Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves- The classic comfort food made in a mini version. They come together quickly and making them smaller cuts your cooking time in half. Serve them a side of your favorite creamy mashed potatoes to finish off your dinner.

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My mom made meatloaf all the time when I was growing up. I am assuming this is because ground meat wasn't very expensive, she could feed a bunch of people (there was seven of us) and it was quick to toss together.

Now, I found out just a few years before my mom died, that she actually hated meatloaf! She made it frequently, because of the above reasons, plus, my dad liked it.  He was the head of the household and that, my friends, is how she cooked.  🤷

My husband loves meatloaf and I make it for that reason, but, plus, me and the kids really like it too. The only difference is that mine are usually in these mini versions.

Cuts back on cooking time and honestly, they are fun. 

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Minced onion
• Ketchup

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Recipe Notes:

• Do not over-mix your meat mixture. Simply mix until everything until it is combined well. Over mixing can give you a tough meatloaf.

• Not a fan of ketchup? It can be replaced with your favorite BBQ sauce.

• The internal temperature of your meat should be at least 160 degrees when done.

• The mini meatloaves pictured are topped with mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy about them ( they are actually made from potato flakes!). I piped them with a 1M piping tip.
• This recipe should make you anywhere from 10-12 mini meatloaves, depending on the size. 

Can I Bake This in A Loaf Pan Instead?

Of course!  In a 9-10 inch loaf pan, bake it for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes! Ground beef and ground turkey will both work fine for these. However, ground turkey has less fat content than ground beef. So, cut your cooking time back just a few minutes. This will help the meatloaves stay moist and not dry out.

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Cream Puffs

Cream Puffs

 Cream Puffs- Easy baked pastry shells that can be filled or topped off with your favorite ingredients. 

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I always thought cream puffs were difficult to make.  They aren't! While they can look intimidating, they are quite simple to create. 

Now, the cream puffs that are pictured are loaded with chocolate creme and topped with a chocolate ganache.  However, you can fill them with whatever you wish. 

Ingredients Needed

• Butter
• Flour
• Eggs
• Water
• Salt

What About The Filling and Topping?

You can find the full ingredients list and instructions for the chocolate version in the recipe card. For a few more filling ideas, see below.

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How to Make Your Cream Puffs (full instructions in card)

• First, melt the butter, water and salt and bring it all to a boil. Remove it from the heat and stir in the flour.  
• Transfer it to a mixing bowl.  You will need an electric mixer for this step.  Add in the eggs, one at a time and beat until they are fully combined and your batter is smooth.
• Drop the dough, by the spoonful, on an ungreased flat rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake them up and once they are done, remove from the oven.  
• Lightly, poke a tiny hole in each puff. This will release the steam.  Let them cool completely before adding filling.

Ideas for Your Filling

• Whipped topping (ex: Cool Whip)
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Any flavor of instant pudding
• Pastry Cream
• A whole bunch of frostings will work too! 

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One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes- The classic! Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. It's all made up in one pot and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 

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 I have shared this recipe in the past and the one question is....is that ketchup amount correct?  The answer?  Yes, it is.   

This is my mom's sloppy joe recipe and just the smell of it in my kitchen transports me back to my childhood.  It's so yummy and goes perfect with a side of plain ole' potato chips!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Celery
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt/Pepper

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Recipe Notes

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes. Your ground beef can easily be replaced with ground turkey. 

Onion and Celery

I like to use fresh versions of both.  I chop them up pretty well, so, I don't have chunks in the sauce. However, you can use dry minced onion or celery salt as a replacement. 

Can This Be Doubled?

Yes! This can easily be doubled. The doubled version will serve about 10-12 people! 

Can I Freeze This?

Again, yes!  Make your sloppy joes as directed and let them cool completely.  Then, store in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  They will be good for 3-6 months. When you are ready, defrost to room temperature, then, reheat in a skillet. 

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Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

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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Dirt Pudding

Dirt Pudding

Dirt Pudding- A completely addicting pudding made with cream cheese, vanilla pudding and whipped topping. The addition of the Oreo cookie crumbs is the perfect finishing touch.

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You have been warned...you will not be able to eat just one serving of this. It's crazy addicting and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Instant vanilla pudding 
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate sandwich cookies
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Whipped topping

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Recipes Notes

Cream Cheese

Be sure it's softened! This makes beating it so much easier. It will also help give your pudding a creamy consistency. 

Whipped Topping

AKA "Cool Whip".  You can use any brand or variety.  Ex: low, fat free, vegan, etc 

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

• AKA "Oreos".Again, you can use any brand or variety.  Ex: gluten free, double stuff,etc 
• You will need a 16 oz package or about 3 1/2 cups, if you are using premade crumbs.

What Kind Of Serving Dish Should I Use?

Any kind you wish.  It you want to use one dish, it will fit into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Storage

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. It is best eaten within 2-4 days.  That's if it lasts that long ;) 

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Beer Bread

Beer Bread

Beer Bread- A delicious quick bread that requires just 4 ingredients! Serve it as a side or with your favorite creamy dip.  It goes great with just about anything you are serving or by itself. 

Soooo long ago,  I went to my sister in law's house for a birthday party. She served up beer bread that was cut into chunks and served with a creamy spinach dip.  It was dee-vine. 

Fast forward several years and I am still making it.  Not just to go with a dip, but, simply by itself as a side to dinner. It is still just as good and simple as ever.

Now, you can buy a package of mix to make beer bread...don't waste your money on it!  This bread is so simple, you won't need it. 

 Ingredients Needed:

• Self rising flour
• Sugar
• Beer
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Self Rising Flour

None on hand? Make it homemade. 👌

Do I Have to Use Beer?

Honestly, no.  I have made this bread with regular beer, non alcoholic beer, root beer and lemon lime soda. They have all worked great.  Stick with a carbonated beverage that is 12 ounces in size for the recipe to work best. 

Storage & Freezing

Keep any leftovers in a covered container/storage bag. It's best eaten within a week or so.  If desired, you can freeze this bread. Let it cool completely, then, store it in a freezer safe, covered container or storage bag.  It will be good for a couple of months.

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