Cathy Likes Tickling

Indulge in the warm and cozy flavors of pumpkin spice without the added sugar. This sugar-free pumpkin spice latte is perfect for those looking to enjoy the taste of fall without the guilt.

Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk. 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. 1-2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee. 1-2 packets of sugar-free sweetener to taste.

Instructions: In a small saucepan, combine almond milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it's hot but not boiling. Brew 1-2 shots of espresso or make 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Remove the pumpkin spice mixture from the heat and pour it into a blender. Add the brewed coffee and sugar-free sweetener to the blender. Blend until the mixture is well combined and frothy. Pour the sugar-free pumpkin spice latte into a mug and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

A classic dish that's great for any holiday get-together is this Slow Cooker Holiday Brown Sugar Ham. When you mix brown sugar, honey, and spices together, you get a sweet and savory glaze that makes the ham taste great. And because you use a slow cooker, it's very easy to make, and the ham is always tender and juicy.

Ingredients: 1 5-7 pound bone-in ham. 1 cup brown sugar. 1/2 cup honey. 1/4 cup Dijon mustard. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. 1 teaspoon ground cloves. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Instructions: Put the ham in the crock pot. Put brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix them together. Make sure the ham is evenly covered as you pour the mixture over it. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker every now and then to bast the meat. Take the ham out of the slow cooker when it's done and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it. The ham should be served with the slow cooker juices that are still left over.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Enjoy a refreshing and colorful salad that combines the freshness of baby spinach and mixed greens with the sweetness of blueberries, the creaminess of blue cheese, and the crunch of walnuts. The raspberry vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and fruity flavor to this delightful salad.

Ingredients: 2 cups baby spinach leaves. 2 cups mixed greens e.g., arugula, romaine. 1/2 cup blueberries. 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. 1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Instructions: Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach and mixed greens. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach and mixed greens. Sprinkle blueberries, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped walnuts over the greens. Drizzle raspberry vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy salad option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Carrot Cake Cookies are a delightful cookie that captures the flavors of classic carrot cake. These cookies are moist and full of grated carrots, warm spices, and optional add-ins, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients: 1 cup grated carrots. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 3/4 cup brown sugar. 1/4 cup granulated sugar. 1 large egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 cup old-fashioned oats. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional. 1/2 cup raisins or currants optional. Cream Cheese Frosting:. 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened. 2 cups powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions: Warm the oven up to 350F 175C and put parchment paper on baking sheets. Melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar until everything is well mixed together. Mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a different bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing only until everything is well combined. Add the grated carrots, oats, nuts if using, and raisins or currants if using. Mix the ingredients until they are well spread out. Place spoonfuls of cookie dough on the baking sheets that have been prepared, leaving space between each one. After the oven is hot, bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before moving them to a wire rack to cool all the way. Melt the cream cheese and butter together. Then, beat them together until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract one tablespoon at a time while beating the frosting until it is light and fluffy. Once the cookies are cool enough to touch, frost them with cream cheese frosting. You can either spread it on or pipe it on. Have fun with the tasty cream cheese frosting on the carrot cake cookies!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This Taco Pizza has all the tastes of a traditional taco and all the ease of pizza. It's an easy and tasty meal that works well for busy weeknights or big game days.

Ingredients: 1 pizza dough. 1/2 cup refried beans. 1/2 cup taco sauce. 1 cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes. 1/4 cup sliced black olives. 1/4 cup chopped green onions. 1/4 cup sliced jalapeos optional. 1/4 cup sour cream. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Turn on your oven and heat it up to 425F 220C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to the thickness and shape you want. Put the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. The refried beans should be spread out evenly on the pizza dough. Add the taco sauce to the refried beans and mix it in. Put half of the cheddar cheese shreds on top of the sauce. Spread the cooked ground beef out evenly on top of the cheese. Put the rest of the cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Top with black olives, green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeos, if you're using them. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. After the oven is hot, bake it for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool down a bit. Add sour cream on top, and then add chopped cilantro on top of that. Cut it up, serve it, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Enjoy the flavors of classic eggplant Parmesan with a healthier twist by incorporating whole wheat pasta and baking instead of frying. This skinny eggplant Parmesan pasta is a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat pasta. 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced. 1 cup marinara sauce. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded. 2 tbsp olive oil. 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Instructions: Follow the directions on the package to cook the pasta until it is al dente. Remove the water and set it aside. Get the oven ready by heating it up to 400F 200C. Spread out eggplant slices on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slices after brushing both sides with olive oil. Put the eggplant slices in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft and golden. Put marinara sauce in a big pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Toss the cooked pasta around in the pan after adding it. In a baking dish, put half of the pasta mix. Put half of the baked eggplant slices on top, then half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add more layers with the rest of the cheeses, eggplant, and pasta. It should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

These Monster Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and loaded with delicious goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's, and peanut butter. They're easy to make and a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1 cup granulated sugar. 1 cup brown sugar, packed. 3 large eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 2 teaspoons baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter. 4 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats. 1 cup all-purpose flour. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. 1 cup M&M's candies. 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional.

Instructions: Warm your oven up to 350F 175C and put parchment paper on baking sheets. Mix the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a big bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. One at a time, add the eggs and beat well after each one. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together in a different bowl. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter mixture that has been creamed, mixing just until everything is combined. Add the peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and chopped nuts if using and mix until everything is well mixed. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets that have been prepared. Leave some space between each cookie. After the oven is hot, bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before moving them to wire racks to cool all the way. After the Monster Cookies have cooled, put them in a container that won't let air in. This will keep them fresh. Have fun with these tasty, chewy Monster Cookies!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

For those who enjoy strawberries, these delicious Fresh Strawberry Donuts are the ideal dessert. Delicious, juicy, and a wonderful way to savor the sweetness of fresh strawberries, they are. Ideal for a snack or breakfast!

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1/2 cup milk. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 teaspoon baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/4 teaspoon salt. Powdered sugar for dusting optional. Fresh strawberries for garnish optional.

Instructions: Set the oven temperature to 175C 350F. Grease a pan for donuts. Mash the fresh strawberries, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly. Mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Stirring until just combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the strawberry mixture. Pour the batter into each cavity of the greased donut pan, filling it to about two thirds full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the donuts bounce back when lightly touched. The donuts should be taken out of the oven and allowed to cool in the pan for a few minutes before being transferred to a wire rack to finish cooling. Garnish the cooled donuts with fresh strawberry slices and powdered sugar, if desired. Savor your newly made strawberry doughnuts!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This Ginger Whiskey Cocktail, which only has two ingredients, is the perfect mix of spicy ginger flavor and smooth whiskey, making it a great drink for any event.

Ingredients: 2 oz whiskey. 1 oz ginger syrup.

Instructions: Ice should be put into a cocktail shaker. Gin syrup and whiskey should be put into the shaker. Make sure to shake it well until it's cold. Pour through a strainer into a cold glass. If you want, you can add a slice of fresh ginger as a garnish.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

A delightful vegan dish featuring orzo pasta tossed with vibrant lemon, garlic, and tender asparagus. It's a light and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta. 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 4 cloves garlic, minced. 1 lemon, zest and juice. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast optional.

Instructions: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saut until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Add cooked orzo to the skillet along with lemon zest and juice. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the orzo and toss again. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

These Peanut Butter Waffles from Cupcake Diaries are a delightful twist on classic waffles. They are infused with creamy peanut butter, resulting in a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or brunch, these waffles are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup peanut butter. 2 tablespoons sugar. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 cup milk. 1 large egg. 2 tablespoons melted butter. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a whisk. It's best to mix the peanut butter, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a different bowl until everything is well mixed. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and mix them together just until they are mixed. Make sure not to mix it too much; a few lumps are fine. Pre-heat your waffle iron and use butter or non-stick cooking spray to lightly coat it. Place the waffle iron that has already been heated with the waffle batter and cook it according to the maker's directions until it is golden brown and crisp. You can add syrup, banana slices, chopped nuts, or anything else you like to the hot peanut butter waffles. Enjoy your tasty peanut butter waffles that you made yourself!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

With this recipe from Sara's Secret, you can make barbecue ribs that taste rich and smoky with beer. A mix of spices, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in the marinade turns the tender baby back ribs into a glaze that makes your mouth water. Great for a barbecue in the backyard or any other special event.

Ingredients: 2 racks of baby back ribs. 1 bottle of your favorite beer. 1 cup brown sugar. 1/2 cup Dijon mustard. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. 2 tablespoons smoked paprika. 2 teaspoons garlic powder. 2 teaspoons onion powder. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Place the baby back ribs on a large cutting board and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub the ribs with the prepared marinade, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides. Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the beer. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for better flavor. Remove the ribs from the marinade and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. Grill the ribs over medium-high heat for approximately 20-30 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145F 63C for medium doneness. Baste the ribs with additional marinade during the last 10 minutes of grilling for extra flavor. Once cooked, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious beer-infused barbecue ribs!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Savor these decadent, fudgy chocolate browniesthey'll definitely quench your chocolate cravings.

Ingredients: 1 cup butter. 2 cups granulated sugar. 4 large eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 cup all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup cocoa powder. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and grease a baking pan. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, then let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan for a while, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

A delicious and spicy dish featuring baby potatoes cooked with aromatic spices and tangy tamarind paste, perfect for potato lovers.

Ingredients: 500g baby potatoes, boiled. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. 1 onion, finely chopped. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 red chilies, thinly sliced. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. 1 teaspoon ground cumin. 1 teaspoon ground coriander. 1 tablespoon tamarind paste. 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Salt to taste. Coriander leaves for garnish.

Instructions: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Saut until golden brown. Add sliced red chilies and saut for another minute. Stir in ground turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook until fragrant. Add boiled baby potatoes, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are well coated with the spices. Garnish with coriander leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

These bacon-wrapped avocado bites are a great keto-friendly appetizer for Super Bowl Sunday. The creamy avocado and crispy bacon make for a tasty snack.

Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted. 8 slices bacon, cut in half. 1 tablespoon olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Toothpicks.

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400F 200C. Brush the avocado halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each avocado half with a bacon slice, securing it with a toothpick. Place the bacon-wrapped avocado halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the avocado is heated through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

These Fruity Belgian Waffles are a delightful breakfast treat. The combination of crispy waffles and sweet, juicy berries is simply irresistible. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/4 cup granulated sugar. 2 tsp baking powder. 1/2 tsp salt. 2 large eggs. 1 3/4 cups milk. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. 1 tsp vanilla extract. 1 cup fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Maple syrup for serving.

Instructions: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl with a whisk. Put the eggs in a different bowl and beat them. Then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and mix them together just until they are mixed. Make sure not to mix it too much; a few lumps are fine. Follow the directions on the package to heat up your waffle iron and lightly grease it. When the waffle iron is hot, pour the batter on top of it and top it with a handful of fresh berries. Close the waffle iron and cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crisp. This should take between 3 and 5 minutes, but it depends on the waffle iron you have. With care, take the waffles out of the pan and drizzle maple syrup on top of them to serve. Have fun with your tasty fruity Belgian waffles!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Creamy and tangy coconut milk yogurt, perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients: 2 cans coconut milk. 2 tbsp tapioca starch. 2 tbsp maple syrup. 2 probiotic capsules.

Instructions: Give coconut milk cans a good shake before you open them. Mix coconut milk and tapioca starch with a whisk in a saucepan until the mixture is smooth. Stir the mixture all the time while heating it over medium-low heat until it gets thick. Take it off the heat and let it cool down to 43F 110C. Take the probiotic powder out of the capsules and mix it into the coconut milk powder. Put the mix into a clean glass jar and put a lid on top of it. For 24 to 48 hours, leave the jar somewhere warm, like an oven with the light on. Put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving after it has fermented. Add maple syrup to the mix before serving to make it sweet.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes