Roasted Garlic Oil

Ingredients:

• Two heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• Up to 1 cup olive oil

Preparations:

1. Place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Cover the cloves with olive oil until they all are completely submerged. No need to use more than the amount required to cover the cloves.
2. Over medium heat, bring the oil to a simmer. Stirring frequently, let the oil simmer for 20-30 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are golden brown, but don't let them burn. 
3. Remove from heat. When the oil and garlic cools, pour into a mason jar and store in the refrigerator. 

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 12 C popped popcorn (about 2 bags of microwave popcorn)
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 oz almond bark

Preparations:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees
2. Place popcorn in a large bowl, a bigger bowl than you think you need. Top with pecans and do not stir. Let the pecans sit on top of the popcorn. Set aside.
3. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a 2 liter capacity microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup over the top of everything. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 90 seconds. Remove, stir, and then microwave for 90 seconds more. If you microwave it too much your popcorn will turn out really hard.
4. Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise. 
5. Drizzle half of the caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir well. Repeat with the other half of the caramel. Stir more than you think you need to.
6. Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined rimmed pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and stir. Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

Pizza Hummus

Ingredients:

• 6 cloves garlic, preferably roasted
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas – drained, but liquid from can reserved
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 basil leaves
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 Cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 Cup Ricotta Cheese
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Preparations:

1. Pulse the garlic in the food processor until roughly chopped, about 5 pulses.
2. Add in all the remaining ingredients, except the olive oil and reserved bean liquid. Process until combined and almost smooth in consistency, about 1 minute. stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
3. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the opening at the top of the processor and process until smooth. Add in the reserved bean liquid, 1-2 tablespoons at time. Process until desired consistency and thinness is achieved.

Skillet Brownie

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparations:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and coat a 6-inch cast iron skillet with non-stick spray.
2. Place the sugar, cocoa, and salt in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Stir in the melted butter, followed by the egg.  Once the egg has been fully incorporated, stir in the flour and vanilla extract.  Fold in the chocolate chips and transfer the batter to the prepared skillet.
4. Bake for 28-33 minutes, or until the edges are set. The center toothpick test may not come out clean, but it will continue to cook when removed from the oven.  Cool for 20 minutes, top with ice cream and enjoy!

Potato Wedges

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, rinsed
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Preparations:

1. Cut potatoes into wedges by cutting lengthwise in half then slice each half into 4 wedges.
2. Place potatoes in a very large bowl of water with about 2 cups of ice cubes. Let them stand for 30 min. then pat dry with paper towels.
3. While the wedges soak, in a small bowl, mix the rosemary into the olive oil and set aside.
4. Remove the wedges from the ice water, pat dry, and place them in a large ziploc bag.
5. In another small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir, then pour over the wedges. Close the bag and shake until evenly distributed.
6. Next, add the olive oil mixture to the bag and toss until potatoes are coated.
7. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place potatoes on the lined sheets and bake at 450˚F for 30-35 min, flipping midway through, until the potatoes are browned and crispy.

Strawberry Apple Jam

Ingredients:

• 2 pints of strawberries, tops removed and quartered
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 1/2 cups sugar

Preparations:

1. In a large pot, combine strawberries, apples, and lemon juice. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 
2. With a potato masher, gently squish the mixture to break down the pieces of fruit until they are small enough to your liking. 
3. Add in the sugar and stir until dissolved. Boil gently until the mix reaches 210 F, roughly 15 to 25 minutes. 
4. Follow the steps in this link on how to can. Directions here. There may be steps you want to do in parallel to the jam making. Makes roughly six half-pint jars. 

Gingerbread Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp sugar

Preparations:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and the brown sugar until fluffy. Then, beat in the honey and the egg.
3. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet in two batches.
4. With the sugar in a shallow dish, form golf ball sized balls and roll in the sugar to coat. Place on the parchment paper and do not flatten the balls. 
5. Bake 10-12 minutes, until the tops start to crack and the bottoms darken. Cool on the baking sheets 5 minutes then transfer to a rack.

Sweet Potato and Potato Gratin

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tsp dried thyme 
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 tsp finely grated nutmeg
• dash cayenne pepper
• 8-12 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
• 2 cups finely grated Parmesan
• 3 large white sweet potatoes
• 3 large Russet potatoes

Preparations:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Whisk the cream, milk, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, and cayenne in a big bowl. Set aside.
3. Peel the sweet potatoes (and Russets if so inclined), then using a food processor, slice the potatoes into thin rounds. If you don't have a food processor, use a mandolin or sharp knife by hand. Combine all slices in a large bowl and toss, mixing the two types of potatoes.
4. Pour 1/2 cup of the cream on the bottom of a Dutch Oven to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom. Then layer 1/4 of your potato mixture evenly on top. 
5. Drizzle 1/3 of the cream mixture on top, then sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan and top with a thin layer of Swiss.
6. Top with potatoes and repeat for another three layers. 
7. Cover with the Dutch Oven lid or foil and bake until bubbly, 15 minutes. If using foil, be carfeul to not let it contact the top cheese layer. 
8. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to 400°F, and bake until the top is golden and bubbly, 45-50 minutes.
9. Let cool slightly, then serve hot or at room temperature

Mediterranean Cous-cous

Ingredients:

• 3 cups prepared cous-cous (1 box)
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 Tbsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (1 15oz can), drained
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Preparations:

1. Prepare the cous-cous according to the packaging
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the red onion. Saute for 5-8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, oregano, and black pepper to the pan and saute for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chickpeas start to brown.
5. Turn off the heat. Stir in the olives and sun dried tomatoes. Add the cous-cous, feta, and lemon juice to the pan and stir. Once everything is evenly warm, serve. 

Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 24 oz red potato, diced
• 16 oz frozen corn, or 2 ears fresh
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsp milk

Preparations:

1. Place potatoes and corn into a slow cooker. Stir in flour and gently toss to combine. 
2. Stir in chicken stock, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
4. Once fully cooked, stir in butter and heavy cream.

S'mores Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 extra large egg whites
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or chopped teddy grahams)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Preparations:

1. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk in salt, egg whites, and vanilla and whisk until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
3. Scoop out small mounds, roughly 2 Tbsps, on to the parchment paper then top each cookie with 4-5 marshmallows. Pop into the freezer for 5 minutes to chill slightly (this prevents them from spreading too much in the oven).
4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
5. Bake for 12-13 minutes, rotating the trays 180 degrees midway through. You'll know they're done while the entire surface of the cookie is lighter in color. Let the cookies sit on the paper for a few minutes to set, before moving them to a wire rack to cool.

Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Steel Cut Oats (dry)
• 1 Green Apple peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp apple sauce

Preparations:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, honey and vanilla to a boil.
2. Mix in apple and oatmeal and stir well. Turn down to medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add in cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in apple sauce, and let sit five minutes before serving.

Honey Wheat Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp warm water
• 1 egg
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

Preparations:

1. In bread machine pan, place in all ingredients. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine directions.

Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Preparations:

1. Combine all ingredients into a medium, non-stick pot. 
2. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let rice stand with lid on for 10 minutes. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork.

Savory Pecans

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 pound) pecans halves
• 1/3 cup (5 1/3 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preparations:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. 
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, Sriracha, and cayenne. 
3. Pour in the pecans and stir until well combined. 
4. Arrange the pecans on a large parchment paper covered sheet pan and bake for 20-22 minutes until toasted and lightly browned, stirring halfway cooking time to prevent burning. 
5. Remove from the oven and cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2-2.5 pounds of fake meat crumbles
• 2 can of Manwich sauce
• 2 tube packages of crescent rolls
• 3 cups of shredded cheese

Preparations:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non stick spray. 
2. In a large frying pan, cook your crumbles. Make sure you stir it often and break it up into little pieces.
3. Once the crumbles are cooked to perfection you can add both cans of the Manwich sauce. Heat to a simmer.
4. Open the first package of crescent rolls. Unroll it and place it in the bottom of the greased pan. Spread it out with your hands till it fits the bottom really well.
5. Now take half the shredded cheese (1 1/2 cups worth) and toss it on the dough evenly.
6. Carefully pour the Manwich mixture over top of the cheese. Spread it out with a spoon evenly.
7. Take your remaining shredded cheese (1 1/2 cups) and toss it evenly over the Manwich mixture.
8. Open the second package of crescent rolls and unroll it. Spread it out by hand in sections before placing on the top of the cheese.
9. Place in the oven and cook for about 11 to 13 minutes, depending on your oven. You want the top to be golden brown.

Caramelized Onion Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup low-fat sour cream
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Preparations:

1. In a large thick-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat, saute the chopped onions in the olive oil along with a couple pinches of salt. Stir occasionally with a wood or metal spatula and cook until the onions are deeply golden, brown, and caramelized - roughly 40 or 50 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
2. In the meantime, whisk together the sour cream, yogurt, onion powder, and salt. Add onion powder to taste. Add a bit at a time until it tastes really good. Set aside until the caramelized onions have cooled to room temperature. 
3. Stir in 2/3 of the caramelized onions, scoop into a serving bowl, and top with the remaining onions. It is best served at room temperature.