Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

These heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with your loved ones. The classic combination of buttery cookie dough and semisweet chocolate chips will surely win hearts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Melt the butter and mix it with the white sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy

Add the eggs one at a time and beat in

Then add the vanilla extract and mix well

Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a different bowl

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix them together until they are just combined

Add the semisweet chocolate chips and mix them in

Before you start cooking, heat the oven to 375F 190C

On a floured surface, roll out the cookie dough until it's about 1/4 inch thick

Cut out hearts from the dough with cookie cutters that look like hearts

Then, put the hearts on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper

Carefully roll out the rest of the dough again, and keep cutting out heart shapes

After the oven is hot, bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden

After taking the cookies out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool all the way down

The cookies are ready to be eaten once they are completely cool

Vegan Diwali Ladoo

For the holiday season, these vegan Diwali ladoos are a delicious treat. They are rich and flavorful, made with chickpea flour, nuts, and fragrant spices. They are great for sharing with family and friends during Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpea flour besan
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan margarine or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• A pinch of saffron strands

Instructions:

On low heat, roast chickpea flour besan in a dry pan until it smells good and turns golden brown

Leave to cool

Melt the coconut oil or vegan margarine in a different pan over low heat

Mix the roasted chickpea flour into the melted oil or margarine until everything is well mixed together

Take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit

Powdered sugar, chopped almonds, chopped pistachios, ground cardamom, and saffron strands should all be added to the mix

Mix everything together well

Let the mixture cool down until it's safe to work with

Use your hands to shape small amounts of the mixture into round balls, called ladoos

Mix it again and again until it's all gone

If you want, you can decorate the ladoos with more chopped nuts

Put in a container that won't let air in

Feel free to serve and enjoy the vegan Diwali ladoos!

Crock-Pot Pork Sirloin Tip Roast with Creamy Mushroom Gravy

This pork sirloin tip roast in the crock pot with creamy mushroom gravy is a hearty and tasty meal that's great for busy weeknights. It's all done by the slow cooker, which adds flavor to the pork and keeps it moist and tender. The creamy mushroom gravy makes the dish taste even better by giving it more depth and richness.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork sirloin tip roast
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions:

Place chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in the bottom of a slow cooker

Season the pork roast with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then place it on top of the onions and mushrooms

In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth

Pour the mixture over the pork roast

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving plate

Keep warm

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth

Stir the mixture into the gravy in the slow cooker

Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened

Slice the pork roast and serve with creamy mushroom gravy spooned over the top

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired

Thanksgiving Turkey Stew

This Thanksgiving Turkey Stew is comforting and easy to make in the Instant Pot. Great for a holiday meal without a lot of stress!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey, cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Season turkey pieces with salt and pepper

Set Instant Pot to saut mode and heat olive oil

Brown turkey pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside

Saut onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened

Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly

Add turkey back to the pot along with thyme, rosemary, and sage

Seal Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 15 minutes

After cooking, natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release

Stir in green beans, peas, and heavy cream

Set Instant Pot to saut mode again and cook until vegetables are tender

Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot

Gluten-Free Quinoa Feta Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring protein-rich quinoa, tangy feta cheese, and crisp vegetables, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Put the quinoa and water in a medium-sized saucepan

Once it starts to boil, lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is soft and the water is absorbed

When the quinoa is done, use a fork to fluff it up and move it to a large mixing bowl to cool down a bit

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta cheese should all be added to the bowl with the quinoa

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl with a whisk

Add the dressing to the salad and gently toss to mix

If you think the seasoning needs to be changed, do so and then serve right away

For better flavor, chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving

Vegan Eggplant Bacon BLT

This is a vegan take on the traditional BLT sandwich. It has fresh lettuce, tomato, and avocado, as well as crispy eggplant slices seasoned with soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole wheat sandwich bread slices
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375F 190C

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper

Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Brush both sides of eggplant slices with the marinade mixture

Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant slices are crispy

Toast the bread slices until lightly browned

Spread vegan mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice

Layer lettuce, tomato, avocado, and eggplant bacon on two slices of bread

Season with salt to taste

Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches

Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately

Beet and Pomegranate SaladDelish

This Beet and Pomegranate SaladDelish is a great mix of sweet and savory tastes. It has mixed greens, feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts. It also has roasted beets and juicy pomegranate seeds. This bright salad has a tangy and slightly sweet touch from the balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Put the pomegranate seeds and diced roasted beets in a large bowl

Add the mixed salad greens and mix them in gently

Break up the feta cheese and chop the walnuts and sprinkle them on top of the salad

Add the honey, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and pepper with a whisk

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it around to cover it all

Serve right away and enjoy!

Cherry Blossom Macaroon

Delicate and lovely pastries with a hint of cherry blossom flavor are called Cherry Blossom Macarons. These are the ideal dessert for springtime or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry blossom extract
• Pink food coloring optional
• Cherry blossom petals for garnish optional

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300F 150C

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a food processor, pulse almond flour and powdered sugar together until well combined

Sift the mixture into a large mixing bowl and discard any larger almond pieces

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy

Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat

Beat until stiff peaks form

Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg white mixture, being careful not to overmix

If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring and cherry blossom extract, and gently fold until the batter is smooth and slightly runny

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip

Pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one

Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles, and let the macarons sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until they form a skin

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the macarons have formed a firm shell and do not stick to your finger when touched

Remove from the oven and allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet

Once cooled, gently remove them from the parchment paper and sandwich them together with cherry blossom ganache or your preferred filling

If desired, garnish with cherry blossom petals for an elegant touch

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Blossom Macarons!

Gluten-Free Pressure Cooker Whole Pumpkin

This recipe for a gluten-free whole pumpkin cooked in a pressure cooker makes a dish that is perfectly soft and flavorful, perfect for any fall meal. Garlic, herbs, and vegetable broth are mixed into the pumpkin to give it a deliciously savory taste. This dish is both impressive and easy to make. Your family and friends will love it.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pumpkin
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Wash the pumpkin thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris

Cut the top off of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers

In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper

Rub the garlic and herb mixture all over the inside and outside of the pumpkin

Pour vegetable broth into the bottom of the pressure cooker

Place a trivet or steamer basket in the pressure cooker and carefully set the pumpkin on top

Lock the lid in place and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 15 minutes

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure

Carefully remove the pumpkin from the pressure cooker and transfer it to a serving platter

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving

Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

These water chestnuts wrapped in bacon are the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and savory. You can serve them as an appetizer and your guests will love them!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb water chestnuts, drained
• 1 lb bacon, cut into thirds
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

Wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick

Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in the slow cooker

In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder

Pour the sauce over the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in the slow cooker

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until bacon is crispy and sauce is thickened

Coffee-Marinated Burger

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this coffee-marinated burger. The brewed coffee adds a unique depth of flavor to the juicy, lean ground beef. It's a perfect high-protein dinner option that will satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole wheat burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Cheese slices optional
• Condiments of your choice ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions:

Mix the lean ground beef, brewed coffee, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, diced onion, salt, and black pepper in a bowl

Cut the mixture into four equal parts and use your hands to form them into burger patties

Warm up your grill or griddle on the stove over medium-high heat and oil it so that food doesn't stick

Cook the coffee-marinated burger patties on the grill or griddle for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare burgers

You can change the cooking time to get the level of doneness you like

Put a slice of cheese on top of each patty in the last minute of cooking so it melts

Toast the whole wheat burger buns briefly on the grill or in a toaster while the burgers are cooking

Put lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on the bottom bun of each burger to make it

Place the cooked burger patty that has been marinated in coffee on top

Then, add any toppings you like

To finish the burger, put the top bun on top of the toppings

Feel free to serve your Coffee-Marinated Burger hot and enjoy!