Blog - Page 22 of 41 - Ahead of Thyme

Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potluck lunches, or Easter. They are fast to make with just a handful of simple ingredients, yet loaded with flavor. Plus, they store well and can be made ahead and assembled just before serving.

Why You'll Love Deviled Eggs

Quick and easy to make. Deviled eggs may seem like a complex dish, especially when they are piped so beautifully, but that myth will be dispelled once you make it for the first time. Deviled eggs are ready in just 20 minutes and taste delicious fresh or prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
A simple yet decadent filling. This deviled egg recipe is classic, simple, and oh so good. The filling is made with all the traditional ingredients you'd expect to find in a deviled egg filling, including egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. But you'll also find one optional secret ingredient to spice things up: red pepper powder. They are basically like a handheld egg salad sandwich without the bread
They're a well-loved appetizer. If you bring these deviled eggs to a potluck, party, or serve them at your own event, you can rest assured that they'll be a hit. Deviled eggs are one of the easiest and tastiest appetizers to serve to a crowd, whether it's for a holiday (hello Easter) or a casual get-together.

Fun Fact

Deviled eggs get their name from the slight acidity of vinegar and spice of paprika-back in the day, anything with a bite of spice used to be considered "deviled." With this recipe, you have the option to make your deviled eggs even more devilish with a dash of spicy red pepper powder.

Ingredient Notes

To make these classic Deviled Eggs, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

eggs
mayonnaise
mustard
white vinegar
salt and pepper
red pepper powder (optional to make it spicy)
smoked paprika
finely chopped herbs - such as chives, dill, or parsley (optional, to sprinkle on top).

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a cooking pot to boil the eggs, a mixing bowl, and a piping bag and star tip (if piping the filling in).

Flavour Variations for Deviled Eggs

You can never go wrong with a classic recipe. However, if you want to venture out a little, you definitely can. This recipe is 100% versatile. Use it as a base and change it up by switching up the seasonings or adding extra ingredients. Try adding any of these ingredients for a twist:

chopped dill, parsley, or scallions
bacon bits
shredded cheddar cheese
tuna and pickles
hummus

How to Make the Best Classic Deviled Eggs

Boil the eggs. Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with water so that there is 1-2 inches of water above the eggs. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside for 14 minutes. Run eggs through cold water for 1 minute.

Separate the yolks. Carefully peel the eggs and slice them lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place in a medium mixing bowl. Set egg whites aside.
Make the filling. Using a fork, mash the yolks until crumbly. Add mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add red pepper powder for a spicy kick (optional), and mix together until smooth and creamy.

Fill the egg whites. Spoon the mixture in a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe the mixture into the egg whites in a circular motion starting at the edges and ending in the center until they are filled. You can also just use a spoon to scoop the mixture into the egg whites.

Serve. Sprinkle paprika and chopped herbs on top. Serve immediately, or place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

DIY piping bag: No piping bag? No problem. Just spoon the mixture into a zip-top bag instead. Cut off the corner of the bag to form the tip, and don't worry about any special piping tips. This is still easier than spooning the mixture into each egg!
Make ahead instructions: You cook the eggs and prepare the filling in advance. Store the filling into a piping bag or ziploc bag and seal tightly so that there is no air in the bag. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Then pipe the filling into the egg whites and serve.
How to store: Deviled eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days. If you are not planning to serve them right away, they should also be stored in the refrigerator immediately after being assembled.
Travelling with deviled eggs: If you're making deviled eggs to serve somewhere else, use a zip-top bag for a piping bag, but don't cut the tip off. Transport the filling and the egg whites separately. Then, quickly fill and garnish the eggs at your destination.

More Egg Recipes

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French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Easy French macarons with vanilla buttercream filling are sweet, light, airy, and delicate cookies that literally melt in your mouth. Smooth macaron shells with the perfect feet are filled with a delicious buttercream filling and sandwiched together. I'm sharing all my tips and tricks that answers our most common ready FAQs with troubleshooting tips so that you can make the perfect macaron, even as a beginner!

Why You'll Love Homemade French Macarons

Classic and pretty cookie. Macarons are delicate, pretty, and delightful treats. What is not to love? These gluten-free cookies are great when you are craving something sweet. They also freeze well so you can make a big batch and save the rest to satisfy last-minute sugar cravings. They are also perfect packaged up and gifted to family and friends.
Perfect for any occasion. What better way to celebrate love than with a delicious French treat. The French just know how to do it best. Whether you are celebrating love on Valentine's Day, at a bridal or baby shower, or just because, you can't go wrong with classic French macarons with vanilla buttercream filling.
Cheaper to make at home. Macarons are one of my favorite cookies. But when they are sold at $5 dollars each, it kind of starts taking a toll on the wallet. After a little practice with this French macaron recipe, you can whip up a batch of homemade macarons that look and taste just like you picked them up from a fancy French bakery. They are the perfect macarons.

Ingredient Notes

To make delicious and delicate French Macarons, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

almond flour - you will need to use fine almond flour (NOT almond meal which has a coarser texture). You can also make your own almond flour by grinding skinless, unsalted, raw almonds to a super fine powder. You will need a heavy duty blender for this.
confectioners' sugar
egg whites - at room temperature.
granulated sugar
pure vanilla extract
vanilla buttercream filling - made with a combination of unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, and pure vanilla extract.

Equipment

To make french macarons, you will need:

measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale
mixing bowl
piping bag and large ½ inch round tip
silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
large half sheet baking pan
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Combine the dry ingredients. Combine almond flour and confectioners' sugar in a bowl and whisk together. Pass mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down on clumps.
Beat egg whites. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) on medium speed for 2 minutes until soft peaks form. Add the granulated sugar and beat on high for 2 more minutes until glossy stiff peaks form. Add vanilla and beat on high for another 30 seconds.

Fold in dry ingredients. Gently fold in dry ingredients and repeat until mixture is smooth and shiny (with no visible dry ingredients), and begins to run a little but not too runny. Think lava consistency. Do not overfold.

Pipe the macaron shells. Take a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch round tip and fill with the macaron batter. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and pipe batter into ¾-inch round circles, 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheet firmly against the counter to release any air bubbles.
Allow macarons to form a skin. Let macarons stand at room temperature for 30 minutes until they form a skin.
Bake the macarons. Preheat oven to 325 F. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway, until cookies have risen and just set. The cookies should be able to just come off the baking sheet when you try to lift them. Let cool for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.

How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Filling for Macarons

Vanilla buttercream is so easy to make in minutes using a handful of pantry staples. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream butter until soft and smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and mix until light and fluffy.

Vanilla buttercream filling not your thing? Well, if you think that classic french macarons with vanilla buttercream filling are boring, well these macarons are versatile. You can make fill some of the macaron shells with salted caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, raspberry jam or strawberry jam. How cute would that be for Valentine's Day? Yes, please!

How to Assemble French Macarons

Transfer the buttercream filling into a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe a swirl of filling on half the cookies. Sandwich cookies together with the remaining halves to make a cookie sandwich.

How to Store Macarons

How long do French macarons last? You can store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Macarons

Can I double this recipe? If you want to double the recipe, I would recommend making 2 separate batches, rather than doubling the ingredients in one batch.
Can I substitute regular flour for almond flour? No, you cannot substitute regular flour for almond flour in macarons. It will completely change the taste and texture.
How can I customize the colors? You can easily customize the colors of your macaron shells by adding gel food coloring to the batter. I recommend gel food coloring because it doesn't change the consistency of the batter.

Troubleshooting

Why didn't my macarons have feet? This normally happens if you don't let the macarons develop a skin for a full 30 minutes at room temperature before being placed into the oven. This can also be caused by overfolding the batter, resulting in the macarons not having "feet" or raw edges.
Why do my macarons have a pointy top? This happens if the batter is underfolded. It can also happen if you do not tap the tray with the piped macarons on the counter to release the air bubbles, which will help smooth out the macarons.
Why are my macarons lumpy and bumpy? This can happen if you do not sift the almond flour through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps. It can also happen if the batter is not mixed properly.
Why did my macarons crack? This can happen if there is too many air bubbles in the batter. To keep them from cracking, you need to tap the tray with the piped macarons on the counter to release the air bubbles, to help smooth out the macarons.
Why are my macaron shells flat or hollow? This can happen if the egg whites are not whipped to stiff peaks. Overmixing can also cause hollow shells because it causes the air bubbles to deflate during the baking process. Hollow macarons can also result if you take them out of the oven too early.

Tried this recipe?

Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

Skillet cinnamon rolls are sweet, buttery, and delicious. The soft and fluffy dough is filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a homemade cream cheese glaze that takes these rolls to the next level. These cinnamon buns are easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and a family favorite. We love making them in a skillet because we end up with larger rolls just like Cinnabon.

Why You'll Love Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

The soft and fluffy dough. When it comes to cinnamon rolls, it's all about that soft and fluffy dough - and these rolls do not disappoint. They are golden brown on outside with the fluffiest pillowy dough and a moist and tender centre.
The sweet cinnamon filling. It doesn't get more classic than a simple cinnamon sugar filling to give these skillet cinnamon rolls their iconic taste. When you tear apart these rolls, you'll be indulging even before you take that first bite.
The homemade cream cheese glaze. The homemade glaze is ready in just a couple of minutes with a few ingredients. It complements these cinnamon rolls so well and can be spread over top of them or served on the side.
Easy to make ahead. Give yourself a few hours to make these skillet cinnamon rolls in one day or prep everything in advance and pop them into the refrigerator overnight and bake them first thing in the morning. I mean, what is better than freshly baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast or brunch?

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these delicious Skillet Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour
instant yeast
salt
granulated sugar
milk
butter
egg
cinnamon sugar filling - butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
cream cheese icing - made with cream cheese, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and confectioners' sugar. You can also make a simple glaze with just confectioners' sugar and water.

Use room temperature ingredients

When it comes to baking, being precise will result in success. Be sure to use room temperature ingredients (milk, butter, and cream cheese). Allow your ingredients to sit out on the counter for about an hour before you get to work.

Equipment

You will also need a kitchen scale (and/or measuring cups and spoons), mixing bowls, rolling pin, and a 10-inch skillet or other baking pan.

How to Make the Best Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

First, prepare the dough.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. Add in milk, butter, and egg. Stir well with a spatula until no dry flour is visible. Make sure to scrape off any remaining flour off the sides of the bowl.

Then, knead the dough.

Transfer the dough mixture onto a clean and dry surface. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it turns into a soft and smooth dough ball. Because of the high fat content (butter and milk) in this recipe, the dough is much softer to knead by hand. You can also knead the dough on medium speed in a stand mixer for 10 minutes until smooth.

Tips for Kneading Dough

How to knead dough: Knead the dough by pushing it down and outward using the palms of your hands. Fold the dough in half toward you and press down. Repeat this motion by pushing the dough down and outward, and then folding over towards you. This helps build up gluten strength in dough that is responsible for making the bread fluffy.
How to test if dough is well-kneaded: A well-kneaded dough is smooth and can hold its shape. You can test the dough by giving it a firm poke with your finger. The indentation should bounce right back. If it doesn't bounce back and stays like a dimple, keep kneading for a few more minutes.

Finally, let it rise (first rise).

Transfer the dough back into the mixing bowl, lightly grease the dough ball with a little bit of oil and cover with a lid. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

How to Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle measuring about 18x12-inches.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter.
Roll up the dough tightly into a log and pinch the end edges to seal.
Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the rolled log into 8-12 even pieces (depending on the size of your skillet or baking pan), about 2-inches thick. Arrange the rolls into a greased skillet.

Second Rise

Cover the skillet with plastic cling wrap and let it rise (second rise) for 30-45 minutes or until the rolls almost double in size.

Optionally, you can let the rolls rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight and bake it the next morning in a preheated oven.

How to Bake Cinnamon Buns

Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Let the cinnamon rolls cool down for 10 minutes before icing or serving.

How to Make Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls

The cream cheese icing is ridiculously easy to make. Simply combine softened cream cheese, milk, honey, and icing sugar in a bowl and use a whisk or spoon to mix until smooth. Then, spread the cream cheese icing over the cinnamon rolls and serve.

How to Serve

Serve these Skillet Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. I like including it on a weekend brunch spread along with some other favorites such as:

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make ahead instructions: You can prepare these skillet cinnamon rolls up to a day in advance, following the recipe up until the second rise. Then, allow the rolls to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight and bake it the next day in a preheated oven for fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning.
How to store: To keep cinnamon buns fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container or covered in plastic cling wrap at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Wait until the cake has cooled down to room temperature before storing to avoid it from getting soggy. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to one week, but they will firm up.
How to freeze: Cinnamon rolls are also freezer-friendly! Wrap them tightly in plastic cling wrap and in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to reheat: Enjoy cinnamon rolls at room temperature, or reheat them in a 300 F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

More Baked Goods

Tried this recipe?

Easter Brunch Menu

Easter morning it's all about gathering with family and friends and enjoying a delicious breakfast or brunch together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So if you are wondering "what to make for Easter brunch", you are in the right place. We are sharing over 50 Easter breakfast and brunch recipes in this Easter Brunch Menu including everything from egg breakfasts, sweet baked goods, cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, breakfast casseroles, easy savory brunch items, and more Easter brunch recipes.

Best Easter Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Soft and fluffy lemon sweet rolls are filled with a lemon vanilla sugar and topped with homemade lemon cream cheese icing. They're sweet, citrusy, and tart. One of my favorite Easter breakfast and brunch recipes.

Spring Vegetable Frittata

Spring vegetable frittata is a delicious breakfast or served at any time of the day. It's a one-pan meal that starts on the stove and moves to the oven. A perfect Easter breakfast and brunch idea!

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns is a timeless classic Easter bread made with raisins, cinnamon, and a honey glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack alongside your Easter breakfast and brunch.

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Carrot Cake Pancakes combine two of the best foods, are fluffy soft and moist, loaded with classic flavors, and are ready in 15 minutes from prep to table!

Quick and Easy Butter Croissants

Quick and easy butter croissants are flaky, buttery, airy, and authentic, and are made in the fraction of the time using a special simplified technique. One of my favorite Easter breakfast recipes.

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is an easy vegetarian breakfast bake loaded with veggies. It is completely customizable and can be made ahead of time. The perfect Easter brunch recipe.

Spinach Quiche

Spinach Quiche is a golden, savory classic with a tender flaky crust and a rich, creamy egg filling that's packed with flavor. Surprisingly easy to make!

Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Showstopping carrot bundt cake with cream cheese glaze is light, fluffy, and moist. It's loaded with sugar, spice, and everything nice -- including grated carrots. One of the sweetest Easter breakfast and brunch recipes.

Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast Potatoes are crispy on the outside while soft and tender inside. These skillet potatoes are delicious, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.

Asparagus Tart

Asparagus tart with Gruyère cheese, a balsamic glaze, and flaky puff pastry, is a flavourful and delicious addition to brunch or an Easter appetizer this spring season.

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Start your Easter off right with the coziest Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, with all the flavors of the classic dessert - but for breakfast!

French Toast

This Classic French Toast is light and fluffy, crisp and browned on the edges, and so delicious. The best part? Breakfast is ready in under 15 minutes.

Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs are a simple and easy to whip up, a delicious Easter brunch recipe, or a go-to appetizer for lunch. It's perfect for a party or picnic too.

Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and fluffy skillet cinnamon rolls are filled with classic cinnamon sugar and topped with homemade cream cheese icing. Sweet, buttery, and delicious.

Mini Pancakes (Silver Dollar Pancakes)

Mini Pancakes (Silver Dollar Pancakes) are the fluffy, fun-sized version of classic pancakes. They're easy to make using a handful of everyday ingredients.

Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs

Roasted asparagus with poached eggs and fresh herbs is a classy, elevated spring meal that will leave you feeling light, but completely satisfied. It's the perfect Easter breakfast recipe.

Duchess Potatoes

Duchess Potatoes (Pommes Duchesse) are rich, creamy whipped bites of potatoes with crispy edges and a soft fluffy mashed potato centre. A fancy side dish!

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad is a creamy, nutritious twist on the classic egg salad by adding avocado. Quick and easy to make as a sandwich, wrap, or on its own.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake muffins are moist, light, chewy and full of carrots which means breakfast this week is healthy! Carrot muffins are great for meal prep too. A classic Easter brunch recipe.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Layer fresh fruits, creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola to make this fruit and yogurt parfait for a delicious and healthy breakfast or a simple snack.

Breakfast Strata

Breakfast Strata is a hearty baked casserole dish loaded with bread, eggs, ham, cheese, and veggies that will keep you full until lunchtime.

Easy Homemade Everything Bagels

Easy homemade everything bagels with a signature everything bagel seasoning blend on top are just like bakery-style bagels and so easy to make at home.

Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones

Glazed lemon blueberry scones are total breakfast goals. Blueberries and lemon partner together in a light, tender and flakey scone, drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze that is nothing short of impressive for Easter brunch.

Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a quick and easy way to meal prep breakfast on-the-go, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon or salami, and green onions. Make 12 in 30 minutes.

Best Old Fashioned Pancakes

The Best Old Fashioned Pancakes are soft, tender, fluffy, and so easy to make. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for lazy Sunday mornings!

Hash Browns

These crispy Hash Browns have a crisp, golden exterior and are soft inside - the defining features of a good hash brown. Make in just 20 minutes!

Triple Berry French Toast

Triple berry french toast with warm slices of bread, creamy egg mixture, an overload of berries, and drizzled maple syrup on top... should I even continue?

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy. They are easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients, then cooked on the grill.

Brioche Bread

Brioche bread is a buttery, soft and pillowy pastry-like bread rich in flavour with a beautiful golden brown crust. Made with 20 minutes of prep work.

Potato Galette with Arugula and Creme Fraîche

Potato galette with arugula and crème fraîche is a rich, light, and delicious savoury tart to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A total crowd-pleaser at your Easter brunch.

Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Add something refreshing to brunch with this go to, simple and colourful fruit salad. Just toss a handful of fruits together in a honey lemon dressing and dig in.

This Summer Fruit Salad is colorful, delicious, and naturally sweet (no processed sugar!). It's easy to make with fresh fruit tossed in a homemade dressing. | aheadofthyme.com

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado Toast with Egg is the perfect recipe to make for breakfast when you are short on time but looking for something delicious, healthy, and nutritious.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a quick and easy, one-pan Middle Eastern classic with a savory saucy tomato-vegetable base and perfectly poached eggs on top.

Star Bread

This pull-apart star bread is a beautiful, buttery, sugary, and delicious holiday bread that tastes as good as it looks and is actually easy to make.

Nutty Banana Bread

When you combine walnuts, raisins and dried fruit in a nutty banana bread, the result is a tender and moist loaf that is truly irresistible.

Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled Egg Salad is the perfect spring side dish! It has the signature tang and smokiness of deviled eggs with the pillowy texture of egg salad.

Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust

Spinach and feta quiche is healthy and gluten-free with a keto cauliflower crust and savoury vegetarian filling. The perfect breakfast to give you the energy to do all the things you want to do on Christmas morning.

Spinach and feta quiche is healthy and gluten-free with a keto cauliflower crust and savoury vegetarian filling. Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

Blueberry Pancakes

There's nothing better in the morning than thick, soft, fluffy blueberry pancakes, loaded with fresh berries, topped with butter, and soaked in maple syrup.

Green Smoothie Bowl

This green smoothie bowl is healthy, delicious, and nutritious. It's quick and easy to make in just minutes, for a quick energy boost to start the day.

Easy Challah Bread

Beautiful three-strand braided loaves of easy challah bread are light, soft and fluffy, with a golden brown crust. Rich in flavour and slightly sweet. I love to include this in our Easter breakfast spread.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Fluffy soft and moist, these are the best banana chocolate chip muffins ever. Prep this easy one bowl recipe in less than 10 minutes with a few ingredients.

Cinnamon Apple Granola

Make Easter brunch a little easier by prepping this delicious and easy cinnamon apple granola aka apple pie granola ahead of time and I promise you'll never buy store-bought again.

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Easy lemon blueberry bread with lemon glaze is soft, moist, and delicious. This quick bread with fresh blueberries and lemon is the perfect summer dessert.

Carrot Cake Biscotti

Carrot cake biscotti is crunchy, crumbly, and satisfies all your carrot cake cravings. Enjoy these Italian cookies as is or with white chocolate.

Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Twist Bread

Soft and fluffy sourdough cinnamon roll twist bread is buttery and layered with cinnamon sugar. Prep it the night before and freshly bake it for breakfast.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Peanut Butter Banana Toast is an incredibly simple yet healthy breakfast that's ready in a just 5 minutes. It's quick, satisfying, and protein-packed.

Nutella Crepes

Nutella crepes with berries are sweet and indulgent. These French pancakes are an easy to make blender recipe that will have you craving breakfast all day.

Caprese Frittata

Caprese Frittata is light and fluffy, laced with fresh basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and blistered balsamic tomatoes. Ready in 10 minutes! A go-to Easter breakfast recipe for easy entertaining.

Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake

Chocolate and vanilla marble cake is delicious, moist, fluffy with the perfect golden brown crust. With two classic cake flavors, this loaf cake has it all.

Easter Brunch Tips

Plan your menu ahead of time. You can prepare a lot of these Easter brunch recipes in advance (including all the baked goods), and store them in an airtight container for a few days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Some of these Easter breakfast recipes can also be made even further in advance and frozen. Check each recipe for full make ahead and storing instructions.
Prep your ingredients. If you aren't able to make something completely in advance then prepare as much as you can ahead of time - whether that's chopping ingredients, making dough, or prepping and storing in the refrigerator until ready to be baked in the oven.
Set the table the night before. If you are hosting a brunch for family and friends, set up the table the night before with fancy spring themed plates, mugs, flatware, placemats, and napkins. It's one less thing to worry about on Easter morning.

More Easter Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Easter Breakfast and Brunch Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of Easter breakfast and brunch recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Lemon Butter Pasta

Lemon butter pasta is quick and easy to make, light yet filling, and loaded with flavor. This spaghetti is a delicious twist on classic buttered noodles with added garlic and lemon which makes them taste so much better. You'll be surprised at just how few ingredients can come together to create something so good. The best part? It's ready in just 15 minutes including prep! Weeknight dinners have never been better.

Why You'll Love Lemon Butter Pasta

It's quick and easy. There is nothing more satisfying after a long day than coming home and spending just 15 minutes to prepare and cook dinner. That's right. This lemon butter pasta takes just 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients before you are ready to eat it. And if you substitute a fast-cooking pasta like angel hair, you can cut the time in half.
Loaded with flavor and delicious. This lemon butter pasta is a a twist on a classic buttered pasta. Added garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and chili flakes (if you want a little kick) completely transforms this dish and adds so much extra flavor.
The kids love it. I don't know any kid who doesn't like buttered pasta. This version is also kid-friendly, especially if you leave out the chili flakes (and maybe the parsley if your kid is averse to seeing anything green!).

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these delicious Lemon Butter Pasta, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

spaghetti - I like using spaghetti noodles or any long pasta like linguini or fettuccine in this dish. But you can feel free to use any shaped pasta that you like. And, if you substitute a fast-cooking pasta like angel hair, you can cut the cook time in half!
butter - you can substitute with olive oil or use a combination of the two for a healthier option.
garlic
parsley
Parmesan cheese
lemon juice
salt and pepper
crushed red pepper flakes - this is optional. It adds a slight kick and balances out the flavor of the lemon juice quite nicely.

Lemon butter pasta is so delicious and flavorful. But you can switch up the flavors by adding in some other seasonings of your choosing. Some suggestions are: dried oregano, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large cooking pot, and 12-inch skillet.

How to Make the Best Lemon Butter Pasta

Cook pasta. Bring a large cooking pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the hot pasta water in a small bowl. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Make lemon butter sauce. Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling and bubbling, about 1. minute. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Stir well until smooth and bring it to a simmer, about 1 minute.
Toss in pasta. Add drained spaghetti and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve. Serve immediately with extra parsley and Parmesan on top, if desired.

How to Serve Lemon Pasta

There are many dishes and sides that you can serve with this delicious lemon pasta. Some of my favorite to pair this pasta with are:

Storing Instructions

How to store: Keep leftover lemon butter pasta in the fridge for up to 4-5 days inside an airtight container. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
How to reheat: Lemon butter pasta reheats well in the microwave. Cover pasta in a vented container and heat on medium to low heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, mixing occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

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Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

Creamless cream of asparagus soup is healthy and delicious, smooth and creamy, and so quick and easy to make. Loaded with fresh vegetables and simple seasonings that pack on flavor, this soup is great for a last minute lunch or dinner when you just don't have enough time to spend in the kitchen. It's especially delicious in the spring when asparagus are fresh in season. Plus, it stores well and is freezer-friendly so you can make a big batch of healthy asparagus soup and save it for another day.

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the cherry blossoms are blooming. Spring has finally sprung! And with the new season comes a new harvest of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Asparagus has got to be the most iconic vegetable of the season. Take advantage of this in-season crop and savour its glorious flavour in a delicious, smooth and creamless cream of asparagus soup.

Why You'll Love Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

It's a creamy soup with no cream. So, the question you must all be wondering is how can this asparagus soup be so creamy, yet contain no cream? The answer is simple: potatoes! The potatoes bulk up the soup and gives the soup its creamy consistency. How amazing.
It is quick and easy to make. Another reason that this one pot soup is so appealing is that it can be whipped up in no time. All it takes is a little bit of sautéing, bulking up, simmering and pureeing. 20 minutes later and you have yourself a nice big pot of creamless cream of asparagus soup ready to serve, nice and hot. And to present your soup like a five-star chef, blanch cook some asparagus tips and garnish them on top of your bowls of soup.
It's healthy. I mean, it's a given that this soup is healthy since it contains no cream. It's loaded with fresh vegetables like asparagus, celery, onions, and potatoes that pack on healthy nutrients. Plus, you can make some easy substitutions to make this spring soup vegan, paleo, and dairy-free so you can serve it up to anyone with dietary restrictions.
Enjoy it all year round. I love to enjoy this no cream asparagus soup in the spring when asparagus is fresh in season. But we are lucky these days that you can typically find asparagus at big grocery stores all year round, so you can make this soup whenever you feel like it. Unlike some hearty soups that can only be appreciated in the winter, light vegetable soups can be savoured all year round. There is something about this cream of asparagus soup that I find myself craving even when it is scorching hot outside. I seriously can't get enough!

Ingredients

To make this easy and delicious creamless cream of asparagus soup, you need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

asparagus - you will need 3 cups of chopped asparagus, plus extra asparagus tips for garnish on top.
butter - you can substitute the butter with olive oil if you are making this soup vegan, dairy-free, or paleo.
onion
celery
garlic
russet potato - this is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess to the soup without adding any cream.
chicken stock - you can substitute with vegetable stock if keeping the soup vegetarian.
lemon juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the best flavour into this soup. You could substitute with store-bought 100% natural lemon juice.
black pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large stockpot (I used my 4 qt. Dutch oven).

How to Make the Best Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

Sauté vegetables. In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions, garlic and celery until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the potatoes and asparagus and stir well to combine.

Simmer. Add the chicken (or vegetable) stock, and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, covered, until the vegetables have become soft.
Puree. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a standing blender and puree in batches, then pour it back into the pot. Add the lemon juice and black pepper and stir to mix. Continue to cook on low for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Garnish asparagus soup with blanched asparagus tips, coconut cream, microgreens, croutons. To make the blanched asparagus, cook the tips in boiling salted water for about 4 minutes they are slightly tender. Drain and serve on top of your bowl of soup.

Serve this quick and easy healthy asparagus soup with no cream on it's own or with a side salad and sandwich. Some of my favorites to serve with this are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dietary customizations:
- To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make this soup vegan, dairy-free or paleo, also substitute the butter for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Use a blender: Use an immersion blender or standup blender to puree your soup rather than a food processor. The blender will get the soup ultra smooth, whereas the food processor won't blend the vegetables as well and may leave it slightly textured.
How to store: Creamless asparagus soup keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store covered in the pot or in an airtight container.
How to freeze: Made too much? No worries, this soup freezes very well. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature on the kitchen counter for a few hours.
How to reheat: Reheat this soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may have to add a splash of water to thin out the soup if it has thickened up too much when stored.

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Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Sesame chicken meatballs are quick and easy to make, loaded with Asian flavor, and totally delicious. These chicken meatballs are made with an assortment of Chinese ingredients, then cooked in a delicious homemade stir fry sauce along with bell peppers (and customizable with your favorite veggies!). It's an easy weeknight dinner with all the flavors of takeout but in a fun meatball form. These Asian meatballs store well too and freezer-friendly - perfect for meal prep!

Why You'll Love Sesame Chicken Meatballs

A quick and easy weeknight dinner. These sesame chicken meatballs are an easy weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes (if you prepare the meatball mixture in advance to marinate). They are perfect compromise when you are craving takeout and meatballs at the same time.
Chicken meatballs that are packed with flavor. If you don't believe me, check out the ingredient list. To make these sesame chicken meatballs, you'll need an assortment of classic Asian seasonings like soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Not to mention the delicious homemade stir fry sauce that they are tossed in which adds even more flavor.
No dry meatballs here. These sesame chicken meatballs are juicy and tender on their own but when you smother them in a sticky stir fry sauce, they're even better and juicier. It's easy to make homemade sesame stir fry sauce or substitute it with store-bought sesame chicken sauce for convenience.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make quick and easy Sesame Chicken Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

ground chicken - you can easily substitute with other ground meats such as ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef.
breadcrumbs
soy sauce
Shaoxing wine - or substitute with mirin.
sesame oil
ginger
garlic powder
green onions
ground black pepper
stir fry sauce - made in seconds using soy sauce (preferably dark soy sauce for a richer color and flavor), chicken broth (or water), sesame oil, brown sugar (or honey), vinegar, and cornstarch.
vegetable oil - to cook the meatballs on the stove. If you are air frying them or cooking in the oven, then you do not need this.
red bell pepper - feel free to substitute with any color bell pepper.
green onions
white sesame seeds - optional, for garnish.

What's so great about this meatball stir fry is that you can customize it with your favorite veggies. Try adding in thinly sliced carrots, sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or bean sprouts.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a large skillet.

How to Make the Best Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Prepare the meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, green onions, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined and set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Shape the meatballs. Take 2 spoonfuls of the ground chicken mixture at a time and roll into meatballs. Set aside on a plate.
Cook the meatballs. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Stir the meatballs occasionally to brown evenly.
- Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs in a 400F preheated oven for 15 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165F as read on a meat thermometer. You can also deep fry the meatballs (5-7 minutes) or cook in an air fryer in batches at 350F for 12-14 minutes per batch.

Make the sauce. While cooking the meatballs, prepare the sauce in a small mixing bowl by combining soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well until smooth.
Add veggies. Stir in the sauce and bell peppers. Toss well and cook until the sauce simmers, about 1-2 minutes. Cover the lid and cook until the meatballs are fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.
Serve. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve warm with a bowl of steamed rice.

How to Serve

Sesame Chicken Meatballs are delicious served over steamed rice or noodles. Some popular sides that you can serve these meatballs with are:

Storing Chicken Meatballs

How to store: Store leftover sesame chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Storing the meatballs and sauce together will help prevent the meatballs from drying out.
How to freeze: Chicken meatballs freeze well either before or after cooking.
- To freeze uncooked meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Transfer the pan to the freezer and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the meatballs into a frezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then cook as per recipe instructions on the stove.
- To freeze cooked meatballs: Once cooled, store the meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to cook.
How to reheat: You can reheat sesame chicken meatballs in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a bit of water to the pan will help the meatballs steam out, and it will thin the sauce if it becomes too thick. You could also reheat in a 350 F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through, but then prepare a fresh batch of sauce as it will dry out when reheating this way.

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Carrot Cake Muffins

If you are a fan of carrot cake, you will love these carrot cake muffins. They're moist, light, chewy and obviously full of carrots which means your breakfast this week is kind of sort of healthy! Plus, I've lightened up the recipe by leaving off the heavy cream cheese frosting to bring you a warm, spice-filled muffin that will satisfy your strongest carrot cake cravings. Serve spiced carrot muffins as a snack or an easy breakfast on the go that you can meal prep days in advance.

Why You'll Love Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins

It's a great way to use up extra carrots. Bought a bag of carrots that you want to use up before they expire? These carrot cake muffins are your answer. You will need a whopping 1.5 cups of grated carrots in them.
Quick and easy breakfast on the go. Spiced carrot muffins are one of the easiest breakfast meal preps you can make. In just 30 minutes, you'll have over a dozen fresh muffins that will last all week. Serve them for breakfast on the go or include them as a snack in your kids' school lunch boxes.
They are flavorful and moist. Grated carrots add sweetness and ensures that your carrot muffins don't dry out. Plus, the combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice adds the perfect flavor to balance it out.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - adds substance.
baking powder and baking soda - adds lift.
cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt - adds flavour and balances the sweetness.
eggs - adds flavour, lift and structure.
vegetable oil - keeps the muffins moist.
vanilla extract - adds flavour.
brown sugar - adds flavour and texture.
buttermilk - thins out the batter (you can substitute this with 1 cup heavy cream + juice of ¼ of a lemon).
grated carrots - adds flavour. Note that you can grate the carrots manually or in a food processor, or make your life even easier by buying a bag at the store. Use up any remaining carrots from the bag into a weeknight salad or soup, but honestly you might be better off DOUBLING this recipe because the muffins are that good!

You can also add raisins or chopped walnuts (¼ cup each) at the same time as carrots if desired.

You will also need a 12-tin muffin pan, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a cookie scoop (or a spoon) for scooping out the batter, and a wire cooling rack.

How to Make the Best Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot muffins are super easy and straightforward to make.

Sift the dry ingredients together, In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Whisk the wet ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla, brown sugar, and buttermilk (or heavy cream with lemon juice).

Combine. Pour dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir with a spatula until most of the flour is mixed in. Add grated carrots and fold in until just combined.

Scoop batter. Line a 12-tin muffin pan with muffin or cupcake liners or spray the inside with nonstick baking spray. Spoon enough batter into each mold so they are 90% full.
Bake. Bake in a preheated 375F oven on a rack in the top third of your oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean. So so easy!

How to Serve Carrot Muffins

These carrot muffins are so satisfying and taste amazing fresh from the oven. But if I'm not eating them until the next day, I like to slice them in half, throw them on a griddle or skillet to heat them up, and serve with a little slab of butter. So incredibly delicious. A must make!

Storing Instructions

How to store muffins: Allow the spiced carrot muffins to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container for up to 2-4 days at room temperature. You can extend their shelf life by storing in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
How to freeze muffins: Wrap each carrot cake muffin individually in plastic cling wrap. Use two layers and ensure the wrap is tight. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

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40 Best Vegetable Sides

Looking for a healthy vegetable side dish to serve with your next meal? These side dishes are quick and easy to make, made with simple and real ingredients, and are downright delicious. If you are wondering "what vegetable sides to make for dinner", you are in luck! Whether you are trying to switch up your typical side dish routine on a busy weeknight, looking to add more vegetables into your diet, or just trying to sneak in some veggies on your kid's plate at family dinner, I've got you covered. We have rounded up over 40 of our best and most popular vegetable side dishes which are all vegetarian and gluten-free, with lots of vegan options (or adaptable to be vegan!).

Best Vegetable Side Dishes

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Oven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

These crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect side dish. They’re easy to make, crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and so flavorful.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots are a sweet, savoury, and salty side dish that pairs well with almost any entree. With these flavours, everyone will want seconds.

Pesto Asparagus

Pesto asparagus is a quick easy side dish that takes regular sautéed asparagus to the next level in just 15 minutes. It's healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Quick and easy roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender inside. They are delicious, flavourful and bakes in just 30 minutes.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash are a quick, easy, flavorful, and delicious Thanksgiving side dish that you need this holiday season.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

Buttery sautéed garlic green beans is a simple side dish that is quick, easy and delicious. Make these vibrant, crispy and tender green beans in 10 minutes.

Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin

Rich and creamy potatoes au gratin is the ultimate comfort food made with sliced potatoes, cheese, and milk. It's the perfect side dish for the holidays.

Air Fryer Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are healthy, flavorful, and delicious. This vegan side dish is quick and easy to make in the air fryer in under 15 minutes.

The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and delicious, this is the best and creamiest mashed potatoes recipe you will ever find. It's velvety, smooth, and melts in your mouth.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and delicious side dish to make this fall. Easy to make ahead and reheats well — perfect for Thanksgiving holiday dinner.

Roasted Spring Vegetables

Roasted spring vegetables are an easy sheet pan side dish packed with all our favourite veggies of the season. Plus, it's so easy to prep and make.

Air Fryer Asparagus

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, air fryer asparagus cooks in just 6 minutes! It is tossed in very little olive oil with garlic and seasonings.

Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a quick easy side dish that's healthy, delicious, and flavorful. A perfect side for your holiday table or weeknight dinner.

Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter

Hasselback Potatoes are infused with garlic butter and feature signature cuts that make these potatoes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Roasted Beets

Roasted Beets are a healthy and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Made with just 4 ingredients and few simple steps!

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Tender and caramelized, easy roasted brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic vinegar and honey is a classic household favourite to serve on your holiday table.

Easy Roasted Cauliflower

Quick and easy roasted cauliflower is a delicious, flavourful side dish that you throw on a sheet pan and into the oven. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free.

Roasted Carrots

Roasted Carrots are a healthy, delicious, and easy to make side dish with a slightly crispy interior and sweet and tender inside. Serve with any entree!

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms is a simple vegan sheet pan side dish that‘s easy to make, flavorful and delicious. Serve with your favorite protein.

Collard Greens with Bacon

Collard greens with bacon is a flavorful, delicious, and healthy side dish that is quick to make in 25 minutes. A stress-free holiday side for Christmas.

Balsamic Roasted Broccoli

Balsamic Roasted Broccoli is a quick easy side dish made with tender, crispy broccoli tossed in a flavorful 5-ingredient glaze and is ready in 25 minutes.

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash is savory and sweet, with its flavor intensified when tossed and roasted in a homemade maple glaze with a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Green Beans Almondine

Green Beans Almondine is buttery, garlicky, and nutty. This classic French side dish is quick and easy to make, and loaded with flavor and texture.

Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed Cauliflower is a fluffy and buttery side dish and a low carb, keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s easier and quicker too!

Cheesy Roasted Asparagus

Cheesy roasted asparagus is a quick and easy side dish made with a handful of simple ingredients in 20 minutes. They’re garlicky, cheesy, and flavorful.

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, delicious, flavorful. Serve as an appetizer or side dish. They are salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of spice.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy side dish made with just 5 ingredients and ready to serve in only 15 minutes. They're vegan and keto too.

Creamed Corn

Homemade Creamed Corn is creamy, delicious, and simple. It’s quick and easy to make at home and so much better than store-bought canned creamed corn.

Nutty Green Beans

With only a few ingredients, it is incredible how much flavour are packed in these 10-minute nutty green beans. Earthy green beans balance perfectly with crunchy pecans.

Mashed Butternut Squash

Mashed butternut squash is the perfect side dish for fall — creamy, smooth, and delicious, with the perfect balance between sweet and savory fall flavors.

Air Fryer Broccoli

Quick and easy air fryer broccoli is a healthy side dish that takes just six minutes to cook in the air fryer. It's crispy, delicious, and flavorful.

One Pan Roasted Harvest Vegetables

One pan roasted harvest vegetables with butternut squash, brussels sprouts and baby potatoes is the best fall side dish. So easy to prep in just minutes.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots

Sweet and flavourful easy garlic and herb roasted carrots is the perfect side dish to your holiday dinner or your everyday weeknight dinner.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Easy honey balsamic Brussels sprouts are a sweet savory side dish that's roasted until tender and caramelized, and coated in a delicious flavourful glaze.

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Crispy and tender, easy air fryer baby potatoes are a healthier take on a classic side dish without compromising taste or texture. Cooks in just 20 minutes.

Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter

Oven-roasted corn on the cob with homemade garlic butter is buttery, juicy, crunchy, and perfectly charred on the outside — without a grill.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans (Air Fryer or Oven)

Quick easy roasted garlic green beans are tangy, sour, savoury, and sweet, with a tender and crunchy texture. Make them in the oven or air fryer in minutes.

Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce

Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce is a quick, easy, flavorful, and delicious side dish that is warmly spiced and caramelized with maple syrup.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Craving a big serving of mashed potatoes but with a quarter of the calories? Now you can with creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a quick and easy side dish with the best flavor and texture. The best part? This holiday side is ready in under 15 minutes.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is the easiest vegan side dish you need this fall. It has a ton of flavour with just a few simple pantry staples.

Microwave Steamed Broccoli

Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook.

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Mascarpone mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and comforting. Classic mashed potatoes are given a twist resulting in a super silky and rich mash.

Quick and Easy Sautéed Asparagus

Quick and easy Sautéed Asparagus is a simple, savory side dish that goes well with almost any main dish. It's healthy, flavourful, and seasoned simply.

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake

Delicious, garlicky, cheesy and creamy brussels sprouts bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish. So flavourful and the best way to eat brussels sprouts.

Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes

Quick and easy Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, packed with a Greek flavour blend of lemon, garlic and herbs.

Pesto Green Beans

Pesto green beans is a simple side dish that is quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes, tossed in buttery toasted walnuts and pesto. So delicious.

Roasted Eggplant

Whether you’re cooking this roasted eggplant in your oven or air fryer, you’ll fall in love with how fast, easy, and delicious this simple recipe is.

Green Beans with Bacon

Green Beans with Bacon is a delicious, flavorful side dish that comes together quickly in 20 minutes (including prep!) with a handful of simple ingredients.

Roasted Pumpkin Wedges with Parmesan Cheese

Soft and tender, easy roasted pumpkin wedges with Parmesan cheese is the easiest and most delicious side dishes to make this fall. Prep it in just minutes.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Buttery and salty grilled corn on the cob with beautiful char marks, delicious flavor, and the best texture is the easiest recipe to throw on the grill.

Crispy Leaf Potatoes

Crispy leaf potatoes are a delicious potato side dish made with layers of buttery, sliced potatoes that crisp up when baked. The perfect side dish.

Baked Potato Wedges

Baked Potato Wedges are crispy outside and soft inside — exactly what you want from a potato wedge but without frying! Cook in the oven or air fryer.

Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Quick and easy spring vegetable stir fry is made with delicious seasonal vegetables, packed with savoury and salty flavour, and takes 10 minutes to cook.

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and buttery. Loaded with cheese and hints of garlic, every bite of this classic side dish is flavorful.

Lemon Parmesan Green Beans

Lemon Parmesan Green Beans are the perfect side to any entree dinner meal — buttery, lemony, and cheesy. This quick side dish is easy to make in 20 minutes.

How to Serve Vegetable Side Dishes

Serve these vegetable side dishes alongside a main course like chicken, beef, salmon, or tofu. Browse through my favorite mains for some inspiration:

Storing Instructions

You can make some of these vegetable side dish recipes ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer for up to 3 months. Otherwise, you can prepare the ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and/or cook. Check the individual recipes for full make ahead and storing instructions.

To reheat, place any leftovers in the air fryer or the oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat (depending on the recipe). If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.

More Side Dish Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Vegetable Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of vegetable side dishes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Creamy lemon garlic chicken is a quick and easy dinner idea that brings a restaurant-quality meal to your dinner table at home. Tender and juicy chicken breast is seared and then tossed into a creamy homemade sauce loaded with garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning. It's a flavorful and delicious 30-minute recipe - the perfect meal to make any night of the week, whether you're impressing a date on date night, feeding a family, or preparing meals for the next week.

Why You'll Love Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

It's an easy chicken dinner. It's always better when a recipe is easy to follow, and this creamy chicken recipe is just that. The best part is that even though you will know how easy it was to make, no one else will. It's a restaurant-quality meal that you can fool anyone into thinking it took much more effort to make.
It's a quick weeknight meal. Chicken recipes are always my go-to's when it comes to a quick dinner on busy weeknights. This creamy lemon garlic chicken is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. A totally perfect and delicious last-minute meal to squeeze in after a long day.
Tender, juicy chicken. It's easy to make tender and juicy pan-seared chicken in this creamy lemon garlic chicken. But if you happen to overcook your chicken, it's no problem. The creamy lemon garlic sauce will save the day and add any lost juiciness right back in.
A perfect recipe for all. Whether you're a beginner and still learning a few things in the kitchen or you've been cooking for years, this creamy lemon garlic chicken recipe is perfect for everyone - easy and delicious.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy and delicious Creamy Garlic Lemon Chickn, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

chicken breast - I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breast to get the best results in this recipe. You could also use boneless chicken thighs and adjust the cook time when searing the chicken as needed.
olive oil
onion
garlic
butter + all-purpose flour - this creates a roux to thicken up the sauce.
chicken broth
heavy cream
lemon juice
seasoning - fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet.

How to Make the Best Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken

Season the chicken. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts completely dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Sear chicken. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Make creamy sauce. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook until smooth, about 1 minute. Add broth and heavy cream. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer until thickened to a desired consistency, about 4-5 minutes. Add paprika, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
Toss in chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat and cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve this quick and easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with a starchy side to soak up all of that delicious cream sauce. Some of my favorite side dishes to pair it with are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Tips for making a roux: A roux is a mixture of flour and butter (or oil). It's used to thicken up sauces such as gravy, and soups, but it can turn lumpy if you're not careful. To remove any lumps, slowly stir in the liquids after you've created a smooth roux.
How to store: Keep leftover creamy lemon garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
How to reheat: To reheat, heat the saucy chicken on the stovetop over medium heat in a covered pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in some extra broth or water (or a combination of the two) to thin it out. For faster reheating, cut the chicken into smaller pieces.

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Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This garlic shrimp stir fry is one of the quickest and easiest dinner recipes you can make in just 15 minutes. It's saucy, sticky, flavorful, and delicious. Seared shrimp is sautéed with garlic and ginger before being stir fried with red bell peppers and a homemade stir-fry sauce. It's easy to make in a few simple steps, perfect for meal prep, and so much better than take out.

Why You'll Love Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Quick and easy homemade dinner. The effort of making a homemade meal can be enough to deter even the most talented cooks from the kitchen - but this garlic shrimp stir fry changes the game. In about 15 minutes, you can enjoy a homecooked meal that tastes even better than takeout.
A healthy balanced meal. Thanks to the addition of vegetables like bell peppers (and whatever else you want to add!) and shrimp, this garlic shrimp stir fry is a healthy meal that promotes well-being from your head to your toes.
It makes a great meal prep. I love making this garlic shrimp stir fry as a complete meal prep. If you let your Instant Pot or rice cooker do all the hard work of cooking fresh white rice while you make the prawn stir fry, you can enjoy a balanced meal for up to 3 days.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious and quick garlic shrimp stir fry, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

vegetable oil
shrimp - I used white shrimp but you can feel free to use any type of shrimp that you like. I also like to keep the tails on, but for easier eating, you can remove them before cooking.
ginger
garlic
bell pepper - I threw in a red bell pepper, but you can use any color.
green onions - optional, for serving.
crushed peanuts - optional, for serving.
sauce - they easy stir fry sauce is made with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), ketchup, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch.

The best thing about stir fries is that they are completely customizable. You can add in your favorite vegetables. Try adding:

thinly sliced carrots
sliced mushrooms
chopped onions
broccoli florets
cauliflower florets
brussels sprouts
bean sprouts

How to Make the Best Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Make the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth (soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ketchup, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch. Set aside.
Sauté shrimp. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and sauté until it turns pink on both sides, about 4-6 minutes.
Stir fry vegetables. Add ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sauce and bell pepper. Toss well and cook until the sauce simmers and thickens to a desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve. Stir in green onions and top with crushed peanuts (optional). Serve immediately with a bowl of steamed rice.

How to Serve

Serve this easy garlic shrimp stir fry with a side of steamed rice. You can also serve it along with some Asian-inspired side dishes such as:

Storing Instructions

How to store: Keep garlic shrimp stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For easy meal prep, I recommend storing individual portions alongside steamed rice, so you can easily reheat a complete meal for lunch the next day.
How to reheat: When reheating cooked shrimp, it's important that you're careful not to overcook it. You can heat this garlic shrimp stir fry in the microwave on medium heat in 20-second increments until warm, stirring occasionally. Or, you can heat on the stovetop in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much when storing.

More Shrimp Recipes

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40 Best Carrot Recipes

Got a bag of carrots that you don't know what to cook with? Carrots are one of my favorite vegetables to use in cooking because they are so versatile, easy to prepare, and make anything taste delicious. You can cook them on their own as a side dish, use them in salads, soups, and stews, or turn them into dessert. So if you are wondering "how to cook carrots", then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 40 of our favorite and best carrot recipes including roasted carrots, salads with carrots, carrot soups and stews, dinner recipes with carrots, and all the carrot desserts (carrot cake, anyone?).

Best Carrot Side Dishes

Roasted Carrots

Roasted Carrots are a healthy, delicious, and easy to make side dish with a slightly crispy interior and sweet and tender inside. Serve with any entree!

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots are a sweet, savoury, and salty side dish that pairs well with almost any entree. With these flavours, everyone will want seconds. It's one of my favorite carrot recipes.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots

Sweet and flavourful easy garlic and herb roasted carrots is the perfect side dish to your holiday dinner or your everyday weeknight dinner. This is one of our most popular carrot recipes loved by all!

Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce

These maple roasted carrots with yogurt sauce are not only stunning, but they get all caramelized and crispy around the sides from the maple syrup… pure perfection!

Veggie Tray

This homemade veggie tray is a quick easy healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips. The perfect side to include carrots in.

Roasted Spring Vegetables

Roasted spring vegetables are an easy sheet pan side dish packed with all our favourite veggies of the season. Plus, it's so easy to prep and make.

Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Quick and easy spring vegetable stir fry is made with delicious seasonal vegetables, packed with savoury and salty flavour, and takes 10 minutes to cook.

Best Carrot Salads

Arugula and Roasted Carrot Salad

Arugula and roasted carrot salad is one of the best spring salads, packed with a delicious combination of sweet and sour flavours, plus easy to make. One of the healthiest carrot recipes.

Classic Coleslaw

Fresh, crisp, classic coleslaw salad is a must-have recipe for a summer barbecue or picnic, or as an easy make-ahead lunch. Make it in less than 10 minutes.

Garden Salad

Quick easy homemade garden salad is simple and delicious. Ready in minutes, it's loaded with crisp leafy greens, fresh garden veggies, and crunchy croutons.

Vegan Soba Noodle Salad

There's nothing better on a hot day than a cold and refreshing vegan soba noodle salad, tossed with fresh vegetables and a delicious saucy dressing.

Macaroni Salad

Classic macaroni salad is a creamy and delicious pasta salad that is easy to throw together. It's the perfect side to bring to a summer potluck or BBQ.

Asian Chopped Salad

This Asian chopped salad is a delicious and colorful salad, loaded with refreshing crisp vegetables, plant-based protein, and a homemade creamy sesame dressing.

Asian Cold Noodle Salad

Nothing screams summer more than a crispy, crunchy, Asian cold noodle salad infused with a refreshing peanut, cilantro and lime dressing.

Chicken Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing

Chicken garden salad with ranch dressing is fresh, healthy, hearty, and colorful. It's a filling and wholesome lunch or dinner that is versatile too.

Best Carrot Soups

Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Roasted carrot and ginger soup is rich, velvety, creamy, flavorful, and delicious. This healthy vegetarian soup is quick and easy to make in 30 minutes. Serve it with some toasted bread. One of my favorite carrot recipes.

Carrot Pumpkin Soup

Carrot Pumpkin Soup is wholesome, nutritious, and delicious. It's quick and easy comfort food that's perfect to feed the family on lazy weeknights.

Creamy Chinese-Style Borscht Soup

Creamy and hearty Chinese-style borscht soup is loaded with carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and ham AND is both gluten-free and dairy-free. Serve it with some green onion dinner rolls or salted soft pretzels.

Creamy and hearty Chinese-style borscht soup is loaded with carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and ham AND is both gluten-free and dairy-free. | aheadofthyme.com

Creamy Vegan Ramen

Creamy vegan ramen is delicious, flavorful, and healthy comfort food, packed with nutrients that will give you an immunity boost. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Hearty chicken tortilla soup is a delicious, wholesome and filling soup that you can make in about 30 minutes, packed with classic Mexican flavours.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade chicken noodle soup is classic, comforting, simple, quick, and easy to make at home. Plus, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This delicious and easy roasted butternut squash soup brings all the taste of the holidays in one spoon. Rosemary, sage and thyme, need I say more?

Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup

Wholesome hearty vegetarian mushroom barley soup is healthy, filling, and so delicious. This one pot meal is easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and rice soup is delicious, warm, cozy, and comforting feel-good meal that can warm you up on a chilly day. Easy to make in one pot.

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty, healthy, nourishing, and delicious classic Italian soup, packed with vegetables and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Smooth, hearty and light, one pot lemon chicken orzo soup is pure comfort in a bowl. This family favourite is like chicken noodle soup with a major upgrade. Serve it with some crispy sourdough discard crackers with sesame seeds.

Beef Wild Rice Soup

Creamy beef wild rice soup is savory, flavorful, and delicious, packed with vegetables and beef flank steak (or leftover roast beef!), and freezes well.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Indian-inspired, vegan, creamy coconut curry lentil soup is an easy and simple 30-minute pantry meal that is packed with spices for maximum flavour. Serve it as a soup or as a curry over some coconut rice.

Dinner Recipes with Carrots

Instant Pot Beef Curry

Instant pot beef curry with potatoes and carrots is delicious, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. It's made quick and easy in the pressure cooker.

One Pot Rice Pilaf with Carrots

This quick and easy one pot rice pilaf with carrots is elevated with so much flavour with sautéed carrots, onion, garlic, and herbs, and cooked in stock.

Lentil Stew

Lentil Stew is a hearty and filling vegan meal loaded with vegetables like carrots and potatoes. This well seasoned vegetarian stew is ready in 45 minutes.

Vegetarian Chili

Easy one pot vegetarian chili is the perfect warm and cozy comfort meal - it's hearty, filling, wholesome, flavorful, delicious, and loaded with protein.

Skillet Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Tender, juicy, and crispy one pan skillet chicken thighs and potatoes and carrots is an easy weeknight dinner on your dinner table in less than 45 minutes.

Vietnamese Noodle Bowl

Vietnamese noodle bowl with lemongrass chicken, fresh vegetables and herbs, tossed in a homemade Vietnamese sauce is healthy, delicious, light, and filling.

One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew

Warm and cozy, easy one pot coconut curry beef stew is hearty yet creamy, packed with tender beef chunks, potatoes and carrots, and creamy coconut milk.

Mexican Tuna Cakes (Tortitas de Atun)

Mexican tuna cakes, or tortitas de atun, are quick, easy, and delicious. Made with canned tuna, these tuna patties come together in about 20 minutes.

Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Roast Chicken

Easy Greek lemon garlic whole roast chicken is tender, juicy and succulent with the crispiest skin. Prep this flavourful one pan meal in just 15 minutes.

Crispy Bottom Pan-fried Vegetable Buns

Crispy bottom pan-fried fried vegetable buns (no yeast) are crunchy outside yet tender inside with a mushroom, carrot and vermicelli vegetarian filling.

Vietnamese Salad Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Fresh, light and healthy Vietnamese salad rolls are packed with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, fresh vegetables and herbs and dipped in homemade peanut sauce.

Best Carrot Desserts

Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Showstopping carrot bundt cake with cream cheese glaze is light, fluffy, and moist. It's loaded with sugar, spice, and everything nice -- including grated carrots.

Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Topping

Super moist and perfectly spiced carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake topping is flavourful, comforting, and the perfect homemade spring dessert.

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

Carrot cake shortbread cookies are sweet and buttery, packed with carrots and walnuts, and spiced like your favourite carrot cake. A total treat.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake muffins are moist, light, chewy and full of carrots which means breakfast this week is healthy! Carrot muffins are great for meal prep too.

Carrot Cake Biscotti

Carrot cake biscotti is crunchy, crumbly, and satisfies all your carrot cake cravings. Enjoy these Italian cookies as is or with white chocolate.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Carrots are typically best served fresh, especially if roasting. If you have any leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Confirm storing instructions by checking each recipe.

To reheat any of these recipes, reheat in a 300F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-15 minutes until fully warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium low heat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the recipe.

Did You Make Any of These Carrot Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of the best carrot recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, and gorgeous. These tricolor cookies are made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate. They are soft and fluffy inside while crunchy on the outside. Inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, these layered cookies do take some time to make and assemble but you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Why You'll Love Italian Rainbow Cookies

The history. These Italian rainbow cookies are an American delicacy, not an Italian one - but they were created by American-Italians from "Little Italy" in New York city. The red, green, and white layers are meant to honor the Italian flag and when assembled right, they do an amazing job!
Every layer is delicious. Italian rainbow cookies are made with an almond-flavored cake layers sandwiched between sweet raspberry jam or preserves, and then coated in chocolate. And yes, they taste just as good as you're imagining.
They are worth the time. These cookies are impressive. Get ready to commit because you need to whip up the batter, bake 3 layers, assemble, and chill overnight before you are ready to cover in chocolate. They do take some time, energy, and creativity to make, but they are so worth it.

Ingredient Notes

To make colorful Italian Rainbow Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

almond paste
granulated sugar
butter
eggs
almond extract
salt
all-purpose flour
food coloring - both red and green food coloring
raspberry preserves - or substitute with apricot jam.
semi-sweet chocolate - feel free to use coarsely chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and three quarter sheet baking pans(9x13 inch sheet pans) or just reuse one.

How to Make the Best Italian Rainbow Cookies

Prep. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray three rimmed quarter sheet baking pans (9×13 sheet pans) with cooking spray and then line with parchment paper.
Make the batter. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the almond paste with ¾ cup sugar on low speed until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Add butter and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in egg yolks, almond extract, and salt and continue to beat until incorporated. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour. Mix until just combined.

Whip egg whites. In another mixing bowl, whip the egg whites at medium-high speed until they just hold stiff peaks. Then add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat on high speed until they form stiff, glossy peaks, about 2-3 minutes. Fold the egg whites into the batter.

Divide the batter. Divide the batter evenly into 3 mixing bowls. You can use a kitchen scale to accurately divide the batter into thirds.
Color the batter. Stir in a few drops of red food coloring into one bowl and a few drops of green food coloring into another, leaving the last bowl plain. Note that the batter will bake up darker than it looks when raw.

Bake. Pour the batter from each of the bowls into a separate prepared pan. Use a small icing spatula to spread the batter into an even thin layer. Bake each layer for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to brown. Allow the cakes to cook in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Assemble the Layers of Italian Rainbow Cookies

Green layer first. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper. Carefully invert the green layer onto the lined baking sheet and peel off the parchment paper. Spread half of the preserves or jam over the cake.
Then white layer. Flip the white layer on top of the green layer and peel off the parchment paper. Spread with remaining preserves on top.
Top with red layer. Invert the red layer on top of white layer and peel off the parchment paper.
Chill. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place a quarter sheet pan on top facing up, with heavy objects evenly distributed on top to weigh down the cake. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Then, remove the weights and plastic wrap.

How to Coat Italian Rainbow Cookies with Chocolate

First, melt the chocolate. Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, until smooth.
Spread chocolate on one side. Use a small icing spatula to quickly spread half of the melted chocolate in a thin layer on top of the cake.
Chill. Place the cake back in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set, about 15 minutes.
Spread chocolate on other side. Once set, invert the cake to another parchment baking sheet. Quickly spread with the remaining melted chocolate (if the chocolate has set, just pop it back in the microwave to melt again before spreading).
Chill. Allow the chocolate to set in the fridge, for about 30 minutes. You can also place it into the freezer to set it quicker.
Slice. Once set, use a serrated knife to trim the edges to even them out. Then cut into 1.5-inch long rectangles (about 6 rows lengthwise and 8 rows crosswise) and serve.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Italian rainbow cookies do best when stored at room temperature as a whole block before cutting. Then, cut pieces as you need them. Whether cut or uncut, keep them in an airtight container. Italian rainbow cookies will last for 2-3 days at room temperature. You can extend their life to 5-7 days by storing them in the fridge, but you will lose some moisture and flavor by doing this.
How to prevent cracked chocolate: If you are not careful, the chocolate may crack when slicing the cookies. To make it easier to cut your Italian rainbow cookies without cracking the chocolate, you can mix a small amount of coconut or vegetable oil directly into the melted chocolate before coating the cookies.

More Cookie Recipes

Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Tuna Pasta

Tuna pasta is a quick and easy meal that is delicious, flavorful, and loaded with Mediterranean ingredients. Made in less than 15 minutes with canned tuna, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, this simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's light, healthy, and nutritious. Plus, it's a great way to clean out your pantry and relatively cheap to make.

Why You'll Love Tuna Pasta

It's so easy! To make tuna pasta, you'll start by sautéing garlic while the pasta is cooking. Then, add in canned tuna, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, parsley, and kalamata olives. Mix it all together with a few spoonfuls of pasta water, and you've made tuna pasta!
It's seriously quick. Tuna pasta is ready in a short 15 minutes or less. Yes. You read that right. Just fifteen minutes. Or less! It's the perfect last minute lunch or easy dinner idea on a busy weeknight.
Tuna pasta is so flavorful. If you're a fan of acidic flavors, you'll love this tuna pasta. Lemon juice adds a dash of acidic citrus to complement the natural flavor of the tuna, while parmesan cheese adds a savory, cheesy flavor. Then, kalamata olives give this dish a kick of salty flavor that complements all the other ingredients so well.

Ingredient Notes

To make quick and easy Tuna Pasta, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

pasta - I like to use spaghetti or any other long noodle like linguine or fettuccine. But of course, you can use any shape pasta that you have on hand. You can even use pasta that cooks quickly, like angel hair, to get this dish on the table even faster.
olive oil
garlic
tuna - this is a great recipe to use any tuna that has been sitting in your pantry for a while. You will need 2 cans of tuna, or you can easily cut the recipe in half and use one can.
fresh lemon juice
Parmesan cheese
pasta water - we use pasta water to add a little moisture but keeping it light and healthy. You can easily substitute it with some heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture.
parsley
salt and pepper
olives - I like to use Kalamata olives to keep it very Mediterranean, but you can easily substitute with green olives or any other kind of olives that you prefer. You can even substitute with capers.

This recipe is also customizable. Feel free to load it up with any veggies that you like but choose veggies that cook quickly such as spinach and cherry tomatoes or throw in cooked veggies like garlic mushrooms, air fryer asparagus, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or canned artichokes.

How to Make the Best Tuna Pasta

Make pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente or according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup hot pasta water in a bowl. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
Make sauce. While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add canned tuna and cook until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, and fresh parsley. Stir well until smooth, about 1 minute.
Toss in pasta. Add the cooked spaghetti and sliced olives and toss well until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve. Serve immediately. Feel free to top with extra Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice, if desired.

How to Serve Tuna Pasta

I like to serve most pasta dishes with a side salad or soup and bread. Some of my favorites to pair with this tuna pasta are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

You can keep the heat lower: This pasta cooks quick and it's easy to overcook garlic, so if you're not familiar with heating garlic on your stovetop, it's better to go low than high. You also don't want to dry out the tuna too much, so be careful not to sear all your ingredients.
How to store: Keep leftover tuna pasta in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
How to reheat: Heat cold tuna pasta on the stove over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave.

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Nutella Mousse Cups

Nutella mousse cups are rich, creamy, airy, and delicious. Whipped together in just minutes with a handful of ingredients before it's ready to set in the refrigerator, this no bake dessert is easier to make than you think! With nutella as the main ingredient, this treat has it all - chocolately, nutty, sweet, and so good. Plus, it stores well and is freezer-friendly so you can make a big batch ahead of time to satisfy any last minute sugar cravings that are bound to pop up. Perfect for Valentine's Day, Date Night, or any time you are want to serve something sweet.

Why You'll Love Nutella Mousse Cups

Quick and easy to make. For a dessert that seems really complicated to make, nutella mouse cups are so easy to make. If you haven't made homemade mousse before, then you are in for a treat. It comes together in literally minutes with a handful of ingredients before it's ready to be set in the refrigerator.
Nutella is the main ingredient. If you don't already know, I am obsessed with Nutella (like these Nutella Crepes or Nutella Buttercream Frosting). I have been enjoying it since I was a child in Spain. Nutella is everywhere there. My mom would always buy me buns spread with Nutella. Yes, they sell packaged bread already spread with Nutella over there! But when I moved to Canada, these Nutella buns were non-existent. It wasn't until my teen years that I discovered Nutella again.
No bake dessert. Eating Nutella in the form of mousse? Well, that is when you know life can't get any better. This mousse is so light, airy, creamy and rich that it's hard to put down.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy and delicious Nutella Mousse Cups, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

cream cheese - you can substitute this with mascarpone cheese.
nutella
vanilla extract - since this is a no bake recipe, I recommend using non-alcoholic vanilla extract.
heavy cream - also called whipping cream.
granulated sugar
cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder as we are already getting a lot of sweetness from the nutella and sugar.

Toppings

Feel free to serve the nutella mousse in individual cups as is. You can also top them with your favorite toppings. Try:

whipped cream and shaved chocolate or mini chocolate chips
ferrero rocher chocolates and raspberries
whipped cream and sprinkles (customize the colors based on a holiday that you are serving this during)

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and hand mixer.

How to Make the Best Nutella Mousse Cups

Beat cheese and nutella. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer and beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add Nutella and vanilla extract and continue to beat until everything is smooth and fully blended together. Rinse the tongs on your mixer.

Beat remaining ingredients. In a separate smaller mixing bowl, whip the cream using your hand mixer set on low-medium speed until you form soft peaks. Add the sugar and cocoa powder and set the mixer to high and continue to whip until you reach stiff peaks.
Combine. Gently fold the whipping cream mixture into the Nutella/cream cheese mixture until fully combined with no streaks visible.

Refrigerate to set. Transfer the mousse into individual sized serving cups. You can pipe them to make the transfer easier. At this stage, the mousse will be very soft. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the mousse set. If you have time, leave it overnight.
Serve. Serve as it or top off the mouse with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream and shaved chocolate or Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

Storing Instructions

How to store: To store these nutella mousse cups, cover them tightly with plastic cling wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to freeze: You can also freeze mousse for up to one month in an airtight container. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are the best homemade chicken strips you'll ever have. They're juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. The air fryer works magic that a conventional oven just can't - and these air fryer chicken tenders are much healthier and less greasy than chicken tenders deep fried in oil. There's a lot to love about this kid-friendly recipe including the homemade breading, easy and delicious seasoning, and short cook time (spoiler: you only need 15 minutes to air fry!).

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

They take just 15 minutes to air fry. I know these air fryer chicken tenders aren't technically "fast food," but they are fast food. In about thirty minutes, you can enjoy homemade air fryer chicken strips and clean up the kitchen!
Well seasoned air fryer chicken tenders. The key to making the best chicken tenders you'll ever have is to season the chicken well under the breading. For this quick and delicious marinade, you'll need mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, and black pepper. These few ingredients add so much flavor.
So much healthier than fast food. Air fryer chicken strips are just as juicy, tender, and crisp as restaurant tenders but are way healthier for you since they aren't drenched in oil or deep-fried. Plus, I think they taste better!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

chicken - use boneless skinless tenderloins or breasts and cut them into 1-inch thick strips.
mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
paprika
ground black pepper
breaded coating - you only need Panko breadcrumbs (or Italian style breadcrumbs), and salt. I recommend panko breadcrumbs because it makes the coating extra crispy. Crushed corn flakes will work, too! Larger crumbs help make the breading thick and delicious.
cooking oil spray - to help the coating crisp up and turn nicely golden brown.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and an air fryer.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Marinate the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly coated and set aside for at least 15 minutes.

Coat with breadcrumbs. Mix breadcrumbs and salt evenly in a large shallow plate. Take the chicken, one strip at a time, and generously coat them in the breadcrumbs. You can gently press the crumbs into the chicken to adhere as much as possible.

Air fry. Transfer the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil spray. Cook at 350F for 15 minutes until fully cooked through and the breading turns golden brown. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.
Serve. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired. Try buffalo sauce, sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or tahini sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Tenders

Make a complete meal by serving your chicken strips with add a starch (like French fries, pasta, or rice) and a vegetable! I like enjoying these air fryer chicken tenders with:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Allow air fryer chicken tenders to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storing. If you store hot tenders, condensation can make them soggy - and no one wants that. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to reheat: Air fryer chicken tenders reheat best in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375F, then reheat them for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Vegan Hummus Wrap

Vegan hummus wrap is a quick and easy lunch that you can literally whip up at the last minute. Made in minutes with just a handful of fresh ingredients, this delicious veggie wrap is perfect when you are craving something healthy, fresh, and nutritious. Plus, they are customizable with whatever veggies that you have on hand. Make a hummus veggie wrap when you are craving a healthy lunch at home, need an easy recipe for a work potluck, or as a light dinner along with some healthy side dishes.

Why You'll Love this Vegan Hummus Wrap

It's quick and easy to make. These vegan wraps are perfect for a last minute lunch because they take just minutes to assemble. It make take a few extra minutes to wrap them up if you have never wrapped up a tortilla or burrito before.
It's healthy. This hummus wrap is loaded with with healthy ingredients such as hummus, leafy greens, and veggies, which means that it's packed with nutrients to give you the energy to get through the day. Plus, it's vegan too.
It's 100% customizable. This vegan wrap is completely customizable, so you can alter the recipe and add any other ingredients that you like or substitute any of the above ingredients. If you are not sticking to a strict vegan diet, some shredded smoked gouda cheese on top is a great touch.

Ingredients and Substitutions

This vegan hummus wrap is so easy to make in just minutes with a few simple ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

hummus - Feel free to use storebought or homemade hummus. I used my homemade Classic Hummus and whipped it up in just 5 minutes. You can use any flavor of hummus that you like in this wrap. Try Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Pesto Hummus, or Avocado Hummus.
tortilla wrap - you can use tortillas or you can substitute with any flatbread such as Pita Bread or Naan Bread. I recommend using room temperature tortillas. If your tortillas have been refrigerated, warming them for a few seconds in the microwave first to make them easier to work with.
vegetables - I added cucumbers, tomato, and avocado to this wrap. Feel free to add in your favorite veggies. Some other great ideas are shredded carrots, shredded purple cabbage, bell peppers, olives, and red onions.
greens - I used my favorite baby spinach and mixed greens salad blend. You can substitute this with your favorite salad blend or lettuce such as arugula, kale, romaine lettuce. You can also add in a handful of alfalfa sprouts or microgreens for added nutrition and flavor.
seasonings - I seasoned this with salt and pepper. Feel free to give it an extra kick with some hot sauce.

How to Make a Vegan Hummus Wrap

Spread on hummus. Spread the hummus into a long rectangular shape down the centre of the tortilla wrap.
Add veggies. Layer the sliced cucumber, tomato, and avocado on top.
Add greens. Top up with spinach and mixed greens.
Add seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Wrap it up. Wrap the tortilla into a burrito shape and fold in the sides. Cut it in the middle and serve.

How to Serve

Serve this hummus veggie wrap on its own or pair it with a healthy side. Some of my favorite dishes to serve this with are:

Recipe Tips and FAQ

Warm the tortilla. If you are using cold refrigerated tortillas, I would recommend bringing them to room temperature first or warming them for a few seconds in the microwave to make them easier to work with.
How to store: Veggie hummus wraps are best served fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. But note that the tomatoes will start to make the tortillas soggy. The longer you store it, the soggier the tortilla will get. Store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil.
Make ahead tips: To prepare these veggie wraps ahead of time, I would suggest chopping up any ingredients so that you can assemble the wrap very quickly. You can also make homemade hummus up to a week ahead of time or use store-bought - whatever it more convenient for you.
Can you freeze hummus wraps? No, you cannot freeze these wraps. They are best served fresh.
Can you grill this wrap? You can add a little crispiness to these hummus wraps by popping it into a sandwich press, grill pan, or toaster oven for a minute to two to get it nice and toasty.

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Greek Lamb Shanks

Greek lamb shanks are tender, flavorful, and so delicious. They are well seasoned and loaded with fresh Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon for added flavor and texture in every bite. These fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks can be braised in a Dutch oven, slow cooked in the crockpot, or my favorite, pressure cooked in the Instant Pot. Plus, they store and freeze well so you can make a big batch and save the rest for later. Serve them on their own or over Rice Pilaf with a side Greek Salad.

Why You'll Love Greek Lamb Shanks

The 30-minute marinade. You'll want to marinade these lamb shanks for at least 30 minutes in a delicate blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. These spices infuse into the lamb quickly - adding so much flavor and making it even more tender.
You can cook it in one of three ways. Greek lamb shanks can be braised in the oven in a Dutch oven, pressure cooked in the Instant Pot, or slow cooked in the crockpot. Whichever cooking method that you use, it will result in tender, fall-of-the-bone lamb that you will be making over and over again.
The flavorful sauce. Much of the flavor in this recipe comes from the seasonings in the lamb's marinade and the natural flavors of the lamb itself - but the sauce shouldn't be overlooked. You'll love the unique taste that the sauce brings to the table, seasoned with onions, garlic, and bay leaves. It also gets its Mediterranean flair from kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice. These ingredients adds an acidic kick to the sauce that adds freshness and cuts through the lamb shanks deliciously.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Greek Lamb Shanks, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
lamb marinade - the easy marinade is made with olive oil, salt and pepper, paprika, and cumin.
salt and pepper
vegetable oil - for searing the lamb
chicken broth - or substitute with water, or a combination of the two.
bay leaves
dried oregano
onion
garlic
Kalamata olives
sun-dried tomatoes
lemon juice
small potatoes - I recommend using baby potatoes, but you can also use larger potatoes, just cut them into small 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, and depending on the cooking method you use, either a Dutch oven, instant pot pressure cooker, or slow cooker (crockpot).

How to Make the Best Greek Lamb Shanks

Marinate the lamb shanks. Use a paper towel to pat the lamb shanks completely dry. Generously rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the lamb shanks. You can cook the lamb either in the oven, slow cooker, or instant pot.

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in a Dutch Oven

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for a minute. Add the marinated lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken broth (or water), bay leaves, oregano, onion, garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and potatoes. Mix well until evenly combined. The liquid should just cover the lamb shanks. If not, add a little bit more water.

Bring it to a simmer and cover the lid. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours until tender (and the meat falls off the bone).

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in the Crockpot

Heat oil over medium-high in a large skillet or Dutch oven until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the seared lamb shanks to a slow cooker and add in the remaining ingredients. Mix well. The liquid should almost cover the lamb shanks. If not, add a little more chicken broth or water.

Close the lid and set to cook for 8-10 hours overnight on LOW or 4-6 hours on HI. When time is up, the slow cooker will automatically switch to WARM setting.

How to Cook Greek Lamb Shanks in the Instant Pot

On the Instant Pot , turn on the Sauté function to high. Add oil and heat for 1 minute until it sizzles. Then, add the marinated lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well. Seal the lid and turn the steam release knob to the SEAL position. Pressure cook for 45 minutes until completely tender. Once the time is up, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position.

How to Serve

Serve Greek lamb shanks on their own or over Rice Pilaf with a side Greek Salad. Some other Mediterranean dishes to serve with this lamb is:

Storing Instructions

How to store: Store leftover Greek lamb shanks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to freeze: You can also freeze cooked Greek lamb shanks. They will last up to three months in the freezer. I recommend portioning them out in separate containers for easy thawing. Thaw frozen lamb overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to reheat: To reheat leftover Greek lamb shanks, place the lamb shanks, sauce, and potatoes in a covered saucepan over medium heat and heat until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.

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45 Best Chocolate Desserts

When it comes to the most indulgent desserts, it's all about chocolate. Chocolate dessert recipes are rich, fudgy, satisfying, and irresistible. From cakes to cookies to brownies, chocolate makes everything better. It's seriously the best ingredient to bake with. So if you are wondering "what to make with chocolate", then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 45 of our most popular and best chocolate desserts including chocolate cakes and cupcakes, chocolate cookies, brownies, chocolate mousse, chocolate chip cookies, white chocolate desserts, and more!

Best Chocolate Desserts

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten chocolate lava cakes are rich and fudgy with a classic gooey chocolate center that flows out like lava. So simple and easy to make.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are fancy, decadent, bite-sized treats that are loved by all. They are so simple and easy to make at home.

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles, are a chocolate triple threat. They're rich, decadent, sweet, and easy to make.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

Dark chocolate raspberry truffles are so much easier to make than you think. It's as simple as combining quality chocolate, cream, raspberry jam, and cocoa.

Fudgy Brownies

Fudgy brownies are rich, sweet, moist, and decadent. Plus, they're easy to make in one bowl (meaning less cleanup!) and ready in about 30 minutes.

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Once you try Homemade Chocolate Pudding, you'll never want to touch another box of instant pudding mix. This no bake recipe takes 5 minutes to prep!

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy, easy to make, and so satisfying. Enjoy these cookies in under 20 minutes with no chilling required!

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a classic American dessert made with two cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a creamy marshmallow filling.

Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake

Chocolate and vanilla marble cake is delicious, moist, fluffy with the perfect golden brown crust. With two classic cake flavors, this loaf cake has it all.

Peanut Butter Eggs

Chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs with a hard chocolate shell on the outside and a soft peanut butter interior inside are rich, sweet, and delicious.

Chocolate Cake Pops

Easy to make and decorate, bite-sized chocolate cake pops are packed with chocolate and sprinkles are the perfect treat.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Chocolate zucchini cake is moist, fluffy, and delicious. Loaded with fresh zucchini for a burst of nutrition, and topped with a homemade cream cheese icing.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft tender chewy chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that tastes like a rich fudgy brownie with a crackly crust and coated in powdered sugar.

Nutella Mousse Cups

Nutella mousse cups are rich, creamy, airy, and delicious. No bake and whipped together in just minutes with a few ingredients before it's ready to chill.

Easter Bark

Easter Bark is the perfect chocolate treat - sweet, rich, and pretty, loaded with chocolate mini eggs and sprinkles. It's a quick and easy no bake recipe.

Double Chocolate Loaf Cake

This fudgy double chocolate loaf cake is delicious, moist, and rich. It's easy to make with a quick one-bowl batter that's ready for the oven in 10 minutes.

Oreo Brownies

Oreo Brownies are a fudgy, rich and decadent dessert that is quick and easy to make from scratch in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies have it all: a crisp exterior, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a buttery double chocolate finish. Easy to make too.

Caramel Apples

Homemade Caramel Apples are sweet, delicious, and fun to make. Chewy caramel made from scratch covers crisp juicy apples, topped with optional toppings.

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios.

Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint hot chocolate classifies as dessert, right? This delicious rich hot chocolate is made with crushed candy canes that melt to give a delicious festive peppermint flavour. Top it with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes.

Make yourself a festive holiday drink in 5 minutes by combining creamy milk, chocolate, and minty candy canes for a cup of easy peppermint hot chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

Flourless Banana Brownies

Flourless banana brownies are rich, fudgy, moist, delicious, and gluten-free. Make this quick and easy dessert is ready in just 30 minutes.

Pinwheel Cookies

Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies are a Christmastime classic - sweet, buttery, and melt in your mouth delicious. Plus, an easy to make slice-and-bake cookie.

Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Caramel cheesecake brownies are totally indulgent and worth the effort, so toss that prepared brownie mix away and bake this with a few easy ingredients.

Florentines

These crunchy Almond Florentines are made with sliced almonds, a sticky sweet coating that acts like hardened caramel, and a layer of dark chocolate.

Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint Brownies are rich and decadent with a fudgy brownie base, a delicious minty chocolate ganache layer, and crushed candy canes sprinkled on top.

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

Shortbread and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Cut our these cookies into any shape that you like and dip in chocolate.

Caramel Brownies

Caramel brownies are rich, moist, and decadent. Baked from the thickest and indulgent chocolate batter and topped with a homemade creamy caramel sauce.

Holiday Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

Holiday yule log cake (Bûche de Noël) with a chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream filling, and whipped chocolate ganache coating is a classic Christmas dessert.

Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark

Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark is a quick and easy no bake Christmas dessert recipe that you can make with just 4 simple ingredients and 15 minutes of prep.

Halloween Bark

Halloween Bark is a delicious, sweet, and fun to make chocolate treat. This quick and easy no bake recipe is easy to make with a handful of ingredients.

Dirt Pudding Cups

Dirt Pudding Cups are an easy Halloween dessert that is sweet, delicious, and creepy - totally on brand for spooky fun. Make worms in dirt in 10 minutes.

Best Chocolate Chip Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy, have perfectly crisp edges, and are loaded with chocolate chips. This classic cookie is quick and easy.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Soft and moist, small batch chocolate chip pumpkin bread is the easiest fall treat, packed with fall flavours of warm pumpkin spice, pumpkin, and chocolate.

M&M Cookie Bars

M&M cookie bars are soft and chewy, have crisp edges with a gooey center, and are loaded with M&M's and chocolate chips. The easiest way to bake cookies!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Fluffy soft and moist, these are the best banana chocolate chip muffins ever. Prep this easy one bowl recipe in less than 10 minutes with a few ingredients.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, fluffy, and gorgeous, made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft and chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with a chocolate kiss are a classic Christmas cookie that is easy to make during the holidays or any time of year.

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies

These perfectly soft, chewy and a little crumby chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies literally melts in your mouth. Make them in under 20 minutes.

The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Grab a tall glass of milk and start dipping the best homemade, soft-centered, chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies you will ever try.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Chocolate chip zucchini muffins are moist, fluffy, and delicious. They are made healthier with fresh zucchini and yogurt which also adds amazing texture.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies

Brown butter oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread cookie bites are thick, fluffy, pillowy, cake-like little bites of banana bread heaven.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thick, fluffy, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is when pumpkin bread meets chocolate chip cookies. These no chill cookies are ready in under 20 minutes.

Best White Chocolate Desserts

Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Cookies

Soft and chewy white chocolate cranberry cookies are golden brown with crisp edges, quick and easy, and freeze well - the perfect holiday cookie.

Vanilla Cake Pops

The cutest bite-sized treat to serve at any event are vanilla cake pops from scratch -- luckily, they are actually simple and easy to make.

Gingerbread Truffles

No bake gingerbread truffles with white chocolate are easy to make with just 3 simple ingredients including leftover gingersnaps. Perfect for the holidays.

Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cute raspberry and white chocolate heart-shaped shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth. They are the perfect Mother's Day treat.

Cute raspberry and white chocolate heart-shaped shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth. They are the perfect Valentine's Day treat. | aheadofthyme.com

Carrot Cake Biscotti

Carrot cake biscotti is crunchy, crumbly, and satisfies all your carrot cake cravings. Enjoy these Italian cookies as is or with white chocolate.

Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Peppermint snowball cookies are a buttery, nutty, shortbread holiday cookie that is topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. So festive!

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies with Chocolate Filling

Soft and warmly spiced gingerbread linzer cookies with white chocolate ganache and dusted with confectioners' sugar is a delicious Christmas holiday cookie.

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

Carrot cake shortbread cookies are sweet and buttery, packed with carrots and walnuts, and spiced like your favourite carrot cake. A total treat.

More Dessert Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Chocolate Dessert Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of the best chocolate dessert recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Haft-Sin Table for Norouz (Persian New Year)

If you are wondering how to set up an epic haft-sin table for Norouz this year, or are just curious to learn about Persian New Year traditions, then you have come to the right place. I am sharing everything I know about the traditional 7-sin table that appears in almost every Iranian household during the spring season including tips on how to set it up, what to include, and delicious Persian sweets to enjoy when celebrating the New Year.

What is a Haft Sin?

The traditional "halftsin" (or haftseen) literally translates to "seven S's". It is an arrangement of seven items that all begin with the letter S in Farsi (the Persian language). These spreads can be large an elaborate with beautiful hand-crafted vases to hold each item, or can be small and compact for those living in smaller spaces. It is customary to set up a sofreh haftseen a few days prior to the New Year and remain for 13 days after the New Year.

Each item is included in the haft-seen table for a specific reason and carries a symbolic meaning for the new year. These are the 7 essential items:

Sabzeh - wheatgrass or lentil sprouts grown in a dish.
Samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ.
Senjed - dried oleaster (or dried fruit of a lotus tree)
Seer - garlic
Seeb - apple
Sumac - a crushed spice
Serkeh - vinegar

In addition to these required pieces, there are other symbolic items that are normally placed on the haft-sin table. These include a mirror, candlesticks and candles, goldfish, hyacinth flowers, a Persian poetry book, painted eggs, coins, and an array of decadent Persian pastries.

What Do Each of the Seven S's Symbolize?

Each item is included in the haftseen for a specific reason and carries a symbolic meaning for the new year. The wheatgrass represents rebirth. The sweet pudding represents affluence. The dried fruit represents love. Garlic represents medicine and healthy, apple represents beauty, sumac represents sunrise, and vinegar represents age and patience.

The additional items that are typically included also each symbolize an important element in the new year. A mirror symbolizes self-reflection. Candles represent light. Goldfish represents life. Eggs represent fertility. Coins represent wealth and prosperity.

How to Make a Haft-Sin Table

Set the table. Place a Persian table cloth or a dish towel on the table. Then, assemble at least 7 small serving bowls on top. You can use bowls that you already have at home or purchase a haft-seen set online.
Make a shopping list. Make a list of all the items that you will need for the 7-seen table (including any Persian desserts that you will be placing on the table or baking ingredients if you are making your own).
Arrange the haft-sin items. Place the haft-seen items into the serving bowls. For items like require to be refrigerated (such as samanu), include it on the table on the actual day of norooz because it will start to spoil.
Arrange any additional items. Add any additional items such as a mirror, candles, goldfish, hyacinth flowers, poetry book, painted eggs, coins, and Persian sweets.

Persian New Year Desserts

Some of my favorite Persian desserts to serve during Norouz on our haft-seen table are:

Nan-e Nokhodchi. These Persian chickpea cookies are crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, made with the fragrant flavours of rose water, cardamom and pistachio.
Nan-e Berenji. These Persian rice cookies with poppy seeds are irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made of rice flour, fragrant rose water and crunchy poppy seeds.
Sohan. Persian pistacho brittle is a traditional Persian candy that is sweet, floral, and nutty, has the best crunchy texture, and is loaded with nuts.
Ghotab. These Persian walnut-filled crescents are infused with cardamom and cinnamon flavours.
Persian Love Cake. Persian Love Cake is a rich, moist, and nutty almond cake loaded with floral and citrus flavor, topped with a lemon glaze, pistachios, and rose petals.

Persian Love Cake is a rich, moist, and nutty almond cake loaded with floral and citrus flavors, topped with a lemon glaze, pistachios, and rose petals. | aheadofthyme.com

More Persian Recipes

Did you make a haft seen? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of this Persian New Year guide. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

Mini Egg Cookie Bars

Mini egg cookie bars are a quick and easy Easter dessert that everyone will love. They are soft and chewy with perfect crisp edges and a gooey center and loaded with mini eggs and chocolate chips. This one bowl recipe comes together in just 10 minutes with a handful of classic baking ingredients before it's ready to bake. They are the best way to enjoy mini egg Easter cookies without the hassle of scooping out cookie dough. Easter cookie bars are perfect when you are having a last minute sugar craving.

They are a quick one bowl recipe. To make mini egg cookie bars, all you need is 10 minutes of prep, one bowl, and a few basic baking ingredients. Then pop them into the oven for 30 minutes before they're ready to eat. They are perfect to satisfy a late night sugar craving.
Cookie bars are easier to make than cookies. Baking cookies for a crowd is fun - but it takes a little more work to scoop out each cookie or roll and cut them out. With mini egg cookie bars, there is no need to shape into cookies, bring out extra cookie trays, or bake in batches. Simply bake these cookie bars in an 8-inch square baking pan, then and slice to serve.
They taste like chocolate chip cookies. These cookie bars have everything you would want in a chocolate chip cookie - soft and chewy centers with the perfect crispy edges. But, these bars are thicker than your average cookie making the centers extra gooey and delicious. Plus, they are packed with mini eggs.
Chocolate mini eggs and chocolate chips. These Easter cookie bars not only contain chocolate eggs but they also have chocolate chips, because you can never have enough chocolate!

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these easy Mini Egg Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

butter - make sure to use softened butter, otherwise it won't cream properly with the sugar and the cookie bars won't have that classic chocolate chip cookie texture.
sugar - both light brown sugar and granulated sugar are required in these cookie bars.
egg
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
chocolate chips
mini eggs - we use both whole mini eggs and crushed mini eggs to make these cookie bars look their best.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, and an 8-inch square baking pan.

How to Make the Best Mini Egg Cookie Bars

Make the cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer cream together butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, and beat on low until incorporated. Add flour, baking soda, and salt and beat until just combined. Reserve 1 tablespoon each of the chocolate chips and crushed mini eggs and 2 tablespoons of the whole mini eggs (for the top). Fold in the rest.

Transfer to baking pan. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray oil and line it with a piece of parchment paper, allowing the overhang to come off the 2 sides. Spread the cookie dough onto the lined pan. Press in the remaining chocolate chips and mini eggs on top.
Bake. Bake in a 375F preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cookie dough may not look completely done in the middle, but they will continue to cook as they are cooling.
Serve. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to pull them out. Slice into 16 pieces and serve.

How to Serve

Enjoy these soft and chewy mini egg cookie bars warm right out of the oven with a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream, and dig right in with a spoon. Or allow them to cool down a bit and slice up and enjoy over the next few days or weeks to come (depending on how you store them). Plus, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave and enjoy warm with ice cream any time you want.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to store: Store mini egg cookie bars in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Eat within 4 days if stored at room temperature, and within 7 days if stored in the fridge.
How to freeze: You can also freeze mini egg cookie bars for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely first, then slice and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight.
Make ahead instructions: You can make the mini egg cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap when storing. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature (about 20 minutes) before spreading onto the prepared baking pan.
How to freeze cookie dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough by rolling it into a ball and wrapping tightly in plastic cling wrap and placing inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the cookie dough to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and allow it to come to room temperature before baking, according to recipe instructions.

Recipe FAQ and Tips

How can I make thinner cookie bars?

Spread the cookie batter into a lined quarter sheet baking pan or 9x13-inch pan to make thinner mini egg cookie bars. You will need to shorten the cook time though, so keep an eye on the cookies at the 15-20 minute mark.

Can I add nuts or other substitutions?

Absolutely! If you are feeling creative, you can add in nuts, make simple chocolate chip cookie bars by omitting the mini eggs, substitute the chocolate chip for white chocolate chips, and switch the mini eggs for M&M's.

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes, you can simply double the recipe and spread the cookie dough into a 9x13-inch baking pan, and instead of baking for 30-35 minutes, bake for 35-45 minutes.

More Easter Dessert Recipes

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Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating on the outside, yet tender and light inside. They are bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy! It's true. One dish can have everything you need, and these air fryer cauliflower nuggets prove it. Instead of choosing to eat French fries, chips, or another greasy side, make air fryer breaded cauliflower for a healthy alternative that doesn't sacrifice taste. They literally check every box when it comes to a healthy snack or side.

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

The balanced seasoning. Now, I love a good bite of cauliflower - even when it's only been baked with olive oil, salt, and pepper. But these air fryer cauliflower bites are even better, thanks to a seasoning blend that adds garlic, paprika, and cumin to the mix!
The crispy breading. These air fryer cauliflower nuggets are coated in a thin layer of egg and panko breadcrumbs before being baked in the air fryer. Although this step isn't mandatory, you shouldn't skip it if you want to enjoy the crisp, air-fried texture the breading gives these cauliflower bites.
The fact that this snack is actually healthy. When it comes to "healthy" alternatives to fried foods, most of the options don't stand up to the task (I'm looking at you, carrot sticks). But this air fryer breaded cauliflower has it all - they are good enough to compete with French fries, and they're way healthier.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

cauliflower florets
vegetable oil - feel free to use your favorite vegetable oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.
garlic powder
paprika
ground cumin
salt and pepper
eggs - for coating on the cauliflower to allow the breadcrumbs to stick on.
Panko breadcrumbs - I like the extra crispy texture of Panko breadcrumbs, but you can feel free to substitute with regular breadcrumbs
cooking oil spray

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and an air fryer.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Season the cauliflower. In a large mixing bowl or Ziploc bag, add cauliflower, oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.

Coat the cauliflower. Use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs in a small bowl. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Dip the cauliflower florets in the egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. You can gently press crumbs into the cauliflower to adhere as much as possible.
Air fry. Transfer the breaded cauliflower to the air fryer basket and evenly spray with cooking oil spray. Cook at 375F for 15 minutes until tender and the crust turns golden brown.
Serve. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Before storing these air fryer cauliflower bites, make sure they cool completely. Warm bites will create condensation in the fridge, and that condensation will make your cauliflower bites soggy. Once cooled, store air fryer cauliflower nuggets in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
How to reheat: To reheat cold air fryer cauliflower bites, use your air fryer! Heat them for 2-4 minutes at 375F until warm and crispy.
How to serve: Air fryer cauliflower bites make a perfect snack on their own (and if you eat enough, you can just call it lunch!). I recommend serving with your favorite sauces, including: ketchup, barbecue, siracha aioli, or buffalo sauce.

More Cauliflower Recipes

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Chicken Salad

Classic chicken salad is a creamy and delicious salad that is so easy to throw together in minutes. It's packed with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of celery and green onions all tossed in a creamy sauce that holds it all together. It's the perfect side salad to bring to a summer BBQ or office potluck, or make it ahead for a healthy lunch the next day spread in between sandwich bread or a wrap.

Why You'll Love Chicken Salad Sandwich

It's quick and easy. This chicken salad sandwich consists of two steps (or three if you consider eating a step!). Simply mix all of your ingredients together. Then, put it between two slices of your favorite bread such as sourdough sandwich bread or pita bread.
It's versatile. Don't want a sandwich? You can enjoy this chicken salad over a salad, as a side (I love eating it with barbecue!), or a filling in a quesadilla.
It's classic. If you're looking for a classic or traditional chicken salad, this is it. You'll love this simple chicken salad sandwich recipe which only needs chicken, celery, mayo, mustard, green onions, and seasoning.
It's well-balanced. This chicken salad recipe delivers the perfect ratio of sauce to chicken - and just enough celery and green onions for a kick that isn't overwhelming. But, you can, of course, always adjust everything to your personal taste.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious and easy Chicken Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

shredded chicken - this is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or make a fresh batch of shredded chicken easily.
celery
green onions
mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
lemon juice
paprika
salt and pepper
sandwich bread slices - optional, of serving as a sandwich spread.

A classic chicken salad sandwich is good and always hits the spot, but you can totally customize this to your liking and add some extra spice. Consider making this recipe your own by adding:

chili powder for a spicy kick
slices grapes, apples, or pears for a hint of sweetness
diced carrots for extra crunch
tomatoes and cucumbers
pickles or olives for an acidic flavor profile

How to Make the Best Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is so easy to make in just minutes. You simply combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and until well combined.

Shredded Chicken

The main ingredient in chicken salad is shredded chicken. It's a great recipe to use up any leftover rotisserie chicken in, but if you don't have any it is also really easy to make a batch of shredded chicken. Plus, you can make it in one of three ways - in the oven, stovetop, or instant pot pressure cooker.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

Serve chicken salad on it's own as a salad served over iceberg lettuce, as a spread in sandwiches, pita bread, or wraps, as a filling in a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla.

However you choose to serve it. Some great side dishes that go along with it include:

How to Store

Leftover chicken salad will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You should avoid storing chicken salad on bread since it will make the bread a little soggy. If you want to take it with you, consider putting a big piece of dry lettuce on both sides of the bread to protect it from the moisture inside the salad.

More Sandwich Recipes

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Three Rex Dinosaur Birthday Party

Our little man is officially 3 years old. To celebrate his third birthday, we hosted a three rex dinosaur birthday party with his friends and their families. If you are looking for some party inspiration for your dinosaur loving child, then you have come to the right place. I am taking the stress away and sharing ideas on every detail for an epic dino theme party including decor, craft table, party favors, desserts, and recipes, all in one place!

Three Rex Birthday Party

We are all about birthday themes that focus around a pun based on the age of the child. Last year, we threw a "Two Fast" Car Birthday, and the year before that we threw a "Wild One" Safari Birthday, so of course we had to do the same thing this year that would be perfect for our three year old. We considered a few popular themes like a construction theme (Dirty Thirdy), a jungle or bohemian party (Wild Young and Free), a space theme (3,2,1 Blast off), and a Mexican theme (Three-esta). But based on Kai's interests, we ultimately picked a dinosaur theme as he is obsessed with all things dinosaurs.

If you have planned a themed party for your child, you know that it takes countless hours of research and planning to put it all together. So, I am here to help save you time if you are thinking of throwing the perfect dino themed party for your little boy or girl with every last detail so that you don't have to spend too much time planning.

Dinosaur Birthday Party Dessert Table with Decor

Three Rex Dinosaur Party Decor

Let's talk about the decor or the items that will bring the theme of your party to life. I have linked everything I used for Kai's three rex third birthday party below (in affiliate links).

Balloons - This year, we went with a luxe style balloon garland for the dessert table, and helium balloons in the party/craft room.
- Balloon garland - We hired help this year with the garland, but you can totally do it yourself using garland tape, balloons, and double-sided balloon tape (to tape on the smaller balloons). I picked a neutral look using a combination of olive green balloons, pearl white balloons, blue slate balloons, and peacock blue balloons. Our garland was made mostly of 11-inch latex balloons, with smaller 5-inch balloons, and a few large 18-inch balloons. Our garland was hung using command hooks and fishing wire to safely secure it to the wall without damaging it.
- Dinosaur balloons - I placed 4d foil balloons around the dessert table including a stegosaurus balloon, triceratops balloon, and t-rex balloon.
- Three Rex balloon - I also added this gold foil cursive three rex balloon on the wall behind the dessert table.
- Helium balloons - I inflated a large gold foil number 3 balloon, olive green balloons, and white balloons inflated with helium and secured with green balloon weights. You can pump helium balloons using a helium tank or get them filled at your local party store.
- Loose balloons. We also had a bunch of loose balloons floating around on the ground and hung to the front door outside.
Dinosaur figurines - I decorated the dessert table with an assortment of high-quality large dinosaur figurines including: t-rex, triceratops, brachiosaurus, brontosaurus, velociraptor, ankylosaurus, and pterodactyl. For a cheaper option, you can get a bundle of large dinosaur figurines at a fraction of the price.
Small dinosaur figurines - I decorated the food table with these small plastic dinosaur figurines.
Dinosaur eggs - I found hatched open porcelain eggs at my dollar store that was part of an Easter decorating kit. I stuffed a couple of them with small dinosaur figurines.
Foam leaves - we decorated the table with foam leaves that I picked up at the dollar store. You could also use these artificial palm leaves. These are also great to add to the balloon garland to give it a more lush jungle effect.
Wooden letters - I displayed my son's name using 5-inch white wooden letters. I taped some of the foam leaves on the back to make it fit with the dino theme.
Dinosaur footprints - I stuck these dinosaur footprints on the floor from our front door and leading straight to the dessert table.
Plush dinos - we also displayed a few plush dinosaurs around the house. They are the perfect touch to bring the whole look together. We went with medium-sized ones from Ikea.

Three Rex Dinosaur Party Desserts

The desserts are also something that needs to be carefully planned. These items are basically extra decorations on your dessert table.

Cake - We purchased Kai's birthday cake from a local baker and placed it on a wooden cake stand. We topped it off with long thin gold candles. For a more economical option, you can make your own cake. You can adapt the following recipes to make a layered cake: vanilla cake, double chocolate cake, or lemon cake, and decorate with fondant. To decorate your cake in line with the dinosaur theme, try using dinosaur fondant molds. You could also top the cake with small dinosaur figurines.
Cupcakes - We served vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream icing and fondant eggs. You could also top them with dinosaur cupcake toppers. I placed the cupcakes on a wooden 2-tier cupcake stand.
Sugar cookies - We purchased dinosaur sugar cookies from a local baker, but for a more economical option you can make your own sugar cookies with royal icing. I displayed them in a long wooden tray so that I could place them upright.
Cake pops - I typically make my own cake pops, but this year I decided to purchase dinosaur egg cake pops from a local baker. Cake pops are always a fun addition to any birthday party. Try our vanilla cake pops or chocolate cake pops. You will also need cake pop sticks and a cake pop display such as this wooden cake pop stand that I used. I added some green Easter grass on top to complete the look.
Popcorn - We served our homemade popcorn in these cute T-rex cups.
Mousse cups - These nutella mousse cups are also great to include in the dessert table. Serve them in mini cups.

Kid's Birthday Party Desserts

Browse through following bite-sized desserts for more inspiration on some of my favourite bite-sized desserts and treats to serve at any birthday party.

Homemade Fudgesicles

Chocolate Mousse Cake

M&M Christmas Cookies

Old Fashioned Apple Fritters

The Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Nanaimo Bars

This Mother's Day, treat someone special (or yourself!) to these beautifully light, airy, and fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream. | aheadofthyme.com

Mother's Day Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream

No Bake Bird's Nest Cookies

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Icebox Cake

Fresh Fruit Tart

Vanilla Cake

Strawberry Cupcakes

Crepe Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake

Millionaire's Shortbread

Homemade Glazed Donuts

Peanut Butter Balls

Palmiers

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Nutella Cookies

Chocolate Covered Oreos

Monster Cookies

Chocolate Whoopie Pies

S'mores Bars

Strawberry Muffins

Rice Krispies Treats

Brownie Cookies

Robin's Egg Cupcakes

Italian Easter Cookies

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Oreo Brownies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Madeleines

Lofthouse Cookies are super soft, moist, and thick, classic grocery store cookies made of a cakey sugar cookie, sweet buttercream frosting, and sprinkles. | aheadofthyme.com

Lofthouse Cookies (Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies)

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Pecan Pie Brownies

Jello Jigglers

Apple Cake

Blueberry Cake

Cherry Crumb Bars

Lemon Curd Cookies

S'mores Cookies

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Sugar Cookie Bars

Vanilla Pudding

Banana Pudding

Mango Sago

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Nutella Mousse Cups

Easter Bark

Easter Blondies

Persian Love Cake

Flourless Banana Brownies

Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

Caramel Brownies

Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Butter Cookies

Individual Apple Crisp

Applesauce Bread

Mango Frozen Yogurt

Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls

Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones

Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

Fudgy Brownies

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Pecan Snowball Cookies

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Spooky Halloween Chocolate Cake Pops

Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Chewy chocolate chip peanut butter granola bars are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Prep them in just 10 minutes to snack on for weeks. | aheadofthyme.com

Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies

Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

These melt-in-your-mouth, homemade baked jelly donuts, coated in sugar and filled with sweet strawberry jam, are so soft, fluffy, spongy and airy. | aheadofthyme.com

Baked Jelly Donuts with Strawberry Jam

Small batch almond biscotti are crunchy, crumbly and packed with almonds, perfect for dunking into tea or coffee, and they are super easy to make. | aheadofthyme.com

Easy Small Batch Almond Biscotti

Brown butter oatmeal chocolate chip banana bread cookie bites are thick, fluffy, pillowy, cake-like little bites of banana bread heaven. | aheadofthyme.com

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies

The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Vanilla Cake Pops from Scratch

Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies

Four Quick and Easy RITZ Cracker Recipes

Persian Rice Cookies with Poppy Seeds (Nan-e Berenji)

Birthday Party Craft Table

One of my favorite things about this party is the craft table set up that we made. It was a great way to keep the kids entertained for quite some time. We rented 2 large kid's tables and put them together along with white chiavari chairs. Here are all the supplies that we used to make this epic birthday party craft table:

Easel and canvas - These wooden tabletop easels and canvas were the perfect size for the kid's craft table. You can also find easels and canvases together in a bundled package set.
Organizer caddy - I set up 2 organizer caddies to organize the art supplies in different areas.
Markers - I used two packs of my favorite markers.
Paint - We opted out of a paint set up to make clean up easier. If you want to include paint, be sure to include paint brushes and small paint palettes.
Scissors - I like these safety scissors for toddlers or these blunt scissors.
Glue - School glue and glue sticks for all crafting needs.
Craft supplies - Include a variety of pompoms, googly eyes, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, foam alphabet stickers, feathers, multicolor paper, foam cubes, and buttons.
Foam dinosaurs - I cut foam paper into dinosaur shapes by tracing around dinosaur cookie cutters and then cutting them out.
Sticker puzzles - I placed out dinosaur sticker puzzles for each child.

Food and Snacks for a Dinosaur Themed Birthday Party

When it comes to birthday parties, it's all about the finger foods and dips (the less messy the better right?). We provided large Dinosaur plates served with dark green napkins. You can mix and match and use dinosaur napkins or get a party bundle set. And don't forget green straws.

Swipe through my favourite hand-held party food recipes below. Don't forget some squeeze pouches or crackers for any little ones.

Healthy Vegan Chickpea Tacos

Baked mashed potato spring rolls combine creamy cheesy mashed potatoes with crispy golden wrappers for the ultimate JOEY copycat appetizer. | aheadofthyme.com

Baked Mashed Potato Spring Rolls (JOEY Copycat)

Apple Nachos are a quick, healthy snack made with crisp apples, nut butter, and toppings. Fun, customizable, and ready in minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

Apple Nachos (Easy and Healthy Snack)

Baked Cheddar Cheese Sticks

Mexican Ground Beef Tacos

Fresh, light, and healthy Vietnamese Salad Rolls are filled with shrimp, vegetables, and herbs, and served with a delicious homemade peanut dipping sauce. | aheadofthyme.com

Vietnamese Salad Rolls with Shrimp and Peanut Dipping Sauce

Easy Tzatziki Sauce is a cool, creamy Greek dip made with thick Greek yogurt, crisp cucumber, zesty lemon juice, and fresh dill. Quick and easy too! | aheadofthyme.com

Easy Tzatziki Sauce (Yogurt Cucumber Dip)

French Bread Pizza

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw

Cheeseburger Sliders

Pico de Gallo

Guacamole

Ricotta Crostini with Peas and Mint

Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Homemade Baked Potato Chips

Cheese Board

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Pizza Fries

Caprese Skewers

Cauliflower Tots

Homemade Taquitos

Cheese Quesadilla

Chicken Meatballs

Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Toasted Ravioli

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Homemade Kettle Corn

Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Zucchini Bites

Homemade Ranch Dip

Green Bean Fries

Lobster Rolls

Tortilla Strips

Shrimp Cakes

Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Chicken Salad

Spinach Cheese Rolls

Chicken Nachos

Pizza Dip

Vegetarian Quesadillas

Pizza Crescent Rolls

7 Layer Dip

Greek Fries

Chili Nachos

Homemade Popcorn

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This easy charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer to impress with minimal effort- made with cheese, cured meats, crackers, dips, olives, fruit, and nuts. | aheadofthyme.com

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Veggie Tray

Tex Mex Egg Muffins

Candied Pecans

Homemade Applesauce

Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

Caramelized Onion Dip

Fish Stick Tacos

Homemade Fish Sticks

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Mango Salsa

Homemade Pickles

Fig crostini topped sweet, juicy figs, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is flavourful, delicious, and perfect for snacking on or entertaining. | aheadofthyme.com

Fig Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Baked Cauliflower Nuggets

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Pesto Hummus

Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Sheet Pan Nachos

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Whipped Ricotta Dip

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Homemade Calzones

Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Baked Spinach Dip

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Baked Apple Chips

The Best Egg Salad Sandwich

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Korean Beef Steak Tacos

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

The BEST breaded fried chicken wings -- extra crispy and crunchy outside, tender and juicy inside. You can't even tell they're air fried, not deep-fried! | aheadofthyme.com

The Best Breaded Fried Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)

Classic Hummus

Curried White Bean Crostini with Toasted Pepitas

Turkey pinwheels are bite-sized finger food perfection and will make back-to-school lunch planning for the kids, entertaining guests at lunchtime, or serving appys at game day a total breeze! | aheadofthyme.com

Back to School Turkey Pinwheels

You will be amazed by how crispy these baked Asian chicken wings turn out! We add sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, and ginger to balance the flavours. | aheadofthyme.com

Crispy Baked Asian Chicken Wings

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Mayo (Cactus Club Copycat)

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cracker Bites

Tomato and Mozzarella Tart

Four Quick and Easy RITZ Cracker Recipes

Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

Some of the most popular recipes that are always a hit with kids are:

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. A total crowd pleaser!
Homemade Tater Tots. Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks. Crunchy, cheesy, and paired with an awesome dipping sauce, these baked mozzarella sticks are just as amazing as what you would find in a restaurant!
Pigs in a Blanket. Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering - juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery.
Veggie Tray. This homemade veggie tray is a quick, easy, and healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips.
Chicken Strips. Juicy long strips of chicken shaped perfectly for dipping and coated with a flawless crispy and crunchy exterior, baked crispy chicken strips are a kid's favorite meal.
Egg Salad Sandwich. The best egg salad sandwich is a quick and easy picnic classic loaded with perfect hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, a touch of dijon mustard and green onions.

In line with the dinosaur theme party, label little tent cards with creative phrases to describe the food such as:

dig in
dinosaur bones
t-rex claws
dino eggs
dino track cookies
ice age water
lava cake
t-rex nachos
jurassic garden
herbivores

Birthday Party Drinks

You can't have a birthday party without some juice. Serve some refreshing lemonade or iced tea, or even some bubble tea.

Strawberry Lemonade

Homemade Peach Iced Tea

Three ways to make bubble tea at home is a lot easier than you think! Made with real ingredients, this recipe is delicious, refreshing, and healthy. | aheadofthyme.com

How to Make Bubble Tea

Dinosaur Birthday Party Favors

I set up the party favors on a separate table with a cute "adopt a dinosaur" sign. I made the sign on Microsoft Word and placed it into a wooden picture frame. We placed an assortment of medium sized dinosaur figurines that each child could take home, along with a favor box filled with dinosaur themed goodies.

I purchased these cute dinosaur treat boxes (I also loved these dinosaur treat bags). To complete the look, you can add a thank you tag tied onto the handle with burlap string, or add a dino thank you sticker on one side of the favor box.

I filled each box with:

You could also get a dinosaur favor bundle with everything that you need.

Roasted Eggplant

Whether you're cooking this roasted eggplant in your oven or air fryer, you'll fall in love with how fast, easy, and delicious this simple recipe is. Ready in just half an hour with a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this roasted eggplant recipe is healthy and nutritious. It's a perfect side dish for busy weeknights when you forget about prepping dinner. Serve it with protein like chicken, over rice, or with a side of pita bread.

Why You'll Love Roasted Eggplant

It's so easy to make. Chop it. Season it. Roast it in the oven - and don't forget to flip it halfway through. That's really all there is to it. This is by far the easiest eggplant recipe out there.
Plus, it's quick. Forgot about dinner? Hungry already? Don't worry. This roasted eggplant recipe is here to the rescue. It takes about 30 minutes from the moment you decide to make it to the moment the delicious, crispy, roasted eggplant reaches your plate.
Loaded with flavor. No one likes boring and bland vegetables. This roasted eggplant is special because it's seasoned with Italian spices, paprika, and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Plus, you can add extra toppings like green onions and chickpeas for a different flavor.
Eggplants are healthy. Vegetables like eggplants provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Add this delicious, easy, and simple recipe to your diet, and you might be able to cut back on the vitamins and supplements.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Roasted Eggplant, you will need the following simple ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

eggplants - when selecting perfectly ripe eggplants, look for ones that are slightly firm but not very hard. You can check by pushing on it with your finger. It should feel the same as when touching a ripe tomato. If it's too soft that it breaks the skin, then it is too ripe. It's too hard if it doesn't budge when pressed.
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
seasoning - you will need a few simple seasoning including salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
toppings - you can top it with green onions and chickpeas (optional).

You will also need measuring spoons, large mixing bowl, and half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Roasted Eggplant

Season eggplant. In a large mixing bowl, add eggplants and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add all seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika). Toss well to coat and set aside for 15 minutes until the oven is preheated.
Bake. Arrange the eggplants in a single layer on a parchment lined half sheet baking pan. Bake in a 425F preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until nicely browned, flipping the eggplants halfway through to achieve even cooking.
Serve. Serve immediately and drizzle with more balsamic vinegar on top, if desired.

How to Cook Roasted Eggplant in the Air Fryer

Add eggplants in the air fryer basket and cook at 375F for 20-25 minutes until tender and nicely caramelized. Shake the basket halfway to cook them evenly.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Eggplant and other roasted vegetables are notorious for becoming soggy after cooking and storing. Never store hot vegetables. Instead, allow the eggplant to cool on the roasting pan before transferring to an airtight container (once completely cool). Keep in the fridge and eat within 4-5 days.
How to reheat: Leftover roasted eggplant tastes best when reheated in the oven or the air fryer. Heat in a 425F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm, or heat in a 375F air fryer for 5-10 minutes.

More Vegetable Side Dishes

Tried this recipe?

30 Best Rice Recipes

Rice is the most popular pantry staple used across the world, and it's really no surprise. It's delicious, comforting, and versatile - it soaks up different flavors so well, making it the perfect base of any meal. Whether you add some seasonings to change it up a little, or throw in protein and veggies to completely transform it, the options are endless. So if you are wondering what to cook with rice that goes beyond plain rice, or simply "how to cook rice", then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 30 of the most popular and best rice recipes including simple plain rice recipes, stir fried rice, chicken and rice, creamy rice, rice stuffed into vegetables, soup with rice, and more!

Best Rice Recipes

Steamed Rice

Learn how to make steamed rice that's perfectly cooked, fluffy and delicious in 30 minutes. Cook white rice on the stove, rice cooker, or instant pot.

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice

Packed with flavour, real ingredients and vibrant colours, one pot Spanish chicken and rice is the perfect no fuss, no clean up weeknight meal.

Easy Coconut Rice

Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. It's a quick and easy side dish that compliments all Thai, South Asian, and tropical dishes.

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Make flavourful, Chinese restaurant-style vegetarian fried rice at home in 10 minutes, with fully customizable ingredients, and say good-bye to take-out!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a fresh, bright and vibrant side dish that will add extra flavour to any meal you serve it with. It's a quick, easy, one pot recipe.

Basmati Rice with Saffron

Basmati rice with saffron is an essential side in Middle Eastern diets. Make it in 15 minutes with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Curry Chicken Fried Rice

Flavourful curry chicken fried rice with chicken, mushrooms, peas, rice, and curry flavours is so easy to make in less than 10 minutes on busy weeknights. Serve with a fresh Chinese garlic cucumber salad on the side.

Broccoli Rice

Broccoli Rice is the perfect side dish: creamy, cheesy, healthy, and filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy and all made in one pot in just over 30 minutes.

One Pot Rice Pilaf with Carrots

One pot Rice Pilaf with Carrots is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. Cook this vegetable rice on the stove, rice cooker, or instant pot.

Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto

Creamy Parmesan (No Wine) Risotto is a rich, creamy, and comforting classic Italian dish that may be intimidating but is actually quick and easy to make.

Greek Rice

This simple Greek Rice is lemony, full of herbs, and warm, delicious flavors — and it couldn't be much easier to make. Our go-to fluffy herb rice dish!

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Ground beef stuffed peppers are delicious, healthy, and filling. Stuffed with beef rice and veggies, they're easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Instant pot chicken fried rice is easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and delicious. It's perfect for a weeknight family dinner or meal prep.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and rice soup is delicious, warm, cozy, and comforting feel-good meal that can warm you up on a chilly day. Easy to make in one pot.

Beef and Bean Burritos

Hearty and filling beef and bean burritos are easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and take just 30 minutes for restaurant-quality Mexican food at home.

Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom Risotto is a rich creamy one pot rice dish made with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. Making homemade risotto from scratch is easy!

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a quick and easy meal that is ready in just 20 minutes. It's a savory, sweet, delicious, and flavorful weeknight family dinner.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers filled with mushrooms, rice, and veggies. Flavorful, hearty, and ready in under an hour — the perfect meatless dinner! | aheadofthyme.com

Easy Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

Vegan Stuffed Peppers are stuffed with pan-fried mushrooms, tender rice, and veggies, making them flavorful and filling. Easy to make in under an hour!

Seafood Fried Rice

Quick and easy, one-pan, 10-minute seafood fried rice with tiger prawns is so much healthier, tastier and better than takeout. It's the easiest weeknight meal.

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Wholesome hearty one pot leftover turkey wild rice soup can be adapted easily for chicken instead of turkey. It's the most comforting way to use any leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice

Healthy, hearty and wholesome butternut squash with wild rice and mushrooms is an easy cozy vegetarian dinner or side dish for fall. It pairs so nicely with a juicy roasted turkey breast and nutty green beans.

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad loaded with veggies and tossed in a Greek dressing is filling, healthy, nutritious, gluten-free, and easy to make.

Rice Croutons

Gluten-free rice croutons are a delicious, crunchy, and chewy homemade snack with the same texture as the best part of rice — the crispy bottom of the pot!

Zongzi Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽子)

Zongzi Chinese tamales (粽子) or sticky rice dumplings are stuffed with sticky rice, pork belly, and shiitake mushrooms, wrapped inside reed or bamboo leaves.

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Leftover turkey fried rice with turkey, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings is a one skillet meal made in just 10 minutes. Easily substitute the turkey in this recipe with leftover chicken.

One Pot Coconut Curry Chicken and Rice

Creamy, delicious and flavourful, Thai-inspired one pot coconut curry chicken and rice is a 30-minute weeknight meal made with red curry and coconut milk.

How to Serve Rice

There are so many ways to serve a side of cooked rice. I typically pair it with a protein and a side of vegetables or salad (unless it's a complete meal like our Spanish Rice). Here are some of my favorite recipe collections for pairing with rice:

How to Store Rice

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4. days.

Reheat rice by steaming it in a steamer, or putting it in a microwave-safe container and covering it with a damp paper towel. Ensure there are no gaps for air to escape. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments or until you notice steam rising from the paper towel. This method steams the rice, so it is soft and light instead of hard and dry. You could also reheat over the stove but you may need to add some water to soften it up a bit.

Did You Make any of These Rice Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of vegetarian rice recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Easter Bark

Easter Bark is the perfect chocolate treat to make this spring. It's sweet, rich, and oh so pretty. This quick and easy recipe comes together with minimal prep time and a handful of ingredients. Plus, it's a no bake recipe that is great to make with the kids. Customize the toppings to include your favorite Easter candies and sprinkles. Plus, they store well, so you can snack on these for weeks to come (if they don't disappear before then!).

Why You'll Love Easter Bark

It takes just 15 minutes to make. Although it takes about 45 minutes to chill the Easter bark after you assemble it, this recipe only requires 15 minutes of your time. It's a quick and easy no-bake dessert that used just a handful of simple (and sweet!) ingredients.
They are a fun Easter treat. This gorgeous chocolate bark is loved by kids and adults alike. They are sweet, delicious, and pretty. Plus, you can serve them up on any occasion by just substituting the mini eggs with other festive candies and using sprinkles that match your theme.
It's the perfect activity for the kids. Easter bark is even a great idea to make with the kids. It's such a fun activity and easy to supervise since there is no baking required. You might want to measure out some extra mini eggs because they will be snacked on...
They store well = perfect for gifting. Easter chocolate bark can last for weeks either at room temperature or in the fridge, and even longer in the freezer. They make a great last minute Easter gift that you can package up in clear plastic bags tied with string and gift to friends and family.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious Easter Bark, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

chocolate - you will need both semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate. You can use coarsely chop the chocolate before melting, or use chocolate chips.
food coloring - to get pastel colors, you only need a drop or two of food coloring. If you add too much, it will get too dark. Feel free to use liquid food coloring or gel food coloring.
chocolate mini eggs - you can easily find mini eggs at your local grocery store in the spring season. I like using Cadbury mini eggs. Feel free to substitute with other Easter candies such as Easter M&Ms, robin eggs, or mini bunny chocolates.
sprinkles - I recommend using pastel-colored sprinkles to keep with the Easter theme.

You will also need half sheet baking pan, cooking pot or microwave, and mixing bowls.

How to Make the Best Easter Bark

Prep. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside. Crush half of the chocolate mini eggs. Set aside.
Melt chocolate. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate either on the stove or in the microwave:
- On the stove: Bring 2 inches of water to a low simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Then turn the heat to low and place a large heatproof bowl of chocolate chips on the mouth of the pot. Make sure that there is a gap of a few inches in between the bottom of the bowl and the water (You can also place a bowl on a steamer attachment on top of your pot). Stir the chocolate constantly as it melts. Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. This should take a few minutes.
- In the microwave: The second way to melt chocolate (and an easier way) is in the microwave. Place the chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals. Remove the bowl at each interval and stir well. Repeat until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir until completely smooth
Melt white chocolate. Melt the white chocolate by repeating the above process.
Dye the white chocolate. Divide the white chocolate into 2-3 separate small mixing bowls. Add pastel-colored food coloring to each bowl and mix until combined. Try light pink, light yellow, light green, light blue, or light purple. To get pastel colors, you can use regular primary colors but add very little. Just a drop or two should suffice per color.

Spread out chocolate. Spread the melted semi-sweet chocolate in a thin layer onto the prepared baking sheet, forming an approximate 9x12-inch rectangle, about ⅓-inch thick. Dollop the melted and colored white chocolate on top in alternating patterns. Use a toothpick to swirl the semi-sweet and white chocolates together.
Add toppings. Immediately arrange the chocolate eggs (½ of them will be whole while ½ are crushed) onto the swirled chocolate, pressing them lightly into the chocolate, if necessary. Sprinkle the remaining gaps in the surface with sprinkles.
Set. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set, about 45 minutes. Transfer the parchment paper to a cutting board and cut the bark into pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Tip for handling melted chocolate: When pouring the chocolate onto the prepared pan, you can get every last drop by using a rubber spatula to wipe the sides of the bowls clean.
Make this with the kids: To make this activity easier for young kids, portion the various topping options into small bowls that they can easily dump (or stick their hands into!) instead of putting out an entire container of mini eggs and sprinkles.
How to store: Store chocolate bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Keep it in a cool and dry place where it will not melt. If you live somewhere warm, you can store it in the fridge for up to a month.
How to freeze: You can freeze Easter bark in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or on the kitchen counter for an hour or 2 until thawed.

More Easter Desserts

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60+ Spring Dinner Ideas

When it comes to the best spring dinners, it's all about fresh and light dishes that keep you feel without feeling heavy and loaded with vibrant seasonal ingredients. If you are looking for delicious spring recipes to cook for dinner, then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 60 of the best spring dinner ideas including quick and easy seafood for spring, spring chicken dinners, vegetarian dinners for spring, spring soups, spring salads, and more.

Over 60 of the best spring dinner ideas including easy seafood, chicken dinners, vegetarian dinners, spring soups, spring salads, and more spring recipes. | aheadofthyme.com

Best Spring Dinners

Chicken Madeira

Chicken Madeira with sautéed mushrooms and tender crisp asparagus is topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Cheaper and better than the Cheesecake Factory!

Spring Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

Spring pesto pasta with asparagus and chives is light and made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. Serve it hot for dinner or cold as pasta salad. One of my favorite spring dinner ideas.

Lemon Asparagus Soup with Parmesan

Lemon asparagus soup with parmesan is the perfect spring soup -- smooth, light, fresh, and flavourful. It's customizable and can be served hot or cold. The perfect spring recipe.

Chopped Asparagus Salad

Chopped asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette is the easiest and best spring salad ever - colourful, vibrant, flavourful, light, and crunchy.

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs

Sweet chili turkey meatballs are delicious, tender and juicy, loaded with classic Thai flavors, and quick and easy to make. Savory, sweet, and tangy.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

Chicken parmesan stuffed peppers are delicious, flavorful, healthy, and filling, and combines two all-time favorites. Great for meal prep and freezes well.

Borscht (Beet Soup)

Ukrainian borscht soup is a vegan beet soup made with red beets and vegetables. It's nutritious, flavorful, delicious, easy to make, and freezer-friendly.

Mexican Ground Beef Tacos

Ground beef tacos are delicious, authentic, and so easy to make. They're savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh. The perfect recipe for a Mexican fiesta or spring dinner.

Ground beef tacos are delicious, authentic, and so easy to make. They're savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh. The perfect recipe for a Mexican fiesta. | aheadofthyme.com

Potato Galette with Arugula and Crème Fraîche

Potato galette with arugula and crème fraîche is a rich, light, and delicious savoury tart to serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A total crowd-pleaser.

Tofu and Mushroom Stir Fry

Quick, easy, and simple, vegan tofu and mushroom stir fry is a delicious meal that is ready in under 15 minutes. Serve it over a bowl of steamed rice.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make. One of my favorite spring dinner ideas.

Shrimp Taco Salad

Shrimp taco salad with cilantro lime dressing is flavourful, delicious, and easy to make. It has all the fixings and of shrimp tacos, but without the mess.

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

Easy to make, light and fresh teriyaki grilled salmon rice bowl is topped with vegetables, seaweed and salmon roe, with homemade teriyaki sauce on top.

Beef Noodle Stir Fry

This beef noodle stir fry is the 20-minute dinner that you have been looking for - quick and easy, delicious and flavorful, and so much better than takeout.

Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve.

Garlic Butter Salmon

Tender, flaky, flavorful garlic butter salmon is well-seasoned, seared to perfection, and basted until juicy. Quick and easy to make in 20 minutes.

Asparagus Tart

Asparagus tart with Gruyère cheese, a balsamic glaze, and flaky puff pastry, is a flavourful and delicious addition to brunch, as an Easter appetizer, or for a light dinner this spring. You need to try this spring dinner idea.

Seafood Spring Recipes

Greek Salmon

Greek salmon is delicious, flaky, and tender. This healthy oven-baked salmon is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is ready in just 20 minutes.

Seafood Fried Rice

Quick and easy, one-pan, 10-minute seafood fried rice with tiger prawns is so much healthier, tastier and better than takeout. It's the easiest weeknight meal.

Miso Black Cod (Sablefish)

Flaky, oily, and tender, miso black cod (or sablefish) packed with delicious Asian flavours is an indulgent meal that's as healthy as it is delicious. One of my favorite spring dinner ideas.

Flaky, oily, and tender, miso black cod (or sablefish) packed with delicious Asian flavours is an indulgent meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Sticky and sweet, easy honey garlic glazed salmon is one of the best salmon recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Ready in under 25 minutes.

Shrimp Avocado Tostadas

Shrimp avocado tostadas are a delicious, crunchy, quick and easy Mexican dish you can make in just 15 minutes, loaded with the best combination of toppings.

Seared Scallops

Garlicky, buttery, and perfectly seared scallops take less than 10 minutes to prep and cook. It's the easiest fancy, restaurant-grade meal to make at home.

Miso Salmon

Baked miso salmon brings traditional Japanese flavours to the forefront, with a healthy and delicious meal that's easy to make on busy weeknights.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

This simple creamy salmon pasta is quick and easy to make, delicious and flavorful, and loaded with salmon. A weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

Chicken Dinners for Spring

Baked Souvlaki Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender, and moist, baked chicken breast with the best classic Greek souvlaki marinade is the most flavorful and delicious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes. Serve it on its own with greek lemon roasted baby potatoes or use in a Greek chicken salad.

Juicy, tender, and moist, baked chicken breast with the best Greek souvlaki marinade is the most flavorful and delicious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling and hot sheet pan chicken fajitas are on the table in less than 30 minutes. The best part is that you just throw the chicken, peppers, and everything into one sheet pan. Serve with pico de gallo and guacamole.

Baked Queso Chicken

Baked queso chicken with tomatoes is an easy, cheesy, delicious chicken dinner that takes just 30 minutes to cook with skinless chicken breasts. The best weeknight dinner.

Cashew Chicken

Cashew chicken is a quick and easy chicken stir fry ready in under 30 minutes. It's flavorful, delicious, and so much better and faster than takeout. One of my favorite spring dinner ideas.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a quick easy chicken stir fry that is delicious, flavorful, healthy, and better and faster than takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is a quick and easy 30 minute Italian chicken dinner that is delicious, flavorful, and comforting.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air fryer chicken breast is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Quick and easy dinner on busy weeknights.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Vietnamese summer rolls with chicken are fresh, light, and healthy. This Asian summer snack takes less than 20 minutes to make and easier than you think. A light spring recipe.

Baked Caprese Chicken

Baked caprese chicken is tender, juicy, and delicious, topped with burst tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Quick and easy, creamy lemon chicken piccata is a simple and delicious 30-minute meal made with tender chicken breast in a light lemon sauce with capers. One of my favorite easy chicken dinners.

Thai Basil Chicken

Better than takeout, Thai basil chicken with a delicious homemade sauce is a quick and easy, light and fresh chicken stir fry that is ready in 25 minutes. The perfect spring recipe.

Chicken Penne Pasta

Chicken penne pasta is a quick and easy dinner that is delicious, rich, creamy, and flavorful. It's a family favorite that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Vegetarian Spring Dinners

Greek Fries

Homemade Greek fries bring a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish, crispy fries are topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice.

Pesto Penne Pasta

Quick and easy pesto penne pasta is a simple and light Italian pasta dish made with just five ingredients in under 15 minutes. The easiest spring recipe. If you like this recipe, try Mascarpone Pesto Pasta.

Falafel

Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein. One of my favorite vegetarian meals.

Spinach and Feta Quiche with Cauliflower Crust

Spinach and feta quiche is healthy and gluten-free with a keto cauliflower crust and savoury vegetarian filling. Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Lo Mein Noodles

Say goodbye to takeout and make easy Lo Mein Noodles at home, packed with fresh veggies and healthy ingredients, in less than 15 minutes! We love this spring recipe.

Baked Zucchini Boats with Marinara and Cheese

Baked zucchini with marinara and melted cheese is so quick and easy to make. It's vegetarian, gluten free, and packed with flavour. It's basically pizza but on a zucchini.

Mushroom and Arugula Skillet Pizza

Easy and delicious homemade mushroom and arugula skillet pizza with a perfectly crispy pizza crust is topped with mushrooms, arugula, and mozzarella cheese.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta

Baked Mediterranean pasta is simple, flavorful, and vibrant, loaded with fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives, and topped with mozzarella cheese.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms is a simple vegan sheet pan side dish that's easy to make, flavorful and delicious. Serve with your favorite protein.

Spring Soup Recipes

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty, healthy, nourishing, and delicious classic Italian soup, packed with vegetables and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Creamy Vegan Ramen

Creamy vegan ramen is delicious, flavorful, and healthy comfort food, packed with nutrients that will give you an immunity boost. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is thick, creamy, and comforting. This delicious one pot soup is easy to make in 45 minutes, freezer-friendly, and reheats well.

Creamy Mexican Corn Soup

This vegetarian, hearty and filling, creamy Mexican corn soup is dense, bright, and full of flavour! It has all the warm and cozy vibes written all over it. Serve it with some butternut squash quesadillas.

Beef Taco Soup

Beef taco soup is a delicious take on tacos, transforming it into a hearty, wholesome, filling soup topped with all the taco fixings. Ready in 30 minutes.

Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Hearty and creamy tortellini soup with sausage, spinach and kale is total comfort food in a bowl. Make this flavourful one pot meal in under 30 minutes.

Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

Creamless cream of asparagus soup is healthy, delicious, smooth, creamy, quick and easy to make. A perfect spring soup for a last minute lunch or dinner.

Creamy Tomato Potato Soup

Make this silky smooth and creamy tomato potato soup in under 25 minutes. This gluten-free vegan soup is healthy and filling and the easiest weeknight meal.

Creamy Artichoke Soup

Creamy artichoke soup is rich, healthy, delicious, easy to make, and freezer-friendly. This vegetarian soup is loaded with artichokes, leeks, and potatoes.

Spinach and Pea Soup

Spinach and Pea Soup is creamy, velvety, healthy and delicious. It's a curried soup with a vegan coconut milk base loaded with fresh spinach and green peas.

Spring Salads

Chicken Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing

Chicken garden salad with ranch dressing is fresh, healthy, hearty, and colorful. It's a filling and wholesome lunch or dinner that is versatile too.

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad is delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. Make it up to three days ahead for your summer picnics and cookouts. You can't get more classic than Italian Salad on Memorial Day!

Quinoa Spinach Salad

Take a bite into this refreshing, gluten-free quinoa and spinach salad bursting with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers and raisins.

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled shrimp salad is a quick and easy, healthy summer meal that is loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients, all tossed in an easy homemade dressing.

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Quick and easy Mediterranean orzo pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables and herbs is tossed in a Greek lemon vinaigrette. Healthy, light and delicious.

Beef Taco Salad

Beef taco salad is a simple, filling, and delicious meal loaded with your favorite taco fillings, and a creamy lime dressing. Make it in 20 minutes.

Vegan Soba Noodle Salad

There's nothing better on a hot day than a cold and refreshing vegan soba noodle salad, tossed with fresh vegetables and a delicious saucy dressing.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad adds a twist to a classic street food, loaded with freshly grilled corn, a creamy cheesy dressing, and authentic flavor.

Storing and Reheating Spring Dinners

Make ahead instructions. You can make some of these spring dinners ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also prep the ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to store: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or possible even in the freezer. Check the individual recipe for complete storing instructions and to see if the recipe is freezer-friendly.
How to reheat: Most of the leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop over medium to low heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, in the air fryer or the oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave in 20-second increments until warmed through. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.

More Spring Dinner Ideas

Did You Make Any of These Easy Spring Dinner Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of these easy spring dinner ideas. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. Seasoned asparagus is roasted in the oven until tender crisp and topped with freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated Parmesan for the most incredible flavor. This side dish is incredibly quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes! Serve it alongside your favorite protein such as chicken or salmon and a starchy side dish like pasta or rice for a complete and wholesome weeknight dinner.

Why You'll Love Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

It's quick and easy. Set aside about 20 minutes to prep and cook this lemon parmesan asparagus. It's a simple recipe that requires minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients. You'll love how quickly this side dish comes together - especially on busy weeknights.
A healthy side dish. The best part of this lemon parmesan asparagus is certainly the asparagus. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that's packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C & K. In fact, one serving of this side dish (with Parmesan cheese) is just 29 calories. Insane!
Loaded with flavor. Parmesan and lemon kind of go amazing together in so many dishes, especially vegetable side dishes. There is something about the nutty cheese and sour lemon that just go together and helps bring out the flavor of the vegetables that it is added to. Add it to crunchy tender crisp asparagus with garlic, and you've got yourself some major flavorful veggies.

Ingredient Notes

To make this quick and easy Lemon Parmesan Asparagus, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

asparagus - I went for medium asparagus. If you are using thinner asparagus, you will have to adjust the cook time slightly so that they don't overcook and burn.
salt and pepper
olive oil
garlic
lemon juice - lemon is a great ingredient in the kitchen because it can add acidity, sourness, sweetness, and citrus notes to any dish. It's the perfect companion to asparagus and parmesan.
Parmesan cheese - you can substitute freshly grated parmesan cheese in this recipe for the pre-grated packaged parmesan cheese, but I urge you not to. Fresh parmesan is one of the main ingredients in this dish and it adds incredible flavor and texture that you won't want to miss out on.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

Season asparagus. Place asparagus on a large half sheet baking pan and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle minced garlic on top and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
Bake. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake in a 400F preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until tender yet crisp. Note that if you are using thinner asparagus, you will have to adjust the cook time by about 5 minutes.
Serve. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Roasted Asparagus

Serve this lemon parmesan asparagus alongside a protein and simple plain side like potatoes or rice for a complete meal. Some of my favorites to serve with this are:

Storing Instructions

How to store: Allow leftover lemon parmesan asparagus to cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge inside an airtight container. Eat within 3-5 days.
How to reheat: Reheat roasted asparagus the same way you baked it - in a preheated 400F oven. It only needs about 4-5 minutes to heat completely. Serve immediately. The Parmesan will melt when reheating, so feel free to add extra freshly grated Parmesan on top.

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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are quick and easy to make, loaded with flavor, and totally delicious. If I told you that sizzling hot chicken fajitas could be on the table in less than 30 minutes, would you believe me? And that instead of dirtying up multiple skillets sautéing vegetables and chicken you could simply throw everything on a single sheet pan and pop into the oven. Because these sheet pan fajitas are all that and more. With just 10 minutes prep and 15 minutes in the oven, you could be celebrating Taco Tuesday any night of the week! Plus, chicken fajitas store and reheat well so they are perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week.

Why You'll Love Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Quick and easy under 30 minute dinner. This is the perfect weeknight meal because it takes less than 30 minutes to cook. You literally throw together the chicken and vegetables together with the fajita seasoning in one sheet pan for easy cooking and minimal cleanup. Then, pop into the oven and sit back while you wait for your chicken fajita dinner to be ready.
Homemade fajita seasoning. The fajita seasoning mix takes literally 2 minutes to put together, and another minute to rub all over the chicken. All you need is an easy combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. But if you want to make things more convenient, feel free to substitute with store-bought seasoning.
They are loaded with flavor. These sheet pan fajitas are bursting with flavor from the quick spice rub fajita seasoning (pro tip: make extra!). But you can add more flavors with extra toppings. The sky is really the limit when you get creative with toppings. To keep dinner super simple, serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, homemade guacamole and your favorite salsa.
Great for meal prep. These chicken fajitas are one of my favorite meals to make ahead of time and divided into meal prep containers with some Cilantro Lime Rice or tortillas for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious and easy sheet pan chicken fajitas, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

chicken cutlets (about 3-4 cutlets)
olive oil
fajita seasoning - make your own in just seconds with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also substitute with 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons store-bought fajita seasoning mix.
vegetables - I used a variety of different colored bell peppers (feel free to use any color combination that you want), along with red onions. You can also add in other veggies that will roast in 15 minutes. Try it with green beans, zucchini, or sliced mushrooms.
red onion
limes - for serving.
cilantro - for serving.

You will also need measuring spoons and a quarter sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Make fajita seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, make the fajita seasoning by combining cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine. Set aside.
Assemble sheet pan. Place chicken on a rimmed quarter sheet baking pan and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle fajita seasoning on both sides of the chicken, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning. Cut the 3 bell peppers and the onion into ½-inch thick slices. Evenly distribute them on the baking sheet and drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and reserved seasoning on top.
Cook. Cook in a 400F preheated oven until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (as read on a meat thermometer) and the vegetables are slightly charred, about 15-17 minutes.
Serve. Serve fajitas with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Chicken Fajitas

Serve sheet pan chicken fajitas as is for a low carb meal. Or serve them with:

Cilantro Lime Rice
Tortillas topped with shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mango Salsa
Grilled Corn on the Cob

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make ahead instructions: You can season the chicken and cut the veggies ahead of time. Toss everything together and store in an airtight container or ziploc back for up to 2 days (as long as the chicken doesn't expire beforehand). Once ready to cook, spread out the contents of the container onto a quarter sheet baking pan and bake according to the recipe instructions.
How to store: Store leftover chicken fajitas (without any sides or toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 350F preheated oven for about 10 minutes or in the microwave in 30 second increments until warm.

More Sheet Pan Recipes

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Sohan (Persian Pistachio Brittle)

Sohan (Persian Pistacho Brittle) is a traditional Persian candy that is full of classic flavors -sweet, floral, and nutty. This toffee-like Iranian treat has the best crunchy texture and is loaded with pistachios and almonds with hints of saffron and cardamom for the perfect spice. Plus, it's easier to make at home than you think. This brittle stores really well so you can make a big batch to last weeks (if you don't eat them all up first!), or gift to family and friends during Persian New Years. I like it best with a hot cup of tea.

Why You'll Love Sohan (Persian Pistachio Brittle)

Enjoy a taste of Iran in your kitchen. Whether you're looking for comforting treats that remind you of your family or you want to try something new, this traditional Persian pistachio brittle (sohan) is what you need. This treat originated in Qom, Iran - but it can be made in the comfort of your own home.
Homemade candy is easier to make than you think. Seriously. Sohan takes 15 minutes to cook and another 20 minutes to cool down before you are ready to break it up and eat. You do need to actively be stirring the mixture, but that's really the only hard part of this recipe.
It has the best flavors and textures. Loaded with classic Persian flavors like rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and pistachios, this sweet and nutty brittle offers incredible depth of flavor in every bite. Plus, it's crunchy and breaks easily yet melts in your mouth for a one-of-a-kind experience.
It lasts for weeks = the perfect gift. The best tip for making Persian brittle is to gift it. It stores well for weeks at room temperature. It is a truly unforgettable candy that everyone loves.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious Sohan or Persian Pistachio Brittle, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
water
rose water
butter
light corn syrup - feel free to replace with glucose syrup as well. You can also use a dark corn syrup but note that the color will be darker.
ground saffron - I recommend grinding saffron threads yourself in a mortar and pestle.
ground cardamom
slivered almonds - you could leave this out if you prefer.
pistachios - pistachios are traditional in sohan, so I don't recommend substituting them.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, medium cooking pot, candy thermometer, and rolling pin.

How to Make the Best Sohan Persian Pistachio Brittle

Prep. Place a large piece of parchment paper on a cutting board or on a half sheet baking pan. Set aside.
Make the caramel. In a medium cooking pot, add flour and sugar and heat over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and rose water, and clip a candy thermometer onto the side of your pot. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Once boiling, add in butter and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the butter has melted. Stir in saffron and cardamom. Continue to stir continuously until the temperature reaches 255 F on the candy thermometer, about 4-6 minutes (note that the temperature might be stuck at around 220F, but it will start to go up). The mixture will bubble and start to caramelize into a rich golden brown color at this stage. Turn off the heat and let the mixture reach 260F.
Shape and top with nuts. Give the mixture a final stir and pour onto the prepared parchment paper into a circular shape. Sprinkle slivered almonds and crushed pistachios on top. Place another large piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to roll the top to allow the nuts to press into the sohan.
Chill. Remove the top parchment paper and allow the sohan to cool down at room temperature until hard, about 20-30 minutes. Break into bite-size pieces and serve.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prep all the ingredients first: The secret to have a smooth cooking experience is to prep and measure out all your ingredients first. Making sohan is a quick process and things happen first. Plus, you need to continuously stir the mixture the whole time, so having the ingredients hand and within arms reach is crucial.
How to store: Keep sohan in an airtight bag or container at room temperature away from any moisture, including humidity. A cool, dry place is best for storing Persian pistachio brittle, so it remains crunchy. It will stay good for several weeks but is best fresh. Do not store sohan in the fridge as it will make it soft and sticky.

More Persian Dessert Recipes

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50 Best Spring Desserts

From pretty pastel spring colors to sweet fruity desserts to bold flavors of carrots and pecans, spring dessert recipes has it all. So if you are wondering what to make for dessert this spring season, you have come to the right place. We are sharing over 50 of the best spring desserts including all the carrot cake desserts, fun Easter treats, delicious cakes and cookies, and so much more!

Best Spring Desserts

Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Showstopping carrot bundt cake with cream cheese glaze is light, fluffy, and moist. It's loaded with sugar, spice, and everything nice -- including grated carrots.

Carrot Cake Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies are soft, chewy, cake-like cookies with a delicious homemade cream cheese glaze. They taste just like carrot cake but in cookie form.

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns is a timeless classic Easter bread made with raisins, cinnamon, and a honey glaze. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack or dessert.

Pistachio Macarons

Pistachio Macarons are delicate, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies filled with pistachio white chocolate ganache filling and chopped pistachios on top.

Persian Love Cake

Persian Love Cake is a rich, moist, and nutty almond cake loaded with floral and citrus flavors, topped with a lemon glaze, pistachios, and rose petals.

Carrot Cake Shortbread Cookies

Carrot cake shortbread cookies are sweet and buttery, packed with carrots and walnuts, and spiced like your favourite carrot cake. A total treat.

Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies are cake-like cookies that are light and fluffy with lemon flavor throughout and topped with an easy homemade glaze and sprinkles.

M&M Cookie Bars

M&M cookie bars are soft and chewy, have crisp edges with a gooey center, and are loaded with M&M's and chocolate chips. The easiest way to bake cookies!

Moist Vanilla Cupcakes

Moist vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting are soft, fluffy, simple, sweet, and delicious. Secret ingredient yogurt keeps them moist for days!

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Easy lemon blueberry bread with lemon glaze is soft, moist, and delicious. This quick bread with fresh blueberries and lemon is the perfect summer dessert.

Carrot Cake Biscotti

Carrot cake biscotti is crunchy, crumbly, and satisfies all your carrot cake cravings. Enjoy these Italian cookies as is or with white chocolate.

Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake

Chocolate and vanilla marble cake is delicious, moist, fluffy with the perfect golden brown crust. With two classic cake flavors, this loaf cake has it all.

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Soft and fluffy lemon sweet rolls are filled with a lemon vanilla sugar and topped with homemade lemon cream cheese icing. They're sweet, citrusy, and tart.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy, have perfectly crisp edges, and are loaded with chocolate chips. This classic cookie is quick and easy and one of the best easy baking recipes.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake muffins are moist, light, chewy and full of carrots which means breakfast this week is healthy! Carrot muffins are great for meal prep too.

Mini Egg Easter Fudge

Mini Egg Easter Fudge is a rich, sweet, and colorful white chocolate fudge that is easy to make from scratch with just 3 simple ingredients.

Glazed Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

No one will be able to resist this perfectly sweet and moist, glazed brown sugar bundt cake. Made with Greek yogurt for major decadence and richness.

Strawberry Galette

Easier than pie, this strawberry galette with a buttery flaky crust and a sweet and tart strawberry filling is a beautiful treat to serve this berry season.

Fudgy Brownies

Fudgy brownies are rich, sweet, moist, and decadent. Plus, they're easy to make in one bowl (meaning less cleanup!) and ready in about 30 minutes.

Butter Cookies

Butter cookies are a classic cookie with a crisp, slightly crunchy texture that melts in your mouth on the first bite - and every bite after!

Baked Jelly Donuts with Strawberry Jam

These melt-in-your-mouth, homemade baked jelly donuts, coated in sugar and filled with sweet strawberry jam, are so soft, fluffy, spongy and airy.

Carrot Cake with Cheesecake Topping

Super moist and perfectly spiced carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake topping is flavourful, comforting, and the perfect homemade spring dessert.

Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cute raspberry and white chocolate heart-shaped shortbread cookies literally melt in your mouth. They are the perfect Mother's Day treat.

Vanilla Cake Pops

The cutest bite-sized treat to serve at any event are vanilla cake pops from scratch -- luckily, they are actually simple and easy to make. Add pastel coloured food colouring to the chocolate coating, or use colourful sprinkles to make them festive for spring.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Italian rainbow cookies are delicious, colorful, fluffy, and gorgeous, made with three cake layers sandwiched in between jam and covered in chocolate.

Blueberry Buckle

Blueberry buckle cake is soft and moist, loaded with fresh blueberries, and has a crunchy, sweet and buttery streusel topping. It's the best coffee cake.

Classic New York Cheesecake

Classic New York Cheesecake is stunning, delicious, rich, and creamy. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make from scratch - even for beginners!

French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Easy French macarons with vanilla buttercream filling are sweet, light, airy, and delicate cookies that melt in your mouth. Beginners can make them too!

Cut Out Shortbread Cookies

Cut out shortbread cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Made with a simple 5-ingredient cookie dough and decorated with optional royal icing.

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles, are a chocolate triple threat. They're rich, decadent, sweet, and easy to make.

Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones

Light, tender and flakey, glazed lemon blueberry scones are crunchy and golden on the outside, soft and moist in the middle, with a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Slice and Bake Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Easy slice and bake pecan shortbread cookies are sweet, nutty and buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans that melt in your mouth. It's an easy baking recipe with no cookie cutters or cookie scoop required.

Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream

Light, airy and fluffy vanilla cupcakes with rose petal buttercream icing is the cutest treat for Easter. They are super quick and easy to make.

Lemon Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Inspired by Starbucks lemon loaf, this moist, homemade lemon loaf with lemon glaze has the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, and so so flavourful.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Homemade salted caramel sauce is sweet, salty, and buttery. It's so simple and easy to make at home in just 10 minutes with 4 basic ingredients.

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies

These perfectly soft, chewy and a little crumby chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies literally melts in your mouth. Make them in under 20 minutes.

Easy Small Batch Almond Biscotti

Small batch almond biscotti are crunchy, crumbly and packed with almonds, perfect for dunking into tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and they are super easy to make.

Easy No Crust Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Easy no crust burnt Basque cheesecake is the easiest one bowl recipe. It is perfectly caramelized on the top and edges and creamy yet firm on the inside.

Cake Mix Cookies

Cake mix cookies are the easiest cookies to bake with just three simple ingredients in 20 minutes! Mix and match different cake mix flavors and add-ins.

Rice Cookies with Poppy Seeds

Persian Rice Cookies with Poppy Seeds (Nan-e Berenji) are irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made of rice flour, fragrant rose water and poppy seeds.

Easter Desserts

Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

Cute, delicious, and easy-to-make Easter egg sugar cookies with royal icing are the perfect treat to make this Easter. Crisp outside and soft inside. One of my favourite Easter dessert recipes.

Mini Egg Easter Cookies

Mini egg Easter cookies are the perfect chocolate chip cookie -- crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. Make in under 20 minutes.

Bunny Ears Easter Cupcakes

Get festive with these cute bunny ears Easter cupcakes. Buttercream frosting and marshmallows make these vanilla cupcakes extra sweet and delicious.

Peanut Butter Eggs

Chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs with a hard chocolate shell on the outside and a soft peanut butter interior inside are rich, sweet, and delicious.

Easter Egg Caramel Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and decadent, Easter egg caramel brownies are topped with an easy-to-make caramel sauce and topped with mini chocolate eggs. Such a decadent on this list of Easter dessert recipes.

Easter Bark

Easter Bark is the perfect chocolate treat - sweet, rich, and pretty, loaded with chocolate mini eggs and sprinkles. It's a quick and easy no bake recipe.

Butterscotch and Peanut Butter Bird's Nest Cookies

Spring is in the air and Easter is right around the corner. This calls for a batch of adorable no bake butterscotch and peanut butter bird's nest cookies. One of the cutest Easter dessert recipes.

Mini Egg Cookie Bars

Mini egg cookie bars are a quick easy one bowl Easter dessert - soft and chewy with perfect crisp edges and a gooey center and loaded with mini eggs.

Easter Blondies

Easter blondies are rich, sweet, and moist, loaded with festive M&M's which makes them fun to make and eat. Plus, it's a quick and easy one bowl recipe.

How to Make Ahead and Store

You can make or prepare some of these spring dessert recipes ahead of time. Store the desserts and baked goods at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Confirm storing instructions by checking each recipe.

To reheat any of these recipes and serve them warm, reheat in a 300F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-15 minutes until fully warmed through, depending on the recipe. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.

How to Make Ahead and Store Spring Desserts

You can make or prepare most of these spring desserts ahead of time.

Store the pies and baked goods at room temperature for 1-2 days.
You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat any of these desserts and serve them warm as if they just came out of the oven, you can reheat in a 300F preheated oven or air fryer for 5-15 minutes until fully warmed through. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first overnight in the refrigerator, or a for a few hours at room temperature, and then reheat.

Did You Make Any of These Spring Dessert Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of the best spring dessert recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Borscht (Beet Soup)

This Ukrainian borscht soup is a traditional beet soup that is enjoyed by locals all over Eastern Europe (and many in rest of the world too!). Made with red beets and plenty of vegetables, this vegan soup is nutritious, flavorful, and delicious. It's so easy to make in one pot on the stove with minimal prep work involved - and even easier in an Instant Pot. Plus, beet soup is easy to make ahead and freezes really well so you can meal prep lunches and dinners for days or months to come.

Why You'll Love Borscht Soup (Beet Soup)

Vegan and gluten-free. This classic borscht soup is completely vegan and gluten-free. It's loaded with vegetables like beets, cabbage, carrots, and onion and made with a vegetable broth and simple seasonings. I like serving it with a dollop of sour cream, but you can leave it out to keep it vegan.
It's full of flavor. Don't think that vegan means bland. Beets are highly flavorful, and along with the other vegetables you find in this beet soup, you will taste tons of flavor (and color!) in every spoonful.
It has a rich beautiful color. The red beets in this soup lend a gorgeous earthy purple red color to the entire soup, which makes it a stunning item to serve. Just be careful if you are wearing white!
It's nutritious. The veggies found in this beet soup are nutrient-dense, and they contain plenty of antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, it keeps you full and satisfied until your next meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious Ukrainian Borscht Soup, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

beets - classic borscht soup is traditionally made with red beets which gives it its iconic red color. You can feel free to substitute with golden beets for a similar flavor without the color.
purple cabbage - feel free to substitute with regular cabbage.
carrots
onion
tomatoes
broth - you can use vegetable broth or substitute with beef broth.
parsley
salt and pepper
sour cream - add a dollop of sour cream on top (optional) when serving.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large stockpot (or instant pot).

How to Make the Best Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Making borscht soup is so easy. In a large stockpot, add beets, purple cabbage, carrots, onion, diced tomatoes, and broth. Mix well and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, about 5-6 minutes. Cover the lid and simmer over low heat until the beets are tender, about 30- 35 minutes.

Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired.

How to Make Borscht Soup in the Instant Pot

Add beets, purple cabbage, carrots, onion, diced tomatoes, and broth into the instant pot and mix well to combine.
Seal the lid and turn the steam release knob to SEAL position. Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Once the time is up, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position.
Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Keep leftover Ukrainian borscht soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, it's best to keep this colorful soup in glass containers instead of reusable plastic ones to prevent the container from getting stained red.
How to freeze: You can freeze borscht soup for up to 3 months. When freezing, be sure to leave a bit of extra space in the container(s) for the beet soup to expand.
How to reheat: If reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw borsch overnight in the fridge before reheating. Otherwise, reheat on the stove over low heat in a covered pan until warm.

More Soup

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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy - the trifecta you never knew that you needed. They are easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. It's the perfect recipe to fire up the grill for in the summer season or throw on a grill pan over the stove in the spring. These asparagus and cantaloupe bundles are a total crowd-pleaser and worth the extra prep of assembling. You will be serving these up to your guests (or yourself) all season long.

Why You'll Love Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

It's easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients. A ripe cantaloupe, one bundle of asparagus, and a small package of prosciutto is all you need to make this crowd-pleasing appetizer. It takes a bit of time to prep them as you have to assemble each bundle, but it's totally worth the extra time.
You can grill the bundles or leave them as is. We typically grill the bundles after assembling them, but it's totally acceptable to leave the prosciutto uncooked. Heating them on the grill for a couple minutes per side enhances its already smokey flavor. These little bundles are so crave-worthy and perfect for your next cookout.
They are the perfect spring or summer appetizer. Serve these prosciutto wrapped asparagus and cantaloupe bundles in the spring or summer season when the produce is fresh. They are great served as an Easter Appetizer, or along with your favorite Summer Grill Recipes at your next summer cookout.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

asparagus
olive oil
salt and pepper
melon - I used cantaloupe but any melon will work (except watermelon). Try it with honeydew melon.
prosciutto

You will also need measuring spoons, nonstick cooking spray, and a grill.

How to Make the Best Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Season and grill asparagus. Trim the bottom 1 to 1.5-inches off the ends of the asparagus. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat a grill over medium-high heat until it reaches about 400 degrees (or heat a grill pan on the stove). Grill the asparagus until tender, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Assemble bundles. Peel the cantaloupe and scoop out seeds, then slice into wedges. You can get about 18-20 wedges per cantaloupe. Slice each piece of prosciutto in half lengthwise, then take one single piece and wrap it around 1 cantaloupe wedge and 2-3 pieces of asparagus. Repeat until all the bundles are prepped.

Grill bundles. Spray the grill with nonstick cooking spray, then grill the asparagus bundles for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and season with a little more black pepper. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Varying cook times: If your asparagus is large and thick, they'll may need an extra minute on the grill. If they are thin, flip them over after just a minute or 2.
How to store: After the grilled asparagus and cantaloupe bundles have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
How to reheat: Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, you can eat them cold or reheat on the grill or in a 400F oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp.

More Asparagus Recipes

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How to Cook Asparagus

The spring season is all about the fresh seasonal produce that we start to see in our local grocery stores and farmer's market. My favorite spring vegetable is asparagus. I love using it in cooking because it's so versatile - easy to prepare (like 5 minutes easy) and is delicious on it's own as a side dish or as an ingredient in soups, salads, and more. So if you are wondering "how to cook asparagus", then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 20 of our favorite and best asparagus recipes including roasted asparagus, air fryer asparagus, sautéed asparagus, asparagus soup and salad, asparagus appetizers, and dinner recipes with asparagus.

Best Asparagus Recipes

Air Fryer Asparagus

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, air fryer asparagus cooks in just 6 minutes! It is tossed in very little olive oil with garlic and seasonings.

Lemon Asparagus Soup with Parmesan

Lemon asparagus soup with parmesan is the perfect spring soup -- smooth, light, fresh, and flavourful. It's customizable and can be served hot or cold.

Cheesy Roasted Asparagus

Cheesy roasted asparagus is a quick and easy side dish made with a handful of simple ingredients in 20 minutes. They're garlicky, cheesy, and flavorful.

Chicken Madeira

Chicken Madeira with sautéed mushrooms and tender crisp asparagus is topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Cheaper and better than the Cheesecake Factory!

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms is a simple vegan sheet pan side dish that's easy to make, flavorful and delicious. Serve with your favorite protein.

Chopped Asparagus Salad

Chopped asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette is the easiest and best spring salad ever - colourful, vibrant, flavourful, light, and crunchy.

Sautéed Asparagus

Keep dinner healthy, yet full of flavour with a side of quick and easy sautéed asparagus: the perfect companion to your main dish.

Spring Pesto Pasta Salad with Asparagus

Spring pesto pasta with asparagus and chives is light and made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. Serve it hot for dinner or cold as pasta salad.

Asparagus Tart

Asparagus tart with Gruyère cheese, a balsamic glaze, and flaky puff pastry, is a flavourful and delicious addition to brunch this spring season.

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

Lemon parmesan asparagus is a delicious way to serve a classic spring vegetable. This side dish is quick and easy to make in less than 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Spring Vegetable "Stir Fry"

Simple air fryer spring vegetable "stir-fry" with tofu is the ultimate easy dinner ready in less than 10 minutes. It's healthy, vegan and gluten-free.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy. They are easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients, then cooked on the grill.

Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs

Roasted asparagus with poached eggs is a match made in food heaven. Serve this topped with fresh herbs and lots of black pepper for a classy, elevated dish that will leave you feeling light, but completely satisfied, or simply to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Roasted Spring Vegetables

Roasted spring vegetables are an easy sheet pan side dish packed with all our favourite veggies of the season. Plus, it's so easy to prep and make.

Spring Vegetable Frittata

Spring vegetable frittata is a delicious breakfast or served at any time of the day. It's a one-pan meal that starts on the stove and moves to the oven. A perfect Easter breakfast and brunch idea!

Creamless Cream of Asparagus Soup

Creamless cream of asparagus soup is healthy, delicious, smooth, creamy, quick and easy to make. A perfect spring soup for a last minute lunch or dinner.

Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Quick and easy spring vegetable stir fry is made with delicious seasonal vegetables, packed with savoury and salty flavour, and takes 10 minutes to cook.

More Vegetable Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Asparagus Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of the best asparagus recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Easter Blondies

Easter blondies are the perfect treat to make this spring. They are rich, sweet, and moist. They are basically blonde brownies made without cocoa and use plenty of vanilla instead. Plus, they are loaded with festive pastel-colored M&M's which makes them so much more fun to make and eat. The best part? It's an easy one bowl recipe that you can make with basic baking ingredients you likely already have on hand, so you can satisfy that last-minute sugar craving - like right now.

Why You'll Love Easter Blondies

They are an easy one bowl recipe. Serioiusly, you only need a mixing bowl and 10 minutes to make the batter. Pop into the oven and you can be enjoying the Easter blondies in just 25 minutes later. It's the perfect recipe to make at the last minute when you are craving a sugar fix.
They're fun to make with the kids. Easter blondies are so much fun to make thanks to the addition of Easter M&Ms. I'm not saying you have to eat some of the M&Ms while baking, but I am definitely saying that you should. Plus, it's an easy activity that you can do with the kids.
Serve them warm or cold. My favorite way to serve blond brownies are warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There is seriously nothing better. Oh, and don't be afraid to go the extra mile and add some melted chocolate or salted caramel sauce. But the good news is that you can enjoy these cool at room temperature or from the fridge too (although reheating does take it to another level!).
They're the perfect Easter dessert. Kids and adults will rave about these Easter blondies. They bring balanced sweetness, a moist texture, and adorable M&M's. What's not to love? Plus, you can serve them up on any occasion by just substituting the M&M's with any color to match your theme. Try red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine's Day, or brown, orange, and yellow for Halloween.

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Easter Blondies, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

butter
sugar - you will need both light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
eggs
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
Easter M&M's - You should be able to easily find Easter-colored M&Ms at your local grocery store, around the spring season, or order them online.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, an 8-inch square baking pan, and wire cooling rack.

How to Make the Best Easter Blondies

Make the blondie batter. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in a microwavable bowl. Allow the butter to cool slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the cooled butter to a large mixing bowl and add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and whisk together until well combined, smooth and glossy. Add in flour, baking powder, and salt and mix using with a large spatula until the batter it thick and few streaks of flour remain. Gently fold in ¾ cup of the Easter M&M's. Do not overmix.

Prep for baking. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing the sides to hang over the edge for easy removal. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and use a spatula press the mixture into the corners and level the top. Gently press the remaining M&M's on top.
Bake. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 30-40 minutes, depending on how chewy you want the center. Bake for 30 minutes for a chewy blondie, bake for 40 minutes for a more cakey texture. If you notice the top browning too quickly towards the end, you can cover the top loosely with aluminum foil.
Serve. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Once cooled completely, lift it out of the pan and cut into squares or grab a spoon and enjoy it hot out of the pan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Double the recipe: Baking for a crowd? Double this recipe and use a 9x13-inch baking pan instead of an 8-inch square baking pan, and bake for 40-50 minutes instead.
How to store: Store Easter blondies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 7 days in the fridge.
How to freeze: Freeze blondies in an airtight container of freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow the Easter blondies to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to reheat: You can reheat blondies in a 350F preheated oven for 10 minutes until warm or in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave.

More Easter Dessert Recipes

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Teriyaki Meatballs

Teriyaki meatballs are our latest go to weeknight dinner - they are quick and easy, saucy with so much flavor, and the kids love them too. If you are getting tired of traditional meatball recipes, you need to try these. Made with an assortment of Asian seasonings like soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, cooked in the air fryer or oven, and tossed in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce, these Asian meatballs are one of our favorite 30-minute meals (and great for meal prep too!). Serve them over steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Why You'll Love Teriyaki Meatballs

A different take on meatballs. We are kind of obsessed with meatballs over here because they are quick and easy to make, and totally customizable by using different ingredients and sauces. Classic meatballs are our go-to dinner but sometimes we want to switch things up. These teriyaki meatballs are the perfect answer.
They are loaded with so much flavor. One of the best things of giving meatballs an Asian twist is that it adds so much flavor. Not only do the meatballs themselve have added flavor from soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and ginger, but the teriyaki sauce adds even more depth of flavor to every bite - sweet, savory, salty, and unami.
The delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Although these meatballs can hold their own without sauce (and you could totally serve them this way!), this teriyaki sauce takes things up a few notches. To make our homemade teriyaki sauce, you'll need soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, mirin, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Plus, it's ready in just 5 minutes!
Great for meal prep. One of the things I love about meatballs is that they are great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store in meal prep containers with steamed rice for lunches the next few days. They are freezer-friendly too and can be frozen before or after cooking.

Ingredient Notes

To make delicious Teriyaki Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

ground beef - you can easily substitute with other ground meats. Try it with ground pork, turkey, or chicken.
breadcrumbs
Shaoxing wine - or substitute with mirin.
soy sauce
ginger
garlic powder
green onions
egg
salt and pepper
cooking oil spray - I recommend cooking oil spray over the meatballs when air fryer or baking so that they don't stick.
teriyaki sauce - I use a batch of my homemade teriyaki sauce for the best results. Store-bought teriyaki sauce works well too.

These teriyaki meatballs are sweet and savory, but you can add a spicy kick by introducing some your favorite spicy seasonings, including sriracha, gochujang, red pepper flakes, or cayenne.

How to Make the Best Teriyaki Meatballs

Prepare the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined. Set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Shape. Take 2 spoonfuls of the beef mixture at a time and roll into meatballs.
Cook. Cook the meatballs in the air fryer or in the oven:
- Cook in the air fryer: Place the meatballs in a single layer into the air fryer basket and lightly coat with some cooking oil spray to keep them from sticking. Air fry the meatballs at 350F for 13-15 minutes until browned nicely and fully cooked through, shaking the basket halfway during cooking to brown evenly. The internal temperature for the beef should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.
- Cook in the oven: Preheat oven to 400F. Transfer meatballs onto a parchment-lined half sheet baking pan and lightly coat with some cooking oil spray to keep them from sticking. Bake for 15 minutes until fully cooked through.

Make teriyaki sauce. While cooking the meatballs, prepare the teriyaki sauce (if cooking from scratch). I made a batch of my homemade teriyaki sauce for this. If using storebought, heat it over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Toss in meatballs. Add cooked meatballs to the pan and toss well to coat.

How to Serve Teriyaki Meatballs

Serve Teriyaki Meatballs over a bowl of steamed rice. Some other side dishes that you can serve alongside this are:

Storing Instructions

How to store: Cooked meatballs will keep for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
How to freeze: Teriyaki meatballs freeze well either before or after cooking. Frozen meatballs are reheated best when un-sauced, but you still freeze saucy teriyaki meatballs.
- To freeze uncooked meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Transfer the pan to the freezer and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the meatballs into a freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then cook as per recipe instructions on the stove.
- To freeze cooked meatballs: Once cooled, freeze the meatballs separately first on a parchment lined baking sheet (about 1-2 hours) before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to reheat: If frozen, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Reheat teriyaki meatballs in a covered microwave-safe dish in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Or, reheat in a covered pan over medium-low heat on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Spinach Artichoke Pasta

If you're a fan of spinach artichoke dip, then you need to try this spinach artichoke pasta. A rich creamy sauce loaded with spinach and artichokes is tossed with tender spaghetti noodles. This quick and easy comfort food is ready in under 30 minutes with a handful of ingredients. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but fancy enough for date night. Plus, you can make it even faster using leftover spinach artichoke dip!

Why You'll Love Spinach Artichoke Pasta

It's spinach artichoke dip in pasta form. You'll love how creamy and delicious this spinach artichoke pasta is. It's tastes just like Spinach Artichoke Dip, except instead of dipping crackers into it, you can enjoy the pasta that's mixed right in! In fact, you can even use leftover dip in this recipe!
Spinach and artichokes are packed with nutrients. Although I wouldn't label this a particularly "healthy" meal because it's creamy and cheesy, you can still enjoy the nutritious benefits of eating spinach and artichokes. These veggies support heart and bone health.
Quick and easy 30 minute meal. This spinach artichoke pasta is ready to eat in just under half an hour (and even faster if using leftover spinach artichoke dip), which makes it one of the fastest dinners you'll enjoy this week. It's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus it's easy to make with a handful of ingredients - you will find yourself eating it over and over again.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this delicious Spinach Artichoke Pasta, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

pasta - I used spaghetti noodles, but feel free to use any shape pasta that you'd like. You will also need to reserve some pasta water for the sauce (or use chicken or vegetable broth).
butter
garlic
cream cheese + sour cream - this is what makes the sauce ultra creamy and silky.
Parmesan cheese - feel free to substitute with asiago cheese or white cheddar cheese.
salt and pepper
artichoke hearts
baby spinach - or substitute with ½ cup (150 grams) of frozen chopped spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well (squeeze out any excess water).

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a medium cooking pot, and a large skillet.

How to Make the Best Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Boil pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup hot pasta water in a bowl. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
Make sauce. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cream cheese, sour cream, reserved pasta water (or stock) and Parmesan cheese, and mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. The sauce might be a bit lumpy at the beginning. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer and stir occasionally until thickened to a desired consistency, about 4-6 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach and artichoke. Mix well until the spinach is wilted and evenly combined.
Toss in pasta. Add cooked spaghetti and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Keep items on hand: This spinach artichoke pasta is one of my favorite backup recipes since I usually have most of the ingredients in my home. If you keep your home stocked with frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, and dairy products, you won't need to make any last-minute runs to the store for this recipe.
How to make with leftover dip: You can easily make this pasta using leftover Spinach Artichoke Dip. Simply warm the dip over medium heat along with ½ cup pasta water or chicken broth. Add salt and pepper to taste, if needed and then toss in the pasta and serve.
Spice it up: Feel free to add a dash of cayenne, chili, or paprika to your spinach artichoke pasta for a spicy kick.
How to store: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then store any leftover spinach artichoke pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

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Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Roasted garlic asparagus and mushrooms is easy, simple, flavorful, and delicious. Crisp asparagus is roasted with earthy mushrooms and loaded with garlic for the best flavor. These easy sheet pan vegetables come together in just minutes before they're ready to pop into the oven. Serve this healthy vegan side dish alongside your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Why You'll Love Roasted Garlic Asparagus and Mushrooms

Asparagus and mushrooms are the perfect pair. Asparagus and mushrooms are each vegetables that are individually packed with flavour. But when you combine the two and add garlic in the mix, the flavour is on another level. The freshness of the asparagus complements the earthy mushrooms so well.
It's easy to make with just 6 ingredients. Is it hard to make something so delicious? Nope, not at all. I'm a big advocate on quick and easy recipes and this one is definitely on point. Simply combine asparagus, mushrooms, and garlic, toss in olive oil, season with salt and pepper and pop into the oven. In the meantime, you can prepare chicken breast or salmon to go along with it.
A healthy side dish. If you are looking to incorporate more healthy meals to your weekly meal plan, this is it. It's vegan, gluten-free, and keto too.

Ingredient Notes

To make this simple and delicious Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

asparagus
mushrooms - feel free to use white or brown mushrooms. You can slice them or cut into quarters.
olive oil
garlic - I recommend fresh garlic for the most potent flavor. You could substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if that's what you have on hand.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring spoons and a half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Prepare vegetables. Wash and prepare the vegetables. Cut off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 2 inch pieces. Transfer to a large half sheet baking pan. Slice mushrooms and add to pan.
Add seasoning. Drizzle olive oil on top and add garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

Roast. Roast in a 400F preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until asparagus and mushrooms are just tender and nicely browned.

Storing Instructions

Store roasted asparagus and mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat for a few minutes on the stove over medium heat, in the oven at 300F for 10 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 300F for 5 minutes.

How to Serve Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Serve these vegetables as a side dish with all your favourite spring dinners. Some of my favourites to pair this with are:

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This post was originally published in December 2015. It has been completely updates with new photos and content.

Korean Ground Turkey

Korean ground turkey is flavorful, saucy, and delicious. It's quick and easy to make in just 20 short minutes (which is just enough time for your steamed rice to cook)! This Korean turkey is perfect when you're craving a flavorful and filling meal but don't have much time to make one. It's savory, sweet, and spicy, and just all around good. Plus, it's great for meal prep and freezes really well - so make a big batch and save the rest for another day.

Why You'll Love Korean Ground Turkey

It's a quick under 30 minute meal. Be prepared. This recipe comes together fast. That's why I love to make Korean ground turkey on busy days when hunger sneaks up on me. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy this hot and flavorful meal with a bowl of steamed rice.
Korean ground turkey is easy to make. This recipe only needs one pan to make. Sauté your aromatics, brown your meat, and add your sauce. Then, just prepare your plate. You'll love the immense flavor you get from such little effort in the kitchen.
It's tender, flavorful, and filling. This Korean ground turkey recipe truly has it all. Not only is it quick and easy - it's so delicious. The meat is tender and packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It's the total package.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this easy Korean Ground Turkey, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

vegetable oil
yellow onion
garlic + ginger
ground turkey - this recipe is versatile and you can substitute the ground turkey with other ground meats. Try it with ground chicken, beef, or pork.
salt and pepper
red chili powder - optional, to make it spicy.
for the sauce - soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black vinegar (or mirin), water (or chicken broth), and cornstarch (to thicken it up).
toasted white sesame seeds - for garnish.

To serve in a rice bowl, you will also need steamed rice, grated carrots and purple cabbage, and/or kimchi.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large skillet.

How to Make the Best Korean Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook turkey. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes until it's no longer pink. Stir well and break up the turkey into small pieces with a spatula. Cover the lid and simmer for another 2-3 minutes (which will keep the turkey from getting dry).
Add sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black vinegar, water or chicken broth, and cornstarch) until smooth. Add the sauce to the turkey and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened to a desired consistency, stirring constantly.
Serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm with a bowl of steamed rice, topped with shredded carrots, cabbage, and/or kimchi, if desired.

How to Serve

This Korean ground turkey is perfect served over steamed white rice. You can add a few things to make it a more complete meal, such as:

green onions to garnish
shredded carrots and cabbage
an over-easy or boiled egg
cooked vegetables (broccoli, peppers, onions, carrots, etc.)

You could even serve them in tacos for a fusion twist like in these Korean Beef Tacos.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Keep leftover Korean ground turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to freeze: Korean ground turkey also freezes really well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. I recommend portioning them out into meal prep containers for easy storing and reheating. Allow the ground meat to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to reheat: Reheat Korean ground turkey on the stove on a heat resistant dish in a steamer basket over boiling water. You can also reheat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Add water if it starts to look dry.

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Spring Produce Guide

Wondering what fruits and vegetables are in season in the spring at your local grocery store or farmer's market? We are sharing our complete Spring Produce Guide including a list of seasonal fruits and vegetables, tips when shopping for spring produce, and how to use spring veggies and fruit including all our favorite seasonal spring recipes.

What is Seasonal Eating?

In the simplest words, seasonal eating refers to the idea of consuming only fruits and vegetables produced in the current season. Which means no stored or canned produce from the previous season or any veggies produces artificially in the wrong season.

This also means that depending on where you live in the world, your seasonal produce may be different across countries. So, if it's spring right now where you live, the local seasonal produce will be different from those available to others living in the opposite part of the globe.

Why Eat Seasonally?

Eating with the seasons have a number of benefits. Just to mention a few:

It has health benefits. Seasonal produce that is consumed fresh in the season contains more nutrients. Unlike fruits and vegetables that are available year round which typically are given ripening agents to help them grow all year.
Promotes your microbiome. The nutrient dense seasonal fruits help to support the good bacteria in your digestive system which has health benefits throughout your body.
They taste better. Have you ever noticed that the canned food items you eat off-season don't offer much of the flavor? Peas that you devour in summer and Spinach that you store to consume in winters are not as mouthwatering as they are in their season of origin. That's because seasonal produce simply tastes better. Produce that is artificially produced year round favors higher shelf life over flavor.

It's only now with technological advancements that it is possible for any produce to be available all year round. You can typically find any fruit or vegetable at a large grocery chain any time of the year. Just decades ago, it was not a possibility. You would consume only what the farmers produced during the season and nothing else.

Spring Produce Guide

So let's get right to it. What is in season in the spring?

Asparagus

Asparagus is probably the most popular spring vegetable and it's my favorite. I get so excited when the spring season rolls around because I start stocking up my fridge with a fresh batch almost weekly. Although you are likely to find asparagus year round at big grocery stores, even during the peak winter season, it's the freshest in the spring.

There are so many different ways you can eat asparagus. Roast it, grill it, blanch cook it, boil it in soup, or shave it and sprinkle on salad. Some of our favorite asparagus recipes are:

Radishes

Love pink and reds? Stock on some radish as soon as the spring season arrives. Just like asparagus, you can consume it in numerous ways. You can eat it raw on a veggie platter with a dip like whipped feta or hummus, you can roast it, or even add them to cold press juices to help promote skin health.

Try radishes in a Veggie Tray or Roasted Spring Vegetables.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is another vegetable that you typically only see pop up at the grocery stores in the spring. It's rich in flavor and typically used in baked goods including sweet breads, pies, and cakes, or cooked down into a jam and enjoyed for breakfast or slathered on a savory meat dish.

Carrots

Spring carrots are just the best. They are flavorful, delicious, and seriously so good. Every year, I like to take a trip down to the farmer's market or even try and grow some myself in our vegetable garden.

Plus, carrots are so versatile. You can seriously throw them into any recipe. Add them in a salad to add color and flavor, add them to soups and stews, roast them as a side dish, or even throw them into desserts (carrot cake anyone?). Whether boiled, roasted, or raw, carrots taste the best in the prime spring season. Even if you try to store them for later use in months to come, it won't taste or feel the same.

Some of our favorite carrot recipes are:

Beets

If you are a fan of the vibrant rich colors of spring produce, then you will be a fan of beets. Many people consider it a winter vegetable, but it is in the peak spring season when you can taste its flavor the best. In the spring they taste a little sweet and slightly less earthy than they do in the winter.

Whether you opt for red beets or golden beets, you can make a salad out of them, pickle them, boil them, roast them, or use them to make soup.

Some of our favorite beet recipes are:

Beet Hummus is a smooth and creamy vegan dip that is made with healthy ingredients including real beets. It's flavorful, delicious, vibrant and colorful. | aheadofthyme.com

More Spring Produce

Some other fruits and vegetables that grow in the spring season are:

Tips for Shopping for Spring Produce

Smell the produce. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to literally smell the fruit or vegetable you are considering buying. Fruit should have a sweet smell to it which will indicate ripeness.
Check the skin. Examine the fruit or vegetable. You want produce that is firm to the touch but not too firm that it doesn't move when you press your finger gently in it. Check and avoid produce that has any marks and bruises, dents, wrinkles, or soft areas.

How to Use Spring Produce

Looking for more ideas on how to use spring produce in your kitchen. Here are a few ways that you can get the most out of these seasonal veggies.

Make healthy salads. Have you been planning to shift to a healthy diet for a long but never get the motivation to do so? The arrival of the spring season may entice you to take the plunge by making vibrant and colorful salads. Mixing these greens and pinks in a bowl will make you feel like an artist and add great nutritional value to your daily meal.
Make smoothies. The spring produce is mostly sweet, so you can combine them with almost any assortment of fruit, put it in your blender, and make a smoothie. You can also add some yogurt to add extra flavor and thickness.
Roast them. Consuming grilled and roasted spring produce is a great idea and can compliment almost any main course meal. Whether you are making pasta for dinner, chicken, ground beef, or salmon, a side of healthy roasted spring vegetables can't be beat. Roasted carrots or beets on the side make your overall meal more nutritious, delicious, and filling. Plus, the pretty colors make for a great food photos to post on social media.

Our Favorite Spring Recipes

What did you think about this Spring Produce Guide? I would greatly appreciate a comment below, letting me know what you thought of these kitchen tips. You can also tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share on the Pinterest so that I can follow along.

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Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and topped with savory garlic herbed butter that will have you begging for more! Enjoy these garlic buns on their own, pair them with an Italian meal, or dip them in marinara sauce. No matter how you serve them, these garlic knots are a total crowd pleaser. You may want to double the recipe because it's that good.

Why You'll Love Garlic Knots

The fluffy interior and crispy exterior. When you bite into one of these garlic knots, your first impression will be the crisp, golden-brown crust. Then, you'll notice just how light and fluffy the inside of these garlic knots is. And then, you'll struggle to figure out which is your favorite.
The herbed garlic butter. These buns are delicious plain, but adding garlic butter makes them even better. Melted butter, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt are mixed together to give garlic rolls their incredible classic flavor.
A great way to practice your bread baking skills. Making great bread can be intimidating if you are new to baking. These garlic knots use basic and fundamental bread-making techniques so you can perfect your practice - and it's pretty hard to go wrong.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious homemade Garlic Knots, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

lukewarm water
active dry yeast - you can also use instant yeast.
all-purpose flour
salt
olive oil
butter - we use butter in the garlicky buttery topping, but for a healthier version, you can use high-quality olive oil instead.
garlic
Italian seasoning - or substitute with dried oregano.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale), mixing bowls, bench scraper or knife, and a half sheet baking pan.

How to Make the Best Garlic Knots

Make the dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together water and yeast until smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, and oil. Pour in the wet yeast mixture and combine until it forms a shaggy dough, scraping down the sides of the bowl (there should be no dry flour particles visible).
Knead the dough. Knead the dough on a clean lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it changes from a sticky shaggy dough into a smooth and soft dough ball. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature (preferably in a warmer area) for 1 hour until doubled.

Tips for Kneading Dough

How to knead dough: Knead the dough by pushing it down and outward using the palms of your hands. Fold the dough in half toward you and press down. Repeat this motion by pushing the dough down and outward, and then folding over towards you. This helps build up gluten strength in dough that is responsible for making the bread fluffy.
How to test if dough is well-kneaded: A well-kneaded dough is smooth and can hold its shape. You can test the dough by giving it a firm poke with your finger. The indentation should bounce right back. If it doesn't bounce back and stays like a dimple, keep kneading for a few more minutes.

How to Shape Garlic Knots

Flatten the dough and shape into a 16-inch long log. Cut the dough into 14 evenly spaced strips (about 1-inch wide) with a pizza cutter, bench scraper, or knife.

Roll each dough strip into an approximate 8-inch long rope, tie into knots, then tuck the two ends of the knots underneath.
Place the knots spaced evenly on a lined half sheet baking pan and cover loosely with plastic cling wrap. Let the knots rise at room temperature for 30 minutes until almost doubled.

How to Bake Garlic Knots

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt until evenly combined. Use a pastry brush or silicone brush to brush the knots evenly with the garlic butter mixture.

Bake in a 400F preheated oven for 20 minutes until the tops turns golden brown. You can brush some extra garlic butter on top. Let the garlic knots cool for 10 minutes and serve.

How to Serve

My favorite way to enjoy garlic knots is with a side of Marinara Sauce, hot or cold. You can also serve these garlic knots with a side of cheese sauce like Pizza Dip or Baked Spinach Dip or dust them in Parmesan and enjoy on their own.

Garlic knots are also great served on the side of your favorite meals like soup or pasta. I suggest a saucy pasta so you can dip the knots into and scoop up any extra sauce. Try it with Pasta Bake with Sausage, Spaghetti Bolognese, or Chicken Penne Pasta.

Storing Instructions

How to store: Garlic knots are best eaten fresh. But you can store them at room temperature in a bread basket or airtight container for 1-2 days. You can store them longer in the fridge 2-4 days but they will harden. I suggest reheating them to get them soft to eat.
How to reheat: Reheat garlic knots in a conventional oven, toaster oven, or air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350F.