Adventures of Mel

Author: Mel Lockcuff

  • Ultimate Camping Supplies List for Packing

    Ultimate Camping Supplies List for Packing

    Prepare for your next trip with a complete camping supplies list, from the shelter you need to kitchen essentials and hygiene items. It’s printable too!

    As we pack up for another camping trip, I’m reminded of how often I’ve thought of creating a camping checklist for packing. Too many times to count, that’s for sure, yet here I am again.

    dispersed camping in New Mexico with gear from our camping supplies list, including a rooftop tent and camp trailer

    When it comes to packing, some people like to take everything but the kitchen sink. Others like to keep it simple and pack only the basics.

    Table of Contents

    How You Should Use This Camping Supplies List

    This is meant to be a comprehensive list of tent camping essentials, but it’s also perfect for car camping, RV camping, and even backpacking (though you’d carry much less, as well as lighter equipment). Keep in mind, though, that some of the items on this tent camping checklist are geared more toward dispersed camping.

    As you look down through the list, use it to your specific advantage. What I mean by this is, pack the things that make the most sense for you and your family; then forget the rest.

    While we don’t carry everything that’s on this packing list for camping, it definitely gives us goals for our future camping endeavors. And if you’re camping on a really tight budget (we’ve been there), there are a lot of things you can go without, or find ways to improvise.

    rooftop tent camping in Colorado with camping gear for dispersed camping

    Below are a few different categories of gear and supplies you may want to think about packing. My hope is that this list makes it easy for you to check off items or even print if you want.

    Who’s ready to go camping? I know we are!

    Shelter and Essential Gear

    Cooking and Kitchen Basics

    Be sure to check out our list of campfire cooking equipment for all your kitchen basics. It contains pretty much everything we take on a typical camping trip. Here are a few things from that list.

    Hygiene and Personal Items

    Fun Camping Essentials Your Kids Will Love

    Miscellaneous Camping Supplies and Equipment

    This camping checklist will have you on your way to being well prepared for your next camping trip. You may find more helpful ideas in our list of 12+ awesomely useful cool camping gifts under $20.

    And remember… Packing is the hardest part. When it’s all done and you’re ready to hit the road, you’re ready to create some pretty amazing memories with your family.

    boy in white Toyota 4Runner packed up and ready to go camping with all the camping essentials

    All Set for a Fun Camping Adventure

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  • 6 Tips for Quick and Easy Campfire Cooking

    6 Tips for Quick and Easy Campfire Cooking

    This post has been sponsored by the DINTY MOORE® Brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

    Tips and hacks for quick and easy campfire cooking, including how to pack your food for ease, gear and supplies you may need, and a delicious one-pot-meal idea!

    dad and son enjoying campfire cooking and rooftop tent camping

    On every camping trip we take, there are nights we roll into a campsite with little to no time before it gets dark. This makes campfire cooking a bit more challenging, especially when you have 3 hungry boys to feed.

    While we always make do, we’ve learned a few things over the years and have a few tips and tricks that have made all the difference. While there are so many ideas for camping food posted all over the internet, I’m going to share a secret with you… It doesn’t have to be complicated.

    In fact, outdoor cooking can be quite easy… It’s all in how you pack and what you pack.

    If you have a camping enthusiast in your life, check out our gift guide with 12+ awesomely useful camping gifts under $20, including items for campfire cooking!

    Tip #1 – Keep your meals in mind when you’re packing up for the day.

    We pack both a regular food box and a snack box when we’re headed out. We tend to keep that snack box pretty handy, so we can easily get into it. Our regular food box holds all our non-perishable dinner time foods and sides, like DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew.

    can of DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew with campfire in background

    We also pack 2 to 3 coolers…

    • Big cooler for all our main camping food
    • Drink cooler
    • And a lunch cooler

    It doesn’t hurt to keep the food and camping cooking equipment you’ll need that day for lunch and dinner handy by packing them in the lunch cooler or keeping them near the top of the main cooler. That way if you do pull into a site after dark, there’s no digging around for what you’re going to make; it’s all right there ready to go.

    Tip #2 – Use fire starters for quick and easy campfire cooking.

    You can buy fire starters, or you can make them homemade (stay tuned because we’re actually working on our own DIY for this). They make it easy to quickly start a campfire for outdoor cooking, warmth, and light.

    Tip #3 – Plan an easy one-pot-meal, like DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew.

    DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew is an easy solution for dinner, especially when you’ve just pulled in after a long day of exploring. A hearty and delicious meal, it’s filled with real meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

    outdoor cooking over the campfire with beef stew in a Dutch oven

    It brings back so many memories for me because my mom would keep a stash of DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew under the kitchen sink, and she’d bring it out whenever she needed an easy meal. We usually ended up enjoying a meal of beef stew with biscuits on top. So delicious!

    You can purchase DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew at your local grocery store. Checkout 51 even offers product savings, so you can save money while you shop.

    cooking DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew in a Dutch oven over the fire

    DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew is the perfect camping food, and it can be quickly and easily heated over the fire in either a cast iron skillet or a hanging Dutch oven. Just pop open the can (you don’t even need a can opener), pour it in, and heat.

    Plus, the cans are easy to pack and travel with, especially if you pack a food box like we do.

    delicious camping food like DINTY MOORE® Beef Stew in a backpack

    Serve it all by itself or with an already made side, like homemade biscuits you made before you ever left home; and you’ve got the makings of a great meal.

    Tip #4 – Use real utensils and dishes so you have less trash.

    Less trash means less cleanup. It also means a safer environment, especially if you’re camping where bears are prevalent.

    boy taking bite of beef stew with camping cooking gear like real bowls and eating utensils

    While you will have a few dishes to wash, it’s always good to have less waste.

    Tip #5 – Heat water in the same cooking pot to wash your dishes.

    We usually don’t have leftovers when we’re camping… I don’t know if it’s because everyone is ravenous from all the exploring or what, but we usually eat it all up.

    This makes it easy to heat up water for dishes in the same pot we used for cooking. This way we can quickly and easily wash dishes and spend more time relaxing around the campfire together.

    father and son enjoying campfire cooking

    When it comes to camping, we’re always coming up with new and easier ways of doing things. What are some of your favorite campfire cooking tips or hacks?

    Tip #6 – Campfire recipes you may enjoy:

    Campfire Sugar Cone S’mores

    Grilled Banana Campfire S’mores

    Easy Skillet S’mores

    30 Scrumptious Camping Recipes

    Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

    6 Tips for Quick and Easy Campfire Cooking
    tips for easy outdoor cooking with DINTY MOORE Beef Stew
    tips for quick and easy campfire cooking
  • Grilled Corn in the Husk with Honey Butter

    Grilled Corn in the Husk with Honey Butter

    Add a sweet and salty side dish to dinner, Grilled Corn in the Husk. Easy, delicious recipe for sweet corn on the cob seasoned with honey butter, salt, and pepper.

    grilled corn in the husk on a cookie sheet with husks removed, seasoned with honey butter, salt, and pepper

    It’s the season for grilling up all sorts of good things, including grilled corn in the husk, pork chops, hot dogs, Mexican corn, and so much more. My guys love this time of year, and frankly, so do I.

    Grilling takes the work out of cooking dinner at night. It means what little mess that grilling creates lives outside on the deck with the grill and away from my kitchen. It’s a win win.

    We love grilled sweet corn. Really, we love corn on the cob any which way you want to make it.

    Dan doesn’t eat a lot of corn… But the rest of us love a good piece of sweet corn when it becomes available in the summertime.

    This recipe is really pretty simple. You will need a bucket or a dish pan to soak the corn; and the hardest part will be removing the silks without removing the husks.

    All in all, though, this is a very easy recipe for grilled corn on the cob. And I’ll show you how to make a super simple honey butter to go with it.

    Need something simple to serve with your corn? This Chicago hot dog recipe is a big hit with my family during summer grilling season. And a good bacon cheeseburger always wins. When we’re craving something a little different, I like to make a good Philly cheesesteak with roast beef!

    grilled sweet corn in the husk on a charcoal grill

    Tips for how to make Grilled Corn in the Husk:

    Gather your ingredients first… You’ll need corn on the cob, water, a stick of salted butter, honey, salt, and pepper. Also, if you’re looking for high quality meat to grill with your corn, click here to see what Snake River Farms has to offer.

    Remove the silks from the ears of corn… To do this, you’ll need to fold back the husks without removing them, then pull out all the silks.

    grilled corn on the cob with husks folded back and silks removed before grilling

    Carefully replace the husks, folding them back over the cob.

    Soak the corn cobs in a bucket or dish pan of water for 10 minutes or more.

    soaking grilled corn in the husk before grilling

    Meanwhile, warm up your grill. You can use a charcoal grill or gas grill, either one; we prefer charcoal, mainly for the taste it gives the food.

    Once the grill is ready, remove the corn from the water. Shake off any excess water, and place on the grill; be careful not to put it over an open flame, because the husks can catch fire.

    Allow the corn to cook for 10 to 15 minutes on a medium heat. You’ll need to be vigilant in turning it so it doesn’t burn; however, the husks will turn brown as the corn cooks.

    blackened grilled corn in the husk on a charcoal grill

    As your corn cooks, mix up the honey butter by following the steps below.

    Once your grilled corn on the cob is cooked through and the kernels are tender, remove the cobs from the grill and fold back/remove the husks. Brush each cob with the honey butter mixture, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    brushing grilled corn on the cob with honey butter

    And that’s it. Grilled sweet corn is ready to serve!

    Pair it with something delicious for a wonderful dinner. It pairs really well with grilled meats and more.

    Of course, if you’d rather have corn in casserole form, you may enjoy a more traditional Corn Casserole or this Mexican Corn Casserole.

    grilled corn on the cob on a cookie sheet with husks pulled back, seasoned with honey butter, salt, and pepper

    How to make honey butter to go with your grilled corn on the cob:

    Honey butter is so simple and easy to make, and all you need is a stick of salted butter and some honey.

    1. Soften a stick of salted butter.
    2. In a small bowl, mix together the butter and a tablespoon of honey until you have a sweet, creamy mixture.
    3. Then you’ll just brush it on your grilled sweet corn after it’s cooked.
    grilled sweet corn up close with husks pulled back

    More grilling recipes you may enjoy:

    Mexican Corn on the Cob with Bacon

    Maple Bourbon Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Maple Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

    Grilled Cheeseburger Pizza

    Simple and Delicious Grilled Fish Fillets

    grilled corn in the husk on a cookie sheet with husks removed, seasoned with honey butter, salt, and pepper

    You may also enjoy this easy recipe for Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. 

    Tools you may need to make grilled sweet corn:

    Food Grade Bucket or Dish Pan – You’ll need to soak the ears in water before grilling.

    Charcoal Grill or Gas Grill – We love using our charcoal grill.

    Grilling Tongs – You’ll need tongs to turn the corn on the grill.

    Basting Brush – to brush on the honey butter.

    Grilled Corn in the Husk with Honey Butter

    Add a sweet and salty side dish to dinner, Grilled Corn in the Husk. Easy, delicious recipe for sweet corn on the cob seasoned with honey butter, salt, and pepper.

    • 10 ears corn on the cob
    • 2 gallons water
    • 1/2 cup salted butter
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
    1. Remove the silks from the ears of corn… To do this, you’ll need to fold back the husks without removing them, then pull out all the silks. Carefully replace the husks, folding them back over the cob. 
    2. Soak the corn cobs in a bucket or dish pan of water for 10 minutes or more.
    3. Meanwhile, warm up your grill. You can use a charcoal grill or gas grill, either one.
    4. Once the grill is ready, remove the corn from the water. 
    5. Shake off any excess water, and place on the grill; be careful not to put it over an open flame, so the husks don’t catch fire. 
    6. Allow the corn to cook for 10 to 15 minutes on a medium heat. You’ll need to be vigilant in turning it so it doesn’t burn; however, the husks will turn brown as the corn cooks.
    7. As your corn cooks, mix up the honey butter by mixing together the butter and honey until you have a sweet, creamy mixture. Set aside.
    8. Once your grilled corn on the cob is cooked through and the kernels are tender, remove the cobs from the grill and fold back/remove the husks. 
    9. Brush each cob with the honey butter mixture, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    10. Serve it and enjoy every sweet and salty bite!
    Side Dish
    American
    grilled corn in the husk, grilled corn on the cob
    Grilled Corn in the Husk Recipe
    Grilled Corn in the Husk with Honey Butter
  • Scrumptious Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

    Scrumptious Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

    Easy recipe for a strawberry cream cheese pie, made with fresh strawberries, a creamy no bake filling, and a simple homemade crust. It’s a family favorite!

    Who doesn’t love fresh berries from the strawberry patch, especially when you have the satisfaction of picking them yourself, then coming home to make them into a strawberry cream pie? It’s the absolute best!

    bite of strawberry cream cheese pie on a fork with slice of pie on white plate

    I have 3 boys who are all about the strawberries. If we bring strawberries home, I can barely get a strawberry shortcake or a quick batch of homemade strawberry jam in edgewise before the berries are all eaten up.

    This no bake strawberry pie is one of the first things we make every single year with our berry haul. It really doesn’t take a lot of berries either; though I’ll admit, I do like to pile them on.

    I make a similar version with blueberries every summer. Blueberry cream cheese pie is just as delicious as strawberry.

    Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to make this easy strawberry cream pie. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill so all the juices have time to seep into the creamy filling and down into the crust, making it even more delicious than ever.

    Don’t want a cream cheese filling? You may enjoy this easy strawberry pie recipe.

    whole strawberry cream pie with fresh strawberries on a Pioneer Woman kitchen towel

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my tips for making homemade strawberry pie, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the strawberry cream pie recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

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    BUT FIRST, THE PIE CRUST

    You will need a single pie crust, baked and ready to go, for this recipe. You can make a homemade pie crust, or you can just buy a ready made crust at the grocery store. Here are 3 ways to keep pie crust from burning, so you can make sure you have the perfect pie crust.

    Sometimes I even like to make a family favorite, this pie crust with pecans. It gives the pie even more of an oomph, and like my favorite press in pie crust, it doesn’t have to be rolled either.

    Or you can skip a regular crust altogether and make a graham cracker crust instead.

    AND THEN THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING

    The cream cheese filling in this no bake strawberry cream pie is just a simple, 3-ingredient, cream cheese filling; but it’s oh so good, especially when you pair the creamy filling with the berries and the pie crust.

    mixing bowl and wooden spoon with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for no bake strawberry cream pie recipe

    Let’s get down to making and putting this pie together.

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE

    Gather together your ingredients… You’ll need fresh strawberries, pure cane sugar, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whole milk. That’s it, easy peasy. 

    1. Wash and slice the berries.
    2. Then mix them together with sugar to help the strawberries form a little juice.
    3. Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk, and using a spatula, spread the creamy filling in the pie crust.
    4. Top with the berries; you can put as few or as many as you like. We prefer to pile our strawberry pie sky high with berries.
    layering a strawberry cream cheese pie with fresh strawberries, mixed with sugar, and a cream cheese filling

    Chill the pie in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. We think it tastes even better the next day, so if you’re able to chill it overnight, go for it. 

    Then when you’re ready to serve, just slice it up and serve!

    slicing and serving fresh strawberry pie

    MORE NO BAKE DESSERTS

    CAN YOU FREEZE STRAWBERRY CREAM PIE?

    Yes, you can freeze strawberry cream pie, filling and all. Just make sure it’s covered well or stored in an airtight container, so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

    Strawberry pie should keep in the freezer for about 6 months or less.

    slice of easy strawberry cream pie on white Pioneer Woman plate

    SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:

    Spatula – You know I can’t cook or bake without my trusty spatulas. A spatula is the perfect tool to spread the creamy filling into the pie crust.

    Over-the-Sink Colander – This comes in handy for rinsing the berries after you’ve washed/soaked them.

    Paring Knife – Yet another one of those handy kitchen tools I couldn’t live without, perfect for slicing the berries.

    Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a bowl for both the strawberries and one for your pie filling. Of course, I love my batter bowl and use it for just about every recipe.

    Mixer – A mixer makes quick work of mixing up the pie filling.

    Pie Plate – Definitely needed to make a pie, and it’s even better when it’s pretty.

    slice of strawberry cream cheese pie on white plate with fork

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this recipe as much as we do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    strawberry cream cheese pie recipe

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    Scrumptious Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

    Easy recipe for a strawberry cream cheese pie, made with fresh strawberries, a creamy no bake filling, and a simple homemade crust. It’s a family favorite!

    • 1 single pie crust (*)
    • 3-4 cups strawberries (sliced)
    • 3 tablespoons pure cane sugar
    • 16 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon whole milk
    1. Wash and slice the berries.
    2. Mix together the berries with the sugar to help them form a little juice.
    3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
    4. Using a spatula, spread the creamy filling in the pie crust.
    5. Top the cream cheese filling with the berries; you can put as few or as many as you like. We prefer to pile it high with berries.
    6. Chill the pie in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight for better results.
    7. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

    *You can make a homemade pie crust, or you can just buy a ready made crust at the grocery store. Other options include this pecan pie crust, this easy press in pie crust, or a graham cracker crust.

    Pies & Pastries
    American
    no bake strawberry pie, strawberry cream cheese pie, strawberry cream pie

    Update Notes: This recipe was originally published on May 8, 2017, but was re-published with bigger photos and more details in May of 2018.

  • Easy Ground Beef Tacos from Scratch

    Easy Ground Beef Tacos from Scratch

    The best ground beef tacos ever, made with crispy fried corn tortilla shells, seasoned hamburger, and all the delicious toppings. Easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday!

    Have I mentioned how much I love tacos? Besides chicken tacos, ground beef tacos are my favorite, especially when we make them with corn tortilla taco shells.

    ground beef tacos with all the toppings on a wooden cutting board

    Tacos are an easy meal too, making them a win win when it comes to dinner. Really, all it takes is cooking the meat and prepping a few of your favorite toppings.

    For toppings, I recommend lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado and maybe even some green onions. You can also add my favorite peach and mango salsa if you like.

    You can use regular taco shells you buy in the store; we love these… Or you can make your own, using corn tortillas, and fry them up in a dab of bacon grease or oil.

    You can even swap out taco shells for bell peppers, making the most delicious taco stuffed peppers.

    beef tacos in corn tortilla taco shells set in a muffin pan for filling with all the toppings

    Want a variation on ground beef tacos? Try taco sloppy joes, cheesy Mexican pie, or taco tater tot hotdish.

    Want less mess? You’ll love this walking taco recipe.

    How to make taco shells for ground beef tacos:

    To make your own crispy taco shells (they remind me of a Taco Bell Chalupa shell)…

    frying a corn tortilla into a taco shell in a cast iron skillet with tongs
    • Heat about a tablespoon of bacon grease in a skillet; let it melt and heat up.
    • Add a corn tortilla to the skillet, letting it cook on one side.
    • Use tongs to turn the tortilla and let the other side cook.
    • Finally, remove the tortilla from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel or paper bag for maybe 30 seconds or so.
    • Fold into a taco shape and place in either a taco holder or the bottom side of a muffin pan.

    And that’s it, you’ve made your own taco shells. They’re so good!

    Tips for how to make this beef taco recipe:

    You’ll need to gather your ingredients, including ground beef, garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, salt, black pepper, peppers, onion, Roma tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, corn tortillas, and sour cream. You may also want extra ingredients like avocado, black olives, queso, and fresh tomato salsa with basil.

    Add the ground beef, garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a large skillet. Brown the meat well.

    cooking ground beef and seasoning for tacos in cast iron skillet

    Add the chopped onion, peppers, and 2 to 3 Roma tomatoes to the ground beef mixture. Cook thoroughly until the meat is fully cooked and the veggies have softened.

    cooking ground beef with onion, peppers, and tomatoes in a cast iron skillet for a delicious taco recipe

    Meanwhile, prep all your fresh ingredients. Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Also, shred the cheese.

    Fry up a batch of corn tortillas to form taco shells. You can use bacon grease or oil.

    Once the ground beef is fully cooked, taco shells are done, and fresh ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to start the process of layering. You can layer ingredients in any order you want, but I prefer to add the beef into the taco shell first, then the cheese (it gets all melty on the warm meat), and go from there.

    layer toppings in a fried corn tortilla shell for homemade tacos

    Add a layer of lettuce, a layer of tomatoes, green onions, and whatever else your heart desires. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream (though I love adding a good layer of sour cream before I even add the meat; that way I have sour cream in every single bite).

    And that’s it. Tacos are the easiest thing to make on a busy weeknight!

    beef tacos in a muffin pan with all sorts of toppings ideas

    More Tex Mex recipes you may enjoy:

    Easy Fish Tacos with a Tzatziki Fish Taco Sauce

    Chicken and Hummus Loaded Nachos in a Sheet Pan

    Easy Chicken Fajitas

    Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

    Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

    Kitchen tools you may need to make beef tacos:

    Iron Skillet – We’re avid users of cast iron cookware. We even take our favorite iron skillet camping with us.

    Tongs – They’ll be needed for flipping the corn tortillas in the skillet.

    Ground Meat Chopper – This makes it easy to chop up the meat while cooking.

    Taco Holder – Ok, so you don’t technically NEED this, but it sure does come in handy. I just use the bottom side of my muffin pan.

    Cutting Board and Knife – You’ll use this for way more than just one recipe. We use ours just about every time we step foot in the kitchen.

    best ground beef tacos ever on a wooden cutting board with colorful toppings like cheese, tomatoes, and green onions

    Love cooking shows and want to make these tacos along with us? Watch our recipe video!

    Easy Ground Beef Tacos from Scratch

    The best ground beef tacos ever, made with crispy fried corn tortilla shells, seasoned hamburger, and all the delicious toppings. Easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday!

    • 1/2 large onion
    • 1 large bell pepper
    • 1 tablespoon salted butter or bacon grease
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 to 3 whole Roma tomatoes (chopped)
    • 1/2 head lettuce
    • 6 whole Roma tomatoes (chopped)
    • 6 whole green onions (chopped)
    • 4 ounces cheddar cheese
    • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 16 whole corn tortillas
    • 3 to 4 tablespoons bacon grease or oil of choice
    1. Add the ground beef, garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a large skillet. Brown the meat well.
    2. Add the chopped onion, peppers, and 2 to 3 Roma tomatoes to the ground beef mixture. Cook thoroughly until the meat is fully cooked and the veggies have softened.
    3. Meanwhile, prep all your fresh ingredients. Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Also, shred the cheese.
    4. Fry up a batch of corn tortillas to form taco shells. You can use bacon grease or oil.
    5. Once the ground beef is fully cooked, taco shells are done, and fresh ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to start the process of layering. You can layer ingredients in any order you want.
    6. Add a layer of lettuce, a layer of tomatoes, green onions, and whatever else your heart desires. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream.
    Dinner Ideas
    Tex-Mex
    easy ground beef tacos, ground beef tacos, tacos
    Easy ground beef tacos from scratch
    beef tacos from scratch
    beef taco recipe that's easy to make
  • Easy Meatloaf with Oatmeal (How to Make + Video)

    Easy Meatloaf with Oatmeal (How to Make + Video)

    How to make an old-fashioned meatloaf with oatmeal just like Mom used to make. Easy classic dinner recipe you can quickly mix together and pop in the oven. So much flavor, it’s not your average meatloaf!

    Oatmeal meatloaf is one meal that our whole family loves, and it’s become a go to meal for me when planning our menus. I love making it because I know we’ll get at least 2 meals out of 1 easy meatloaf recipe with oats; same when we make Instant Pot meatloaf and potatoes and my traditional meatloaf recipe, a more classic recipe with a sauce.

    meatloaf with oatmeal baked in white baking dish

    Now I know this classic meatloaf recipe definitely has some carbs; so I’ve actually taken my meatball recipe and kinda tweaked it to make a low carb meatloaf recipe if you’re looking for a low carb option.

    This family favorite meatloaf with oatmeal is super easy to make and so full of flavor. Basically, dump the ingredients in a bowl, mix them up, and drop the whole mixture into a baking pan. Sometimes we even scoop it into muffin tins to make meatloaf muffins!

    easy meatloaf recipe with oatmeal sliced on a pretty white plate ready to serve with a fork

    Meatloaf Ingredients and Substitutions Notes

    To make this flavorful meatloaf recipe with oatmeal, you’ll need to gather a few simple ingredients.

    • Ground Beef – To make the best meatloaf recipe, it’s best to use a lean ground beef; we prefer to use 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef when mixing up a meatloaf. Our reasons are that it’s leaner, there’s less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf. Don’t worry about flavor… You’ll still get really great flavor from a leaner ground beef. And you’ll also be eating a bit healthier, as well. Note: You can use all or half ground turkey or ground pork for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.
    • Large Eggs
    • Yellow Onion – Chop or mince the onion. You can use sweet onion, but I like the kick in flavor from a yellow onion.
    • Ketchup – You’ll need ketchup for the meatloaf mixture and the top of the meatloaf.
    • Barbecue Sauce – This gives a smoky flavor to the meat; it’s so good!
    • Oatmeal – Oats are the secret to moist meatloaf; they help make a very tender meatloaf. I generally use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats to make this juicy meatloaf with oatmeal recipe; I don’t recommend using steel-cut oats, mainly for texture reasons. If using old-fashioned oats, try soaking them in milk before adding them to the mixture, to help soften them. I’ve even used gluten-free quick oats, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf with oats, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients just to be safe). If you don’t have oats, and you want, you can also sub bread crumbs or cracker crumbs with a 1:1 ratio.
    • Seasoned Salt – You can use a good seasoning salt or just plain salt and pepper.

    Keep in mind, this is a 2 lb meatloaf recipe; to make a 1 lb meatloaf recipe with oatmeal, just cut the ingredient amounts in half.

    How to Make Meatloaf with Oatmeal

    You’ll need to pre-heat your oven to 350° F, and grease a 13”x9” baking dish with cooking spray for homemade meatloaf.

    1. Add all of the ingredients, including the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, BBQ sauce, oatmeal, and seasoned salt to a large bowl. Mix well using a large fork; or you can just use your hands.
    mixing ingredients for meatloaf recipe with oatmeal in blue mixing bowl
    1. Once everything in the large mixing bowl has been mixed together well, transfer the meat mixture to the 9×13 baking dish, and shape it into a loaf. You can pat the ground beef into a larger loaf and bake it in the 9×13 meatloaf pan; or we’ve even made it by patting the meatloaf into a larger baking sheet. If you do choose to make it in a sheet pan, it likely won’t need as long to bake.
    hands shaping oatmeal meatloaf in white baking dish on white marble countertop
    1. Then an optional step, but one I highly recommend… Squirt ketchup all over the top of the meatloaf.
    unbaked oatmeal meatloaf covered with ketchup in a white baking dish

    How Long to Cook a 2-Pound Meatloaf

    Bake the meatloaf at 350° F for about an hour, longer if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 160° F. Again, a meat thermometer is definitely something I recommend to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s

    Can I sub bread crumbs for oatmeal 1:1 in meatloaf?

    If you must use something other than oatmeal, you can sub 1:1, bread crumbs or crackers. I’ve subbed gluten-free saltine cracker crumbs in a pinch, and they make a delicious meatloaf, as well.

    Should I cover my meatloaf while baking?

    There’s really no need to cover it with aluminum foil, unless your meatloaf starts to brown too quickly on the top or sides… But I have never had this problem. Keep in mind, I use a gas oven, so oven times may vary.

    How should meatloaf be stored?

    You can keep leftover meatloaf in the original baking dish and cover with plastic wrap or foil; or you can put whatever’s left in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. We usually make the BEST meatloaf sandwiches with our leftovers the next day.

    Can I make this old-fashioned meatloaf recipe ahead?

    If you want to make meatloaf ahead of time without baking, just mix it all up, shape it in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge ’til you’re ready to bake it. You can keep it in the fridge overnight.

    Can I freeze meatloaf?

    Yes, you can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. Just be sure it’s wrapped tightly or stored properly in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    homemade easy meatloaf recipe with oats in a white baking dish

    Optional Recipe Variations

    There are a few things you can add to give this simple meatloaf recipe with oats even more of a flavor kick…

    • Add a bit of Worcestershire sauce, which pairs well with just about any beef dish.
    • Add a dash of onion powder and minced garlic (or garlic powder) to the meat mixture.
    • Put bacon slices on top of the meatloaf before you bake it.
    • Top with a mixture of both ketchup and bbq sauce.
    • Make a simple meatloaf glaze with ketchup or tomato sauce, mustard, bbq sauce, and brown sugar for the top of the meatloaf.

    Great Side Dishes to Serve with Meatloaf

    When it’s fully cooked, remove it from the oven; and serve it with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or broccoli.

    You can even do what my family absolutely LOVES to do with meatloaf… Make the most delicious meatloaf sandwich ever! Mmmm, I love meatloaf sandwiches… My favorite way to use leftovers!

    forked bite of meatloaf with oatmeal on white plate

    More Favorite Meat Recipes:

    If you love this easy meatloaf recipe, you’ll love these meaty main dishes too…

    If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!

    Meatloaf with Oatmeal

    How to make an old-fashioned meatloaf with oatmeal just like Mom used to make. Easy classic dinner recipe you can pop in the oven.

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • 9×13 Baking Dish
    • Meat Thermometer
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 large yellow onion (minced)
    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
    • 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
    • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
    • 4 to 6 tablespoons ketchup (for the top of the meatloaf)

    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350° F, and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

    2. Add all of the ingredients, including the ground beef, eggs, minced onion, ketchup, bbq sauce, oatmeal, and seasoned salt, to a large bowl. Mix well using a large fork; or you can just use your hands.

    3. Transfer the meat mixture to the greased 9×13 baking dish, and shape it into a loaf.

    4. Squirt ketchup all over the top of the meatloaf.

    5. Bake the meatloaf at 350° F for about 1 hour, or longer if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 160° F. I definitely recommend a meat thermometer, to make sure the meat has come to temp and is fully cooked.

    6. When it’s fully cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven; slice it and serve with your favorite sides.

    *We prefer to use 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef when mixing up a meatloaf. Our reasons are that it’s leaner, there’s less fat, and there will be less grease around your meatloaf. Don’t worry about flavor… You’ll still get really good flavor from a leaner ground beef. And you’ll also be eating a bit healthier, as well. Note: You can use all or half ground turkey or ground pork for this recipe in place of ground beef. However, it will change the look, texture, and flavor of your finished meatloaf.

    *I’ve used both old-fashioned oats and quick oats for this meatloaf. I’ve even used gluten-free quick oats, so if you want a gluten-free meatloaf with oats, this is the way to go (although you should also check ingredient labels on your other ingredients just to be safe).

    Should I cover the meatloaf while baking?

    There’s really no need to, unless your meatloaf starts to brown too quickly on the top or sides… But I have never had this problem. Keep in mind, I use a gas oven, so oven times may vary.

    How to store meatloaf?

    You can keep leftover meatloaf in the original baking dish and cover with plastic wrap or foil; or you can put whatever’s left in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Can I make it ahead?

    If you want to make meatloaf ahead of time without baking, just mix it all up, shape it in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge ’til you’re ready to bake it. You can keep it in the fridge overnight.

    Dinner Ideas, main dish
    American
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  • How to Make Strawberry Sauce

    How to Make Strawberry Sauce

    How to make a delicious homemade strawberry sauce for cheesecake, pancakes, and ice cream topping. Easy recipe using fresh berries.

    Fresh strawberries make the most delicious strawberry sauce for cheesecake, another yummy dessert recipe I’m currently working on. Of course, it also makes the perfect pancake topping, especially when paired with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar; and the perfect ice cream topping or swirl, especially in Fruity Pebble ice cream.

    spoonful of homemade strawberry sauce in mason jar

    You only need a few key ingredients, possibly things you already have in your kitchen. You can also use fresh or frozen berries, your choice; I chose to use fresh berries for this strawberry sauce recipe.

    One thing I love is that this sauce is definitely not too sweet. Let the berries flavor the sauce, adding in only 2 tablespoons of pure cane sugar. You can possibly even replace the sugar with honey.

    homemade strawberry sauce recipe in mason jar with strawberry pie

    Whether for breakfast or dessert, it’s an easy recipe anyone can make.

    Tips for how to make Strawberry Sauce

    First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients… You’ll need strawberries (fresh or frozen), water, lemon juice, pure cane sugar, and corn starch. If you’re using frozen berries, allow them to thaw first.

    puree strawberries in Ninja blender for strawberry sauce
    how to make strawberry sauce using simple ingredients, including pure cane sugar

    Purée the strawberries using a blender or potato masher. Mix together the water, lemon juice, sugar, and puréed strawberries in a small saucepan.

    Before heating, whisk the corn starch into the mixture. Whisking will ensure a lump-free sauce. If you want more of a strawberry syrup, you can use a little less corn starch.

    Bring the mixture to a boil on low to medium heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until your sauce has the desired thickness.

    mason jar of strawberry sauce for cheesecake

    You can pour or spoon this delicious strawberry sauce on pancakes, waffles, ice cream, strawberry oatmeal, etc. I actually swirled most of mine into my cheesecake batter.

    Looking for more delicious sauce or jam recipes?

    Kitchen tools you may need to make this Strawberry Sauce recipe

    Blender – You’ll need a way to puree the berries. You can also use a potato masher if you don’t have a blender.

    Small Saucepan – You’ll need a saucepan to cook your sauce.

    Whisk – Whisking ensures a lump-free sauce.

    Heat-Resistant Spatula – I love my spatulas and use them for scraping the sides of the pan and easily keeping my sauce stirred.

    Strawberry Sauce

    How to make a delicious homemade strawberry sauce for cheesecake, pancakes, and ice cream topping. Easy recipe using fresh berries.

    • 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons pure cane sugar
    • 1 tablespoon corn starch
    1. If you’re using frozen berries, allow them to thaw first. 
    2. Purée the strawberries using a blender or potato masher.
    3. Mix together the water, lemon juice, sugar, and puréed strawberries in a small saucepan.
    4. Before heating, whisk the corn starch into the mixture. Whisking will ensure a lump-free sauce.
    5. Bring the mixture to a boil on low to medium heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until your sauce has the desired thickness.
    6. You can pour or spoon this delicious strawberry sauce on pancakes, waffles, ice cream, etc. I actually swirled most of mine into my cheesecake batter.
    Sauces & Dressings
    American
    homemade strawberry sauce, strawberry sauce
    How to Make Strawberry Sauce
    Strawberry Sauce Recipe
  • Instant Pot Quick Start Guide for Easy Home Cooking

    Instant Pot Quick Start Guide for Easy Home Cooking

    Learn how to quickly start using your Instant Pot with this Quick Start Guide, filled to the brim with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more! Kick fear to the curb and start pressure cooking!

    It’s no secret that we love cooking with our Instant Pot. We’ve made so many delicious recipes using the one appliance that may as well sit out on our counter, rather than in our stocked pantry, because we use it almost every day.

    Instant Pot sitting on kitchen counter with towel and spoon

    We also get a lot of questions from readers about how to use it. One recurring theme I’ve noticed with readers is that they’re afraid to use their Instant Pot pressure cooker; so it sits in a box just waiting to be opened up, taken out, and used.

    Let’s dispel some of those fears today, because once you use this handy dandy small kitchen appliance, there will be no turning back. I can promise you that. You’re going to fall in love with it, my friend, because the sky really is the limit on everything you can make with this fancy gadget.

    We are working on a FAQ’s post to address specific questions we’ve gotten over the last year or so; it will be up very soon. But for now, this will get you started using your Instant Pot and even give you ideas for a few Instant Pot accessories and Instant Pot recipes you can add to your weekly menu planner.

    First of all, what is an Instant Pot?

    Close up look at Instant Pot buttons

    Simply put, it’s a pressure cooker. It’s a ‘glammed up’ pressure cooker that makes home cooking a whole lot easier.

    An Instant Pot is a programmable pressure cooker you can use to perform many different functions. For instance, you can use it as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté, steamer, and warmer. You can even use some models to make your own yogurt.

    We have two different models, a smaller 6-quart and a larger 8-quart. With as much cooking as we do, we use them both equally. We use them to make all sorts of things, including chicken, taco chicken, baked potatoes, baby back ribs, hard boiled eggs, cheesecake, and so much more.

    Tips for how to use your Instant Pot pressure cooker

    • First, take it out of the box. That’s the first step to using any new kitchen tool or appliance.
    • Read your manual before you ever start cooking. It’s chock full of information you’ll need to know, and this is one manual that’s actually written in down-to-earth language, simple and easy to understand.
    • Wash the inside liner pot before use. Never wash the Instant Pot itself, only the inside liner and any accessories you may use with it.
    • Make sure your sealing ring is in place before you put the lid on.
    • Check to make sure the pressure valve moves freely. When it starts to come up to pressure, that valve needs to be able to seal.
    pressure valve on Instant Pot pressure cooker
    • Plan for your cooking time. A lot of recipes may only give you the cook time, but you also have to add in time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and then time for it to release the pressure after everything is cooked. Instant Pot actually provides these awesome Cooking Time Tables for reference.
    • Natural Release versus Quick Release: Natural Release allows the pressure to go down slowly, still allowing the food to cook even after the timer has gone off. Quick Release is where you carefully vent the release and allow the pressure to go out more quickly. Disclaimer: Quick Release can cause burns if you are not careful. Read your manual for further instruction on Quick Release.
    • Some models have a “Manual” button; others say “Pressure Cook.” This means the same thing, whichever button your model happens to have.
    • You can wipe the outside of your Instant Pot down with a damp cloth; but never submerse it in water, and never pour water or food into your Instant Pot without having the inner pot in place.
    Instant Pot pressure cooker with liner

    Our favorite Instant Pot accessories

    In addition to our Instant Pot pressure cooker, we also have a few accessories we use with it on a regular basis. Here are a few you may want to consider…

    Steamer Basket – Steam vegetables, meat, fish, and more with this basket that keeps your food up out of the water. It’s also dishwasher safe, so it makes for easy cleanup. You may even prefer this Steamer Basket instead, perfect for pressure cooking hard boiled eggs.

    Trivet – We use our trivet quite a bit, especially if we want to keep whatever we’re cooking up out of the liquid.

    Stackable Steamer Insert Pans – These are perfect for cooking pot in pot meals or foods, like a pasta dish, for example.

    Springform Pan – If you want to make cheesecake in your Instant Pot, you’ll need a smaller springform pan that fits down into your pot.

    Mini Mitts – When you need to get the hot food out of the pot, you’ll definitely need something to protect your hands from the heat.

    Baking Pan – If you want to try making desserts with your Instant Pot, a baking pan that fits is a must.

    Cookbook – There are so many cookbooks to choose from. You can find recipes in cookbooks, on blogs, or even in Facebook groups dedicated to this topic.

    Instant Pot recipes to get you started

    We’ve made quite a few main dishes, sides, and desserts with our pot; and we’re always adding more. Here are a few of those recipes.

    Breakfast Ideas

    Peaches and Cream Instant Pot Oatmeal was always a favorite of mine growing up. Now you can use fresh or frozen peaches to make it yourself.

    One of of my favorite breakfast recipes is this maple and brown sugar oatmeal. Not too sweet and oh so delicious!

    Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs are perfect for breakfast on the go or a healthy snack.

    Dinner Ideas

    home cooking baby back ribs in a pressure cooker

    Why grill when you can make ribs in your Instant Pot? Ok, so I love grilling too. But Sweet Chili Baby Back Ribs are a meat lover’s dream. The meat literally falls right off the bone.

    Shredded Chicken Tacos, made with Instant Pot Taco Chicken, are the absolute best! They’re so tasty, made with corn tortillas and fresh ingredients. Such a delicious family meal.

    One of my family’s favorite meals is meatloaf and potatoes, so this Instant Pot meatloaf recipe is right up our alley.

    I love a quick and easy one pot meal, and Instant Pot sausage and rice definitely fits the bill.

    Looking for a low carb dinner idea? One of my family’s favorites is this sausage and chicken casserole. It’s so, so good; you don’t even know it has vegetables in it.

    Soup lovers unite with simple, delicious recipes for Vegetable Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Instant Pot potato soup, and Chili. You can even use the Slow Cooker function on your pot to make this delicious Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili.

    Delicious Side Dish Recipes

    Instant Pot recipes, including baked potatoes using Instant Pot accessories like a steamer basket

    Have you tried making baked potatoes in your Instant Pot? Save oven time and throw them in your pressure cooker. They come out so tender and delicious. You can even make them this way to serve with a Baked Potato Bar everyone will love.

    Southern Green Beans, made with onion, bacon, and ground beef, are one of my favorite side dish recipes. It’s the perfect side for a holiday get together with family.

    home cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot

    With summer comes that old familiar craving for crunchy corn on the cob. Use your Instant Pot to make this golden delicious side for dinner.

    Scrumptious Desserts, Snacks, and Miscellaneous

    If fall is your thing and pumpkin spice is your middle name, you will love Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake made right in your Instant Pot.

    Speaking of fall, one of my favorite things to make during apple season is this apple butter, Instant Pot style. This recipe is quick and easy and happens to be one of our most popular recipes.

    I also love making this homemade apple juice recipe, Instant Pot applesauce, and cinnamon applesauce in our Instant Pot.

    what is an instant pot quick start guide

    Now, I hope this guide convinced you to open that box, take out your Instant Pot, own it, and start pressure cooking all sorts of deliciousness. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to comment or reach out. We’re always happy to connect with our readers!

    Instant Pot Quick Start Guide for Easy Home Cooking
    Instant Pot pressure cooker guide
  • Classic Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

    Classic Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

    French Toast – My favorite French toast recipe is so easy and simple to make. It’s a classic cinnamon breakfast treat that’s oh so delicious. How to make the best French toast on the planet!

    French toast on a plate with butter and maple syrup and a mug of milk

    French toast has always been an occasional breakfast treat, more of a weekend treat, for us. Like blueberry pancakes, we usually serve it up with a slab of butter, maple syrup, and a side of bacon.

    Just thinking about this easy French toast recipe is making my mouth water. It really is that good.

    All you need are a few simple ingredients. I do use eggs and milk for this recipe; I also add a dash of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon.

    As for the bread, you can use just about any type of bread you want. I used a thinner Buttermilk Bread, not as thick as Texas Toast, but every bit as good.

    We also greased our skillet with just a dab of bacon grease. You can use whatever type of cooking oil you prefer.

    If you’d rather have French toast in casserole form, you’ll love this deliciously easy French toast casserole with white bread and this apple French toast bake. Baked brioche French toast and slow cooker French toast are more family favorite breakfast recipes.

    Our absolute favorite is this overnight blueberry French toast. So delicious!

    Tips for how to make the best French toast recipe ever:

    First things first, gather all of your ingredients together, so you’re all set to cook. You’ll need the bread of your choice, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and the oil of your choice.

    eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in mixing bowl, ingredients for the best French toast recipe

    Beat together the eggs and milk until you have a creamy yellow mixture. Whisk in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.

    whisk and egg mixture for easy French toast recipe

    Rub about a teaspoon of bacon grease or oil all over the top of your griddle.

    how to make French toast, dip bread in egg and milk mixture

    Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, and immediately place it on the hot griddle.

    fry French toast on a cast iron griddle

    Cook each side until the bread turns a nice golden brown, and then flip it over to cook the other side, letting it turn a nice golden brown, as well. It’ll probably take about 3 to 5 minutes per side.

    pile of French toast on plate with mug of milk

    Repeat the above step for all of your bread slices. Tip: Keep all of them warm by placing them on a cookie sheet in a warm oven.

    Pile of the best French toast recipe with butter and maple syrup, pouring syrup on

    Just serve it up with a little butter and maple syrup, and you’re in for a delicious breakfast treat.

    Alternative options for a deliciously easy French toast recipe:

    • Try adding other spices, like pumpkin pie spice, homemade apple pie spice, nutmeg, apple pie spice, etc.
    • Use heavy whipping cream instead of milk for a creamier texture.
    • Try using a flavored coffee creamer for a rich, delicious flavor.
    • Use maple extract or caramel extract for an alternative flavor.
    • Dip the bread slices in an eggnog mixture, especially for a festive twist during the holiday season.

    More pancake recipes you may enjoy:

    fork full of French toast with maple syrup

    Kitchen tools you may need to make this recipe:

    Mixing bowl – You can use a medium or large sized mixing bowl. Even this handled mixing bowl will work just fine.

    Whisk – A whisk will help to easily blend the dry ingredients into the milk/egg mixture without clumps.

    Iron Griddle – You can use whatever type of skillet you prefer; we love using our flat round iron griddle for this.

    Flipper Spatula – This is a must for flipping the bread over on the griddle.

    Wanna see how to make this recipe? Watch our video!

     

    Classic Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

    My favorite French toast recipe is so easy and simple to make. It’s a classic cinnamon breakfast treat that’s oh so delicious. How to make the best French toast on the planet. 

    • 8 slices bread
    • 6 whole eggs
    • 1/4 cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon bacon grease or cooking oil
    1. Beat together the eggs and milk until you have a creamy yellow mixture.
    2. Whisk in the vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
    3. Rub about a teaspoon of bacon grease or cooking oil all over the top of your griddle.
    4. Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, and immediately place it on the hot griddle. 
    5. Cook each side until the bread turns a nice golden brown, and then flip it over to cook the other side, letting it turn a nice golden brown, as well. It’ll probably take about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
    6. Repeat the above step for all of your bread slices. Tip: Keep them warm by placing them on a cookie sheet in a warm oven.
    7. Serve the warm slices with butter and maple syrup. You can dust with powdered sugar if desired.
    Pancakes, Waffles, & French Toast
    American
    cinnamon French toast, cinnamon French toast recipe, classic cinnamon French toast, French toast
    Classic Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
    Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
  • What Is Dispersed Camping and Why We Love It

    What Is Dispersed Camping and Why We Love It

    This is the ultimate guide to what is dispersed camping, along with tips, rules, and the gear you’ll need. You’ll also get a peek into why my family loves this style of camping so much.

    When you say the word camping, it evokes an authentic mental image for each individual person.  For us, camping has meant something pretty special for a long time, and though we used to call it primitive camping, it’s also known as dispersed camping.

    what is dispersed camping, family in Ouachita National Forest dispersed campsite with a rooftop tent, hammock, and campfire

    The word camping may not always mean the same thing to everyone. Some people think of an RV, others a tent, others backpacking with a sleeping bag under the stars.

    For us, it means an escape away from civilization. And while the preparation, camping supplies, and all that may not be free, we like to think of it as free camping. Free in a money sense, but free in a ‘wild and free’ sense, as well.

    Dispersed camping allows our family to travel and experience everything this beautiful amazing country has to offer. Like kayaking, it gives us the opportunity to explore places we might only have dreamed of exploring otherwise.

    Table of Contents

    What is Dispersed Camping?

    According to the Forest Service, “Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.” It’s National Forest camping at its best.

    dispersed camping in the Carson National Forest in New Mexico with family in a rooftop tent, best campsite ever

    The official dispersed camping definition or meaning is that of camping away from any sort of designated campground, paved roads, or people (although others may camp in the vicinity), out in the wild and on your own. No facilities, no running water, no trash removal, etc.

    It can mean finding campsites off a forest service road, camping on BLM land, backpacking and camping along the trail, etc. Camping dispersed is our kind of camping.

    Why Do We Love Camping Dispersed?

    Well, do you ever feel the need to get away from the world? No cell service, no chatter, no other people around sometimes for miles.

    primitive camping in the cibola national forest in new mexico with camp trailer and CVT rooftop tent

    Dispersed camping, primitive camping, free camping, whatever you want to call it… This type of camping allows a family to explore roads less traveled, to explore places and parks most people may never have the opportunity to see, to camp in places one can only dream of, like…

    The list could go on and on, from Kansas to Wyoming, Colorado, the deserts and forests of New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri… Think of the places you can explore.

    No cars, besides the few vehicles that pass by looking for another campsite nearby, no voices, just complete and utter silence, save the crackling fire and the sounds of nature all around. It’s complete and utter relaxation at its very best, in its most beautiful state.

    As the makers of our tent would say… Camp is where you park it. And it truly is.

    what is dispersed camping more than camping in a rooftop tent in the mountains of New Mexico

    Where Can You Find Dispersed Campsites?

    We’ve got all the details on how to find the best free camping in the USA, including maps we recommend, apps, and tools.

    There are all sorts of places to camp…

    • National Forests – Here’s a listing of National Forests across the country, listed by state.
    • You can also find places to camp in wilderness areas.
    • BLM lands are another great option.
    • Occasionally, National Parks will have designated places for primitive camping or roadside camping. For example, Big Bend primitive camping is available in the desert backcountry of Big Bend National Park.

    On a roadtrip to Colorado, we camped all over Colorado and New Mexico in various National Forests and Wilderness areas. We’ve also enjoyed camping in Arkansas.

    What are the Rules for Dispersed Camping?

    Usually, there’s no fee or permit required, meaning you will probably camp for free the entire time! You just have to check with each area you’re planning to enter.

    Rules are posted online, and you can usually find signs with specific rules and updates for each area you’re visiting upon entering that particular area.

    We’ve also stopped at ranger stations to ask questions, get maps, and find out more information about the area we’re exploring.

    fire ring in national forest camping site in Colorado amongst golden aspen trees

    Some of the Rules and Regulations You May Encounter

    • It’s important to stay on existing roads, whether paved or unpaved.
    • While some roads are 4-wheel drive only roads, there are roads that allow campers and RV’s. That way, dispersed camping is possible for everyone.
    • Fire danger conditions are a very important factor. Check to make sure that it’s ok to have a campfire, given the current conditions in that particular area.
    • Most sites have a fire ring, and it’s usually a rule that you don’t create new campsites. You’ll know a campsite by its existing fire ring.
    • It’s also important to carry enough water that you can drown your fire before going to bed and before leaving.
    • Speaking of campfires, only use dead wood when starting a fire. Please don’t ever chop a live tree to build your fire. There’s usually plenty of dead wood all ’round. And you can use this DIY fire starter to help you get your fire going.
    • Always camp at least 100 feet away from any stream or other source of water.
    • And finally, National Forest camping usually has a limit as to how long you can stay in the same site. Usually, it’s 14 days, and you can’t return to that exact campsite for 1 whole year. So if you find a good site, you may wanna stay and enjoy it for as long as possible.

    How Do You Prepare for Dispersed Camping?

    While you’ll spend a fair amount of time packing all your gear, you won’t have to worry about reservations, fees, or exact dates to be there and leave.

    Most of your preparation will involve making sure you have a good road atlas for the journey, as well as packing up your gear and making sure you have something to actually stay in, like a tent.

    When it comes to maps, we’ve used the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer for states we’ve visited, including the following:

    Speaking of dispersed camping gear…

    What to Bring and Camping Gear to Pack

    Let’s talk about just a few of the things you’ll need to pack for your wild camping trip.

    boy on orange hammock in ouachita national forest

    First Let’s Talk Accommodations

    For most people who love this style of roadside or backcountry camping, a tent is the way to go.

    We decided to invest in a Mt. McKinley rooftop tent from Cascadia Vehicle Tents. It gives us the option to either have the tent on our vehicle or on top of a trailer that also holds all our camping supplies. Most of all, it gives us the option to camp just about anywhere we like.

    We give the inside scoop on what it’s like camping with a roof top tent vs. ground tent because a good tent really is an investment into your family’s outdoor life.

    toddler looking out the window of rooftop tent while dispersed camping on a lake in Kansas

    Facilities… Ahem…

    A game changer for some people (I’m just not sure why, because the pros of wilderness camping are so worth it and there are options) is the lack of facilities. No toilets, no showers… But like I said, there are options.

    You can choose to take a camping shovel and dig a hole for your waste (not my cup of tea either, but I’m not above it; been there done that); or you can actually buy a portable toilet and carry it with you, emptying it at RV stations, which you can find at some gas stations.

    We have a really handy setup with a portable toilet inside its own little pop-up tent, giving us a chance to do our business in private. Though I will confess to having to go really super bad one night and setting it up without the tent, praying no one else was around to see my dairy air (it was dark out on that open prairie).

    dispersed camping with a rooftop tent and camp trailer in the Carson National Forest of New Mexico

    As for the shower situation, I make up a batch of camping body wipes for every trip, and we use them to freshen up most days.

    We also have a portable shower bag, which can come in quite handy. Chelsea from Someday I’ll Learn told me about the perfect shower for camping, and we decided to purchase it. It’s been very helpful, especially for washing hair while out in the middle of nowhere.

    If you’re really desperate for a hot shower, you can usually find paid showers in nearby towns. But I’ll admit that just taking the time to freshen up and change clothes most mornings makes me feel like a whole new woman.

    Potable Drinking Water

    Water is the most important thing you’ll need to carry with you. We drink a lot of water when spending time outdoors. And it’s necessary for things like washing dishes, washing hands, putting out fires, as a part of our campfire cooking equipment, and more.

    You need to carry your own potable water OR treat the water that you drink, either by boiling or with water purification tablets or filter. We keep several 5-gallon portable water jugs with us at all times, replenishing at gas stations and campgrounds as needed.

    Cleanup and Hygiene

    Speaking of cleanup… Campsuds. I can’t say enough about this stuff. When camping in the wild, you need a good, biodegradable cleanser to carry with you.

    camping tips and free camping in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico with a rooftop tent and camp trailer

    We carry Campsuds with us every single trip; and while we use it over and over again, we hardly make a dent in the bottle. It lasts forever, it cleanses and suds up really nicely, and most importantly, it’s biodegradable. You can use it for dishes, hair and body, and dirty clothes.

    However, if you really don’t feel like getting your hair wet, dry shampoo is the bomb. Here’s my favorite dry shampoo for the road.

    More Miscellaneous Gear

    Of course, you have to carry the necessary supplies, but don’t go overboard. Sure, you need enough food for however long you’re planning to stay; and I also highly recommend carrying a first aid kit with you on every trip.

    And you need certain supplies, like headlamps, propane camping lanterns, rope or paracord, a knife, camping cooking gear, kitchen utensils, a camping stove, a baby carrier backpack for little ones, etc.

    But really think about what you need and pack accordingly. Pack enough clothes, but remember that most of the time when you’re in the mountains, you’ll be dressing in layers. You may not need as many clothes as you think because you may be able to re-wear certain things.

    beautiful dispersed camping in the Cibola National Forest desert in New Mexico

    When thinking about what you’ll eat, also remember that bears are active in National Forests, and all food and trash will need to be locked up at night, either in a bear box, a hard-sided vehicle, or hanging from a tree out of reach.

    You’ll find our camping checklist helpful when figuring out what else to pack. And if you have a camping enthusiast in your life, here are 12 ideas for cool camping gifts under $20.

    Leave No Trace. Carry Out What You Carry In.

    This should be a given, but we find trash at almost every campsite we visit. Leave no trace means leave nothing behind. Make it look as though you were never there.

    dispersed camping in an aspen grove with a rooftop tent in Colorado

    And here is where I go on just a tiny rant… We’ve seen so many aspen trees and pine trees marked up with names, initials, and axe marks from human beings who’ve felt the need to leave their mark. It’s called leave no trace for a reason.

    Dispose of trash properly by carrying it out with you. Don’t try to burn it in the campfire, leaving behind pieces of cans and foil or worse, dirty diapers. This will help to keep the campfire ring clean for the next campers who stay there.

    Dispose of any waste the right way, again by using a shovel and digging a hole at least 6 inches deep and far enough away (at least 100 feet) from any water source, like a stream or pond.

    Keep the campfire, if allowed, inside the existing campfire ring, so you’re not disturbing or harming other parts of the campsite.

    Stay on existing roads or trails. Also, try to camp far enough away from others so they and you can get the full experience of what dispersed camping really is all about.

    So, who’s ready for an adventure?! We’ve got a lot of exploring to do, and the fact of the matter is, I’m just ready to go camping!

    A Closer Look at Our Own Rooftop Tent Setup

    Camping Recipes for the Road

    I also have a collection of easy camping recipes, where you can find even more ideas for what to eat while camping.

    I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to leave a comment, and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can subscribe to my email list too.

  • Old-Fashioned Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

    Strawberry ice cream was always a special treat growing up in my family. We made our favorite frozen dessert for summertime get togethers and church ice cream socials. How to make old-fashioned homemade strawberry ice cream using an ice cream maker.

    There’s nothing quite like a bowl of my dad’s homemade banana ice cream… Besides maybe his homemade strawberry ice cream. Oh my goodness, I love summer because it means delectable bowls of creamy frozen deliciousness.

    blue bowl of old-fashioned homemade strawberry ice cream

    This strawberry ice cream recipe is made using an old-fashioned ice cream maker, not the crank kind, but the motor kind (you’re welcome). You can use an old crank handled maker if you want, but I prefer motor.

    You can also use fresh or frozen berries. For some reason, when we went to make this ice cream, the stores were completely out of strawberries, everywhere we looked. Hence, no strawberries in the photos.

    scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream in a metal canister

    Not sure if there’s a shortage or what, but we decided to use frozen, and it turned out beautifully. You will want to crush or purée the berries ahead of time.

    Tips for how to make strawberry ice cream:

    I recommend using a mixer to mix up your ice cream. This will ensure that the ingredients are mixed really well.

    Start by creaming (or mixing) the eggs* and the sugar together. Then you’ll add in the vanilla extract.

    add a can of sweetened condensed milk to strawberry ice cream mixture

    Next you’ll mix in the sweetened condensed milk, scraping all the ooey gooey liquid out of the can.

    add evaporated milk to strawberry ice cream mixture

    Then add all 3 cans of evaporated milk. Now my mom and dad use nothing but Milnot, and when they use Milnot, they only use 2 cans. For any other brand, they say to use 3 cans. So we went with 3 cans.

    Add in a good-sized dash of salt, which equals out to about a teaspoon.

    crushed strawberries for homemade ice cream recipe, in glass measuring cup next to Bosch mixer

    If your strawberries are crushed and ready to go, you can pour them into the mixer. Mix everything together well, and watch your mixture turn a nice pink color.

    Make sure your ice cream freezer, especially the canister, is washed out good. We store ours in the garage, so we always have to wash it before we use it.

    Pour the mixture into the metal canister of your ice cream maker.

    homemade strawberry ice cream mixture in metal canister with churning paddle

    Finish topping it off with whole milk, making sure to fill it about 3/4 of the way full, leaving room for expansion as it freezes. Your metal canister should have a fill line.

    adding milk to metal canister for homemade ice cream recipes

    Tips for how to freeze homemade strawberry ice cream:

    Put the lid on, and place the canister down into the bucket of your ice cream maker. Crush a big bag of ice, gradually pouring ice around the canister.

    Tip: You can add up to a gallon of water if needed, as well. We sometimes do this because our motor will seize up. Adding a bit of water will help it keep turning.

    ice and rock salt in ice cream maker for homemade ice cream recipe

    Add 2-3 cups of rock salt as you add the ice, making sure to top it off with rock salt.

    Let the motor run until it stops. Once the ice cream is frozen, the motor on your ice cream maker will stop churning. Unplug it immediately. This should signal that the ice cream is completely frozen.

    remove lid from ice cream maker to reveal homemade strawberry ice cream

    Wipe any excess ice or rock salt off the lid and out from around the top of the canister. Then remove the lid.

    homemade strawberry ice cream in ice cream maker

    Mmmm, I love this recipe. Homemade ice cream is so good!

    churning paddle in strawberry ice cream in old-fashioned ice cream maker

    Carefully remove the churning paddle, and serve the paddle to the winning kid (may the best boy or girl win).

    blue bowl of soft serve, old-fashioned, strawberry ice cream

    Serve up the ice cream immediately.

    If you’re not ready to serve it up just yet, you can always leave the lid on, remove the motor, top the canister off with ice, and place a towel or two over it to insulate it and keep it cold.

    Alternative options for your homemade ice cream recipe:

    • Hand crush the strawberries so you’ll have bigger chunks of berries in your ice cream.
    • Instead of just straight strawberry, why not make it strawberry banana? Add a couple bananas in with the strawberries for added fruity flavor.
    • You could make this a berry ice cream by adding all sorts of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
    • Add both crushed frozen peaches and strawberries to your ice cream mixture.
    • Make whipped cream or strawberry sauce to top off your ice cream.
    • Use leftover ice cream to make the most delicious gluten-free ice cream sandwiches ever.
    • If you happen to be making strawberry ice cream for the 4th of July, serve it up with my friend Kristy’s American Flag Cookie Cake or my Strawberry Jello Flag Cake. Yum!
    close up bowl of homemade strawberry ice cream

    More homemade ice cream recipes and frozen treats you may enjoy:

    Kitchen tools you may need to make homemade strawberry ice cream:

    Mixer – A mixer will ensure you mix everything together really well.
    Ice Cream Freezer – This is an ice cream maker recipe, so you’ll need a maker.
    Food Storage Containers – We use dishes similar to these to store our ice cream in the freezer, especially when we have a big batch.
    Ice Cream Scoop – Can’t have ice cream without a scooper.

    Be sure to check out our complete guide to ice cream accessories and tools for making homemade ice cream. It’s the ultimate list for every ice cream lover’s kitchen.

    Want to see how to make this strawberry ice cream recipe? Watch our video!

     

    Old-Fashioned Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

    Strawberry ice cream was always a special treat growing up in my family. We made our favorite frozen dessert for summertime get togethers and church ice cream socials. How to make old-fashioned homemade strawberry ice cream using an ice cream maker.

    • 6 eggs*
    • 3/4 cup pure cane sugar
    • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
    • 36 ounces evaporated milk
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups crushed strawberries
    • 6 cups whole milk
    • 16 pounds ice
    • 3 cups rock salt
    1. Cream (or mix) together the eggs and the sugar.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract.
    3. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk, scraping all the gooey liquid out of the can.
    4. Then add all of the evaporated milk.
    5. Next add in a good-sized dash of salt, which equals out to about a teaspoon.
    6. If your strawberries are crushed and ready to go, you can pour them into the mixer.
    7. Mix everything together well, and watch your mixture turn a nice pink color.
    8. Pour the mixture into the metal canister of your ice cream freezer.
    9. Finish topping it off with whole milk, making sure to fill it about 3/4 of the way full, leaving room for expansion as it freezes. Your metal canister should have a fill line.
    10. Put the lid on, and place the canister down into the bucket of your ice cream maker. 
    11. Crush a big bag of ice, gradually pouring ice around the canister.
    12. Add 2-3 cups of rock salt as you add the ice, making sure to top it off with rock salt.
    13. Let the motor run until it stops. Once the ice cream is frozen, the motor on your ice cream maker will stop churning. Unplug it immediately. This should signal that the ice cream is completely frozen.
    14. Wipe any excess ice or rock salt off the lid and out from around the top of the canister; then remove the lid and the churning paddle, and serve immediately.
    15. If you’re not ready to serve it up just yet, you can always leave the lid on, remove the motor, top the canister off with ice, and place a towel or two over it to insulate it and keep it cold.

    *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

    Frozen Treats
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    Old-Fashioned Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
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    old-fashioned homemade strawberry ice cream recipe
  • Hiking to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

    Hiking to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

    Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a moderate waterfall hike with beautiful mountain views and plenty of forest shade. A piece of heaven on earth for nature lovers who hike.

    top level of Laurel Falls in Smoky Mountains TennesseeSmoky Mountain waterfalls include beautiful Laurel Falls, an upper and lower waterfall accessible by a moderate hike perfect for families who love hiking. Roundtrip, the trail is a 2.6 mile hike that winds through the forest and gives incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

    It’s no secret that we love to hike; in fact, it’s probably at the top of our list of favorite things to do together. When we took a camping trip to the Smokies and hiked this particular hike about 6 years ago, Jaden was only 4, just old enough to be getting his hiking legs underneath him.

    I think the thing we love most about hiking is the sense of anticipation, the feeling that we’re headed toward something beautiful, and the end result is going to be so worth the hike to get there. Of course, it might be the peaceful spots and quiet moments we find along the trail; and Laurel Falls Trail has plenty of quiet, peaceful spots.Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Our experience hiking Laurel Falls Trail in Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

    As mentioned above, this trail is a 2.6 mile moderate hike roundtrip. When we arrived, we had to park quite a ways down the road, along the edge of the road; parking areas were all full.

    The trail itself is paved. After reading more about it, I learned that the trail was initially paved in the 1960’s to help stop erosion.

    It has a lot of uphill stretches, and it seemed like we kept winding up and around for a very long time. There were markers along the way, motivating us further along the trail.

    Smoky Mountain views on Laurel Falls Trail The views at certain vantage spots are so beautiful and so amazing. We’d stop every so often and just admire the Smoky Mountain vista.

    At one point, almost all the way to the falls, we came upon a little spring in the side of the mountain. It was almost like a small cave opening with a spring trickling out, but the cave itself didn’t lead anywhere.

    The kids enjoyed stopping and climbing around on rocks, exploring nature at its best. There were areas of the trail where we really hung on extra tight to Jaden; steep dropoffs and signs warning us to hang onto children were enough to make us just a bit nervous.young boy climbing on tree roots in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

    For the most part, the trail seemed quite safe, though. There were people all along the trail coming and going, so we were never really alone.

    Smoky Mountain Waterfalls – Laurel Falls

    Upon arrival at Laurel Falls, we realized it was much more popular than we’d thought. There were a LOT of people, making it more difficult to take a good photo with the 80-feet high waterfall. However, it was so worth the hike.

    There are two levels to the falls, both a top and bottom section. Visitors can cross between the top and bottom falls via a walkway, known as Laurel Falls Bridge.Beautiful Laurel Falls, the upper falls, Smoky Mountain waterfalls

    Looking up, we could see light shining through the trees from the sky above and water just pouring over the side of the mountain. It was stunning, so much so that pictures just don’t do it justice.

    What I believe was mountain laurel, lined the cliffs along the edge of the falls. It had big white flowers set against a backdrop of dark forest green leaves.mountain laurel around Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

    It was a steep hike down to the bottom of the falls but again so worth it. The bottom falls had a much more narrow stream of water pouring down through the rocks.lower level of Laurel Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Things to know before you hike Laurel Falls Trail

    Before you set out to hike the trail, here are a few things to keep in mind…

    • Parking may be scarce, and you may want to go during non-peak times so you’re not having to hike just to get to the trail itself.
    • Carry plenty of water bottles with you, as well as snacks. Trail mix makes a great snack.
    • Plan for 2 to 3 hours of a moderate hike.
    • Be aware there are bears in the area, so take the necessary precautions.
    • There are no restrooms on the trail.
    • Pets are not allowed on the trail. Neither are bicycles.
    • Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended, mainly because of certain steep parts and rough pavement.
    • Be warned that climbing around on rocks near the waterfall is dangerous and prohibited, and many people have been injured, some even killed; it’s important to be cautious and sensible. There really is no guard rail between the top and bottom falls; so hang onto your little ones, and pay attention to signs.
    • Finally, leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in. Protect both the park and wildlife by doing this.

    Learn more about this trail and things you need to know before hiking there.Boy climbing on rocks around Laurel Falls Trail in Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

    More Great Smoky Mountains Adventures

    Have you hiked to Laurel Falls? Have you hiked other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains? 

    Update Notes: This article was originally published on July 31, 2012, but was re-published with bigger photos and more details in March of 2018.

    Hiking to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains
    Laurel Falls trail in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
  • Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

    Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

    Made with Instant Pot chicken, corn tortillas, and fresh ingredients, shredded chicken tacos are an easy homemade dinner recipe the whole family will love!

    Shredded chicken tacos, as well as fish tacos and beef tacos, have been a favorite meal around our house for quite some time. I think it’s both the ease of making them with our favorite taco chicken recipe and our love for delicious Tex-Mex food.

    shredded chicken tacos with fresh ingredients on a muffin pan

    As mentioned, they really are easy to make, especially if you’ve already cooked the chicken. All that’s left is prepping a few fresh ingredients to go on your tacos.

    As long as you have lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, you’re in business. Extras you may want to add include avocado, green onions, black olives, queso, fruit salsa… The sky’s the limit when it comes to easy chicken tacos.

    You can use regular taco shells you buy in the store; we love these… Or you can make your own, using corn tortillas and frying them up in a bit of bacon grease or oil.

    easy chicken tacos on a cutting board close up with fresh ingredients and sour cream

    If you love Tex Mex, you’ll love these beef taco stuffed peppers. And if it’s less mess, less stress you’re after, try our taco in a bag recipe!

    How to make taco shells for easy chicken tacos:

    To make your own crispy taco shells (they remind me of a Taco Bell Chalupa shell)…

    • Heat about a tablespoon of bacon grease in a skillet; let it melt and heat up.
    • Add a corn tortilla to the skillet, letting it cook on one side.
    • Use tongs to turn the tortilla and let the other side cook.
    • Finally, remove the tortilla from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel or paper bag for maybe 30 seconds or so.
    • Fold into a taco shape and place in either a taco holder or the bottom side of a muffin pan.

    And that’s it, you’ve made your own taco shells. They’re so good!

    Tips for how to make shredded chicken tacos:

    You’ll need to gather your ingredients, including already cooked taco chicken, lettuce, Roma tomatoes, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, corn tortillas, and sour cream. You may also want extra ingredients like avocado, black olives, queso, mango peach salsa and basil salsa.

    loaded pressure cooker chicken tacos on a cutting board

    While the chicken is cooking in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can take time to wash and chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Also, shred the cheese.

    Fry up a batch of corn tortillas to form taco shells. You can use bacon grease or oil.

    Once your chicken is fully cooked and shredded, taco shells are done, and fresh ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to start the process of layering. You can layer ingredients in any order you want, but I prefer to add the chicken into the taco shell first, then the cheese (it gets all melty on the warm chicken), and go from there.

    Add a layer of lettuce, a layer of tomatoes, green onions, and whatever else your heart desires. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream (though I love adding a good layer of sour cream before I even add the chicken; that way I have sour cream in every single bite).

    And that’s it. I love the ease of making pressure cooker chicken tacos for dinner!

    how to make shredded chicken tacos with fresh ingredients, Instant Pot taco chicken, fresh ingredients, and sour cream

    More Tex-Mex recipes with chicken:

    Kitchen tools you may need to make pressure cooker chicken tacos:

    Instant Pot – We use our Instant Pot almost every day. It really does make the most delicious taco chicken for easy chicken tacos.

    Iron Skillet – We’re also avid users of cast iron cookware. We even take our favorite iron skillet camping with us.

    Tongs – They’ll be needed for slipping the corn tortillas in the skillet.

    Taco Holder – Ok, so you don’t technically NEED this, but it sure does come in handy. I just use the bottom side of my muffin pan.

    Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

    Shredded chicken tacos, made with Instant Pot chicken, corn tortillas, and fresh ingredients, are an easy homemade dinner recipe the whole family will love!

    • 3 cups Instant Pot taco chicken
    • 16 corn tortillas
    • 3 to 4 tablespoons bacon grease or oil of choice
    • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce
    • 6 Roma tomatoes
    • 6 green onions
    • 4 ounces cheddar cheese
    • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
    • 1/2 cup sour cream

    Corn Tortilla Taco Shells:

    1. Heat about a tablespoon of bacon grease in a skillet; let it melt and heat up.
    2. Add a corn tortilla to the skillet, letting it cook on one side.
    3. Use tongs to turn the tortilla and let the other side cook.
    4. Finally, remove the tortilla from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel or paper bag for maybe 30 seconds or so.
    5. Fold into a taco shape and place in either a taco holder or the bottom side of a muffin pan.
    6. Continue cooking tortillas until you have the desired number of taco shells.

    Shredded Chicken Tacos:

    1. Cook a batch of taco chicken in your Instant Pot.
    2. Prep and cook taco shells, per the steps above.
    3. Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
    4. Shred or grate both cheeses.
    5. Layer ingredients in any order you want, but I prefer to add the chicken into the taco shell first, then the cheese (it gets all melty on the warm chicken), and go from there.
    6. Add a layer of lettuce, a layer of tomatoes, green onions, and whatever else your heart desires.
    7. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream (though I love adding a good layer of sour cream before I even add the chicken; that way I have sour cream in every single bite).
    Dinner Ideas
    Tex-Mex
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    Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
    how to make the most delicious chicken tacos with shredded chicken and fresh ingredients
  • Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake

    Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake

    Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is easy to make, moist, and delicious. It’s one of my favorite desserts, especially paired with a cream cheese frosting that’s simply to die for. Homemade carrot sheet cake recipe you can feed a crowd.

    Bite of the best ever carrot cake sheet cake on a fork on white plate

    Is there anything better than a carrot sheet cake lathered with a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting? Nope. There’s nothing better than my best ever carrot cake sheet cake. Mmmm, it really is that good.

    My original thought was to make this recipe into a traditional layer cake because it’s carrot cake, right? But when I got to thinking about it, I decided I wanted to give you a truly easy carrot cake recipe that’s super simple to make.

    Plus a sheet cake feeds a crowd. It’s something you can cut into squares and feed a large group of people, perfect for Easter and summer get togethers.

    And don’t be intimidated by the thought of making carrot cake from scratch. It’s not difficult at all, especially if you have a salad shooter for shredding up your carrots.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”pnjy7xfoyxiernbxrrzc” sticky=”false” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1521734081/p2wgb2fwz8tsfm1ubiaf.jpg” title=”Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake” volume=”100″]

    While I decided to put pecans in our carrot cake, you can totally decide whether or not you want them in yours. I know a lot of people don’t like nuts, and that’s ok. With or without, it’ll still be delicious either way you go.

    Slice of carrot sheet cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans on a spatula

    If you love cake, you may also enjoy my yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

    Tips for how to make this carrot cake recipe:

    You’ll need a few ingredients… Unsalted butter, pure cane sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, caramel extract, unbleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, carrots, and chopped pecans.

    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    2. Melt the butter, and cream (mix) together with the sugar.
    3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and caramel extract into your butter mixture, and mix well.
    4. Sift together your dry ingredients, including the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
    5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix well for 2 to 3 minutes.
    6. Add the shredded carrots and pecans (again, nuts are optional) to your mixture, and continue to mix well until everything is blended together.
    7. Pour and spread the cake batter into a large sheet cake pan.
    8. Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick/cake tester comes out clean.
    9. Remove the cake from the oven, and allow it to cool right in the pan.
    10. Meanwhile, mix up your frosting. I highly recommend using a cream cheese frosting.
    11. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting all over the top of the cake.
    12. Optional step: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts all over the top of the frosting.
    13. Cut into slices and serve.

    I recommend storing the frosted cake in the refrigerator, since it’s covered in a cream cheese frosting.

    slice of the best ever carrot cake with a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top

    Variations for your carrot sheet cake:

    Use shredded zucchini instead of, or in addition to, carrots. Just cut the amount of carrots down for however much zucchini you decide to use.

    You can even add in 1/2 teaspoon or so of allspice, nutmeg, or your favorite spice to give the cake a more spice-filled taste.

    Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts or any other type of nut you think may be good.

    carrot cake from scratch in a sheet pan with cream cheese frosting and pecans on top

    More cake recipes you may enjoy:

    Pineapple Sunshine Cake

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

    Apple Bundt Cake

    Pumpkin Pear Spice Cake

    Lemon Cake

    easy carrot cake recipe sliced on a spatula in a sheet pan

    Kitchen tools you may need to make carrot cake from scratch:

    Mixer – I love using my Bosch mixer for mixing up cake batter.

    Sifter – I never make a cake without sifting, the result of training by my mom and grandmas.

    Salad Shooter – This kitchen tool makes it so much easier to shred the carrots.

    Sheet Cake Pan – You’ll need a large pan that makes a thinner cake.

    Cake Tester – This will help you see if your cake is done after baking.

    Spatula/Server – Slice and serve your cake with a square spatula.

    Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake

    Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is easy to make, moist, and delicious. It’s one of my favorite desserts, especially paired with a cream cheese frosting that’s simply to die for. Homemade carrot sheet cake recipe you can feed a crowd.

    • 1 cup unsalted butter
    • 2 cups pure cane sugar
    • 4 eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon caramel extract
    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 2 1/2 cups shredded carrots
    • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
    • 2 cups cream cheese frosting
    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    2. Melt the butter, and cream (mix) together with the sugar. 
    3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and caramel extract into your butter mixture, and mix well.
    4. Sift together your dry ingredients, including the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
    5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix well for 2 to 3 minutes.
    6. Add the shredded carrots and pecans (nuts are optional) to your mixture, and continue to mix well until everything is blended together.
    7. Pour and spread the cake batter into a large sheet cake pan.
    8. Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick/cake tester comes out clean.
    9. Remove the cake from the oven, and allow it to cool right in the pan.
    10. Meanwhile, mix up your frosting. I highly recommend using a cream cheese frosting.
    11. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting all over the top of the cake.
    12. Optional step: Sprinkle chopped pecans all over the top of the frosting.
    13. Cut into slices and serve.
    Cakes & Cupcakes
    American
    carrot cake, carrot cake sheet cake, carrot sheet cake
    Best Ever Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe
    Slice of the best ever carrot cake sheet cake on a white plate with a bite on a fork
  • Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cream Cheese Frosting is easy to make, and this recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients. How to make the best homemade cream cheese frosting perfect for cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.

    Cream Cheese Frosting is definitely my favorite frosting for cakes and cupcakes. There’s just nothing quite as scrumptious as a carrot cake, cherry chip cake, strawberry Jello cake, or chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum!

    cream cheese frosting swirl on slice of carrot cake on white plate with fork

    This recipe happens to make the best cream cheese frosting for carrot cake. It’s sweet and tangy; and it brings a creaminess that no other frosting can bring.

    It’s also a super easy cream cheese frosting recipe, calling for only 4 ingredients. They’re ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. I know I always have these things on hand.

    I also highly recommend you use a mixer when you mix this up, whether you have a hand mixer or stand mixer. A mixer helps to get all the little lumps that powdered sugar and cream cheese can leave behind when mixing by hand.

    More frosting recipes you may enjoy include this buttercream frosting and chocolate buttercream frosting.

    I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious cream cheese frosting recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    Easy cream cheese frosting in stand mixer

    Tips for how to make this easy cream cheese frosting:

    First you’ll need a few ingredients… Cream cheese, salted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.

    Make sure your cream cheese and butter have been softened. If you forget to get them out (like I usually do), just soften them up in the microwave quick.

    1. Mix together your softened cream cheese and salted butter.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing even more.
    3. Finally mix in the powdered sugar, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl so you get all of that powdered sugar goodness in your frosting.
    4. And that’s it. It’s ready for spreading on cake, July 4th cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or whatever other type of dessert you choose to put it on.

    Alternative ways you can switch up the recipe:

    Depending on what you’re making, you could add some sort of flavored extract. One of my favorites is caramel extract for a caramel flavored cream cheese frosting. It’s so good!

    You can add nuts into your frosting; I highly recommend pecans or walnuts. You can mix them in or sprinkle them on top of whatever you’re making. The frosting combined with the crunchy nuts gives a sweet crunchy flavor reminiscent of warm cinnamon baked pecans at Christmas time.

    Try mixing fruit into your frosting for a fruity frosting. We’ve added sliced strawberries to our frosting in the past, which really gives frosting quite the oomph.

    best cream cheese frosting on top of carrot cake in a sheet pan

    More frosting/icing recipes you may enjoy:

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing

    Sweet and Tarty Lemon Icing

    Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze

    Kitchen tools you may need to make cream cheese frosting:

    Mixer – I love to use my Bosch for mixing whenever I’m baking anything.

    Spatula – Perfect for scraping the frosting out of the bowl, my spatulas are one kitchen tool I can’t cook without.

    Angled Icing Spatula – This makes it easy to spread icing or frosting around on a big cake.

    DELICIOUSLY EASY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE

    If you love this cream cheese frosting recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cream Cheese Frosting is easy to make, and this recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients. How to make the best homemade cream cheese frosting perfect for cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.

    • 16 ounces cream cheese
    • 4 tablespoons salted butter
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    1. Mix together your softened cream cheese and salted butter.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing even more.
    3. Finally mix in the powdered sugar, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl so you get all of that powdered sugar goodness in your frosting.
    4. And that’s it. It’s ready for spreading on cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or whatever other type of dessert you choose to put it on.
    Desserts
    American
    cream cheese frosting, cream cheese icing, easy cream cheese frosting
    easy cream cheese frosting on slice of carrot cake on white plate with fork
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Scratch

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Scratch

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake – Make it from scratch, layering homemade chocolate cake with a decadent peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Dessert recipe made for chocolate lovers.

    Bite out of peanut butter chocolate cake slice

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is a chocolate lover’s delight. Pairing together chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting is the stuff dreams are made of.

    In my opinion, chocolate and peanut butter go together like Baby and Johnny, Princess Buttercup and Westley, Sam and Annie, Terry and Nickie, classic yellow cake and chocolate buttercream frosting… Well, you get the picture. I’m so in the mood for a rainy day, a stack of old movies, and this scrumptious chocolate cake to go with ’em!

    Slice of homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting on a white plate

    When deciding what kind of frosting to make with this cake, I could have used my favorite buttercream frosting; or I could’ve made a double chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

    But I knew I wanted to use cream cheese in the recipe.

    Mixing peanut butter into a cream cheese frosting, it makes for a really smooth, creamy frosting that lends just the right amount of sweetness to each bite of this decadent cake.

    If you’re a chocolate lover like I am, this chocolate cake recipe is definitely for you. And for a chocolate cake from scratch recipe, it’s relatively easy to make.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”nca347tyg7qlhz04f1it” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1520913973/vzcar5jegwjvcbylcfge.jpg” title=”Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Scratch” volume=”100″]

    I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious peanut butter chocolate cake recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    Frosting a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting

    Tips for how to make homemade chocolate cake:

    • Grease your pans really well with a good layer of cooking spray or by rubbing them with shortening/butter and coating with flour.
    • Anytime you make a cake, I highly recommend sifting your flour before adding it in with the other dry ingredients.
    • To make sour milk, just combine the milk with a tablespoon of vinegar.
    • Use a toothpick or cake tester to check whether or not your cake is done at the end of cook time.

    Tips for how to make peanut butter cream cheese frosting:

    • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before attempting to mix.
    • Let your cake fully cool before adding the frosting.
    • I do like to refrigerate this cake once it’s made, mainly because of the cream cheese frosting.
    • When you do go to serve it up, try cutting a slice and warming it up in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Mmmm, just like it’s fresh out of the oven.

    Fork bite out of homemade chocolate cake slice

    More chocolate cake recipes you may enjoy:

    Grass Block Minecraft Cake

    Raspberry Chocolate Cake for One

    Easy Minecraft Cake

    Moist and Delicious Chocolate Cake

    Kitchen tools you may need to make chocolate cake from scratch:

    Round cake pans – This is a layered cake, so you’ll need a couple round pans for baking.

    Mixer – You can use any kind of mixer, but this ensures a smooth, creamy cake batter.

    Small saucepan – You’ll need to cook the butter mixture on the stovetop.

    Sifter – I never make a cake without sifting.

    Wire rack – for cooling the cakes before frosting.

    Slice of peanut butter chocolate cake layered together with peanut butter frosting

    PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

    If you love this peanut butter chocolate cake recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Scratch

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

    Sign up to receive my newsletter, filled with delicious recipes and outdoor travel adventures, in your inbox:

    FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Scratch

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from scratch, layering homemade chocolate cake with a decadent peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Dessert recipe made for chocolate lovers.

    Cake:

    • 1 cup unsalted butter
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 cups pure cane sugar
    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1/2 cup buttermilk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Frosting:

    • 8 ounces cream cheese
    • 2 tablespoons salted butter
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons milk
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
    2. Grease 2 round cake pans.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including the sugar, sifted flour, salt, and cocoa powder.
    4. In a small saucepan, bring 2 sticks of unsalted butter and the water to a boil. 
    5. Remove the butter mixture from the heat and mix together with the dry ingredients.
    6. Dissolve the baking soda in buttermilk or sour milk. (You can make sour milk by combining milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar.)
    7. Beat the eggs into your milk mixture.
    8. Add the milk mixture and vanilla extract to all the other ingredients in the mixing bowl; mix well for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
    9. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
    10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before removal to a wire rack to fully cool.
    11. Meanwhile, mix together the ingredients for a peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Start by mixing together the cream cheese, softened salted butter, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and milk.
    12. Add the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture, and mix until smooth and creamy.
    13. Once the cakes have fully cooled, layer and frost to your desired thickness.
    14. Tip: I do like to refrigerate this cake once it’s made, mainly because of the cream cheese frosting. When you do go to serve it up, try cutting a slice and warming it up in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Mmmm, just like it’s fresh out of the oven.
    Cakes & Cupcakes
    American
    chocolate cake, peanut butter chocolate cake, peanut butter frosting
    Bite of slice of homemade peanut butter chocolate cake on a white plate with green stand behind
  • Camping at Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Camping at Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    For a developed campground, Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is one of the best. Sites tucked in the trees allow for quiet, peaceful camping with a secluded feel.

    Camping at Cosby Campground in Smoky Mountains Tennessee

    Cosby Campground is a “home away from home” in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. We prefer camping in the middle of nowhere; but for a developed campground, Cosby really does have quite the secluded feel with many campsites tucked back into the trees.

    There’s absolutely nothing like waking up in a tent, listening to the birds sing and wildlife chattering. It’s the very definition of peace and tranquility, a way to truly get away from the world and unplug.

    Of all the Smoky Mountain campgrounds available, Cosby’s solitude won us over, and we reserved a tent site in the campground. We were really excited to just get away and unplug together.

    Camper site in Smoky Mountain campgrounds, Cosby

    Where exactly is Cosby Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains?

    At about 2460′ in elevation, Cosby is away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and away from the main park entrance, but still close enough to enjoy both.

    It’s just outside (about 5 miles away from) Cosby, Tennessee, where you’ll find simple conveniences like showers, gas, and supplies. The bigger mountain town of Gatlinburg, where you’ll find shopping, food, activities, and family attractions, is about 20 miles away.

    What’s the campground like?

    Cosby Campground has around 165 total sites, including only 26 reservation sites; all the rest are first-come first-served. Sites are mostly tent sites, a few RV sites, and a few group sites.

    A beautiful 5 minute drive leads campers through the forest toward the campground entrance. The campground has multiple trails and a river flowing through. Only 3 miles away is the Appalachian Trail, and outside the campground is a trail to Hen Wallow Falls.

    ranger station at Cosby Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains

    When we arrived, we picked up our reservation tag at the Ranger Station and drove on in. The campground appeared quite empty, a surprise to us with it being June and vacation season. We noticed right away the overall secluded feel of the campground.

    We were excited to get to our site and check it out and were ecstatic with its location. It was absolutely beautiful and hands down the best and the most private developed campsite we’ve ever had.

    We parked parallel on the road and climbed steps up to our site, which was surrounded by trees. The only neighbors we could see were directly across the road from us and even then, we could barely see them; cars were parked blocking the view.

    It was a magical place and perfect for the quality family time we needed together.

    I can only imagine what it’d be like when spring has sprung and all the trees are budding and blooming. Talk about an awesome spring break vacation idea!

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping tent site at Cosby

    Our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camping Experience

    We began to set up camp right away, making the campsite our own. With a campfire going that first night, we roasted hot dogs and enjoyed s’mores.

    Neighbors were pretty quiet. The only noise we really experienced was a group putting things away late one night (not really bothersome to us), a group of kids having fun late one night, and one morning, waking to the sounds of Slim Shady booming through the campground (apparently, the camper next to the first group was trying to get back at them by making some noise of his own).

    To be honest, we have zero complaints, and for the most part, it was beautifully quiet and serene.

    Bathroom at Cosby Campground in Smoky Mountains Tennessee

    The bathroom was right down the road and down a little trail; it took us maybe 2 minutes to walk there and back.

    I have to say too, that after our experience camping in another national park that shall remain nameless, this bathroom was so wonderful. The ranger really did a great job of keeping it clean, and there were lights at night (yay!!!).

    Of course, you might want to carry your own soap; no soap available. We highly recommend Campsuds.

    Water was readily available, including a cold water sink for dishwashing and perfect for washing hair. There were no showers; in order to take a shower, campers have to drive into Cosby, TN (about a 5 minute drive) and pay about $5/person.

    We decided on soap/water wipedowns and our homemade no rinse wipes in order to save money.

    Why you should ALWAYS get rid of trash IMMEDIATELY

    Wildlife is definitely abundant in Smoky Mountain campgrounds. Our second night there, we experienced quite the thrill.

    We’d cooked beef stew with biscuits for supper, and the boys had gone to bed after eating. Dan was still sipping on a bit of stew, so he hadn’t taken the trash down to the car yet.

    Note: There are no bear boxes; all food/trash/cooking gear needs to be stowed away either in your car or carried to the nearest dumpster.

    Campfire in Cosby Campground in the Smoky Mountains

    We were sitting next to each other, talking and enjoying the campfire. All of a sudden, we heard a crashing sound and  twigs snapping, coming from the forest next to the road.

    Dan snapped on his headlight, and all we saw was this huge bundle of fur not even 15 feet away. It was a bear, and he’d come for some beef stew.

    I freaked out, having never experienced a bear so up close and personal.

    Dan immediately ran toward the bear, trying to chase him away from the site. I jumped up on the picnic table with my handy dandy stick, as if the table (or stick) would keep me safe. I wasn’t about to leave the boys unprotected in the tent, but I certainly didn’t want to be on the ground if Dan chased the bear back through the site.

    We could hear him over in the woods, wrestling around with the cups that had held our beef stew. Finally, the bear had enough of Dan and went to make the rounds with our neighbors, as well.

    Let’s just say it was a long night. He didn’t go away for probably an hour or two… But even when he did finally leave, I was totally worried he was going to come back.

    That same night we had owls going back and forth in the trees, hooting and screeching. It was an awesome experience I’ll never forget.

    Cosby Campground amenities

    We had a great time camping in the Smoky Mountains, so much so that we’re not opposed to staying in the campground when we visit again. It’s an economical alternative to hotels, plus we get the outdoor experience that we so crave.

    Campground amenities include the following:

    • Accessible sites and restrooms with flush toilets
    • Drinking water
    • Dump station
    • Emergency phone (because you won’t have cell service in the campground)
    • Fire rings
    • Host
    • Parking/picnic area
    • Ranger station
    • Tent pads
    • Amphitheater

    Learn more about Cosby and things you need to know before camping there.

    More Great Smoky Mountains Adventures

    If you’ve never camped before, I highly encourage you to do so. It’s an experience that will definitely change your life for the better, and you may just fall in love with it.

    We’ve camped in both traditional campgrounds and in the backcountry. In fact, we give the inside scoop on what it’s like to camp in a roof top tent vs. ground tent.

    After camping for quite a few years now, we’re actually hoping to start training for longer backpacking trips, which means more backcountry camping. Camping has indeed opened up a whole new world for us.

    Great Smoky Mountains Cosby Campground

    Update Notes: This article was originally published on July 17, 2012, but was re-published with bigger photos and more details in March of 2018.

  • Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo

    Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo

    Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo, made with shredded chicken and an easy homemade Alfredo sauce, is a healthy recipe for dinner. So creamy and delicious!

    spaghetti squash chicken alfredo on a plate with fork

    Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo is one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals, probably because it’s so easy to make, especially when we cook the spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot.

    I love it too because it’s a healthy meal we can all enjoy together. And it pairs really well (minus the chicken) with fish fillets and salmon patties.

    While I do love pasta, I’ve grown quite accustomed to replacing all our favorite pasta dishes with spaghetti squash instead. It’s actually a really delicious alternative to carb heavy pastas.

    We make an easy homemade alfredo sauce that calls for 4 simple ingredients. Heavy whipping cream is the base for this sauce, mainly because it has no carbs. Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese) adds some pretty excellent flavor to the sauce, as well.

    healthy chicken alfredo with spaghetti squash on a blue plate

    If you’ve never had spaghetti squash chicken alfredo, now’s the time to make it. Pair it with a batch of quick garlic breadsticks, and it’ll quickly climb to the top of your favorite dinner ideas.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”nhrxaov5gdkchhhejyn0″ sticky=”false” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1520216541/sujmcqpn3oi00wrbtb42.jpg” title=”Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo” volume=”100″]

    Tips for how to make healthy chicken Alfredo:

    Gather your ingredients… You’ll need an already cooked spaghetti squash, 2 cooked chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

    1. Cook the spaghetti squash and chicken beforehand. An easy option is to cook either or both in the Instant Pot.
    2. Prep the spaghetti squash by pulling the squash out of the skin.
    3. Shred the chicken.
    4. To make the sauce, pour the heavy whipping cream into a large skillet or saucepan.
    5. Stir constantly to avoid scorching, and allow the cream to come to a boil.
    6. Slowly whisk the cheese into the simmering cream. The sauce will start to thicken.
    7. At this point, whisk the salt and pepper into the sauce.
    8. Use tongs to add spaghetti squash to your plate.
    9. Add a handful of shredded chicken on top.
    10. Finally, add Alfredo sauce to your liking.
    11. Top it all off with a light sprinkling of parsley.
    Plate full of easy chicken fettuccine alfredo made with spaghetti squash

    More Pasta Dishes You May Enjoy:

    Kitchen tools you may need to make easy chicken fettuccine Alfredo:

    plated chicken fettuccine Alfredo recipe using spaghetti squash as a low carb alternative

    Instant Pot – We use our Instant Pot several times a week, if not every day, and it makes cooking the spaghetti squash a breeze.
    Cutting Board – Perfect for prepping the squash and shredding the chicken.
    Large Skillet or Saucepan – We love using a deeper iron skillet to make the sauce.
    Heat Resistant Spatula – One of my favorite tools to use for stirring.
    Whisk – For stirring in the cheese, salt, and pepper.
    Tongs – They make it easy to serve up the squash.

    Print this chicken fettuccine Alfredo recipe:

    Easy Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo

    Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo, made with shredded chicken and an easy homemade Alfredo sauce, is a healthy recipe for dinner. So creamy and delicious!

    • 1 cooked spaghetti squash
    • 2 cooked chicken breasts
    • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
    • 1/2 pound Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • Fresh parsley
    1. Cook the spaghetti squash and chicken beforehand. An easy option is to cook either or both in the Instant Pot.
    2. Prep the spaghetti squash by pulling the squash out of the skin.
    3. Shred the chicken.
    4. To make the sauce, pour the heavy whipping cream into a large skillet or saucepan.
    5. Stir constantly to avoid scorching, and allow the cream to come to a boil.
    6. Slowly whisk the cheese into the simmering cream. The sauce will start to thicken.
    7. At this point, whisk the salt and pepper into the sauce.
    8. Use tongs to add spaghetti squash to your plate.
    9. Add a handful of shredded chicken on top.
    10. Finally, add Alfredo sauce to your liking.
    11. Top it all off with a light sprinkling of parsley.

     

    Pasta
    Italian
    chicken alfredo, spaghetti squash chicken alfredo

    Pin this recipe for future dinner ideas!

    Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo
    Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo with fork on a plate
  • Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs – So easy to make. How to cook baby back ribs using a sweet chili dry rub that gives them a wonderful flavor. They’re fall off the bone delicious!

    Last week one of our cooking show viewers requested that we cook ribs in the Instant Pot. We decided that was a great idea and came up with this Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe.

    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs on a cutting board

    It’s a recipe that takes delicious to a whole new level. And I’ll let you in on a little secret… I’d never made ribs before this recipe. I’m not sure why because it was so, so easy!

    Dan came up with a baby back rib rub that gives the ribs so much wonderful flavor. They don’t even need any salt; that’s how good they taste.

    Baby back rib rub with baby back ribs on a cutting board

    It’s a simple recipe with simple ingredients. And it also doesn’t take a ton of time to make. If you have an Instant Pot, you’re in business.

    How to make Baby Back Ribs in the Instant Pot

    If you love pork recipes, you may also enjoy our roasted pork tenderloin and oven roasted pork roast recipe.

    Tips for how to cook baby back ribs in your Instant Pot:

    First of all, gather your ingredients… You will need light brown sugar, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, ground black pepper, water, apple cider vinegar, baby back ribs, and BBQ sauce.

    • Rinse the ribs and pat dry.
    • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs; you can do this by using a knife to scrape up the edge, grab it with a paper towel, and pull it back.
    • Sprinkle and rub the rib rub all over both sides of the ribs, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.
    • Slightly fold the ribs and place them in a semi-circle on top of the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
    • Place the lid on your pressure cooker, and make sure the vent is sealed.
    • Press ‘Pressure Cook’ and set for 25 minutes.
    • Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, allow it to naturally release before opening it up.
    • Pre-heat the broiler on your oven to ‘High’.
    • When the ribs are completely cooked, carefully remove them from the Instant Pot and place them on a cookie sheet.
    • Brush BBQ sauce all over the ribs, on both sides.
    • Place in the oven to broil for 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Sometimes I top mine off with my favorite mango peach salsa!
    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

    More Instant Pot recipes you may enjoy:

    Learn how to quickly use your Instant Pot with our Instant Pot Quick Start Guide, filled with practical tips, Instant Pot recipes, accessory ideas, and more!

    Broiled BBQ Baby Back Ribs on a Cookie Sheet

    More recipes fellow meat lovers will love:

    Not Your Mama’s Easy Meatloaf

    Baked Italian Cauliflower Meatballs

    Maple Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

    Pressure Cooker Salmon

    Knife Slicing Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs on a Cutting Board

    Kitchen tools you may need to make this baby back ribs recipe:

    Instant Pot – You’ll need an Instant Pot to make these ribs.

    Steamer Rack Trivet – You’ll need to set the ribs up on the trivet so they’re not soaking in the liquid the entire time they cook.

    Cutting Board and Knife – We use our cutting boards with just about every recipe. They’re good for prepping, and (after washing) cutting and serving.

    Basting and Pastry Brush – to brush on the BBQ sauce.

    Cookie Sheet – This will allow you to quickly broil the ribs after cooking.

    Fall off the bone delicious baby back ribs recipe

    Print the recipe for Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are so easy to make. How to cook baby back ribs using a sweet chili dry rub that gives them a wonderful flavor. They’re fall off the bone delicious!

    • 1 cup water
    • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 set baby back ribs
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    1. Add the water and apple cider vinegar to your Instant Pot. 
    2. Place a trivet down inside your Instant Pot (we used our 8-quart Instant Pot for this recipe).
    3. Now mix together the ingredients for your dry rub: brown sugar, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper.
    4. Rinse the ribs and pat dry.
    5. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs; you can do this by using a knife to scrape up the edge, grab it with a paper towel, and pull it back.
    6. Sprinkle and rub the rib rub all over both sides of the ribs, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.
    7. Slightly fold the ribs and place them in a semi-circle on top of the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
    8. Place the lid on your pressure cooker, and make sure the vent is sealed.
    9. Press ‘Pressure Cook’ and set for 25 minutes. 
    10. Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, allow it to naturally release before opening it up.
    11. Pre-heat the broiler on your oven to ‘High’.
    12. When the ribs are completely cooked, carefully remove them from the Instant Pot and place them on a cookie sheet.
    13. Brush BBQ sauce all over the ribs, on both sides.
    14. Place in the oven to broil for 3 to 5 minutes. 
    15. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
    Instant Pot Recipes
    American
    baby back ribs, instant pot baby back ribs, instant pot ribs, sweet chili baby back ribs

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    Easy recipe for Sweet Chili Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
    Ribs made in the Instant Pot with a sweet chili dry rub
    Broiled saucy baby back ribs from the Instant Pot
  • Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, made with brown sugar and creamy or crunchy peanut butter, have a crispy outer edge and a soft, chewy middle. Delicious cookie recipe!

    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are yet another cookie recipe we’ve made for years. While they might not rank quite as high in my mind as my favorite chocolate chip cookies (remember, they’re my favorite), they’re still a very delicious cookie.

    Chewy peanut butter cookies stack with a bite taken out

    These peanut butter cookies have a slightly crispy edge and a soft, chewy middle. The key is to smash them down just a little bit with your fork before baking… If you leave a little thickness, though, you’ll have a much chewier cookie.

    While I prefer to use creamy peanut butter, you can also use crunchy. I’ve also made these with the honey-infused peanut butter, and they’re always so good when I make them that way. The choice is totally up to you.

    Another favorite peanut butter cookie recipe of mine is this monster cookies recipe. So soft and chewy!

    Stack of chewy peanut butter cookies on a paper bag with a cup of milk

    You may also enjoy this recipe for oatmeal buttermilk cookies.

    Tips for how to make Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies:

    First you’ll need to gather your ingredients… You’ll need unsalted butter, light brown sugar, pure cane sugar, eggs, peanut butter, vanilla extract, unbleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt.

    • Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    • Cream together (or mix together) the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and pure cane sugar.
    • Beat the eggs; then add them to the mixture, mixing well.
    • Use a cookie scoop to add rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
    • Press each each of the dough balls with a sugar coated fork, first one direction, then the other.
    • Bake the cookies at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and done.
    • When you remove each batch from the oven, remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
    • Serve with a nice tall glass of ice cold milk.
    • And here’s another tip: When you store them in the cookie jar, place a piece of bread in the cookie jar with them; this will keep your cookies soft and chewy, especially if they browned a little too much while baking.
    • Again, while I prefer to use creamy peanut butter, you can definitely use crunchy.
    • Another option is to use honey-infused peanut butter; they’re always so good when I make them that way.
    • Add chocolate chips to your cookie dough to make peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Yum!
    Chewy peanut butter cookies on a plate with a cup of milk

    Kitchen tools you may need to make Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Mixer or Hand Mixer – Your mixer will be your best friend if you love to bake.

    Measuring Spoons and Cups – for measuring out your ingredients.

    Large Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a bowl if you’re mixing by hand or with a hand mixer. It also comes in handy when sifting.

    Sifter – for sifting the dry ingredients together.

    Cookie Scoop – I wasn’t sold on my cookie scoop at first; Dan wanted me to use it, but I was used to just using a spoon and my fingers. But he was right… It saves dough, makes a smaller cookie, and lends to a rounder cookie.

    Cookie Sheet – Mine comes in handy for so many things, including baking cookies.

    Cookie Spatula – for removing the hot cookies from the cookie sheet.

    Wire Rack – This allows the cookies to rest and cool before you put them in the cookie jar.

    Stack of chewy peanut butter cookies on a brown paper bag with a cup of ice cold milk

    Print the recipe for Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, made with brown sugar and creamy or crunchy peanut butter, have a crispy outer edge and a soft, chewy middle. Delicious cookie recipe!

    • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
    • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup pure cane sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 1/2 cups flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    1. Pre-heat your oven to 375°.
    2. Cream together (or mix together) the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and pure cane sugar.
    3. Beat the eggs; then add them to the mixture, mixing well.
    4. Mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.
    5. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
    6. Mix the dry ingredients into your cookie dough.
    7. Use a cookie scoop to add rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
    8. Press each each of the dough balls with a sugar coated fork, first one direction, then the other.
    9. Bake the cookies at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and done.
    10. When you remove each batch from the oven, remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
    11. Serve with a nice tall glass of ice cold milk.
    12. And here’s another tip: When you store them in the cookie jar, place a piece of bread in the cookie jar with them; this will keep your cookies soft and chewy, especially if they browned a little too much while baking.

     

    Cookies & Bars
    American
    chewy peanut butter cookies

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    Stacks of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Stack of Cookies