Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

 Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix- Creamy, dreamy hot cocoa made homemade! No box version required.

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It's cold! 

Time to wrap your hands around a warm cup of hot cocoa.  ☕ 

This mix is crazy quick to throw together and will cost you much less than buying the boxed stuff at the grocery store.  

Ingredients Needed

• Powdered sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

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Can I Double This Recipe?

Of course!  The recipe below will make you about  12 cups of hot cocoa.  You can double it or cut it in half to suit your need.

Can I Use This With Hot Water?

Technically, yes.  However, I believe that it tastes much better when you are using hot milk.

Will it Work with Non Dairy/Plant Based Milk?

Yes. Simply heat it up as you would regular dairy milk. Use the same amount as called for in recipe.

How Long Will the Dry Mix Last?

As long as you keep it in a airtight, covered container or jar, it will stay good for several months.

Garnish Your Hot Cocoa

• Swirl of Caramel Sauce
• Dollop of Whipped Cream
• Homemade Marshmallows
• Dollop of Marshmallow Fluff

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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies-  The easiest cookies you will ever make! Yep, these delicious cookies only need 3 ingredients and are super quick to whip together. 

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This recipe has been in my recipe archives for so long,  I honestly don't even remember who or where it came from.  I do know though, that it's a serious family favorite around here and not only do I like to bake these cookies, my kids do too.

What Are The Three Ingredients?

• Peanut butter
• Sugar
• Egg

Peanut Butter:

• I recommend using a "regular" peanut butter for these cookies, as opposed to the "natural" variety. I love the natural variety, but, it does have a higher oil content, which could alter the outcome of your cookie.  Now, if  all you have in your pantry is the natural peanut butter, use it! You can simply add a tablespoon or two of flour to absorb the extra oil.
• You can also use crunchy peanut butter for these.  The same instance with the regular/natural varieties apply.

Sugar:

• I use brown sugar for these cookies.  However, you can use a regular white sugar, coconut palm sugar or a date sugar. 

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Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Sour Cream Cheesecake

Sour Cream Cheesecake- A creamy (and simple!) cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and sour cream topping. 

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My dad's birthday was just last week.  He would have been 90 years old! 🥳 All through my childhood, my mom made this cheesecake for his birthday.  She made it in a giant sheet pan (there were 7 of us eating it).  I cut it back and make it in my 9 x 9 pan.   It's still just as yummy!

Ingredients Needed

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar (both white and brown)
• Butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

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Can I Use Low Fat Cream Cheese Instead?

Yes.  If desired, you can use a low fat (Neufchatel) version or even, a fat free version cream cheese for this.  

What About a Dairy Free or Plant Based Cream Cheese?

Honestly, I don't know.  I have eaten dairy free cream cheese on my bagels, but, have never tried it with a baked cheesecake.  Although, I made no bake mini cheesecakes and it worked great.  So, I am assuming it will work, but, don't want to say for certain.  If you try it, please let me know your results!

Can I Use Low Fat Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt?

Yes.  I have used both on this cheesecake and they both worked. 

Storage

Keep any leftover cheesecake in a covered dish in the refrigerator.  It is best eaten with a week. 

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Sour Cream Cheesecake

Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble- Start your day off right! A hearty dish of scrambled eggs, diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to do it. Delicious and packed full of protein. 

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While my mom was the total foodie in the family, my dad did a bit of cooking.  Mom handled desserts and dinner, and my dad made weekend breakfasts.  His go-to scrambled eggs were packed full of ham and cheese and were always made perfect.

He never had an official "recipe" for his eggs, but, I did develop this as my own recipe once I started cooking for myself. 

These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner! 

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Deli ham
• Dried spices:  salt, pepper, onion powder
• Butter

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Can I Adjust This Recipe Easily?

Yes, of course! If desired, this recipe can be easily increased or decreased to fit your preference. 

Cheese

I love a good sharp cheddar cheese in my eggs, but, actually, any flavor will work.  I do recommend using shredded cheese ( either pre-made shredded or shredded by you), as it will melt easier and quicker.

How Long Should I Cook My Eggs?

Anywhere from 3-5 minutes.  This will depend on how you like your scrambled eggs.  If you like your eggs softer, cook them for a shorter time.  If you like them firmer, cook them longer. 

The Most Important Thing About Cooking Scrambled Eggs!

For the best eggs, cook them on low.  Cooking your eggs on high heat could dry them out and give you some not-so-great-tasting scrambled eggs.

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Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Slow Cooker Pasta Meat Sauce

Slow Cooker Pasta Meat Sauce- A hearty meat sauce for your favorite pasta that is made right in your slow cooker (crock pot). 

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Like the Creamy Apple Squares, this recipe comes from my Great Aunt.  The original recipe calls for making it on the stove top, but, I like to use my slow cooker (crock pot).  It's just easier. 🖒

Ingredients List

• Ground turkey or ground beef
• Pureed tomatoes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dry spaghetti seasoning
• Onion
• Red pepper
• Spices:  Garlic, Basil, Salt, Pepper, Oregano
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

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Do I Have to Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Nope.  If desired, you can make it on your stovetop.  Follow the recipe as noted and let it simmer in large pot for 3 hours over low heat. 

What Size Slow Cooker Do You Use?

I use a 6 quart slow cooker.  See recipe card for product.  If your cooker is smaller/larger, you should adjust the cooking time. 

Where Do I Find Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning? 

I found mine in the same section as the other seasoning packets ( ex: mixes for dinners, burgers, slow cooker meals).  If you can't find it,  check out the recipe card for the product I used.

Storage

Let the sauce cool completely. Then, store in air tight/covered jars/containers in the refrigerator. It is best used within 2 weeks.  Freezing:  Store in freezer safe/covered containers or jars.  Remove as much air from them as possible. It will stay good for several months.

→→Explore more recipes for your slow cooker! 

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Slow Cooker Pasta Meat Sauce

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip! A delicious dip that only requires three ingredients and can be served with your favorite raw veggies, chips, pretzels or pita chips.

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Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip