Lohlita Sims

These Apple Pie Energy Bites are a delicious and healthy snack that tastes just like apple pie! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dried apples, almond butter, and maple syrup, they're gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while providing a burst of energy.

Ingredients: 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats. 1/2 cup dried apple rings, chopped. 1/4 cup almond butter. 1/4 cup maple syrup. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pinch of salt.

Instructions: Pulse the rolled oats in a food processor until they are very small. The food processor should have almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. The dried apple rings should be chopped up. Pulse the ingredients together until they stick together and look like dough. Roll the mixture into balls that are about the size of a grain of rice. Put the energy bites on a baking sheet that has parchment paper on it. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make it firm. The apple pie energy bites can be kept in the fridge for up to a week in a container that won't let air in.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Impress your friends and family with this warm winter dinner and a strong red wine. The soft beef melts in your mouth, and the vegetables and herbs add rich flavors to the dish. During the winter, it's great for a cozy night in.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into chunks. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 large onion, chopped. 4 cloves garlic, minced. 2 carrots, peeled and sliced. 2 celery stalks, sliced. 1 cup beef broth. 1 cup red wine same as used for drinking. 1 tablespoon tomato paste. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley for garnish. Crusty bread for serving.

Instructions: Warm the oven up to 325F 160C. Add salt and pepper to the beef chunks. Put olive oil in a Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Once all sides of the beef are well-seared, remove from the pan and set it aside. Put the onions and garlic in the same pot and cook them until they get soft. After you add the carrots and celery, cook for a few more minutes. Put the beef back in the pot. Red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary should all be stirred in. Bring to a simmer, then cover and put in an oven that is already hot. As the beef gets soft, braise it for two to two and a half hours. After taking it out of the oven, let it sit for one hour. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley. With a piece of crusty bread and the rest of the red wine, serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 150 minutes

A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors characterizes this recipe for hearty and delicious baked beans. Perfect as a stand-alone entre or as a cozy side dish.

Ingredients: 3 cans 15 oz each of navy beans, drained and rinsed. 1 cup diced bacon. 1 cup diced onion. 1/2 cup molasses. 1/3 cup brown sugar. 1/4 cup ketchup. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F 175C. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add diced onion to the bacon and cook until softened. Stir in drained navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are thick and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these hearty baked beans on their own or as a side dish! Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

A coffee drink that tastes like cranberries and is creamy and fruity.

Ingredients: 1 shot of espresso. 1 cup of steamed milk. 2 tablespoons of white chocolate chips. 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce. Whipped cream and dried cranberries for topping.

Instructions: Brew a shot of espresso. In a saucepan, heat steamed milk and add white chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Stir in cranberry sauce until well combined. Pour the espresso shot into a cup and top with the cranberry white chocolate milk. Garnish with whipped cream and dried cranberries.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Enjoy these rich caramel brownie tarts that don't need to be baked. They have a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich caramel filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache.

Ingredients: 1 cup crushed graham crackers. 1/4 cup melted butter. 1/2 cup caramel sauce. 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional. 1 cup chocolate chips. 1/2 cup heavy cream.

Instructions: Crushed graham crackers and melted butter should be mixed together well in a bowl. Making a crust, press the mixture into tart molds. Put it in the fridge for 15 minutes to set. Spread the caramel sauce out evenly over the crust. You can add chopped nuts if you want to. Put chocolate chips and heavy cream in a bowl that can go in the microwave. Stirring every 30 seconds in the microwave until smooth. Cover the caramel layer in the tart molds with chocolate ganache. Put tarts in the fridge for at least an hour before you serve them. Have fun!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

These tasty popsicles are made with fresh fruits and coconut water, which are both great for you. On hot summer days, they're a tasty and healthy treat.

Ingredients: 2 cups mixed fresh fruit such as berries, kiwi, pineapple. 1 cup coconut water.

Instructions: Break up the fruit. Put the fruit pieces into the popsicle molds in an even way. Fill up every mold all the way to the top with coconut water. Put in the popsicle sticks and freeze until solid, which should take at least 4 hours. Take them out of the molds and enjoy once they're frozen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

These mini pumpkin cookies are the perfect fall treat. They're soft, full of pumpkin flavor, and topped with a delightful cinnamon frosting. The blend of spices and the optional addition of walnuts make these cookies a cozy and delicious dessert option for any autumn gathering.

Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed. 1 egg. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 teaspoon baking powder. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional. 1 cup powdered sugar. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. 2-3 tablespoons milk.

Instructions: Set the oven to 350F 175C and heat it up. Put parchment paper on the bottom of a baking sheet. Melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar and white sugar in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix them in well. Mix in the pumpkin puree until it's smooth. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a different bowl using a whisk. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix them together until they are just combined. Add the chopped walnuts if you want to. Place spoonfuls of cookie dough on the baking sheet that has been prepared. After the oven is hot, bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and have a little golden color around the edges. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool all the way. When you want to make the cinnamon frosting, mix the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk together in a bowl. If you need to, add more milk until the frosting is the consistency you want. After the cookies have cooled down completely, cover each one with a lot of cinnamon frosting. Wait for the frosting to set up before you serve it or eat it.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

A delicious and simple tagliatelle pasta recipe inspired by Linda Pugliese, featuring the freshness of cherry tomatoes and spinach combined with garlic-infused olive oil. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients: 300g tagliatelle pasta. 2 tbsp olive oil. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 200g cherry tomatoes, halved. 150g fresh spinach. Salt and pepper to taste. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving.

Instructions: Boil tagliatelle pasta 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 minute. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add cooked tagliatelle pasta to the skillet, toss to combine with the tomato and spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Savor the ideal balance of sweet and savory by biting into this Bacon Caramel Tart. Rich caramel filling dotted with crispy bacon bits is held within a flaky crust. It's a tasty treat that will definitely sate your appetite.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed. 1/4 cup ice water. 1 cup granulated sugar. 1/4 cup water. 1/2 cup heavy cream. 1/2 cup bacon bits, cooked and crispy. 3 large eggs. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pinch of salt.

Instructions: Put the cubed butter and flour in a food processor. Pulse until coarse crumbs form from the mixture. Once the dough comes together, pulse in the ice water gradually. Shape it into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for half an hour. Set the oven temperature to 375F 190C. Using a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan. Cut off any extra dough that is dangling over the sides. Place water and granulated sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Turn up the heat to high after stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Stirring occasionally, cook the mixture until it takes on a deep amber color. After taking the caramel off the stove, slowly stir in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Take care, as it will erupt. When the caramel starts to cool slightly, stir in the bacon pieces. Whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and a small amount of salt in a different bowl. While continuously whisking, slowly pour the bacon caramel mixture into the egg mixture. Fill the prepared tart shell with the caramel-bacon mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the filling is set and beginning to puff up a little. Before serving, let the Bacon Caramel Tart cool fully. If desired, top with extra bacon bits for flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This Lemon Herb Salmon with Honey Mustard Dressing tastes great and is good for you. It's perfect for seafood lovers. The fresh herbs, sour lemon, and sweet honey mustard dressing bring out the natural flavors of the salmon, making for a tasty and filling meal.

Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets. 2 lemons, sliced. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped. Salt and pepper to taste. For the dressing:. 2 tablespoons honey. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. 1 tablespoon lemon juice. 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375F 190C. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fillet with the herb mixture and top with lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. While the salmon is baking, prepare the honey mustard dressing by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Once the salmon is done, drizzle with honey mustard dressing before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This Caramel Apple Parfait is a delicious treat with its smooth vanilla yogurt, crunchy granola, sweet diced apples, and rich caramel sauce.

Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla yogurt. 1 cup granola. 2 apples, diced. 1/2 cup caramel sauce. 1/4 cup chopped nuts optional.

Instructions: In serving glasses or bowls, layer vanilla yogurt at the bottom. Add a spoonful of granola on top of the yogurt layer. Follow with a layer of diced apples. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples. Repeat the layers until the glass or bowl is filled. Top the parfait with a final drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

A fun picnic with SparkleandWine's portable wine cups and a variety of charcuterie essentials will take your outdoor dining to a whole new level. This recipe is a classy but easy way to enjoy wine and food on the go. It's great for a romantic date or a day of relaxation in the park.

Ingredients: 1 bottle SparkleandWine There's a Good Chance This is Wine To Go Cup. Assorted cured meats prosciutto, salami, etc.. Assorted cheeses brie, cheddar, gouda, etc.. Crackers or breadsticks. Assorted fresh fruits grapes, strawberries, figs, etc.. Assorted nuts almonds, walnuts, etc.. Olives. Honey or fruit preserves for drizzling.

Instructions: Put out Sparkle and Wine. It's likely This is a Wine To Go Cup split into two glasses. Put crackers, fresh fruits, nuts, olives, cured meats, and cheeses out on a serving board or picnic blanket. To make cheeses taste better, drizzle them with honey or fruit preserves. Have fun at your picnic with sparkling wine and cheeses.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

The flavors and textures in these Smashed Plantain Pulled Pork Sliders go well together. The soft pulled pork goes well with the crunchy fried plantains, and the coleslaw gives it a nice crunch. Great as an easy and filling snack or as an appetizer at a party.

Ingredients: 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced. 1 pound pulled pork. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. 1/2 cup coleslaw. 8 slider buns. 1/4 cup mayonnaise. 1/4 cup sliced pickles. Salt and pepper to taste. Oil for frying.

Instructions: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the plantain slices until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. In a separate pan, heat the pulled pork with barbecue sauce until it's heated through. Split the slider buns and toast them in the oven until they're lightly browned. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with a slice of fried plantain, a generous portion of pulled pork, coleslaw, and sliced pickles. Top with the other half of the bun and secure with a toothpick. Serve the Smashed Plantain Pulled Pork Sliders with extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

These vegan, sugar-free mini rose and strawberry panna cotta desserts are a delightful treat with a delicate floral flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are creamy, indulgent, and visually stunning.

Ingredients: 2 cups coconut milk. 1/4 cup maple syrup. 1/4 cup agar agar flakes. 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped. 1 teaspoon rose water. 1 tablespoon edible rose petals, for garnish.

Instructions: In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, maple syrup, and agar agar flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until agar agar flakes dissolve completely. Remove from heat and stir in chopped strawberries and rose water. Pour the mixture into mini silicone molds or ramekins. Let it cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Once set, gently remove the panna cotta from the molds by running a knife around the edges and turning them out onto serving plates. Garnish with edible rose petals before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Chocolate PB Hi-Protein Smoothie Bowl. Packed with protein and flavor, it's a perfect way to start your day or refuel after a workout.

Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt. 2 ripe bananas. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. 2 tablespoons peanut butter. 1 tablespoon honey. 1/2 cup almond milk. 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder. Toppings: sliced bananas, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, granola, and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Instructions: In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt, ripe bananas, cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey, almond milk, and chocolate protein powder. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl. Top with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, granola, and a drizzle of peanut butter. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate PB Hi-Protein Smoothie Bowl!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Savor these flavorful and crispy coconut chicken strips that are also Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free! They are a filling main dish or the ideal snack.

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips. 1/2 cup almond flour. 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1/2 teaspoon paprika. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 2 large eggs, beaten. Coconut oil for frying.

Instructions: Almond flour, shredded coconut, paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt, and black pepper should all be combined in a bowl. Make sure all of the chicken strips are coated by dipping them into the beaten eggs. Gently press the coconut mixture onto the egg-coated chicken strips to ensure the coating sticks to the chicken. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips and cook, turning occasionally, for 34 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. To drain excess oil, move the cooked chicken strips to a plate covered with paper towels. Warm up and pair with your preferred dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Christmas Tree Cupcakes. They are not only delicious but also fun to decorate with your favorite holiday-themed toppings. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

Ingredients: 1 box of your favorite cupcake mix. 3 eggs. 1/2 cup vegetable oil. 1 cup water. Green food coloring. 1 cup butter. 4 cups powdered sugar. 2-3 tablespoons milk. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Assorted holiday sprinkles and decorations.

Instructions: Warm up your oven to 350F 175C and put cupcake liners in a muffin tin. Following the directions on the box, make the cupcake batter and add green food coloring until the cupcakes are the shade of green you want them to be. About two-thirds of the way to the top of each cupcake liner, fill it with green batter. Bake in an oven that has already been heated for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow them to totally cool down. Beat the butter in a bowl until it's smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract one cup at a time while beating the frosting until it is fluffy and smooth. When the cupcakes are cool, frost each one with green frosting. You can use a piping bag or a knife. Use holiday sprinkles and decorations to make your cupcakes look like ornaments and lights on a Christmas tree. Enjoy your Christmas Tree Cupcakes after you serve them!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes