for the smoked paprika.
Overhead shot of a classic potato salad recipe in the serving bowl with quartered eggs, chopped parsley, and halved grape tomatoes arranged on top and sprinkled with red smoked paprika.

👪 Serving size

For this Classic Potato Salad recipe I used 5 large russet potatoes. This yielded almost 7 cups of chopped potatoes. 1 serving is ½ cup of salad and should serve 14 people. Be sure to adjust accordingly if the potatoes are not large.

📖 Recipe

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

Shelby Law Ruttan
A classic, simple recipe for potato salad recipe made with cooked potatoes, celery, onion, and eggs in a mayonnaise based dressing.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 293 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced celery, onion and 3 of the hard boiled eggs, chopped. Stir to combine.
  • Combine the mayonnaise and mustard in a small mixing bowl.
  • Add the mayonnaise mixture to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
  • Transfer the potato salad to a storage container. Top with 1 egg, quartered, grape tomatoes, halved, and chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle with smoked paprika.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 598mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 224IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Potato Salad Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Tropical Muffins with Coconut-Macadamia Topping

by 21 Comments


I can't remember the last time I made muffins. For a while there I was becoming known as the "muffin queen" because I was making them so frequently. I will admit I have thought about them. I just haven't had the urge to actually make them. Partly because *gasp* Grumpy doesn't care for blueberry, which are my favorite, and partly because I like to make something "unique" when I can't make my favorite!

This morning I was back on myrecipes.com and typed in banana muffins for my search. I came across this muffin that instantly appealed to me because of it's title. These are more of a healthy muffin than they sound. They are dense but still delicious. Grumpy ate 2 of them - I'm not sure if it was out of hunger or because he liked them, but they are more on the healthy side than on the sinful side.
Tropical Muffins with Coconut-Macadamia Topping
Cooking Light, April 2008

Muffins:

1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (about 6 ounces)
1 cup regular oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2)
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ cup canned crushed pineapple in juice, drained
⅓ cup flaked sweetened coconut
3 tablespoons finely chopped macadamia nuts, toasted
Cooking spray

Topping:

2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut
1 tablespoon finely chopped macadamia nuts
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (I used light brown sugar instead)
1 tablespoon regular oats

**The batter tends to be looser than you expect a muffin batter to be. Don't be alarmed by this, they will still turn out wonderful!
Preheat oven to 400°. To prepare muffins, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Combine banana and next 5 ingredients (through egg) in a medium bowl; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Stir in pineapple, ⅓ cup coconut, and 3 tablespoons nuts. Spoon batter into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray.To prepare topping, combine 2 tablespoons coconut and the remaining ingredients in a small bowl.Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of topping over each muffin. Bake at 400° for 18 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched lightly in center. Remove muffins from pans immediately; place on a wire rack.

Low Fat Banana Bread

by 29 Comments

This Low Fat Banana Bread is soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor with less butter and sugar than traditional versions. It's a lighter take on a comfort classic that still tastes indulgent.

two thick slices of low fat banana bread on a white plate, revealing a moist crumb filled with chopped nuts and banana pieces.

I started making this recipe years ago when I wanted a banana bread that felt wholesome enough for breakfast for special enough for a treat. The yogurt adds moisture without extra oil, making it one of my favorite guilt-free quick breads to bake on a Sunday morning.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Moist texture: Yogurt keeps the crumb tender and soft without adding extra fat.

Naturally sweet: Ripe bananas and just the right amount of sugar bring a warm, balanced sweetness.

Healthier choice: A great way to enjoy banana bread flavor with fewer calories and less fat.

Key Ingredients for Yogurt Banana Bread

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Ripe bananas: The riper the better. They're the natural sweetener that gives rich flavor and texture.
  • Plain low-fat yogurt: adds creaminess and tang while cutting down on butter.
  • Butter: just a touch helps create that classic banana bread flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: keeps the loaf soft and tender.
  • Vanilla extract: adds warmth and enhances the banana aroma.
A whole loaf of freshly baked yogurt banana bread resting on a wire cooling rack, sowing a rich golden top with natural cracks and soft texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for extra protein and a slightly denser texture.
  • Coconut sugar in place of white sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
  • Whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier, fiber-rich loaf.

Variations on Low Fat Banana Bread

  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence.
  • Nutty Banana Bread: add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
  • Blueberry Banana Bread: fold in ¾ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.

Tips for the Best Yogurt Banana Bread

  • Use overripe bananas: the more speckled, the sweeter and softer your bread will be.
  • Don't overmix: gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep the crumb light.
  • Cool completely: let the loaf rest before slicing. It continues to set as it cools.

How to Store

Store leftover Low Fat Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

A close up of a loaf of banana bread with a golden brown crust and a tender interior speckled with bits of banana and nuts.

Serve With...

Serve a slice of banana bread with a hot mug of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. It's also delicious topped with a spread of Salted Maple Butter or Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter. For a heartier breakfast, pair it with a side of Air Fryer Bacon or Venison Breakfast Sausage.

More Easy Quick Bread Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoy this Low Fat Banana Bread, you might like my Cherry Banana Bread, Chocolate Pistachio Bread, Spiced Pumpkin Bread, and Chocolate Banana Marble Bread.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

two thick slices of low fat banana bread on a white plate, revealing a moist crumb filled with chopped nuts and banana pieces.

Low Fat Banana Bread

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Low Fat Banana Bread has the perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and tender texture, thanks to the addition of creamy yogurt.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 187 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Coat loaf pan with cooking spray, set aside.
  • Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
    Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
  • Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at
    medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute).
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add banana, yogurt, and vanilla.Beat until blended.
  • Add flour mixture, beat at low speed just until
    moist.
  • Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire
    rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 181mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 159IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 33g
Keyword easy banana bread, healthy banana bread, light banana bread, low calorie banana bread, Low Fat Banana Bread, moist banana bread, Yogurt Banana Bread
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Make Ahead Pizza Dough (No Knead & Refrigerator Friendly)

by 37 Comments

Make Ahead Pizza Dough is an easy, no-fuss way to keep homemade pizza within reach any night of the week. This dough is mixed once, stored in the fridge, and ready whenever pizza night calls.

A rustic homemade pizza with a make ahead pizza crust topped with melted mozzarella, tomato slices, green peppers, mushrooms and beef like crumbles.

I love recipes like this that work with real life. It reminds me of the kind of kitchen rhythm I grew up with - simple planning, familiar ingredients, and food that brings everyone around the table.

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Why You'll Love Make Ahead Pizza Dough

Make ahead ease: you can mix the dough days ahead and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake.

Family friendly: one batch makes one large pizza or several personal pizzas, perfect for family pizza night.

No kneading: time does the work for you, giving the dough structure and flavor without extra effort.

Key Ingredients for No Knead Pizza Dough

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

Dough rolled out with rolling pin.
  • Lukewarm water activates the yeast and creates a soft, workable dough.
  • Granulated yeast gives the dough its rise and airy texture.
  • Olive oil adds flavor and helps create a tender crust.
  • All-purpose flour keeps the dough versatile and easy to work with for home cooks.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use instant yeast instead of granulated yeast with the same measurement.
  • Swap bread flour for all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier crust.
  • Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral-flavored alternative.

Variations on Make Ahead Pizza Dough

Whole wheat blend: replace up to one-third of the flour with whole wheat flour for added texture.

Garlic infused: stir garlic powder or roasted garlic into the dough for extra flavor.

Herb crust: mix dried Italian herbs into the dough for a seasoned base that pairs well with simple toppings.

A close-up slice of homemade pizza on a white plate, featuring a thick golden crust topped with melted cheese, tomato slices, green peppers, mushrooms, and sausage.

Tips for the Best Refrigerator Pizza Dough

  • Cold dough is easier to handle and develops better flavor, so refrigerating ahead is recommended.
  • If baking the same day, chill the dough for at least a few hours before shaping.
  • Expect the dough to be slightly sticky; extra flour during shaping is normal and helpful.

How to Store

Store the dough in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 12 days.

Serving Suggestions for Family Pizza Night

This make ahead pizza dough works beautifully for build-your-own pizza night with a mix of sauces, cheese, and toppings. Pair it with homemade pasta sauce or easy homemade Alfredo sauce and serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Wings or Air Fryer Boneless Wings.

More Recipes You'll Love

If homemade pizza is a favorite, you might also enjoy my Air Fryer Garlic Knots, crispy Deep Fried Pizza Rolls, a hearty Ground Beef Pizza, or this Meat Lovers Skillet Pizza.

I'd love to see your pizza night in action! if you try this dough, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

📖 Recipe

A rustic homemade pizza with a make ahead pizza crust topped with melted mozzarella, tomato slices, green peppers, mushrooms and beef like crumbles.

Olive Oil Pizza Dough

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Make Ahead Pizza Dough is soft, flexible, and designed for refrigerator storage, making homemade pizza easy to fit into busy schedules. It works just as well for large pizza as it does for personal-sized pies.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Breads
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 16
Calories 219 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil. Stir briefly to combine.
  • Add the flour 1 cup at a time and mix until incorporated and no dry spots remain.
  • Cover loosely and let the dough rest at room temperature for about 2 hours, until risen and the top begins to flatten.
  • Transfer the dough to a lidded container (not airtight) and refrigerate. Use anytime over the next 12 days.
  • Preheat the oven with a pizza stone inside to 500℉.
  • Remove a portion of the dough for one pizza. This recipe makes one large pizza or 4-6 personal size pizzas.
  • On a floured surface, gently stretch the dough, adding the flour as needed.
  • Top as desired and bake on the hot stone for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.

Notes

Nutritional information is for the dough only.
Notes:When portioning the dough, weigh the entire ball, then divide into 12-16 dough balls for individual pizzas or use it to make 2 large pizzas.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 294mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 2mgNet Carbohydrates: 38g
Keyword family pizza night, homemade pizza dough, Make Ahead Pizza Dough, Make Ahead Pizza Recipe, No Knead Pizza Dough, personal pan dough, Refrigerator Pizza Dough
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Oven Baked Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

by 27 Comments


Wow, I just looked at my posts for the month of April and I really was slowed down from my surgery! I have my good days and I have my bad days. This morning I have had a lot of aching. I really think the muscle relaxers that I have been taking just aren't working anymore like they were. I try not to take them during the day now that I have been out of surgery for 5 weeks. I have a strong desire to be back to normal and go back to work but it just it taking too long for me. Yeah. I'm impatient!

Last week I didn't have to worry about much cooking and really didn't do any baking except for Nanny's Oatmeal Cookie recipe and a Strawberry Pie (which I may be posting later this week). I didn't have to cook dinner all week because Grumpy has been busy at work and getting home too late to eat dinner. Kind of a good thing since I didn't really have the energy to cook meals anyway.


Saturday we never had a real "cooked" meal. We went to see if we could find a truck for Grumpy and he has decided that he wants a Toyota Tundra! My Chevy man is looking at something not a Chevy! He test drove two trucks and loved them both. We just have to make the money part work before we commit to anything. Story of life isn't it?


Last night I actually decided to "fix" dinner. We had these burgers and sweet potato fries. The ground sirloin burger was just seasoned and grilled. I sauteed some onions and mushrooms to top the burger with. There are several recipes all over the internet for baked sweet potato fries. Just do a search and you will come up with many different versions. I enjoyed them baked but Grumpy wants me to fry them next time (go figure!). I adapted the recipe below to suit our taste.

Oven Baked Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced in long strips
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sliced potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle mixture of cumin, salt and cayenne pepper and toss to coat well. Drizzle some olive oil on baking sheet. Spread potatoes in single layer on sheet. Place in oven and let bake for 15 minutes. Turn fries over and return to oven for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Black and White Cookies

by 41 Comments

Black and White Cookies are a New York bakery classic. Soft, cakey, cookies topped with half chocolate glaze and half vanilla glaze. They're as pretty as they are delicious, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat.

One black and white cookie on a white plate with 3 whole strawberries next to the cookie.

I remember the first time I tried these cookies in a small bakery in the city, and they instantly became a favorite. Now I loe bakign them at home, and the two tone glaze always brings back that nostalgic bakery feel.

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Why You'll Love Black and White Cookies

Bakery style treat: just like the oversied cookies from a New York deli.

Soft and cakey: tender crumb that's more like cake than a traditional cookie.

Two glazes: chocolate and vanilla for the best of both worlds.

Classic look: the half and half frosting makes them eye-catching on any dessert table.

Key Ingredients for Black and White Cookies

See the recipe card at the end of this post for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Cake flour: keeps the cookies light and tender.
  • Butter: gives richness and helps the cookies stay soft.
  • Lemon zest and extract: adds a subtle citrus note to balance the sweetness.
  • Confectioner's sugar: perfect for making the smooth glazes.
  • Cocoa powder: creates the chocolate glaze half.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for a slightly denser texture.
  • Swap almond extract in the glaze for vanilla if preferred.
  • Replace skim milk with whole milk for. a creamier glaze.

Tips for Perfect Black and White Cookies

  • Spread carefully: use a small offset spatula for neat glaze edges.
  • Cool completely: let cookies cool fully before glazing to prevent melting.
  • Glaze sets firm: allow plenty of time for the icing to dry before stacking or storing.

How to Store

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze upto 3 months.

You may also enjoy my Soft Blueberry Cookies, Chocolate Zucchini Cookies, Italian Ricotta Cookies, and Pineapple Cookies.

Upclose image of two cookies frosted with ½ chocolate icing and ½ white icing on a white plate.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Upclose image of two cookies frosted with ½ chocolate icing and ½ white icing on a white plate.

Black and White Cookies

Shelby Law Ruttan
Black and White Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies frosted with rich chocolate and smooth vanilla glaze for a true New York Style Classic.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

For the cookies

For the chocolate glaze

For the vanilla glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together cake flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
  • In another medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together sugar and butter until creamy.
  • Add eggs and mix until incorporated. Add lemon zest and vanilla extract and mix well.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour, until fully incorporated.
  • Scoop cookie dough into ¼ cup portions onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes, until edges just begin to brown and center of cookie is no longer wet. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the white glaze

  • In a small bowl, combine confectioner's sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.

To make the chocolate glaze

  • In another small bowl, combine the confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth.

To glaze the cookies

  • Frost ½ of the underside of each cooled cookie with white icing using an offset spatula. Let cookies set to dry for 10 minutes.
  • Frost the 2nd half of the cooled cookies with an offset spatula using the chocolate icing. Let cookies rest until icing sets, 1-2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mgNet Carbohydrates: 37g
Keyword Bakery Cookies, Black and White Cookies, Chocolate and Vanilla Cookies, Classic Cookie Recipe, Deli Cookies, Iced Cookies, New York Cookies, Soft Cookie Recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Potato Bread or Rolls

by 36 Comments

I want to start today with a thank you to:

Amanda of Bits and Bites of Everything. Amanda came to visit me yesterday and helped kill my boredom! She came along with some kitchen towels that totally match my curtains (me and my coffee loving curtains!) and a Hungry Girl cookbook. She even took a short walk with me and laughed at my foolishness in talking to the cows that decided to follow us on our walk. Yes, I did say talking to the COWS. lol. When a girl spends 3 weeks at home alone most of the time, you end up talking to the cats AND cows that surround you. Thank you Amanda, I appreciate your friendship so much!

The friendly neighborhood cow

Yesterday I received a message from Betty of Average Betty that she was sharing her love and that she had listed me as someone to love on her webpage! Thanks Betty! I appreciate the love!

I want to remind you of two giveaways!

First, Cory, of Zesty Cook is doing a giveaway of 2 T-shirts and 2 aprons. Head on over to his site to sign up for his giveaway. You could also do what I did and buy one of his items. Just head on over to the online store and buy one for yourself. All proceeds go directly to the food bank! You have until April 19, 2009 at 5 PM EST to enter. The apron I received is awesome, so win or buy one, you will be pleased!

Secondly, I have a giveaway ending tomorrow at 7 PM EST. Please click here to enter!

Now, on to the bread!

See the towel above? That is the honeybee/beehive towel my friend Linda of Weekend Cook sent me! I love it!

My favorite past time is looking at magazines and cookbooks. One of my favorite food magazines is Cooking Light. This potato bread recipe was in the March 09 issue and when I saw it, I knew I needed to make it! Mom has made bread and doughnuts with potatoes and I knew how delicious, tender, and soft they could be! I loved how simple this recipe was to throw together.

I sent half of the rolls home with Christopher and the next morning he came in the house and told me they were awesome....so mission accomplished. I have found the potato bread recipe I will be using from now on! I love how beautiful the rolls turned out!


Potato Bread and Rolls
Cooking Light, March 2009

1 cup mashed cooked peeled baking potatoes (about 8 ounces)
1 cup fat-free milk
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter
21.4 ounces bread flour (about 4 ½ cups), divided
2 ½ teaspoons dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray

Combine first 4 ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 2 minutes or until mixture is 110°. Stir with a whisk until smooth.

Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 6.75 ounces (about 1 ½ cups) flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add potato mixture to flour mixture, stirring with a fork until combined. Add eggs; stir until combined.

Add 9 ounces (about 2 cups) flour to potato mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining ½ cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel sticky).

Place dough in a large bowl coated with olive oil, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Divide dough in half. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), roll one portion into a 14 x 7-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Roll up rectangle tightly, starting with a short edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Place loaf, seam side down, in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.

Shape remaining portion into 9 portions, and shape each into a ball. Place balls in an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Coat top of loaf and rolls with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If the indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until tops of rolls are browned and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts

by 46 Comments

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts recipe is one found on one of my Grandmother's recipe cards. It is a yeast doughnut that is light, fluffy, and homey! Glazed with a maple frosting, it brings back memories of eating doughnuts with Nanny as a little girl!

Nanny's Raised DoughnutsLaura, over at The Spiced Life, is holding a Grandma's Recipes Event. Thank you Laura for doing this!! I thought and thought this one over. Most of my grandmother's recipes that I have written down in my own home are her cookies. I decided to call my Aunt Ann and asked her to send me some recipes (as she is in possession of all Grandma's recipes). She sent me a quite a few, but the one I decided to go with was the Raised Doughnuts. Grandma and Grandpa, who after my children were born, became Nanny & Poppy, loved doughnuts. I remember her making doughnuts when I was young, but when I was an adult, I remember them bringing them home from the store more often. I do remember the favorite was a maple glazed doughnut, so I will be recreating that today, along with some other decorated ones!Nanny's Raised DoughnutsWhen I think of Nanny, I think of all the time she and I spent together. I was so lucky to get to have a grandmother who loved to have me around as much as I loved to be near her! I remember getting up early when my dad would take off for work, just to go around the corner with dad and go to Grandmas in the morning. I would go back upstairs and curl up and cuddle with Gram for another hour or two and then we would get up and she would make me breakfast.

Nanny always gave us what we wanted, and I usually wanted a egg fried in real butter and toast. Go figure. I can't eat eggs now to save my life, but back then I loved them! I remember many times being at Gram's house when she was baking her pies or cookies. There was always something sweet at her house and we always knew where to look to find those sweets. ;o)

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts
Now, the recipe that my aunt scanned and emailed me for Gram's raised doughnuts is pretty sketchy. Fortunately, I grew up around her and mom both making these.....and I basically "knew" what to do.

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts

Nanny's Raised DoughnutsI decided to coat the doughnut holes with cinnamon sugar. Once they are removed from the oil and have sat a couple of minutes, put them in a paper bag with cinnamon sugar mixture and shake to coat. I made two types of frosting, one was maple because it was one of Gram's favorite flavors and I made an almond glaze because its one of my favorite flavors!

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts

 

Nanny's Raised Doughnuts
Author: Grumpy's Honeybunch
Ingredients
  • Raised Doughnuts
  • Mae Iris Whitton (my lovely Grandmother!)
  • 1 packet yeast
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1-¼ cups milk
  • 4-½ cups flour
  • 3 Tbsp. shortening (I used canola oil)
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ teaspoon mace (she had written you could use nutmeg or cinnamon in place, I went with cinnamon)
  • ¼ tsp. salt
Instructions
  1. Now, her directions are spotchy, but I want to put it here as she put it. You might get a good chuckle over it!
  2. Dissolve yeast, 1 tbsp. sugar in milk. After it cools add ½ cups lour, beat well, let raise 1 hr in warm place.
  3. Well, if your don't know how to bake, your not going to have a clue how to make these and do it right! This is what I did:
  4. I scalded the milk and let cool to just lukewarm. Mix in the packet of yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit 5 minutes. Add remaining sugar, oil and egg and mix well. Gradually add flour (and I did only use 4 -½ cups!). Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead gently until uniform. Let sit and rise for 1 hour.
  5. After doughnuts rise, roll out to ½" thick, cut with doughnut cutter and set aside. Heat oil to temp of 350 degrees. Drop doughnuts into oil. They will sink to the bottom. When they rise to the top, immediately turn over to prevent cracking. Cook doughnuts until browned and drain on a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb and residual grease.
  6. To make the maple frosting, I took a tablespoon of butter and melted it in the microwave. For the maple frosting I added about 2 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon mapleine, confectioner's sugar and enough milk to thin enough to glaze consistency. I then dipped the tops in the frosting and sat upright on towel lined plates to set.
  7. For the Almond flavored glaze I basically did the same thing except I only used 1 tablespoon butter, confectioner's sugar, 1 tsp. almond extract and milk. I don't have measurements for the confectioner's sugar or milk. I usually just dump in enough sugar and milk until it comes to the consistency I want for glazing or frosting.
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Nanny's Raised Doughnuts

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

by 32 Comments


Last week, I was the perfect patient and followed Dr's orders to rest! During that time, Food Network was on pretty much constantly. One show I caught was Giada's Everyday Italian show. It was A Pasta for all Seasons....and two of her dishes in particular really appealed to me. So much so, that I made sure to have ingredients here to try one of them this weekend! Another show that has had some really yummy food is Guy's Big Bite. I have bookmarked a few of his recipes I want to try also!


I love dishes that call for fresh vegetables and incorporating it with pasta. Whats so great about this kind of recipe is that you can also include a protein like shrimp or chicken in this dish also (for those out there who, like Grumpy, think you can't have a main meal without some kind of meat!)


I made a couple different changes to the recipe. Instead of chicken broth, I used better than bouillon vegetable broth. Then, instead of Parmesan cheese, I used grated asiago cheese (freshly grated) as that was what I had on hand. I had the basil, but in my hunger I forgot to add it. (rolling my eyes here). lol Yeah, my appetite has started to come back. But at least I'm wanting fresh and healthy foods right now. ;o)

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis, 2008

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1- ½ pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes
1 cup shelled fresh peas
½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and ½ of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

Skillet Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

by 50 Comments

Here I am and right this minute, I'm feeling pretty darn good! LOL. Thanks to my friends the muscle relaxer and pain pills. ;o) Actually, I am feeling better. I know I have a few more weeks to go before I am going to be considered "ok" to go back to work, but right now, I'm pretty happy and optimistic!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. Emotionally and physically I have been drained. I felt like I was bearing a burden I didn't know how to continue to bear. We are still waiting for answers to Grumpy's health issues, but with me starting to feel better and more myself, I will be able to deal with his issues with him better than if I were in so much pain still.

I was so touched by so many messages I received and they all were greatly appreciated. Just yesterday afternoon, Grumpy came in the house and said to me, "Who do you know in the Netherlands?" LOL. I immediately knew I must have received a card from Marthe of Culinary Delights. Marthe is one awesome woman. She is so thoughtful and kind and someday will make some young man a very lucky man. Not only did Marthe send me a get well card, but she sends me one with the most adorable little kitten on it. This young girl, who lives so far away, seems to know what I like so well without even meeting me in person! Thank you Marthe!

I especially want to thank my son Justin for coming on here with his adorable post (and must I say it made me smile so big to see him say what he did!) to let you all know I made it through my surgery. I'm sure if I asked him or Kristina (or even Christopher for that matter!) to post something for me, they would have done it! Even if Justin would have had to post something "box made." lol

I haven't had much of an appetite. The surgery was done through my throat. I had to have a tube down my throat, and they also had to move my esophagus aside to get to my spine. It really is a scary procedure when you think about where they go through to get to what they need to do. BUT, I was in the most capable hands in Northern New York and he did an awesome job. I was actually only in the hospital one night. The hardest part has been the nausea from the anesthesia and the drugs. I'm not complaining about the weight I have lost from it! I do think that he should have considered a "chin lift" while he was at it though. hehe.

Right before I went into the hospital I received the Kraft Food & Family magazine. I had seen a recipe for skillet potatoes with cheese and bacon. I knew I would be making that dish as soon as I was up to it....and last night was the night. This is a very simple dish and of course, it is yummy....it has bacon! and cheese! How could it not be yummy? If your not a meat eater, you could substitute the Morning Star Farms Bacon Strips (which I think are just as yummy and better for you than the real thing).

Skillet Potatoes with Bacon & Cheese
adapted from Kraft Food & Family

5 medium sized red skinned potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
5 slices thick sliced bacon
1 medium onion
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

Fry bacon until crisp, remove from pan and set aside. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from pan. Add chopped onion and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add layers of sliced potato. Season to taste, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender. Approximately 20 minutes. Stir 2-3 times during cooking time. When done, turn off heat, sprinkle cheese over potatoes, then sprinkle bacon. Let sit for about 5 minutes then serve!

Homemade Crab Rangoon

by 32 Comments

Homemade Crab Rangoon is a simple takeout-style appetizer with a creamy filling and crispy fried wonton shell. It comes together quickly and delivers the same flavor you expect from your favorite Chinese takeout spot.

A golden-brown crispy fried Crab Rangoon sitting on a white paper napkin.

This recipe works just as well for parties and gatherings, making it easy to serve something familiar that everyone recognizes and enjoys. It goes great with Honey Sesame Chicken and Honey Walnut Shrimp!

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Why You'll Love this Homemade Crab Rangoon

Takeout flavor: this recipe delivers the creamy, lightly sweet filling and crisp exterior you expect from chinese takeout.

Simple prep: the filling mixes together in minutes with ingredients you can find easily.

Crowd friendly: these fry quickly and hold their shape, making them great for parties and appetizer spreads.

Key Ingredients for Chinese Crab Rangoon

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Imitation crab: provides classic texture and flavor without overpowering the filling.
  • Cream cheese: creates a smooth, creamy center that melts beautifully when cooked.
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and savory balance to the filling.
  • Granulated sugar: gives Crab Rangoon it's signature hint of sweetness.
  • Green onions: adds mild onion flavor without overpowering the cream cheese.
  • Wonton wrappers: fry up crisp and golden, holding the filling securely.
A scoop of creamy seafood and green onion filling centered on a square dough wrapper.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Full-fat cream cheese can be used in place of reduced-fat for a richer filling.
  • Finely chopped chives may replace green onions for a milder onion flavor.
  • Garlic salt can replace garlic powder - but use sparingly.

Variations on Homemade Crab Rangoon

  • Air Fryer Version: spray filled wontons lightly with oil and air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.
  • Baked version: place filled wontons on a parchment lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until browned.
  • Spicy twist: add a small amount of chili garlic sauce to the filling for gentle heat.
Rows of freshly folded wonton appetizers resting on white parchment paper.

Tips for the Best Fried Wonton Recipe

Seal well: press edges firmly and keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

Oil Temperature: fry at 350°F so wontons crisp without absorbing excess oil.

Batch frying: cook in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover cooked Crab Rangoon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 357°F until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wrappers.

Golden brown, crispy fried wonton and cream cheese appetizer with a bite taken from it.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Appetizer Recipe

Serve Homemade Crab Rangoon with sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce for dipping. They pair well with other takeout-inspired appetizers like Air Fryer Egg Rolls, Homemade Veal Egg Rolls, Venison Potstickers, and Asian Chicken Noodle Soup.

More Chinese Recipes You'll Love

If you are like me, and love Chinese Take out, then you will want to try my Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe, Bang Bang Shrimp, Air Fryer General Tso Chicken, and Garlic Scallion Noodles.

Ready for that first crunch? There's nothing like the sound of a perfectly fried wonton! If you make these, I'd love to hear how they turned out. Drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment, and tag me @grumpyshoneybunch on Instagram so I can see your photos!

📖 Recipe

Golden brown, crispy fried crab rangoons stacked closely together.

Homemade Crab Rangoon

Shelby Law Ruttan
Homemade Crab Rangoon delivers creamy centers and crispy wontons for a takeout-style appetizer that fries quickly and serves a crowd.
5 from 1 vote
Print FREE recipe card with your email address Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 5
Calories 158 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix crab meat, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, green onion and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
  • Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean work surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
  • Lightly moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold and seal according to your preferred method, pressing firmly to remove air and full seal the edges.
  • Place the filled wontons on a baking sheet or plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Keep both filled and unfilled wrappers covered while assembling to prevent drying out.
  • Pour 2-3 inches of oil (about 3-4 cups), depending on pan size) into a deep skillet or saucepan. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350℉.
  • Fry the wontons in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 4rangoonsCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 258mgPotassium: 107mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 236IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 0.2mgNet Carbohydrates: 11g
Keyword Chinese Crab Rangoon, Chinese Takeout Recipe, Crab Rangoon, Easy Appetizer Recipe, Fried Wonton Recipe, Homemade Crab Rangoon
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Classic Two-Cheese Macaroni

by 41 Comments


I love macaroni and cheese. Of the homemade variety. Like this one I made last December. Yes, it really has been since the beginning of December since I've made Macaroni and Cheese. Grumpy just doesn't like my all sharp cheddar mac & cheese dish - but I totally love it (so do my kids and everyone else I know!). Grumpy grew up on the boxed stuff. I just cannot eat it.


When he wants me to buy mac and cheese in a box for him, he want's the Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original. I just have one question. What on earth is wrong with my Grumpy when it comes to Mac & Cheese!!?! Sigh.


So, because I wanted mac & cheese, and because while browsing through my Best of Cooking Light cookbook I saw a recipe that actually called for Velveeta, I decided to try this recipe. It didn't call for the bread crumbs (or crushed cracker topping like mom always did) and I was a little worried I wouldn't be happy with it. But, it turned out great even without my breaded topping.


Classic Two-Cheese Macaroni
The Best of Cooking Light, page 123

¼ cup flour
2-½ cups 1% milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
6 ounces light processed cheese (such as Velveeta Light), cubed
6 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 3 cups uncooked)
¼ teaspoon salt
Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry m easuring cup, level with a knife. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat; add flour. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Cook until thick (about 8 minutes), stirring frequently. Stir in ⅔ cup cheddar cheese and processed cheese, and cook 3 minutes or until cheese melt, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in macaroni and salt.

Spoon into a 2 quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup cheddar cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 9 servings (serving size: ⅔ cup)

Calories: 260
Fat: 7.5 grams
Fiber: 1.3 grams
WW Points: 6

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

by 16 Comments

These Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are a quick, no bake treat that's perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even a holiday goodie tray. They're sweet, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor and a little crunch from crushed cereal.

A close up of a single peanut butter cereal bar topped with a chocolate drizzle, showing its chewy texture and nutty bits.

This recipe reminds me of the kind of snack my mom used to make when we were kids with simple ingredients and easy clean up. If you like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats, then you'll love these cereal bars as well.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick fix: ready in minutes with simple pantry staples.

No bake: you won't even need to turn on the oven for this one.

Crowd favorite: great for lunchboxes, bake sales, or holiday dessert trays.

Key Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Creamy peanut butter: the star ingredient that holds everything together and adds that classic flavor.
  • Light corn syrup and sugar: create the sweet, chewy base that binds the bars.
  • Dry-roasted peanuts: add a salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
  • Crushed cereal flakes: give these bars their crispy texture, cornflakes work perfectly.
  • Dark chocolate chips: melted and drizzled over the top for a touch of rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Honey or brown rice syrup can replace corn syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Crunch peanut butter can be used instead of creamy for added texture.
  • Rice Krispies or Cheerios can replace cornflakes for a lighter crunch.

Variations on Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

  • Chocolate chip version: stir mini chocolate chips into the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
  • Festive bars: add colored sprinkles or M&M's for holiday flair.
  • Salted Butterscotch chip twist: Drizzle melted butterscotch chips over top along with the chocolate drizzle and sprinkle with a bit of grey sea salt.
Three golden peanut butter cereal bars drizzled with chocolate, arranged on a white plate that reads "enjoy...enjoy...enjoy."

Tips for the Best No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

  • Don't overheat the mixture, remove it from the stove as soon as it starts to bubble.
  • Press firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape once cooled.
  • Score while warm so you can easily cut clean bars once they've set.

How to Store

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If chilled, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

More Easy Peanut Butter Recipes You'll Love

For another quick no bake option, try my Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, and my Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge. For a frozen treat, try my No Bake Peanut Butter Pie, and this baked family favorite Chewy Peanut Butter Layer Bars

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A close up of a single peanut butter cereal bar topped with a chocolate drizzle, showing its chewy texture and nutty bits.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are chewy, crunchy, and full of nutty sweetness. They come together in minutes on the stovetop, making them perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or no bake holiday treats.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 166 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside
  • Combine first 3 ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes or just until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat; stir in peanuts and cereal. Spread mixture evenly into a prepared dish.
  • Place the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 20 seconds. Drizzle chocolate evenly over peanut mixture. Score into 36 bars while warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0.02mgSodium: 106mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 16g
Keyword cereal bars recipe, easy peanut butter bars, no bake peanut butter bars, Peanut Butter Cereal Bars, peanut butter snack bars
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Double Coconut Cake

by 46 Comments


This cake was specially made for my DIL Kristina's birthday. Kristina had mentioned to me quite some time ago that she wanted a coconut cake. So, in my search for coconut cakes I found this one from Cooking Light.


The frosting is a fluffy meringue flavored with vanilla and coconut extracts (like my Nanny would make for my mayonnaise cake ~without the coconut extract!). The cake is topped with coconut between layers and on the top of the cake.


The butterfly cake dome? That was a gift to Grumpy and I when we were married - from Kristina! We also got a beautiful butterfly salad bowl to match. I love how springy the cake looks in the bright light with colorful butterflies and the white frosting!

Yeah, I did get a little photo happy. I didn't get photos of the inside of the cake because I sent it home with Justin and Kristina. If they happened to get a photo, I'll drop back by this post later and add the sliced pic.

Double Coconut Cake
Cooking Light, December 2001

Cooking spray
1 tablespoon cake flour
2 ¼ cups sifted cake flour * (see note)
2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ⅔ cups sugar
⅓ cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Fluffy Coconut Frosting * (see below)
⅔ cup coconut

Preheat oven to 350°.Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; dust with 1 tablespoon flour.Combine 2 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (for about 5 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in vanilla.Pour batter into prepared pans. Sharply tap the pans once on countertop to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on wire racks, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1 cup Fluffy Coconut Frosting. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup coconut. Top with remaining cake layer; spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle ⅓ cup coconut over top of cake. Store cake loosely covered in refrigerator.(Totals include Fluffy Coconut Frosting.)*NOTE: If you do not have cake flour you can substitute all purpose flour. For every cup of all purpose flour you use, remove 2 tablespoons.
Yield: 14 ServingsWW Points: 7
*Fluffy Coconut Frosting

4 large egg whites
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Dash of salt
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon coconut extract (I did not have coconut extract on hand so I went with all vanilla)

Place egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until candy thermometer registers 238°. Pour hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over egg whites, beating at high speed. Stir in extracts.

Oven Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus

by 31 Comments


One of my friends mentioned this recipe from Allrecipes.com and I immediately knew I was going to try it. I love potatoes and I love asparagus and I love them both roasted...so roasting them together was definitely going to be delicious - not to mention the color was going to be great!


To Grumpy this was "ok" but to me it was awesome! I think his reaction was because of the herbs that were mixed in the dish. I did cut them down quite a bit knowing he might not care for the "herbiness" of the recipe. However, I just couldn't get enough. As a matter of fact, I had leftovers for two days all to mysel! :o)

What really made this dish special to me was one of the Grad students brought in some tomato chutney for me that he had made (Thanks Rajiv!) and I topped the leftovers off with the chutney - delish! I don't have the chutney recipe, but I will get Rajiv to do this for me one day (I hope!) so I can blog about it.


Oven Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus
Modified from allrecipes.com

1-½ pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoons dried thyme
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
sea salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

In a large baking dish, toss the red potatoes with ½ the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and ½ the kosher salt. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Mix in the asparagus, remaining olive oil, and remaining salt. Cover, and continue cooking 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Remove foil, and continue cooking 5 to 10 minutes. Season with pepper to serve.

Clam Chowder

by 22 Comments

The weather here can be so touchy. It can be almost 40 degrees one day, and then zero (or even below) the next! When it's cold I want something to warm me up like soup! Grumpy has been fighting off a sore throat and since I hadn't made clam chowder in a long time, I figured it was time to make it!

I used regular half an half in my recipe this time, but fat free half and half works just as well. Grumpy loved this soup - the flavor was great and I contribute that to the fact that I sprinkle some Old Bay seasoning in the soup for flavor!

Enjoy!

Clam Chowder
HoneyB's Way

4 slices bacon, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalks celery, chopped
Old Bay Seasoning (1 tsp. or to taste)
2 cups diced potatoes
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 cans (approximately 7 ounces each) minced clams
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup skim milk

Cook bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan. Remove bacon to paper towels; drain. Remove most of the bacon grease from pan. Add onion and celery to bacon drippings; saute until softened. Add Old Bay Seasoning and cook and stir another minute. Add potatoes and clam juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Add minced clams with their liquid. Whisk flour into milk; add to chowder with half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until clam chowder thickens and bubbles, or about 3 minutes.

Longevity Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger

by 33 Comments

Longevity Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger are a light, Asian-inspired shrimp pasta that comes together quickly in one skillet. This dish keeps the flavors clean and balanced, making it an easy dinner that still feels a little special.

Close up of longevity noodles featuring stir-fried shrimp, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and green onions in a savory sauce.

I love recipes like this that are flexible and forgiving, especially on busy nights. It reminds me of the simple noodle bowls I turn to, like my Garlic Scallion Noodles, when I want something comforting.

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What are Longevity Noodles?

Longevity Noodles, or Yi Mein, are long Cantonese egg noodles that symbolize a long and healthy life due to their impressive length. Traditionally, they are served during the Lunar New Year and birthday celebrations. They are considered good luck to eat them without cutting or breaking the strands. Traditional noodles are slightly chewy and golden, you can get a similar feel in this quick recipe using whole wheat spaghetti or regular pasta.

To learn more about the legends and history behind this symbolic dish, check out this guide on the cultural significance of Long Life Noodles.

Why You'll Love this Longevity Noodles Recipe

Quick cook: everything comes together fast, making this a dependable weeknight meal.

Balanced flavor: ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar create a savory base without overpowering the s hrimp.

Flexible noodles: whole wheat spaghetti, regular pasta, or noodles for longevity (you can buy them on Amazon - affiliate link) all work well here.

Key Ingredients for Asian-Inspired Shrimp Pasta

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Shrimp: cooks quickly and absorbs the ginger-soy flavor.
  • Fresh ginger: adds warmth and depth that defines this dish.
  • Soy sauce: brings savory flavor without needing a heavy sauce.
  • Shiitake Mushrooms: add texture and an earthy contrast to the shrimp.
  • Carrots: provide light sweetness and color.
  • Noodles: traditional longevity noodles, spaghetti, or whole wheat pasta all work.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use rice noodles instead of spaghetti for a gluten-free option
  • Swap shiitake mushrooms for cremini mushrooms.
  • Use chicken broth in place of white wine or water for added depth.

Variations on Longevity Noodles with Shrimp

  • Add snow peas or snap peas for extra crunch.
  • Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
  • Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a deeper, nutty note.

Tips for Ginger Shrimp Pasta

  • Keep the shrimp marinating time short to maintain a firm texture.
  • Cook the vegetables just until tender to keep the dish light.
  • Toss the noodles well in the skillet so they pick up all the sauce.
Close up of cooked noodles featuring stir-fried shrimp, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and green onions in a savory sauce.

FAQ's about Longevity Noodles

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just ensure they are completely thawed, peeled and deveined before you begin the marinating process.

What can I use if I don't have longevity noodles?

While traditional longevity noodles are great for celebrations, you can easily swap them for whole wheat spaghetti or regular pasta.

Is there a substitute for the white wine in the marinade?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can use an equal amount of water or chicken broth to create the savory base for the shrimp.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

To keep your Asian-inspired shrimp pasta light and airy, toss the hot cooked noodles well in the skillet so they are evenly coated in the ginger-soy sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.

Serving Suggestions for Asian-Inspired Shrimp Pasta

.Serve longevity noodles alongside Air Fryer Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, or Cucumber Kimchi.

More Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoy this dish, you might like my Cashew Shrimp Stir Fry, Shrimp Fried Rice, Sesame Peanut Noodles, or Turkey Lettuce Wraps.

Slup your way to happiness! Made these Longevity Noodles? Snap a photo, tag @grumpyshoneybunch on Instagram, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below to help other home cooks find this 15 minute favorite!

📖 Recipe

Close up of longevity noodles featuring stir-fried shrimp, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and green onions in a savory sauce.

Longevity Noodles with Shrimp and Ginger

Shelby Law Ruttan
Longevity noodles with shrimp and ginger are a simple, skillet-style pasta dish inspired by Asian flavors. It's light, satisfying, and ideal for quick dinners when you want something comforting but not heavy.
No ratings yet
Print FREE recipe card with your email address Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Asian-American
Servings 4
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine the wine, soy sauce, pepper, ginger, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl; add shrimp. Stir to coat and and marinate shrimp in refrigerator 15 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp mixture, and saute 3 minutes.
  • Add mushrooms and carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes.
  • Stir in pasta, vinegar, and salt; cook 2 minutes o until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with minced onion.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 19gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 645mgPotassium: 601mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5485IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 3mgNet Carbohydrates: 49g
Keyword asian-inspired shrimp pasta, easy shrimp pasta, ginger shrimp pasta, Longevity noodles, noodles for longevity, shrimp pasta recipes
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Beef Lo Mein

by 31 Comments

Healthy, delicious, and nutritious! This Beef Lo Mein is weight watcher friendly, full of flavor, and very fast to put on the dinner table!

Beef Lo MeinFor the first time in, I can't tell you how long (if ever!) I gave Grumpy a suggestion for dinner the day before and he actually said yes the first time! Hmm, what was it I did right? Well, I'm thinking it is because it was a beef dish.

Beef Lo MeinLooking through the Weight Watcher's Take-out Tonight cookbook I see a lot of things I would like to try. I happened to have all the ingredients at the house for this dish, so after getting the go ahead from Grumpy, I made sure to be ready! This is a really flavorful dish. The best part? It's filling AND it's only 6 points per serving (1 cup!)

Beef Lo Mein

 

Beef Lo Mein
Author: Grumpy's Honeybunch
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • Beef Lo Mein
  • WW Take-out Tonight, pg 52
  • ½ lb fresh lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • ¼ cup sake or rice wine (an online search said you could substitute dry sherry for the sake - which I did)
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1-½ Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Asian (dark) sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • ¾ lb beef top round, trimmed of all visible fat, cut into thin strips
  • ½ lb white mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
  1. Cook the noodles or spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside. Combine the broth, sake or rice wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. set aside. (NOTE: Do not confuse rice wine with rice wine vinegar. It is not the same).
  2. Heat a nonstick wok or large deep skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles. Swirl in 2 teaspoons of the canola oil, then add the beef. Stir-fry until just cooked through, 3-4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Swirl in the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil, then add the mushrooms, scallions, and garlic. Stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the broth mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens, about 2 minutes Stir in the beef and noodles. Cook, tossing frequently, until heated through, about 1 minute
Notes
Per serving: 1 cup = 1 serving, 290 calories, 6g fat, 442 mg sodium, 2g fiber[br]WW Points: 6

Sesame Peanut Noodles

by 38 Comments

These Sesame Peanut Noodles are my favorite kind of comfort food. They are very satisfying but never feel heavy. I love how the creamy nutty sauce coats every bite of the chewy pasta. The little hint of spice makes it even better!

A lime green plate with sesame peanut noodles garnished with green onions.

The best part about this quick and easy recipe is it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in stock. It's a huge hit with the whole family and is so versatile. Serve it warm or enjoy it as a cold noodle salad, either way the family will love it!

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Why You'll Love Sesame Peanut Noodles

Quick and easy: uses simple pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce.

Customizable heat: easily adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Kid-approved: the sweet and savory peanut profile is a consistent hit with picky eaters.

Budget-friendly: a restaurant quality meal made with affordable ingredients.

Cooked noodles with a pair of tongs in a steel pot..

Key Ingredients for Sesame Noodles with Peanut Butter

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Spaghetti noodles: you can use whatever you have on hand, like regular spaghetti, rice noodles, or even soba noodles.
  • Reduced fat creamy peanut butter: this gives us that classic nutty base without being too heavy.
  • Sugar-free ketchup: a great way to add a little tang and keep things a bit lighter.
  • Hoisin Sauce: an Asian-style ketchup; you can usually find it right in the international aisle at the grocery store.
  • Reduced sodium soy sauce: I prefer the lower sodium version, but feel free to use regular soy sauce if that's what's in your pantry.
  • Light brown sugar: just a little bit adds the perfect hint of sweetness to the creamy sauce.
  • Rice vinegar: this adds a nice pop of brightness to balance the flavors.
  • The finishing touches: you'll also want some sesame oil, green onions, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
A brown bowl filled with creamy peanut sauce.

Common Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have everything in your pantry, don't worry! You can easily swap a few things out and still get a delicious bowl of noodles.

  • Noodle swaps: if you're out of spaghetti, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works great, or you can use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
  • Nut butter alternatives: if you have a peanut allergy, or just want a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are both excellent creamy substitutes.
  • Vinegar options: when you don't have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar is a perfect pantry staple to use for that same bit of tang.

Easy Recipe Variations

  • Boost the veggies: I love adding half a cup of thinly sliced red bell pepper for a little extra crunch and color.
  • Kick up the flavor: if you want a bolder taste, try whisking a minced garlic clove and half a teaspoon of fresh ginger right into the sauce.
  • Swap the heat: you can substitute a teaspoon of your favorite chili sauce if you'd rather use that instead of red pepper flakes.
  • Add some protein: you can easily turn this into a main dish by tossing in a cup of shredded chicken or some cooked shrimp.
A teal bowl filled with creamy sesame peanut noodles garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh green onions.

Top Tips for Success

  • Mix while hot: make sure your noodles are still hot when you toss them with the peanut sauce. This helps the sauce melt into the pasta for that perfect creamy texture.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: since you'll be tossing the noodles in warm sauce, cook them til they are just al dente so they keep a good bite and don't get mushy.
  • Save some pasta water: before you drain your noodles, grab a small splash of the starchy cooking water. If the sauce feels a little too thick, a tablespoon of that water will make it silky smooth.
  • Prep your toppings early: this recipe moves fast once the noodles are done, so have your green onions, cilantro, and peanuts chopped and ready to go before you even start the water.

Storage and Reheating

To keep your Sesame Peanut Noodles tasting fresh, here are the best ways to store them:

  • In the fridge: you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Keep them creamy: If the noodles soak up too much sauce while sitting, just ad a tiny splash of water or a little extra soy sauce before reheating to loosen them back up.
  • Cold or hot: these are just as good cold right out of the fridge as they are warmed up!

What to Serve with Sesame Peanut Noodles

If you're looking to make this a full meal, these pair perfectly with my Honey sesame chicken. If you want to add some appetizers to the menu, try my crab rangoon or air fryer egg rolls!

More Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoyed these Sesame Peanut Noodles, you'll want to check out my Cabbage Noodles with Bacon. These Longevity Noodles and Garlic Scallion Noodles are another Asian-inspired side. If you are low carb, Keto Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein make a great meal.

I can't wait to heart what you think of these noodles! If you give them a try, leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

📖 Recipe

Featured image for Sesame Peanut Noodles.

Sesame Peanut Noodles

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Sesame Peanut Noodles are my favorite quick comfort food. In just 15 minutes, you can have chewy pasta tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy peanut sauce. They're great hot or cold and make a perfect lunch or side dish.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian-American
Servings 6
Calories 228 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and let cool 10 minutes.
  • Mix peanut butter through sesame oil together in small saucepan and heat until just warmed and well combined.
  • Pour peanut sauce over noodles and toss to combine.

Notes

Note: I added some cooked chicken breast tenders to this dish to add some protein. If your counting points, please allow for what chicken you add to the dish.
Update: I have made this and added chopped cilantro and chili pepper flakes to the mixture since my first posting. If you are a cilantro lover, then the addition will take this recipe over the top for you without added points!

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 404mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 33g
Keyword Peanut Sesame Noodles, Sesame Peanut Noodles
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Homemade Nutty Granola Recipe

by 58 Comments

I have been wanting to make some homemade granola for a few days now. I love to eat it on my yogurt for breakfast! I had made Foster's Homemade Granola before and while it was good, I wanted to find a different recipe this time.

I happened to come across the blog My Adventures in Food (blog no longer exists) on Sunday afternoon and while browsing through her posts I came across a granola recipe. I didn't have coconut, but figured I would just have to make the recipe without it this time as I was not going to the store 13 miles away just for one ingredient. I did some improvising and what I did is below. 

Granola

3 cups whole oats
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. brown sugar (I only had dark brown)
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (I use light amber)
½ cup canola oil
¾ cup shredded coconut
1 cup whole sea salted cashews
½ cup roasted sunflower seeds
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup kettle roasted peanuts
1-½ cups raisins (I used dried assorted fruit - strawberries, cranberries, prunes, raisins, etc)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto a rimmed baking sheet. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.
Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins (in my case, the mixed dried fruit) and mix until evenly distributed.

Glorified Rice - Vintage Recipe

by 36 Comments

This Glorified Rice recipe is a popular dessert salad made with rice, sweetened cream, and marshmallows topped with candied maraschino cherries.

Glorified Rice in a parfait glass surrounded with marshmallows and maraschino cherries.
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Glorified Rice Fast Facts & Ratios

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours to chill).
  • The Core Ratio: 2cups of cooled cooked long-grain rice to 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 can (20 oz) of thoroughly drained crushed pineapple.
  • Best Rice to Use: Long grain white varieties like jasmine or basmati work best because the grains stay separate and won't clump together in the cream.
  • Pro Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to press every drop of juice out of the crushed pineapple to prevent your dessert salad from turning watery in the fridge.

Why You'll Love Glorified Rice

  • A classic recipe, Glorified Rice is a creamy and delicious no bake dessert.
  • Kids love this rice salad with the sweet cream and puffy rainbow marshmallows!
  • It is perfect for summertime potluck and barbecues!

🥘 Ingredients

Cooked rice, use long grain white rice like jasmine or basmati rice. Long grain rice will stay separate after cooking making it perfect for this dessert salad.

Whipping cream, heavy cream that will be whipped with sugar for the dressing on the rice salad.

Confectioner's sugar, also known as powdered sugar.

Miniature marshmallows, rainbow marshmallows are traditional, but if you can't find them, regular ones can be sued.

Crushed pineapple

Maraschino cherries

Whipping cream in a bowl with a hand mixer.
Use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until fluffy and stiff peaks form.

🔪 Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice, cherries, and pineapple. Set aside.
  2. Add the whipping cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract to a large bowl.
  3. Using a hand mixer, whip cream for 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold in whipped cream into rice mixture.
  5. Fold in marshmallows and chill up to 4 hours. To serve, top with extra maraschino cherries (if using).

🥄 Equipment

Mixing bowls

Electric hand mixer

Rubber spatula

Straining pineapple juice into a measuring cup.
Use a mesh strainer to press the pineapple juice from the crushed pineapple.

🥫Storage

Store salad in the refrigerator up to 2 days. This salad will tend to get watery and loose if it sits much longer than that.

📖 Variations

  • Substitute 2 cups of thawed cool whip topping.
  • Substitute fresh pitted cherries for the maraschino cherries.
  • Stir in ½ cup chopped roasted pecans
  • Stir in a can of well drained fruit cocktail
  • There are plenty of flavored marshmallows on the market. Substitute your favorite in place of regular.

Tips

  • Use leftover cold cooked rice or cook the rice the day before and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Use a long grain rice for a fluffier and better bite.
  • Be sure to drain the pineapple well. I use a mesh strainer and press the pineapple to extract all the juice.

🙋 FAQ's

Can you use minute rice for this recipe?

If you are in a hurry, yes. Just follow the instructions on the back of the packaging to cook the rice.

Glorified Rice in a glass serving dish.

If you love dessert recipes made with rice, then you must try this Old-Fashioned Baked Rice Pudding.

Watergate Salad is a pistachio dessert salad made with pistachio pudding, whipped topping, pecans, marshmallows, and coconut.

Oreo Fluff is a cookie salad made with instant pudding mix, non-dairy topping, and mini marshmallows

Serve with…

Serve can be used as dessert or side dish to grilled chicken or pork.

The Last Word

Marshmallows in a rice salad, and a sweet rice salad, sounds kind of crazy but there is something magical about marshmallows in this Glorified Rice salad! The longer the salad sits, the texture of the marshmallow changes. It doesn't disappear, but it kind of puffs up more and is not as firm!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Featured image for Glorified Rice

Glorified Rice

Shelby Law Ruttan
A nostalgic dessert salad with cooked long grain rice, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, and whipped cream dressing.
4.96 from 21 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 271 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 13.5 ounces crushed pineapple
  • 1 cup heavy cream whipped
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons drained chopped maraschino cherries
  • 6 whole maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cherries, and pineapple. Set aside.
  • Add the whipping cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla In a separate mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, blend until heavy cream is thickened.
  • Fold in whipped cream.
  • Stir in marshmallows and chill up to 4 hours. To serve, top with extra maraschino cherries.

Video

Notes

Tips and Substitutions

  • I recommend cooking the rice the day before and store it in the fridge until ready to use so it is cold when you are ready to assemble the salad
  • Use a long grain rice for a fluffier and better bite
  • Be sure to drain the pineapple. I use a mesh strainer and press the pineapple to extract all the juice.
  • Substitute 2 cups of non-dairy whipped topping.
  • Substitute fresh pitted cherries for the maraschino cherries.
  • Stir in ½ cup chopped roasted pecans

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 19mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 618IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 0.3mgNet Carbohydrates: 33g
Keyword Dessert Salad, Glorified Rice
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Brown Butter M&M Blondies

by 27 Comments

These Brown Butter M&M Blondies are chewy, rich dessert bars with crisp edges and a soft, buttery center. Each bite is packed with colorful chocolate candies that make every square irresistible.

Close up of 3 stacked brown butter M&M Blondie Bars on a white plate, showing a golden crust and colorful candy pieces inside.

This easy blondie recipe was inspired by my love of brown butter's nutty aroma. It adds such a deep flavor that turns a simple treat into something special. If you enjoy buttery cookie recipes like my Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies, you'll love this one too.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Nutty flavor: browning the butter adds rich, caramel-like depth that sets these blondies apart.

Soft and chewy: the perfect mix of fudgy centers and golden edges makes them a crowd favorite.

Colorful and fun: the M&M candies add both crunch and sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion.

Overhead view of a pan of freshly baked brown butter blondie bars lined with parchment paper, showing a smooth golden-brown surface.

Key Ingredients for Brown Butter M&M Blondies

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Butter: melted and browned untl golden for a toasty, nutty base flavor.
  • Brown sugar: gives sweetness, moisture, and that signature chewy texture.
  • Eggs: bind everything together and add structure.
  • All-purpose flour: the foundation that keeps the blondies dense and soft.
  • M&M's: bright pops of color and chocolate flavor throughout.
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the brown butter flavor beautifully.
Overhead view of sliced blondie bars on parchment paper, each square with a golden top and colorful candies peeking through the edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chocolate chips instead of M&M's for a classic blondie treat.
  • Dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Gluten free 1:1 baking flour to make these bars gluten-free friendly

Variations on Brown Butter M&M Blondies

  • Seasonal M&M colors: use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for fall.
  • Peanut M&M's: add a little crunch and nttly flavor variation.
  • Mini candy mix: try mixing mini chocolate chips or chopped peapnut butter cups for extra sweetness.

Tips for the Best Brown Butter Blondies

  • Don't overbake. The center should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven. They'll firm up as they cool.
  • Cool completely. Letting them cool ensures clean cuts and chewy texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs. This helps the better mix smoothly with the brown butter mixture.
A single blondie square on a white plate with a cracked golden top and colorful candies visible on the inside.

How to Store

Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Easy Dessert Recipes You'll Love

If you love these M&M Blondies, you might also enjoy Salted Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars, Gooey Pumpkin Chip Bars (3 WW Plus Points), Swag Bars, and Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter-Pecan Frosting.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Close up of 3 stacked brown butter M&M Blondie Bars on a white plate, showing a golden crust and colorful candy pieces inside.

Browned Butter M&M Cookie Bars

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Browned Butter M&M Blondies are chey dessert bars with a deep, caramel-like flavor and colorful chocolate candies in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or everyday snacking.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Course Cookie Recipes, Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 272 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly spray a 10 X 15″ jelly roll pan with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another large bowl, combine the browned butter butter and brown sugar, stirring until evenly distributed. Allow to cool slightly.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating very well after each one. Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Stir in the flour mixture and when combined add in the M&M's. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 24 minutes, until they are shiny and golden brown on top. Try not to overbake these or they will be dry.
  • Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 42g
Keyword Blondie Bar Recipe, Brown Butter Blondies, Brown Butter M&M Blondies, Chewy M&M Cookie Bars, Easy Dessert Bars, M&M Blondies
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

by 42 Comments

This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a made with a blue cheese dressing as the sauce, topped with pre-cooked chicken that is coated with Mozzarella Cheese, a combination of Red Hot Sauce and Butter, and finished off with some blue cheese crumbles. It brings the buffalo style flavors that everyone loves to your dinner table as a pizza!

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is great to serve for parties, birthday celebrations, and game day events. Everyone seems to love the buffalo style recipes and this one is no exception. The pizza crust base makes the plate for a generous serving of buffalo style chicken and cheese!

Overhead shot of buffalo chicken pizza recipe on a pizza stone unsliced

Why I made this Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe

When it comes to pizza, Grumpy gets a little bent out of shape if it is anything but the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza recipe I make. And, while that pizza is a very delicious recipe, I like to make other flavors once in a while too!

However, it was close to Grumpy's birthday and he happened to come home from work one night stating he had tried a slice of Buffalo Chicken Pizza from a convenient store. He then told me I should try making it sometime! So, since it was almost birthday time, I decided to give it a shot.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe on a pizza stone and cut into slices

How to make the best pizza recipe

Great pizza recipes always start with a great pizza dough recipe. I can't tell you how many times in the past I would make a pizza, only to have the picky Grumpy old man tell me it wasn't good enough. I basically got to the point where I refused to make homemade pizza because of it and went to store bought!

Next, you want good quality ingredients. For pizza, part-skim mozzarella is best. However, more cheese is not always better. If you use too much cheese, you will have run over.

Red Hot Sauce is a must for buffalo chicken pizza. At least in our book it is. We love it and Grumpy puts it on everything! It is what puts the style in buffalo style!

Putting together your Buffalo Chicken Pizza

This recipe is pretty darned easy. Basically because you start with pizza dough. Either make your own ahead of time, or buy some from the store. For the chicken, I usually buy a rotisserie chicken and remove all the meat. Then I have enough chicken for a couple of different recipes. This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe being one of them!

chicken mixed into buffalo sauce with blue cheese crumbles and dressing in the background

We are huge fans of blue cheese with our buffalo chicken pizza. If your not, you can always go with Ranch for topping the crust and skip the blue cheese sprinkles after it's baked.

fully assembled pizza prior to baking

Having a pizza party? Try these other specialty pizza recipes!

Pizza doesn't always just mean dough and toppings. It can mean other things too! These pizza related recipes are some of our very favorites. They make a tasty addition to the buffalo chicken pizza you will be serving!

Who doesn't love a potato skin?! These Pepperoni Pizza Potato Skins are SO delicious. Plan to make a lot of them because they will disappear fast!

Have a thing for meatballs and pizza? Well how about making this Meatball Pizza Bread! Grumpy goes bonkers over this delicious meaty stuffed pizza dough appetizer!

We love our sloppy joes and this Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joe recipe is the bomb! This makes a great weeknight dinner that gives you that pizza feel in a sandwich.

There's more pizza on Grumpy's Honeybunch!

If there is one thing you should know, its we love our pizza! We have always loved a real delicious homemade pizza dough. Now that we are keto, we enjoy this low carb pizza crust recipe. This is absolutely delicious as well, so if your keto, you don't have to skip this recipe, because you can make it on a keto pizza dough as well!

Try these other pizza recipes on Grumpy's Honeybunch!

Chicken Wings: The natural partner to pizza recipes!

Pizza and Wings just naturally go together. Those those words are often said by many people when talking about eating pizza! Here are a few wing recipes you might like to pair with your Buffalo Chicken Pizza!

Other topping ideas

  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Diced or thinly sliced red pepper (or green pepper)
  • Chopped green chives
  • Add a little sweet to the pizza for that sweet heat touch with a little pineapple to the top! Don't knock it till ya try it!
  • Skip the blue cheese dressing spread and use a thin layer of pizza sauce.

Things you may need to make a pizza recipe

I highly recommend the following products.

  1. While you can use a baking sheet or pizza pan, the best thing to bake a pizza on is a pizza stone.
  2. You can't properly cut a pizza without a good pizza cutter!

📖 Recipe

Featured image for Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Shelby Law Ruttan
An appetizer favorite flavor made into a pizza!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 172 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 3 tablespoon Red Hot Sauce
  • 2 tablespoon melted butter
  • [Pizza dough]
  • ½ cup Chunky Blue Cheese dressing or your choice of dressing - this is our favorite!
  • 2 cups part-skim Mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Put diced chicken small mixing bowl. Pour red hot sauce and melted butter over top. Stir to combine. Set aside.
  • Shape dough and bake on a hot pizza stone for 7 minutes.
  • Remove the pizza crust from the oven and spread the Blue Cheese Dressing evenly over top pizza crust.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top of the dressing. Then the buffalo chicken mixture and remaining cheese on top.
  • Bake at 450 on pizza stone in bottom of oven until crust starts to brown. Move to middle rack and continue to cook until browned nicely all over.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles if desired then cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.
  • Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 13gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 534mgPotassium: 79mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 262IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 237mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Maple Walnut Banana Bread

by 33 Comments

This Maple Walnut Banana Bread is a sugar-free quick bread, sweetened only with pure maple syrup. Its delicious banana flavor is complemented by the lightly sugared walnuts that top the loaf. This recipe definitely belongs on your list of banana breads to try!

Sugar-Free Maple Syrup Banana Bread with Walnut Topping

If you've been looking for something to do with some over-ripe bananas, then you have found your final destination! Maple Walnut Banana Bread was the perfect solution for me take my mashed bananas and create a few loaves of this aromatic and delicious bread. This bread is perfect for a snack, with a cup of coffee, or even to pack up in someone's lunch box!

Why I make Maple Walnut Banana Bread

There are two main reasons I make this recipe. One, I grew up in Northern NY where maple syrup flows a lot like water in a running brook. There are plenty of maple syrup producers from my hometown. My dad made syrup for a while, and I have other family members who still make it every year. It's the best stuff in the world and if you have never tried it, you are completely missing out! I guess I would have to say maple syrup runs in my blood!

Another reason I will make a loaf or two of this bread is because Grumpy absolutely loves banana bread. And, I love that it is a sugar-free quick bread only sweetened with pure maple syrup. I am known to buy extra bananas just to let them get overripe so I can make a few loaves!

FAQ's

Does it matter what type of flour I use in this banana bread recipe?

Yes, the type of flour you use can affect the end result. All-purpose flour is the best type to use for this banana bread. If for instance, you were to use cake flour, then you would be changing the element of the recipe and you may have a gummy result with the bread.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

First of all, the top of the loaf should not be wet. If it is, it's not done. I test for doneness on the inside of the loaf by inserting a toothpick into the loaf. If it comes out clean, or with a few crumbs, I consider it done.A loaf of bread with the end piece cut off showing the inside of the loaf.

Why did my banana bread turn out heavy and rubbery?

It is likely you over mixed it. Banana Bread is a quick bread and should be treated more like a muffin when blending the ingredients. You should u0022foldu0022 the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Not beat.

two slices of maple walnut banana bread on a tan round plate.
Maple Walnut Banana Bread pinnable image

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Maple Walnut Banana Bread

Maple Walnut Banana Bread

Shelby Law Ruttan
Maple Walnut Banana Bread is a sugar-free quick bread made with pure maple syrup and topped with walnuts prior to baking.
4.30 from 37 votes
Print FREE recipe card with your email address Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breads
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 261 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
  • In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and maple syrup. Beat in the egg and bananas, leaving a few small chunks. Stir in the maple extract and milk.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir into the banana mixture until just moistened. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan. Mix the nuts and sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
  • Bake 50 minutes in the pre-heated oven. Cool on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and finish cooling. When completely cool, slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 119mgPotassium: 197mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 281IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Banana, Banana Quick Bread, Maple, Maple Walnut Banana Bread, Sugar-Free Quick Bread
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce

by 33 Comments

Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce is a combination of sweet and spicy pork chop recipe that is ready in just under 30 minutes. The maple and ginger with spice blend offer up a savory sweetness with a kick.

Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce
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This recipe for Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce is quick, easy, and loaded flavor. This tender and juicy pork recipe will become a regular on your dinner table.

Learning how to cook with pork

Pork has been a challenge for me because I wasn't bought up eating it and I haven't had a clue for the most part on how to cook it. I had to teach myself what I do know about cooking pork. This Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce recipe definitely was successful for me and I'm feeling a little more confident with pork steaks now!

pork steak cut so you can see the cooked center

I have maple syrup on hand all the time as my cousin makes it every year and I always buy a gallon. And, while I didn't grow up eating pork, one thing I knew was pork went well with maple syrup. I would get to eat bacon on occasion at my Nanny's house and loved to dip it in maple syrup. It was savory and sweet and so delicious!

Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce on a plate with brussels sprouts in the back

Tips for Success

There are several reasons this recipe is considered a success for me and I want to share them with you so you can do the same thing.

  • Be sure to dry rub the pork steaks with the spices. Doing this will give the pork a really gorgeous browned color as it sears in the pan.
  • Don't use cooking spray. I know cooking spray has become a modern convenience, but honestly, this recipe needs some fat. The cooking spray doesn't cut it for me.
  • Don't overcook the pork. Once it has been pan-seared and starts to simmer, set the timer for 8 minutes. Check the temperature with a thermometer. The temperature for the doneness of pork is from 145-160 degrees. I like my thermometer to register 155 when I remove the steaks.
  • This recipe is Paleo and Pure maple syrup works in it. If your Keto, then use sugar-free maple syrup. No matter what our diet, don't skip this Ginger Maple Sauce, it's a perfect compliment.
Pork steak simmering in the skillet

What you need to make this recipe

I like to use only the best quality ingredients to make our food. After all, it is very true that you are what you eat!

The Pork: I like to buy the pork that I know is going to have exceptional tenderness and great flavor. Choose a premium, all-natural pork with no added hormones.

The Sweetener: If you are Paleo, then go ahead and use pure maple syrup. It is the best. However, on Keto, you are not allowed to consume pure maple syrup. I highly recommend a sugar-free maple syrup to replace it.

The Spices: Make sure your spices are not past the expiration date. Anything that sits in your pantry for too long will eventually lose its potency.

The Fat: My recommended fat to use in this recipe is ghee or olive oil.

A knife cutting into the pork steak on the plate

Serving Suggestions

Many people like to serve this type of meal with rice. Since rice is not allowed on Paleo or Keto, I recommend serving this with either a bowl of cauliflower rice or this Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower with Browned Butter in a serving bowl

If you are not following a low carb diet, these Mashed Potatoes are the best!

For a vegetable side dish, I recommend these Cheese and Herb Stuffed Artichokes. This is a microwave recipe that uses the broiler at the end to brown the cheesy topping.

Sweet Potato Stacks with Parmesan Sage Topping

These Browned Butter Sweet Potato Stacks would complement the Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce nicely, as well as this Roasted Acorn Squash recipe.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Browned Butter and Crispy Sage

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📖 Recipe

Featured image for Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce.

Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce

Shelby Law Ruttan
A sweet ginger maple sauce compliments the delicious pork steak, making this recipe a delicious fall recipe that is low in carbs.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 288 kcal

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops 6 oz each
  • ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • In a small skillet over medium-low heat, cook onion in 2 teaspoons oil until golden brown and very tender, about 10 minutes. Add ginger; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
  • Meanwhile, combine the chili powder, salt pepper, and cinnamon; rub over both sides of pork chops.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chops in remaining oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Add the broth, syrup and onion mixture. Brint to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the meat is tender.
  • Remove chops and keep warm.
  • Bring broth mixture to a boil; cook uncovered until liquid is thickened and reduced to ½ cup. Serve chops with rice and sauce.

Notes

Make this keto and use sugar-free maple syrup. The total carbs will change to 8.7 and net carbs will be 3.7.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 587mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 10g
Keyword Ginger Maple Pork, Pork with Ginger Maple Sauce
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Brown Butter Banana Bars

by 43 Comments

These Brown Butter Banana Bars are a soft and tender dessert that brings together the rich nuttiness of brown butter and the sweet comfort of ripe bananas. The smooth cream cheese frosting makes each bite a little indulgent while still feeling homey and familiar.

A stack of banana bars with brown butter frosting and topped with chopped pecans.

This recipe reminds me of the banana cakes my mom used to make when we had a few overripe bananas on the counter. Only this time, the brown butter gives it a cozy twist. Whether it's fall baking season or you just want something sweet any time of year, these bars always hit the spot.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Nutty richness: browned butter adds deep caramel flavor that makes these banana bars unforgettable.

Soft texture: the combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk keeps the bars light and moist without being dense.

Creamy topping: the cream cheese frosting gives every bite a smooth, tangy finish that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Key Ingredients for Brown Butter Banana Bars

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

  • Ripe bananas: use spotty bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Brown butter: melted and browned butter gives the bars a warm, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with banana.
  • Cake flour: keeps the texture light and tender. Ideal for a soft dessert bar.
  • Buttermilk: adds tang and moisture while activating the baking soda for lift.
  • Cream cheese: used in the frosting to add creaminess and balance the sweetness.
  • Toasted pecans: a final sprinkle of nuts adds crunch and a buttery finish.
A side view of a banana bar frosted with brown butter cream cheese frosting and topped with chopped pecans.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • All-purpose flour canreplace cake flour. The bars will just be slightly denser.
  • Sour cream or greek yogurt can stand in for buttermilk.
  • Walnuts make a great alternative to pecans for a classic banana nut flavor.

Tips for the Best Banana Bars

  • Don't overmix. Stir just until combined to keep the bars light.
  • Use very ripe bananas: the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be.
  • Cool completely before frosting: this keeps the cream cheese frosting from melting or becoming too thin.

How to Store

Store leftover banana bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, bring them to room temperature.

More Easy Banana Desserts You'll Love

If you love my baked treats, you might enjoy my Hummingbird Bundt Cake, Banana Marble Bundt Cake, Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies, and Baked Banana Doughnuts with Browned Butter Rum Glaze,

Close up of two frosted brown butter banana bars stacked on a white plate, topped with creamy brown butter frosting and small pieces of chopped nuts.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A stack of banana bars with brown butter frosting and topped with chopped pecans.

Brown Butter Banana Bars

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Brown Butter Banana Bars are soft, sweet, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for a cozy dessert you can enjoy any time of year.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time Oven Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 5223 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

For the Bars

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Place banana slices, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon butter in an 8-inch square baking dish.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, stirring after 17 minutes. Cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°.
  • Lightly spoon cake flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In another medium bowl, combine banana mixture, buttermilk, and vanilla. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix together the butter and granulated sugar until well blended.
  • Add eggs to sugar mixture and mix well. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture to alternating with banana mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  • Pour batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with baking spray. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. .

To prepare frosting

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly.
  • Combine browned butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until smooth.
  • Spread frosting over cooled bars. Sprinkle with pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 5223kcalCarbohydrates: 830gProtein: 59gFat: 197gSaturated Fat: 108gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 57gTrans Fat: 6gCholesterol: 813mgSodium: 2738mgPotassium: 1940mgFiber: 17gSugar: 603gVitamin A: 5798IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 483mgIron: 7mgNet Carbohydrates: 813g
Keyword banana bars, banana bars with cream cheese frosting, Brown Butter Banana Bars, easy banana dessert
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Chipotle Chicken Skillet

by 21 Comments

This Chipotle Chicken Skillet Recipe is a simple stovetop dinner with chicken gently simmered in a smoky tomato sauce. It's an easy meal that works well on busy nights when dinner needs to be quick and easy.

Chipotle Chicken Skillet served on a bed of rice.

This is the kind of recipe I've leaned on over the years when I wanted something warm on the table without hovering over the stove. Everything cooks in one pan, and the flavor develops as it simmers.

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Why You'll Love this Chipotle Chicken Skillet

Simple prep: minimal chopping and one skillet keep this recipe easy from start to finish.

Smoky flavor: chipotle peppers add gentle heat without overpowering the dish.

Everyday meal: this chipotle chicken skillet is great for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Recipe

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Chicken breast: boneless and skinless keeps the dish straightforward and easy to portion.
  • Olive oil: adds flavor and helps brown the chicken lightly.
  • Onion: builds a mild, savory base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: brings depth without taking over the dish.
  • Diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers: the smoky tomato sauce that carries the recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs may be used in place of breasts.
  • Avocado oil works in place of olive oil.
  • Plain diced tomatoes plus a small amount of chopped chipotle peppers can replace canned chipotle tomatoes.

Variations on Chipotle Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes

  • Add sliced bell peppers with the onions for extra color.
  • Stir in cooked black beans near the end for a heartier skillet.
  • Finish with a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Tips for a Great Skillet Recipe

  • Lightly brown the chicken before simmering to build flavor in the pan.
  • Keep the heat low during the simmer so the chicken stays tender.
  • Let the skillet rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Serve With...

Serve this Chipotle Chicken Skillet over rice or alongside Spanish Rice. Keep it low carb by serving with Spanish Cauliflower Rice. It also pairs well with Maple Cornbread Muffins.

More Skillet Recipes You'll Love

If skillet dinners are your style, you will want to try my Sun Dried Tomato Chicken\, Kielbasa Potato Skillet, Skillet Cod with Cilantro Lime Butter, and Cabbage and Kielbasa Skillet Recipe.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Close up of Chipotle Chicken Skillet recipe served over top of rice.

Chipotle Chicken Skillet

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Chipotle Chicken Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner with chicken simmered in a smoky tomato sauce. It's a simple stove-top meal that lets the flavors develop as the chicken cooks.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Chicken Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Keto Main Dish, Main Dish
Cuisine Southwest
Servings 4
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with chipotle peppers

Instructions
 

  • Heat oll in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion and garlic and saute until onions are translucent
  • Place chicken in skillet and season with salt and papper. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook until sauce begins to boil. Turn the head down and simmer chicken for 30 minutes, or until chicken no longer pink inside.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 637mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mgNet Carbohydrates: 4g
Keyword chicken with chipotle peppers, chicken with chipotle tomatoes, chipotle chicken recipe, Chipotle Chicken Skillet, one pan chipotle chicken, skillet chicken recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Baileys Brownies

by 49 Comments

This Baileys Brownies recipe is made with Irish cream liqueur, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. These mouthwatering fudgy chocolate brownies are delicious on their own or enjoy one after dinner with a shot of Baileys Irish Cream.

A stack of 3 baileys brownies with a shot glass of irish cream to the right and more brownies in the background.
These fudgy chocolate brownies have a touch of Bailey Irish Cream and go great with a scoop of ice cream!

These boozy treats are loaded with baileys flavors making them a big hit with family and friends They are the perfect brownies for St. Patrick's Day celebrations and for the Irish cream lover in your life!

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❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

✔️ These fudgy chocolate brownies are the perfect big batch recipe, making 16 servings!

✔️ This baileys brownie recipe turned out fairly low in calories winning over that store-bought box of brownie mix!

✔️ The best part is baileys fudge brownies are a delightful adult dessert that's sure to make memories!

One brownie sitting on top of a shot glass of irish cream.

🥘 Ingredients

Please see the printable recipe card for complete ingredient and measurement listing.

All-purpose flour, sift this before measuring, or stir with a spoon before scooping. Don't over pack or tap the measuring cup.

Unsweetened cocoa, use a good high quality cocoa powder like this one to get the best results.

Semisweet chocolate chips, this is my favorite brand.

Unsalted butter, if you must use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ½.

Granulated sugar

Large eggs, the size of the egg does matter and using a different sized egg can result in either a dry brownie or overly wet brownie. Also, any eggs added to the batter should be room temperature

Baileys Irish Cream liquor, or an equivalent of your favorite Irish Cream liquor.

Vanilla extract, a good quality pure extract like this one.

Brownie batter in baking dish.
Use aluminum foil to line the baking dish for easier removal of the brownies!

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
  2. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  3. Place the chocolate chips and the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1½ minutes or until the chocolate chips and butter melt, stirring in 30 second intervals. Cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl combine the sugar, eggs, baileys Irish cream, and a little vanilla extract, to the melted butter and chocolate mixture, stirring well with a whisk.
  5. Using a wooden spoon, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until moist.
  6. Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread in a thin, even layer.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool on a wire rack.

🙋 Recipe FAQ's

Why did my brownies sink?

Brownies that sink are usually a result of overmixing. I recommend sticking with a wooden spoon and mix the brownie batter by hand rather than using a hand mixer.

Why aren't my brownies as fudgy as I expected?

This brownie recipe was adapted from the original recipe to reduce fat and calories while still keeping as much fudgy texture as possible. If you are looking for a super fudgy brownie, check out my recipe for Loaded Peanut Butter Brownies.

Why did the batter curdle?

It is likely the eggs were not room temperature. A cold egg added to warm or room temperature batter will curdle as a reaction to cold meeting hot.

Brownies cut into squares and laid out on a cutting boarad.

💭 Tips

  • The butter and chocolate can be melted on the stove top, instead of the microwave. Simply add butter and chocolate to a small saucepan on medium-low heat while continuously stirring.
  • Line 8-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil in place of cooking spray.
  • Use high quality unsweetened cocoa, like this one to make these the best brownies ever!

📖 Variations

  • These Irish Cream Brownies would also repurpose well into a cake pop! Just sub the brownie itself for the cake my Irish Cream Cake Pop recipe! The cake pop is originally made with a yellow cake, but there is nothing wrong with using these chocolate brownies instead. Especially if you have some chocolate fans around. 
  • For a non boozy brownie, substitute heavy cream for the irish cream liqueur and add ½ teaspoon of irish cream extract (I use this brand).
  • The fudgy texture of these brownies makes them the perfect brownie base for a baileys cheesecake. Just sub the brownie batter for the crust in this recipe for New York Cheesecake, but be sure to bake the brownie batter first, then top with the cheesecake batter.
  • Make a double batch and save the remaining brownie batter for st. patrick's day dessert pancakes!
One Baileys Brownie on a cutting board with one bite taken from the brownie.

🍽 Equipment

Measuring cups and measuring spoons to measure the dry and wet ingredients. This is a set that I own that has cups and bowls.

A table knife for leveling the measured ingredients

A small mixing bowl and a large mixing bowl to hold the ingredients

8-inch square pan to bake the brownies in. I like to use this glass baking pan.

Serving Suggestions

These boozy brownies go perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of liquor for an extra hint of baileys.

Finish with whipping cream or melted chocolate for additional sweetness. You can even mix a little baileys and heavy cream for an extra special whipped topping. In a medium mixing bowl add a couple tablespoons of baileys to a half cup of heavy cream And beat on high until mixture is a whip cream consistency.

Serve with a shot on the side for extra boozy Baileys flavor, or enjoy cold brownies with your favorite cup of coffee!

For some fun, frosted brownies use an offset spatula to spread a thin layer of chocolate fudge frosting or pipe on a swirl of Irish cream frosting!

Sprinkle the top of the brownies with a combination of powdered sugar and espresso powder for for a pretty finish and added coffee flavor!

A stack of two baileys irish cream brownies with the pan in the background.

Storage

Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a week.

Will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Irish Coffee

Chocolate Irish Cream Coffee Biscotti

Easy Chocolate Fudge with Irish Cream

Chocolate Cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting

Irish Cream Pound Cake

Red Velvet Brownies

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When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Baileys Brownies

Shelby Law Ruttan
These brownies made with Baileys Irish Cream liquor are chocolate brownies that are fudgy and delicious with a touch of Irish cream flavor. Great for snacking or dessert and delicious with a scoop of ice cream or an extra shot of Bailey Irish Cream!
4.30 from 51 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 16 brownies
Calories 158 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • Place the chocolate chips and the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1½ minutes or until the chocolate chips and butter melt, stirring in 30 second intervals. Cool slightly.
  • In a medium bowl combine the sugar, eggs, baileys Irish cream, and a little vanilla extract, to the melted butter and chocolate mixture, stirring well with a whisk.
  • Using a wooden spoon, fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until moist.
  • Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread in a thin, even layer.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to the pick.
  • Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownieCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14g
Keyword Bailey's Irish Cream Brownies, Baileys Brownies, Irish cream brownies
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!
 

Honey Oatmeal Cookies

by 41 Comments

These Honey Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and lightly sweet with a cozy texture that works any time of year. Honey gives them a gentl sweetness that pairs well with oats, coconut, and rich sitr-ins.

A stack of three honey oatmeal cookies studded with white chocolate chips.

This is the kind of cookie I like to bake when I want something simple but still special. They remind me of the oatmeal cookies my family always reached for first, especially when I swapped in white chocolate chips for a little extra treat.

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Why You'll Love Honey Oatmeal Cookies

Soft centers: make tehse cookies tender without falling apart.

Easy mixing: means no mixer needed and very little prep.

Balanced sweetness: from honey keeps them from tasting heavy.

Key Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies with Honey

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • All-purpose flour: gives the cookies structure without making them dense.
  • Regular oats: add chew and that classic oatmeal cookie texture.
  • Brown sugar: brings a deeper sweetness that works well with honey.
  • Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps keep the cookies soft.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes: add light texture and flavor.
  • White chocolate chips: add creamy sweetness without overpowering the cookie.
Overhead image of a chewy oatmeal cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of macadamia nuts.
  • Swap white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips.
  • Maple syrup can replace honey in an equal amout.

Variations on Honey Oatmeal Cookies

  • Stir in golden raisins or dried cranberries for a fruit-forward version.
  • Swap white chocolate chips for ilk or dark chocolate chips.
  • Use toasted coconut flakes for a slightly nuttier flavor.

Tips for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

  • Measure flour by lightly spooning it into the cup to keep the cookies tender.
  • Do not overbake; they should look slightly underdone when removed.
  • Let the cookies set on the pan for a few minutes before moving to the rack.
One cookie broken in half and stacked.

How to Store

Store honey oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Serve With...

These cookies are great with a mug of coffee or tea and pair well with other classic bakes like Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, or No Bake Cookies - Old Fashioned Oatmeal Fudge Cookies.

If you enjoy these honey oatmeal cookies you might want to try my recipe for The Best Chewy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, which are rich and bakery-style, or Gingersnap Cookies with a crisp edge and chewy center. My Nanny's Ginger Molasses Cookies are another favorite along with these Chewy Mocha Toffee Chip Cookies.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

One cookie broken in half and stacked.

Honey Oatmeal Cookies

Shelby Law Ruttan
Honey Oatmeal Cookies bake up soft and chewy with just the right balance of sweetness. They're easy to make, comforting, and suited for everyday baking or sharing with family and friends.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 118 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper that has lightly been sprayed with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, white chocolate chips, coconut, macadamia nuts, and baking soda. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl, combine butter, water, and honey, stirring well to combine.
  • Add butter mixture to flour mixture, stirring until well-blended. Drop by level tablespoons 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until almost set. Cool on pan 2 to 3 minutes or until firm. Remove cookies from pan, and cool completely on wire racks.

Notes

Inspired by Cooking Light's Coconut-Macadamia Raisin Cookies made with honey.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 47mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 18g
Keyword Chewy Oatmeal Cookies, homemade oatmeal cookies, Honey Oatmeal Cookies, oatmeal coconut cookies, oatmeal cookie recipe, Oatmeal Cookies with Honey, Soft Oatmeal Cookies, white chocolate oatmeal cookies
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Chocolate Caramel Cake

by 57 Comments

This Chocolate Caramel Cake is a classic chocolate layer cake topped caramel frosting, a caramel drizzle, and toasted pecans. It has that cozy turtle cake feel without being fussy and is easy to love.

A chocolate layer cake with caramel frosting and caramel drizzle topped with chopped pecans.

I live serving this as a layer cake for holidays and special occasions, but it's just as welcome on an ordinary day. It's one of those cakes that goes great with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Why You'll Love This Chocolate Caramel Cake

Double caramel: all the flavor comes from the frosting and the drizzle on each cake layer.

Classic layers: two chocolate cake layers keep this cake traditional and easy to serve.

Turtle-inspired: the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans will feel familiar to anyone who loves turtle cake flavors.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Layer Cake

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Unsweetened cocoa: mixed with boiling water, it creates a smooth, rich chocolate base for the cake.
  • Brown sugar: cooked into the frosting, it gives that unmistakable caramel-style flavor.
  • Butter: used in both the cake and frosting for richness and structure.
  • Pecans: toasted and finely chopped, they add crunch and balance thesweetness.
  • Caramel sauce: drizzled over the top of the layers for that double caramel flavor.
Upclose image of chocolate caramel cake with caramel drizzle and pecan topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar in the frosting.
  • Whole milk can be used instead of fat free milk.
  • Chopped toasted walnuts may be used in place of the pecans.

Variations on Chocolate Caramel Cake with Pecans

  • Bake the cake in a 9x13 pan and finish with frosting and caramel drizzle.
  • Use chocolate fudge drizzle instead of caramel drizzle for an extra fudgy chocolate cake.
  • Leave off the nuts for a smooth chocolate caramel cake.

Tips for Making Chocolate Cake

  • Let the cocoa mixture cool fully before mixing it into the cake batter.
  • Cook the brown sugar frosting just until the sugar melts for a smooth texture.
  • Warm the caramel slightly so it drizzles cleanly over the frosting.
Chocolate Caramel Cake cut into showing the inside texture of the cake and frosting layers.

How to Store

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving so the frosting and caramel softens.

More Cake Recipes You'll Love

If this cake hits the spot, you may also enjoy my Banana Macadamia Cake, Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pound Cake with Lime Glaze, and Southern Diner Cake.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A chocolate layer cake with caramel frosting and caramel drizzle topped with chopped pecans.

Chocolate Caramel Cake

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Chocolate Caramel Cake is topped with caramel frosting, a sweet drizzle and toasted pecans. It's an easy layer cake that works for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want a classic dessert.
No ratings yet
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 383 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

For the Frosting:

For the Topping:

  • ⅔ cup fat free caramel sauce
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pecans toasted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Coat bottoms of 2 (8-inch) cake pans with cooking spray (do not coat sides of pans); line bottoms with parchment paper. Coat parchment paper with cooking spray; dust with 1 tablespoon flour.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine boiling water and cocoa powder, stirring well with a whisk. Cool completely.
  • Place granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl; beat with an electric hand mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs to butter mixture, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • In another mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture and cocoa mixture alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans, sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean Cool in pans 10 minutes on wire rack, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

For the Frosting

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add brown sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, and cook 1 minute or until sugar melts. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
  • Combine buttter mixture and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, beating until spreading consistency.

Assembling the Cake

  • Place 1 cake layer on a plate, and spread top with half of frosting. Place caramel topping in a small zip-top plastic bag. Snip a small hole in 1 corner of bag and drizzle half of caramel over frosting.
  • Top with other cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top of cake, and drizzle with remaining caramel topping. Sprinkle with pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 275mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 3gSugar: 57gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mgNet Carbohydrates: 71g
Keyword caramel frosting cake, chocolate cake with caramel drizzle, Chocolate Caramel Cake, chocolate caramel pecan cake, chocolate layer cake with caramel, Double Caramel Turtle Cake, pecan chocolate cake, turtle cake
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Hearty Lentil Stew (Stovetop or Instant Pot)

by 34 Comments

This Lentil Stew is a hearty, nourishing meal packed with vegetables, tender lentils, and savory herbs that come together in one comforting pot. It's simple to make, satisfying, and perfect for cozy evenings or easy meal prep.

A white bowl filled with lentil stew containing chunks of tomatoes, carrots, onions, and lentils.

I've always loved lentil dishes for their versatility. They soak up flavor beautifully and make a great base for either a vegetarian d inner or something heartier with sausage or ham. My mom used to make Spiced Lentil Soup often during the colder months, and this stew version brings back that same warmth and comfort with a little extra richness.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hearty comfort: every spoonful is warm, thick and satisfying

Easy to make: simple ingredients and minimal prep mean dinner is on the table with ease.

Versatile Meal: keep it meatless or add protein like sausage or ham for a twist.

Key Ingredients for Lentil Stew

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Lentils: the star of the dish, providing protein and a rich, earthy flavor.
  • Vegetable broth: adds depth while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
  • Carrots, celery, and onion: the classic aromatic trio for flavor and texture.
  • Diced tomatoes: brings brightness and natural sweetness.
  • Garlic and herbs: fresh garlic, oregano, basil, and bayleaf give this stew its cozy, seasoned flavor.
  • Olive oil: helps saute the veggies for a rich, smooth base.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken broth or beef broth can replace vegetable broth.
  • Green or brown lentils work best, but red lentils will make the stew softer and creamier.
  • Ham or sausage can be stirred in near the end for extra richness.

Variations on Lentil Stew

  • Smoky Lentil Stew: add a little smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
  • Mediterranean Lentil Stew: stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
  • Coconut Curry Lentil Stew: swap part of the broth for coconut milk and add curry powder for a creamy, lightly spiced treat.

Tips for the Best Lentil Stew

  • Rinse lentils well before cooking to remove any debris.
  • Simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and the lentils to become tender.
  • Adjust thickness by adding more broth for soupier stew or letting it simmer longer to thicken.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Serve With...

Serve this comforting stew topped with a handful of Homemade Croutons, or a slice of toasted English Muffin Bread. It also pairs nicely with a fresh simple tossed salad with homemade ranch dressing, or a slice of honey wheat bread.

More Easy Soup and Stew Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoy this lentil stew, try my Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes, Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, Green Bean Soup, and Hamburger Soup. Each one is warm, comforting, and full of flavor.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A white bowl filled with lentil stew containing chunks of tomatoes, carrots, onions, and lentils.

Lentil Stew

Shelby Law Ruttan
A hearty, wholesome lentil stew loaded with vegetables, herbs, and your choice of broth or added protein. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prep.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Soup, Stew
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 208 kcal

Equipment

  • Large soup pot , or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • Wooden sposon
  • Instant Pot (optional)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked lentils rinsed well
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes
  • 2 medium medium carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high until hot. Add the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic, and saute for 4 minutes, or until vegetables have begun to soften.
  • Stir in the lentils, water, vegetable broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, until lentils are cooked and the broth has reduced.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 13gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 572mgPotassium: 656mgFiber: 16gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2928IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 4mgNet Carbohydrates: 20g
Keyword Easy Lentil Dinner, Healthy Lentil Soup, Hearty Lentil Recipe, Instant Pot Lentil Stew, Lentil Stew, Lentil Vegetable Stew, Vegetarian Lentil Stew
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Banana Macadamia Cake

by 34 Comments

This Banana Macadamia Cake is a simple snack-style cake with a soft crumb and a warm brown sugar macadamia nut topping. It's the kind of cake that feels just right for afternoon coffee or a low-key dessert.

A whole banana macadamia cake on a glass cake plate with a light blue trim.


I like recipes like this when I have ripe bananas on the counter and want something easy that still feels a little special. The macadamia nuts and coconut give it a nice finish without turning it into a heavy dessert.

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Why You'll Love Banana Macadamia Cake

Simple bake: this easy banana cake recipe comes together with basic pantry staples and no complicated steps.

Soft texture: mashed bananas keep the cake tender and light, just right for a banana snack cake.

Warm topping: the brown sugar, coconut, and macadamia nuts add a rich layer that sets the cake apart.

Key Ingredients for Banana Snack Cake

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Ripe bananas: add natural sweetness and help keep the cake soft.
  • All-purpose flour: gives the cake structure without making it heavy.
  • Granulated sugar: sweetens the batter without overpowering the banana flavor.
  • Macadamia nuts: add buttery crunch and pair well with banana.
  • Sweetened coconut: brings a light sweetness and texture to the topping.
Banana Macadamia Cake up close.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar in the topping.
  • Swap macadamia nuts for chopped walnuts or pecans if needed.
  • Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer cake.

Variations on Banana Macadamia Cake with Coconut

  • Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a dessert-style cake.
  • Stir a pinch of cinnamon into the batter for extra warmth.
  • Turn it into a loaf by baking in a greased loaf pan and adjusting bake time.

Tips for Easy Banana Cake Recipe Success

  • Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
  • Toast the macadamia nuts before adding them to the topping for deeper flavor.
  • Spread the topping on the cake while it's still warm so it settles nicely.

How to Store

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

A slice of banana cake with a brown sugar macadamia topping.

Serve With...

Serve this Banana Macadamia Cake with a cup of coffee or hot tea.

More Banana Recipes. You'll Love

If you enjoy banana based bakes, you might like the texture of this Hummingbird Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, the cozy flavor of Baked Banana Doughnuts with Browned Butter Rum Glaze, this Easy Banana Pudding Poke Cake, and Banana Coffee Cake with Praline Topping.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A whole banana macadamia cake on a glass cake plate with a light blue trim.

Banana Macadamia Cake

Shelby Law Ruttan
This Banana Macadamia Cake is an easy, everyday bake with a tender crumb and a warm coconut-nut topping. It works just as well for a casual dessert as it does for an afternoon snack.
No ratings yet
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 195 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray; line bottom of pan with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray.
  • Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • Combine banana and next 5 ingredients (banana through egg) in another mixing bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed for 1 minute or until well blended.
  • Add flour mixture to banana mixture, and beat until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Carefully peel off wax paper.
  • To make the topping, combine brown sugar, water, and butter in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in nuts and coconut. Spread over cake. Serve cake warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 51IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mgNet Carbohydrates: 31g
Keyword banana cake with macadamia nuts, Banana Macadamia Cake, Banana Snack Cake, easy banana cake recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

by 34 Comments

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs come out tender, juicy, and fall off the bone delicious with minimal effort. They're slow cooked until perfectly tender, then broiled with your favorite BBQ sauce for that irresistible sticky finish.

A rack of baby back ribs coated in dark, sticky barbecue sauce on a white plate.

This recipe reminds me of backyard cookouts but instead of cooking in the heat, I make the ribs in the slow cooker to keep cool. These ribs pair great with my Pesto Pasta Salad or Classic Potato Salad for a full summer meal that doesn't require standing over a hot grill.

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Why You'll Love These Slow Cooker Ribs

Hands off cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work.

Perfectly tender: The ribs turn out fall-off-the-bone every time.

Family friendly: A crowd pleaser for cookouts, game day, or Sunday dinner.

Key Ingredients

Baby Back Ribs: These are smaller and leaner than spare ribs, making them perfect for slow cooking.

Celery & Onion: Add flavor and aroma to the cooking liquid.

Black Peppercorns: Infuse the meat with just a hint of spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap peppercorns for crushed red pepper for a little kick.

Use beef ribs if baby back ribs are available.

Replace onion with shallots for a slightly sweeter flavor.

A pile of saucy slow cooker baby back ribs with dark charred edges and a glossy glaze.

Recipe Variations

Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the BBQ sauce before broiling.

Asian-style Ribs: Glaze with hoisin, garlic, and ginger instead of BBQ Sauce.

Maple Mustard Ribs: Mix maple syrup with whole grain mustard for a tangy sweet glaze.

Top Tips

  • Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs before cooking for the best texture.
  • Don't skip the broiling step. It caramelized the sauce and adds that sticky BBQ finish.
  • You can refrigerate the ribs overnight with dry rub before cooking for deeper flavor.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat under the broiler or in the air fryer to crisp them up again.
  • Ribs can be frozen (before or after broiling) for up to 3 months.

Serve With...

Pair these slow cooker ribs with:

A close up of sliced rib showing the tender meat and caramelized barbecue glaze.

When you make this recipe for slow cooker baby back ribs, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

A rack of baby back ribs coated in dark, sticky barbecue sauce on a white plate.

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Shelby Law Ruttan
These slow cooker baby back ribs are cooked low and slow with aromatics until perfectly tender, then finished under the broiler with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sticky, flavorful bite.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 457 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds baby back ribs , membrane removed
  • 2 large celery stalks ,cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 5½ cups water
  • 1 medium onion ,sliced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place prepared baby back ribs in crockpot. Add water, celery, onion, and peppercorns.
  • Line cookie sheet with foil. Place ribs on foil and brush BBQ sauce over top. Broil on high approximately 5 minutes. Turn and repeat. Serve!
  • Cook ribs in on high setting for 1½ hours. Change to low setting and continue to cook for 5 more hours.
  • Preheat broiler on high.
  • Remove ribs from crockpot and place on foil lined baking sheet.
  • Brush ribs with barbecue sauce and place under broiler for 5-6 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and starts to glaze the ribs with a slight char around the edges.

Nutrition

Calories: 457kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 579mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 207IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mgNet Carbohydrates: 31g
Keyword Easy Baby Back Ribs, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Easy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe (From Scratch)

by 44 Comments

There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of real, homemade butterscotch pudding made right on the stove. While my family loves eating it chilled straight out of a dish, this silky dark brown sugar pudding is just as delicious layered into pastry shells or cream puffs.

I love to enjoy this pudding as a simple sweet treat after dinner or for a mid-afternoon snack. It gives me that cozy, homey comfort and takes me right back to making pudding from scratch with my mom!

  • Fast stovetop pudding in 15 minutes: Made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients.
  • Caramelized brown sugar flavor: Dark brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream give this recipe real flavor without artificial additives.
  • Versatile dessert: Serve it chilled in a dish, or use it as a filling for tarts and pastry recipes.
Clear glass compote dish filled with butterscotch pudding, topped with whipped cream swirls and chopped pecans.
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Why You'll Love this Stovetop Butterscotch Pudding

Store-bought boxed pudding mixes rely on artificial flavorings, cornstarch thickeners, and food dyes to fake that butterscotch taste. Making it from scratch takes only 15 minutes on the stove, and using real dark brown sugar, butter and heavy cream creates a deep molasses flavor and smooth texture no instant package can replicate.

Small white prep bowls filled with brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, cornstarch, milk, and vanilla arranged on a wooden surface.

What You'll Need

  • Dark Brown Sugar & Water: Dark brown sugar gives this pudding its flavor thanks to its natural molasses content.
  • Unsalted Butter & Vanilla Extract: Stirred in off the heat at the very end to give the pudding a glossy finish.
  • Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Combining whole milk with heavy cream creates a luxurious, rich texture. (Note: You can swap the heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half if needed, though the pudding will be slightly less rich).
  • Egg Yolks & Cornstarch: The thickening duo that gives this pudding its smooth structure.
  • Bourbon, Rum, or Scotch (optional): Adding 1 tablespoon of dark rum, bourbon, or scotch directly into the butter and brown sugar base while it cooks, adds a great layer of flavor. (My favorite is a dark rum!)
  • Dairy Substitutions: If you are out of heavy cream, half and half works great as a direct swap. You can also use whole milk alone, though the pudding will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, canned full-fat coconut milk or oat milk will work, but coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor.

How to Make It on the Stovetop (Step-by-Step)

Making this homemade butterscotch pudding recipe is simple when you prep your ingredients before turning on the burner.

  1. Whisk Thickeners: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. In a separate cup, stir the milk and heavy cream together.
  2. Caramelize the Base: In a heavy 1.5 quart saucepan (like a stainless steel or enamel-coated pot), stir the dark brown sugar, water, and salt over medium heat until dissolved and bubbling. A thick, heavy-bottomed pan is essential here so the brown sugar doesn't scorch or burn while bubbling.
  3. Add Cream & Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk the milk mixture into the hot sugar base until it reaches a gentle simmer. Whisk ½ cup of this warm liquid into your egg yolk mixture to temper them, then slowly whisk the eggs mixture back into the saucepan.
  4. Thicken & Finish: Cook over low heat while whisking constantly until the pudding bubbles and thickens (about 1 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the butter, vanilla, and optional liquor, then let cool before chilling.
Clear glass footed dish filled with creamy pudding resting on a colorful tea towel.

Easy Ways to Serve & Use as a Filling

  • Dessert Glasses: Divide into ramekins and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, brickle bits, toasted pecans, or dark chocolate shavings.
  • Pastry & Tart Filling: Chill the pudding completely and use it as a filling inside homemade pie crust shells, homemade eclairs, or warm dessert crepes.
  • Cake & Layered Desserts: Spread it as a filling between vanilla cake layers, or use it as the creamy layer in a butterscotch trifle.
Top-down view of creamy dessert in a glass dish with swirled whipped cream and chopped pecans.

Classic Brown Sugar Pudding Variations

  • Dark vs Light Brown Sugar: Use dark brown for a deep, molasses-forward butterscotch flavor, or swap in light brown sugar for a milder, subtle caramel taste.
  • Spiced Brown Sugar Pudding: Whisk in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg with the brown sugar for a warm fall flavor profile.
  • Salted Brown Sugar Pudding: Stir an extra pinch of flaky sea salt into the finished pudding to create a sweet and salty brown sugar variation.

My Best Tips for Smooth Butterscotch Pudding

  • Preventing Skin: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm pudding so condensation doesn't build up or form a skin while cooling.
  • Avoiding Scrambled Eggs: Tempering your egg yolks is essential. Adding a small amount of the hot milk base to the beaten yolks before pouring them into the pot warms them up so they don't curdle.
  • Fixing Lumps: If your pudding cooks too fast and develops lumps, pass it through a fine-mesh strainer or use an immersion blender for 10 seconds to smooth it out.
  • Doubling or Scaling: You can easily double or triple this recipe using the buttons in the recipe card below. Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and add a minute or two to the thickening time on the stove.

How to Chill and Store

Store butterscotch pudding covered in the fridge with plastic wrap against the surface for up to 4 days. Do not freeze this pudding. Cornstarch-based puddings break down and separate when thawed.

Close-up of a silver spoon holding a bite of creamy pudding topped with whipped cream and chopped pecans.

Common Questions Answered

Why did my pudding turn out watery?

Watery pudding usually happens when steam condenses on the underside of a lid or plastic wrap and drips back in. Pressing plastic wrap right onto the surface prevents this.

What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel?

Caramel is made by melting white granulated sugar, whereas true butterscotch relies on dark brown sugar and butter for a deeper molasses flavor.

Can I make butterscotch pudding without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the egg yolks and increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, though the pudding will be slightly lighter in color and texture.

What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel flavors?

Butterscotch flavor comes from using brown sugar where caramel uses granulated sugar.

More Vintage Sweets You'll Love

If you love deep, caramelized brown sugar flavor, give these favorite treats a try:

Did you give this homemade butterscotch pudding a try? Drop a review and star rating down below - it helps other readers so much! And if you share a photo on Instagram, tag @grumpyshoneybunch so I can share it in my stories.

📖 Recipe

Clear glass footed dish filled with creamy homemade butterscotch pudding on a colorful tea towel.

Homemade Butterscotch Pudding

Shelby Law Ruttan
Rich, silky, and made completely from scratch, this easy stovetop butterscotch pudding features a deep caramelized dark brown sugar flavor that beats any store-bought mix.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 275 kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a 4 cup measure, stir together the milk and heavy cream. Set aside.
  • Add the brown sugar, water, and salt to a medium sized heavy duty saucepan Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble. Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
  • Slowly whisk the milk and heavy cream into the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
  • Remove ½ cup of the milk mixture from the saucepan and whisk into the egg yolk mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the milk mixture. Turn the heat down to low and continue to whisk as the pudding bubbles and thickens. Cook for 1 minute while continuing to stir.
  • Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate at least 4 hours prior to serving.

Notes

  • The milk and heavy cream will spatter and sizzle when adding it to the brown sugar mixture so it is important to add the ingredients slowly and carefully.
  • Be sure to whisk constantly when adding the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
  • Whisk constantly when adding the egg yolk mixture back to the milk mixture on the stove.
  • To prevent a skin from forming on top of the pudding, I like to place plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, making sure it touches the pudding.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 688IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Butterscotch Pudding, Homemade Butterscotch Pudding
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Mom's Easy Cheese Ball Recipe

by 19 Comments

Mom's Cheese Ball Recipe is an easy appetizer recipe that is packed with cheese, hard boiled eggs, olives giving it great flavor. It can be shaped into a ball or cheese log, this easy cheese ball recipe makes a gorgeous classic holiday appetizer or a good cheese ball for your next party.

This is the best cheese ball and it was always one of the favorite appetizers the whole family looked forward to at holiday gatherings. Mom made this recipe for every Christmas Eve holiday party we had with Dad's family and it still is a an absolute must make recipe for any holiday party.

Overhead view of Mom's easy cheese ball recipe on a Christmas plate with butter crackers to the left of the cheese ball.
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❤️ Why you'll love it

✔️ This homemade cheeseball is a super easy appetizer and can be made up to 4 days ahead of time.

✔️ You get the perfect blend of flavor and an added boost of protein with the hard boiled eggs, olives, and pimento as an ingredient.

✔️ It is easy to make a double batch for larger gatherings.

Ingredients for easy cheese ball recipe set out on a work surface.

🥘 Ingredients

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Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese has the best flavor for this type of recipe. It is strong, bold, and firm.

Hard boiled eggs: this is part of the main ingredients in this recipe that gives it incredible flavor.

Red bell pepper

Onion

Green Olives with pimentos, a cheese ball with olives and pimento adds that green and red festive look!

Saltine crackers, works with the mayonnaise to bind the cheese ball together.

Mayonnaise, feel free to use regular or low fat mayonnaise.

Mashed hard boiled egg, onions, pimentos, and green olives in a mixing bowl.

🔪 Instructions

  1. Add the grated cheese to a large mixing bowl. Add the onion, peppers, olives, pimentos, egg, crackers, and salt. Stir to combine
  2. With a wooden spoon, stir the mayonnaise to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Shape cheese ball mixture into a ball shape or cheese log and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Roll cheese ball or log after wrapping to make uniform and refrigerate.
Ingredients for Mom's Easy Cheese Ball Recipe in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon with measured mayonnaise in a yellow cup above it.

🥄 Equipment

🥫Storage

Store cheese balls in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap or wax paper in an airtight freezer bag up to 5 days.

Mom's Easy Cheese Ball recipe spread on a buttery cracker on a white plate with holly print on the plate.

📖 Variations

  • After shaping, roll cheese ball in chopped pecans and or chopped bacon bits. Wrap and refrigerate.
  • Use ½ teaspoon onion powder in place of the onion, or substitute with 2 tablespoons of green onions.
  • Add ½ cup crumbled blue cheese for a tangy bite.
  • Use black olives in place of the green olives and pimentos.
  • Add 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno pepper in place of the bell pepper.

💭 Top Tip

  • Don't use bagged pre-shredded cheese. To get the best flavor and texture, you will want to shred your own cheese using a box shredder.
Overhead photo of easy cheese ball recipe with quartered green olives on top in a star shape and snowman cheese spreader in the cheese ball.

🙋 FAQ's

Can you freeze a homemade cheeseball?

For the most part, yes. However because of the type of ingredients used to make this particular recipe, I do not recommend doing so.

Can you substitute sour cream for the mayonnaise?

Yes, but expect the flavor to change. While sour cream and mayonnaise will perform the same function in this recipe, they both have very different distinct flavors.

Pimento Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Mom's Italian Style Deviled Eggs

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A side view of cheese ball recipe.

🍽 Serve with...

This cheese ball is great served with carrot and celery sticks, buttery crackers, and pita chips.

🏫 The last word

Unlike the classic cheese ball recipe, this one is made without cream cheese, which is great for those who don't like it.

The saltines are important to add as they are part of what binds the cheeseball together.

Mom's Cheese Ball

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When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

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📖 Recipe

Mom's Easy Cheese Ball Recipe

Shelby Law Ruttan
A festive holiday tradition, Mom's Easy Cheese Ball Recipe is savory treat full of incredible flavor. It is made with hard boiled eggs, cheese, crackers, olives, peppers, and mayonnaise for a delicious appetizer recipe perfect for Christmas or New Year's Eve parties. It is also a great addition to potlucks and game day events.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 98 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound grated sharp cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 3 tablespoons minced green pepper
  • 5 large green olives with pimentos , chopped
  • 1 large egg , hard boiled and chopped
  • ½ cup saltine crackers , finely crushed
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the grated cheese to a large mixing bowl. Add the onion, peppers, olives, pimentos, egg, crackers, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • With a wooden spoon, stir the mayonnaise to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.Shape cheese ball mixture into a ball shape or cheese log and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Roll cheese ball or log in wrapping to make uniform and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 232mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Best Cheese Ball Recipe, Easy Cheese Ball Recipe, Homemade Cheese Ball, Olive Cheese Ball
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Cut Out Sugar Cookies (Snowflake)

by 7 Comments

Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a simple, buttery cookie that holds their shape beautifully and bake up with soft centers and lightly crisp edges. They're the kind of cookie that shows up year after yera because they're easy to work with and fun to decorate.

Upclose snowflake cut out sugar cookies on a white snowflake plate.

These remind me of the afternoons I spent baking with my mom and grandmother before the holidays, rolling dough on the kitchen table and cutting out shapes together.

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Why You'll Love This Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Great texture: the dough rolls smoothly and bakes into cookies that stay soft inside.

Clean edges: these hold their shape well, making them perfect rolled sugar cookies for decorating.

Holiday favorite: ideal for festive baking when you want a reliable holiday sugar cookies recipe.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • Butter: softened butter helps the dough mix smoothly and gives that classic tender bite.
  • Sugar: granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies bake evenly.
  • Egg: adds structure and keeps the cookies soft.
  • All-purpose flour: the base that allows these to roll and cut cleanly.
  • Baking powder: gives the cookies a light lift without puffing out of shape.
  • Vanilla: adds warm, classic sugar cookie flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Almond extract instead of vanilla for a stronger bakery style flavor.
  • Milk or cream can replace the tablespoon of milk in the dough.
  • Gluten-free flour blend for an alternative version (choose a 1:1 blend for best results).

Variations on Cut Out Sugar Cookies

  • Spiced Sugar Cookies: add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist.
  • Lemon Sugar Cookies: mix lemon zest into the dough for a bright flavor.
  • Chocolate Sugar Cookies: replace a small portion of the flour with cocoa powder.

Tips for The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

  • Chill the dough: a short chill keeps the dough firm enough to roll and prevents spreading.
  • Flour lightly: dusting the surface with just a touch of flour helps the dough lift cleanly.
  • Even thickness: rolling to the same thickness helps every cookie bake with the same soft texture.

How to Store

Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. Can freeze up to 2 months.

Icing Variations

There are a few different ways you can frost sugar cookies with icing. Below are some icing recipes that you may like to try.

Glace Icing is what I used on this particular cookie you see pictured. Similar to royal icing, but is softer. It still holds it's shape and will flood a cookie.

Royal Icing will be a hard and dry surfaced icing.

Frostings can be used instead of icing. Try my Caramel Frosting, Butter Rum Frosting, or Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.

snowflake sugar cookies with icing

More Holiday Cookies You'll Love

If you love these Cut Out Sugar Cookies, you will want to try my White Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Stars, Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies, Coconut Crunch Cookies, Almond Filled Cookies, and Gingersnap Cookies.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Three decorated snowflake cut out sugar cookies on a white plate.

Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Cut Out Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. The dough rolls smoothly, cuts cleanly, and bakes into cookies made for holiday traditions and family moments.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Course Cookie Recipes, Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 74 kcal

Equipment

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Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, mix together butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla, and milk, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing well with hand mixer after each addition. When the dough becomes too stiff to use the hand mixer, use a wooden spoon to stir in the rest of the flour.
  • Once the flour has been completely mixed in, divide the dough in half.
  • Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 dough ball until ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
  • Using cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shape. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake 7-10 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
  • Transfer baked cookies to cooling rack and let cool completely before icing.
  • Repeat step 6-8 with remaining dough ball.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 58mgSugar: 4g
Keyword classic sugar cookie recipe, cookie icing recipe, Cut Out Sugar Cookies, easy sugar cookies, holiday sugar cookies, rolled sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, sugar cookie dough
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies

by 6 Comments

These Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies are a nostalgic holiday favorite that combine rich chocolate flavor with creamy pastel mint centers that melt just enough to form a soft "frosting." They're pretty on a cookie tray and taste like a bite of winter magic.

Three Chocolate Mint Cream Cookies on a white plate.

This recipe reminds me of Christmas baking days in my mom's kitchen when chocolate and mint always seemed to go hand in hand. If you love cookies that bring together sweetness and just the right touch of cool mint, this one's for you.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Chocolate meets mint: the combination of cocoa-rich dough and melted mint candies creates that classic flavor everyone loves.

Soft and fudgy: these cookies bake up tender with a chewy center and melt-in-your mouth mint topping.

Perfect for gifting: their glossy, colorful tops make them a pretty addition to holiday cookie boxes.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Mint Creams

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

  • All-purpose flour: the base for structure, keeping the cookies soft yet sturdy.
  • Brown sugar: adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
  • Butter: gives richness and helps achieve that fudgy texture.
  • Semisweet chocolate pieces: melted into the dough for an extra chocolatey bite.
  • Pastel cream mint kisses (affiliate link): the signature topping that melts and swirls into a creamy mint frosting.

Variations on Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies

  • Double Chocolate Drizzle: add a drizzle of white chocolate over the mint layer once cooled.
  • Peppermint Crunch: sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before the mint hardens.
  • Mini Sandwich Cookies: spread extra melted mint between two small cookies for a fun twist.
Chocolate Mint Cream Christmas Cookie Recipe

Tips for the Best Chocolate Mint Creams

  • Chill the dough well - cold dough holds its shape and prevents overspreading.
  • Work quickly when adding mints so they melt evenly and swirl easily.
  • Let them cool completely before storing, or the mints will smudge instead of set.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers.

More Holiday Cookies You'll Love

If you love the chocolate and mint combination, try my Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies next. For more seasonal treats, bake up Peanut Butter Kisses, Eggnog Fudge with Cherries and Pistachios and Air Fryer Eggnog Cookies.

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe

Three Chocolate Mint Cream Cookies on a white plate.

Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies

Shelby Law Ruttan
These Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies bring together soft chocolate cookies and creamy mint centers for a fewtive and nostalgic treat that's perfect for the holidays.
4.75 from 8 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
chilling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 23 minutes
Course Cookie Recipes, Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 48 cookies
Calories 79 kcal

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Stir together flour and baking soda. In a medium saucepan heat and stir brown sugar, butter, and water over low heat till butter is melted. Add chocolate pieces. Heat and stir till chocolate is melted. Pour into a large mixing bowl and let stand for 15 minutes or til cool.
  • Beat egg into chocolate mixture. Stir in the flour mixture till well mixed. Dough will be soft. Cover and chill for 2 hours, or till easy to handle. (If you refrigerate overnight you will need to let dough sit on counter for about 30 minutes).
  • Shape into 1" balls. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove and immediately top each cookie with a mint. Return to the oven and bake about 2 minutes more or till cookies are done. Swirl the melted mints with a knife to "frost" cookies. Remove and cool til mints are firm. Makes about 48.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 51IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mgNet Carbohydrates: 12g
Keyword Chocolate Mint Cream Cookies, Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies
Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!