Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie

Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie- Need a cookie? Don't want to make a whole batch? This one is for you!  8 ingredients + 15 minutes = your very own chocolate chip cookie that you don't have to share.

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 This recipe is from my youngest. He loves sweets, but, doesn't really want to get all involved with the oven and a long list of ingredients.  He is now 15 years old  (how did that happen?!) and has been making this since he was about 8-10 years old all on his own.

It's really simple and will only take you about 15 minutes total.  That includes making, baking and cooling your cookie. 🖒

Ingredients Needed

• Butter
• Flour + Salt+ Baking Powder
• Sugar- -both white and brown
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chips

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Recipe Notes

• You can use a mug or a small dish for your cookie.  Just be sure you spray it with non stick cooking spray and that it's microwave safe before adding your ingredients. It should be about 6-8 ounces in size.
• If you don't have any chocolate chips on hand, feel free to replace them with a different flavored baking chip.
• Semi-sweet, dark chocolate, milk chocolate and mini chocolate chips are all great options for this recipe.
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A Note About Microwaves

Not all microwaves are created equal! I cooked mine for just a minute. However, yours make take longer, depending on your microwave.  When it's done, the edges will be set, but,  the top may still look a bit wet. Don't overcook it...it can turn out dry and not very tasty.

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Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chili Nachos

Chili Nachos- Crunchy nachos topped with your favorite chili and melted cheddar cheese. They're yummy! 

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This isn't really an "official recipe".  It's more like "hey, here's a bunch of food that works good together and I'm sharing it with you". 

Chili nachos are something my dad used to make on Sundays while my Mom worked. My sister (dip lovin' one), me and my dad would eat chili nachos while we watched TV together.  It's a really great memory.  ♥

I still make them for myself and they still taste just as good as they did then.

Ingredients

• Chili
• Nacho chips
• Shredded cheese

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How Much Ingredients Should I Use?

• Honestly, this is up to you.  It's nachos. You can use as much or as little as your heart desires!
• Chili: Use homemade or your favorite store bought version. I like to use Hormel No Beans Turkey Chili. 
• Guacamole: Make it homemade!
• Salsa: You can make that homemade too.
• Nacho Chips: Hey, grab your favorite chip or yes, you can also make them homemade.
• Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.

Can I Make in My Microwave Instead?

Of course! Place the chips, chili and cheese on a microwave safe plate.  Use something as a cover and microwave for about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and chili is hot. 

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Chili Nachos

Chocolate Syrup Cake

Chocolate Syrup Cake- An easy chocolate cake that only needs a handful of simple ingredients and tastes dee-licious! 

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Quick story...my mother-in-law made this cake all the time and my husband loved it quite a bit.  My lovely husband and I were married in 1999.  My mother in law gave this recipe to me in 2001. 

I took the recipe and filed it away.  Then, kids, life and all sorts of stuff happened.  As it does. Fast forward to 2011 and I find it in my recipe files, so, I decided to bake it.  Now, mind you, I didn't bake it for my husband or my family.  I baked it because, I just started food blogging and was looking for inspiration.  Oops. So...am I a bad daughter-in-law or wife? 🤔

I say neither! Because, I now make it a bit more regularly and everybody around here loves it. It's simple, chocolatey and really delicious. 

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt+ Baking soda
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Chocolate syrup

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Can I Use Any Brand Chocolate Syrup?

Yes. You will need a 24 ounce bottle.  You could also make it homemade, use dark chocolate, sugar free or a plant based version.  Whichever you prefer. Just keep in mind, a different variety may also be different when it comes to the size of the package. 

What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

Well, that is up to you too.  You can go with your favorite homemade chocolate buttercream frosting or heck, your favorite store bought brand/variety.   If you wish to opt out of a thick frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar works great on this cake too.

Looking for frosting ideas?  Browse a few right here. 

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Chocolate Syrup Cake

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip- A dreamy dip made with cream cheese, brown sugar and loaded with bits of toffee. 

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I just realized that most of my dip recipes come from my younger sister.  Baking isn't really her thing, but, golly, she loves to whip up a good dip.  This one included!

Ingredients Needed

• Cream cheese
• Sugar- both brown and white
• Vanilla
• Toffee baking bits

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Recipes Notes

• Make sure that cream cheese is softened! This is so important for the creamy consistency of your dip.
• Toffee baking bits can be found in the same section as the chocolate chips in your grocery store. If you can't locate them, see the recipe card to purchase.  You can use the plain toffee version or toffee with the chocolate bits ( that is what I used). Both taste yummy.

Dipping Ideas

• Graham crackers
• Sliced apples
• Pretzels
• Vanilla wafers

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Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Cucumber Bites

Cucumber Bites- A crunchy cucumber slice on top of  a dollop of flavorful Italian cream cheese and a cocktail size slice of rye bread. Great anytime!

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These bites are perfect for your next party or simply lunch at home!  Quick to make and really flavorful. 

Ingredients Needed

• Cucumber
• Cream cheese
• Dry Italian dressing mix
• Cocktail rye bread

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Do I Have to Use Cucumbers?

• Really, you don't.  Slice up your favorite cold veggie and top these off with it.  Sometimes, I make these and just eat them with just the seasoned cream cheese.  Still yummy ;) 
• When it comes to your cucumbers...slice them thick, slice them thin.  Whatever makes you happy. 

Cream Cheese

• I like to use a whipped cream cheese for recipes like this.  However you can go with your preferred type. You can also use a low fat/fat free version, if desired.
• You can make the cream cheese mixture the day (s) before you want to serve it, if you wish. 

Where Do I Find Cocktail Rye Bread?

In my experience, it is easier to find cocktail breads in the fancier cheese section in the produce section of the grocery store. However, some stores have them in their regular bread section.  If you are unsure, be sure to ask someone or you can purchase online. 

Italian Dressing Mix

You only need 1-envelope ( approx. .7 oz in size).  Do not make the dressing! You only need the dry mix.

Storage

• Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. 
• If you already made your bites, I do recommend eating them the day of making or the next. The sliced cucumber may get a little soft sitting on that cream cheese/bread for an extended amount of time.  
• The bread and cream cheese mix can be store in the fridge for up to a week

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Cucumber Bites

Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies

Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies- Soft as a pillow sugar cookies topping with creamy vanilla frosting. Just like the grocery store version!

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Ingredients Needed

• Flour
• Baking soda + Baking powder + Salt
• Butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Sour Cream
• Egg

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Recipe Notes

• Be sure your butter is softened before using. This will give your cookies their creamy texture. Need to soften it quickly?  Here's a tip.
• Do not skip refrigerating your cookie dough.  It is a very soft dough and keeping it in the fridge will make it easy to handle.  Keep it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before baking.  If desired, you can leave it in there longer or overnight, if needed.
• Storage: Keep any leftover cookies in a covered container.  If the weather is hot/humid in your area, put them in your refrigerator. 

Frosting

I simply frosted ours with a basic vanilla frosting (colored with food coloring).  Use your favorite homemade vanilla butter frosting or grab a container of the premade stuff.  Whichever works best for you! 

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Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies

Fluffy Jell-O

 Fluffy Jell-O- Your new favorite no bake dessert is here! Your favorite Jell-O, whipped topping and sour cream is all you need for this one.  Fluffy and fun. 🎉

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This recipe is from my sister (the dip lover).  It's just three ingredients and is crazy easy to toss together.  Serve this one at your next party and it will be a guaranteed hit. 

Your Three Ingredients

1. Gelatin (ex: Jell-O)
2. Whipped Topping (ex: Cool Whip)
3. Sour Cream

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Can I Use Any Flavor of Jell-O?

Yes. Stick with a 3 oz box.  Do not make the Jell-O! You will only need the gelatin powder.  Also, you do not need to use "Jell-O" brand.  Any brand equivalent will work.  Same goes for a low sugar/sugar free options. 

Whipped Topping?

• AKA "Cool Whip.  Like the gelatin, you can use any brand or variety (low fat/fat free, etc.). Be sure it's thawed well before using. 
• Important:  If your weather is very hot/humid, do not let your whipped topping defrost at room temperature. It can may change the consistency of your whipped topping and it will not work in this recipe.  For hot/humid weather, it is best to let it thaw in your refrigerator. 

Sour Cream?

Yes, I now it sounds weird, but, it works.  If desired, you can use plain Greek yogurt, as a replacement.

Can I Add Fruit to This?

Yes. If needed, drain or pat dry the fruit beforehand.  You don't want to add any additional liquid to it. Once that is done, fold in your fruit when you add the whipped topping. 

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Fluffy Jell-O

Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli Casserole- Dinner on the table in no time at all with this ravioli casserole! It's filled with hearty (frozen!) ravioli, your favorite spaghetti sauce and cheese. Serve it with a side salad to finish off this easy dish. 

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Ingredients Needed

• Ravioli
• Spaghetti sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan or Italian blend cheese

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Can I Use Fresh Ravioli?

Yes. However, you will need to cut back on your cooking time for a few minutes.  Also, you can use whatever size/flavor/shape ravioli you want. Whatever your chose, don't cook/boil it beforehand! 

Spaghetti Sauce

Love your homemade recipe? Well, feel free to use it instead of a jar of sauce. Regular and meat version will both work.

Mozzarella Cheese

• I like using sliced mozzarella cheese for this casserole. It just melts better for me. However, you can replace it with shredded mozzarella, if desired. 
• For the topping, I use parmesan. But, if you wish to top it off with more mozzarella or an Italian blend, this will also work. 
• This dish is pretty cheesy! So, you only need to top it off with about 1/4- 1/3 cup of cheese.

Notes & Tips

• Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. It's best eaten within a week. 
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole!  Prepare it as noted in recipe (without the last topping of cheese).  Cover it and freeze until you are ready to eat.  It will be good for a couple of months.
• You can double this recipe. Use a 9 x 13 pan, if you are looking to feed more people in one sitting.
• 💡You can double this recipe and still use 2-9 x 9 baking pans. Eat one for your current dinner and make another for the freezer, to eat on a future day.
• 💡Before covering your dish with the foil, give the foil (the part that will be on top of your cheese) a spray with non stick cooking spray. This will prevent the foil from sticking to the melted cheese once it's baked/melted. 

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Ravioli Casserole

Easy Taco Meat

Easy Taco Meat- A quick, flavorful taco meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can also be dressed up or down to fit your taste preference.

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Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Minced onion
• Taco seasoning
• Cornstarch
• Your preferred liquid

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Can I Use Another Type of Protein?

Yes. This recipe will also work for ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork or a meatless crumble. Keep in mind, these proteins contain less fat than ground beef.  You may want to adjust the seasoning and your cooking time may be less.

Can I Use a Fresh Onion?

Of course! Add your fresh onion into the meat as it is browning. The size of your pieces/amount is up to you.

Desired Liquid?

• This depends on your preference! You can use water, chicken broth (or your favorite broth) or tomato sauce.  Using a broth or tomato sauce, does give you a bit more flavor.  So, if you are using water, you may want to increase your taco seasoning a bit. 
• If you use tomato sauce and the meat seems too thick, you can thin it out with just a smidgen of water.

Taco Seasoning? 

Packaged or homemade both do the trick.  My favorite homemade taco seasoning recipe. 🌮

Storage

• Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. It is best used within a week.
• This meat is great for freezing. Let it cool compltely. Then, store it in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag.  When ready, let it defrost, then, heat it up in skillet before using.

Put Your Taco Meat to Work In:

• Tacos
• Tostadas
• Salads
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• Casseroles
• Dips

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Easy Taco Meat