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Jalapeno Popper Pasta is a cheesy, spicy dish where comfort food meets an appetizer favorite. This grown-up mac 'n cheese dish is filled with tasty jalapeno peppers, topped with garlic breadcrumbs and is made a little lighter too! While Mike and I were pretty sure we would enjoy Jalapeno Popper Pasta, because I mean really...between the cheese and garlic breadcrumbs and
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a healthy 30-minute meal made with chicken, lots of vegetables, and a light sweet and sour sauce. It takes just minutes to prepare, making this Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken an ideal weeknight meal that is much healthier than its take-out counterpart. Here the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is served over the ever trendy super-seed, quinoa.
This past weekend marked a special second birthday ~ Alida's Kitchen turned 2! Of course a birthday is not a birthday without cake, right? I've been looking for a white chocolate cake for a long time and actually have several recipes I want to try. This particular recipe won me over with two little words "truffle filling." While
Oreo Cookies and Cream Muffins are a tasty vanilla muffin studded with large chunks of chocolate sandwich cookies throughout. If you like Oreos (or Joe Joe's!) and are looking for a fun recipe to try with them, these muffins are for you. While Oreo muffins are not something that I would make every day, after making the crust for my Lighter Chocolate Cheese
It's been a while since I've shared a dessert, so to make up for that, I decided you deserve some chocolate. Not just any old chocolate though ~ Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, and they're made on the lighter side. Despite being made light, each bite of these Chocolate Cheesecake Bars is chocolaty, decadent and sooooo good! The hands on work takes all of 10
Honey Roasted Chickpeas with Sea Salt are a healthy, sweet and salty snack that is easy to make. They are high in fiber, protein-packed, gluten free, dairy free...and Adam can't get enough of them (in other words, they're toddler friendly too!) Honey Roasted Chickpeas are made with only a few simple ingredients, and you most likely have everything you need already in your pantry. &
Baked Cinnamon French Toast is a decadent yet simple breakfast (or breakfast for dinner, as we talked about yesterday). Made with cinnamon swirl bread that is drenched and baked into a rich custard, this baked French toast is beyond delicious. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and then you can bake it right away since this is not an overnight Frenc
We love breakfast for dinner (or "brinner" as it's often called), whether it's waffles, pancakes, egg scrambles or frittatas. This Easy Vegetable Frittata is a frequent "go-to" dinner for us because it's quick, easy, and we can easily use up whatever vegetables or cheeses we have on hand. Mike can make it too, which is another plus! Read more...
Mini Deep-Dish Pizzas are fun, little individual deep dish pizzas made in a muffin tin. First you roll out little pizza dough circles and then gently put them in the muffin cups. Then fill each dough round with your desired sauce and toppings and then top it with cheese. I used premade dough (from Trader Joe's), topped them with a marinara
When I told my kids that the new taste of Silk Soymilk left me speechless, their reaction was, well...you can see for yourself. Indeed. While I did not capture photographic evidence of Mike's reaction, it's safe to assume the refrigerator is going to be well stocked with Silk. Ha! I didn't remain speechless for long though. Let me tell you
This Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad is darn near perfection. We start with warm, shredded chicken tossed in a lighter buffalo sauce; add sautéed vegetables and combine it with the ever trendy (and tasty!) quinoa. Sprinkle blue cheese (or cheddar) on top, as desired, and you're looking at a delicious and healthy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad. Not only is this salad a
Baked Dorito-Crusted Chicken came to me in a dream, which is funny because I'm typically not a flavored chip person (except for salt 'n vinegar...yum!) I dismissed it as a quirky pregnancy dream. That is, until we had a bag of cheese tortilla chips (remember my Green Giant post?), which were just asking to be paired with chicken. Baked Dorito-Crusted Chick
Right now, I am listening to the sounds of our snowplow service plowing our driveway. Again. We got 5 inches of snow yesterday and are projected to get at least another inch today. It's mid-late April. Yikes! So while I had a different recipe to share with you today, I thought we all could use a little sunshine, well...for a variety of reasons
Oatmeal Fig Bars are a chewy, fig-filled bar made on the lighter side. They taste pretty close to a Fig Newton, but homemade is always better, right? When I was researching for a healthy fig bar recipe made with oatmeal, I was surprised to find there weren't many (or rather any that were suitable). So I decided to take the dough of a oatmeal date bar recipe and replace
I am excited to share this recipe with you. Easy Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna has become one of our favorite weeknight dinners! It has the delicious flavor of lasagna yet is made with only 5 main ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prepare ~ perfect these days when I find myself juggling a newborn and a busy 3 year old at dinnertime. This lasagna can also be made ahead (li
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken puts a delicious twist on a classic favorite with some added garlic (which makes everything better!). When I found this recipe, the title alone was so appealing, it vaulted to the top of the list and was made within a day. I reduced the recipe to be made for two (but it can easily be multiplied for more!), added some heat with red pe
When I first saw a recipe for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies, and realized it used the same base recipe as my Chewy Sugar Cookies I knew they were going to be good. Since those cookies are one of my favorites of all time, I figured M&Ms could only make them better, right? Right! The sugar cookie base is deliciously chewy and the cream cheese adds
Healthy Chocolate Coconut Truffles have the delicious flavors of dark chocolate and coconut...all coming in around 60 calories and without any added sugar of fat. They are made using only 3 main ingredients (plus an optional ingredient which helps to deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor). Even better - they take only minutes to make. Intrigued? I certainly
Happy Pi Day! Today is March 14 (i.e., 3.14). A day to celebrate math and the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter...by indulging in pie! Since I already shared a savory pie with you, now it's time for a sweet one. There's no rule against having pie twice in one day (or even one meal)...especially on Pi Day! continue reading...
Pasta Pizza Pie combines two Italian favorites (and two of my favorites!) into a delicious pizza-inspired baked pasta. First, you start by baking a pasta "crust." Then you spread your favorite pasta sauce over the crust and top it with your favorite toppings. I used a 12-inch saute pan in lieu of a pizza pan, and it worked great! Pasta Pizza Pie puts a fun twis
This Diet Mixed Berry Smoothie is quick and easy to make and perfect for breakfast on a busy morning, a post-workout recovery drink, or an afternoon pick me up. Made with just a few healthy ingredients, it's a vitamin-packed smoothie that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime (and portable too for when you're on-the-go!). continue reading...
In general, people consider me a trustworthy person ~ especially with their secrets. I'm alway sgood to keep a secret. Well, almost always, unless for some reason disclosing a secret would be for the greater good...like now. The Green Giant has a very giant surprise that I must share with you! continue reading...
We celebrated Adam's 3rd birthday last week! Adam appreciates all things birthday, including parties, gifts and cake. As my #1 cookbook reading companion, he also appreciates the importance of a good birthday cake design. For Adam's 2nd birthday, I assumed he wouldn't have an opinion about his cake yet. I worked on a plan for ball-themed cupcakes...then
Healthy Banana Cookies are a chewy, fruit-filled cookie made using some of my favorite foods - oats, dates and bananas. They are made from simple, wholesome ingredients, have no butter and added sugar, thus making them a healthier choice. I love the simplicity of these cookies and have to admit these cookies made a delightful breakfast! Thes
While Valentine's Day isn't a huge deal at our house, it does give me a reason to bake up something extra special...usually involving chocolate. Warm Chocolate Pudding Cakes are definitely something special. They are a simple yet decadent dessert that is pure comfort food. They are also surprisingly quick and easy to make and can
With a new baby in the house, when it comes to dinner these days, our motto is the easier the better. Bonus points if it's healthy. Fortunately this delicious Baked Balsamic Chicken dish is both easy and healthy! The marinade takes minutes to prepare and then is poured in the bag with the chicken. Let that sit in the refrigerator until you're ready
We had a special surprise arrive last Friday ~ our baby decided to arrive a little early! Naturally, when there is a birthday, there must be a birthday cake. This Lemon Buttermilk Cake is quick and easy enough for a sleepy mama to whip together in minutes. It's not only simple to make, but the lemon cake is perfectly lemon-y, refreshing and delicious. To dress it
I found this recipe for Chipotle-Glazed Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes during a sleepless night over the summer. While it sounded absolutely delicious, it didn't quite scream "summer" to me...so I saved it for a more seasonably appropriate time. After many months of anticipation, I am happy to report this recipe was definitely worth the wait! First you give the pota
Using random.org, I have selected the winner of the Williams-Sonoma $50 Gift Card Giveaway! Out of 101 entrants, lucky number 11 is the winner! Congratulations to Holly Marie who said "I'd use the card towards a Le Creuset crepe pan I've been wanting." Check your email and congrats again Holly!! There will be a new recipe tomorrow, and it's a good one.&
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Pancakes are an easy, healthy, delicious breakfast treat that taste like oatmeal raisin cookies. Yum! They are made with the hearty goodness of oatmeal and whole wheat flour, sweetness from brown sugar and raisins and buttermilk, which of course makes everything good. The first morning after I made these, Adam polished off six pancakes. In fact, he
As a token of my appreciation to you all, whether you're a longtime reader or a first-time visitor, it's giveaway time! It's a good one too ~ a $50 gift card to Williams-Sonoma. This is the least I can do to say thank you for making Alida's Kitchen, and hopefully some tasty recipes, a part of your day. On a non-food related note, I have some news.
Happy New Year! For a special New Year's Day breakfast, I made these Apriot White Chocolate Scones. I always forget how quick and easy scones are to make, plus they are much more economical to make at home than to buy them from a local coffee shop. Tastier too! The slight tartness of the dried apricots and the sweetness of the white chocolate chips are such a wonderful complement. I
The other day, I posted the most popular recipes from 2012 based on what you've viewed. Those include many of our favorites as well, however today, I am sharing our picks from 2012. I did this last year, and the rule was that we just couldn't choose any from the top 10 most popular recipes. My intent was to select only twleve, but it was a challenge. So we made it a baker's doze
As we are nearing the end of 2012, it is time to look back at the most popular new recipes of the year ~ YOUR favorite recipes! Over a year and a half since starting Alida's Kitchen, it has been such a fun opportunity to share what goes on in our kitchen with you. My hope is to have inspired you to get in the kitchen, to try something new and/or different, to make something special for lov
Each week for the past 11 weeks, I have joined a group of bloggers in sharing a variety of holiday treats as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats (I missed week #1). I can't believe we started all the way back in September, and here we are less than a week away from Christmas! In the event you still have some holiday treats to make (or if you're like me and stockpi
A couple weeks ago, we got blasted with snow, and it's been a chilly December ever since. Definite soup weather! Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to check out Panera Bread's soup line...and am so glad that I did. While I'm not generally a soup person, I found a soup that I not only love, but have been dreaming of ever since! continue reading...
Cream Cheese Meltaways with Lemon Glaze are little bite-sized cookies that are a light and delicious addition to any holiday cookie platter. These cookies were a new addition this year, and they were an instant favorite! The lemon glaze gives just a hint of lemony sweetness to the cream cheesy butter cookies. The recipe for glaze makes plenty. You could probably get by with using half th
For several weeks now, I have been sharing favorite recipes for cookies, bars, and cakes to help make your holiday celebrations a little sweeter. In lieu of a recipe today, I am excited to share with you a secret weapon designed to help you save money and make your life a little easier ~ all with ease using a free app on your smart phone, called RedLaser. I tested out several of RedLaser's
When it comes to holiday baking, I enjoy trying new recipes, but I also like to have some go-to recipes. Standby recipes that are guaranteed to be crowd pleasers and are easy to make. For years, I have been trying to find that special recipe for a ginger cookies. These Chewy Ginger Cookies are the top contender for becoming that special recipe. They are super soft and chewy with the war
So I had a different treat to share with you today, but after making these Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies the other treat got bumped to another day. Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies are tasty, fun and festive...perfect for this time of year! The red and white cookie is a light-tasting peppermint butter cookie, and then topped with a chocolate kiss. After a test batch, I determined it nece
Every year I have a list of must-make holiday cookie recipes, including Peanut Blossoms, Pretzel Kiss Candies, something with ginger, as well as several others. It's always fun to add new recipes to the mix, and that is where the genius idea of a Cookie Exchange Party is great. You get the benefit of trying several new recipes without a) having to do all that work and b) the risk of making
My grandma was always impressive in the kitchen, especially with her holiday treats. This recipe she created for Caramel Bars is no exception! Most caramel bars I've had have been underwhelming and have had a relatively stiff caramel layer in the center. So is not the case with these Caramel Bars. The caramel layer is gooey, mel
Chicken fajitas are one of our favorite dishes, and I can't believe I haven't shared any of our favorite recipes yet! I have three recipes that are in a rotation. With the chilly months upon us, today I am sharing our winter go-to version...Baked Chicken Fajitas. This is such an easy recipe which, with a little advance prep work, can be a great weeknight dinne
So I couldn't help myself...I had to share one last pumpkin recipe with you. It's a good one. Pumpkin Surprise Cupcakes are a moist, delicious pumpkin cake with a cream cheese surprise in the middle. A little sprinkling of powdered sugar on top is all these cupcakes need before presenting, which makes them ideal for travel or eating at a gathering since they won't
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine pumpkin and cheesecake into a beautiful layered bar that are as delicious as they are simple to make. First you make a graham cracker crust. While that cools completely, you make the cheesecake filling, reserving a portion to add in some pumpkin. Pour the plain cheesecake layer over the crust. Dollop the pumpkin layer over th
Cranberry Cornbread puts a fun, fall/wintery twist on traditional cornbread. We have been making chili almost weekly these days, and of course what goes better with chili than cornbread. I used a cornbread muffin recipe from Cooking Light for the base, making a few adjustments to accommodate the cranberries. Fresh cranberries add just the right amount of tart
Sunny Blossoms are a peanut-free twist on the classic cookie. While Peanut Blossoms are always a favorite, the need for peanut-free treats are becoming more common. So in an effort to make a peanut-free alternative, enter Sunny Blossoms, made with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. I used my grandma's recipe as a base and went from there. Being
Pumpkin Bundt Cake is a simple and delicious pumpkin pound cake, with warm spices and pumpkin-y goodness throughout. What attracted me to this recipe, aside from a slight pumpkin obsession, is that the ingredients are simple pantry items that I have on hand at all times. What made me fall in love with the recipe, aside from it being delicious, was how easy it
With Halloween just around the corner, the excitement is building for fun costumes and candy. We always somehow end up with more candy than we need to give out (thanks to the person who buys the candy, *ahem* Mike). While that may be intentional, I'm always happy to try new and tasty recipes using "leftover" candy ~ these Mounds Brownies being one of them!
Easy Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are a simplified version of a chewy homemade Oreo cookie. The chocolate cookies are soft, yet sturdy and the filling is a sweetened cream cheese frosting. The dough literally took me 5 minutes minutes to whip together. I feared the dough would be gooey and messy to work with, but it was quite firm and rolled into balls by hand witho
