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As a kid, I loved Halloween. The excitement of dressing up in my costume and going trick-or-treating was almost unbearable. Now as a mom, I get to see that excitement on the faces of our girls. As they get older, I watch their creativity come to life as they work tirelessly making their costumes. When our oldest daughter was 3 years old, she was really into Spider-Man. Not the revamped 2012 version, but the 1967 one. I don’t know, man. We’re a quirky little family. Anyway, she decided she wanted to be Spider-Man for Halloween that year and I was happy to oblige. However, she didn’t want to be just Spider-Man. No, no, my friends. She wanted to be Spider-Man with a tutu. This is not to be confused with Spider-Girl or Spider-Woman. She was very clear. Spider-Man with a tutu. Um, ok, kid. Cool. To Esty, I went to find a tutu maker. Thankfully, I found one quickly and received it in my mailbox in no time. We were able to locate a Spider-Man costume at Wal-Mart. And just like that, it all came together. My sweet girl was the absolute cutest Spider-Man with a tutu ever. She wore that costume until she outgrew it (and even a little past that). Then, our youngest daughter wore the life out of it. Sometimes with the tutu, most times without it. To each their own. When our youngest daughter was two, she loved all things Five Little Pumpkins. We read the story to her several times each day and YouTube videos were on repeat. She had a little dance and everything. She was a little pumpkin that year. Last year I found that little board book had made its way to the “donation pile” as we prepared for our move. I gasped so loudly I thought the whole world must have heard me. Needless to say, I immediately removed the book from said pile and it is now in my memory box with other trinkets of their childhood. It’s funny how such little things can mean so much to us. For me, there is so much that goes into holiday planning. Of course, there is the meal, have you made my Comfy Cozy Slow Cooker Chili ? It is perfect for a cool, autumn night. And of course, there is the main event i.e., trick-or-treating but there are also fun things to do in between. Here are 10 of our favorite things to do to get us in the Halloween spirit: Pumpkin Painting Pumpkin Volcanoes Pumpkin Investigations Baking Pumpkin Muffins or Zucchini Bread Decorating the house Creating Costumes Creating our Trunk-or-Treat theme Fall festivals/Pumpkin Patch Make autumn/Halloween crafts Fun printable worksheets Check out some of our fun, unit-based printable packs! In the Garden On the Farm Little Halloween Mouse

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . These deliciously hearty muffins are incredibly moist and full of our favorite fall flavors! Summer is over friends, and I have to say, I'm not at all sad about it! In southern Alabama, summer weather is miserably hot and humid. You’ll often hear people complaining not about the heat, but rather about the humidity that seems to knock the wind out of you 24/7. Sure, we have access to pools, creeks, rivers, and beaches, but I am a fair-skinned gal with a history of skin cancer, so I tend to stay indoors throughout the summer months. No tears here friends, while I’m spending much of my time in the A/C, I’m in my happy place, my kitchen. I love to create new recipes, and this one is a new family favorite! Jump to Recipe What You’ll Need to Make Oatmeal Apple Pie Muffins Oats You want the real stuff here, nothing that's instant or “quick cooking”. Just good, whole rolled oats full of protein and soluble fiber. The fiber in oats, known as beta-glucan, has been found to lower blood glucose and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Soluble fiber can also promote healthy gut bacteria. (1) If you're allergic or have a gluten sensitivity, be sure to check the packaging for the “Certified Gluten-Free” label since some brands may have a risk of cross-contamination. The CGF label should ensure that the oats were packaged in a gluten-free environment. Buttermilk The acidity in buttermilk adds a nice tangy flavor that helps balance out the sweetness in baked goods. Buttermilk also helps to give a more bread-like texture, which gives the perfect structure for muffins. Flour I use an organic, standard all-purpose flour for this recipe. Salt Salt helps to preserve the flavor and prevent staleness. Apple Pie Spice You can find apple pie spice in most stores and online. Or you can make your own! 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon allspice ½ teaspoon nutmeg In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Store in an airtight container or a clean spice jar. Eggs Fresh eggs help not only add flavor and moisture but also help create structure and stability within the batter. Sugar Sugar helps to keep baked goods soft and moist. Apple Cinnamon Extract I absolutely love my homemade baking extracts and will likely never return to the store-bought versions again! Homemade extracts offer a cleaner flavor, meaning they don’t taste artificial like the common store brands. They are also really affordable to make and easy to customize. You can check out my favorite homemade extracts here . If you don’t have apple cinnamon extract, vanilla will get the job done just fine. Apple Pie Filling I follow a tested recipe from my Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving for my homemade apple pie filling. If you’re not a home canner, you can find canned pie filling in most grocery stores. Where to Find Quality Baking Ingredients If you’re looking for a convenient way to find organic, non-GMO ingredients, check out Country Life Natural Foods . Their high-quality products are purchased from farmers and their mission is to offer simple and affordable options that take the guesswork out of eating healthily. I love that they sell in bulk, as well as smaller quantities directly to my door because this Momma is busy! You can try out Country Life Natural Foods and save even more by using my discount code: AZALEAHOMESTEAD If you love muffins for breakfast, be sure to also check out these delicious recipes: Raspberry Lemon Muffins Cherry Vanilla Muffins Banana Walnut Muffins Double Chocolate Orange Zucchini Muffins Helpful Tips for Making Oatmeal Apple Pie Muffins Don’t skip soaking the oats! This simple step helps our body to absorb the nutrients and digest the oats. This is because the starches in the oats are broken down which helps to reduce the natural phytic acid found in the outer layer of grains or bran. Don’t overmix the batter. I like to use a standard spatula or a Danish whisk to mix everything together. If the apples in the apple pie filling are slices, I recommend chopping them up a bit before folding them into your muffin batter. This will ensure those delicious apple pieces are in every bite. Ingredients 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups buttermilk 2 ½ cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 ¼ cups sugar 1 Tablespoon Apple Pie Spice 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons Apple Cinnamon Extract 2 cups Apple Pie filling Streusel Topping 1 cup flour ½ cup brown sugar, tightly packed 1 teaspoon apple pie spice 1 stick butter, melted Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 24-cup muffin pan. In a large bowl, combine oats and buttermilk. Allow oats to rest for 45 minutes. Add sugar, apple pie spice, eggs, and apple cinnamon extract to oats and buttermilk mixture. Mix well to combine. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredients. Gently fold in apple pie filling. In a small bowl, add flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and melted butter. Using a fork, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined and result in a crumbly texture. Spoon muffin batter ¾ of the way full into prepared muffin tin. Top each muffin with streusel topping. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Allow muffins to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Muffins may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for three days. How to Freeze Oatmeal Apple Pie Muffins Place muffins on a cookie sheet and place them uncovered in the freezer for approximately 1 hour. Remove from the freezer and place the frozen muffins in a freezer-safe storage bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired amount of muffins from the freezer-safe storage bag and place on a plate. Allow to thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or reheat from frozen in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes. If you tried this Oatmeal Apple Pie Muffin recipe, we would love to hear how they turned out. Be sure to let us know in the comments below, tag us on Instagram @TheAzaleaHomestead, or share with us on Facebook! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . You’ll fall in love with these perfectly spiced pancakes that are full of apple flavor! Jump to Recipe In southern Alabama, we're getting a jumpstart on enjoying the fall by making homemade Apple Butter Pancakes! I love recipes that can be made and frozen in big batches, and pancakes are perfect for cooking once and enjoying your efforts over multiple meals. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other fall favorites: Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts Autumn Harvest Bread Pudding Holiday Sausage Balls Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Butter Pancakes Flour I used organic, unbleached all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you could certainly use a gluten-free option. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife. Buttermilk Do not skimp out on this ingredient! Buttermilk has been found to activate baking soda, producing the gas to make dough or batter rise. If you use regular milk or even the DIY trick of adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, your final product will likely not be as thick and fluffy. Eggs, Sugar, and Salt All are completely necessary to flavor and bind our dry ingredients. Apple Cinnamon Extract I love using my homemade extracts in baking recipes. If using a store-bought option, try to choose one that is of the highest quality. If you don’t have apple cinnamon extract, vanilla will work just fine. Apple Butter I follow a tested recipe from my Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving for my homemade apple butter. If you’re not a home canner, you can find a delicious, high-quality Amish Apple Butter here . Apple Pie Spice You can find apple pie spice in most stores and online. Or you can make your own: 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon allspice ½ teaspoon nutmeg In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Store in an airtight container or a clean spice jar. This recipe calls for only 2 teaspoons, however, this can be increased to your desired preference. Baking Powder and Baking Soda Yep, I use both baking powder and baking soda for our pancakes. We’re going for extra fluffy pancakes here! How to Make Apple Butter Pancakes: The short version of making almost any pancake, waffle, or baked good is: combine wet ingredients in one bowl, combine dry ingredients in another bowl, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir well. It may seem unnecessary to dirty up so many bowls, but there is actually some pretty cool science that happens when we separate the ingredients like this. When we use leavening agents, also known as aeration agents, like baking powder or baking soda, we want to make sure they are being dispersed evenly. This helps to ensure an even rise and consistency in flavor. So, let’s get to it! First, combine eggs, extract, buttermilk, melted butter, sugar, and apple butter in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice and salt. Combine dry ingredients to wet ingredients by about a ½ cupful at a time. Stir well to combine. The batter should be thick but still a pourable consistency. If your batter is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour and mix. Preheat a large skillet or griddle and lightly spray with non-stick spray or additional melted butter. When skillet is hot, pour batter by 1/8 to ¼ cupful onto skillet or griddle. Flip pancakes when bubbles form in the middle and edges begin to harden (this should happen in about 60-90 seconds). Flip pancakes and cook until the second side is lightly golden brown. Helpful Tips Allow batter to rest covered at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes. This step really is the secret to getting fluffy pancakes! During this rest period, the flour is able to fully absorb the liquid which helps to provide a smooth texture and a better rise. Don’t overmix the batter. Once the batter is well combined, leave it be and allow it to rest. Preheat the skillet or griddle. This will ensure even cooking and color for the pancakes. Ingredients 4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 3 1/2 cups buttermilk ½ cup Apple Butter 2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice 3 Tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons Homemade Apple Cinnamon Extract 2 sticks butter, melted Directions In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, butter, sugar, extract, and apple butter. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients one ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Preheat skillet or griddle and spray lightly with non-stick spray or additional melted butter. Pour approximately 1/8 to 1/4 cup of batter onto skillet or griddle. Cook for approximately 60-90 seconds then carefully flip to brown the other side. Serve immediately with your favorite pancake toppings. How to Freeze Apple Butter Pancakes Option 1 : Allow pancakes to cool completely. Layer pancakes onto wax paper and wrap up the ends of the paper. Store in a gallon-sized freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Option 2 : Allow pancakes to cool completely. Place pancakes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze for at least 30 minutes. Remove and place into a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, warm in the microwave pancakes in a single layer for 2 -2 ½ minutes. How to Make Apple Butter Pancakes into Waffles: No changes are needed to the ingredients. Preheat waffle iron and spray lightly with non-stick spray. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto waffle iron. Cook waffles as per manufacturer’s instructions or until waffles are golden brown and slightly crispy. We recommend this waffle maker . To freeze waffles, follow the same instructions listed above. If you enjoyed this Apple Butter Pancake recipe, please let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget our online store . We have lots of fall printables available for a limited time! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Loaded with zesty Italian sausage, a flavorful trio of onions, red peppers, and garlic, this creamy one-pan dish is ready to eat in just 30 minutes! This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . Like most busy families, weeknights can be hectic. The last thing I want to do is add an overcomplicated meal that takes a lot of time. This Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet looks and tastes like it took hours and expensive ingredients to make. However, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! Quick skillet pasta dishes are great anytime, but they're perfect for those busy nights when you are tired, hungry, and don’t want to succumb to the fast food drive-thru lines (and prices). Jump To Recipe Layering flavors is one my absolute favorite things about cooking and this dish does not disappoint! Whether you’re new to cooking or have made countless dishes over decades, knowing how to layer flavors is the number one way to take your food to the next level. Layering flavors isn’t and shouldn’t be overly complicated. At its core, it's simply adding complementary flavors to add delectable complexity to basic ingredients. If you’d like to learn more about how to layer flavors of food, I highly recommend the book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat. This Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet will impress picky kids and important dinner guests alike all while requiring minimal effort on your part. I often serve it with Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas and Honey Butter Yeast Rolls . Don’t forget to add an easy delicious dessert like Lemon Sugar Cookies or Mint Chocolate Fudge ! For this Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet you will need a few key ingredients: Italian Sausage We love mild Italian sausage for that savory zing, however feel free to spice it up with spicy Italian sausage. Diced chicken or kielbasa would be delicious substitutions. Orzo Also known as risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. Chicken Stock I make my own chicken stock because it’s just so easy and tastes so much better than anything found in a store, in my opinion. If you don’t have your own, look for a high-quality organic version at the grocery store. White Wine Adding a little wine goes a long way! It can help to add acidity and brightness to the dish. It will also help to tenderize the meat while it cooks. Picking a wine to use for cooking doesn’t need to be stressful or break the bank. I use an extremely affordable (less than $5.00 US) sauvignon blanc and it gets the job done. Buttermilk Similar cream-based recipes call for Heavy Cream which has over 35% fat. I use buttermilk because it still gives that delicious, tangy, creaminess to the dish, but with just 1% fat we’re able to shave off quite a few calories without sacrificing flavor. Fresh Vegetables Onions, garlic, red peppers, and kale add so much flavor and complexity to every bite. Superfoods, like kale, offer vitamins A, B6, C, K, folate, fiber, and manganese. Spinach and Swiss Chard would be great substitutions with similar nutritional benefits. Lemon Zest Lemon zest contains lemon oil, which is where you’ll find the most flavor. When using the grater, you want to stop when you reach the white pith. This has a very bitter taste, and we definitely don’t want that! I typically do two scrubs against the grater then move the fruit slightly to get more zest.   Parmesan Cheese Fresh parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the buttermilk to enhance the tangy richness in the dish. I always recommend shredding the cheese yourself rather than purchasing pre-shredded. Freshly shredded melts better because it doesn’t have the additional preservatives that keep it from caking together. Helpful Tips Although orzo has a similar size and shape as rice, it is not gluten free. Brands like Delallo and Jovial offer gluten-free options. To make this Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet dairy free, swap the buttermilk for coconut milk and omit the parmesan. To avoid the buttermilk from curdling, add it after the pasta is cooked. For this recipe I used garden fresh basil that I dehydrated with my Excalibur Dehydrator . If you are using fresh basil, you’ll want to use 3 teaspoons for every teaspoon of dried. To cut kale into ribbons, start by tearing the leaves from the stem. You want to follow along the stem trying to keep the leaves as large as possible. Stack the leaves together and roll into a fairly tight bundle. Slice the leaves into thin ribbons measuring about ¼” to ½” wide. If you like this recipe, check out my Creamy Lemon Chicken and Orzo ! Serves 6 Ingredients 1 pound ground, mild Italian sausage 1 medium onion, diced 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups orzo 1 ½ cups chicken stock ½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup white wine 1 cup kale, cut into ribbons 1 Tablespoon basil 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon crush red pepper (optional) Zest of one lemon ½ cup parmesan, fresh and finely grated Directions Preheat a 12-inch cast iron over medium-high heat until very hot. Cook sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces while browning until cooked through and no longer pink. Add diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Add orzo and sauté for approximately 2 minutes or until lightly golden. Carefully add chicken stock and white wine. Begin scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any stuck-on pieces. Add kale pieces and spices. Reduce heat to low simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until orzo becomes al dente. Add buttermilk and stir well to incorporate. Top pasta with lemon zest. Turn off the heat and place a lid or foil to cover the skillet. Allow pasta to rest for 5-8 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it rests. Add parmesan cheese to the top and garnish with additional basil if desired. Want to help a small family business in a big way? Comment and rate this Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet recipe! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Garden fresh kale, savory steak, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes this is a recipe you definitely need in your meal planning rotation! Jump to Recipe Like most families, we’re busy. The hubs and I both work 9-5s, we homeschool our girls, and there are extracurricular activities that demand our time. 30-minute meals are perfect for busy families because they can be made with simple ingredients in very little time, are budget-friendly, and even the pickiest eaters will gobble them up. Our family favorite 30-minute meals are typically pasta dishes. In our house, pasta is the ultimate comfort food. No matter the weather or season, pasta dishes are always welcomed. And as I mentioned in my Spicy Sausage and Spinach Alfredo post, I tend to have a hankering for pasta pretty often nowadays. Thankfully my family loves pasta as much as I do. I like to serve this dish with a side of my Honey Butter Yeast Rolls and for dessert, Homemade Rocky Road Brownies ! Why You’ll Love this Creamy Steak and Kale Pasta Easy To Prepare : This recipe is easy even for the novice cook. A simple sear on the steak, and a quick pan sauce and this delicious dinner is ready in no time. Customizable : Make this pasta your own by using what you have on hand. Switch out steak for chicken or shrimp, use Penne or Conchiglie (shell pasta) instead of Cavatappi, or swap the kale for fresh spinach. Crowd Pleaser : This is dish is simple and impressive, making it perfect for a typical busy Monday evening or a Friday night dinner party! It Gets Better : If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish is even more delicious the next day! See my helpful tips on how to reheat properly. Check out our new YouTube channel ! Helpful Tips Be sure to reserve one cup of that starchy pasta liquid before you drain your noodles. The starchy water will help to thicken and bind the sauce, create a creamy texture, and help the sauce coat the pasta. You want to ensure the skillet is super-hot before adding the steak. This will help create a delicious crusty sear and keep the steak from stewing. Dairy-based pasta leftovers can lose their flavor and their creaminess. It’s best to reheat leftovers on the stovetop and adding a little extra cream or water to help rehydrate the sauce. Serves 6 Ingredients 16 ounces dried Cavatappi pasta 1-pound shaved steak, such as round, skirt or flank 2 Tablespoons garlic and cayenne infused olive oil 1 small white onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 cups kale or spinach, finely chopped ½ cup white cooking wine 1 cup beef stock 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature) 1 cup pasta cooking liquid 1 cup mozzarella cheese 1 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese 1 Tablespoon dried Italian Seasoning 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and Pepper to taste Directions Fill a 6-quart pot with approximately 8 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Add pasta noodles and cook until desired tenderness, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooked pasta water. Drain. Season steak with ½ Tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a medium skillet, sear steak on each side for approximately 2-3 minutes in 1 Tablespoon infused olive oil. Remove steak from skillet and cover with aluminum foil. Sauté onions until tender and lightly caramelized. Add in chopped kale and garlic and sauté approximately 2 minutes. Slowly add in white cooking wine and begin scraping any cooked-on bits that are stuck on the pan. Allow wine to reduce by about one-third, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add in reserved pasta water, chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring to a low boil then add in pasta and steak. Simmer on low heat for approximately 4-5 minutes. Gently fold in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of the parmesan cheese. Allow pasta to rest 5-10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese. If you like this recipe, check out our other pasta favorites: Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Five Cheese and Italian Sausage Baked Penne Easy Orzo and Sausage Skillet How to Store Creamy Steak and Kale Pasta Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Dairy-based sauces don’t typically freeze well because the sauce tend to separate and change texture, so I recommend not freezing this dish. Want to help a small family business in a big way? Click the heart at the bottom of this post and share this Creamy Steak and Kale Pasta recipe with anyone who loves delicious homemade food! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . Chocolate brownies filled with crunchy pecans, milk chocolate, and fluffy marshmallows come together in a decadent treat that is ready in no time! Jump to Recipe We are a household that loves chocolate. Well, the girls and I love chocolate. The hubs prefers his treats to be more on the tart and sour side. If you’ve ever dealt with females who crave chocolate like we do, then you know having a decadent, chocolatey treat nearby is completely necessary. Thankfully, these Rocky Road Brownies are super easy to make and use simple pantry staples. And it’s easy to switch up a couple of the key ingredients to create a mouthwatering masterpiece each and every time. Where to find high quality and organic nuts, chocolate and marshmallows? I’m so glad you asked! Check out my friends over at Country Life Natural Foods . Their high- quality products are purchased from farmers and their mission is to offer simple and affordable options that take the guess work out of eating healthily. I love that they sell in bulk as well as smaller quantities directly to my door because this Momma is busy! You can try out Country Life Natural Foods and save even more by using my discount code: AZALEAHOMESTEAD What kind of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows do I need to make Rocky Road Brownies? I've used both almonds and walnuts in my Rocky Road Brownies, and each are absolutely delicious, but my preference is pecans. Feel free to use your favorite or go all out and use a blend of each! I love the way milk chocolate creates a little fudgy goodness within the brownie. Again, feel free to use your favorite! I find mini marshmallows work best for this recipe. If you like this recipe, check out these other sweet treats! Cherry Toffee Granola Lemon Sugar Cookies Mint Chocolate Fudge Check out our new YouTube Channel ! Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups sugar 1 stick unsalted butter 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips ½ cup chopped pecans 1 cup mini marshmallows 1 Tablespoon flaky sea salt Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla extract and egg. Mix well to combine. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well to combine. Fold the chocolate chips, pecans, and marshmallows into the batter. Pour mixture into a greased 9x9 baking dish. Bake for approximately 27-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. (Optional) Top with additional marshmallows and place under broiler for 1-2 minutes or until tops of marshmallows are lightly toasted. Allow brownies to cool before cutting. If you enjoyed this Rocky Road Brownies recipe, let us know by clicking that heart icon at the bottom right of the page. Or leave us a comment down below. We love hearing from you! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

These homemade hamburgers are deliciously juicy and full of caramelized onion flavor! Jump to Recipe Who doesn’t love a mouthwatering homemade burger? We enjoy simple burger with just a little salt and pepper loaded with crisp fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. We enjoy Mediterranean inspired burgers topped with sliced red onions and feta cheese. But this Caramelized Onion Burger is our new favorite! As I mentioned in this post , I recently made my own Caramelized Onion Powder after spotting a store-bought blend that peaked my interest. And what better way to use my new homemade creation than as a flavorful burger seasoning? Caramelized onions have a delicious savory-sweet umami flavor that pairs beautifully with beef making for a tasty burger with minimal ingredients. Because at the end of the day, you still want your burger to taste like a burger, right? What If I Don’t Have Homemade Caramelized Onion Powder? If you don’t have the equipment needed to make your own homemade caramelized onion powder, no worries! You can purchase a store-bought option like this one or simply add caramelized onions into the meat mixture. What We Love About These Caramelized Onion Burgers Ease . These burgers are simple to make and have simple, tasty ingredients. Plus, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Budget Friendly . Burgers are easy on the wallet because of their simplicity. Kid Approved . Even the pickiest of eaters enjoy a juicy, homemade burger. The caramelized onion powder is perfect for those with texture issues or simply don’t care for the taste of regular onions. What You’ll Need to Make Caramelized Onion Burgers Ground Beef I typically use 85/15 ground chuck; however, an 80/20 blend will result in a juicier burger. A blend of 90/10 ground beef can result in a dryer burger. Ketchup The sweetness of the tomato in the ketchup pairs well with the mildness of the caramelized onions. It also adds a bit of moisture to the meat. Eggs Eggs add moisture and a nice richness to the meat. They also act as a binder to help the patty keep its shape. Seasonings Caramelized Onion Powder is the star of this burger. You’ll also need a little salt and pepper. I use dehydrated homegrown parsley or carrot tops as well for a little bit of green earthiness. Breadcrumbs I love to use freshly toasted homemade breadcrumbs in my burger and meatball recipes. The breadcrumbs not only act as a binder but will also help the meat retain its natural fat and juices. How to Make Caramelized Onion Burgers Making these burger patties is super simple and really comes together in just a few easy steps. First, you’ll need a large mixing bowl to work the meat in. Using one hand, combine the ground beef just slightly with your hands. You are just breaking up the large portions. Next, add the ketchup, eggs, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Using both hands work everything into the meat by gently folding and pressing everything together. If you’ve ever worked with fresh dough, it is the same kind of kneading concept here. You don’t want to overwork the meat mixture because it can quickly dry out. Form the patties by pinching off a small amount. You want about ¼ of a cup or about 4 to 5 ounces. Roll the meat mixture into a ball then begin flattening it with your palms. You want the patty to have about ¾ to 1-inch thickness. The patty should be close to the same width as the bun you are using. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tablespoon of oil. I love my Cayenne and Garlic Infused Oil for this recipe. Allow the pan to become hot and carefully add patties until the pan is full but not overcrowded. Work in batches if necessary. Brown each side of the patty for approximately 4 minutes or until an internal temperature of 155 is reached. Remove burgers from pan and allow to rest for a couple of minutes. Place the patty on the bun and top with sharp cheddar cheese and additional caramelized onions. Check us out on YouTube ! Yield: 6-8 Burgers Ingredients 2-pound lean ground beef ¼ cup ketchup 1 large eggs 1/3 cup caramelized onion powder 1 Tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4-1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs Directions In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Form the patties by pinching off a small amount. You want about ¼ of a cup or about 4 to 5 ounces. Roll the meat mixture into a ball then begin flattening it with your palms. You want the patty to have about ¾ to 1-inch thickness. The patty should be close to the same width as the bun you are using. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1-2 Tablespoon of oil. Brown each side of the patty for approximately 4 minutes or until an internal temperature of 155 is reached. Remove burgers from pan and allow to rest for a couple of minutes. Place the patty on the bun and top with sharp cheddar cheese and additional caramelized onions. Looking for more ground beef recipes? The Best Homemade Greek Burger Teriyaki Meatballs Slow-Cooker Salisbury Steak Want to help a small family business in a big way? Click the heart icon and share this recipe with someone who enjoys delicious homemade food! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Sweet, salty, and deliciously crunchy, this homemade granola is a flavorful family favorite! Jump to Recipe I've mentioned before that we camp quite a bit throughout the year and one of our favorite snacks is homemade granola. It’s an easy, lightweight, convenient snack that's perfect whether we’re hiking the trails or sitting around a campfire. The versatility of homemade granola is perfect for kids (and picky adults) because it can be customized to your favorite bits and pieces. And if you’re looking for a convenient way to find organic, non-GMO bits and pieces, check out Country Life Natural Foods . Their high-quality products are purchased from farmers and their mission is to offer simple and affordable options that take the guesswork out of eating healthily. I love that they sell in bulk, as well as smaller quantities directly to my door because this Momma is busy! You can try out Country Life Natural Foods and save even more by using my discount code: AZALEAHOMESTEAD If you like this recipe, check out our other favorite snacks: Chocolatey Fruit and Nut Granola Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce Raspberry Lemon Muffins What You’ll Need to Make Cherry Toffee Granola Old Fashioned Rolled Oats You want the real stuff here, nothing that's instant or “quick cooking”. Just good, whole rolled oats that are full of protein and soluble fiber. The fiber in oats, known as beta-glucan, has been found to lower blood glucose and cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Soluble fiber can also promote healthy gut bacteria. (1) If you're allergic or have a sensitivity to gluten, be sure to check the packaging for the “Certified Gluten Free” label since some brands may have a risk of cross-contamination. The CGF label should ensure that the oats were packaged in a gluten-free environment. Walnuts Walnuts are considered by scientists to be a superfood because they offer a high amount of unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-sterols and vitamins found in walnuts have been found to help suppress hunger which could aid in weight loss. (2) The high levels of the amino acid, arginine, has also been found to assist the liver in detoxifying ammonia. (3) Dried Cherries Scientific research has found that dried cherries can aid in inflammation due to arthritis and gout. Dried cherries are also high in fiber and can aid in intestinal conditions. (4) Toffee Bits Toffee bits can have a rich, indulgent taste with a deep, caramelized sweetness and a buttery richness that pairs well with the tartness of the dried cherries. Honey When it comes to sweeteners, raw honey tops the list with the most nutrients and vitamins. Unlike refined sugar, honey’s proportion of fructose to glucose has a lower glycemic index, meaning that it can help avoid the spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar. (5) Coconut Oil Coconut oil is high in antioxidants and can help to lower blood pressure. Virgin coconut oil is rich in phenolic compounds which can aid in inflammation. (6) Ingredients 2 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats 1/3 cup chopped almonds 1/3 cup dried tart cherries 1/3 cup toffee bits 2/3 cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted Directions Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 sheet pan with parchment paper. In a small microwavable bowl, heat coconut oil until melted, approximately 30 seconds. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until the dry ingredients are coated well with the honey. Evenly distribute mixture onto prepared sheet pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until oats are slightly crisp. Remove sheet pan from oven and place on a wire cooling rack and allow mixture to cool completely before breaking into clusters. How to Store Cherry Toffee Granola Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you enjoyed this Cherry Toffee Granola recipe, let us know by clicking that heart icon at the bottom right of the page. Or leave us a comment down below. We love hearing from you! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today! Sources: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/start-your- day-with-healthy- oatmeal#:~:text=Oats%20contain%20a%20type%20of,gut%20bacteria%20and%20intestinal %20health https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/health-benefits-of-walnuts-2018081314526 https://www.fishertitus.org/healthy-living/healthy-living-blog/2018/what-foods-cleanse-your-liver/#:~:text=It%20also%20assists%20the%20liver,the%20liver%20in%20detoxifying%20ammonia https://sunrisefresh.com/blogs/blog/are-dried-cherries-good-for-you#:~:text=Dried%20cherries%20could%20possibly%20be,for%20an%20efficient%20food%20source https://bestbees.com/2023/01/16/benefits-of-honey/ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular- ingredients/coconut-health-benefits

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . Teaching our kids about money matters can seem like a daunting task. There's so much to know and understand. It can become so overwhelming that we continue to put off the conversation far longer than we intended. Before we know it, they're earning their first paycheck at their first job and have no idea how to manage their hard-earned money responsibly. When I was growing up, money was scarce. It seemed like it was promised to someone else long before the paycheck ever hit my parents’ hands. Often times money I earned from babysitting was “loaned” to my parents for bills. I suppose that’s why anytime I earned my own money I wanted to spend it right away on things I enjoyed. Unfortunately, it took more years than I care to admit to learn that wasn’t responsible money handling. Now that our girls are older (we have a tween and teen), it's super important to me that they not make the same mistakes with money as the generations before them. When it comes to talking to kids about anything important, it can be difficult to know how and where to start. I hope this information gives you a good starting off point and encourages you to keep the conversation going as your children get older. What is Financial Literacy? According to Investopia , Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. When you're financially literate, you have the essential foundation for a smart relationship with money. What Age Should Children Learn About Financial Literacy? The Institute for Financial Wellness recommends children learn about handling money responsibly from as young as three years old. Learning key financial habits can help children to have a lifelong healthy relationship with money and how they handle it. Financial literacy is imperative to our children’s education and to forgo the conversation would do them a huge disservice. In the early years of our marriage, we were a family living on a very modest single income. With a toddler and a newborn, coupons were very important to this Momma. Often times, my oldest daughter would sit with me while I clipped coupons or would share in my excitement when I found coupon stickers on products at the grocery store. On our toddler’s 4th birthday, she received some cash in a couple of her birthday cards from friends and family. She opened the card and proudly exclaimed, “Look Mom! Coupons!” Apparently, when I said “coupons are money” it must have really stuck with her. What If I Have Poor Money Management Skills? As I mentioned, it took more years than I care to admit before I learned how to turn around my poor money management skills. During those years, I was learning on my own, often times the hard way, about money management. Thankfully, our daughters were very young and didn’t fully know or understand our family budget. Our toddler knew we used coupons to save money and that we valued them. That was the starting point when it came to speaking with our children about healthy money habits. Sometimes, we have to learn alongside our children. And that’s ok! Allowing our children to see our mistakes and our growth is important. They’ll learn that even Mom and Dad make mistakes and there are opportunities to learn from them. Use our 2024-2025 Get Back on Track Budget Planner Our 10-page budget planner is sure to help you keep track of your spending and savings. Available in our online store for a limited time! Where to Find Financial Literacy Help for Yourself Many libraries, churches, and county extension offices offer financial education classes such as Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. If you’re looking for a free online option, check out FIS Financial Literacy . They have courses for adults and young adults. Set up a meeting with the manager of your bank and ask for assistance on budgeting and good spending habits. Sometimes it just takes seeing it in print to fully understand where our money is going and where the problem lies. Perhaps there is someone in your life that you can trust and has shown responsible money management that can help you understand the pitfalls of your spending habits. Reach out to your utility providers and ask about budget billing or eliminate services you don’t need. Often times it's those seemingly small monthly charges that can break the budget. Once you have some knowledge under your belt, try using a free budget app through your bank or other credited financial institution to keep you going on the right track. Where to Find Financial Literacy Help for Your Children Toddlers & Preschool Age TheAzaleaHomestead.com Sesame Street PBS PBS Kids Tweens & Teens TheAzaleaHomestead.com Edutopia Washington State Dept of Financial Institutions Fitzsimons Financial Literacy Book Recommendations for Adults Why Didn't They Teach Me This In School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By Financial First Aid Essential Tools for Confident Secure Money Management Money Management Essential Guide on How to Get Out of Debt Financial Literacy Book Recommendations for Kids and Teens Money Puppies Money Bunnies The Wealth Playground Workbook Financial Literacy for Tweens Essential Money Skills Handbook for Teens Financial Literacy for Young Adults Future of Financial Success Children learn most by watching and modeling behaviors of those closest to them, such as their parents and other caregivers. Therefore, it is us who play a crucial role in setting a good example for them on how to manage money responsibly. Helping our children to understand the value of money and equipping them with the skills needed to manage it responsibly is an essential life skill. We owe it to our children to properly prepare them for the world in which they will one day lead. If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the following: The Importance of Life Skills: Are You Rescuing or Supporting? Ten Skills You Need to be a Homesteader: No Matter Your Circumstance Five Books on How to Live an Eco-Friendly Life Don’t forget to get your 2024-2025 Get Back on Track Budget Planner to help you keep track of your budget goals. Available in our online store for a limited time! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

Deliciously moist and fluffy, these muffins are bursting with lemon and raspberries! Jump to Recipe If you have young ones in the house, you know they snack a lot. I mean a lot , especially in the summer! Muffins can be a hearty breakfast or a filling snack, even for those with seemingly bottomless pits in their stomachs. The best part is they can be made ahead of time making them an easy option for those of us with things to do that don’t involve tending to the never-ending “request” for another snack. This recipe uses simple pantry staples making it friendly for the budget. You can make several batches of this homemade recipe for less than one or two store-bought packages. It also doesn’t include all of the extra “ingredients” so typically found in pre-packaged offerings in grocery stores. Those are things that I am looking for when it comes to offering healthier versions of snacks for my family. Check out my other muffin recipes! Cherry Vanilla Muffins Banana Walnut Muffins Double-Chocolate Orange Zucchini Muffins What You’ll Need to Bake Raspberry Lemon Muffins Flour For this recipe, I use organic, unbleached all-purpose flour. To ensure accurate flour measurements, use a spoon to add the flour to your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like the back of a butterknife. Baking Powder and Baking Soda Salt Salt helps to preserve the flavor and prevent staleness. Sugar Sugar helps to keep baked goods soft and moist while adding sweetness. Eggs Fresh eggs help not only add flavor and moisture but also help create structure and stability within the batter. Unsalted Butter We love the richness real butter adds to baked goods. Using a high-quality butter helps the muffins to have a firmer texture. If you are dairy-free, butter can be replaced with a neutral oil like olive or avocado oil. Keep in mind that using oil may cause the batter to be thin and runny. Buttermilk The tanginess in buttermilk pairs perfectly with the lemons and raspberries adding complexity to each bite. Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest To ensure we’re getting that lemon flavor in every bite, we are adding it wherever we can. Lemon juice helps to activate our leavening agents, baking powder, and baking soda. Lemon zest contains lemon oil, which is where you’ll find the most flavor. When using the grater, you want to stop when you reach the white pith. This has a very bitter taste, and we definitely don’t want that in our muffins! I typically do two scrubs against the grater then move the fruit slightly to get more zest.   Lemon Extract I absolutely love my homemade lemon extract and will likely never return to the store-bought version again! Homemade extracts offer a cleaner flavor, meaning they don’t taste artificial like the common store brands. They are also really affordable to make and easy to customize. If you don’t have lemon extract on hand, vanilla will do just fine. What’s the Difference Between a Muffin and a Cupcake? You’ll find that texture is the primary difference between muffins and cupcakes. While cupcakes are typically lighter and fluffier, muffins have a moister and denser consistency. Helpful Tips Raspberries - I typically use fresh or freeze-dried raspberries for this recipe. If using freeze-dried, you’ll want to reconstitute them by adding a little bit of water and allowing them to sit for a few minutes. Drain the water off of the raspberries before adding them to the batter. If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them before mixing them into the batter. Folding the berries in gently will help to avoid your batter turning grey. Rest - Allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes before spooning into muffin pan. This will allow the flour time to absorb all of the wet ingredients and create a thicker batter. If the batter is on the thicker side, it's less likely to have spreading and “flat muffin tops.” Over-mixing - Do not over-mix the batter. Doing so will cause the muffins to become dense. Yield: 22-24 muffins Ingredients 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar ½ Tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 cup buttermilk 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon lemon extract 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 ½ cups raspberries Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tablespoons lemon juice Directions Lemon Raspberry Muffins Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 24-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or baking liners. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add sugar, eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Mix all ingredients well until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in raspberries. Carefully spoon muffin batter into prepared muffin tin ensuring each cup is approximately ¾ of the way full. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of one muffin, if the toothpick comes out clean and free from any wet batter, the muffins are baked completely. Allow muffins to cool in pan for approximately 5-7 minutes. Carefully remove muffins from pan and allow to cool completely on wire baking rack. Glaze In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and lemon juice until well combined and all clumps have been removed. Drizzle glaze over the tops of the muffins. Muffins may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for three days. How to Freeze Lemon Raspberry Muffins Place muffins on a cookie sheet and place them uncovered in the freezer for approximately 1 hour. Remove from the freezer and place the frozen muffins in a freezer-safe storage bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired amount of muffins from the freezer-safe storage bag and place on a plate. Allow to thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or reheat from frozen in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes. If you tried this Lemon Raspberry Muffin recipe, we would love to hear how they turned out. Be sure to let us know in the comments below, tag us on Instagram @TheAzaleaHomestead, or share with us on Facebook! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

These tender, mouthwatering pork chops with a creamy honey mustard sauce recipe has the perfect amount of tang and sweetness. It will make it on your monthly meal plan every month! Jump to Recipe When it comes to budget-friendly meat cuts, it’s hard to find a better deal than pork chops. I was recently able to purchase some bone-in center cut pork chops for under $2.00 (US) per pound and I knew exactly what I planned to do with them. It had been awhile since I had made any sort of pork chop recipe and as soon as I saw these, I knew a creamy, honey mustard sauce would be fantastic. This recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress your dinner party guests! To make dinner extra special, serve with my Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes , Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas , and homemade Honey Butter Yeast Rolls . Ingredients Needed to Make Honey Mustard Pork Chops Pork Chops For this recipe I typically use large, bone-in pork center cut chops that are about 1 ½ inches thick. Bone-in center pork shoulder steaks would also work. If you don’t eat pork or just aren’t a fan of it, this sauce is absolutely delicious on chicken thighs! I don’t find it necessary to brine the pork chops before cooking for this particular recipe, as the cooking time is fairly minimal and I’ve never had tough pork chops. However, you absolutely can if you wish to do so. White Wine Adding a little wine goes a long way! It can help to add acidity and brightness to the dish. It will also help to tenderize the meat while it cooks. Picking a wine to use for cooking doesn’t need to be stressful or break the bank. I use an extremely affordable (less than $5.00 US) sauvignon blanc and it gets the job done. If you don’t have white wine or don’t wish to use it, a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock will do just fine. Honey I prefer to use raw, organic honey that I can easily find locally. The sweetness of the honey helps to counteract the bitter tanginess from the Dijon mustard. Dijon Mustard A distinct flavor palette of bold and tangy, Dijon mustard pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey and freshness of the lemon thyme used in this recipe. Half & Half This simple ingredient adds a creamy richness to the sauce without making it too heavy or too thin. It is also less likely to curdle when added to the skillet due to a higher fat content than regular milk. Seasonings Simple spices can easily amplify any dish! For this recipe I used my fresh lemon thyme that I dehydrated with my Excalibur Dehydrator . If you're using fresh herbs, you’ll want to use 3 teaspoons for every teaspoon of dried. How to Make Honey Mustard Pork Chops First, you’ll need a large skillet with raised edges. I use my Calphalon Stainless Steel 5-quart saucepan . Next, you’ll want to gather all of your ingredients before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly so you definitely want to have everything you need within arm’s reach. Use a paper towel to pat the pork chops dry. Then season each side with a little salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan and allow to heat up for a minute or two before placing the pork chops in. Fry pork chops for approximately 5 minutes on each side then transfer them to a plate. Cover the plate loosely with foil while you prepare the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and carefully add in the white wine. Add Dijon mustard, honey, and half & half. Stir well to combine. Add the seasonings and stir again to incorporate them into the sauce. Return the pork chops and any juices to the skillet. Increase heat to medium and cover. Cover and cook pork chops for approximately 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Don't be alarmed if your pork chops are still slightly pink when cooked to an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit. We prefer our pork to be fully cooked. Leave the lid on the pan and turn off the heat. Allow pork chops to rest in the sauce for about 5 minutes before serving. Helpful Tips To make a simple brine, combine 3 Tablespoons of salt, 1 Tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 6 whole black peppercorns with 3 cups warm water. Once the salt and sugar have dissolved, place the pork chops into the brine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and letting them rest for three minutes. If fully cooked, the meat may retain some pink coloring due to the ingredients and natural preservatives found in many pork products. If you like this recipe, check out my Grilled Pork Chops with Asian Plum Sauce ! Ingredients 2 Tablespoons infused oil 4 Bone-in Pork Chops approximately 2 ½ - 3 pounds, 1 ½ inch thick ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup white wine 3 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard 1/3 cup raw, organic honey 1 ½ cup half & half 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon lemon thyme ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon paprika Parsley (optional) Directions Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 Tablespoons of infused oil . Pat each pork chop dry with paper towels. Season each side of each pork chop with salt. Carefully place each pork chop into a hot skillet. Fry pork chops for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. Transfer pork chops to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Carefully add wine to skillet and use a spatula to scrap up any stuck on browned bits. Add Dijon mustard, honey, and half & half. Stir well to combine and simmer for 1 minute. Add pork chops and any juices back to the skillet and cover with sauce mixture. Cover and simmer on low-medium heat for approximately 10 minutes or until internal temperature of AT LEAST 145 has been met. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Allow pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. If you enjoyed this Honey Mustard Pork Chops recipe, please let us know by clicking the heart icon at the bottom right of the page or leaving a comment below. It’s a simple, meaningful way to help our small family business! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy . Add a savory sweet complexity to burgers, steaks, pastas, soups, and more with this Homemade Caramelized Onion Powder! Jump to Recipe Recently, I found myself in my local big-box grocery store in search of cinnamon sticks. I'm almost out of my Homemade Apple Cinnamon Extract and wanted to make more long before baking season begins. However, I was stuck on the spice aisle for several minutes looking at all of the different varieties of spices available. Many were your basics: basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic, and onion powder. But there were a couple of mixed blends that seemed appealing and interesting to me. I checked the ingredients list on the container and just as I've come to expect, the list included things that I don’t necessarily want to serve to my family. Having my own garden, I have made my own seasoning blends before. But I was still thinking about that one blend with caramelized onions and butter. It just sounded so heavenly. Determined to come up with a cleaner, homemade version, to my kitchen I went! The ingredients for this homemade recipe are super simple: onions, water, and salt. That’s it! There’s no need for all of that other junk. How to Use Caramelized Onion Powder Some of our favorite ways to use Caramelized Onion Powder is as a seasoning on grill favorites like Caramelized Onion Burgers, chicken, and steak. It can also be used as a soup mix and as a savory-sweet seasoning on homemade popcorn! Equipment Recommended I do recommend some specialty appliances just to make this incredibly easy, however, you can use your oven at its lowest temperature if needed. You'll need to watch the onions closely as they may easily burn. Dehydrator OR Freeze Dryer Mortar and Pestle OR blender What Onions to Use for Caramelizing? Mild onions such as Vidalia, White, and Texas Sweet are high in natural sugars, making them ideal for caramelizing. You’ll Need These Ingredients to Make Caramelized Onion Powder 5 pounds onions, diced ¼ cup water ¼ teaspoon salt How to Make Caramelized Onion Powder First, dice the onions into small pieces, approximately ¼ - ½ an inch. You can do this manually with a sharp knife or with a food processor. Next, heat a large cast iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Allow the onions to cook for several minutes, stirring them around periodically. The onions should have a dark golden-brown color when they're ready. Remove the onions from the skillet and allow to cool completely. Place the caramelized onions on dehydrator trays or freeze-dryer trays. Follow your appliance’s manufacturer's directions. Once the onions are completely dried through your preferred preservation method, grind the onions into a powder. Place the powder back into the dehydrator or freeze dryer until powder is completely dried. Helpful Tips Dehydrators don't hold in the odor of onions like freeze dryers do. If using a dehydrator, you may want to move it to a covered outdoor space, such as deck or patio. If you are using a dehydrator, this should take about 8-10 hours at a temperature of 152 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using a freeze-dryer, you can expect this to take approximately 16 hours. If using a standard oven for drying, monitor the onions often! It is easy for the onions to burn quickly. Crush the dried onions into a powder by using a mortar and pestle, a food processor, blender, or spice grinder. Do not skip the step of placing the caramelized onion powder back into the dehydrator or freeze dryer! The friction created during the powdering process can create new moisture. Be sure to check your onions once they have gone through your desired preservation method (both times). You want to ensure there is absolutely no moisture before storing in an airtight container or mylar bag! If you enjoyed this Caramelized Onion Powder recipe, you may enjoy these other homemade favorites: The BEST Homemade BBQ Sauce Asian Plum Sauce Peach Lemonade Concentrate If you want to help a small family business in a big way, click that heart icon at the bottom right and share this recipe with someone who enjoys delicious homemade food! Did you know that we have a newsletter? It features some of our favorite recipes and free printables that are only available to our subscribers! And don’t worry, we hate spam mail and value your time. You’ll receive an initial thank you email, and our newsletter is delivered monthly. You can help our small family business by sharing us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Click here  to sign up for our newsletter today!