blog - Mom's Dinner

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

May 7, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 3 Comments

Pan Roasted Cherry Tomatoes tossed over pasta makes an amazing pasta dinner recipe or Italian side dish. It is a lightly seasoned pasta dish that gets its flavor from the delicious fresh tomato juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and balsamic. This is a great recipe to make if you have a summer garden full of cherry tomatoes or if you have some tomatoes that need to be used before they turn.

Pan Roasted Tomato Pasta in a bowl topped with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese

Cherry or grape tomatoes are slow “roasted” in a extra virgin olive oil and then tossed with plenty of garlic, a little sugar and balsamic. The best part are the toasted bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil that tops off this dish!

If you are looking for more of a traditional tomato based marinara sauce you can check out this Homemade Marinara Sauce or Easy Tomato Cream Sauce.

How to Make Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

While making the pan roasted tomato sauce you will want to boil the water and cook your pasta according to package instructions.

In a large skillet (that has a lid, because the tomatoes will sputter in the oil as they pop) over medium low heat add ½ cup good extra virgin olive oil. Let it heat for a minute or two.

Add 1 ½ to 2 lbs. of cherry or grape tomatoes. Sauté for 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: For the last 5 minutes lightly press on some of the tomatoes with a wooden spoon to release a little extra juice.

Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and let them warm for 5 minutes.

Off the heat add 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoon sugar, and 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Stir it around the pan and then pour it over the cooked pasta. Toss in a lot of fresh torn basil.

Optional Bread Crumb Topping

In the now empty skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Add ½ cup panko bread crumbs and toast them until they are golden brown and smell like toast.

Toasted panko bread crumbs — *Toasted Panko Bread Crumbs*

Serving

Taste the pasta for additional salt or drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Then to serve toss the pasta with fresh shaved parmesan cheese and top with the toasted bread crumbs.

bowl of pasta topped with pan roasted tomato sauce and parm cheese — *Pasta with Pan Roasted Cherry Tomatoes*

This makes an excellent light entrée or Italian side dish for meatballs or Italian Meatloaf!

Could Also be served as a side dish with:

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Instant Pot Chunky Applesauce

May 5, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 10 Comments

If there is one thing we can chow down on in the Mom’s Dinner kitchens, it is this Instant Pot Chunky Applesauce! I promise this is some of the best and easiest homemade applesauce you will make. Chunks of fresh apples are cooked to the perfect consistency with a little lemon juice and cinnamon right in your electric pressure cooker for 5 minutes!

Chunky applesauce in a white bowl, Instant Pot in the backgroun

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Ingredients

This Instant Pot Apple Sauce recipe only requires 5 simple ingredients:

Apples – I have used Honey Crisp apples in the past, but a combo of different crisp apples will work great too.
Water – just tap water is all you need!
Lemon juice – fresh lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness in the apples.
Cinnamon – ground cinnamon adds the perfect flavor to the applesauce.
Kosher Salt – actually brings out more sweetness in the apples.

applesauce ingredients - apples, water, lemon, cinnamon, salt

It is a great way to use up apples that are starting to go soft or that look so terrible your picky kids won’t eat them!

What Apples to Use

When I have made this recipe I have used Honeycrisp apples that had gone a little soft.

You can also use any combo of apples; Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, pink lady… really any apple you have will work.

How to Make Applesauce In The Instant Pot

Step 1

Start by washing peeling and coring your apples. Then cut them into 1 ½ to 2 inch chunks.

ingredients for applesauce in the instant pot

Step 2

Place them in the Instant Pot, pour ⅓ cup water over the apples. Add in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (can use more for a stronger cinnamon flavor), and a pinch of salt.

what chunky applesauce looks like right after it is cooked in the instant pot

Step 3

Pop the lid on and set your pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. At the end do a quick release.

The apples should have broken down to a perfect chunky consistency during cooking.

Instant Pot Chunky applesauce in the inner pot of the IP

Step 4

Give it a stir and taste. Sometimes we like a little extra sweetness by adding 2 teaspoon brown sugar or honey.

Storing

Store any leftover Instant Pot Applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!

You can also freeze completely cooled applesauce in a freezer safe baggie or container for up to 6 months. Only fill your bags about ½ way full to allow for expansion during freezing.

More Fresh Apple Recipes

Homemade Instant Pot Applesauce in a white bowl

Instant Pot Chunky Apple Sauce Recipe

Delicious homemade chunky applesauce made in your Instant Pot. This is a great way to use up softer or older apples.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Pressure and release time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings: people

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

▢
Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

▢ 3 lbs apples - I used Honey Crisp but any kind or combo will work.
▢ ⅓ cup water
▢ 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon - extra for a stronger cinnamon flavor
▢ pinch of kosher salt
▢ OPTIONAL for more sweetness: 2 teaspoon brown sugar or honey - added after cooking

Instructions

Wash, peel and core your apples. Cut them into 1 ½ to 2 inch chunks.
Place the 3 lbs cut apples, ⅓ cup water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of salt into the Instant Pot.
Pop the lid on and turn the pressure valve to seal.
Set to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Do a quick release.
Stir your applesauce and taste. If you like a little more sweetness you can add 2 teaspoon brown sugar+ or honey.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Storing: Store leftover Instant Pot Applesauce in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing: You can also freeze completely cooled applesauce in a freezer safe baggie or container for up to 6 months. Only fill your bags about ½ way full to allow for expansion during freezing.

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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Easy Drop Biscuits

May 4, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 1 Comment

These easy drop biscuits are done in a flash, no rolling or kneading required, just about 15-20 minutes from start to finish! The recipe is as easy as mixing 5 ingredients, popping them in a muffin tin and baking for 10 minutes. You get tender and buttery biscuits with a little crisp to the outside.

Easy Drop Biscuits in a basket with honey and butter

This recipe will make 12 biscuits.

These drop biscuits make a great accompaniment to this recipe for Chicken and Biscuits.

Biscuit cut in half with butter and honey

If you are looking for a biscuit recipe using bisquick, check out these cheddar garlic biscuits.

Ingredients

This is a great biscuit recipe to have around when you don’t have any bisquick or can’t make a trip to the store. You probably already have all the ingredients:

all purpose flour
baking powder
salt
cold butter
milk

How to Make Easy Drop Biscuits

This is NOT an overly complicated or difficult recipe. Even if you do not consider yourself a “baker” you can successfully make these biscuits!

a basket full or drop biscuits with a bowl of butter

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees. Also prep a muffin tin by greasing the cups with spray or oil. You can also drop these onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer), sift together the 2 cups flour and 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, and ¼ cup butter that has been cut into smaller pea sized pieces.

Using the paddle attachment (or beaters of a hand mixer) blend together the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing will cause your biscuits to be tough.

With wet hands or a spoon (the dough will be sticky), drop the dough into your muffin tin. It should make about 12 small/medium drop biscuits.

Bake for 10 minutes. Using a fork pop the biscuits out of the muffin tin and cool for a minute or two, then serve!

biscuits that were baked in a muffin tin

Easy Drop Biscuit Recipe

Easy Drop Biscuits

Tender Drop Biscuits that are make in a flash, they take about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Only 5 simple ingredients in this drop biscuit recipe!

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: biscuits

Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450° and prep a 12 count muffin tin by greasing the cup with spray or oil.
(could also use a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat)
Sift together the 2 cups all purpose flour and 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a bowl with a hand mixer) combine all the ingredients- the sifted flour and baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, ¼ cold butter. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Overmixing will cause your biscuits to be tough.
With wet hands or a spoon (the dough will be sticky) drop the dough into the muffin tin. You should have 12 biscuits.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Using a fork, pop the biscuits out of the muffin tin and serve!

Serving

We like to serve these with butter, honey, or jam.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

These drop biscuits make a great accompaniment to Chicken and Biscuits.

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

May 3, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 1 Comment

Creamy white chicken enchilada casserole, made in a skillet on the stove top, makes an excellent dinner!! This is such an easy white enchilada recipe that doesn’t require any layering and cooks in a flash. It is full of a light cream sauce, green chilies, tender shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and is all topped off with pepper jack cheese.

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole in a skillet topped with cilantro

If you love enchiladas, check out these recipes for My Favorite Chicken Enchiladas , Veggie Enchiladas, Beef Enchilada Casserole, and Enchilada Skillet.

How to Make White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

For this chicken enchilada casserole you will want to start with a skillet that has high sides and a lid. Set it over medium low heat and melt 3 tablespoon butter. Add in 1 cup diced onions, 3 chopped garlic cloves, and 1 chopped jalapenos and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. I like to take the seeds and ribs out of my jalapenos to decrease the heat.

Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Add 2 tablespoon flour and stir around the pan for about 1 minute.

Pour in 1 ¼ cup chicken broth and 1 ½ cup milk (I recommend using whole or 2% milk). Give it a stir/whisk. Add in the can of chopped green chilies. Simmer lightly over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

skillet with a white creamy sauce and chicken

Turn the heat to low and whisk in the 5.3 oz container of plain greek yogurt. Stir in 2 cups of cooked chopped chicken. Nestle in the cut corn tortillas so they are all touching or IN the liquid.

Skillet filled with light creamy sauce, chicken, and corn tortillas

Pop the lid on a cook over low for 5 minutes. Top with the 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, pop the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes.

Let set off the heat for 5 minutes and then serve!

Serving

Top your enchilada casserole with cilantro, a squeeze of lime and fresh avocado or guacamole.

A skillet of white chicken enchilada casserole being served with a spoon

This should serve about 5 people without sides. If you have extra sides, like 15 minute refried beans and chips with salsa, then it will serve about 6 people.

Shredded Cooked Chicken

When a recipe calls for cooked chicken I love to pick up a rotisserie chicken at Costco. But if I don’t have a trip planned here are two great recipes to make your chicken in the Instant Pot:

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Refreshing Cucumber Margarita

May 1, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 2 Comments

This is the ultimate recipe for Cucumber Margaritas. It is easy to mix up at home with just 6 ingredients. You simply blend up some fresh cucumbers to make juice; then shake the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, agave, a pinch of kosher salt and cucumber juice together for an amazing margarita. It has a super refreshing cucumber and lime flavor that is not too sweet.

Cucumber Margarita in a glass with a fresh cucumber garnish

This Cucumber Margarita will be your go-to when you are craving a margarita with a new flavor. Or if you are just looking for a kick ass tequila cocktail. Perfect to pair with any Mexican dinner!

All About The Ingredients

To make these Refreshing Cucumber Margaritas you need 6 main ingredients, pictured below.

Ingredients for cucumber margaritas on a table — Ingredients Pictured Clockwise: Limes, Silver Tequila, fresh Cucumber, Cointreau, Agave.

Tequila

For this Cucumber Marg you will use silver tequila, also called blanco tequila. Since you will be adding so many other flavors it is not necessary to use super expensive Tequila. Something mid-ranged in price will do.

For a mid level mixing tequila we like Espolon, Cazadores, Jose Cuervo Traditional.

Fresh Lime Juice

When you are making a margarita it is not the time to use the pre-squeezed juice that comes in a bottle! You want fresh squeezed lime juice.

I highly recommend using either a hand held citrus press or reamer to extract the juice from the limes!

Cucumber

To make the cucumber juice you obviously need fresh cucumbers. I have tested this recipe with both regular cucumbers and hot house or English cucumbers. Both work perfectly!

Regular Cucumbers- you will want to peel these, cut them in half lengthwise and then scoop our some of the seeds/pulp, then blend them up.

English or Hot House Cucumbers- these will also need to be peeled, then you can just chop them in pieces that will fit into your blender.

Cointreau

Cointreau is a brand of Triple Sec, which is orange liqueur. It adds a nice flavor note and mild sweetness to the cocktail.

Cointreau is quite a bit more expensive than just plain Triple Sec, but I highly recommend using the Cointreau. Something like DeKuypers Triple Sec is SUPER sugary.

You can also use Grand Mariner, as it is a triple sec. But I find that it doesn’t have quite as pure of an orange flavor as Cointreau.

Agave

There may be a few options when buying agave for your Cucumber Margarita; Light, Dark, Amber and Raw.

We recommend using the light Agave. It has a lighter flavor that doesn’t get in the way of the cucumber and lime flavors. It is lightly sweetens the cocktail.

This is also where you can adjust the sweetness of your drink by adding more or less agave.

Kosher Salt

Traditionally Kosher Salt is used to rim a margarita glass. In this cocktail we are adding it right into the shaker.

Kosher salt and Iodized table salt are not the same thing! If you don’t have kosher salt or margarita salt I would omit it altogether.

Cucumber Juice

You can also watch Susie make this Cucumber Margarita (plus a frozen mango margarita and a pineapple jalapeno margarita) on a 30 minute Pin TV Episode!

To make your cucumber juice you will need a regular cucumber or am English cucumber. You will need to peel it no matter which you choose.

If you have the regular cucumber I also recommend splitting it in half and scooping our some of the seeds/pulp.

Then grab a strong blender or food processor. Add the cucumber pieces and 2 tablespoon up to ¼ cup water. Blend it for about 30 seconds until it is nice and smooth.

Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or cup to separate the pulp and the juice.

Pro Tip: I also like to stir the pulp to let a little through. It gives your Cucumber Margaritas a nice texture!

pouring pureed cucumbers through a mesh sieve to a bowl

This can be made a couple hours ahead and stored in the fridge. You may need to give it a stir before mixing up your drinks.

Garnish Options

There are a few fun ways to garnish your Cucumber Margarita Cocktail.

Pictured below you will see a piece of cucumber shaved with a vegetable peeler. It is then rolled into a rosette and skewered with a cocktail pick.

Cucumber margarita in a glass with a cucumber rosette garnish

You can also cut up cucumber rounds or spears and add to the drink. Or stick with a traditional lime wedge or wheel.

Spice It Up

If you like a little spice in your cocktail, this Cucumber Margarita Recipe pairs really nicely with either Jalapeno Infused Tequila or adding a jalapeno to your shaker!

For a super spicy cocktail you can muddle the jalapeno in the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Too Long; Didn’t Read. Recipe Tips

A hot house (English) or regular cucumber will work for the cucumber juice.
Use a mid ranged tequila for your mixed tequila drink.
Use fresh squeezed lime juice, not bottled!
Choose a light agave for best flavor.
Cointreau will have the cleanest orange flavor for your drink (not Grand Mariner or “Triple Sec”)
Shake the margarita for optimal flavor.
Add a jalapeno if you like it spicy!

More Margarita Recipes

If you love a tequila cocktail then you are in the right spot! Tequila is our spirit of choice we love a Classic Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, and even an Anejo Old Fashioned.

Here are some other yummy margaritas to serve at your next party or happy hour:

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork

April 30, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 34 Comments

Instant Pot Pulled Pork is tender and flavorful pork shoulder (also called butt or Boston butt) cooked up quickly in your electric pressure cooker. The pork meat comes out fall-apart tender and makes amazing BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. It will become your families favorite Instant Pot Pork Recipe!

This is a complete guide to making pulled pork in your Instant Pot– everything from which cut of pork to buy, and how much to buy, to trimming, seasoning and cooking!

If you have a pork butt but want to use it in other ways, check out these two recipes: Instant Pot Carnitas or Instant Pot Pork Roast.

Also, if you love BBQ in your Instant Pot definitely make these Instant Pot Boneless Pork Ribs or Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken!! You will not regret it!

Is it Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder

So what do your buy at the store to make pulled pork:

pork butt
pork shoulder
Boston butt
Bone-in or boneless

Buying any of these options will result in the same flavorful pulled pork. Butt, shoulder and Boston butt are pretty much the same thing.

Fresh raw pork butt, also known as a pork shoulder or boston butt — Pork Butt, also known as a pork shoulder or Boston butt

All three are actually cut from the shoulder, hence “pork shoulder”. The pork “butt”, also known as Boston butt, comes from the same area but is a little higher on the foreleg.

Buying boneless or bone-in is up to you. Both will cook perfectly fine in your Instant Pot. Since you will be cutting the pork butt into cubes, you could cut the bone out if you prefer, but it is not totally necessary.

How Much Pork to Buy for Serving

If you are planning on feeding a crowd or just a couple people it is important to know how many pounds of pork to buy. They can vary anywhere from 3 lbs up to 18 lbs.

The best way to calculate is 3 people (adults) per pound of raw pork.

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot

We are going to start by trimming the pork butt. Since we are not cooking “low and slow”, like in smoking pork butt, the fat will not render all the way down. The last thing you want in your pulled pork is a big chunk of jiggly fat. Gross.

Trim as much of the white fat that you can from the outside of the butt. Then cut the meat down into 3 inch chunks.

If you come across more fat or connective tissue within the meat, cut that out as well.

In a small bowl mix together your dry rub seasoning. Coat the pork butt pieces completely with all of the seasoning.

dry rub seasoning for instant pot pulled pork

fresh pork shoulder cut into chunks and seasoned with dry rub

Pour 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot. This will add flavor to the pork during cooking!

Optionally place the metal trivet over the liquid. Put the seasoned pork pieces on the trivet or you can place the pork right down in the liquid.

cooking liquid and trivet in instant pot

Close the pot and set to cook for 40 minutes.

Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Doubling the Recipe

A question I get often is “if I double the pulled pork recipe do I double the cooking time?”. The answer in this case is no.

Since you are cutting the pork into equal 2-3 inch pieces they will all cook within the 40 minute cook time. No need to add time.

Just make sure you do not over fill your Instant Pot above the “max fill line” that is marked on the inside of your pot.

Pulling Your Pork

Now you will want to “pull” your pork, which is another way of saying shred the pork.

Since the meat will be so tender it is easy to do with two forks. Placing them in the center of a piece of meat and pulling it apart.

Another easy way to shred meat (this works especially well with chicken) is by using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. That makes really quick work of shredding!! Just make sure you do it while the pork is still warm and only run the mixer for about 30 seconds.

Serving Pulled Pork

We like to eat our Instant Pot Pulled Pork on buns with some KC Style BBQ sauce and coleslaw. It also makes amazing tacos or grilled cheeses.

This Instant Pot Potato Salad and Instant Pot Corn on the Cob make killer side dishes for pulled pork sandwiches!

Storing

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

You can freeze leftover pulled pork very easily!! Place the cooled pork in a freezer safe bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing in 2 cup portions.

Other Great Instant Pot Recipes

If you love using your Instant Pot, here are some more amazing recipes to check out for your next dinner!

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Perfect Fresh Lemonade

April 28, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 3 Comments

Perfect Fresh Lemonade only takes 3 simple ingredients: fresh lemons, sugar, and water, and is such a refreshing treat. This homemade lemonade recipe has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and citrus freshness! Great on a hot summer day… or add a little vodka for a happy hour cocktail.

fresh squeezed lemonade in a glass with a lemon wheel and a blue paper straw

Once you make this fresh squeezed lemonade you will have a hard time going back to the powder stuff!

How to Make Fresh Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Especially if the recipe only calls for 3 simple ingredients: lemons, water, sugar!

Fresh lemonade ingredients - lemons, sugar, water

Start with a small pot on the stove, over medium low heat. Add in 1 cup white sugar and 1 cup water. Also add in the rind of 1 lemon.

Let that warm on the stove for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, juice 5-6 lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain any pulp and seeds out of the juice. (you can keep the pulp if you prefer, but definitely remove any seeds!)

In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice with 4 cups of water.

Once the sugar and water mixture is ready remove the lemon rinds and stir it into the pitcher with the lemon juice/water mixture.

homemade lemonade in a glass pitcher with lemons to the side

Serve over ice! This should be enough to serve about 8 people.

Storing

Keep in a pitcher, in the fridge, for up to one week.

Tricks to Getting More Juice from Lemons

If you bought lemons that are less than juicy, there are a few tricks to make sure they give up all their juice!

Roll the lemon across the counter, under the palm of your hand, until it starts to soften.
Microwave your lemon for about 20 seconds.
Use a lemon reamer or squeezer – this Citrus Press from Amazon or Wooden Lemon Reamer from Amazon. They are a great tool to have in the kitchen, especially if you love Margaritas!

overhead photo of a pitcher of lemonade with 3 lemon wheels

Extra Flavors

If you are feeling extra fancy, you can add some yummy flavors to your homemade fresh lemonade:

Mint Lemonade: add some mint leaves in with the water, sugar and lemon rind. Serve with mint leaves.
Cherry Lemonade: add a little grenadine and a maraschino cherry in each glass served.

More Lemon Drinks!

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Fresh Lemonade

Delicious fresh squeezed lemonade recipe that has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Just 3 simple ingredients!

4.50 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Servings: glasses

Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

▢ 5-6 fresh lemons
▢ 5 cups water - divided
▢ 1 cup white sugar

Instructions

Start by making a lemon simple syrup – place a small pot over medium/low heat on the stovetop. Pour in 1 cup water and 1 cup white sugar.
Remove the rind from 1 lemon and place that in the pot as well. Give it a stir and let it warm for 10 minutes, stir occasionally.
Meanwhile juice 5-6 lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Remove the seeds from the juice, removing the pulp is optional.
Remove the lemon simple syrup from the stove and discard the lemon rind.
In a large pitcher combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 4 cups cold water, and the lemon simple syrup.
Stir together and serve over ice!

Optional flavor add ins:

Mint Lemonade: add fresh mint sprigs in with the water, sugar and lemon rind. Serve each glass with a fresh mint sprig.
Cherry Lemonade: serve each glass with a little grenadine and a maraschino cherry.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Storing: Keep leftover fresh lemonade in the fridge for up to a week.

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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Sweet Cornbread Muffins

April 26, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 3 Comments

These sweet cornbread muffins are made with a mix of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and a box of yellow cake mix. They are super easy to put together! They bake up tender and moist and are a perfect mix of corn flavor and sweetness. Add a schmear of salted honey butter to take it next level!

These are not like southern style cornbread, which can be a bit dry and crumbly. These are sweet and moist corn muffins with just the right amount of crumb. I have been told they are more akin to Disney cornbread.

For more of a traditional cornbread recipe pop over to this recipe for Buttermilk Cornbread.

If you are looking for a sweet cornbread, check out my recipe for Best Ever Cornbread!

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How to Make Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and lining a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This recipe will make about 24 muffins.

sweet cornbread muffins in a muffin tin — Sweet Cornbread Muffins

In a large mixing bowl combine 1 yellow cake mix and 2 boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix. Add in 5 eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water, and ⅔ cup milk. Whisk everything together.

Mom’s Tip

Let your batter sit on the countertop for 15 minutes. This will maximize the crown that you get on your muffins.

Portion out the batter into your muffin tin. Fill each cup about ¾ full.

Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, with no batter.

Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes and the serve.

Serving

We love to serve these cornbread muffins with honey and butter. Or for an extra special treat you can make this Dreamy Honey Butter!

Storing

You can store your cornbread muffins at room temp in an airtight container for about 5 days.

You can also freeze your muffins in a freezer proof container for up to 3 months.

Great Dinner Menu with Cornbread Muffins

These cornbread muffins are so good you just might want to build a menu around this recipe! Here are two great menus:

Menu 1

Classic Chili or Instant Pot Chili
Cornbread Muffins
Raw veggie tray with ranch or blue cheese
Apple Pie Bars

Menu 2

Instant Pot Ribs , Oven Baked Boneless Ribs or Smoked Ribs
Instant Pot Potato Salad
Cornbread Muffins
Coleslaw
Cherry Pie Bars

Disclaimer

I know that these are not true “southern style” cornbread muffins, so please do not come at me in the comments about not knowing how to make REAL cornbread. This is definitely meant to be a sweet cornbread muffin, more in line with Disney cornbread : )

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Sweet Cornbread Muffins Recipe

A sweet and tender recipe for cornbread muffins. This is an easy recipe that comes together in minutes and just bakes for about 15 minutes.

4.67 from 3 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

optional batter rest time: 15

Total Time: 40

Servings: muffins

Calories: 207kcal

Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

▢
12 cup muffin tin
▢
paper or silicone muffin liners

Ingredients

Serving

▢ Optionally make a special spread – - Honey Butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° and line muffin tins with paper cupcake liners, the recipe makes about 24 corn muffins.
In a large bowl whisk together all the ingredients.
1 box yellow cake mix, 2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix, 5 eggs, 1 cup water, ⅔ cup milk, ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Let the batter sit at room temp for about 15 minutes. This step can be skipped if you are in a hurry.
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
Bake for 13-15 minutes until cooked through. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin and if it comes out clean they are done.
Cool for about 5 minutes then serve!

Recipe Tips and Notes:

If you want to make sweet cornbread check out my recipe for Best Ever Cornbread.

For a traditional cornbread pop over to this Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe.

Storing

Keep at room temp in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

You can freeze your corn muffins in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!

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Easy Tomato Cream Sauce in 15 Minutes

April 22, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 7 Comments

This Tomato Cream Sauce is so easy to make by using your favorite jarred marinara sauce mixed with cream, milk, onions, garlic and spices. It all comes together in about 15 minutes, just enough time to cook a big pot of pasta to serve it with. This pasta sauce recipe is a favorite among Mom’s Dinner readers and cooks!

Spaghetti in a white bowl with creamy tomato sauce — Spaghetti with Tomato Cream Sauce

Some call this one Pink Pasta, Rosé Pasta or Rose Pasta! It does take on a little pink hue (I think it is a little more orange) from the mix of the red marinara and milk/cream. Tell your kids you are having pink pasta for dinner and I bet they gobble it up.

This is our favorite restaurant sauce and I’ve tried multiple times to make it. Your recipe is the easiest and best tasting ever!!! The whole family goes nuts over it. It is delicious!!!

– Robyn, Mom’s Dinner Reader

RELATED: If you are looking for more of a traditional marinara sauce, check out this recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Use Your Favorite Jar Sauce

This Tomato Cream Sauce is super simple to make and I can almost guarantee that you will love the flavor because it is made with your favorite store-bought jar sauce.

Our current favorite store bought sauce is Rao’s Traditional Marinara or Basil Marinara. It pairs perfectly with the herbs, spices and cream.

Gluten Free Pasta Sauce

This sauce is made without flour! Instead, the heavy cream thickens it enough to cling to the noodles perfectly. So as long as your jarred marinara is also gluten free this also makes a great gluten-free creamy pasta sauce option.

How to Make Tomato Cream Sauce

Onions and Garlic

Start with a pot over medium/low heat. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once it is heated through add the diced onions and chopped garlic, soften completely for about 5-8 minutes.

onions and garlic cooked in olive oil — Soften onions and garlic in olive oil

While the sauce cooks you can cook the pasta in a separate pot. They will be done at about the same time!

Herbs and Seasonings

Next stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt and tomato paste. Stir it around the pan until the tomato paste coats the onions and garlic.

A small bowl of seasoning - basil, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes — Add the seasonings and tomato paste to the onions and garlic.

Add Cream

Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and ½ cup milk (I recommend 2% or whole milk). Lightly simmer over medium/low heat for about 8 minutes.

Add Store Bought Marinara

Stir in 2 cups of your favorite jarred marinara sauce. Stir until everything is combined and warmed through.

Tomato Cream Sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon — Stir all the ingredients together and serve over pasta!

Serving

Serve this Creamy Tomato Sauce over 1 lb. of cooked pasta – you can use spaghetti, penne, rigatoni… whatever you like or whatever you have.

You can optionally top this pasta with shredded parmesan and/or fresh chopped basil.

Audio Recipe

Make it a Meal or Amazing Side Dish

You can certainly stir in some sauteed shrimp, grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken if you want a little protein mixed in.

Serve dinner with a side salad, Big Italian Salad, or Caesar salad and some garlic bread!

This Tomato Cream Sauce Pasta also makes an amazing side dish for Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Spiedini, or Pork Milanese.

More Pasta Sauce Recipes

If pasta is on heavy rotation at your house, here are some more super delicious pasta sauce recipes to try:

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I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

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Easy Banana Bread

April 15, 2020 by Susie Weinrich Leave a Comment

This is the moist and delicious banana bread recipe that you have been looking for. It turns out perfect every time. You can even mix this one by hand, no need to get out that big mixer! It is also a great recipe to use up those over-ripe bananas that nobody ate through the week.

three slices of banana bread on a plate with butter

This is such an easy recipe that even if you don’t consider yourself a “baker” you can make this! I call that a foolproof recipe.

If you are looking for a muffin option, check out this recipe for banana bread muffins. Or these Banana Bars with frosting are out of this world!

How to Speed Up Ripening Bananas

You may even want to buy some extra bananas to over-ripen just for this recipe! To speed up the ripening process you can place your bananas in a paper bag with the top folded over to trap in the ripening gases.

If you already have one or two overripe bananas place those in the bag too. This will increase the amount of gas (ethylene) needed to ripen the bananas. You could also add an apple if you do not have additional ripe bananas.

This recipe for Banana Bread Pancakes is also a GREAT way to use up those ripe bananas.

Banana Bread Ingredients

You probably have most of these banana bread ingredients on hand already! The only thing you need to do now is make sure you have some REALLY ripe or over-ripened bananas that have started to brown and get really soft and sugary!

3-4 over-ripe soft bananas
1 stick room temp or softened butter
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make Easy Banana Bread

PREP: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a loaf pan by spraying it with baking spray or greasing it lightly with oil.
BANANAS: In a small bowl completely mash 3 bananas using the back of a fork.

over ripe bananas mashed in a bowl — Over ripe bananas mashed really well.

CREAM BUTTER/SUGAR: In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar, for about 2 minutes.
ADD EGGS, ETC: Stir in the mashed bananas, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
SIFT DRY INGREDIENTS: Place a mesh colander over the bowl and sift in 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder

easy banana bread batter in a loaf pan — *Easy Banana Bread batter in a loaf pan.*

LOAF PAN: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
BAKE: Place in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until cooked through. Insert a toothpick all the way into the center, if it comes out clean it is cooked through. TIP: If the edges and top start to brown too much you can lightly tent some foil over the top of the banana bread for the last 10-15 minutes.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out.

Storing

Store any leftover banana bread at room temp either wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your baked banana bread. Make sure it is completely cooled and wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer baggie or freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw simply place the frozen bread on the counter at room temp for a couple hours.

More Bread Recipes

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Instant Pot Potato Salad

April 11, 2020 by Susie Weinrich 1 Comment

For Instant Pot Potato Salad you CAN cook the eggs and potatoes together in your electric pressure cooker. This makes quick work of putting together this potato salad recipe!

Potato Salad in a white bowl with lemonade and spoons to the side

This Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe is completely classic and is made with potatoes, eggs, green onions, and celery. The dressing is the perfect balance of tangy, salty, sweet, and savory!

Is there any better side dish than potato salad? It goes great with anything from the grill, bbq ribs, or just a turkey sandwich. It will be the first dish gone at any meal and the recipe friends will be asking you for.

Potato salad topped with green onions in a white bowl — Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potatoes for Potato Salad

I recommend using russet potatoes in your potato salad. They have a heartier texture that stands up to the pressure of your Instant Pot.

How to Make Potato Salad in Your Instant Pot

Start by peeling your russet potatoes, then cut them depending on size:

Small – cut in half
Medium – cut into 4 pieces (that is what I used)
Large – cut into 6 pieces

Pour 2 cups cool water into the Instant Pot, add the potatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, and 4 eggs to the pot.

cut russet potatoes and 4 eggs in the instant pot — How to cook potatoes and eggs in the Instant Pot

Cook Eggs and Potatoes

You are going to use a 4-4-4 method for cooking – 4 minute cook, 4 minute natural release, and 4 minute ice bath. This is similar to the 5-5-5 Hard Boiled Egg Method.

Pop the lid on and turn the pressure vent to seal. Set to cook on high pressure mode for 4 minutes.

Do a 4 minute natural release, then release the remaining pressure with a quick release.

Using a slotted spoon place the eggs and potatoes in an ice bath. Let them sit for 4 minutes.

Chop the eggs and dice the potatoes (about ½-1 inch in size).

potatoes, eggs, celery, and green onions in a mixing bowl

Dressing

While the eggs and potatoes are coming to pressure and cooking you can chop the celery and onions and make the dressing.

Whisk together the mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

mayo based dressing for potato salad — Mayonnaise based dressing

Give the dressing a taste. If you like it creamier add more mayo, tangier add more vinegar or mustard, sweeter add more sugar, or saltier add more salt.

If you want you can also add in a little horseradish or black pepper.

Mix the Potato Salad

In a large mixing bowl put together the potatoes, eggs, celery, green onion, and the dressing mix. Stir it until the dressing coats all the ingredients.

potato salad in a white bowl — Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potato salad is best if you can let it sit in the fridge for 1 hour up to 24 hours before serving.

Optional Add Ins

If you like a little kick in your potato salad you can add a little horse radish. Or if you really love black pepper, that is a great add in too. To add a little extra flavor you could also add in coarse ground mustard.

No Instant Pot, No Problem!

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, pop over to this recipe for Potato Salad with Egg and you can make it right on your stove top!

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Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→

How to Make Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Optional Bread Crumb Topping

Serving

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Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe

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For Serving- Optional

Instructions

Pasta

Pan Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

Serving

Recipe Tips and Notes:

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What Apples to Use

How to Make Applesauce In The Instant Pot

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Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

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White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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All About The Ingredients

Tequila

Fresh Lime Juice

Cucumber

Cointreau

Agave

Kosher Salt

Cucumber Juice

Garnish Options

Spice It Up

Too Long; Didn’t Read. Recipe Tips

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Refreshing Cucumber Margarita Recipe + Video

Equipment

Ingredients

Cucumber Juice

Margarita

Instructions

Cucumber Juice – can be made a few hours head and stored in the fridge

Cucumber Margarita

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Is it Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder

How Much Pork to Buy for Serving

How to Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot

Doubling the Recipe

Pulling Your Pork

Serving Pulled Pork

Storing

Other Great Instant Pot Recipes

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Pork and Cooking Liquid

Dry Rub Seasoning

Serving as Pulled Pork Sandwiches