12 Days of Hayes

A vegan cashew cream sauce that can be used to make many dishes creamier.

Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews. 1 cup water. 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast. 1 clove garlic, minced. 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: The best time to soak cashews is overnight or for two to four hours. Rinse and drain the cashews. Soak cashews in water, add nutritional yeast, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Blend these ingredients together in a blender. If you need to, add more water to get the consistency you want. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add pepper and salt to taste. You can use it right away or put it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

A simple and delicious sweet and sour meatball recipe made with just three ingredients, perfect for a quick and easy meal or appetizer.

Ingredients: 1 bag frozen meatballs. 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks in juice. 1 bottle 12 oz sweet and sour sauce.

Instructions: Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Add pineapple chunks with juice. Pour sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and pineapple. Stir to coat meatballs evenly. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are heated through. Serve over rice or as appetizers.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

These Frozen Hot Chocolate Popsicles are a fun twist on a classic winter treat. They combine the rich and creamy flavors of hot chocolate with the refreshing chill of popsicles. Perfect for both kids and adults!

Ingredients: 1 cup of milk chocolate chips. 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. 2 tablespoons of sugar. 1 1/2 cups of milk. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows. Popsicle molds. Popsicle sticks.

Instructions: The milk chocolate chips should be melted in 30-second bursts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Mix the sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in a different bowl. Stir the cocoa powder mixture into the melted chocolate gradually while stirring until thoroughly blended. After adding the milk and vanilla extract, stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Allow the blend to reach room temperature. Add the mini marshmallows and stir gently to distribute them evenly once cooled. Leaving a small amount of space at the top for expansion, pour the mixture into the popsicle molds. Place a popsicle stick inside every mold. Freeze until fully frozen, preferably for 4 hours. Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them before removing the popsicles. Present and savor!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

This Pioneer Woman Ranch Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, ranch dressing mix, and Parmesan cheese. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 cup plain Greek yogurt. 1 packet 1 ounce ranch dressing mix. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions: Warm the oven up to 190C 375F. Put ranch dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and mix them all together. Spread the mixture out evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover chicken breasts and put them in a baking dish. Put it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is done and the juices run clear. If you want to brown the top, you can broil it for another two to three minutes. Enjoy while hot!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Delicate and tangy Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Cookies that combine the flavors of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon with the richness of ricotta cheese. A perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Zest of 1 lemon. 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 cup fresh blueberries.

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these delightful Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Cookies!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This recipe is a cherished family heirloom, passed down through generations. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine.

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces. 2 onions, chopped. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika. 1 cup chicken broth. 1 cup sour cream. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

Instructions: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, saut until translucent. Add chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and Hungarian paprika. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in sour cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot over cooked noodles or rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

A comforting and creamy slow cooker chicken dish with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful cream sauce.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup. 1 cup chicken broth. 1 cup sliced mushrooms. 1 onion, chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste. 1 cup heavy cream. 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening.

Instructions: In the slow cooker's bottom, put chicken breasts. Boil some chicken broth and add it to a bowl. Then add mushrooms, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the mix to the slow cooker with the chicken. When the chicken is done, cover it and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Throw in the heavy cream about 30 minutes before you serve. Mix some water and cornstarch together to make a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir it in to thicken the sauce if you want to. If you want, you can serve it hot and top it with fresh herbs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 360 minutes

The slow cooker makes it easy to make chicken breasts that are tender and full of flavor in a sweet and sour pomegranate sauce. With bright pomegranate arils on top, this dish is not only tasty but also beautiful to look at.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 1 cup pomegranate juice. 1/4 cup honey. 2 tablespoons soy sauce. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons cornstarch. 2 tablespoons water. Pomegranate arils and chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions: Put chicken breasts in the crock pot. Honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper should all be mixed together in a bowl. Put on chicken. Put the lid on top and set the heat to low. Cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is well done and soft. Add water and cornstarch to a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the ingredients into the slow cooker to make the sauce thicker. Put chicken breasts on a plate and pour sauce over them. Once the chicken is done and the sauce has thickened, serve. Add pomegranate arils and chopped parsley as a garnish. Have fun!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

This vegan trail mix is packed with protein, making it the perfect snack for hiking, post-workout, or anytime you need a boost of energy. It's a delicious combination of nuts, seeds, dried chickpeas, cranberries, and chocolate chips.

Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds. 1 cup raw cashews. 1 cup pumpkin seeds. 1 cup dried chickpeas. 1 cup dried cranberries. 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips vegan.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F 175C. Spread almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely. In a large bowl, combine the roasted nuts and seeds with dried chickpeas, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Mix well until evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Apple chips that have been baked with cinnamon are a tasty and healthy snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth while still being keto-friendly. Cinnamon is used in small amounts to give these crunchy apple chips a warm and comforting taste. They're simple to make at home and a great way to enjoy apple sweetness without any extra sugar.

Ingredients: 2 large apples, preferably firm and tart such as Granny Smith. 1 tsp ground cinnamon. 1/2 tsp granulated sweetener optional, if desired.

Instructions: Warm your oven up to 200F 95C and put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Cut the apples into thin, crosswise slices that are about 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Take out and throw away any seeds. If you are using granulated sugar, mix it with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Place the apple slices on the baking sheet that has been prepared so that they don't touch. Spread the cinnamon mixture out over the apple slices in a thin layer. Place the apple slices in an oven that has already been heated. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Flip them over halfway through the baking time to make sure they cook evenly. Grab the baking sheet with the apple chips when they're done and let them cool all the way down. As they cool, they will keep getting crisper. After the apple chips have cooled, put them in a container that won't let air in. Enjoy as a crunchy snack that will fill you up!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this apple cake parfait, featuring tender cake cubes layered with a luscious sweet vanilla cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dessert on chilly evenings.

Ingredients: 2 cups apples, peeled and diced. 1 cup sugar. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 2 eggs. 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 teaspoon baking soda. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 cup buttermilk. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 cup heavy cream. 1/4 cup powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions: Set the oven to 350F 175C and heat it up. Butter and flour a cake pan. Sugar and softened butter should be mixed together in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is smooth. Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a different bowl using a whisk. While adding the dry ingredients to the wet ones, slowly pour in the buttermilk. After adding each thing, mix well. Add the vanilla extract and diced apples and mix well. Put the batter into the cake pan that has been prepared. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean. Mix the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Do this while the cake is baking. Let the cake cool down a bit before cutting it into cubes. Place the warm apple cake cubes in serving glasses and top with the sweet vanilla cream sauce. Add more layers until the glass is full, and finish with a dollop of cream on top. Serve right away and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Zebra Cookies are a delectable combination of vanilla and chocolate dough twisted together to form an eye-catching pattern. These cookies are ideal for any occasion and are sure to please both children and adults.

Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder.

Instructions: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half. Mix cocoa powder into one half of the dough until fully incorporated. Take a small piece of the plain dough and roll it into a log shape on a clean surface. Do the same with a small piece of the cocoa dough. Place the two logs side by side and twist them together gently. Repeat the process with the remaining dough to create zebra patterns. Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough logs into thin rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the zebra cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

These Whole Wheat Banana Baked Donuts with Peanut Butter Glaze are a healthier twist on traditional donuts. They are made with whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, and a delicious peanut butter glaze. Perfect for a guilt-free treat!

Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour. 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas. 1/4 cup honey. 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk. 1/4 cup peanut butter. 1 egg. 1 tsp baking powder. 1/2 tsp baking soda. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. 1/4 tsp salt.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and grease a donut pan. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, honey, almond milk, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the peanut butter glaze. Mix 1/4 cup peanut butter with a tablespoon of honey until smooth. Once the donuts are completely cool, drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top of each donut. Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nana's Christmas Icebox Cookies are a classic holiday treat that the entire family will love. Customize these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with festive colors, nuts, and sprinkles. They're ideal for holiday parties and cookie exchanges!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Red and green food coloring optional. 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional. Holiday sprinkles optional.

Instructions: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If desired, divide the dough in half and add a few drops of red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed. Stir in chopped nuts if you're using them. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log. Roll the logs in holiday sprinkles, if desired. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Preheat your oven to 375F 190C. Slice the chilled cookie dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Nana's Christmas Icebox Cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This smoothie with blueberries and bananas is tasty and cool. It's great for breakfast or as a snack. It's thick and creamy, and tastes like fruit!

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana. 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen. 1/2 cup plant-based milk. 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt. 1 tablespoon maple syrup or other sweetener optional. Ice cubes optional.

Instructions: Cut the banana into pieces after peeling it. To a blender, add the blueberries, plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, and maple syrup if using. Blitz until smooth. If you need to, add more plant-based milk to get the consistency you want. Blend until smooth. You can add ice cubes and blend again to make it smooth if you want to. Get a glass and enjoy the smoothie!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

This Bacon Cheeseburger Crock Pot Dip is the ultimate comfort food dip. Packed with the flavors of a classic cheeseburger and the richness of creamy cheese, it's perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 can 10.75 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup. 1/2 cup mayonnaise. 1/4 cup diced onion. 1/4 cup diced dill pickles. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. 1/2 tsp black pepper. 1/4 tsp salt. 1/4 tsp onion powder. 1/4 tsp garlic powder.

Instructions: Brown ground beef in a pan until it's fully cooked. Get rid of extra fat. Ground beef that has been cooked, bacon bits, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, condensed cheddar cheese soup, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced dill pickles, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder should all be put in a slow cooker. Mix everything together well. Cover and cook on low for two to three hours, stirring every now and then, until the cheese melts and the dip is hot all the way through. Once the dip is hot, turn the slow cooker down to the warm setting and serve it right from the pot. If you want, you can top it with extra shredded cheese, bacon, and diced pickles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 180 minutes

With this simple Caramel Apple Parfait, you can enjoy the delicious mix of smooth vanilla yogurt, sweet caramel, and crunchy apples. This is a quick and tasty dessert!

Ingredients: 4 cups of vanilla yogurt. 2 cups of granola. 4 medium-sized apples, diced. 1 cup of caramel sauce. 1 cup of whipped cream. 1/2 cup of chopped nuts optional.

Instructions: In serving glasses or bowls, layer 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt at the bottom. Add a layer of diced apples on top of the yogurt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granola over the caramel layer. Repeat the layers until the glass is almost full. Top the parfait with a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top. Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Repeat the process for each parfait. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes