fall Archives - mom makes dinner

Apple Margarita Slushy

Kelley — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:17:32 +0000

If you love the crisp sweetness of apples and the tangy kick of a margarita, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Apple Margarita Slushy. It’s a frosty, spiced cocktail that brings together the best flavors of autumn — apple cider, cinnamon, tequila, and a splash of citrus. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, planning a cozy night in, or looking for a new holiday drink to impress your guests, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and boozy refreshment.

Besides the cooler weather and falling leaves, I absolutely love fall flavors in foods. We switch over to apple, pumpkin and cinnamon-y goodness. It seems to be all food groups too! From breakfasts – caramel apple danishes – to savory lunches, dinners and even desserts – like my pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. But what I have found is that fall drinks are my favorite. I love cozying up with a fall inspired drink during the cooler months. I made this apple margarita slush and I have been obsessed ever since.

What is an apple margarita slush?

This recipe is everything you could want in a fall cocktail: refreshing, flavorful, and visually stunning. It combines the warmth of apple pie spice with the zing of tequila and triple sec, while crushed ice turns the whole mixture into a smooth, slushy treat. The light blue agave sweetener adds just enough smoothness to tie everything together without overpowering the natural apple flavor.

Unlike a traditional margarita, which leans heavily on lime juice, this version uses apple cider as the main mixer. That gives it a subtle sweetness and deep, spiced undertone. Top it with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a picture-perfect presentation — the kind that looks right at home on your fall entertaining table or social media feed.

Margarita slush ingredients

To make this drink, you will need to get:

sugar
apple pie spice
tequila
triple sec
light blue agave
apple cider
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

1/4 cup sugar – helps enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and balances the tequila’s sharpness.
1 teaspoon apple pie spice – a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that brings those unmistakable fall vibes.
1 cup tequila – use a quality blanco or reposado tequila for the best flavor.
1/2 cup triple sec – adds a bright orange note that complements the apple and spice.
2 tablespoons light blue agave syrup – a smooth, natural sweetener that keeps the cocktail from being too sugary.
2 cups apple cider – the heart of this recipe! Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the richest flavor.
3–4 cups ice – adjust depending on how thick or slushy you want your drink.
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks – for garnish and extra aroma.

Optional: add a pinch of sea salt or a sugar-cinnamon rim on the glass for a fun twist.

How to make an apple margarita slush

1. Prepare Your Glasses -Start by prepping your serving glasses — margarita or stemless wine glasses work great. For a sweet touch, rim the edges with cinnamon sugar. Just rub a lime wedge (or apple slice) around the rim, then dip it into a mix of sugar + apple pie spice. Set aside while you make the slushy.

2. Blend the Base -In a blender, combine:

apple cider
tequila
triple sec
agave syrup
sugar
apple pie spice

Add the ice and blend on high until the texture is thick and frosty. If it’s too thin, add more ice; if too thick, add a splash more cider or a drizzle of agave.

3. Taste and Adjust – Give your slushy a quick taste test. Like it stronger? Add a bit more tequila or triple sec. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle in more agave or a touch more sugar. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility — you can tailor it to your preference easily.

4. Pour and Garnish – Pour the frozen margarita mixture into your prepared glasses.
Top each one with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for garnish. The cinnamon adds aroma as you sip, and the apple slice doubles as an edible treat.

Serving Ideas

This Apple Margarita Slushy isn’t just for fall! Its refreshing texture and spiced sweetness make it a hit year-round.

Here are a few fun serving ideas:

Holiday Cocktails: Serve this as a signature drink at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Pair it with cinnamon-sugar donuts or apple pie.
Summer BBQs: Swap hot cider for chilled apple juice and make a batch for your backyard party.
Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and triple sec, use extra apple cider and a splash of orange juice instead — just as delicious and family-friendly!

If you’re hosting a crowd, you can double (or even triple) the recipe and serve it in a large glass pitcher or punch bowl. Keep extra ice on hand to refresh the slushy texture if it starts to melt.

Apple Margarita Slushy Tips

Chill everything first. Pop your apple cider, tequila, and triple sec in the fridge before blending. Cold ingredients make a smoother, frostier slush.
Use real apple cider. Avoid overly filtered or sweetened juice — you want the depth and tartness of authentic cider.
Blend in bursts. Pulse the blender rather than running it continuously to avoid over-melting the ice.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of spiced rum if you like a little heat.
Serve immediately. Like most frozen drinks, this one’s best enjoyed fresh from the blender.

Other Fall Drinks to Try

Love a good fall drink? Me too! Here are some of my other favorites you should try:

Apple Margarita Slushy

Yield: 1 drink

Make the ultimate fall drink with this apple margarita slushy!

Ingredients

½ tbsp sugar
1 tsp apple pie spice + a pinch
1 cup of ice
2 oz tequila (anejo)
1 oz triple sec
2 tsp light blue agave
6 oz. apple cider
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

1. On a small plate, combine the sugar and apple pie spice and mix until combined.

2. Use a little of the apple cider (or tequila) to rim the glass and dip into the sugar mixture. Set aside.

3. In a blender combine the ice, tequila, triple sec, agave, apple cider, and a pinch more of apple pie spice.

4. Blend until smooth and pour into rimmed glass.

5. Add apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Notes

You can use your tequila of choice. Also can swap the agave for another sweetener such as maple syrup. You can swap apple pie spice for cinnamon.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 374Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 4gSugar: 43gProtein: 1g

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Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Kelley — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:05:35 +0000

This classic fall dessert is super simple to make and full of fall inspired flavors! When you want that warm and cozy fall feeling, this is the dessert you need to make. Grab your apples and let’s make this old fashioned apple crisp together!

There are some flavor combinations that instantly give off cozy vibes. For me, when you mix together apples and cinnamon, I immediately think of fall. The cooler breezes, the crisp mornings, the crinkle of the falling leaves under my feet. This old fashioned apple crisp is one of those desserts that has all the right flavors to bring fall right into your kitchen – any time of year!

What is apple crisp?

There is a wide variety of apple based desserts such as apple pie, apple crisp and apple betty. The difference is apple crisp is made with sliced apples and topped with an oat based crumble before baking it. The apple crisp gets its name from the “crisp” oat topping that forms over the apples. (Apple pie is sliced apples baked in a pie crust and apple betty is baked breadcrumbs on top of apples.)

Old fashioned apple crisp ingredients

Some of the many things that I love about this apple crisp is that the ingredients are easy to find and budget friendly! To make an old fashioned apple crisp at home you will need:

apples
sugar
spices
cornstarch
lemon juice
oats
flour
butter
walnuts

Apples – The best apples for baking are granny Smiths and honey crisps. These apples don’t break down as much during baking so they are still slightly crisp and retain their shape well.

Sugar – Both white and brown sugar are needed for this apple crisp.

Spices – ALLLLL the fall spices are needed for this one! Grab cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt for this one.

Cornstarch – This is used in the apple portion and helps bind everything together.

Oats/flour – Feel free to use any type of oats or flour here. These are used for the topping of the apple crisp.

Butter – Cold butter will be used to make the crisp topping. I like to use unsalted butter but use whatever you have on hand.

Walnuts – Nuts in the apple crisp are optional, but I prefer walnuts. You can use walnuts, pecans or even sliced almonds here.

How to make a baked apple crisp

This apple crisp recipe can be broken down into two parts – the apple base and the oat crumble topping. Let’s start with the apples first.

Step 1: Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl combine the sliced apples, cornstarch, lemon, both sugars and the spices. Mix together until well coated and then transfer to a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the topping. Combine together the oats, flour, sugar, and spices. Cut the butter into cubes and use a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture. It should have the texture of sand when it’s well incorporated. Stir in the nuts, if using.

Step 3: Assemble and bake. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sliced apples. Place into a 350 degree pre-heated oven for 35-40 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and enjoy. Remove the from oven and allow to cool slightly. Top with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle for the most perfect fall dessert!

Old fashioned apple crisp tips and FAQs

What type of apples do you need for apple crisp? It is best to use a sturdy apple like granny Smiths or honey crisps. They tend to hold their shape better during baking and don’t turn totally mushy. You can always use any apple you like, but those two are best for making this crisp.

Tip: Use a sharp knife to slice the apples 1/2 inch in thickness.

What spices are needed? Typical fall inspired spices are what you need here – cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice! You can even add some apple pie spice, if you’d like!

Tip: Use either a pastry cutter or your finger tips to break up the cold butter into the crisp topping.

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple betty? The main difference is the topping! The topping for apple betty is made from breadcrumbs while apple crisp has an oat based topping.

Other apple desserts to try

Love apple desserts? Same here! Check out these other apple treats to try:

Storage instructions

This apple crisp is best when eaten fresh, but can be easily stored for later. Place a piece of tinfoil over your baking dish and place it in the fridge. Warm up again in the oven to enjoy again. It will stat fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days after making.

Last minutes tips..

What size baking dish do I need? You will need a 9×9 baking dish. Make sure to grease it with butter or cooking spray before adding the apples.

Tip: Any apple corer will help easily remove the core and save some time.

Is this recipe gluten or dairy free? No, this recipe as is contains both gluten and dairy. If you’d like to make it gluten free – sub out the flour and oats for a gluten free option. (Although oats are naturally gluten free, there are varieties that are free from cross contamination of gluten.) To make this recipe dairy free, sub out the regular butter for coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter.

Tip: Try the recipe as is and then add your favorite fall spices to make it truly your own.

Old fashioned apple crisp

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

6 medium apples; cored, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup walnuts, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice.
Evenly distribute the apples onto the bottom of the baking dish.
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon and salt.
Using a pastry cutter of your fingers, cut in the cold butter.
Toss in the walnuts if using.
Spread the oat topping over the apples.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Remove and allow to cool.
Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 409Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 98mgCarbohydrates: 85gFiber: 7gSugar: 58gProtein: 5g

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Caramel Apple Dip

Kelley — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 03:00:56 +0000

Let me introduce you to your new favorite dip. This caramel apple dip is full of caramelized apple and tastes like cheesecake! It’s easy to make and a great addition to any dessert or snack table. Let’s whip up this delicious caramel apple dip together!

I love the flavors of fall. I love fall in general but when add the cozy flavors of caramel and apple and pumpkin and chai – it’s just the best. Two of my favorites together are caramel and apple though! Taking a bite of this caramel apple dip just makes me think of falling leaves and roaring fireplaces.

What is caramel apple dip?

This is a cream cheese based dip that is made with homemade caramel sauce, sauteed apples and apple pie spices. It’s deliciousness in dip form! It’s great with apples (of course) but my kids like it smeared on graham crackers too. They also like to eat it right off the spoon but we try and encourage the apples. Everyone will love this caramel apple dip because:

it’s easy to make
full of fall flavors
great to bring to parties

I can guarantee that everyone will love this insanely delicious dessert!

Caramel apple dip ingredients

Another reason this dip is so wonderful is that you only need a handful of ingredients. To make homemade caramel apple dip you will need:

cream cheese
brown sugar
caramel
heavy cream
butter
apples

Cream cheese – You can use any variety of plain cream cheese that you prefer – light, or regular, etc. Just make sure that it is softened before you start to make this dip.

Brown sugar – Instead of plain white sugar, I used brown sugar for this dip. It gives such a great depth of flavor and adds to the overall goodness of this fall inspired dessert.

Caramel – You want a thick, gooey caramel here. I suggest my homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche. If you are going to use store bought – I suggest dulce de leche due to it’s sweetness and how thick it is. You can find it in the baking aisle near the sweetened condensed milk.

Heavy cream – This helps keep the dip thick but pliable. It aids in mixing everything together. I found that regular milk is too thin for this dip. You can use half ‘n half if you don’t have heavy cream on hand.

Butter – Salted butter works great in this easy dip recipe. Feel free to use unsalted as well. This is for sauteing the apple to add to the dip.

Apple – Use your favorite apple variety. The apple is sauteed in butter and then folded into the dip. It’s what makes this dip a true caramel apple treat! You will also want some apples for dipping.

How to make caramel apple dip

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you are going to also want to grab mixing bowls, spoons, cutting board, knife and a skillet. You will also need either a handheld mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese.

Step 1: Saute the apple. Place the butter and diced apple in a skillet over medium high heat. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the apple is softened. This should take about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Mix. While the apple is softening, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream and caramel in a bowl or stand mixer. Reserve some of the caramel for drizzling on top of the finished dip.

Step 3: Fold in apples. Once the apples are softened, let them cool on the counter or in the fridge. You don’t want them to be hot before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. Fold them in with a silicone spatula into the cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Serve. Scoop the caramel apple dip into a serving bowl. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and add a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Use sliced apples to eat the dip.

Recipe FAQs and Tips

This dip is simple to make and great for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. Here are some tips and tricks to make this caramel apple dip recipe even easier.

How do I soften cream cheese quickly? If you need to get your cream cheese soft quick, the easiest way to do this is by cutting it into cubes and then placing it in the microwave or a water bath. Microwave it in 15 second intervals so you don’t burn the cream cheese.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer? You can use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer to whip the cream cheese. Don’t have either? No problem! You just need to use a fork to whisk together all the ingredients.

Are there apples in the dip? Yes! There are sauteed apples inside this caramel apple dip!

What kind of apples do I need? You can use your favorite apple for this dip! Courtland, Granny Smith, Cosmic crisp. They are all fabulous!

Keep reading for storage instructions and the full recipe.

How to store leftovers

If you have any left dip, place it in an airtight container such as a Tupperware, and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and good to eat for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again. Freezing is not recommended for this dip.

Other caramel apple recipes

I am a firm believer that caramel and apple are one of the greatest flavor combos ever. If you agree, be sure to check out my other caramel apple recipes:

Caramel apple cake
Caramel apple sangria – my most popular fall drink recipe!
Caramel apple danish
Apple chai latte – no caramel in this one but it’s pretty delicious!

Caramel apple dip

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Everyone will love this creamy caramel apple dip!

Ingredients

1 block of cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup caramel or dulce de leche, separated
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 apple, diced
cinnamon, for topping, optional

Instructions

Place the butter and the diced apple in a skillet over medium high heat. Saute for 5-10 minutes or until apples are soft. Allow to cool completely.
Mix together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel sauce and heavy cream in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer. Mix until smooth.
Fold in the sauteed apples with a spatula once they are cooled.
Spoon the dip into a serving dish.
Top with a drizzle of reserved caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Serve with sliced apples and graham crackers.
Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comments below. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest board! THANK YOU for supporting my family and myself with these small acts.

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Pumpkin Cream Iced Chai Latte

Kelley — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 01:09:40 +0000

If you are looking for all the flavors of fall in one drink – you’ve found it! This Starbucks copycat Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte is a delicious fall inspired drink. The best part? You can easily make this coffee house coffee at home any time you want. So curl up under a blanket, watch the leaves trickle down and let me show you how to make this easy pumpkin cream chai.

I love when Starbucks comes out with new seasonal drinks – especially when they are chai ones! I feel like chai drinks are making a comeback so I was super excited to hear about the new pumpkin cream chai latte. It combines some of my favorite things all into one drink!

You will love this fusion drink because:

It’s easy to make
Uses simple ingredients
Saves money by making it at home

What is a pumpkin cream chai latte?

One of my first ever chai drinks was this pumpkin chai latte – almost 13 years ago! I loved the combination of classic pumpkin this the flavors of chai.

This pumpkin cream chai latte combines those two things together, just in a different way. The iced chai latte is sweetened with a basic vanilla syrup, has milk added and then is topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam. Starbucks had become popular for their deliciously addicting cold foam and this fall version is no exception.

Pumpkin cream chai ingredients

The great thing about this drink is that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients. In fact, the ingredients are pretty basic and you probably already have some in your kitchen. To make a pumpkin cream chai at home you will need:

chai tea
vanilla syrup
milk
pumpkin puree
heavy cream
pumpkin pie spice

Chai tea – There are a couple different options for chai tea when it comes to making lattes at home. You can make it completely from scratch with homemade chai spice mix, you can use pre-made chai tea, or you can even use a chai concentrate. I like using chai tea bags so that I can control the strength of my chai.

Vanilla syrup – You will need a sweetener for the chai tea. If you use the concentrate, double check that it’s not sweetened before adding something else in. I love using my homemade vanilla syrup here, but store bought is great too.

Milk – Any type of milk will work in the chai latte portion of the drink. I like to use heavy cream in mine, but regular milk or your favorite milk alternative works too.

Pumpkin puree – A small amount of pumpkin puree will be needed to make the pumpkin cream. Save the rest for another yummy pumpkin recipe.

Heavy cream – This makes the best cold foam! Half and half can be used but won’t be as creamy.

Pumpkin pie spice – Pumpkin pie spice is used in the cold foam. Homemade pumpkin pie spice is always great to have on hand.

If you want to make an iced version like I did, you will also need ice.

How to make a Starbucks pumpkin cream chai at home

There are a few easy steps to make the perfect pumpkin cream chai at home. Start by gathering all your ingredients as well as a glass, measuring spoons and a milk frother.

Step 1: Brew your chai. If you are using tea bags, brew and steep your chai. Mix in your vanilla syrup while it’s hot. Allow to cool if you want to make an iced version.

Step 2: Add your milk. Pour your chai mixture over ice and then add your milk. Take a minute to enjoy the chai swirls and then mix it all together.

Step 3: Make the pumpkin cream. In a small glass, add the heavy cream, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla syrup. Use your milk frother to whip it together. You want it to be thinner than whipped cream. You can also use a high powdered blender. Sprinkle the top with additional pumpkin pie spice.

FAQS about pumpkin cream chai latte

How do you order a pumpkin chai latte from Starbucks? The great thing about Starbucks adding these drinks to their menu is that they are easy to order! You can ask your barista for a pumpkin cream chai and they will know what you want. Ask for it hot or iced.

What does pumpkin cream chai latte taste like? It’s a combo of a pumpkin spice latte and a chai latte. The chai doesn’t have pumpkin in it so the chai flavor shines through. The pumpkin is in the cold foam on top.

Does pumpkin cream chai latte have coffee? No, there is no coffee in this drink but there is a good amount of caffeine. Chai has about 60mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.

How do I make pumpkin cream? Pumpkin cream is a almost whipped cream but a little thinner. You can use a milk frother, handheld mixer or even a blender to thicken up the heavy cream mixture.

Can I double the recipe? Sure can! You can double or triple the recipe to make more than 1 drink at a time. I suggest making a pitcher of the chai drink portion and making the pumpkin cream as needed to top the drinks.

Can I make a coffee version? Already got you covered! Try my pumpkin cream cold brew version if you are not a fan of chai or if you want to switch it up.

Other Starbucks pumpkin copycat recipes to try

I love fall and I love making fall copycat drinks and eats! Here are some others to try this fall:

Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Yield: 1 drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a creamy and delicious pumpkin cream chai latte.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of chilled chai
1/2 cup of milk
3 tablespoons vanilla syrup, divided
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Brew your chai tea and allow to cool (if doing the iced version). Chai concentrate can also be used here.
Add 2 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup to the warm chai and stir to combine.
Add ice to your glass and pour the chai mixture in.
Add your milk and stir.
Make the pumpkin cream by combining the pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup, heavy cream and the pumpkin pie spice to a blender or milk frother. Froth until thickened.
Pour over the top of the chai and top with pumpkin pie spice.
Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review on the recipe card or in the comments. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board. THANK YOU for the support!

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Caramel fruit dip

Kelley — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Once you try this caramel fruit dip it will be a staple in your house! This dip is creamy, full of caramel flavor and great for dipping fruit, graham crackers or any other sweet treat. It’s great for at home snacks or for sharing at parties. Trust me, you are going to love this easy caramel dip recipe!

You know when you go to parties or family events and there is a dip next to the fruit tray? The one that you keep coming back to for seconds and thirds? That you don’t even care about the fruit.. yea. This is THAT dip!

Caramel fruit dip is a creamy addition to any dessert or snack spread. You are going to love this easy caramel dip because:

Super easy to make – you only need 3 ingredients!
Sweet addition to any dessert table.
Everyone will love it!

Caramel dip ingredients

The best part of this dip? You only need three common ingredients. Heck, you may even have them in your house right now! Go check and see if you have:

cream cheese
brown sugar
caramel sauce

Cream cheese – Any variety of cream cheese will work for this recipe.

Brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown sugar here. I do not recommend using plain white sugar.

Caramel sauce – Any brand caramel is perfect. No caramel sauce? You can make your own homemade caramel! It’s easy and so much better than store bought.

You will also need a hand or stand mixer, medium size mixing bowl and a spatula to make this dip.

How to make caramel fruit dip

I know I said the best part was that you only need 3 ingredients, but honestly, the best part is that it’s so easy to make! Mix, mix and mix to make this perfect fruit dip.

Step 1 Mix together the cream cheese and brown sugar. Place your softened cream cheese in the medium mixing bowl along with the brown sugar. Using your handheld mixer, mix until the sugar is combined into the cream cheese and not gritty.

Pro tip: Leave the cream cheese out for about 30 minutes before you make this dip. Don’t have time? Use the soften function on your microwave to quick soften the cream cheese.

Step 2 Combine the caramel After you have a smooth cream cheese and brown sugar mixture, add in the caramel sauce. I like to use a spatula and fold it into the cream cheese mix. Scoop into a serving dish and enjoy!

FAQs about homemade caramel dip

What do you use to dip in the caramel dip? The most common use for this dip is fruit. Strawberries, cantaloupe, apples, bananas. Any fruit! Graham crackers are another great option. We like to make cinnamon sugar tortilla chips and dip them into the caramel dip too!

How much does this dip make? You will get a little bit more than 8 ounces of this dip after mixing. If you need more, feel free to double the recipe! It’s easy to double or even triple!

How do I store it? Since there is dairy in this dip, you do want to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. We put ours in a tupperware in the fridge. Thaw slightly before serving.

Other caramel treats to try

Love a good caramel treat? Try some of our other favorites:

Caramel fruit dip

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

In a mixer, whip together the cream cheese and brown sugar until combined.

Add the caramel sauce and mix well.

Spoon into a bowl and enjoy!

Other dips to try

Like this recipe? Be sure to check out:

Pumpkin cheesecake dip

Margherita pizza dip

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite board. Either way, thank you so much for the support!

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Creamy Corn Chowder

Kelley — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 14:36:25 +0000

You are going to love this creamy corn chowder recipe! It is a quick and easy dinner recipe that will fill everyone right up. With a few common ingredients, you can be enjoying this easy corn chowder for dinner. This recipe also makes great leftovers and freezes well too!

Sometimes the simplest meals are the best and most filling. This creamy corn chowder falls into that simple category. You only need a handful of common ingredients to make a truly delicious soup. The best part? This easy dinner recipe is fully family approved – meaning even my kids love this one!

What is creamy corn chowder?

This corn chowder is a classic soup recipe. Although chowder normally refers to a thick soup with seafood, this version does not have any oysters or clams. The corn replaces the seafood making this a perfect dinner recipe that I know everyone will enjoy.

Creamy corn chowder ingredients

Like I mentioned, you only need a few common ingredients to make this creamy corn chowder. You will need:

Onion
Butter
Chicken broth
Potatoes
Salt
Corn
Milk
Heavy cream
Bacon
Green onions

Ingredient notes

Onion – Feel free to use your favorite onions in this recipe. I like to use sweet onions or Vidalias. You can also omit the onions, if you are not a fan.

Butter – Use unsalted butter or omit the salt and use salted.

Chicken broth – Try a low sodium chicken broth for this corn chowder. You can also add salt, but you can’t take it away from a recipe. Want to take it to the next level? Try a homemade chicken broth for this chowder.

Potatoes – Russets or golden potatoes work best here.

How to make corn chowder

Another great thing about corn chowder, is that you can easily make it on the stove top, in your Crock Pot or even your Instant Pot. Depending on how quickly you need the recipe, you have the option to make it quick or have it cook all day. To make it on the stove top follow the directions below.

Step 1 – Clean your prep your vegetables. Wash your potatoes and corn (if using fresh). Then dice up your onion, potatoes, corn and green onions.

Step 2 – Cook the onions. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, place the butter and onions. Cook until the onions become fragrant and translucent – about 5 minutes.

Step 3 – Add most ingredients to the pot. In your large pot add your potatoes, salt and chicken broth. Cook for 30-40, just long enough to soften the potatoes.

Step 4 – Add corn and milks. Add in the corn and cook for 15 minutes. Pour in the milks and cook until they are heated through.

Step 5 – Garnish and serve. Scoop into bowls and top with bacon and chopped green onions.

How to make in the Crock Pot

Want to prep this chowder in the morning and enjoy it at dinner time? You can easily make this creamy corn chowder in your Crock Pot!

Saute your onions and butter until translucent on the stove top.
Add the onions, potatoes, broth and salt to your slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add in the corn for 15ish minutes.
Pour in the milk and heavy cream and allow to heat through.
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Forget to prep your meal before hand and need it ready FAST? Make this corn chowder in the Instant Pot!

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and cook the onions and butter for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the potatoes, broth and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
Manual release and stir in the corn. Place the lid back on for 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream and place the top back on for 5 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.

Side dish recommendations

This chowder can be a whole meal itself, but an easy side dish will round it out. Some great sides would be:

Frequently asked questions

This chowder is a pretty simple recipe, but these are a few common questions that I have been asked about it.

Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn. You will need to add a few minutes to cook time after you add it in to compensate for it not being fresh.

What potatoes work best for this chowder? Russets or yellow/golden potatoes produce the best tasting soup.

Can this be dairy free? You can make this dairy free by using olive oil instead of butter. Sub out the milk for your favorite milk alternative (coconut, almond, oat..) making sure they are unsweetened. Use coconut cream for the heavy cream.

Can I add other spices? Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices to this chowder! I suggest making it as is, and then adding in your spices before serving. You may find that less is best for this hearty corn chowder.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover soup in a Tupperware with an airtight seal. Wait for it to cool before adding it to the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes! You can easily freeze this soup for later. Place the cooled soup in a large Ziplock bag (you may need to use 2). Place it on a baking sheet and flash freeze it for 2-3 hours in the freezer. Remove the baking sheet and place the bag flat in the freezer. Reheat but allow to thaw in the fridge and warming in the microwave or on the stove top.

Creamy Corn Chowder

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Make a super creamy corn chowder perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
2-3 cups chicken broth
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 cups milk
4 slices bacon, already cooked, chopped
3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Wash, dry, prep your vegetables and set aside.
In your Dutch oven or large pot, add in the butter and sauté the onions until they are translucent.
Next, add in the potatoes, salt, and chicken broth and turn the burner to medium and let the chowder simmer for 30 – 40 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
Then, add in your corn and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Then add in the heavy whipping cream and milk. Let the chowder continue to simmer until the milk and cream have warmed up.
Serve and top with bacon and the sliced green onions.

Notes

How to make in the Crock Pot

Want to prep this chowder in the morning and enjoy it at dinner time?
You can easily make this creamy corn chowder in your Crock Pot!

Saute your onions and butter until translucent on the stove top.
Add the onions, potatoes, broth and salt to your slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add in the corn for 15ish minutes.
Pour in the milk and heavy cream and allow to heat through.
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and green onions.

How to make in the Instant Pot

Forget to prep your meal before hand and need it ready FAST? Make this corn chowder in the Instant Pot!

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and cook the onions and butter for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the potatoes, broth and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
Manual release and stir in the corn. Place the lid back on for 5 minutes.
Stir in the milk and heavy cream and place the top back on for 5 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.

Other easy soups to try

Looking for another hearty soup that will fill you up? Check out:

The post Creamy Corn Chowder appeared first on mom makes dinner.

French Onion Roast Beef

Kelley — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:11:40 +0000

Do you love French Onion Soup? Then you’re going to love this French Onion Roast Beef recipe! It’s a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that will have your family and friends raving! The roast beef is cooked in a delicious onion soup broth until it’s perfectly tender, then sliced and served with your choice of sides.

I have always been a big fan of onions. I’m pretty sure I get it from my mom! She puts onion in everything. And I’m ok with that! Saute, caramelized, raw – I’ll take them! I love using them in meals too. My French Onion Pork Chops have been a family favorite for awhile and for good reason! I’ve also done a French Onion chicken that is so, so good! This roast is just another way of getting more onions in our lives!

What is French Onion Roast

French Onion Roast is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for chilly weather. The dish is made with beef roast, onions, and a variety of seasonings.

The beef roast is cooked slowly in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, allowing the flavors of the onions and seasonings to infuse the meat. The result is a tender, flavorful roast that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve French Onion Roast with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

French Onion Beef Roast Ingredients

Beef chuck roast– I use a beef chuck roast, but you could use prime rib roast, rump roast, or whole sirloin.
Olive oil– You will need oil for browning the roast. You can use any oil you prefer.
Beef stock– If you don’t have beef stock, you could use beef broth instead. Although stock gives a better flavor.
Onions– You can’t have onion roast beef without onions. I recommend using yellow onions because they become sweet and flavorful during the cooking process.
Onion soup mix– Onion soup mix is an easy way to add all the flavor to your meat without using individual spices. It’s a combination of paprika, minced onion, onion powder, celery seed, black pepper, bouillon, and parsley.
Red wine vinegar– If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

How to Make French Onion Beef Roast in the Instant Pot

If you want to make your french onion roast beef quickly, you can use your Instant Pot! Follow the simple steps below.

Step 1: Season the Roast

First, season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.

Step 2: Saute the Meat

Next, hit the saute button on your Instant Pot. Add the oil to the pressure cooker, and brown the roast on both sides.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Add the Ingredients

Place your roast in the beef stock and top it with onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Put the lid on the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to “sealing.” Then, hit the “pressure cook” or “manual” and set the time for 1 hour.

Step 6: Quick Release

When the cook cycle is completed, quickly release the pressure by flipping the pressure valve to the venting position.

Serve the beef roast with the au jus and onions. Enjoy!

How to Make Roast Beef in the Slow Cooker

If you prefer to have your roast ready when you get home from work, you can put it in the slow cooker before you leave. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Season the Roast

First, season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the skillet and brown the roast on both sides.

Step 3: Deglaze & Transfer

Deglaze the bottom of the skillet by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon. Then, transfer the roast and the beef broth to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Ingredients

Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker with the lid, and put it on low. Allow the roast to cook for 8 hours.

Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Enjoy!

Side Dish Recommendations

I recommend serving French Onion Roast with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Here are some great recipes:

What Cut of Beef Works Best for This Recipe?

French Onion Roast is a family favorite in my house. It’s easy to make and always comes out flavorful and moist. The key to a good French Onion Roast is to use the right cut of beef. I like to use a chuck roast for this recipe. Chuck roast is a flavorful, fatty cut of beef that gets more tender the longer it cooks. This makes it ideal for French Onion Roast, which is cooked slowly.

Additionally, rib roast or sirloin roast are good options as well. Rib roast has more fat, which means it will be more flavorful. However, it can also be tough if not cooked properly. Sirloin roast is slightly leaner, but it is also more tender.

How Do You Keep Chuck Roast Moist?

Chuck roast is a tough cut of meat that can be difficult to cook. If not cooked properly, it can be dry and tough. However, there are a few simple tips that can help to ensure a moist and tender chuck roast.

First, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. Look for a roast that has marbling, which is fat interlaced with the muscle tissue. This will help to keep the roast juicy as it cooks.

Second, make sure to sear the roast before cooking. This will help to lock in the juices and prevent the roast from drying out.

Finally, cook the roast slowly, either in the Instant Pot or in a slow cooker. This will give the tough fibers time to break down, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Do You Have to Brown a Roast Before Putting it in a Crock Pot?

Generally speaking, you don’t need to brown meat before putting it in a crock pot. The slow cooking process will eventually break down the connective tissues and render the meat tender and juicy. That being said, browning does have some benefits.

First of all, it helps to seal in the juices, which can make the final product more flavorful. Browning also gives the meat a nice color and texture that may be lacking if you skip this step. So, if you’re looking for optimal results, you may want to take the extra time to brown your meat before adding it to the crock pot.

French Onion Roast Beef

Yield: 1 roast

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

How to make a tender and juicy roast beef full of French Onion flavors!

Ingredients

3 pound beef chuck roast
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup beef stock
2 onions, sliced
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

1.Heat the “saute” function until “hot.”
2.Season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.
3.Add the oil to the electric pressure cooker and brown the roast on both sides.
4.Deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.
5.Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.
6.Cover the electric pressure cooker and set the valve to “sealing.”
7.Program the electric pressure cooker using the “pressure cook” or “manual” function for 1 hour. When the cook cycle is completed, quick release the pressure.
8.Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Notes

Slow Cooker directions -

11. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
10.Season the roast with salt and black pepper on each side.
11.Add the oil to the skillet and brown the roast on both sides.
12.Deglaze the bottom of the skillet by adding the beef stock and scraping with a wooden spoon.
13.Transfer the roast and the beef broth to the slow cooker.
14.Top the roast with the onions, onion soup mix, and red wine vinegar.
15.Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
16.Serve the beef roast with the au jux and onions.

Other Beef Recipes to Try

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Fall Moscow Mule

Kelley — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:58:13 +0000

The perfect combination of fall flavors are mixed together in this delicious fall Moscow mule. You will want to make a pitcher to share with friends and family during the cool months together. Let me show you how to make this autumn inspired drink today.

We love a good seasonal inspired drink in our house. It’s always nice incorporate the flavors from the current season into our routine. This fall Moscow Mule is one of those drinks that once the weather starts to get cooler, becomes a staple in our rotation.

What is a fall Moscow Mule?

A classic Moscow Mule is one that combines vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. It is typically served in a copper mug. There are many different versions of a classic mule, my fall inspired drink being one of them. The fall Moscow mule combines the classic ingredients of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice with apple cider! It’s super refreshing and perfect for any fall day.

Fall inspired Moscow Mule ingredients

To make your own fall Moscow mule you will need the following ingredients:

Vodka
Lime juice
Apple cider
Ginger beer
Optional garnishes – lime wedges and apple slices

Vodka – You can use your favorite vodka in this recipe. Any vodka will work!

Lime juice – Juice from a fresh lime works best here. You can then slice the lime and use it for garnish!

Apple cider – Any apple cider will work. I do suggest cider and not apple juice in this recipe. We love using local apple cider whenever possible.

Ginger beer – You can find ginger beer in the beer aisle of most grocery stores. Feel free to use your favorite ginger beer for this mule!

How to make an autumn Moscow Mule

This recipe makes ONE drink, but you can easily double or even make a pitcher to share. After you have gathered all your ingredients you will also need some ice and a copper mug.

Add ice to your mug – Place your ice in your mug. If you want to get fancy, you can use frozen apple cider in place of ice cubes.

Add liquids – Pour in the vodka, apple cider and ginger beer. Squeeze in the lime juice.

Garnish – Add your apple slice and lime wedge to your mug and enjoy!

How to make a pitcher

This recipe is for one mule, but it’s perfect for sharing! If you want to make a pitcher, simply multiple the amounts times 4. This will give you enough drinks to share!

What makes this a fall drink?

This drink combines a traditional Moscow mule drink with apple cider – which gives it it’s fall inspired flavor! The apple cider is a great addition to the vodka, ginger beer and lime of the classic. If you want to take this drink up a notch, freeze apple cider in an ice cube tray before making it. Then use the frozen apple cider cubes in place of regular ice!

What kind of vodka do I need?

You can use any type of vodka that you’d like! We like using Grey Goose, but any vodka will work. Grab your favorite vodka from the grocery store and whip up this fall Moscow mule recipe today!

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

For this recipe, I do not suggest using apple juice in place of apple cider. The apple cider gives this drink a great depth of flavor and isn’t as watered down as traditional apple juice. In a pinch, apple juice will work, but for the best quality drink – cider is recommended.

Other fall drinks to try

Looking for other great drinks to try? I suggest:

Fall Mosow Mule

Yield: 1 drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make a fall inspired Moscow mule for one or to share!

Ingredients

2oz Vodka
1oz Lime Juice (1/2 lime)
2oz Apple Cider
2oz Ginger Beer
1 Lime Wedge (garnish)
Apple Slice (garnish)
Apple Cubes (garnish)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Add ice to a copper mug.
Pour in Vodka, ginger beer, and apple cider.
Squeeze in the lime juice.
Add lime wedge, apple cubes and an apple slice for garnish.
Cheers!

Notes

To make a pitcher add -

1 cup Vodka
1/2 cup Lime Juice
1 cup Apple Cider
1 cup Ginger Beer

The post Fall Moscow Mule appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Stove top beef stew

Kelley — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Feel warm and cozy with a bowl of this stove top beef stew. It doesn’t take hours to make and is hearty and full of veggies. Let me show you how to make a batch today!

I’m a big fan of beef stew. There’s something about the combination of beef, vegetables, and broth that just makes my mouth water. I usually make mine on the stove top, and it always turns out delicious. If you’re looking for a hearty winter meal, this recipe is definitely worth trying!

What is Beef Stew?

One of the most classic winter comfort foods, beef stew is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold night. The dish typically consists of chunks of beef that are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions are often added to the mix, providing a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast to the rich beef.

Some recipes also call for mushrooms, pearl onions, or green beans. While beef stew can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, the traditional method is to simmer it on the stovetop.

This gives the cook more control over the rate of cooking and allows for greater accuracy when seasoning the dish. Whether you enjoy your beef stew with a side of crusty bread or simply on its own, this hearty dish is sure to warm you from the inside out.

Beef Stew Ingredients

For this recipe you will need beef, veggies, and seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef– I use beef stew meat, but you can use chuck roast or any cut you prefer.
Potatoes– I used baby potatoes so I don’t have to cut them into cubes, but you can use regular potatoes if you prefer.
Veggies– I use onions, carrots, and celery stalks for my veggies. You could also add any veggies you prefer.
Flour– Flour is used to help thicken the stew so it’s not runny, but smooth and creamy.
Spices– You will need salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf to add flavor to your beef stew.
Beef broth– Broth adds much more flavor than water, but you can use water if you prefer.
Olive oil– I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil you prefer for this recipe.

How to Make Beef Stew on the Stove Top

Is there anything more comforting on a cold day than a big bowl of beef stew? This hearty dish is perfect for chilly weather, and it’s easy to make too. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Rinse your beef and then pat it dry. Cut it into 1 inch pieces.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to a bowl. Add the beef and coat evenly.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Fry the beef in portions in a hot pan so that a fried crust forms over the entire surface of the beef. Transfer the fried beef to a saucepan or Dutch oven.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Spices & Cook

Pour the gravy into the stew pan with the beef. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and garlic clove, cut in half crosswise. Stew on low heat beef for 1 hour.

Step 6: Fry the Veggies

Next, place your chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a hot skillet. Fry on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, transfer to a plate.

Step 7: Cut the Potatoes

Wash baby potatoes and cut them into halves. Fry for 7-8 minutes on medium heat, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 8: Transfer to Saucepan

Then, transfer the vegetables to a saucepan. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Simmer

Mix everything thoroughly, cover with a lid, and leave it in the saucepan to simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes. Stir after 15 minutes.

Step 10: Thicken the Stew

Mix the flour in 2 tbsp of water and pour it into a saucepan. If there is not enough broth, add more (broth or water). Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Serve with gravy and fresh herbs.

How to Make in the Slow Cooker

If you don’t want to watch your beef stew on the stove top, you can cook beef stew in your slow cooker as well. All you have to do is add all your ingredients to your slow cooker and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Season and fry the beef until the outside is brown.
Place in the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Make a slurry with the beef broth and flour. Whisk into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.
Serve and enjoy!

How to Make in the Instant Pot

If you don’t want to wait hours for your meal, but don’t want to watch it on the stove top, you can make beef stew in your Instant Pot. Just use my Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, here.

Season and brown the meat using the saute function.
Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened.
Deglaze the pot and add the rest of the ingredients.
Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Manually release the pressure.
Mix together cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.
Stir and enjoy!

Side Dish Recommendations

Looking for a great side dish to round out your beef stew? I recommend:

What Cut of Beef Do I Need for Beef Stew?

When it comes to beef stew, there are many different cuts of beef that can be used. However, some cuts are better than others. For the best results, look for a cut of beef that is well-marbled with fat. This will help the beef to stay moist and flavor during the long cooking process.

Stew meat is typically cut from the shoulder or neck area of the cow. However, other cuts, such as chuck roast, can also be used. Ultimately, the best cut of beef for beef stew is one that will be flavorful and fork-tender after hours of slow cooking.

What Vegetables Go with Beef Stew

There are many different ways to make beef stew, but one of the most important decisions is what vegetables to add. carrots, potatoes, and celery are all classic choices that will help to add flavor and bulk up the stew. However, there are many other options as well. For example, adding some corn or green beans can give the stew a more summery feel. Or, for a more exotic twist, try adding some diced sweet potatoes or turnips.

Other Beef Recipes to Try

Beef Stew

Yield: 6 servings

Make a hearty meal with this easy stove top beef stew recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb beef
2 lbs baby potatoes
1 onion
1 carrot
3 celery stalks
2 tbsp flour
salt
1 head of garlic
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups beef broth
rosemary, thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 bay leaves

Instructions

Cut the beef into 1 inch pieces. Put in a bowl, add salt, pepper and olive oil. Stir.
Fry the beef in portions in a hot pan so that a fried crust forms over the entire surface of the beef. Transfer the fried beef to a saucepan or Dutch oven.
Pour the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a hot skillet. Fry on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, transfer to a plate.
Wash baby potatoes and cut into halves. Fry for 7-8 minutes on medium heat, then transfer to a plate.
Transfer the vegetables to a saucepan. Salt and pepper if needed.
Mix everything thoroughly and leave to simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes under the lid. Stir after 15 minutes.
Mix flour in 2 tbsp of water and pour into a saucepan. If there is not enough broth, add more (broth or water).
After 30 minutes, the beef stew is ready to be served.

Notes

Slow cooker directions -

Season and fry the beef until the outside is brown.

Place in the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Make a slurry with the beef broth and flour. Whisk into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.

Serve and enjoy!

Instant pot directions -

Season and brown the meat using the saute function.

Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened.

Deglaze the pot and add the rest of the ingredients.

Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.

Manually release the pressure.

Mix together cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.

Stir and enjoy!

You may also enjoy these other quick and easy beef dinners:

The post Stove top beef stew appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Kelley — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:18:30 +0000

If you are looking for the perfect ooey gooey cookies, you are going to love these hot cocoa cookies! They taste just like a cup of hot chocolate, complete with marshmallow on top!

I’m not sure if there is anything better in the world than a warm, delicious cookie. And when that cookie is infused with the flavor of hot cocoa? Pure bliss. These Hot Cocoa Cookies are definitely one of my favorite treats to make during the winter months. They’re simple to throw together and always receive rave reviews from anyone who tries them! Plus, they make your house smell amazing while they’re baking.

What Are Hot Cocoa Cookies?

Hot cocoa cookies are cookies that are made with cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. The key to making these cookies is to make sure the cocoa powder is well blended into the dough. This will give the cookies a rich chocolate flavor.

You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for an extra boost of flavor. Once the cookies are baked, they can be dipped in a melted chocolate coating or simply enjoyed as is. Either way, these cookies are sure to please any chocolate lover.

Ingredients Needed for Hot Chocolate Cookies

Vegetable oil– You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, or melted butter for these cookies.
Granulated sugar– Be sure to scoop and pack the granulated sugar in your measuring cup.
Brown sugar– To get the right flavor profiles, only lightly pack the brown sugar into your measuring cup. You don’t want too much brown sugar.
Eggs– Room temperature eggs work best in baking. Set your eggs on the counter about 30 minutes before using.
Vanilla extract– Vanilla extract brings out the cocoa flavors.
Baking powder & Soda-You will need both baking powder and baking soda. This helps your cookies rise making soft, chewy cookies.
Salt– Salt is always used in baking to help blend the flavors.
Cocoa powder– You can simply use 4 packages of hot cocoa powder (what you would use to make hot chocolate).
All-purpose flour-Do not pack your flour. Instead, use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a butter knife.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips– You can use any brand of chocolate chips that you prefer.
Jumbo marshmallows– You can’t have hot cocoa without marshmallows and thus you can’t have hot cocoa cookies without them either.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies

These hot cocoa cookies are soft and chewy, with a chocolate flavor that is enhanced by the addition of the hot cocoa powder. Follow the steps below for a super simple treat!

Step 1: Beat the Sugars and Oil

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the vegetable oil and sugars together until combined.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix the batter until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa powder. Mix until well combined. Then, continue with adding ½ cup at a time until all the flour is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in your chocolate chips.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your bowl of dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the dough chill for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 350?. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set to the side.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookies

On the prepared baking sheet, place 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Next, bake your cookies for 9 minutes.Remove the cookies from the oven leaving the oven on and place a marshmallow on top of each cookie, and then bake for an additional 3 minutes.

Remove the cookies from the oven, let cool and enjoy!

Why Are My Hot Cocoa Cookies Dry?

If your cookies are dry, it may be because you overcooked them or because the dough was too dry to begin with. Be sure to check the recipe carefully and bake the cookies until they are just set. You can also try adding a little milk or melted butter to the dough to moisten it.

Help! My Hot Cocoa Cookies Are Spreading All Over the Baking Sheet!

Cookies spread when the dough is too soft or when the baking sheet is not cooled between batches. To prevent your cookies from spreading, be sure to chill the dough well before baking and use a cool, dry baking sheet. You can also use a silicone baking mat to keep them from sticking.

What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa Cookies and Regular Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Hot cocoa cookies typically have a higher ratio of cocoa powder to flour, giving them a richer chocolate flavor. They also often contain milk or cream, which helps to create a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Other Hot Cocoa Recipes to Try

We love hot chocolate during the cooler months! Some of our other favorite hot cocoa recipes are:

How Do I Store Leftovers?

You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. There’s no need to refrigerate them. Cookies will be good for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Yield: 18 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 52 minutes

Make the perfect ooey gooey cookie that everyone will love.

Ingredients

¾ cup Vegetable oil
1 cup Granulated sugar
2/3 cup Brown sugar- lightly packed
2 large Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
2 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
¾ cup Hot cocoa powder (4 packages)
3¼ cup All-purpose flour
1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
18 Jumbo marshmallows

Instructions

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the vegetable oil and sugars together until combined.
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Continue with adding the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
Continue with adding in the flour ½ cup at a time until all the flour is fully incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper, place 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake for 9 minutes.
Remove the cookies from the oven leaving the oven on and place a marshmallow on top of each cookie.
Bake for an additional 3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool to a desired temperature and enjoy!

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