No Knead Bread

No Knead Bread Recipe

No Knead Bread Recipe

Meal Prep Made
This rustic bread recipe never fails! You don't even have to knead it. All you need to do is make sure you have a dutch oven big enough to fit the loaf and enough time to let the dough rise. We often serve this with soups or stews. You entire family will love it and it will impress your friends.
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 27 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 245 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving .24
Avg Recipe Cost $1.49

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 3 Cups Bread Flour
  • 2 Tsp Instant Yeast
  • 2 Tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1.5 Cups Very Warm Water

For Shaping the Dough

  • 1.5 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Sheet Parchment Paper

Instructions
 

Mixing the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl add the 3 cups of bread flour
  • Add the Instant yeast
  • Add the salt
  • Whisk it all together
  • Run the tap water until very warm, not hot- the temp of a very warm bath, add it to the flour mixture
  • Stir all the ingredients together, a wooden or heavy plastic spoon works well

Rising

  • Place a warm damp towel over the bowl in a warm area of the house.
  • After 1 hour check on its progress it should be rising some by now, if not you may have a yeast issue or a temperature issue. You can try moving it to a better spot and or add a different yeast. Because sometimes yeast has died.
  • Once you can confirm it is rising let it sit for another hour, it should be twice its original size. If you do not have time to bake it now, you can place it in the fridge. (it can stay safely in the fridge for the next 72 hours) Some people say this actually improves the breads flavor.

Heating The Oven and Dutch Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
  • This next step is critical to your breads out come. Place the empty dutch oven with the lid on in the oven for 30 minutes

Shaping and Cooking The Bread

  • Sprinkle your work surface with the 1 Tbsp of all purpose flour
  • Dust the top of the dough with the 1/2 Tbsp of flour
  • Scrape your dough from the bowl and turn onto the floured surface
  • Fold your dough about 6 folds to form the best circle shape you can- do not get hung up on it being perfect this is a rustic loaf
  • Move the dough onto the piece of parchment paper by flipping onto the middle of the paper . You can reshape here a little, if need be.
  • Carefully remove the pipping hot dutch oven and place it on top of your stove.
  • Carry the dough on the parchment paper and place it on the dutch oven. Try to get all the paper inside the pot
  • Place the cover on the dutch oven
  • Cook for 30 minutes with the cover on
  • Remove the cover and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes to reach the desired color and crust
  • Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before slicing
  • Slice into nice big chunks

Video

Notes

When you are making the dough it should be very sticky if it is not you can add a tablespoon of warm water
Conversely if it is too runny you can add a tablespoon of bread flour
If your yeast dies you can use a new batch of instant yeast or if you have some fast acting dissolve it in warm water and once you can smell a beer like smell ( that is the yeast) you can add it to your old dough. There is "no need" to start the whole dough over . Ha, lol see what I did there?

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 778mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bread
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Med Ch Meatballs

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Meal Prep Made
These are called Kafta or Kofta depending where in the Mediterranean you are. They are usually shaped more like a sausages or little footballs. We are putting our own spin on them and making them into round meatballs. These can be served with Tzatziki or Hummus or with a Greek Salad and, or some grains. The Lebanese 7 spice make these taste amazing and so different from a traditional Italian meatball. We even freeze them for meals on nights that we won't have time to make them. They freeze quite well.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 160 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving 1.11
Avg Recipe Cost $4.46

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Lb Ground Chicken
  • 2 Tbsp Parsley
  • 1 Tbsp 7 Spice Ground Cinnamon, Allspice, Coriander, Allspice, Nutmeg, Cumin and Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Onion
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Mint
  • 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flake
  • 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs
  • 1 Egg Yolk

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • Place a cooling rack directly on a baking sheet
  • Place the onion in the food processor
  • Add the parsley
  • Add the mint
  • Add the red pepper flake
  • Add the 7 spice and salt
  • Pulse until everything is chopped and incorporated
  • Add the ground chicken
  • Add the egg
  • Pulse until mixed, do not over process
  • Add 1/4 of the bread crumb and test the stickiness of the mixture. If it is too sticky to roll, add the other 1/4 of the bread crumbs
  • Remove the blade from the food processor and scoop one small handful at a time, roll the meat into balls by cupping the meat and moving both hand in opposite directions over the meat.
  • Place each ball approximately an inch apart to allow air to circulate around the entire surface.
  • Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes depending on the size of your balls. Internal temperature must reach 165 degrees F for the balls to be cooked properly.
  • Remove from the oven and place on your serving tray or plates

Video

Notes

We served these with homemade hummus and pita. These would be good with Tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 462mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1034IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken, easy, family, Healthy, Mediteranean
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Blistered Shishito Peppers

Blistered Shishito Peppers w Chili Lime Sauce Recipe

Blistered Shishito Peppers W Chili Lime Sauce Recipe

Meal Prep Made
Wow! These flavorful little peppers are full of flavor, with very little heat. The Chili Lime Sauce elevates each bite. Caution: the sauce will tempt you to double dip we suggest providing each person their own dipping sauce vessel.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6
Calories 44 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving $1.09
Avg Recipe Cost $6.59

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For The Peppers

For the Dipping Sauce

Instructions
 

For the Sauce

  • Finely mince the red Thai chili pepper
  • Cut and squeeze the juice of the lime into bowl
  • Add the soy sauce and the chili pepper and whisk together

For the Peppers

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
  • Wash the peppers and dry well
  • Add the peppers olive oil and salt to a bowl or reusable bag and toss well to coat the peppers
  • Pour the peppers onto a sheet of aluminum foil
  • Wrap the peppers in the foil
  • Place in the preheated oven and cook for for 4-5 minutes
  • Remove the peppers from the oven and open the foil to expose the peppers
  • Move the oven setting to broil
  • Place the peppers under the broiler for 2- 3 minutes more until they start start to blister
  • Serve the peppers with the individual dipping sauce

Video

Notes

I found a recipe for these Shishito peppers in a magazine many years ago. I clipped it and rather than it landing in a pile of other clippings folded between pages of my cook book for some reason it sat in my desk draw, taunting me every time I looked for something in my desk.
I was thrilled to recently find these peppers were available in many of my local supermarkets including Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Wegman's Super Markets. 
An interesting fact about Shishito peppers is that 1 out o 10 of these peppers can carry some heat. Make sure when you serve these that you inform your guests.
The sauce really elevates the peppers make sure not to skip it. 
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Don't worry you still pay the same price for items.

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 482mgPotassium: 177mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 287IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Dinner Party, easy, Entertaining, Healthy, Keto, Low Calorie, Vegan
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Bok Choy Stir Fry

Bok Choy Stir Fry w Beef Recipe

Bok Choy Stir Fry w Beef Recipe

Meal Prep Made
Bok Choy (aka Asian Cabbage) takes center stage in this delicious stir fry. Low in calories it comes in around 221 calories and so healthy! With the calorie count so low you could serve with your favorite grain. This could easily be a vegetarian option by omitting the beef, using vegetable stock, and black bean sauce in lieu of the oyster sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3
Calories 221 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving $2.42
Avg Recipe Cost $7.27

Ingredients
  

Stir Fry Sauce

The Stir Fry

  • 3 Cups Bok Choy
  • 1/4 Lb Beef Cut into thin strips for stir fry
  • 1/4 Cup Pea Pods
  • 1/2 Cup Carrots
  • 1/4 Cup Mushrooms
  • 1/4 Cup Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 2 Tsp Garlic
  • 2 Tsp Ginger
  • 1 Tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 Green onion Chopped

Instructions
 

  • Separate the Bok choy by pulling the leave apart
  • Wash the Bok choy and other veggies, set aside to dry. Pat with a paper towel before adding to hot oil or they will splatter oil.
  • Whisk the ingredients for the sauce together
  • Add the 3/4 of the oil to your wok on high heat
  • Add in the vegetables one by one starting with the carrots, them the peppers onions, and, pea pods. Stir to keep them from burning
  • Lower heat to med high
  • Add in the bok choy, ginger, and the garlic
  • Push all the veggies to the side and add the remaining oil
  • Drop in the stir fry beef and cook until it is browned do not over cook it or it will be tough
  • Add the sauce cook for 3 minutes to incorporate it all together
  • Add the sesame oil and cook for 1-2 minutes more
  • Garnish with the green onion and serve

Video

Notes

Serve over Jasmine rice, asian noodles, or other favorite grain.
The first time we made this we added the corn starch to the beef. I do not recommend doing this a it made a sticky mess in the wok to start. We have made it since and simply mix the cornstarch with the sauce. 
In the video we made this using some zucchini slices and while it was delish for the meal, the leftover meal prep dish was too watery- If you are planning to eat this as a meal prep do not use zucchini. 

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 1678mgPotassium: 524mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 7173IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 2mg
Keyword easy, Healthy, Low Calorie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
pancakesized

Strawberry Pancakes Recipe

Strawberry Pancakes Recipe

Meal Prep Made
Who doesn't love pancakes? The fluffier and crispier on the edges the better right? This recipe is a no fail for the best tasting strawberry pancakes. Add in our strawberry coulis (a fancy name for a strawberry syrup type topping) and you will be in breakfast heaven!
Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 316 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving .65
Avg Recipe Cost $1.96

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Flour
  • 1 Tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tbsp White Sugar
  • 3/4 Cup Milk
  • 2 Tsp White Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Ea Egg
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 Cup Strawberries

Instructions
 

  • In one mixing bowl mix the milk and vinegar and let is set for 3-4 minutes
  • Melt the 2 Tbsp of butter and set aside to cool slightly
  • In another mixing bowl add all your dry ingredients, the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  • Whisk them together this will add air into the mix that helps your pancakes to fluff
  • Add to the dry ingredients, the butter, vanilla, milk mixture and then last the egg
  • Stir until everything is combined, you willl still have some lumps that is okay in pancake batter
  • Spay your pan or griddle with cooking spray
  • Heat your pan or griddle on high heat
  • Drop a pad of butter in the middle
  • Once the butter is sizzling lower the heat to med-high
  • Using a ladle or ice cream scoop drop the batter into the hot pan and leave room to be able to flip the cakes
  • Place some sliced strawberries into the uncooked side
  • Once you see bubbles start to form in the cakes, check the bottoms and flip over
  • To make sure your cake is cooked all the way through gently pat the middle of the cake, it should be slightly springy not mushy

Video

Notes

Here is the link to the Strawberry Coulis Topping 
 
To cut calories you may substitute the sweetener. 
You may also want to increase the protein with a little vanilla protein powder
To make this even more appealing to children you can add chocolate chips or some whipped topping ( note you will be adding calories) 

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 797mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 171mgIron: 2mg
Keyword breakfast, budget, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
21

Strawberry Coulis Recipe

Strawberry Coulis Recipe (aka A Strawberry Syrup Topping)

Meal Prep Made
What can you do with the tart tasting strawberries or the ones that are starting to turn? Make a Strawberry Coulis, Syrup, Topping for Pancakes or a flavoring for greek yogurt. This is so easy and delicious only 2 ingredients.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 73 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving .65
Avg Recipe Cost $2.60

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pint Strawberries
  • 3 Tbsp Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Wash the berries
  • Remove the stems using a spoon
  • Add berries to the sauce pan
  • Add the sugar to the sauce pan
  • Cook on high heat until it starts to bubble a little on the sides
  • Lower heat to med low and cook for 10 minutes
  • Mash with the masher or a fork and knife to help break up the berries
  • Remove from heat and cool
  • The sauce will thicken as it cooks
  • Once cooled pour into a mason jar and refrigerate until ready to use

Video

Notes

Add more of less sugar for your desired sweetness, 
You can exchange the sugar in the recipe for your favorite sweetener to lower the calories in this recipe. 

Nutrition

Calories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword easy, Healthy, Sweet
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Mini Quiche

Mini Quiche

Mini Quiche

Meal Prep Made
We love mini quiche in the morning. Not only are they a great handheld grab and go item. These little lovelies can be frozen and defrosted for later. We make ours with onions, peppers, cheese, and sometimes ham. But the sky is the limit to what flavors you can create. If you love mushrooms, spinach and or cheese... go for it. This is a great clean up the fridge item to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American, French
Servings 6
Calories 410 kcal
Avg Cost Per Serving .98
Avg Recipe Cost $5.89

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Eggs
  • 1 Bell Pepper
  • 1 Onion
  • 3/4 Cup Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 2 Pie Crusts The rolled kind
  • Cooking Spray
  • Salt to Taste
  • Pepper to Taste
  • 1 Tsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Flour So the pie crust does not stick to the board

Instructions
 

  • Preheat you oven to 375°F
  • Spray your muffin tin with the cooking spray
  • Wash and cut your bell pepper
  • Peel and rough cut your onion
  • Heat the frying pan over medium heat
  • Add the olive oil
  • Add your peppers and onions and cook until glistening
  • Flour a cutting board
  • Unroll the dough
  • Using a biscuit cutter, or something of equal shape cut as many circles as you can
  • Place a circle in each cup of the pan
  • Repeat with the other pie dough
  • Press the dough to the side of the pan to work our any over laps
  • Cut your cheese into small chunks
  • Crack the eggs into your measuring cup
  • Add the milk to your eggs
  • Whisk the eggs and milk and set aside
  • Divide your cheese between the spots in the muffin pan
  • Add your fillings and pour the egg mixture to about 3/4 the way full
  • Repeat
  • Add salt and pepper
  • You may choose to top with a bit of grated cheese (not included in calorie count)
  • Cook for 22-25 minutes until you are sure the egg has set up.
  • Cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing
  • Eat right away or wrap in wax paper for refrigeration for up to 3 days or freeze

Video

Notes

In this recipe we use the store-bought pie crusts however feel free to make your own if you prefer.  In the video we show you how creative you can be with various flavors. Nutritional data was calculated with the pepper onion cheese recipe. 

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 13gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 226mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1034IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 166mgIron: 2mg
Keyword breakfast, brunch, egg, Entertaining
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!