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Showing posts from May, 2026

Apple Almond Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

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This Apple Almond Salad is fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. Sweet apples, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette come together for an easy side salad that's perfect alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite weeknight dinner. Ingredients For the Salad 2 generous handfuls of spring mix 1/2 apple, thinly sliced 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or chopped walnuts) 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles For the Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp honey Salt and black pepper, to taste Directions Add the spring mix, apple slices, red onion, almonds, and feta cheese to a large salad bowl. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk (or shake) until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately ...

Gochujang Noodles with Blackened Scallops🔥🌶

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If you're looking for a quick dinner packed with bold flavor, these Gochujang Noodles with Blackened Scallops deliver. Tender scallops seasoned with blackening spice are tossed with noodles coated in a savory, spicy gochujang sauce, then finished with fresh peppers, crunchy peanuts, green onions, and sesame seeds. It's the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, crunch, and umami. Ingredients For the Gochujang Sauce 1/4 cup gochujang paste 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp honey Juice from 1/2 lime (about 1 tbsp) 3 garlic cloves, minced For the Noodles 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite noodle) 1 tbsp olive oil 1/3 cup sliced green bell pepper 1/3 cup sliced red bell pepper 1/3 cup sliced yellow or orange bell pepper 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced 1/3 cup crushed peanuts 1/2 lime to squeeze over after cooked Chopped green onions, for garnish For the Scallops 1 lb scallops 1-2 tbsp Saalf Life Blackening Rub ,  Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub  or you...

Greek Salad and Dressing

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This fresh and flavorful Greek Salad is loaded with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a simple homemade Greek dressing. It's the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired meals, and it comes together in just minutes. Ingredients For the Salad 2 generous handfuls of spring mix (or 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped) 10 black olives, pitted and halved 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 8 cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles For the Greek Dressing 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar Juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp dried oregano 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Directions Add the spring mix, olives, red onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese to a large salad bowl. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well com...

Grilled Steak Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade

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Garlic-Herb Grilled Steak Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade Tender, juicy steak kabobs loaded with smoky, herby flavor and colorful veggies — perfect for summer grilling. This easy recipe features a bold balsamic-herb marinade that doubles as a delicious finishing sauce. Great for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or meal prep. Prep time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour marinating) Cook time: 10–12 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients For the Marinade ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon honey ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper For the Kabobs 1½ pounds top sirloin steak, cut into 1¼-inch cubes ¾ large red onion, cut into wedges ¾ cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), cut into 1-inch pieces ¾ cup baby bella mushrooms, halved if large Opti...

Simple Coleslaw(Perfect for Slaw Dogs)

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Ingredients ¾ bag coleslaw mix (add more or less depending on how creamy you like it) ¾ cup finely diced red onion 5 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp honey ½ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp salt Directions Roughly chop the coleslaw mix if you prefer smaller pieces, then add it to a large bowl with the diced red onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, pepper, and salt until smooth. Slowly add the dressing to the coleslaw mixture, stirring as you go, until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. Taste and add a little extra pepper or salt if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for even better flavor. Tips & Info For extra crunch, make the coleslaw a few hours ahead of time, but don't let it sit overnight or it can become too soft. Like your slaw sweeter? Add another teaspoon of honey. Like it tangier? Add an extra splash of apple cider vi...

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Dill

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  If you're looking for a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, these Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are packed with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh dill, and savory herbs. They're tender, juicy, and perfect served in warm pita bread with creamy tzatziki sauce. Best of all, they're easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes. Ingredients For the Meatballs 1 pound ground chicken 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 egg 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped 1–2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil For Serving Pita bread Tzatziki sauce Directions 1. Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F. 2. Mix the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, dill, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Mix until everything is evenly in...

Great Wolf Lodge La Grange, GA Review: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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  Great Wolf Lodge LaGrange, GA Review: Worth the Trip? We've now stayed at Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Georgia twice, and overall we've had a lot of fun. While there are definitely some frustrations, our kids still talk about the water park long after we get home. The Good The water slides are genuinely impressive, and there's a great variety for different ages. Our 3-year-old's favorite area is the Cub Paw Kiddie Pool, which features three small slides, a pool and jet skis equipped with water cannons designed for younger kids. It's the perfect spot for toddlers and preschoolers. Our 5-year-old loves just about everything in the water park, especially Fort Mackenzie and Rapid Racer. There are also several larger thrill slides for older kids and adults that we haven't tried yet, but they look like a lot of fun. The outdoor pool area is another nice feature when it's open, giving families a little extra space to spread out and relax. One thing tha...

Easy Homemade Caesar Dressing (No Anchovies Needed)

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Easy Homemade Caesar Dressing This Easy Homemade Caesar Dressing is rich, creamy, tangy, and packed with bold restaurant-quality flavor. Made with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and fish sauce instead of traditional anchovies, this simple Caesar dressing comes together in just 5 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you're making a classic Caesar salad, my Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad , or a Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap , this homemade dressing delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture, bright citrus, and savory umami flavor. Why You'll Love This Caesar Dressing Ready in just 5 minutes Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor No anchovies needed—fish sauce provides the same savory depth Perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and vegetable dip Made with simple pantry ingredients Ingredients 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon D...

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap

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Traeger Saskatchewan and SL House Blend seasoned chicken. Both great options These Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps are quick, fresh, and packed with flavor. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing are wrapped in a soft tortilla for an easy lunch or dinner. The hint of lime and smoky grilled chicken takes this classic wrap to the next level. Ingredients (makes 2) 12 oz chicken breast 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 4 tbsp Caesar dressing (⬅️highly recommend making this recipe) 2 spinach wraps Saalf Life Blend , Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub or your favorite blackening seasoning Ground black pepper Olive oil spray Juice of half a lime Equipment Charcoal grill Meat tenderizer Directions Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese and a little ground black pepper, then refrigerate until ready to assemble. Preheat your charcoal grill to 400°F . Pound the c...

A Lil' Spicy Turkey Meatball Subs🔥

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These turkey meatball subs are hearty, cheesy, and have just the right amount of heat from pickled jalapeños. The meatballs stay tender and flavorful thanks to garlic, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar, these subs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Ingredients For the Meatballs 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean) 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp Italian seasoning 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños 1/4 cup chopped red onion 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For the Subs 1 jar spaghetti sauce Shredded mozzarella cheese 4 hoagie rolls Olive oil Red wine vinegar 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped Directions Preheat your oven to 400°F . In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and Worcester...

Grilled Blackened Swordfish with Pineapple Salsa 🍍🐟

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This Grilled Blackened Swordfish is packed with bold, smoky flavor and topped with a fresh pineapple salsa that perfectly balances the heat of the blackened seasoning. Served over Cilantro Lime Rice , this easy seafood dinner tastes like a tropical vacation on a plate. Ingredients (Serves 2) For the Swordfish 2 swordfish fillets, thawed 2 tbsp  Saalf Life Blackening Rub ,  Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub  or your favorite blackening seasoning 1 lime For the Pineapple Salsa 1 cup pineapple, diced 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (Optional)Cilantro Lime Rice  Click here for Easy Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice Recipe Equipment Charcoal grill such as a Weber Kettle or Kamado Joe Medium saucepan Mixing bowl Directions In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, red onion, red pepper, cilantro, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Mix well and ...

Blue Margarita

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This Blue Margarita is a fun and refreshing twist on the classic margarita. Made with tequila, blue curaçao, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave, it's citrusy, slightly sweet, and perfect for summer cookouts, pool days, taco nights, or anytime you're craving a tropical cocktail.  Ingredients (for 1 margarita) 2 oz tequila 3/4 oz blue curaçao 1 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz agave nectar Lime wheel, for garnish (optional) Coarse salt or Tajín, for rimming the glass (optional) Equipment Cocktail shaker and 2 oz jigger ⬅️this is a great set Instructions If desired, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into coarse salt or Tajín. Fill a cocktail shaker about 3/4 full with ice . Add the tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, and agave to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds , or until the drink is well chilled. Fill a glass with fresh ice and strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy! Tips & In...

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is bold, spicy, and loaded with flavor. Juicy seasoned shrimp are tossed with tender pasta in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce with a hint of lime to brighten everything up. It tastes like something from a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home in about 30 minutes. Ingredients For the Pasta 8 oz ziti (or penne) 1 1/4 lb large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 tbsp Cajun Seasoning( Weber Cajun is a good option) 2 tbsp oil or butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley (or chives), for garnish 1 lime Equipment Deep skillet or sauté pan Pot for boiling pasta Strainer/colander ⭐ Cookware I Used:  Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 📖  Read my full review  | 🛒  Check today's price Instructions 1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ziti (or penne) until al dente acc...

Frozen Strawberry Margarita💃

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A refreshing Frozen Strawberry Margarita that's perfectly sweet, tangy, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. This easy blender cocktail comes together in minutes and is perfect for pool days, taco nights, and summer parties. Ingredients (Makes 2 Margaritas) 4 oz tequila 1 oz triple sec 5 whole strawberries, hulled 1.5 oz fresh lime juice 1 oz agave syrup 1¼ cups ice Equipment Blender (a Ninja Blender works great) Directions Add the tequila, triple sec, strawberries, lime juice, agave, and ice to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and slushy. Pour into two glasses and serve immediately. Optional Garnish: Fresh strawberry, lime wheel, or a salted rim. Tips & Info Don't overdo the ice. More than 1¼ cups can water down the margaritas and mute the fresh strawberry flavor. Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest, most flavorful margaritas. Like it tarter? Add an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice. Want it stronger? Add an extra ounce of tequi...