We're Parents

Festive Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Wreath

by Leave a Comment

This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Wreath is the perfect brunch or breakfast meal for the holidays! The perfect brunch show stopper! You will wow everyone with this easy cinnamon roll centerpiece. 

Affiliate Links contained in the post help us earn a commission. 

Warm, soft dough, layered with a caramel apple sauce is the most amazingly special cinnamon roll recipe we’ve made to date.  The kids gobbled up this cinnamon roll wreath (naturally) and begged for more.

When you top the caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath with a homemade caramel apple icing, you’re in for an out of this world experience.  We topped our caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath with cranberries, dried blueberries, nuts and powdered sugar too.

The inspiration for this new holiday tradition

Every year, on Christmas morning, my mom would pop open a can of cinnamon rolls and pop them into the oven. We all knew that she would get the middle one and then the rest were up for grabs.  I remember begging to lick the icing container of any last remnants that remained inside. It was pure bliss as a child.

Now, that my girls are older, I love making them cinnamon rolls too.  It’s actually an amazingly fun thing to make with them. We have them on special occasions or just because, but it’s always awhile in between. Their giddy laughter warms my heart when I tell them what we are making. They jump up and down, dance, and run around with excitement. They too love to lick the bowl of icing when I’m done pouring it on. Can you blame them?

For the holidays though, I wanted to do something extra special.  We decided we were going to make a wreath out of our cinnamon roll dough. We may have done a few more practices runs at this one….strictly for testing purposes only. *wink wink* 

This is now one of our family traditions and the girls absolutely love it. So do we.

What ingredients do you need to make a caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath?

A cinnamon roll wreath can be made very similarly to a regular cinnamon roll recipe; however, the difference in this recipe comes in when you add the caramel apple part. For the cinnamon roll wreath, the ingredients that you need are:

  • flour
  • sugar
  • salt
  • instant yeast
  • unsalted butter
  • water
  • whole milk
  • eggs

Those ingredients will make the dough of this caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath. The next part is the caramel apple filling and for that, the ingredients that you will need are:

  • apple cider
  • brown sugar
  • maple syrup
  • heavy cream
  • unsalted butter
  • vanilla
  • salt
  • nutmeg
  • apple pie spice

If you want to make a cinnamon roll wreath with the caramel apple filling, but just a traditional cinnamon roll wreath, you would just need cinnamon and brown sugar.  We’ll explain below.

Lastly, there’s a delicious caramel apple icing that we add to the top of this. For the icing, you’ll need:

  • apple cider
  • cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • apple pie spice

How do you make a caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath?

In a bowl, you’ll start to make the dough. Add in the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. You’ll add water and milk to a bowl of warmed, melted butter and pour that into the flour mixture.  Next, add in the eggs.  Then, knead with your hands until the dough is no longer sticky. Let it rise for just 15 minutes.

While the bread is rising, make the filling by combining the apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and some of the apple pie spice into a sauce pot. Let that cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, barely touching it. You are essentially making caramel sauce at this point and it’s best not to touch it. Remove, let cool.

Roll your risen dough out into a rectangle.  It should be about 30X20 in shape. Spread the cooled caramel apple sauce across the dough. Spread the remaining pie spice across the top. Roll up the dough into a log.

Essentially at this point you could turn them into cinnamon rolls by just cutting into even slices.

To make the cinnamon roll wreath, you’re going to make sure the seam side is down and slice lengthwise. Then, place the two pieces side by side with the filling side up. Starting at the top, fold one piece of dough over the other and braid the two strands until you reach the end. Pinching the ends together. Place on a greased baking sheet and form a circle. Cover and place in a warm preheated, but turned off oven. After 35 minutes, turn the oven on and cook for roughly 35 minutes.

Make the caramel apple icing while your cinnamon roll wreath cooks. Pour on top when you remove and let cool for a few.  Serves 16.

Can I make these into caramel apple cinnamon rolls instead of the a cinnamon roll wreath?

Absolutely! Whether you don’t feel like taking the extra steps or maybe a little intimidated by making a cinnamon roll wreath (seriously don’t be), there may be reason for you wanting just regular caramel apple cinnamon rolls instead.

You will make the recipe as directed until you end up with a rolled up log.  Instead of slicing the cinnamon roll log down the center, you will just cut into slices. You should be able to get 18 rolls out of the log that you roll.

Then you will proceed with the recipe as directed, but only bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-28 minutes. It’s super easy!

What other recipes could I serve for a holiday or Christmas brunch?

Obviously this recipe, makes for an absolutely amazing holiday brunch or breakfast centerpiece. It’s gorgeous, tastes amazing, and will completely wow people. However, you need more than this to serve! Other brunch or breakfast holiday recipe ideas are:

0 from 0 votes
Print
Festive Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Prep Time
1 hr 5 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
 
This Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Wreath is the perfect brunch or breakfast meal for the holidays! The perfect brunch show stopper! You will wow everyone with this easy cinnamon roll centerpiece. 
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast recipes, brunch, cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast, holiday brunch, recipes
Servings: 16 slices
Calories: 400 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
For Cinnamon Roll Wreath
  • 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 packages instant yeast
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
For caramel apple filling
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp apple pie spice + 1/4 tsp apple pie spice divided
For caramel apple icing
  • 2 cups apple cider reduced to 1/2 cup
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp apple pie spice
Optional Toppings
  • Chopped pecan
  • chopped almonds
  • cranberries
  • dried blueberries
  • powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Grease a 14x16 pan with coconut oil and set aside,
  3. In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  4. Whisk to combine well.
  5. Set aside.
  6. In a small microwavable bowl, melt butter (about 30 seconds).
  7. Add in water and milk to butter bowl and heat for an additional 30 seconds.
  8. Carefully mix together so heated through.
  9. Pour the butter mixture into the flour mixture.
  10. Add the eggs and knead with hand until the dough is no longer sticky (do not overknead)

  11. Place in a bowl and cover with a tea towel for 20 minutes to rise. Make filling while dough rises. 

Make the Filling

  1. Add all the filling ingredients, reserving the additional 1/4 tsp apple pie spice for later, to a medium saucepan.

  2. Heat over medium for 10 minutes, only stirring 2-3 times max. This will bubble up a bit but that's fine.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Finish the Cinnamon Roll Wreath
  1. After dough has risen for 20 minutes, roll it out into the shape of a rectangle. This should be roughly 30x20 in size. Ensure that you don't have more dough in the middle than you do at the ends or your wreath will not be even.
  2. Spread the cooled caramel apple filling evenly across the rolled out dough. Work quickly so the filling doesn't harden.
  3. Evenly spread the remaining 1/4 tsp apple pie spice on top of the filling.
  4. Working from the longest side, tightly roll dough up. It's important that you get it as tight as possible.
  5. With the seam side down, cut the cinnamon roll in half length wise.
  6. Carefully place the two pieces side by side and place the right side over the left side.
  7. Continue to braid the two strands until you reach the end.

  8. Then carefully move the roll onto your greased baking sheet and form a circle, shaped like a wreath. 

  9. Cover lightly with aluminum foil.

  10. Turn the oven OFF and place the covered wreath into the oven for 35 minutes to let rise. 

  11. After the 35 minutes is up, turn the oven back ON to 375 degrees and remove the foil.
  12. Bake the caramel apple cinnamon roll wreath for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked all the way through. Note: if your oven brown faster and you notice golden brown around 25 minutes, place the foil back on top.
Caramel Apple Icing
  1. Add 2 cups of apple cider to a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Reduce down to 1/2 cup liquid. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar.
  3. Add in apple pie spice and reduced cider and blend until combined well.
  4. Place in fridge until ready for cinnamon roll wreath.
  5. Remove cinnamon roll wreath. If some of the filling has pooled into the middle, use a spoon and drizzle across the top of the wreath. Let cool.
  6. Top with caramel apple icing and optional toppings.

  7. Serves & Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates.  Nutritional labels to not include optional toppings, but does include icing.

Nutrition Facts
Festive Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 400 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 313mg 13%
Potassium 150mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 29g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin A 9.8%
Vitamin C 0.5%
Calcium 5.6%
Iron 12.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This was truly one of our most favorite things that we have made on our site before and we hope that you truly enjoy it as much as we have. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Some items that may help you make this recipe:

PIN THIS CARAMEL APPLE CINNAMON ROLL WREATH FOR LATER: 

This post was originally published on 12/20/2017 and has since been updated.

20+ Tried and True 30 Minute Meals

by 4 Comments

These easy 30 minute meals have been tried and tested! No more guess work if you can actually make 30 minute meals, we’ve got more than 20 here for you!

As parents, there’s no time for 30 minute meals that actually take forever.  You know the ones. You find one of those super delicious-looking, cheap, healthy 30 minute meals on line, save it to Pinterest and then when you actually go to make it, the meal ends up taking over an hour. Why? Because the directions say you should already have everything pre-chopped, pre-cooked, and pre-made.

That’s not realistic for anyone. Most people, not all, but most, are not buying pre-chopped everything.

Luckily, I’m taking the guess work out of whether recipes are really 30 minute meals. 

Over the past 6 months, I have been doing a LIVE video series on our Facebook page called Will It Work Wednesdays. Every Wednesday, we take another bloggers recipe that says it’s a 30 minute meal and then test it out. Our goal with these are to see if they are really 30 minutes or less meals. All types of parents need these quick 30 minute meals in their meal plans for days that life gets really crazy (which is almost everyday right?). 

The great news is that we’ve tested over 20 recipes now and they have all worked out to be 30 minute meals. Some closer than others, some way under.  But all of them are 30 minute meals recipes. So today, we are compiling them all together in one easy to read post for you. Included in the post is the links to the recipe and the video so you too can make these 30 minutes or less meals.

Recipes are sorted by categories and if they fall into more than one category, they will be included in both.

30 minute meals with Ground Beef, Chicken, Turkey, or Pork

Ground meat makes for some delicious meals.  One of the reasons it’s easy to have 30 minute meals with ground beef or another ground meat is because it easily thaws. It’s super versatile in the types of meals you can make.

  • Homemade Sloppy Joes

This homemade sloppy joe recipe was made with ground chicken, but it can be swapped out for any ground meat. It was made with homemade french fries.  Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube.

  • Easy One Pan Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups

Packed with tons of flavor all in one dish, these Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups were delicious.  We paired this with a homemade chicken fried rice and left out the chicken the recipe included. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • 30 Minute Korean Beef

This 30 minute Korean Beef meal using ground beef was so simple but packed a ton of flavor.  We’ve tried it again using ground chicken, and it was still good, but it really packs in flavor using beef. We served this with cooked rice. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Egg Roll Stir Fry 

If you like egg rolls, you have to try this easy Egg Roll Stir Fry.  And if you don’t like egg rolls, you still have to try it.  I’m really picky about egg rolls and I loved this recipe. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

30 minute meals – Chicken

Chicken is a staple in most homes.  It’s super adaptable and for most people, kids love it. If you can remember to thaw it out on time, chicken can make for some really great 30 minute meals.

  • Cilantro Lime Chicken 

This easy Cilantro Lime Chicken was one of the faster recipes that we made. I did forget to put the rice on in the right amount of time so it was over in the sense if watching the video, but it’s actually done in under 20 minutes. We served it with coconut rice (just replace the amount of water called for with coconut milk from a can.  Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube.

  • Summer Strawberry Apple Salad with Grilled Chicken

This was delicious for a summer meal; however, this Grilled Chicken Salad would be delicious if you meal prep or need a meal on the go.  It was so good.  We paired it with a homemade strawberry walnut dressing. Delicious! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Skillet Pizza Chicken

It has pizza in the name of it, so you already know that our kids devoured this Skillet Pizza Chicken. There’s no other words needed. Go make it! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta 

Fajitas meet Pasta.  Nothing can possibly go wrong with this combination.  This creamy chicken fajita pasta is a great addition to any meal plan. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

30 minute Vegetarian Meals

Whether you yourself are vegetarian or you are looking for some Meatless Monday ideas, we’ve got you covered.

  • Easy Weeknight Toasted Ravioli 

Truth moment: I actually attempted this recipe LIVE twice.  The first time I was less than 10 minutes from finishing and my oldest got sick. The second time I made this Easy Toasted Ravioli, it went off without a hitch and it’s now one of our favorite recipes. We paired it with an easy green bean salad. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad

If you love greek food, then this Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad is a no brainer.  This is perfect for meals on the go if you are looking for some mason jar meal ideas. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. (coming soon)

30 minute Vegan Meals

Some of our best meals we’ve created for this series came from vegan meals. Whether you are vegan or again, needing some Meatless 30 Minute meal ideas, these quick and easy 30 minute vegan meals are perfect!

  • Black Bean Burgers

If you have a big meat eater on the fence about having anything meatless, you MUST try this quick Black Bean Burger. It’s delicious served with homemade french fries, tater tots, onion rings. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. (coming soon)

  • Mediterranean Rice

This quick Mediterranean rice recipe packs in delicious color. It was light and airy and perfect for a quick meal. We served it alongside hummus and chips. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. (coming soon)

  • Black Eyed Peas w/ Quinoa

One of our favorite vegan meals so far has been this Vegan Black Eyes Peas recipe served with quinoa and topped with a pineapple salsa. So yum! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. (coming soon)

30 minute pasta meals

  • Italian Ham Pasta Salad

This recipe for Italian Ham Pasta Salad makes a HUGE portion.  You could easily take this to a potluck or if you meal prep the same dish over the week it would be perfect for that! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Incredible Garlic Shrimp 

We didn’t name this shrimp incredible, but it definitely lived up to it’s name. Try tossing this Incredible Garlic Shrimp recipe into some pasta and instant complete meal. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

30 minute Meals with Pork

  • Korean Pork Chops

These Korean pork chops were so flavorful and so juicy! We served them with lemon butter green beans. Rice would also be a perfect match! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Italian Ham Pasta Salad

This recipe for Italian Ham Pasta Salad makes a HUGE portion.  You could easily take this to a potluck or if you meal prep the same dish over the week it would be perfect for that! Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Egg Roll Stir Fry 

If you like egg rolls, you have to try this easy Egg Roll Stir Fry.  And if you don’t like egg rolls, you still have to try it.  I’m really picky about egg rolls and I loved this recipe. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

30 minute meals With Shrimp or Fish

  • Hawaiian Shrimp Rice Bowl 

This was such a simple meal, but everyone loved this Hawaiian Shrimp Rice Bowl. Perfect flavor combo and everyone wanted more.Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Honey Citrus Salmon

This is one of our all time favorite meals. This Honey Citrus Salmon recipe is so fast to make! We paired it with honey glazed baby carrots. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Coconut Curry Shrimp

If you are wanting to feel an island vibe then you must make this coconut curry shrimp recipe! We paired it with coconut lime rice (swap out water for canned coconut milk – then when done squeeze in 1/2 to 1 whole lime juice). Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Cilantro Lime Salmon

Similar to the Honey Citrus Salmon we made, this Cilantro Lime Salmon was so incredibly quick to make. We paired it with a simple rice recipe or you could use the coconut lime rice from above. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

  • Incredible Garlic Shrimp 

We didn’t name this shrimp incredible, but it definitely lived up to it’s name. Try tossing this Incredible Garlic Shrimp recipe into some pasta and instant complete meal. Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

30 minute meals With Steak

One of the best recipe we’ve made so far was this Chimichurri Steak recipe. You could also make with chicken. We paired it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad. A delicious 30 minute meal for summer.

Watch us make it on Facebook or Youtube. 

Time to go make an easy meal yourself!

Whether you are looking for cheap 30 minute meals or healthy 30 minute meals, we’ve tried to include a list of great options! I hope this list of easy 30 minute meals is a benefit to you.  If you think you know someone else who could benefit from this list, I’d love if you’d share it with them! We don’t have picky eaters here, but if you do, most of these 30 minute meals are kid friendly too! We’ll continue to add recipes as we test them out! Now bookmark this so you know where to come for tried and true 30 minutes or less meals!

Lemon Raspberry Curd

by Leave a Comment

Lemon Raspberry Curd is sweet and tart making it an amazing filling for pies, doughnuts, cakes, and more. This lemon raspberry curd recipe also makes a great edible gift. 

About two years ago now, I made lemon curd for the first time to go into some hand pies I was trying out. When I told Andrew what I was making, he cringed. Why would anyone call it curd? What an awful name for something you are eating. I reminded him that he loves cottage cheese and those are also called curds. He wasn’t amused.

Nonetheless, it was one of the best desserts I had ever had. I was literally licking the lemon curd off the spoon. He also agreed is was an amazing dessert and we spent the next few days putting it on everything we could think of in our house.

how to make lemon raspberry curd

I wanted to try out other varieties and see if they were just as amazing. It had gotten pushed to the back burner until recently.  And boy once I made this lemon raspberry curd, I was so disappointed I had never made it sooner. It was amaziingggg. We’ve made it multiple times since the first and it’s even better than just regular lemon curd.

Why is it called curd?

A curd is smooth, thick, creamy spread that is in the same family as jams and preserves. The earliest accounts show lemon curd being made and referred to as lemon cheese. It explains that lemon juice was added to cream to make curds.  As time has evolved, a curd now refers to a citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange, etc) being combined with eggs and sugar, and sometimes butter.  Berries, like in this lemon raspberry curd, are sometimes used as well.

What are the ingredients to make lemon raspberry curd?

The full recipe to make this lemon raspberry curd recipe is below, but the ingredients you need to make lemon raspberry curd are:

  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Raspberries
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon Zest
  • Unsalted Butter

What do you use lemon raspberry curd for?

Fruit curd is used for a variety of treats like scones, pies, and in between cake layers. However, it can also be used on bread or toast, muffins, waffles, pancakes, cheesecake and more.  Some people also mix curd into yogurt or cottage cheese. The possibilities are really endless.

Some ideas you can use are:

How do you make Lemon Raspberry Curd?

0 from 0 votes
Print
Lemon Raspberry Curd
Prep Time
18 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 18 mins
 

Lemon Raspberry Curd is sweet and tart making it an amazing filling for pies, doughnuts, cakes, and more. This lemon raspberry curd recipe also makes a great edible gift. 

Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 32
Calories: 61 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups raspberries fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • Zest from one large lemon
  • 1 stick unsalted butter cut into pats
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs.
  2. In a medium saucepan, over medium low heat, add raspberries, lemon juice and lemon zest.
  3. Heat until raspberries start to break down (around 5 minutes), carefully stirring watching to ensure it doesn't burn.
  4. Add in the sugar mixture and constantly whisk for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir often until it begins to thicken (about 5 minute).
  6. Add butter and continue stirring often until all butter is melted.
  7. Over a bowl, use a strainer to press the solids out of the mixture.
  8. Refrigerate until cold (at least 4 hours).
  9. Keep refrigerated in air tight container for up to 10 days.
Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Lemon Raspberry Curd
Amount Per Serving (2 tbsp)
Calories 61
% Daily Value*
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Potassium 22mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Sugars 12g
Vitamin A 0.6%
Vitamin C 4.2%
Calcium 0.5%
Iron 0.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Whether you put this in pies, spread on tarts, or lick it off the spoon (I won’t judge) you’ll want to make this ASAP. Promise me you will make this soon!

Pin this Lemon Raspberry Curd recipe for later!

The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

by Leave a Comment

This is the Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe you will find for your fall get together! Surprise everyone with this amazingly delicious homemade sweet potato pie. 

best sweet potato pie recipe

Holidays Are A Special Time

When you think about holidays, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a ton of things. I actually start to get a giddy and smirk in a way that if you seen me from afar you would think I lost it! Fantasizing about how giving everyone becomes — and I don’t mean just presents.

I mean more simple things. Like more people holding the mall door open after walking through. It’s such a simple gesture, but if your from the Jersey/Philly/New York/Bmore/DC regions — Folks walk around like “The Walking Dead” most of the year. So, when this time of the year hits, I don’t take it for granted.

The cities and town also become more beautiful. With amazing decorations and music that gets even the grinch doing the “whip and nay nay”. But, what I truly look forward to the most is family and tradition.

For me nothing compares to that quality time.

I love “people watching” in my old household. Seeing mom and dad holding hands, feeding each other. Remember you use to get all grossed out, but now you think its cute (well, I’m still grossed out). My older brother still taking advantage of me. Like tapping on one shoulder and when I look, stealing my last bite from over the other shoulder (just wait till he needs to find his key to go home later). My little sister somehow after all these years still has my parents giving her whatever she wants (so jealous).

Yet and still loving every moment.

homemade sweet potato pie recipe

Passing down family traditions

What are your family traditions for the holidays? You can see some of our holidays traditions that we do every year, but I want to focus on one in this post.

It’s one that I started years before Larisha and I even got together.  That’s right, I started a tradition in the family myself. A food tradition. And this family tradition I have already started passing down to my little girls. But I want to include you too! Our big girl has been helping me make this sweet potato pie recipe since she was 2!

kids in the kitchen mini chef mondaysWhether or not you’ve ever had Sweet Potato Pie before, you really need to make it happen this year.  It’s really quite incredible and easy to make. It’s the best sweet potato pie recipe ever! I mean even my mama calls to make sure I’m making it so you know it’s gotta be good!

sweet potato pie recipe

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pie

To make homemade sweet potato pie isn’t complicated.  It’s one of the more simple dessert recipes to make for Thanksgiving or other fall holidays. The full recipe is below, but the ingredients you need to make sweet potato pie are:

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Brown Sugar
  • Whole Milk
  • Eggs
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Store bought graham cracker crust or to make your own crust you’ll need unsalted butter, brown sugar, and graham crackers

How to Make Sweet Potato Pie

If you’ve never made a homemade sweet potato pie recipe before, you may be a little intimidated. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to be.  It’s as easy as pie (HA! – Dad joke!)

You start by boiling potatoes until soft. If you are making a homemade crust for the sweet potato pie recipe,  you’ll want to do that while potatoes are cooking. Then, mash the potatoes.  Add in butter. After that, add in the brown sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix all that together until it’s nice and smooth. Pour into crust and let bake at 350 degrees for 65-75 minutes.  A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. Cool and serve. It’s great topped with homemade whipped topping or ice cream!

How to make sweet potato pie

Other Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

We think this is the best sweet potato pie recipe and a must have for the fall. However, with fall goes great pricing on sweet potatoes.  You should try these other sweet potato recipes sometime during the fall as well!

The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

0 from 0 votes
Print
The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
 

This is the Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe you will find for your fall get together! Surprise everyone with this amazingly delicious homemade sweet potato pie. 

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dessert, pie, sweet potato recipes, thanksgiving recipes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 440 kcal
Author: Andrew
Ingredients
  • 1 lb sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
For crust (buy a 9in graham cracker crust or make recipe below)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs, about 9 whole crackers
Toppings
Instructions

  1. Boil Potatoes for 50 mins making sure water is always covering the potatoes or until soft. *If making crust, see directions below and make while potatoes are boiling.

  2. Immediately drain and run cool water over potatoes and skin the potatoes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  4. In a large bowl, mash the potatoes.
  5. Add in butter and mix well.
  6. Add in brown sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  7. Mix until smooth.
  8. Pour into pie crust.
  9. Bake for 65-75 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean.
  10. Let cool and serve.

  11. Top with Homemade Whipped Topping if desired. 

For the crust
  1. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and crumbs into a pie dish. Press down evenly with the back of a spoon until all the mixtures is evenly spread on bottom and up the sides of the dish. Cook at 350 degrees for 7 minutes, then let cool completely before adding filling.
Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 440 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 175mg 7%
Potassium 292mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 36g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin A 174.9%
Vitamin C 1.6%
Calcium 8.5%
Iron 7.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe for later: 

This post was originally posted on 11/23/2015 as part of Mini Chef Mondays. Scroll down to see our original images. And see some other amazing recipes from our friends apart of our Mini Chef group.

  1. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake with Whipped Cream // Courtney’s Sweets
  2. One Hour Bread Recipe // Momma Lew
  3. Homemade Berry Granola // Baby Loving Mama
  4. The Best Sweet Potato Pie Recipe // We’re Parents
  5. Cranberry, Orange, & White Chocolate Bars // Frugal Novice
  6. Easy French Pastries Kids Can Make // Eating Richly
  7. Thanksgiving Fruit and Cheese Turkey Centerpiece // Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps
  8. Easy Peasy Cheesy Puffs // Step Stool Chef
  9. Twinestrone Soup // Vegging at the Shore
  10. Banana Smoothies // Mom’s Messy Miracles
  11. Harvest Kale Salad // O’Boy! Organic
  12. Zwetschgenwähe: Swiss Plum Pie // Can’t Google Everything

 

the best sweet potato pie recipe

sweet potato pie recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin

by 6 Comments

This Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin is one of the easiest, but most flavorful easy dinner recipes that you can throw together!

Being a parent means that every night, there are little ones that need fed. It’s a never-ending cycle and while we all love our kids dearly, having to physically make someone three meals a days, does get exhausting.  Especially, I’m sure if you don’t like to cook to being with.
When I first had our daughter, my idea of cooking meals consisted of some cans or jars, a few boxes, and a lot of hope. We quickly realized we didn’t want to eat a lot of processed foods for our children and because of that, it meant that I needed to get better with cooking.
One of the biggest things that helped me was being able to find super flavorful meals, like this Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin, that could not only feed us multiple meals, but also were easy to throw together.  One of the reasons I love our slow cooker so much is that I am able to throw everything inside of it early in the morning and then by the end of the day dinner is completely ready.  The meals, whether making meat or a soup, are always so tender and it feels like the flavors have more of a chance to really merry together.

What Ingredients Do You Need To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin

In order to make this slow cooker pork loin recipe, you are going to need the following ingredients. Of course, the entire recipe and cooking instructions are below if you scroll down a bit more.

  • Pork Loin
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Honey
  • Olive Oil
  • Dried Basil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt

What Sides Go With Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin

Of course, you could eat this entirely on it’s own. It’s so delicious. However, you probably want some sides to go along with your easy pork loin recipe.

What to Make With Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin

One of the biggest things when making such a large piece of meat for us is that we often have a lot leftover. No one really likes the same meal over and over again, so often you make wonder what to make with leftover pork loin.  This is also a great way to knock two or more dinners out of the way. Simply purchase a larger pork loin than the recipes calls for and double the sauce.  Then, you can use the leftover pork loin for multiple meals throughout the week.  Some of our favorite leftover pork loin recipes are:

Of course, one really simple idea is just to shred the pork tenderloin pieces, add in some more homemade bbq sauce and make pulled bbq sandwiches. Easy peasy!

Recipe for How To Make Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin 

5 from 3 votes
Print
BBQ Parmesan Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins
 

This Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin is one of the easiest, but most flavorful easy dinner recipes that you can through together!  

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dinner, pork, slow cooker
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 426 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 2-3lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce recipe
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
  1. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Remove excess fat from tenderloin if desired.
  3. Place loin in slow cooker.
  4. In a bowl, mix bbq sauce, cheese, honey, basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt until well combined.

  5. Pour entire mixture over top of the loin, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

  6. Internal temperature should be 165 degrees when finished.
Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

**If you would like to make a gravy with the juice, mix one cup of juice with one tablespoon flour.  Whisk in pot on medium heat until desired thickness is reached.  If it’s too thick, add more juice.  Too thin, add 1/2 teaspoon more flour at a time until desired thickness is reached.

Nutrition Facts
BBQ Parmesan Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Amount Per Serving (2 slices)
Calories 426 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 151mg 50%
Sodium 732mg 31%
Potassium 1013mg 29%
Total Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Sugars 20g
Protein 49g 98%
Vitamin A 2.6%
Vitamin C 0.3%
Calcium 11.1%
Iron 17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin for later

This post was originally published on August 16, 2012. We’ve gotten much better at photography since then.  Check out some of the old photos of our Slow Cooker BBQ Parmesan Pork Loin for giggles!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes Recipe

by 17 Comments

These pumpkin cheesecake pancakes are the best pumpkin pancakes recipe that you’re going to find. Deliciously, fluffy pancakes packed with pumpkin flavor and oozing with cheesecake bits. 

Fall time for millions of people means pumpkin everything! You likely will have a lot one thing pumpkin during the fall months unless you’re adamantly opposed to the flavor. Admittedly, we are huge fans of pumpkin in our home and usually, there is something made with pumpkin weekly in our house. One of our must have fall recipes are these pumpkin cheesecake pancakes. In my opinion, they are the best pumpkin pancakes recipe that you are going to find.

What do you need to make pumpkin cheesecake pancakes?

In order to make this pumpkin pancake recipe, you are going to need the following ingredients. Of course, the entire recipe and cooking instructions are below if you scroll down a bit more.

  • Flour
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg Whites
  • Coconut Oil
  • Brown Sugar
  • Baking Soda
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Frozen Cheesecake

What toppings do you put on pumpkin cheesecake pancakes?

Our absolute favorite thing with these pumpkin pancakes is a homemade blueberry syrup. The flavor profiles pair so well together.

Other toppings include:

What sides go with pumpkin cheesecake pancakes?

Side dishes for these homemade pumpkin pancakes include:

We got the idea for these from one of our many visits to IHOP before having children. IHOP pumpkin cheesecake pancakes were the perfect fall breakfast meal when out to eat, but since having children, we try to limit our eating out now. We love recreating similar meals at home (and truthfully the taste better usually!) If pumpkin is not your thing, but you’d really like to try our cheesecake pancakes, feel free to try our regular cheesecake pancakes or blueberry cheesecake pancakes.

Recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes

5 from 4 votes
Print
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

These pumpkin cheesecake pancakes are the best pumpkin pancakes recipe that you're going to find. Deliciously, fluffy pancakes packed with pumpkin flavor and oozing with cheesecake bits. 

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast, cheesecake pancakes, cheesecake recipes, pumpkin pancakes
Servings: 8 pancakes
Calories: 496 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks
  • 2 cups chopped frozen cheesecake
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place oven safe pan inside (to store pancakes until done so all are still warm)

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix on low until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cheesecake pieces.

  3. In a large bowl, beat together buttermilk, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until combined. 

  4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. 

  5. Carefully fold in egg whites. 

  6. Add the chopped frozen cheesecake pieces and fold in slowly. 

  7. Coat a large non-stick skillet or griddle with cooking spray or butter and heat over medium low heat. 

  8. One at a time, pour batter into the skillet for each pancake (about 3/4 cup). Cook until bubbly on top, then flip and cook other side until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).

  9. Transfer to oven safe pan until all are finished.
Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 pancake)
Calories 496 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 34%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 74mg 25%
Sodium 741mg 31%
Potassium 268mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 63g 21%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 32g
Protein 12g 24%
Vitamin A 105.2%
Vitamin C 1.6%
Calcium 19.5%
Iron 12.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin these pumpkin cheesecake pancakes for latter!

This post was originally published on October 11, 2012. We’ve gotten much better at photography since then.  Check out some of the old photos of our pumpkin cheesecake pancakes for giggles!

Homemade Blueberry Syrup

by 3 Comments

Homemade Blueberry Syrup is the perfect addition to your breakfast buffet. Add this easy homemade blueberry syrup to pancakes, waffles, french toast, or even ice cream!   

Any time that we go out to eat, we always take mental notes of how we can make dishes at home. Since we don’t eat out often in our home, we constantly want to be able recreate some of these dishes. It not only helps us save money, but because the ingredients are made in small batches at once, it’s usually ends up tasting better.  One of our favorites places to get recipe inspiration is IHOP (or is it IHOB now?). One of our favorite things we’ve made are these  Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes With Homemade Whipped Topping. But another favorite is this Homemade Blueberry syrup we are sharing with you today!

Homemade Blueberry Syrup 

Growing up, we had plain jane syrup. Usually Mrs. Butterworth. My entire childhood food profile can be summed up with plain jane. We didn’t veer off of that much.  Luckily, I got out of that as an adult. If you’ve ever been to IHOP you know that nestled at the end of the table they have a variety of flavored syrups. One of those is blueberry syrup.  Andrew wanted us to try to make one at home and the result of this homemade blueberry syrup is better than anything we’ve ever had at any restaurant.  It’s even better if you can grab some fresh blueberries.

How To Make Blueberry Syrup

To a saucepan you add blueberries and maple syrup. Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used to make this easy homemade blueberry syrup recipe. Cook this mixture until the blueberries start to break down. After they start to breakdown, you’re going to add more blueberries and syrup, along with vanilla and lemon extracts, cinnamon and allspice. After the recipe is made, you can strain the blueberries out, blend it in a blender or leave it with chunks. Our girls love picking out the blueberries! This makes the the perfect blueberry syrup you’ve ever had. It’s even better than IHOP Blueberry syrup where we got the inspiration to make this recipe from.

Don’t worry about where to buy blueberry syrup any longer!  Make this homemade blueberry syrup recipe in under 15 minutes!

How do you use Blueberry Syrup

Homemade Blueberry Syrup is great on top of most main breakfasts options like french toast, pancakes, and waffles. Mix some into your oatmeal on put on top of your ice cream.

Here’s some great recipes for you to try homemade blueberry sauce on top of too:

0 from 0 votes
Print
Homemade Blueberry Syrup Recipe
Prep Time
1 min
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
11 mins
 

Homemade Blueberry Syrup is the perfect addition to your breakfast buffet. Add this easy homemade blueberry syrup to pancakes, waffles, french toast, or even ice cream!  

Course: Breakfast, Condiments
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade syrup, blueberry recipes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 49 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, divided
  • 4 tbsp maple syrup, divided
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp lemon extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
Instructions

  1. In a sauce pan, over medium low heat, add 1 cup blueberries and 2 tbsp maple syrup.

  2. Stir to combine. 

  3. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. 

  4. Mash down the blueberries that are breaking apart

  5. Add in the remaining ingredients. 

  6. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes. 

  7. Once all the blueberries have started to break down, remove from heat. 

  8. You can leave as is with chunks, strain out the blueberries, or put syrup in a blender to make more consistent, non-chunky texture. 

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Blueberry Syrup Recipe
Amount Per Serving (2 tbsp)
Calories 49
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 50mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Sugars 9g
Vitamin A 0.4%
Vitamin C 4.3%
Calcium 1.3%
Iron 0.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this Homemade Blueberry Syrup Recipe for later!

**This post was original published on 7/8/2014. Images to the original post are below. 
homemade blueberry syrup
This post was originally part of a blog hop we did called Time for Mom. Our fellow co-hosts were Rachel from Can’t Google Everything and Brie from {…a breezy life}. Two of the posts we featured were Summer Bucket List from Many Waters and Pool Noodle Bubble Blower from Domain of the Mad Mommy. Check them out!

Vegan Options for Your Next Cookout

by Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MorningStarFarms #MakeRoomOnYourGrill #CollectiveBias

This cookout season make sure everyone is satisfied and full with vegan and vegetarian options. Check out these Vegan Options for Your Next Cookout! You’re going to want to make room on the grill for all this goodness.  

For the past 12 months of so now, we’ve really been limiting our meat consumption. Our goal is to try to eat more plant based as much as we can. Though we haven’t made the full commitment to a vegan or even vegetarian lifestyle at this time, we are getting closer everyday.  Who knows if one day we will, right now we are just trying to live a healthier life.

What we’ve noticed during this transition is that a lot of other people are doing the same.  Not only that, but we’ve realized that some of our friends and family are actually vegan or vegetarian that we never noticed before. Given this, we have been making a special effort to make sure that our friends and family are well taken care of when they attend get togethers at our house.

Introducing MorningStar® Farms Quarter Pound Veggie Burgers 

One way we’ve been doing this is to make sure to grab MorningStar® Farms burgers before any summer get together. What’s more exciting is their new MorningStar Farms Quarter Pound Veggie Burgers. These perfectly crafted burgers are larger, filling your bun with more deliciousness and leaving you more satisfied. You’re definitely going to want to make room on your grill for these!

Whether you are looking for a healthier meal option for meatless Monday dinner for the family, hosting 50 people at your summer barbecue, or football season kickoff party. MorningStar Farms® are made with no artificial ingredients and non-GMO soy.

The two new products they are introducing are:

  • Meat Lovers Burger: A “beef-like” taste and texture that has a whopping 27 grams of positive Plant Based Protein
  • Veggie Lovers Burger: A better for you burger packed with 12 different veggies, 2 seeds & 2 grains, plus 10 grams of Plant Based Protein.

You can find these in the frozen foods section of your local grocery store!

So now you have your delicious vegan burger ready to go and on your grocery list. However, now you aren’t sure what serve with your burgers. One, let’s talk about what you’re serving for the burgers!

These MorningStar Farms Quarter Pound Veggie Burgers are perfect with lettuce, tomato, red onions, and sautéed mushrooms. This delicious avocado dip would make the perfect spread for a sauce for the burgers as well. If you’ve never sautéed mushrooms before, it’s super easy. Carefully wipe with a wet cloth to remove dirt. Remove the stems. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat, and then add the mushrooms, cooking and stirring a few times for 5-7 minutes. Add in a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder while cooking. Remove from heat and serve.

For a super simple pairing, just serve spicy pickles alongside the burgers.

However, if you’re looking for everyday solutions for complete meals, especially for get togethers, you’re going to want to try these five side dishes!

Now, you’re whole summer is ready to go with options for everyday!  Enjoy these Vegan Options for Your Next Cookout or everyday meal solutions!

The MorningStar Farms Burger Bar Truck will be driving around to visit Walmart stores around the country, click below to see if they are coming to a Walmart near you!

Grilled Balsamic Steak

by Leave a Comment

This Grilled Balsamic Steak is the perfect conversation starter for your next summer get together! Pair it with delicious The Dreaming Tree Crush red wine for the ultimate pairing.

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #SeedOfAGreatSummer #CollectiveBias

Summertime is one of my favorite seasons because it means grilling time. I mean, I typically grill year round, but in the summer, we grill way more often.  It also means more get togethers. There’s something about summer time and grilling with family that brings everyone around us joy. We love inviting our friends and family over to enjoy a meal together. As a culture, it’s what we were made to enjoy.  Being able to come together, share a meal and conversation, is the root of what makes us happy. And having the opportunity to do that with family brings us so much joy.

For special celebrations, we love making steak. This grilled balsamic steak is the perfection conversation starter. Your family will be begging for your how to make this delicious grilled balsamic steak. The homemade balsamic steak sauce recipe will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Pairing Wine with Grilled Balsamic Steak

I’ve been grilling for a long time.  As I’ve gotten older and we enjoy having people over, we’ve learned to always have a bottle (or a few if a big party) of wine that pairs nicely with the meal we are serving. Pairing wine with Grilled Balsamic Steak is easy thanks to The Dreaming Tree. Their red blend, Crush, has notes of smokey berry with a pop of raspberry jam, making it the ultimate shareable red wine with your favorite people.

The Dreaming Tree Wines

Whether you are serving this deliciously grilled Balsamic Steak with Crush red wine blend or looking for other options, The Dreaming Tree has the perfect wine to bring along or serve to share with family and friends. These high quality, delicious wines are made at an affordable price so everyone can enjoy. The Dreaming Tree has a goal to make high quality California wines available everywhere. Besides the delicious red blend, Crush, other available wines include:

  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chardonnay

How to make Grilled Balsamic Steak

This Grilled Balsamic Steak is super simple to make and a huge crowd please.  Combine those two things and you have all the conversation starter that you need for your next get together.  Start by making the delicious balsamic steak sauce from scratch. Don’t worry, we promise this is easy. Once you make the sauce, while you wait for it to chill, you make a simple steak with fresh cracked pink salt and black pepper. Grill it on both sides until done to your preferred cooking temperature.  Then, serve alongside the balsamic steak sauce and The Dreaming Tree Crush red wine blend.

0 from 0 votes
Print
Grilled Balsamic Steak
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Resting Time
5 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 

This Grilled Balsamic Steak is the perfect conversation starter for your next summer get together! Pair it with delicious The Dreaming Tree Crush red wine for the ultimate pairing. 

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dinner, homemade steak sauce, steak
Servings: 4 people
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Yellow Onion, largely sliced and separated
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
  • 2 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 strip steaks
Instructions

  1. In a medium sauce pot, add the ingredients except butter and steak.

  2. Stir and let come to a boil.

  3. Simmer for 30 minutes.

  4. Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted.  

  5. Using a strainer, remove onions and garlic. 

  6. Set aside sauce. 

  7. Crack pink salt and black pepper on both sides of your steaks. 

  8. Heat grill to 400 degrees. 

  9. Cook steaks for 4 minutes on each side for medium. (Cook more or less time depending on preference). 

  10. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. 

  11. Cut steak and serve with balsamic steak sauce and Dreaming Tree Crush.

Recipe Notes

**Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 

The Dreaming Tree wines are available at your local grocery, drug or supercenter stores. A little trick – just go to their website and locate their wines here.

Green Bean Salad Recipe (Vegan Option)

by Leave a Comment

This easy green bean salad recipe may be simple, but it’s packed full of flavor. Be sure to take a potluck hit to your next get together with this simple side dish.

I’ve told the story before about how growing up, I’d only eat green bean in ketchup.  Thankfully, all my senses came together and had an awakening moment for my life. Slowly, but surely, I’ve came to love green beans and now, they are one of my favorite vegetables. I never realized at that time, but green beans are so versatile.  I remember reading before that you have to try new foods up to 10 times. I can totally see why now, because the versatility in what you can go with a set of ingredients, can completely change how you look at a food that you think you don’t like.

It’s also a great tool for teaching your children. For us, we explain to our kids that while you may not like something steamed, you may like it grilled, or roasted, or sautéed. You may like an ingredient mixed into something, but not by itself.  There are so many different ways to use and incorporate ingredients, that you should never give up on it the first time.

Green Bean Salad Recipe

This easy green bean salad recipe with feta is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  In our  home, it’s kid-approved, too! Our girls, love not only helping to make this, but being able to eat through all the flavor combinations as well. We start by sautéing fresh green beans in butter, with some freshly cracked black pepper and pink Himalayan salt.  While they are cooling down after cooking, we halve beautifully ripe cherry tomatoes. Then, we make a delicious, but simple lemon balsamic sauce. Finally, we combine everything with some sliced almonds and feta cheese. The end result is everything that you’ve wanted and more in a side dish!

5 from 1 vote
Print
Easy Green Bean Salad Recipe with Feta
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Cooling Time
15 mins
Total Time
18 mins
 

While this easy green bean salad recipe may be simple, it's packed full of flavor. Be sure to take a potluck hit to your next get together with this simple side dish.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: side dish, summer salad
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 154 kcal
Author: Larisha Campbell
Ingredients
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, ends snipped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (use vegan butter if making vegan)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds (walnuts could be substituted)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (use vegan feta)
Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add green beans and saute for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

  3. Remove from heat and put inside bowl. Let cool for 15 minutes. 

  4. In a small bowl, combine, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic powder. Stir together. 

  5. To bowl with green beans, add halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions. Pour sauce combination over and stir gently, but well. 

  6. Taste test and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. 

  7. Add feta cheese and toasted almonds on top. 

  8. Serve warm or cold. 

Nutrition Facts
Easy Green Bean Salad Recipe with Feta
Amount Per Serving (0.5 cup)
Calories 154 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 116mg 5%
Potassium 339mg 10%
Total Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin A 16.2%
Vitamin C 28%
Calcium 10.1%
Iron 7.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Pin this deliciously easy Green Bean Salad Recipe for later: 

VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY

Even More Recent Posts

We’re Parents is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com