Author: CookDiaries

Desserts

MOVIE-NIGHT CHOCOLATE DATE SHAKES (DAIRY-FREE)

Ingredients: ½ cup coconut milk (from a can) 4-8 soft medjool dates, pits removed* ¼ cup cacao powder 1 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk) ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups ice Pinch of sea salt 2 tablespoons cacao nibs for topping (optional) 1 tablespoon cacao powder for topping (optional) Instructions […]

Appetizers

APPLE CINNAMON BACON BITES

INGREDIENTS: 1 pound of bacon with each slice cut in half 2 large peeled apples cut into 1 inch slices cinnamon sugar for sprinkling affiliate link toothpicks for bacon and apples affiliate link INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to a low broil or 400 degrees. Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around each apple slice until you run out of bacon. Place each […]

Brownies

(Giant) Skillet Brownie

Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup softened butter 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 eggs 7-8 oz. dark chocolate melted 1/2 cup peanut butter chips optional Instructions: If you do not have a 12 inch cast-iron skillet, you could bake these in a 10 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ baking dish. The bake time may vary by a few minutes, so watch it towards the […]

Soups & Salads

Homemade Lentil Soup

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion diced 3 carrots diced 2 ribs celery diced 3 cloves garlic minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1 bay leaf 28 oz can whole tomatoes with juice, or diced 2 cups dry lentils 4 cups water 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley Instructions: Cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic in olive oil until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. […]

Breakfast

Easy Waffles

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted Maple syrup and butter, as desired, for serving Directions : Step 1Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk flour, […]

Desserts

TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup greek yogurt (I used Vanilla flavored) 1/4 cup Almond Milk (I used Vanilla flavored) 1 banana Juice from 1 medium sized orange Juice from 1/2 lime 1 1/2 cup chopped pineapple (I used frozen) 1 packed cup fresh baby spinach INSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients to blender or processor. Blend or pulse for 2-3 minutes until completely mixed, and smooth. Should be […]

Pasta

Make-Ahead Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

Ingredients: 1(7-oz.) pkg. uncooked ready-cut spaghetti (short curved pasta) or elbow macaroni 1cup water 1(28-oz.) jar spaghetti sauce 12frozen precooked Italian meatballs 2tablespoons shredded fresh Parmesan cheese 2tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Steps: 1-Grease 12×8-inch (2-quart) baking dish. In greased baking dish, combine uncooked spaghetti, water and spaghetti sauce; mix well. Add meatballs; turn to […]

Soups & Salads

Fresh Vegetable Salad

INGREDIENTS: Dressing 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons jalapeno, seeded and finely diced 1 teaspoon celery seed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Salad 4 ears yellow corn, cleaned, cooked, cooled, and cut off the cob 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped 6 stalks celery, chopped 1 cucumber, chopped 1/2 red onion, finely chopped INSTRUCTIONS: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, jalapeno, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth. […]

Desserts

GOLDEN CARAMEL SELF-SAUCING PUDDING

Ingredients: 60g butter, melted1¼ cups brown sugar4 tablespoons golden syrup1½ cups flour2 teaspoons baking powder⅔ cup whole milk1 tablespoon cornflourvanilla icecream and/or cream to serve Method: Preheat the oven to 170C and lightly grease a 26cm x 20cm baking dish.  Mix half the melted butter with ½ cup of the brown sugar and half the […]

Breakfast

HEALTHY ANYTIME TOASTIES RECIPE

Ingredients: 1 capsicum, thinly sliced 1 sweet potato, thinly sliced 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 tomato, thinly sliced 1 cup low-fat cheese, grated spray olive or canola oil spray 1 to taste pepper 6 wholemeal or wholegrain wraps Method: Turn on sandwich press. Spray lightly with oil. Place capsicum and sweet potato on sandwich […]