Tag Archives: homemade

#NationalPierogiDay

Pierogies

This one’s coming out of left field, but I love pierogies SO much that I cannot help but share some easy recipes that will please literally anyone. If you don’t like pierogies, I don’t even know what to say.

First, some history. Pierogies are filled dumplings of Eastern European origin. They’re made by wrapping pockets of unleavened dough around a savory or sweet filling. Generally, we’re working with potato and cheese, but there’s also fillings along the lines of sauerkraut, ground meats, and fruits. They’re generally served with melted butter, sour cream, or fried onion (or all of the above). I will not sit here and tell you these are ‘good for you’, but they are certainly incredibly easy to make and so, so delicious.

A lot of people, including myself, sticks generally to the frozen pierogies you find at your local grocery store. That’s why I am going to start with a recipe that uses these frozen pierogies, and simply makes them more delicious than you’ve probably ever prepared them before.

ItIsAKeeper.com hits us with a simple recipe, 3 ingredients: 1 package of frozen pierogies, half a cup of butter, and one onion, thinly sliced. The directions? Put them all in a slow cooker, put on the lid, and cook for 3-4 hours.

Crockpot Pierogies

Crockpot Pierogies [http://www.itisakeeper.com/10088/best-crock-pot-recipe-crock-pot-pierogies/]

Equally as easy, and such a fun spin on pierogies, TheKitchenMagpie.com curated a recipe for Crockpot Lazy Pierogie Casserole. Intrigued? So was I! This doesn’t involve any real pierogies, but takes all of the best elements from them and combines them into a delicious lasagna/casserole – potatoes, bacon, cheese…yum.

To prepare the crockpot, you’ll need to boil lasagna noodles, peel, dice, and boil potatoes, mash potatoes with cheese, milk, and spices, prepare a ricotta cheese mixture, fry up some onions, and cook up some bacon. May sound like a lot, but all of these things are pretty basic and take minimal prep time or skill.

Then starts the layering in the crockpot, starting with lasagna noodles. Then spread ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, then goes the potato cheese mixture, then bacon and onions. And repeat! Cook in the crockpot on low for two hours – and you’re done!

Lazy Pierogi Casserole

Lazy Pierogi Casserole [http://mommysavers.com/homemade-pierogies-meat-freezer-meal/]

I saved the most challenging pierogi recipe for last: homemade pierogies. Dun dun dun. That being said, the perk here is that your work will go a long way – this is a great freezer meal!

To make the dough: combine potato flakes and boiling water and allow to cool. Add remaining ingredients (2 beaten eggs, salt, and all purpose flour) and mix until dough forms. Roll out dough and use a round cookie cutter or glass to make rounds for each pierogi.

Brush each round with beaten egg, flip over, and add about a tablespoon of your homemade pierogi filling – my favorite is potato and cheese and couldn’t be easier. You can always add bacon – it’s really up to you! Whatever your favorite is. Seal the pierogi shut and boil until they rise to the top (about 3-4 minutes). Once done, saute in a frying pan with butter – feel free to add onions! Serve with sour cream.

To freeze: allow pierogies to completely dry after boiling, lay flat on a cookie sheet and freeze. After they’re frozen, feel free to place in zippered plastic bags. To serve, thaw completely and saute to finish cooking. That’s all! Enjoy #nationalpierogiday and please let us know if you have any recipes of your own for this delicious treat!

Homemade Pierogies

Homemade Pierogies [http://mommysavers.com/homemade-pierogies-meat-freezer-meal/]

Homemade Popsicles!

Popsicles

We are getting VERY close to the long weekend! Looks like it’s going to be a hot one for us at the lake. Usually on a hot day, we run straight to the ice cream shop to get a cold treat – but I thought it’d be so fun this weekend to make some homemade popsicles to cool down instead! Not only are these easy on the wallet, but are SO simple to make, and a much healthier alternative. Three recipes caught my eye on Pinterest this morning – maybe you’ll feel the same way. Check them out below!

3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Popsicles

strawberry_banana_popsicles

3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Popsicles [http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/06/22/3-ingredient-strawberry-banana-popsicles/]

I can’t even believe that these are only 3 INGREDIENTS. Could this be any easier? All you need are strawberries, a frozen banana, and juice. Sally’s Baking Addiction tells us that the frozen banana makes all the difference because  it gives the popsicles an unbelievably creamy texture without the need of high-fat dairy. Simply blend 1 large banana, cut into chunks and frozen, 12 large strawberries sliced in half, and 1/2 cup of juice. They recommend pineapple or orange.

You will need to buy a popsicle mold (and you’ll need it for all three recipes mentioned) – these are really inexpensive and easy to find – you should be able to find them easily at Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond…you get the jist.

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and pour the mixture into the popsicle molds. If your mold has slots for sticks, you can insert them before freezing. If not, freeze for 2 hours and then put the stick in. Continue to freeze for an additional 6 hours or overnight – overnight will make for the easiest removal process. Run the molds under hot water to remove easily. Yum!

Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Greek_Yogurt_Popsicles

Greek Yogurt Popsicles [http://www.dessertfortwo.com/2014/06/make-your-own-greek-yogurt-pops/]

Missing that creamy texture? Go for these awesome popsicles by Dessert For Two that use the protein-rich and creamy Greek yogurt to really make these pop. This recipe is a bit more labor-intensive, but sounds so amazing that I know these will not only be worth the extra effort but also really impress any company you have!

Ingredients include 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 3-4 tablespoons of agave nectar, a handful of strawberries, plums, or any fruit of your choice, 2 teaspoons of neutral-flavored oil, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.

For this recipe, you’ll be roasting fruit – which is supremely easy. Simply preheat the oven to 400, and place the fruit on a small sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the oil and sugar over the fruit and toss to combine to roast for about 25 minutes. Watch carefully or this will burn! Let cool completely.

Combine the Greek yogurt with the agave nectar. Then, you’ll want to layer the roasted fruit and the Greek yogurt mixture into the popsicle molds. Make it pretty! Super easy – freeze and enjoy.

Nutella Coolwhip Popsicles

Nutella_Coolwhip_Popsicles

Nutella Coolwhip Popsicles [http://www.canadianfreestuff.com/nutella-coolwhip-popsicles-an-easy-delicious-treat-to-keep-you-and-the-kiddies-cool-this-summer/]

Had to include something chocolate-y for all the fudgcicle fans out there! My little sister ate fudgcicles like it was her job her entire childhood, so I’m sure there are more kids of this breed out there these days 🙂

This could NOT be easier – CanadianFreeStuff even mentions that her 2 year old son made these by himself. That’s saying something!

Mix together: 2 cups cool whip, 6 tablespoons Nutella, 1 cup milk. Pour into popsicle molds, freeze overnight and enjoy!

If you want to make this a little bit healthier, you can always make with low fat Coolwhip and/or skim milk. No biggie!

So there you go – try these out this weekend! Let me know if you have any other go-to homemade popsicle recipes that you and your family love – I’m all ears!

Homemade Salad Dressings: Cheaper, Easier, Healthier!

Salad

Is anyone else already thinking about Labor Day weekend? I sure am. In an effort to not feel like complete junk on Tuesday after the holiday, I am totally devoted to eating well and exercising outdoors throughout the weekend. We’ll certainly be squeezing in some last summer BBQs. What’s a better complement to some grilled food than a nice, fresh, crunchy salad?

Salads don’t  have to be boring. I repeat: salads do NOT have to be boring. One thing that I’ve found that helps increase the flavor and fun of a salad is homemade salad dressing. Not only does it ALWAYS taste better, but it is easy, cheaper, and healthier. I’d love to share some of my favorite salad dressing recipes with all of you to try out this weekend!

Citrus Honey Vinaigrette

Citrus_Honey_Vinaigrette

Citrus Honey Vinaigrette [http://reluctantentertainer.com/2014/09/citrus-honey-vinaigrette-vibrant-blue-saladsavors-giveaway/]

Reluctant Entertainer comes to us with a great, fresh, citrus-y recipe with this one. It’s crazy simple and takes, literally, 5 minutes to make. All  you need is one medium orange, juice squeezed, 1 medium lemon, juice squeezed, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons grated ginger. Combine and whisk together! She recommends this on greens, crumbled blue cheese, tart dried cherries, and crunch pecans – yum! I have tried it in a ton of salads myself – one of my personal favorites is on a fruity salad – strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, feta, walnuts…I think I know what I want for lunch today now!

Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing

Avocado_Cilantro_Lime_Salad_Dressing

Avocado Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing [http://thewholesomedish.com/avocado-cilantro-lime-salad-dressing/]

The Wholesome Dish gives us this incredible recipe for the avo-lover, which I, myself, admit to being. It’s creamy without the guilt and just gives such a fresh feeling to anything you add it to. Can’t get enough avo in my life. This recipe is also incredibly easy – 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, some salt and pepper, 1/2 cup cilantro, and 1 ripe avocado. Add them all into a blender and blend until smooth! If you want it a little more watery, simply add some water or additional fruit juice. Its sweet, bright, and still savory. They recommend this on ANY salad – my mind immediately goes to something a little bit southwestern – black beans, corn, etc., but also can be used as a mayo replacement on sandwiches or even in salads like chicken, tuna, or potato salad. Can’t wait to serve this one to some guests at a BBQ!

Best Dressing

Best_Dressing

Best Dressing [http://www.anediblemosaic.com/best-dressing/]

Ok, anything called ‘Best Dressing’ is something I had to try. An Edible Mosaic truly names this dressing something that lives up to its namesake. This is simple + delicious! This is an all-purpose dressing that can even double as a marinade. Something that they really impress upon the reader in this recipe is how important a good olive oil is (and this goes for all dressings + recipes, makes a world of a difference!) — as they say, it takes a recipe from good to amazing. I’m sold! It’s heavy on the ingredients compared to the other recipes, but is just as simple. All you need is 1/3 cup good quality EVOO, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), 2 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 tablespoon of dijon mustard, 1/2 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1-2 teaspoons of seasoned salt of your choice, some pepper, 1/2 a small white onion, minced, and a small glove of garlic, grated. Whisk them all together – this can be stored and refrigerated for up to 1 week! It’s savory and fantastic – give this a try anytime! It is perfect for any dressing.

So there you have it – enjoy this weekend! Let us know how you like these recipes or any other favorite homemade salad dressing recipe you have! We are all ears.

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