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Holly

Holly is a mother of 8 and oversees 210 meals per week! She loves to share her experience with others and see families enjoying meals together.

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The Best Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot

February 5, 2026 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Baked Potatoes are the BEST in the Instant Pot! They come out creamy and fluffy every time! Plus they’re fast, easy, nutritious, and filling.

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The Best Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Cooking Potatoes in the Instant Pot is so easy, you'll ever want to use the stove or oven for them again!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time13 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time13 minutes mins
Total Time28 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Comfort Food, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Kid-Approved, Kid-Friendly
Servings: 6
Calories: 131kcal
Author: Holly

Ingredients

  • 6 Potatoes
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions

  • Place whole potatoes on the trivet in the Instant Pot with one cup of water.
  • Close and secure lid.
  • Set valve to Sealing.
  • Select [Manual] program.
  • Press + or – to set cooking time of 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
  • Set to High Pressure and wait 10 seconds for pot to beep and let you know it is heating up. It will take around 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to reach pressure, and then the clock will begin to count down. When the time reaches zero, the Instant Pot will beep again and switch to the [Keep Warm] mode, and begin to count up.
  • While keeping your face and hands away, Quick Release the valve by covering with a towel and turning steam release to allow the steam to escape. Open the lid and stick a fork in the potatoes to check for doneness. The potatoes should still be firm, but not at all crunchy. And the fork should go into the potato easily.

Notes

Use as baked potatoes. Top with all the usual ingredients: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, ham, broccoli, or chili!

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Kids in the Kitchen, Kitchen Survival, Real Food, Recipes Tagged With: Cooking, Dinner, family dinner, Gluten Free, Instant Pot

Perfect Black Beans in the Instant Pot (Soaked or Not)

February 5, 2026 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Black beans are a versatile ingredient to have ready for weeknight meals, to add to quesadillas or tacos, or to throw in a soup to make it more hearty and nutritious. Make some today and enjoy them all week!

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Perfect Black Beans in the Instant Pot (Soaked or Not)

How to cook dried black beans in your Instant Pot
Prep Time4 minutes mins
Pressure Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Beans & Rice, Mexican, Southern
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dinner, Gluten-free, Kid-Approved, Pantry, THM-E, Vegetarian
Servings: 12
Calories: 147kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $1.50

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried black beans
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Any oil or fat may be used here.
  • 2 bay leaves Optional
  • 1 cup onion, diced Optional. 1 cup diced onion is about 1 medium onion.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced Optional. Substitute garlic powder by using 1/3 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon salt* *to taste, after cooking beans

Instructions

  • Sort and rinse dried beans.
  • Pour beans into Instant Pot.
  • Add water, oil, and optional seasonings.
  • Check lid to make sure sealing ring and valves are inserted properly. Close the lid.
  • Turn Steam Release valve to [Sealing].
  • Set Pressure Cooking Program to [Pressure Cook] or [Manual] or [Bean/Chili].
  • Make sure your Instant Pot is on HIGH pressure by pressing the [Pressure] button until it cycles to HIGH pressure. The LUX model of Instant Pot only has High pressure, so you can skip this step.
  • Set pressure cooking time to 35 minutes by pressing the [+] or [-] button.
  • Pause for 10 seconds while you wait for the Instant Pot to start. Or Press [Start] if you have a model that has a Start button, such as Ultra or Max.
  • Instant Pot will heat up, come up to pressure, and display countdown while pressure cooking.
  • Allow pot to Natural Release for at least 15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure from the pot. Natural release time is cook time when cooking beans in the Instant Pot.
  • Open the Instant Pot and add salt,* to taste.
  • Stir well and serve as desired.

Notes

  • Always pressure cook beans with 1 tablespoon of oil or fat to keep foaming down.
  • Remember that Natural Release time is cook time. The pot is still extremely hot and your beans are still cooking while the pot is slowly coming down from being under pressure. Do not skip the Natural Release step in cooking beans because they may not be done cooking when you get the lid open.
  • When you open the pot after cooking, stir and then taste test the beans. If they need extra time, simply set them to pressure cook for another 5 or so minutes. They will come to pressure fairly quickly at this point, because they are still very hot. Natural Release for 10 minutes and test again.
  • If you prefer soaking your beans before cooking, try soaking for 6-8 hours or overnight. Then drain, rinse, and proceed with recipe. 
  • For a quicker soak, cover beans in hot water and soak for 1-2 hours before draining, rinsing and proceeding with the recipe.
  • Soaking beans may prevent or reduce gas on your stomach, so if beans upset your digestion, try soaking them before cooking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg

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Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Kids in the Kitchen, Kitchen Survival, Real Food, Recipes, Soup, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cooking, Dinner, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, pressure cooker

Perfect Peel Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot

February 4, 2026 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Perfect Peel Sweet Potatoes in Instant Pot

Tender and delicious every time, Sweet Potatoes were made for the Instant Pot!
Prep Time3 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Dinner, Gluten-free, Kid-Friendly, Paleo, THM-E, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 112kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $2.00

Ingredients

  • 4 Sweet Potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Instructions

  • Wash sweet potatoes and cut off any bad spots.
  • Place into Instant Pot on top of trivet.
  • Add water to pot.
  • Check lid to make sure sealing ring and valves are inserted properly. Close the lid.
  • Turn Steam Release valve to [Sealing].
  • Set Pressure Cooking Program to [Pressure Cook] or [Manual].
  • Make sure your Instant Pot is on HIGH pressure by pressing the [Pressure] button until it cycles to HIGH pressure. The LUX model of Instant Pot only has High pressure, so you can skip this step.
  • Set pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes by pressing the [+] or [-] button. Choose the time based on the size of your sweet potatoes.
  • Pause for 10 seconds while you wait for the Instant Pot to start. Or Press [Start] if you have a model that has a Start button, such as Ultra or Max.
  • Instant Pot will heat up, come up to pressure, and display countdown while pressure cooking.
  • When the pressure cooking cycle is finished, Quick Release Instant Pot by manually shifting Steam Release Valve from [Sealing] to [Venting]. OR feel free to allow the pot to Natural Release. The potatoes will be great either way.
  • Open the Instant Pot and use tongs to place sweet potatoes on a plate for serving.
  • Serve with toppings or use in your favorite sweet potato dish.

Notes

Cook as many sweet potatoes as you need in the Instant Pot. You still only need 1 1/2 cups of water. 
Sweet Potatoes make fantastic leftovers! You can cook up several and have sweet potatoes ready-to-go for the week!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 18443IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Kitchen Survival, Real Food, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cooking, Dinner, family dinner, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, pressure cooker, recipe

Magic Flavor Dust

February 4, 2026 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

We use this seasoning on veggies, meat, and in homemade dressings like Ranch Dip!

I realized I was constantly pulling out these four spices from my cabinet every time I was cooking. So I combined them all and now I just have to grab one container!

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5 from 1 vote

Magic Flavor Dust

Use this basic seasoning to easily add lots of flavor to meats, veggies, and dips. It is Magic!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table, Real Food
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, No Fillers, Seasoning
Calories: 116kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Funnel
  • Empty spice container

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Measure all parts through a funnel and into empty spice container.
  • Close lid and shake thoroughly.
  • Use to season meats, veggies, sauces, soups, and dips.

Notes

We usually make a large batch of this! You can use any volume measurement to increase or decrease the recipe. Just use the same amount for each item: one part salt, one part pepper, two parts garlic powder, two parts onion powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 6997mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 2mg

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Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Kitchen Survival, Real Food, Uncategorized

PawPaw’s Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

October 23, 2025 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

This is one of our absolute favorite family meals, especially for special occasions! It is so meaningful to make this gumbo and when I do, I feel a special connection to the generations of South Louisiana ancestors in my husband’s family.

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PawPaw’s Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Delicious belly-warming Gumbo will also warm your family's heart!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time8 minutes mins
Total Time38 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Cajun, Real Food, Southern
Keyword: Bone Broth, Comfort Food, Dairy-free, Dinner, Made from Scratch, Soup
Servings: 10
Calories: 406kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure Cooker
  • 1 Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil or other vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups onion diced
  • 1 1/2 cups green bell pepper diced
  • 1 1/2 cups celery diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning see recipe below
  • 8 cups low-salt chicken broth https://thecookingfamily.com/bone-broth-instant-pot/
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups Instant Roux Mix Tony Chachere's Instant Roux Mix or Kary’s Dry Roux or make your own easy oven roux
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and cubed
  • 1 pound smoked sausage diced
  • 24 oz frozen cut okra

Instructions

  • Turn Instant Pot on {Sauté}. When pot is preheated, add the oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, add the diced aromatics (onion, bell pepper, and celery). Add salt and stir. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and cajun seasoning. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in 1 cup of broth and deglaze pot carefully by scraping off all brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pot and make sure none remain. Otherwise, your pot may get too hot on the bottom and fail to come to pressure. Some Instant Pot models get the {burn} warning and other models begin counting down without ever coming to pressure if some brown bits are stuck to the bottom and not scraped off.
  • Add remaining chicken broth and stir well.
  • In a separate container, place 2 cups of cold water and whisk in 1 1/2 cups Instant Roux mix. When all the dry mix is thoroughly wet with no lumps, pour this mixture into the pot of soup and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add chicken and smoked sausage to pot. Stir and check the bottom to make sure nothing is sticking.
  • Close lid of Instant Pot. Set Valve to {Sealing}. Set pressure cooking program to {Pressure Cook} or {Manual}, and make sure pressure is set on {High Pressure}.
  • Adjust time to 9 minutes by pressing the {+} or {-} buttons.
  • Start Instant Pot. Depending on which model pressure cooker you are using, either wait ten seconds for the Instant Pot to beep and begin heating up or press {Start} if you are using an Instant Pot with a Start button.
  • The pot will heat up, come to pressure, begin counting down, and beep when the pressure cooking time is finished.
  • Allow the pot to natural release (NR) for at least 10 minutes before releasing remaining pressure.
  • After the float valve drops, open the lid. Stir in frozen okra. Turn on {Sauté}, stirring and heating for about 5-10 more minutes until okra is cooked through.
  • Taste and correct seasoning, adding more salt or cajun seasoning, if desired.
  • Serve with rice, cauliflower-rice, or just as it is. Don’t forget the hot sauce!

Notes

Notes: 1 large onion equals approximately 1 1/2 cups diced. 1 large bell pepper equals approximately 1 1/2 cups diced. 4-5 stalks celery equals approximately 1 1/2 cups diced. 1 clove of garlic equals approximately 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
Tony Chachere’s Dry Roux Mix in large quantity: https://amzn.to/2Tf2wC2
Gluten-Free Instant Roux Mix https://amzn.to/2Y66v7x
Jar of Savoie’s Dark Roux with oil https://amzn.to/2Y60XtN
Jar of Savoie’s Dry Roux (no oil) https://amzn.to/2O9L29k
Easy Oven Roux:
4 ounces All purpose Flour
4 ounces cooking oil–I prefer peanut oil or lard
Place flour and oil in an oven-proof cast iron skillet or dutch oven. Whisk together and place in oven. Bake at 350˚ for 1 to 3 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes, until the color is dark mahogany. 
This process will make your kitchen smell divine, yet be mostly hands-off. This is the absolute key to the traditional deep flavor of true Cajun Gumbo.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1178IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 2mg

PawPaw’s Cajun Chicken & Sausage GumboRead More

Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Instant Pot, Recipes, Soup Tagged With: Cooking, Dinner, family dinner, Instant Pot, Soup

Breakfast Casserole w/ Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Baby Spinach

October 23, 2025 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Last updated on February 6th, 2026 at 09:51 am

This gourmet version of our Breakfast Casserole takes it up a notch or two! Creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach are a delicious combination fit for a ladies’ brunch, baby shower, or a holiday breakfast.

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Breakfast Casserole w/ Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Baby Spinach

A gourmet baked egg and cheese casserole, this is easy to make and can be prepared ahead. Great for serving guests or for a special breakfast. We also love prepping it ahead and having quick breakfasts ready all week.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast for Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Keyword: Eggs, Gluten-free options, Made from Scratch, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Prep-Ahead
Servings: 8
Calories: 269kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Blender or Food Processor
  • 1 9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups goat cheese, crumbled
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach a cup is about a handful
  • 8 eggs beaten well
  • 1½ c. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1¼ t. dry ground mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Grease baking dish.
    Layer spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese in casserole dish.
  • Beat eggs with milk, salt and mustard—blender or food processor works best for this.
    Pour mixture over veggies and cheese (make sure veggies are well-covered).
  • Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. (Optional–see notes.)
  • Uncover and bake at 300° for 60 minutes, or until set (bubbly).
  • Cut into squares and serve. We love serving with salsa, hot sauce, or chili garlic sauce at the table.

Notes

This casserole is best when made ahead and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it. However, I’ve put this casserole together and baked it immediately many times and it still tastes fantastic. 

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 547mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2042IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg

Breakfast Casserole w/ Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Baby SpinachRead More

Filed Under: Breakfast, Gluten Free, Holiday, Real Food, Recipes Tagged With: Breakfast, Gluten Free, real food

Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

October 23, 2025 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

These mashed potatoes are not only delicious, but the easiest, simplest, fastest way that I’ve ever made mashed potatoes! Plus the fewest dirty dishes!

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Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Classic Mashed Potatoes are made easy and delicious when cooked in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time13 minutes mins
Total Time33 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Comfort Food, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Kid-Approved, Kid-Friendly
Servings: 6
Calories: 281kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • 1 Electric Pressure Cooker
  • 1 Potato Masher

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds potatoes Our favorites are the golden potatoes, but reds and whites work as well.
  • 1 cup water

The Yummy Stuff to Add After Cooking

  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • ½ cup butter Chop the butter into pieces. You can use less, if desired.
  • milk as needed

Instructions

  • Place whole potatoes in the Instant Pot with one cup of water. No trivet is needed for mashed potatoes.
  • Note: I don't peel potatoes anymore! The skins are full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus it's extra work and time that I don't have to do. I try to make cooking as simple and un-fussy as possible.
  • Close and secure lid.
  • Set valve to Sealing.
  • Select [Manual] or [Pressure Cook] program.
  • Press [+] or [-] to set cooking time of 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. *Time-saving tip: if you need your potatoes to cook faster, chop them into smaller pieces and adjust pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
  • Set to High Pressure and wait 10 seconds for pot to beep and let you know it is heating up. It will take around 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to reach pressure, and then the clock will begin to count down. When the time reaches zero, the Instant Pot will beep again and switch to the [Keep Warm] mode, and begin to count up.
  • While keeping your face and hands away, Quick Release the valve by covering with a towel and turning steam release to allow the steam to escape. Open the lid and stick a fork in the potatoes to check for doneness. The potatoes should still be firm, but not at all crunchy. And the fork should go into the potato easily.

Mashing and Yummifying the Potatoes

  • After opening the Instant Pot, add salt and butter. Mash and stir with potato masher. Make sure the bottom and corners are mixed in well. Pull out any large pieces of potato peels.
  • Taste for salt and texture. Add milk if mashed potatoes seem dry. Add salt to taste. Stir well again.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 924mg | Potassium: 800mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 477IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Mashed Potatoes in the Instant PotRead More

Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Kids in the Kitchen, Kitchen Survival, Recipes Tagged With: Cooking, Dinner, family dinner, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, Kids, pressure cooker, Super Easy

Farmer’s Breakfast

October 23, 2025 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Farmer’s Breakfast

Eggs are fast food at our house! This is our go-to Breakfast for Dinner!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast for Dinner, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table, Real Food
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Cheese, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten-free, Gluten-free options, Incredible Egg, Kid-Approved, Kid-Friendly, Low Carb, Made from Scratch, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Real Food, Sausage
Servings: 6
Calories: 548kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Good knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Cheese Grater
  • Skillet
  • Spatula/Pancake Turner

Ingredients

  • 10 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt divided use
  • 1 cup onion, diced (1 medium onion is about 1 cup diced onion)
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (1 large bell pepper is about 1 cup diced)
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage can substitute cooked, diced ham, bacon, or chorizo crumbles
  • 2-3 cooked potatoes smashed or diced
  • 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, beat eggs, adding 1/4 teaspoon salt to season.
  • Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place breakfast sausage in skillet and break up with a wooden pancake turner.
  • Add diced onions and bell peppers to sausage while cooking. Sauté until onions are clear and sausage is fully cooked.
  • Add cooked, smashed potatoes to the skillet and another 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Allow to brown for a few minutes before stirring.
  • Pour egg mixture over meat & potatoes in skillet. Allow eggs to cook for a moment before stirring. Stir and scrape the bottom of the skillet so all eggs come up.
  • Let eggs cook for another minute before stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet again. Repeat until eggs are cooked through. Turn off heat when eggs are slightly moist.
  • Top with cheese. Place a lid over top and allow cheese to melt.
  • Serve with toast or as a breakfast burrito in tortillas with salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 365mg | Sodium: 1225mg | Potassium: 639mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 331mg | Iron: 3mg

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Kids in the Kitchen, Kitchen Survival, Recipes

Breakfast Casserole w/Roasted Veggies

December 3, 2022 by //  by Holly 1 Comment

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5 from 1 vote

Breakfast Casserole w/Roasted Veggies

A baked egg and cheese casserole, loaded with savory roasted vegetables, this is easy to make and can be prepared ahead using leftover veggies! Great for serving guests or for a special breakfast. We also love prepping it ahead and having quick breakfasts ready all week.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast for Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Keyword: Eggs, Gluten-free options, Made from Scratch, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Prep-Ahead
Servings: 8
Calories: 794734kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Blender or Food Processor
  • 1 9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 6-8 slices bread or a package of frozen hash brown potatoes
  • 3-4 cups roasted or cooked vegetables Some options: onion, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet potatoes. Any cooked vegetables will work.
  • 2 c. or up to 1 lb of shredded Cheddar cheese or other cheese if you prefer
  • 8 eggs beaten well
  • 1½ c. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1¼ t. dry ground mustard

Just before baking top with:

  • 3 c. cornflakes, crushed crushed. Gluten free alternatives are: corn chex, rice chex, tortilla chips. Leave off for lower carb option.
  • ½ c. butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Grease baking dish.
    Tear bread into pieces and place into 9×13 greased pan. Or pour and spread out frozen hash browns in baking dish.
    Layer veggies and then cheese over bread or potatoes.
  • Beat eggs with milk, salt and mustard—blender or food processor works best for this.
    Pour mixture over bread, veggies, and cheese (make sure bread is well-covered).
  • Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. (Optional–see notes.)
  • Uncover and sprinkle with cornflakes and then drizzle with melted butter.
    Bake at 300° for 60 minutes, or until set (bubbly).
  • Cut into squares and serve. We love serving with salsa, hot sauce, or chili garlic sauce at the table.

Notes

This casserole is best when made ahead and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it. However, I’ve put this casserole together and baked it immediately many times and it still tastes fantastic. 

Nutrition

Calories: 794734kcal | Carbohydrates: 43979g | Protein: 40788g | Fat: 56679g | Saturated Fat: 3134g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15767g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35201g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 22219mg | Potassium: 1153623mg | Fiber: 19066g | Sugar: 10622g | Vitamin A: 51337IU | Vitamin C: 11113mg | Calcium: 416163mg | Iron: 14419mg

Breakfast Casserole w/Roasted VeggiesRead More

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Italian Lentil Soup

December 2, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Italian Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot (Vegan)

Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time15 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Beans & Rice, Italian, Plant-Based, Vegan
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Dinner, Gluten-free, Kid-Approved
Servings: 8
Calories: 284kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $7

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup onion diced (1 medium-sized onion equals about 1 cup diced)
  • 1 cup celery diced (2-3 stalks equal about 1 cup diced celery)
  • 1 cup carrots diced (2-3 whole carrots equal about 1 cup diced)
  • 1 cup bell pepper diced (1 medium bell pepper equals about 1 cup diced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic minced (1 clove garlic equals about 1 teaspoon minced)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon fennel
  • 1 lb. lentils sorted and rinsed (“sorting” means looking through the dried lentils and picking out any rocks or sticks that may have come from the field)
  • 14 ounces Diced tomatoes
  • 8 cups unsalted or low sodium vegetable stock
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Turn on Instant Pot to [Sauté] mode to begin heating everything while you throw all the ingredients in the pot.
  • Sauté onions, carrots, and celery. Add about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Brown slightly for added flavor. Add remaining ingredients.
  • Cook on [Pressure Cook] or [Manual] or [Soup] setting/High pressure/15 min/10 min NR.

Detailed Newbie Instant Pot Instructions:

  • Close lid of Instant Pot. Check valve and make sure it is on [Sealing].
  • Turn off Instant Pot if it’s still on [Sauté] mode.
  • Turn Instant Pot ON to [Soup] program.
  • Adjust the time to 15 minutes at high pressure by pressing [+] or [-] on the front of your Instant Pot.
  • Allow Pot to Natural release for at least 10 minutes.
  • Stir well and taste. Add any needed salt and pepper to taste. A splash of Tabasco really hits the spot!

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1032mg | Potassium: 853mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3948IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 5mg

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Bacon & Onion Breakfast Casserole

December 2, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Bacon & Onion Breakfast Casserole

A baked egg and cheese casserole, this is easy to make and can be prepared ahead. Great for serving guests or for a special breakfast. We also love prepping it ahead and having quick breakfasts ready all week.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast for Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Keyword: Eggs, Gluten-free options, Made from Scratch, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Prep-Ahead
Servings: 8
Calories: 794734kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Blender or Food Processor
  • 1 9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6-8 slices bread or a package of frozen hash brown potatoes
  • 1 lb. bacon cooked and crumbled or diced
  • 2 c. or up to 1 lb of shredded Cheddar cheese or other cheese if you prefer
  • 8 eggs beaten well
  • 1½ c. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1¼ t. dry ground mustard

Just before baking top with:

  • 3 c. cornflakes, crushed crushed. Gluten free alternatives are: corn chex, rice chex, tortilla chips. Leave off for lower carb option.
  • ½ c. butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Caramelize onion by sautéing until browned. Use medium-high heat and stir infrequently.
  • Grease baking dish.
    Tear bread into pieces and place into 9×13 greased pan. Or pour and spread out frozen hash browns in baking dish.
    Layer bacon, onions, and then cheese over bread or potatoes.
  • Beat eggs with milk, salt and mustard—blender or food processor works best for this.
    Pour mixture over bread, meat, and cheese (make sure bread is well-covered).
  • Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. (Optional–see notes.)
  • Uncover and sprinkle with cornflakes and then drizzle with melted butter.
    Bake at 300° for 60 minutes, or until set (bubbly).
  • Cut into squares and serve. We love serving with salsa, hot sauce, or chili garlic sauce at the table.

Notes

This casserole is best when made ahead and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it. However, I’ve put this casserole together and baked it immediately many times and it still tastes fantastic. 

Nutrition

Calories: 794734kcal | Carbohydrates: 43979g | Protein: 40788g | Fat: 56679g | Saturated Fat: 3134g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15767g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35201g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 22219mg | Potassium: 1153623mg | Fiber: 19066g | Sugar: 10622g | Vitamin A: 51337IU | Vitamin C: 11113mg | Calcium: 416163mg | Iron: 14419mg

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Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

December 2, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

A baked egg and cheese casserole, this is easy to make and can be prepared ahead. Great for serving guests or for a special breakfast. We also love prepping it ahead and having quick breakfasts ready all week.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast for Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Farm-to-Table
Keyword: Eggs, Gluten-free options, Made from Scratch, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Prep-Ahead
Servings: 8
Calories: 794734kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Blender or Food Processor
  • 1 9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 6-8 slices bread or a package of frozen hash brown potatoes
  • 1 lb. breakfast sausage or bacon or ham cooked and crumbled or diced
  • 2 c. or up to 1 lb of shredded Cheddar cheese or other cheese if you prefer
  • 8 eggs beaten well
  • 1½ c. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1¼ t. dry ground mustard

Just before baking top with:

  • 3 c. cornflakes, crushed crushed. Gluten free alternatives are: corn chex, rice chex, tortilla chips. Leave off for lower carb option.
  • ½ c. butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Cook sausage until no longer pink; drain well.
  • Grease baking dish.
    Tear bread into pieces and place into 9×13 greased pan. Or pour and spread out frozen hash browns in baking dish.
    Layer meat and then cheese over bread or potatoes.
  • Beat eggs with milk, salt and mustard—blender or food processor works best for this.
    Pour mixture over bread, meat, and cheese (make sure bread is well-covered).
  • Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. (Optional–see notes.)
  • Uncover and sprinkle with cornflakes and then drizzle with melted butter.
    Bake at 300° for 60 minutes, or until set (bubbly).
  • Cut into squares and serve. We love serving with salsa, hot sauce, or chili garlic sauce at the table.

Notes

This casserole is best when made ahead and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it. However, I’ve put this casserole together and baked it immediately many times and it still tastes fantastic. 

Nutrition

Calories: 794734kcal | Carbohydrates: 43979g | Protein: 40788g | Fat: 56679g | Saturated Fat: 3134g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15767g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35201g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 22219mg | Potassium: 1153623mg | Fiber: 19066g | Sugar: 10622g | Vitamin A: 51337IU | Vitamin C: 11113mg | Calcium: 416163mg | Iron: 14419mg

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Superfood Chili w/Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa, and Black Beans

November 19, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Last updated on February 4th, 2026 at 11:24 am

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Superfood Chili w/Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa, and Black Beans

A hearty dinner that is packed with superfoods, this meatless Chili is sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time7 minutes mins
Total Time37 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Beans & Rice, Comfort Food, Health Food, Plant-Based, Real Food
Keyword: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Made from Scratch, Meatless, Plant-Based, Superfood, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 8
Calories: 236kcal
Author: Holly

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6-8 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 Tablespoons ground cumin
  • 4 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar regular sugar or alternative sweetener can be substituted
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 14-15 oz. cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (undrained)
  • 3 cups cooked, rinsed black beans
  • 1 cup dried quinoa rinse well and drain before adding
  • 3 cups sweet potatoes, diced
  • 3 cups water

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

  • 7 Minutes High Pressure/Natural Release:
  • Turn Instant Pot on <Sauté>.
  • Brown onions and bell peppers. Add about 1/4 teaspoon salt to aromatics. Add garlic and cook for only one minute.
  • Add first can of tomatoes and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any remaining browning on bottom of pot.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Stir well.
  • Close lid. Check valve to make sure it is set on <Sealing>.
  • Set Instant Pot to <Bean/Chili> program and adjust the time to 7 minutes at <High> pressure.
  • When pressure cooking time is finished, allow pressure cooker to Natural Release (NR) for at least 5 minutes. Then Quick Release remaining pressure.

Stove Top Instructions:

  • Brown onions and bell peppers.
  • Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and stir well for one minute.
  • Mix in beans (cooked, drained, and rinsed), quinoa (rinsed and drained), and diced sweet potatoes.
  • Stir in tomatoes and 3 cups of water.
  • Simmer on stove top for at least 20 minutes, but it’s better the longer it simmers.

Slow-Cooker Instructions:

  • Brown onions and bell peppers.
  • Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and stir well for one minute.
  • Transfer this mixture to Slow Cooker insert.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
  • Set on High for 4-6 hours or Low for 8-10 hours.
  • Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.

Notes

1 15-ounce can of beans equals about 1 1/2 cups of beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 645mg | Potassium: 871mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 8486IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 6mg

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Filed Under: Dinner Accomplished, Gluten Free, Real Food, Soup, Uncategorized Tagged With: Dinner, Gluten Free, Instant Pot, recipe, Soup

Classic Egg Salad

April 14, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Last updated on July 22nd, 2022 at 01:32 pm

Classic Egg Salad often reminds me of when I was a child, sitting at Grandma Vera’s kitchen table, eating an egg salad sandwich for lunch after spending the night at her house. It was such a special time!

This is a super easy recipe for kids to help with or make by themselves!

  • Hard-boiled eggs are a great food for children to begin learning knife skills, because they are so soft. They can even be cut with a butter knife by a pre-schooler.
  • This recipe is very forgiving and a great one for eyeballing the amounts. Kids can simply spoon or squirt the ingredients into the chopped eggs and stir them. Let them do a taste test and decide if they would like more salt or mayo. Then they can correct the seasoning and make it taste exactly like they want it. Theres no room for perfectionism here.

Age-appropriate Tasks for Children

Little Ones (ages 2-6)

  • Help carry ingredients to the food prep area.
  • Peel hard-boiled eggs cooked in the Instant Pot, alongside a parent or older child.
  • Chop hard-boiled eggs with a butter knife, alongside a parent or older child.
  • Stir egg salad mixture.

Middle Kiddos (ages 5-11)

  • Peel hard-boiled eggs independently.
  • Chop hard-boiled eggs with a steak knife or a chopper or an egg-slicer.
  • Gather ingredients to food prep area.
  • Measure and add egg salad ingredients to mixing bowl.
  • Stir egg salad mixture thoroughly.

Older Children and Teens (ages 12 and up)

  • Pressure cook hard-boiled eggs.
  • Follow recipe independently.
  • Make variations in recipe, depending on likes/dislikes.
  • Plan entire meal.
  • Make and serve sandwiches.
  • Make and serve entire meal.

Click here to see how we make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot.

Click here for Abraham’s Spicy Bacon Deviled Egg recipe. It’s sooo good!!

And in case you need to make a bunch of egg salad, we figured out how many eggs you can cook in the Instant Pot at a time.

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Classic Egg Salad

Egg Salad makes a great prep-ahead sandwich filling, salad topper, or snack to eat right out of the bowl. Simple, quick, and delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time7 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time5 minutes mins
Total Time17 minutes mins
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Eggs, Gluten-free, Incredible Egg, Instant Pot, Kid-Approved, Low Carb, Prep-Ahead, Real Food
Servings: 6
Calories: 225kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $4

Equipment

  • 1 Electric Pressure Cooker
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Knife or Egg Slicer

Ingredients

  • 12 hard-boiled eggs 5 min/LOW Pressure/Quick Release/Ice Bath https://thecookingfamily.com/perfect-hard-boiled-eggs-instant-pot/
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons dill relish or sweet relish, your choice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or other vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons mustard any kind
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-3 dashes Tabasco sauce to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Chop or dice eggs into small pieces.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Stir well. Taste and correct seasoning.
  • Serve as sandwiches, on crackers, or on a bed of greens.

Notes

Make a large batch for a large family or to prep cook and use during the week for quick lunches and snacks. Or cut recipe in half for a smaller batch.
Make it Super: Add crumbled bacon and finely chopped jalapeños to kick this egg salad up another notch. 

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 377mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 536IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

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Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup

January 27, 2022 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Last updated on February 17th, 2022 at 09:38 pm

A bowl of Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup

This hearty and simple stew combines sausage and potatoes with cheese to make a comforting soup.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time5 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bone Broth, Budget-friendly, Cheese, Comfort Food, Gluten-free, Potatoes, Sausage, Soup
Servings: 8
Calories: 593kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure Cooker
  • 1 Chef's Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Immersion blender

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Onion, diced
  • 1.5 pounds Carrots, chopped
  • 2.5 pounds Potatoes, chopped
  • 14 ounces Smoked Sausage, diced
  • 2 cups Chicken, cooked and diced
  • 8 cups Chicken broth low sodium or no sodium (Bone Broth Recipe here)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt omit salt if using Velveeta

CHOOSE Only ONE type of Cheese:

The Cheesy Part–Real Food Choice–Easy

  • 16 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

OR–The Cheesy Part–Convenient Choice–Easier

  • 16 ounces Velveeta Cheese

Instructions

  • Turn Instant Pot on to Sauté mode.
  • Pour broth into pot and add all chopped veggies and meat.
  • Place lid on Instant Pot. Check to make sure Pressure Release Valve is set to <Sealing>.
  • Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Press <Start> or wait for Instant Pot to beep, signaling that cooking has begun.
  • While soup is cooking, allow cream cheese OR Velveeta to warm to room temperature.
  • When pressure cooking time is finished, release the pressure from the pot by turning the Pressure Release Valve to <Venting>. Stay near the pot to close the valve if soup comes out the top.

The Creamy, Cheesy Part

  • After pressure is completely released from the Instant Pot, open the lid carefully.
  • If you're using Cream Cheese, remove about 2 ½ cups of hot broth from pot into a heat-safe glass bowl. Add cream cheese, ground mustard, paprika, and salt. Blend carefully with the immersion blender. Pour back into soup pot. Stir well. Taste and serve!
  • If you're using Velveeta or another brand of melting cheese loaf, cut 16oz. of the cheese into 1-inch cubes. After the broth, veggies, and meat are cooked and lid is opened, carefully place cheese pieces into the pot. Close lid for about two minutes. Come back and stir well until the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 593kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 1204mg | Potassium: 1358mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 15049IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 3mg

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Bourbon Honey Pecan Pie

November 24, 2021 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

Last updated on December 30th, 2021 at 10:05 pm

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Bourbon Honey Pecan Pie

The flavors of honey and bourbon take pecan pie from delicious to out-of-this-world!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Bourbon, Dessert, Fall, Holiday, Honey, Pecan Pie, Pie, Texas Honey, Thanksgiving
Servings: 8
Calories: 498kcal
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Pie plate
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup salted butter melted
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 4 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 1 pie crust unbaked, see note
  • whipped cream optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place chopped pecans into the prepared pie crust.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, place sugar, brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, honey, melted butter, eggs, and bourbon. Stir well until all are combined well.
  • Pour honey bourbon mixture over pecans in pie plate.
  • Bake at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. When pie is done, the pecans will become slightly browned on top. Note: cover the pie crust with foil when it begins to turn golden brown.

Notes

Note on pie crust: One of my biggest inner conflicts in cooking is Pie Crust. I am a foodie purist and I love making food from scratch. But pie crust has been a challenge for me. We have found a recipe that we love, and it is loaded with real butter and lard!
So, even though I continue to try to make real pie dough at least once a year, I have found the store-bought rolled out pie crust to be a pretty darn good substitute and certainly is much easier and less likely to mess up the pie. Plus it’s a lot faster, and you can make a yummy pie in less than twenty minutes!
The rolled out pie crust usually comes in a box of two in the refrigerated section of the grocery store,  near the refrigerated biscuit dough in the pop-open cans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 338mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Dessert, Holiday, Kids in the Kitchen, Recipes Tagged With: Bourbon, Christmas, Dessert, Holiday, Honey, Pecan, Pie, Texas, Thanksgiving

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread

November 8, 2021 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

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Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread

The crisp garlic and rosemary-infused crust on this rustic Italian bread is sure to delight your tastebuds (and your family's if you decide to share)!!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Proofing Time plus additional Rising time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dairy-free, Dinner, Fall, Instant Pot, Kid-Approved, Pantry, Vegetarian
Servings: 12
Calories: 334kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $2

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
  • Conventional Oven
  • Stand Mixer (like a KitchenAid), optional

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (1 tablespoon fresh herbs equals about 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 cups warm water (105 to 110 degrees)
  • 4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (one pkg. of yeast equals about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided use Bread flour would also be great!
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

Herb-Infused Oil

  • Place garlic, rosemary, and olive oil in a cold skillet on the stove.
  • Gently heat oil in skillet until garlic begins to bubble. After about 30 seconds, remove from heat and turn off stove. Allow to cool completely before adding part of oil to the dough.

Bread Dough

  • Place yeast, sugar, and warm (not hot) water in bowl of KitchenAid Mixer. Using whisk attachment, stir together well. Allow to sit for five minutes, and watch it bubble up. (If it doesn't bubble up, stir again and wait a few more minutes. Your yeast is no good if it doesn't bubble up by this point.)
  • Stir two cups of the flour into the bubbly yeast mixture. Add about half (¼ cup) of the infused herb oil and the salt. Incorporate well.
  • If using a KitchenAid, switch to paddle attachment. With mixer on the lowest speed, stir in remaining flour, one cup at a time.
  • Switch mixer attachment to dough hook, and turn on mixer to knead for 1-2 minutes.
  • Dough should be forming into a cohesive ball and not sticking to the sides of the bowl.
  • Form dough into a ball with your hands and knead it on a floured surface about 4-5 times.
  • Drizzle Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot with olive oil. Place dough in oil, top side down, then turn so the ball of dough is well-covered with oil. Then place dough ball in inner pot, right side up. Place insert into Instant Pot.
  • Set inner pot to Proof dough by pressing [Yogurt] button. Then press [Adjust] or just press [Yogurt] button repeatedly to cycle through [Less], [Normal], and [More] settings. To do a normal rise time, you want to choose [Less]. For a rapid rise, which cuts rising time down, but may result in a slightly lower quality result, choose [Normal]. Do not choose [More] because this will turn the pot on and cause it to burn the bottom of your dough.
  • Cover pot with a glass lid and allow dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
  • After dough has risen, punch down dough.
  • Split dough into 2 or 3 balls, depending on how large you want your flatbread. You could even split into enough for every member of your family to have their own flatbread.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, place dough ball and spread it out with your fingertips, until it is about 1/2 inch thick, creating lots of dimples in the dough. Brush garlic and rosemary infused olive oil all over the top of the focaccia.
  • Bake at 450°F for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 3mg

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Southern Collards in the Instant Pot

March 31, 2021 by //  by Holly 1 Comment

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Southern Collards in the Instant Pot

Collard Greens cook to perfection in a fraction of the time in the Instant Pot.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Pressure Cooking Time5 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Dinner, Gluten-free, Homemade, Instant Pot, Low Carb, Made from Scratch
Servings: 6
Author: Holly

Ingredients

  • 1 lb collard greens ripped or chopped into small pieces
  • 1 about 1 cup onion diced,
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 lb ham
  • 1/2 tsp Magic Flavor Dust https://thecookingfamily.com/magic-flavor-dust/
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Set Instant Pot on Saute and drizzle in the olive oil.
  • Dice the onion and add to pot when oil is shimmering. Saute for five minutes, or until onions are translucent.
  • While the onion sautes, wash and tear the collards. Each piece should be about one inch square. They will shrink up while cooking.
  • When the onions are ready, add the ham, vinegar, sugar, Magic Flavor Dust, and collards.
  • Stir all together as best you can, then pour the water on top.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Ensure the valve is on Sealing. Select the Manual button, and set to five minutes at High Pressure. Either wait for it the display to read 'on,' or press the start button, depending on your model.
  • Turn the valve to 'Venting' as soon as the timer goes off. This is called Quick Release.
  • Remove the lid, stir, taste for salt and pepper, and serve!

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Homemade Peppermint Bark

December 23, 2020 by //  by Holly Leave a Comment

This is one of our favorite Christmas season treats. It’s easy to make, and so fun to make with kids. And if you make it yourself, it’s much cheaper than that fancy kitchen store!

It makes a great gift also. Try it out yourself!

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Peppermint Bark

This rich and minty combination of white and dark chocolate with peppermint makes a festive treat at holiday parties and is a wonderful gift for the person who has everything.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cooling Time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Gluten-free, Holiday, Kid-Approved, Kid-Friendly
Servings: 24
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Holly
Cost: $9

Equipment

  • Offset Spatula
  • Parchment Paper
  • Microwave
  • 2 small microwave-safe mixing bowls
  • 2 spoons for stirring
  • Kitchen mallet
  • Ziptop bag

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces peppermint hard candy crushed (About 6 or 7 candy canes)
  • 14 ounces dark chocolate chips or broken into pieces. I prefer 60% cacao or higher.
  • 12 ounces white chocolate broken into pieces. Look for a product that actually says "chocolate" on the package or lists cocoa butter in the ingredients.
  • 12-20 drops Peppermint oil to taste. (Roughly ten drops in each kind of chocolate.)

Instructions

  • Using a kitchen mallet, crush peppermint candy in a ziptop bag. Set aside.
  • Lay out parchment paper on a flat surface or a cookie sheet.
  • Use the microwave to melt dark chocolate in 30-second increments at Cook Power 6 and stir well in between. Avoid hot spots that can burn your chocolate. Also, avoid getting any water or other moisture in the chocolate. This should take 3-4 increments of 30 seconds each.
  • Add about 10 drops of peppermint oil, to taste. See note. Stir well.
  • With an offset spatula, spread dark chocolate on parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness. Try not to spread it too thin on the edges. Your sheet of chocolate will be about the size of a standard sheet of paper. Reserve about a 1/4 cup of dark chocolate to drizzle on top of the white chocolate.
  • Use the microwave to melt white chocolate in 30-second increments at Cook Power 6 and stir well in between. Avoid hot spots that can burn your chocolate. Also, avoid getting any water or other moisture in the chocolate. This should take 3-4 increments of 30 seconds each.
  • Add about 10 drops of peppermint oil, to taste. See note. Stir well.
  • Wait until dark chocolate layer has lost its gloss and developed a matte look and hardened slightly. This will take longer if your kitchen is hot or if your counter is warm, such as above a running dishwasher or next to a hot oven. If this is the case, move cooling chocolate to a cooler place, if possible. Or do something else while you wait.
  • Carefully spread white chocolate onto dark chocolate layer. Avoid pulling dark chocolate up into white chocolate layer by having a gentle touch. If marbling does occur, it's ok! You won't even notice once you have the dark chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy on top.
  • Check reserved dark chocolate to make sure it's still melted. If not, melt in microwave as before for 30 seconds at cook power 6. Stir well.
  • Drizzle dark chocolate over white chocolate layer. See video for demonstration.
  • Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over all. Allow to harden completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Notes

Note on Peppermint Oil: Use the full amount if you like to really taste that cool pop of mint. If you don’t have peppermint oil, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. You’ll need to sample the melted chocolate, because different peppermint extracts vary in their intensity.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg

Homemade Peppermint BarkRead More

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged With: Chocolate, Christmas Candy, Cooking with Kids, Dessert, Peppermint, White Chocolate

Southern Skillet Cornbread

October 16, 2020 by //  by Holly 1 Comment

Last updated on November 4th, 2022 at 05:06 pm

This soul-warming cornbread goes together very quickly and pairs perfectly with a bowl of simmering soup. The crisp bottom will melt in your mouth. Just add butter!

Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Southern Skillet Cornbread

This soul-warming cornbread goes together very quickly and pairs perfectly with a bowl of simmering soup. The crisp bottom will melt in your mouth. Just add butter!
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Budget-friendly, Comfort Food, Homemade, Made from Scratch, Pantry
Servings: 8
Author: Holly

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden Spoon or Rubber Spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups cornmeal stone ground or regular
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk can substitute by placing 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and filling measuring cup with remaining milk to make 1 1/4 cups total
  • 1/2 cup oil any vegetable oil or bacon grease for the daring who love bacon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Stir dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) together in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and then add buttermilk, stirring together well.
  • Pour the oil into cast-iron skillet and place in oven.
  • Just before the oil is hot, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Do not overstir.
  • Remove hot skillet from oven. Carefully pour half the oil into the batter. Stir the oil in with 12 strokes. It's okay that it won't be completely mixed.
  • Pour the batter into the hot, oiled skillet.
  • Place skillet into oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.
  • Cut into slices, serve immediately with plenty of fresh butter!
  • Do not hope for leftovers. The cornbread becomes stale the next day anyway.

Southern Skillet CornbreadRead More

Filed Under: Recipes

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