Sweet Silly Sara: recipe

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Brew Like a Barista: Craft Your Own Cold Brew Concentrate at Home

Summer's heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks, and what's cooler than a delicious iced coffee? Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic way to keep your fridge stocked with a base for endless iced coffee creations. It's surprisingly simple to make and offers a smooth, less acidic coffee flavor compared to traditional hot brewing methods.

Bean There, Done That: Choosing Your Coffee Beans

The foundation of any great coffee drink starts with the beans. For cold brew concentrate, medium or coarse ground coffee works best. Since the brewing process is less intense than hot brewing, using high-quality beans will ensure a full-flavored concentrate. Consider trying a medium roast for a balanced flavor profile.

Steeped in Perfection: The Brewing Process

The beauty of cold brew is its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:

Freshly ground coffee beans (1.5 cups for a potent concentrate, 1 cup for a milder one)
Cold filtered water (4 cups)
Large airtight container
Cheesecloth or coffee filters
Fine-mesh sieve

Combine: Add the coffee grounds to your container and pour in the cold water. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the grounds are saturated.
Steep: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. For a more mellow concentrate, opt for 12 hours.
Strain: Patience is key! Straining slowly is essential to avoid a gritty concentrate. Line your sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filters set over a separate container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve, discarding the grounds afterward.

Frothy Finish: Enjoying Your Cold Brew

Now comes the fun part - enjoying your cold brew! Here are some ideas:

Classic Cold Brew: Dilute your concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. Serve over ice.
Cold Brew Latte: Combine cold brew concentrate with milk and ice for a creamy treat.
Cold Brew Frappe: Blend cold brew concentrate with ice, milk, and your favorite flavors like chocolate syrup or caramel for a thick and icy beverage.

Top Tips for Brewing Success:

Fresh is Best: Use freshly ground coffee for the most flavorful concentrate. Pre-ground coffee can lose its potency over time.
Grind Matters: A coarse grind is ideal for cold brew. Finer grinds can lead to a bitter concentrate.
Storage Solutions: Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

With a little planning, you can be brewing barista-worthy cold brew concentrate at home in no time. So ditch the store-bought stuff and impress your friends with your coffee-making skills!

While you are here check out these recipes for favorite homemade drinks.

Strawberry Peach Soda Pop

Blueberry Lime Soda

Bomb Pop Cocktails

Savory Fritter Recipes

Fritter Frenzy: The Savory Snack Solution You Crave

Fritters: the under-appreciated heroes of the culinary world. They're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're looking for a light appetizer, a vegetarian main course, or a fun way to use up leftover veggies, fritters have you covered.

In this post, we'll delve into the delightful world of savory fritters, exploring their versatility and offering tips to create your own fritter masterpieces.

A Global Fritter Feast

Fritters are a global phenomenon, enjoyed in countless cultures under different names. From Indian pakoras to Japanese tempura, these crispy treats showcase the incredible diversity of ingredients and flavors around the world.

The Fritter Formula

The beauty of fritters lies in their simplicity. At their core, they're a combination of grated or chopped vegetables, a binder (like eggs or flour), and seasonings, all fried until golden brown. But that's just the starting point!

Here are some of the BEST EVER FRITTER RECIPES TO TRY! Click thru the links to view the full recipe. You are going to want to pin all of these for later!

Ricotta Fritters by An Italian In My Kitchen

Spiced Sweet Potato Fritters by Mae’s Menu

Black Eyed Pea Fritters by Sense and Edibility

Sauerkraut Fritters by The Good Hearted Woman

Cheesy Zucchini Fritters by Tasty Oven

German Potato Fritters by Happy Kitchen

Beetroot Fritters by Go Healthy Ever After

Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters by Everyday Delicious

Okra Fritters by Global Kitchen Fritters

Crispy Corn Fritters by Small Town Woman

Caprese Zucchini Fritters by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Corn and Zucchini Fritters by Three Olives Branch

Fritter Freedom: Endless Variations

The true magic of fritters unfolds in their endless variations. Here are some ideas to inspire your fritter creations:

Veggie Bonanza: Courgettes, corn, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms - the list goes on! Embrace seasonal vegetables or clean out your crisper drawer.
Cheese Please: Add grated parmesan, cheddar, feta, or mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Herb Haven: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro elevate your fritters with pops of freshness.
Spice It Up: Don't be shy with spices! A pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, or curry powder can add a flavor explosion.
Dip It Good: Serve your fritters with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different palates. Aioli, sriracha mayo, chutney, or a simple yogurt dip are all excellent options.

Frittering Tips for Success

Moisture Matters: Squeeze out excess moisture from grated vegetables to ensure crispy fritters.
Rest and Rise: Let your fritter batter rest for 15-20 minutes before frying. This allows the ingredients to meld and the batter to thicken slightly.
Oil is Key: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying.
Golden Goodness: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry your fritters in batches to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden brown color.

With these tips and a little creativity, you'll be a fritter-frying pro in no time. So grab your favorite vegetables, get ready to experiment, and embrace the delightful world of savory fritters!

Find more favorite recipes here:

Sauteed corn

Fancy Grilled Cheese Recipes

Let's face it, summer nights can be a battle. The thought of firing up the oven and heating the whole house can be enough to send anyone running for the nearest ice cream tub. But what if you crave that warm, comforting feeling that only a delicious meal can bring? Enter the mighty grilled cheese: a summertime dinnertime hero in disguise.

There's something undeniably comforting about a perfectly toasted sandwich, the melty cheese oozing out the sides. It's a taste of simpler times, a reminder of childhood lunches and rainy day snacks. But the beauty of the grilled cheese is its versatility. It can be a blank canvas for culinary creativity, transforming from a simple cheddar and white bread combo into a symphony of flavors and textures.

Think about it: fresh summer tomato slices nestled between creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. Or perhaps thinly sliced grilled chicken adds a protein punch, balanced by the sweetness of fig jam. The options are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this classic to your specific cravings.

Here are some of my favorite grilled cheese recipes. Click through the links below to view the full recipes.

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese by A Page of Positivity

Grilled Cheese with Kale by Platter Talk

Pesto Grilled Cheese by Quiche My Grits

Taco Grilled Cheese by Sugar and Soul

Havarti Chicken Fajita Grilled Cheese by Mooshu Jenne

Grilled Cheese Burgers by Girl Carnivore

Lamb Grilled Cheese by Pass the Sushi

Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese by Cooking School Dropout

Gourmet French Grilled Cheese by Delicious Table

Taco Grilled Cheese by Simply Stacie

Pesto Grilled Cheese by Chef Not Required

Roasted Red pepper Panini Grilled Cheese by Fearless Dining

Kimchi Grilled Cheese by in the Kitch

Bolognese Grilled Cheese by Gluten Free Stories

Rainbow Grilled Cheese by Amanda’s Cookin’

Plus, the beauty of a grilled cheese dinner is its simplicity. It requires minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and cooks up in minutes. This frees you up to spend more time enjoying the warm summer nights, whether it's stargazing on the patio, catching fireflies with the kids, or simply relaxing with a good book.

So next time you're staring into a hot kitchen on a summer evening, don't despair. Embrace the power of the grilled cheese. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things in life can be the most satisfying.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Loaded Jalapeno Bites

Crab Cakes

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ditch the Oven, Grab the Instant Pot: Loaded Baked Potato Soup in Under 30 Minutes!

Move over, oven, there's a new sheriff in town for whipping up creamy, cheesy, all-things-potato goodness: the Instant Pot! Yes, friends, your favorite comfort food just got a major upgrade with this Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe. Buckle up for a flavor explosion that's ready in under 30 minutes, without sacrificing an ounce of that rich, decadent satisfaction.

Why Your Taste Buds Will Do a Potato Jig:

Speed Demon: Forget about slaving over a hot stove or waiting for the oven to preheat. This Instant Pot wonder delivers all the baked potato soup goodness in a lightning-fast 15 minutes of pressure cooking. ⚡️
Flavor Fiesta: We're talking creamy potato base loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and pops of fresh green onion. Each spoonful is a party for your palate!
Customizable Cravings: Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Craving some extra veggie goodness? Throw in some chopped broccoli or corn. This recipe is your canvas, get creative!
Clean Up Breeze: One pot means minimal mess! Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier (and less stressful).

Ready to whip up this potato-licious dream? Here's what you'll need:

The Essentials: Russet potatoes, chicken broth, butter, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onions, bacon (for garnish)
The Hero: Your trusty Instant Pot!

Get Cookin':

Dice those potatoes! The smaller the pieces, the creamier the soup.
Sauté the onion and garlic in your Instant Pot for a flavor boost.
Toss in the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Let the Instant Pot work its magic with a 15-minute pressure cook. ‍♀️
Blend it up! Use an immersion blender or a regular blender (carefully!) to achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy texture. ️
Stir in the cheese, sour cream, and milk. Heat it through until everything is melty and glorious.
Garnish with crispy bacon crumbles, fresh green onions, and extra cheese (because why not?).

Pro Tip: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Play with different cheeses (try Gruyere or Monterey Jack!), add a dollop of Greek yogurt for tanginess, or swap the bacon for crumbled sausage or shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless!

So, ditch the takeout menus and cozy up to a bowl of this quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It's the perfect antidote to a chilly day, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a comforting weeknight meal. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Ingredients:

½ c yellow onion, diced

2 tbsp minced garlic

2 c chicken broth

4 oz cream cheese

4 medium russet potatoes diced

A pinch of salt

1 c half and half

Pepper to taste

2 c shredded cheddar cheese

½ c bacon lardons or crumbles

For garnish:

Bacon lardons or crumbles

Green onions

Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Turn the instant pot to saute.

Add bacon lardons and saute for 3 minutes, stirring as needed.

Add diced onion and saute for 2 minutes or until soft, stir as needed.

Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute. Turn the instant pot off to avoid burning the garlic!

Scrub and dice potatoes. Cut them into small chunks.

Add the potatoes to the instant pot.

Add a pinch of salt, and chicken broth.

Place the lid on the instant pot and seal the valve.

Set the instant pot to manual setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.

When the timer dings, quick release the steam.

Immediately add cream cheese, cut into chunks for easier melting.

Add half and half, and pepper to taste.

Add shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir.

Replace the lid and allow the cheeses to melt into the soup for about 5 minutes.

Stir and serve immediately.

Garnish with sliced green onions, additional bacon crumbles or lardons and extra cheddar cheese.

Happy Instant Potting!

P.S. Feeling inspired? Leave a comment below with your favorite Instant Pot hacks or loaded baked potato soup variations!

P.P.S. Be sure to follow me for more quick and easy Instant Pot recipes that will rock your world!

Find more instant pot recipes here:

Garlic Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots

Peanut Butter Pear Bird Suet Cakes

We always have so many beautiful birds in our yard, especially in the spring! I wanted to offer them a homemade treat to welcome them back. I decided to try my hand at making suet cakes. I couldn't believe how easy this recipe was to make that I know you are going to want to make it at home too.

You only need a few ingredients to make homemade bird suet cakes. You might have most of these things at home. If you aren't sure where to buy lard, check your baking aisle at the grocery store.

Ingredients:

1 pound of lard

1 pound of bird seed

2 cups of peanut butter, crunchy

1 can of pears

Raisins if desired

Helpful kitchen tools:

Parchment paper

Large casserole dish

Directions:

Prepare a large casserole dish by covering it with parchment paper. You might want to overlap 2 large pieces to cover completely and contain the liquid for easy clean up.

Pour half of the bird seed into the casserole dish.

Add a box or two of raisins.

In a saucepan melt the lard, peanut butter and pears together over medium heat.

As the peanut butter and lard begin to liquify, smash the pears with a spoon.

When the mixture is completely melted pour it over the bird seed.

Sprinkle remaining bird seed over the mixture.

Place in the freezer if possible, or in the fridge.

Allow the mixture to harden and then lift the parchment paper out of the casserole dish.

Use a sharp knife to cut the suet down into cakes that will fit your suet feeder.

Store in the freezer in a ziploc bag until ready to feed.

Birds will love this mix and are sure to flock to your feeder!

This recipe is budget friendly and so easy. You can feed the birds all month with just a few dollars.

Store these suet cakes in the freezer for future feeding. You can also add in other nuts, fruits and seeds. If you know what kind of birds visit your yard you can look up their favorite foods.