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Broccoli Chicken Quinoa Casserole

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This broccoli chicken quinoa casserole is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for food prep or make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch!

gluten-free broccoli chicken quinoa casserole

Hi friend!

We’re continuing our series of easy quinoa meals with another easy and flavorful chicken and broccolic quinoa casserole. In case you missed any of the previous recipes, be sure to check out:

Since my last recipe was a slow cooker recipe, I decided to use the oven this time. This recipe does involve making a quick cheese sauce on the stovetop but I promise it’s not too much extra work.

chicken and broccoli quinoa casserole

How To Make Chicken and Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

To make this casserole you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Broccoli – I use fresh broccoli florets
  • Quinoa- I use white but you could also use tri-colored quinoa
  • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well but you could also use chicken thighs
  • Chicken broth
  • Bacon – This is optional but adds flavor
  • Leeks – I always keep these on hand in the freezer but you could substitute onions
  • Cornstarch – This is used as a thickening agent
  • Milk – I use 2% milk but any kind should work
  • Cheese – Cheddar or Colby jack are good options. To change things up you could try pepper jack
  • Spices – A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper

Chicken Broccoli and Quinoa Bake Recipe

Here’s the recipe and directions!

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Chicken Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

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chicken quinoa broccoli casserole

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cups chopped broccoli
  • 3–4 strips bacon, diced
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2/3 cup sliced leeks
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided (or colby jack)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Spray 9×13 pan with oil and add diced chicken, broccoli, quinoa and broth to the pan.
  3. Cook bacon in a pan, then drain excess grease and add bacon to the chicken mixture.
  4. Wipe the pan clean, add butter and leeks and saute 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add cornstarch and spices and stir to combine.
  6. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly.
  7. Add 1 cup shredded cheese and stir for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is slightly thickened.
  8. Add cheese sauce to the chicken mixture in the pan and stir until well combined.
  9. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil, stir well and return to oven for 30 more minutes.
  11. Stir again, top with remaining cheese and place under broiler for about 4 minutes.

Healthy Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Casserole FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Since frozen broccoli releases moisture as it cooks, subbing fresh for frozen could affect this casserole. I recommend using fresh but if you don’t have it, I would saute the frozen broccoli for a few minutes to help it thaw before adding to the casserole.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! If necessary, look for certified gluten-free quinoa, bacon cornstarch and spices.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You could substitute cannellini or great northern beans for the chicken and omit the bacon to make this casserole vegetarian.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is great for food prep. Simply cook it when you have time and reheat the leftovers when you’re ready to eat them.

gluten free chicken broccoli and quinoa bake

How should I store and reheat the leftover broccoli chicken quinoa casserole?

Store the casserole in a glass storage container and reheat in the microwave or warm in the oven!

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! I love to use Souper Cubes (aff link) to freeze this casserole in 1 or 2 cup portions and then reheat to eat in the future.

Can I add other vegetables to this chicken and broccoli quinoa casserole?

You could easily mix in vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or green beans. I would not recommend adding firmer vegetables like potatoes or carrots unless they diced very small to ensure they cook.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe? What can I substitute for cheese?

This recipe is not dairy-free but you could try this Easy Broccoli Quinoa casserole from Ela Vegan.

This broccoli chicken quinoa casserole is perfect for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for food prep or make it for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch!

Looking for a similar recipe with the quinoa cooked ahead of time? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ Quick Easy Strawberry Desserts

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Here are some quick easy strawberry desserts your family and friends will love – including no-bake, frozen and 3 ingredient options.

strawberry desserts easy

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about strawberry dessert recipes that are easy and quick. Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits and we enjoy them fresh in the summer and frozen during the cooler months.

Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C – even more than oranges! – which can boost your immune system and they’re a great source of antioxidants.

While I enjoy fresh strawberries as a healthy topping for things like yogurt and cereal and my kids love them for any meal of the day, they’re also a great addition to desserts!

They pair well with creamy options like cream cheese and cool whip and are the perfect match for crumb toppings and crusts using things like graham crackers, oreos and pretzels.

Here are some strawberry dessert recipes easy enough for anyone to make:

easy no bake strawberry desserts recipes

Easy No Bake Strawberry Desserts Recipes

No baking is required for these easy strawberry desserts. Made with simple crusts or easy layers, these no-bake desserts are quick to assemble and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat!

frozen strawberry desserts

Easy Frozen Strawberry Desserts

If you’re looking for a cool treat on a hot day, try one of these easy frozen strawberry desserts. Everything from creamy pie to sorbet to bars with a delicious crumble topping!

easy strawberry desserts with cool whip

Quick Easy Strawberry Desserts with Cool Whip

Cool whip helps make these desserts light and fluffy and adds the perfect amount of creaminess that pairs well with strawberries.

easy strawberry desserts with few ingredients

Easy Strawberry Desserts with Few Ingredients

See something you like? Be sure to pin this post to save the ideas for later.

Here are some quick easy strawberry desserts your family and friends will love - including no-bake, frozen and 3 ingredient options.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

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This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegetarian dinner. Cook the lentils in the Instant Pot and serve over lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad - vegetarian taco salad

*Originally published 1/2018. Updated 2/2024*

Hi friends-

If you’re a taco lover, you’ve gotta try this Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad. This recipe is vegan and perfect if you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation.

When people ask me for ways to ease into meatless meals, one of the first swaps I recommend is lentils for ground meat. Lentils are quick and easy to cook and don’t have much flavor so they easily take on the flavors of whatever you’re cooking. They’re also similar in size and texture to ground meat. Here’s How To Cook Lentils in case you want to make this recipe on the stovetop.

Best Lentil Recipes

If you’re looking for more ways to use lentils, try these:

If you’re just not quite ready to switch to fully vegetarian meals, you can start by replacing half of the ground meat in recipes with lentils as you adjust.

How To Make Lentil Tacos in the Instant Pot

To make this recipe in the Instant Pot, you first use the saute function. Add your onions, garlic, jalapeno, carrots and spices and saute for a few minutes.

Add lentils and broth and cook for 6 minutes. After the pressure releases naturally for 10 minutes, release the rest of the pressure and drain any remaining liquid. Mash the lentils a few times, then stir in some walnuts for added texture if you want to.

Use your lentil taco meat for tacos or taco salad with your favorite toppings.

If you don’t have carrots or don’t want to use them, mushrooms work well also!

vegan lentil taco meat

How To Make Lentil Taco Meat on the Stove Top

This recipe can easily be made on the stovetop as well, you just need to cook your lentils separately.

Follow these directions to cook the lentils.

In a large saute pan, saute the onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices for 5-7 minutes. Stir in 2 cups cooked lentils. Mix well and mash a few times, then add walnuts if using them!

If you’re looking for more lentil taco-inspired recipes, try:

Vegetarian Lentil Taco Salad Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

vegan instant pot lentil taco salad
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This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegan dinner.  Lentils make a great substitute for ground meat if you’re looking to transition to more plant-based meals. 

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2/3 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots (shredded, then chopped) *
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup green lentils (uncooked)
  • 1.75 cups vegetable broth
  • 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Lettuce for salads
  • Toppings: corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, peppers, etc

Instructions

  1. Add oil to instant pot and turn on the saute function. 
  2. Add onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add lentils and broth, stir well and cook on manual mode for 6 minutes. 
  4. Once cooked, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
  5. Drain any excess liquid (there shouldn’t be much). 
  6. Mash lentil mixture a few times with a masher or fork (you don’t want to mash them completely).
  7. If using walnuts, stir them in now.
  8. Prepare your taco salad with a base of lettuce, lentil taco meat and any other desired toppings.

Notes

*Instead of carrots, you could use diced mushrooms

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning for this recipes. Start with 2 Tbsp.

Lentil Taco Salad FAQs

Can I use any type of lentils for this recipe?

I would recommend green or brown lentils for this recipe. They are easily found at most grocery stores and hold their shape well when cooked. Red lentils would not be a good option for this recipe.

What makes lentils a good substitute for meat in taco salads?

Lentils are great for mimicking the texture of ground meat. They don’t have much flavor on their own so they easily absorb the flavors and spices that you add to whatever dish they are in. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and fiber along with other nutrients like B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

How can I make this lentil taco salad spicier?

You could easily add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture when cooking the lentils. You could also use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeno. Or try topping the whole salad with your favorite hot sauce!

How do I store leftover lentil taco salad? What’s the best way to reheat the lentil mixture?

Store the lentil taco mixture separately from the lettuce and other salad toppings. I store in a glass Pyrex container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could also freeze leftovers to be thawed out later.

To reheat you can use the microwave or put the mixture in a pan with a splash of water and reheat.

vegan lentil taco salad

What dressing would pair well with this salad?

My favorite dressing for this salad is an avocado-style dressing – basically a mix of avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. I don’t measure but if you want a recipe try this Avocado Yogurt Dressing.

Another easy option is to use salsa or guacamole as a dressing, or try mixing salsa with plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamier option.

What are some quick and easy toppings for this lentil taco salad?

The sky is the limit for toppings when it comes to this salad! Some ideas:

  • Peppers
  • Onions
  • Corn
  • Sauteed fajita veggies
  • Pico de gallo
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Quinoa or farro
  • Black beans

What are the best types of lettuce for this taco salad?

Try red or green leaf lettuce or romaine if you like a little more crunch!

Is this lentil taco salad gluten-free?

This lentil taco salad is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to pay attention to any toppings you add if you need them to be gluten-free as well!

Can the lentil taco salad be served as a meal prep option for the week?

Yes! Just prep the lentil taco mixture and store in a separate container. You can also chop all your veggies ahead of time, including the lettuce, to make assembling the salad a breeze!

Can I add black beans to the lentil taco meat mixture for extra protein?

Absolutely. Feel free to add your favorite beans to the mix after the lentils have cooked. You could even stir in some quinoa or farro.

This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegetarian dinner. Cook the lentils in the Instant Pot and serve over lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Air Fryer Steak Bites

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If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

How to make air fryer steak bites with butter

*Originally posted Oct 2022. Updated Feb 2024*

Hi friends!

I’ve been meaning to share these super easy air fryer steak bites for a while now. My daughter is a huge steak fan and she loves these. If you prefer to cut your steak while eating, you can definitely cook full steaks in the air fryer, I just find it easier to do the cutting beforehand and then the bites are ready to serve to my kids right away after cooking.

If you’d prefer a slow cooker recipe, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak.

How long to cook steak in the air fryer?

Since we’re making steak bites, they cook super quickly – think 4-5 minutes tops. I use top sirloin and typically cut the pieces in half lengthwise and then cut into 8 cubes. My top sirloin is typically about an inch thick and cooks to 135 degrees F in 4 minutes. If you’re looking to cook other types of steaks in the air fryer you definitely can, they just might take a few more minutes. Here’s a little summary of cooking times for you when you cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F:

Air fryer steak cooking chart:

  • Rare: 125 degrees F: 5-7 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 135 degrees F: 7-10 minutes
  • Medium: 145 degrees F: 9-12 minutes
  • Well done: 160 degrees F: 12-15 minutes

*Cooking time will vary depending on your steak thickness. If steaks are about 1 inch thick, time will be on the lower end of the range. If they’re closer to 1.5 inches it’ll be towards the longer end. The great thing about the air fryer is it’s super easy to pull out the basket, take a quick temperature check and add time if needed. Also, remember that the steak will continue to cook a few degrees after you pull it out!

How to cook garlic sirloin steak bites in the air fryer?

Now that we’ve covered cooking temps, let’s talk about how exactly to cook these. It’s super important to preheat your air fryer. You want the basket to be hot when you drop them in to give the outside a little sear. Other than that, all you have to do is cut your steak into bite-size pieces, sprinkle on some seasonings and cook!

When they’re done, I like to toss them in a little melted butter. You can mix in some garlic powder or parsley for flavor, or even some cayenne pepper to give them a little bite!

Want a few more air fryer sirloin steak recipes? Check out:

How to reheat steak in an air fryer?

When it comes to reheating steak, you can also use an air fryer. I like to set the temperature to about 350 degrees F and toss the steak in for 3 minutes or so. If you’re reheating steak bites, they might only take a minute or two since they’re smaller!

air fryer steak bites medium rare

*Make sure you cut your steak across the grain! Not like I did in this photo 🙂 This is called being in a rush, trying to get work done while your kids are home!*

Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe

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Air Fryer Steak Bites

air fryer steak bites
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5 from 4 reviews

If you’re intimidated by the grill, these air fryer steak bites are the way to go. So easy and they come out perfect every time!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1–2 Tbsp butter
  • dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Cut top sirloin into bite-sized pieces. I usually cut them in half lengthwise and then 4 times across to make 8 cubes per steak and place into bowl.
  2. In a small bowl mix garlic powder, salt and pepper and brown sugar.
  3. Pour over steak and stir until well coated. 
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
  5. Add steak and cook 4 minutes. Check temperature and remove or cook an additional minute.
  6. Remove from air fryer and place in a bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp butter and stir to coat steak bites as it melts. Sprinkle with desired seasonings like dried parsley, more salt and garlic powder etc!

Notes

Feel free to customize the seasonings. You can add cayenne pepper for spice, try a steak seasoning blend or increase the garlic powder. 

When adding butter at the end you can sprinkle with salt, parsley or other seasonings.

If you’re worried about overcooking, check at 3 minutes!

So easy and so delicious! These steak bites would also be great on my Steak Cobb Salad! If you prefer to grill, try these Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs. Want to try different types of steak?

Air Fryer Steak Bites FAQs

How to cook air fryer steak bites with garlic butter?

I just add plain butter to mine, but these would be great with garlic butter. It’s so easy to whip up some easy garlic butter at home and add it before serving!

Can I make spicy air fryer steak bites?

While steak isn’t usually a type of protein that I make super spicy, here’s a spicy steak marinade that you could swap for the one in the recipe before following the air fryer directions.

Can I make these steak bites without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you could use the marinade in this recipe and cook whole steaks on the grill. Or if you like the idea of bites, cut the meat as directed, thread them onto skewers and cook them like kabobs on the grill!

Can I use a different cut of steak?

I would recommend sirloin or strip steak for this recipe. Or you could try a boneless ribeye.

Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?

No need to flip, but I do like to give my cubes a shake about halfway through cooking!

What do I serve with steak bites? What’s the best side dish to serve with steak bites?

These steak bites pair well with just about any vegetable and your favorite carb! Keep it simple and pair with some roasted green beans and potatoes. A few other side dish ideas: Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta, Maple Bacon Carrots or Pesto Corn Salad!

What temperature do you air fry steak?

400 degrees Fahrenheit works great!

How long can you marinate the steak before cooking in the air fryer?

You can marinate for just an hour or two, or up to 24 hours!

Are there any gluten-free marinade options for air fryer steak bites?

Homemade marinades can easily be made gluten-free. Oil and red wine vinegar is a great combination for liquids or just add a little oil and your favorite spices for more of a wet rub marinade.

Are air fryer steak bites good for meal prep? How long do they last in the fridge?

Yes! These are great for meal prep. They’re good for 3-4 days in the fridge after cooking.

An easy and delicious way to cook steak without the grill- air fryer steak bites!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

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This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with white rice and broccoli

*Originally published June 2020. Updated Feb 2024*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a super easy way to make honey garlic tofu in the air fryer! If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t leave yet! This can also be made in the oven. 

If you do have an air fryer and you’re looking for other recipes, here are a few to try:

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

I’ve experimented with tofu a bit in the past and honestly have not fallen in love with it. This recipe has me changing my feelings. I’ve found that tossing in cornstarch and putting in the air fryer has given me the texture I enjoy most. 

If you’re already a tofu lover and are looking for more ways to enjoy it, here are a few ideas:

What To Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

This recipe is designed to just give you flavorful protein option. Serve it with whatever you want! It pairs well with steamed or roasted veggies and rice. You can add it to salads.

Crispy Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with broccoli

How To Make Honey Garlic Tofu Sauce

This recipe basically involves 2 simple steps:

  • Cube the tofu, toss in cornstarch and cook in the air fryer.
  • Transfer to a skillet and add a simple sauce

The cornstarch on the tofu will help the sauce thicken right up to coat the tofu pieces and boom! Ready to eat.

To make the simple sauce, you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Soy sauce (or tamari) – Use tamari to make it gluten-free
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Garlic – I like lots of garlic for flavor
  • Ginger – optional but I like the flavor it adds
  • Honey – feel free to adjust the amount to make it as sweet as you like

After you’ve air-fried the tofu, transfer it to a skillet, add the sauce and let it thicken for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, let it cook a few more minutes.

Honey Garlic Tofu Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu with white rice and broccoli
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This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 3-4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14 oz) block extra firm tofu
1/3 cup cornstarch
spray oil (I use avocado oil)
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
2–3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp fresh ginger
1.5 Tbsp honey
optional: sesame seeds, green onions, sriracha

Instructions

  1. Press tofu for at least one hour. I cut the block in half to make two thinner pieces, place on a plate, top with another plate and set a heavy skillet on top.
  2. Drain excess liquid and then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  3. Place in a bowl and toss gently with cornstarch.
  4. Preheat air fryer at 375 F for 5 minutes. Place tofu in the air fryer and spray lightly with oil.
  5. Cook in air fryer for 20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed and mix well.
  7. Transfer tofu to a skillet and add sauce. Saute 3-5 minutes, stirring to coat all pieces in the sauce and let the sauce thicken.
  8. Serve with sesame seeds, sliced green onions and sriracha if desired.

Notes

If you don’t have an air fryer you can place the cornstarch coated tofu on a baking sheet, spray with oil and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

That’s it! So easy and a great way to try out tofu. I’ve been enjoying it over rice and veggies but I’ve also been loving it on a salad. Current fav combo is mixed greens, tofu, candied pecans, apples, red onions and crumbled feta. Yassss.

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu FAQs

What type of tofu is best for making Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu?

Be sure to use extra firm tofu for this recipe! There are several different brands available and any are fine, it’s the firmness that matters most.

How do I press tofu properly for this recipe?

If you cook a lot of tofu, it might be worth investing in a tofu press (aff link) but if you just cook it occasionally, here are directions for how to press tofu.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener for a vegan version?

Sure. Maple syrup is an easy substitute for honey and would work well in this recipe.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that I can use?

Yes, tamari can be substituted for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free cornstarch if needed.

How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu and how long will they last?

Store leftovers in a glass storage container in the fridge! Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Leftovers are good for 3-4 days.

Can I prepare Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu in advance?

Yes. It will be its crispiest right after you cook it and add the sauce but you can certainly make in advance and reheat it. It still tastes great!

Can I double the recipe in the air fryer?

You can double the recipe but I would recommend cooking in two batches. If you overcrowd the air fryer, the tofu won’t get as crispy.

How do I ensure the tofu doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket?

The cornstarch coating should help as well as the oil you spray on it. Just be sure to shake the basket every few minutes.

Can I use this recipe with other types of protein like chicken?

Yes! This recipe would work well with chicken also but you’d need to reduce the cooking time in the air fryer. Cubes of chicken should cook quickly in 5-6 minutes.

This Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Pair it with rice and vegetables or add to your favorite salad. This can also be made in the oven!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

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This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new slow cooker recipe for you! I’ve been on a mission lately to find some delicious ways to enjoy quinoa. A few recipes I’ve developed so far and make often include:

Since we’re deep into the middle of winter, I knew I wanted to test out some casserole-style recipes since they’re easy to make and they’re warm and comforting on cold nights.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole with Quinoa

This slow cooker casserole is a new favorite of mine. The best part about it is that it truly is a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just dump all of the ingredients in, give it a stir and let it cook.

Here’s all you need to make it:

  • Quinoa- uncooked. I like to rinse mine first.
  • Black beans – drained and rinsed
  • Corn – I use canned but frozen is fine
  • Diced tomatoes – I use plain diced tomatoes but you could also use Rotel
  • Diced green chilis – choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference
  • Chicken broth
  • Enchilada sauce – use your favorite brand. I use a 16 oz jar. If you’re using 10 oz cans, I would use two and reduce the chicken broth by 1/4 cup.
  • Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt
  • Shredded cheese – I use colby jack but you could use cheddar or even pepper jack
easy crockpot chicken quinoa enchilada casserole

How To Make Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Bake in the Crockpot

To make this slow cooker casserole, simply combine all ingredients except the cheese in the crockpot and stir well. Cook on low for about 6 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in the cheese before serving!

Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Slow Cooker Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use. It’s very forgiving so feel free to add some extra veggies or double the beans and skip the chicken etc to meet your family’s needs.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada bake
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This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 1.25 cups chicken broth
  • 16 oz enchilada sauce *
  • 1 (15.5oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15.5oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4 oz)can diced green chilis
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except the cheese in a crockpot.
  2. Stir well.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours. 
  4. Shred the chicken and stir in the cheese before serving

Notes

* I use a 16 oz jar of enchilada sauce. If you’re using a 10oz can, I would use 2 cans and reduce the chicken broth to 1 cup.

Make this spicy by using spicy enchilada sauce and hot green chilis or keep it mild.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole FAQs

Can I freeze slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely and then portion into containers to freeze. I love Souper Cubes (aff link)

Can you make this slow cooker quinoa enchilada recipe vegetarian?

You can easily leave out the chicken in this recipe and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Try adding another can of black beans or some pinto beans for variety.

Can you make this recipe in the instant pot?

I haven’t tried this recipe in the instant pot yet but you could try this recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa Enchiladas.

Can I add other vegetables to the quinoa enchilada casserole?

Absolutely. Some diced peppers and onions would make a great addition.

This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

Need more crockpot recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

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These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting

*originally published 4/2017. Updated 1/2024*

Hi Friends!

As far as dessert goes, carrot cake can be a bit of a polarizing topic, am I right? First of all, are you willing to eat a dessert with vegetables in it? Do you like nuts? How do you feel about raisins? What about coconut?

There’s a lot to unpack there and everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but it’s MY opinion that you should give these no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars a try!

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s be clear that these bars are not a replacement for actual carrot cake. If that’s what you want, try this incredibly moist carrot cake or this carrot cake recipe. But if you’re looking for an alternative, these bars may be the answer.

They’re made with a simple crust of nuts, dates, carrots and spices and then topped with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for an easy frosting. If you’re feeling wild, you can add some shredded coconut on top!

I’m not a fan so I opted for a sprinkle of cinnamon and some shredded carrots. You could also put some chopped nuts on top or mix them into the frosting.

healthy no bake carrot cake bars

Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

Here’s exactly what you need to make these bars:

  • Nuts– I use a mix of pecans and walnuts. You could also try adding almonds to the mix.
  • Dates– Soft medjool dates with the pits removed.
  • Shredded carrots – You’ll shred them first and then add them to the food processor so they get chopped up even smaller
  • Spices- A simple mix of cinnamon and ginger
  • Greek yogurt- plain greek yogurt makes up the majority of the frosting
  • Cream cheese – we add some cream cheese for flavor and to help it thicken
  • Maple syrup – to sweeten the frosting
  • Vanilla extract

How To Make Easy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

To make these bars, just follow these simple steps:

  • Add nuts and dates to the food processor and process until well chopped. (Cuisinart food processors are my favorite – aff link)
  • Add carrots and spices and pulse again.
  • Press the mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan (I like this one from Wilton– aff link)
  • To make the frosting, mix softened cream cheese with yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla.
  • Spread on top of the bars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Easy Carrot Recipes

Want more easy carrot recipes and don’t mind turning on the oven? Try one of these:

No Oven Carrot Cake Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Kylie @ Yeah Imma Eat That who guest-posted and shared this recipe on my blog years ago!

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No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

no bake carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting
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These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a fun twist on carrot cake, no oven required! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Yield: 8 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale

Bottom Layer

  • ½ cup walnuts
  • ½ cup pecans (or almonds)
  • 1 cup dates, pitted (~8 dates)
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup carrots, grated
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Frosting

  • ½ cup 2% or full fat Greek yogurt, plain
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • shredded coconut
  • chopped walnuts or pecans
  • cinnamon and shredded carrots

Instructions

  1. Add nuts and dates to a food processor and process until well chopped.
  2. Add shredded carrots and spices and process until a ball of dough forms.***
  3. Press dough into a parchment paper lined 9×5 loaf pan.
  4. In a bowl, use an electric mixer to combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix on high speed until smooth.
  5. Spread frosting over pressed-out dough. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
  6. Allow bars to set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 bars.
  7. These are best eaten off a plate with a fork vs trying to hold them in your hands because the crust isn’t super firm.

Notes

***You may want to put the shredded carrots in a paper towel and give them a quick squeeze first to remove excess moisture. If your dough doesn’t form a ball, add 1 Tbsp of water.

Are you drooling yet?

No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars FAQs

What are some alternative nuts that can be used as the base layer of No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

I really like the combination of pecans and walnuts. You could also try replacing half the nuts with almonds. Using all almonds will make a bit of a firmer crust. Using all walnuts will make the crust even softer. I would not recommend using peanuts as it will change the flavor of the recipe.

Will No Bake Cheesecake melt?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. The cream cheese helps thicken the frosting as it sets but if you take them out and let them sit at room temperature the frosting will begin to get a little runny.

Can I substitute dates with another dried fruit in this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Dates really are the best option for the crust of these bars.

no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars

How long do the No Bake Carrot Cake bars need to set in the fridge before serving?

Let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour. The cream cheese in the frosting needs time to thicken again after being softened to keep the frosting from sliding off the bars.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup in the frosting?

You could try substituting honey but it might alter the flavor a little bit.

What additional toppings can I add to these bars for variety?

The original recipe called for shredded coconut. I prefer mine with an extra sprinkle of shredded carrots plus some cinnamon. If you like nuts, try mixing some chopped walnuts into the frosting before spreading or sprinkling some on top.

What are the best ways to store these No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. I like to cut them and place them in a flat single layer in a glass storage container with a lid and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to eat.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese in this recipe? How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You could try using a dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese to make this frosting. Try this Kite Hill dairy-free cream cheese. Here are some Vegan Greek yogurt options.

Could these be considered healthy no-bake carrot cake breakfast bars?

I would absolutely serve these for breakfast! You can always decrease the maple syrup in the frosting a little bit!

These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

Need more no-bake carrot cake recipes?

Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

by 9 Comments

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables roasted with peanut sauce is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Easy to customize and clean up is a breeze.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe

*Originally posted 11/2016. Updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

We’re continuing to share quick and easy dinner recipes as we enter the new year. Sheet pan dinners are hugely popular for a good reason. They’re quick and easy. They’re easy to customize. And you’re not left with a lot of dishes to wash.

This sheet pan chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce is the perfect intro to sheet pan meals. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and most of it is hands-off cooking time.

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are a few to try:

sheet pan chicken with vegetables broccoli and red peppers

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Roasted

You can eat the roasted chicken and vegetables alone or pair it with cooked grains (like quinoa or rice) or roasted potatoes (probably my fave combo).

If you decide to eat it with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, I highly recommend cooking them for 35 to 40 minutes, and tossing them midway through.

If you don’t like broccoli and red peppers, you could try green beans or asparagus, carrots or even Brussels sprouts.

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Tips

Here’s a few more cooking notes for the recipe:

  • Chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and I find that chicken breasts are often times thicker on one side. To guarantee even cooking, I cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise, separating the thicker portion from the thinner one. Then, I slice the thick portion of the chicken breast horizontally to get two ½-inch slices. So, one breast should yield 3 pieces, sometimes 4 if the breast is very thick all around.
  • Finally, all of the chicken pieces and vegetables should fit in one large jelly roll pan. Make sure that you don’t crowd everything into a small sheet pan because you’ll end up steaming everything instead of roasting them. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, 2 large rimmed baking sheets will do the job.
sheet pan chicken and vegetables roasted

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables

Here’s the recipe!

This recipe was originally shared by my friend Lisa over at Healthy Nibbles & Bits as a guest post when I was on maternity leave.

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Top it with a flavorful peanut sauce and the whole family will love it!
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ to 1 ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt
  • 1 pound broccoli crowns
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup creamy unsalted peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (sugar or maple syrup works too)
  • juice from ½ lime (about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • pinch of salt
  • sesame seeds, optional
  • sliced green onions, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large jelly roll pan or 2 large rimmed baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. If you are using foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken in half crosswise. Slice the thicker portion of the chicken breast horizontally so that you get ½-inch thick slices of chicken. If the chicken breast is very thick, you might also want to slice the other half horizontally. Sprinkle all chicken pieces with kosher salt. Spread chicken pieces on top of prepared baking sheets.
  3. Cut broccoli into smaller pieces. Toss the broccoli with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them over the baking sheets.
  4. Seed the red pepper and slice into strips. Toss with remaining olive oil and spread them over the baking sheets.
  5. Bake everything for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the temperature of the meat reaches 165F.
  6. I like my broccoli quite roasted, so I will plate the chicken and continue roasting the vegetables for another 8 to 10 minutes. You can leave the peppers on the baking sheet.
  7. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. Mix all of the peanut sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer the sauce warmed, heat it in a saucepan on low.
  8. Serve roasted chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce and your favorite grains or root vegetables.
  9. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. Refrigerate any leftover sauce for up to 1 week.

Sounds tasty, right?!

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables FAQs

How long should you bake sheet pan chicken and veggies?

The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken is. I suggest checking the temperature after 13-15 minutes and adjusting from there. You can always remove the chicken once it reaches 165 degrees F and continue to cook the vegetables if you want them further roasted.

What are the best vegetables to use for a sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, peppers, asparagus and carrots will all cook similarly. Root vegetables are fine to use, they will just require additional cooking time.

How do you ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly on a sheet pan?

The most important thing to do is to pound or cut your chicken so that all pieces are an even thickness. This will help them all cook evenly. In addition, using vegetables with similar cooking times will help everything cook evenly.

Can this sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe be made with frozen vegetables?

Yes! You can roast vegetables straight from frozen. You may need to add a few additional minutes of cook time.

What are some gluten-free variations of the sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use tamari and not soy sauce.

How can you adjust the cooking time if I want to add root vegetables to the sheet pan?

If you’re choosing to use root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes or parsnips, place them on the pan and roast for 20 minutes or so before adding the chicken and other additional vegetables and cooking according to recipe directions.

It may be beneficial to cook root vegetables on a separate sheet pan.

Can you use different cuts of chicken for this sheet pan recipe?

Yes! Chicken thighs would work well for this recipe. They tend to stay moist and not dry out as easily as chicken breasts.

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a quick and healthy. Top it with a flavorful peanut sauce and the whole family will love it!

Chicken and Vegetable Healthy Recipes

Want more chicken and veggie recipes that aren’t sheet pan style? Try these:

What’s your favorite sheet pan dinner?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Skillet Cashew Chicken

by 6 Comments

This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Skillet Cashew Chicken - an easy one-pan dinner

*Originally posted 5/2018. Post & recipe updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

Just popping in to share a quick and easy dinner idea we’ve been loving lately – Skillet Cashew Chicken. I love this meal because you can make it all in one pan…and you can totally customize it to fit your family.

Don’t like broccoli? Try swapping in green beans. Don’t like spice? Leave out some of the sriracha and add a different spice. The sauce is super easy to make and it thickens up right in the pan while you’re cooking!

How To Make Cashew Chicken

Making this recipe is super easy and involves just a few steps:

  • Dice your veggies and your chicken.
  • Toss the chicken in cornstarch.
  • Mix up the ingredients to make the sauce.
  • Saute the chicken and veggies.
  • Add the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Serve in lettuce wraps or over rice.

Healthy Cashew Chicken Recipes

This Skillet Cashew Chicken checks all the boxes in my book – quick, easy (pretty much all you have to do is a little chopping), packed with lean protein and veggies and most importantly – delicious.

If you’re looking for more recipes like this, try:

easy cashew chicken recipe

Skillet Cashew Chicken

I’ve served this over regular rice, cauliflower rice and in lettuce wraps! Or just eat it straight out of the pan, right?

I know cashews are a bit pricey, but if you don’t regularly buy them, I’d advise looking for them in the bulk bins. Then you can get only what you need for this recipe without buying a whole bag.

You can also look for them in the baking section where they often come already chopped/in pieces.

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

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Skillet Cashew Chicken

Skillet Cashew Chicken - an easy one-pan dinner
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This Skillet Cashew Chicken is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 – 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 3 cups diced veggies (I use carrots, peppers & broccoli)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey or brown sugar)
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger (I use ginger paste)
  • 1–2 Tbsp sriracha (or other hot sauce)
  • 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • lettuce wraps or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in cornstarch.
  2. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat and add vegetables and garlic.
  3. Saute vegetables for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chicken and saute another 5 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, broth, tamari, maple syrup, ginger and sriracha and mix well.
  6. Add sauce to the pan and stir until everything is well coated. Cook another 3-5 minutes until sauce is thickened and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  7. Stir in cashews and green onions and serve in lettuce wraps or over rice.

Notes

Taste and add more sriracha if desired.

Pretty easy right? The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken up a little as it bubbles away over medium to medium-high heat.

Cashew Chicken Recipe FAQs

What is cashew chicken?

Cashew chicken is a stir-fry of chicken and vegetables with a salty-sweet sauce that thickens up and coats the chicken and veggies.

What’s an easy cashew chicken sauce recipe?

Most traditional recipes use sesame oil but I don’t like the taste so mine does not. I use a combination of rice vinegar, chicken broth, tamari or soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a sweetener like maple syrup and a hot sauce like sriracha.

Can I use this recipe for cashew chicken lettuce wraps?

Yes! This recipe can easily be spooned into lettuce wraps for a quick weeknight meal that you don’t even need utensils for!

How can I make a vegetarian version of skillet cashew chicken?

You could easily make this with tofu! I would use extra firm tofu, press the water out, pan sear it and then set aside while you saute the veggies and add it back in and add the sauce. You could also use white beans instead of chicken.

How do you store leftover skillet cashew chicken? Can skillet cashew chicken be made ahead of time for meal prep?

Store in a glass pyrex container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave! The flavors of this dish deepen as it sits so feel free to make ahead of time and reheat all week long.

What are the best types of skillets to use for making skillet cashew chicken?

You can use whatever pan you want to make this. Grab your favorite non-stick skillet or try a cast iron skillet if you have one.

healthy cashew chicken recipe

What about a cashew chicken recipe for crockpot?

My version is not designed for the crockpot but if you’re looking for a crockpot recipe, try this Crockpot Cashew Chicken or this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe. Just note the cook time won’t be very long since the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. It will likely cook in 3 hours or so.

Can you make cashew chicken in the instant pot?

Here’s a great recipe for Instant Pot Cashew Chicken.

Is cashew chicken spicy?

This is totally up to you. My recipe calls for sriracha or your favorite hot sauce but you can use as much or as little as you’d like, or leave it out completely!

Is cashew chicken gluten-free?

As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your hot sauce is gluten-free then yes!

What to serve with cashew chicken?

Serve this with lettuce wraps or a side of rice and you’ve got a complete meal in 20 minutes!

This Skillet Cashew Chicken recipe is the perfect one-pan dinner. It comes together quickly and is full of flavor. Make it spicy or mild and serve it in lettuce wraps or over rice!

Want more chicken recipes? Check out:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

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This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

sheet pan chicken recipes - sheet pan caprese chicken

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

I’ve gotten a lot of requests for sheet pan chicken recipes and I’ve got a super easy one to share with you today. I’m a huge fan of sheet pan meals because they’re so easy to throw together and even easier to clean up. This one cooks in no time at all and it is full of flavor.

If you haven’t ventured into the world of sheet pan meals, there are so many great ones out there! The benefits of sheet pan meals include how quickly you can cook both a main dish and sides at the same time, how many different flavor combos are out there and how easy the cleanup is especially if you line your pans with foil or parchment paper.

I’ve shared several sheet pan meals on the blog over the years. Some of my favorites include Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, Sheet Pan Italian Salmon, Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Quinoa Bowl and Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas.

sheet pan chicken breast recipe - caprese chicken

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are some to try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

Sheet Pan Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’re partial to chicken thighs you’re not alone! A lot of people love them for sheet pan meals because they’re a bit higher in fat and tend to stay juicy vs drying out. Here are a few recipes to try:

sheet pan caprese chicken

How To Make This Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner

Making this sheet pan dinner couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you do:

  • Prepare a simple balsamic marinade and let the chicken marinate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Trim the ends off green beans and place them on a baking sheet with cherry tomatoes.
  • Spray green beans with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • At the other end of a baking sheet, place the marinated chicken.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the green beans, drain the liquid from around the chicken and then top the chicken with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and broil for a few minutes to melt the sheet.
  • Drizzle everything with more balsamic vinegar if you want to and serve!

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken Recipe

Here’s how you make this Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken. 

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Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken

sheet pan chicken breast - sheet pan chicken caprese
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This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbps oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1– 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp basil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (reserve 4–5 tomatoes and slice them thinly)
  • fresh mozzarella
  • fresh basil
  • optional – fresh pesto

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 3-4 pieces and pound to even thinness.
  2. Place chicken in a ziploc bag with balsamic, oil, maple syrup, mustard and spices.
  3. Mix until well combined and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
  4. On a large baking sheet, make one foil compartment that takes up 2/3 of the baking sheet and fill with the green beans and cherry tomatoes. Spray or drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Make a separate foil compartment for the chicken breasts on the remaining 1/3 of the baking sheet. Pinch the edges up so the juices will stay contained as the chicken cooks.
  6. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. (Chicken temperature should be around 155 degrees).
  7. Remove the green beans/tomatoes from the sheet pan and drain the liquid from the foil section around the chicken.
  8. Top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and a few thinly sliced cherry tomatoes.
  9. Place under the broiler on high for 5-6 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked to 165 degrees F.
  10. Serve warm, drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving if you want to!

Notes

  • Swap green beans for another veggie like broccoli, cauliflower or asparagus if you want to!
  • Try spreading each chicken breast with 1 Tbsp pesto before topping with cheese and broiling for extra flavor!
  • I like my green beans cooked but still crunchy. If you prefer them softer, you may want to put the green beans in alone for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.

See?? Super simple! As I mentioned above, if you want to add some extra flavor, spread some pesto on the chicken before you top it with mozzarella!

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes FAQs

What is chicken caprese made of?

Caprese generally means a combination of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes plus basil, salt and oil. This chicken caprese recipe combines all of those ingredients with a base of balsamic marinated chicken to turn it into a healthy, flavorful sheet pan chicken dinner.

How long to cook sheet pan chicken?

The exact cook time for sheet pan chicken will depend on the type and thickness of chicken used. I pound my chicken relatively thin before cooking so that it cooks quickly and it’s all the same thickness so it cooks evenly.

Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs you use, cook time may be longer that that stated in this recipe.

What goes with caprese chicken?

Since you’re cooking the main protein and some vegetables all at once, you really don’t have to add much to make this a complete meal. I’d recommend adding some of your favorite carbohydrates. Try some rice or quinoa, roasted potatoes or even your favorite pasta!

sheet pan caprese chicken with green beans and tomatoes

Is chicken caprese healthy?

Yes! Lean chicken breasts are marinated to add a lot of flavor and paired with your favorite veggies for a healthy, balanced meal.

Is caprese chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe for caprese chicken is gluten-free. Just make sure any additional side dishes you pair with it are gluten-free if needed!

Can you make sheet pan chicken caprese with potatoes or asparagus?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily customize the vegetables. You could swap green beans for asparagus or broccoli with a very similar cook time. If you prefer to swap potatoes, they probably require 10-15 minutes of cook time by themselves before you add the chicken!

What cheese alternatives can I use in my sheet pan caprese chicken?

If you don’t have fresh mozzarella available, this would be equally delicious with most types of cheese. Try provolone, havarti or muenster!

Can I prepare sheet pan caprese chicken ahead of time? What’s the best way to reheat leftover caprese chicken?

Yep! You can marinate and then assemble the sheet pan and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Or you can bake it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Try using an air fryer at lower heat to reheat the chicken and re-melt the cheese. Or simply microwave to reheat!

This Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and easy to customize, plus cleanup is a breeze!

Let me know if you give this one a try!! Be sure to check out all my other sheet pan meals as well!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Chicken Pitas

by 7 Comments

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

*Originally published 7/2017. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about spicy chicken pitas today. This is one of my favorite food prep recipes and I hope you’ll love it too.

The Best Spicy Chicken Food

There are so many great spicy chicken meals out there. The best part is that you can make chicken spicy in a lot of different ways. You can use spices like cayenne pepper to add heat, like I do in this recipe. You can also use other spices like chili powder.

In addition, you can add things like:

  • Sriracha
  • Tabasco
  • Jalapenos or serranos
  • Red curry paste
  • Harrisa
  • Chili paste
  • Hot honey
  • Dried red chilis

Many of these work well in things like curries, soups and casseroles and can also be incorporated into marinades and sauces.

Ideas for Spicy Chicken Meals // Spicy Healthy Chicken Recipes

If these pitas aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, here are a few more ideas to try:

You could also try serving chicken with this Spicy Green Sauce or this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip!

spicy chicken recipe for pita bread

How To Make Spicy Chicken Pitas

But let’s get back to these spicy chicken pitas, shall we? I love this meal because you can do everything ahead of time and then just throw everything together when you’re ready to eat. When you have time:

  • Combine oil and spices in a Ziploc bag with chicken and let marinate in the fridge.
  • Mix yogurt with cucumber, garlic and lemon juice and stick it in the fridge.
  • Chop up some lettuce, tomato and onion.
  • Cook and slice the chicken and store until ready to eat.

When you’re ready to eat, add chicken, lettuce and tomato to a pita. Top with yogurt sauce and serve!

Simple Chicken Pita Recipes // Chicken Pita Pocket Recipes

Here’s the recipe I use. Want some other options? Check out:

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Simple Spicy Chicken Pitas

spicy chicken pitas
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These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk plain yogurt (I use Greek but regular is fine)
  • 2 Tbsp finely diced or shredded cucumber
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or grated fresh garlic)
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whole wheat pitas, halved
  • Additional diced veggies: tomato, lettuce, red onion, cucumber
 

Instructions

  1. Add chicken to a Ziploc bag. Pound to even thickness if needed. 
  2. Add oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper and toss to coat.
  3. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Cook chicken as desired – bake, grill, air fry. I cook mine in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees F.
  5. Let the chicken cool and then thinly slice.
  6. Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, salt and grated cucumber. Add chopped fresh dill if desired. Store in the fridge.
  7. When ready to eat, fill pitas with chicken and chopped veggies. Top with sauce and enjoy!

And don’t forget – you can use the chicken in other ways, not just in pitas! I ate some of the leftovers with rice and green beans. It’d be great in tacos, etc. So…you get the point. The chicken is versatile. But I happen to really like it in these pitas.

chicken pita pockets recipes

Spicy Chicken Pitas FAQs

Spicy Chicken Meal Prep and other chicken marinades?

If you’re looking for other chicken marinade recipes, here are a few I love:

Just make sure you have some oil, as well as something acidic like vinegar, lemon juice or Greek yogurt to go along with your favorite spices and you’ll be all set!

Do you have a homemade pita recipe easy?

I don’t have one on my site but I’ve made them before and they’re quite easy. And it’s fun to watch them puff up in the oven. Try this Easy Homemade Pita Bread recipe or the easiest homemade pita bread recipe.

Is there a grilled chicken pita recipe?

You can easily grill the chicken in this recipe! Once it’s marinated, just toss it on the grill for a few minutes on each side until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

Ideas for other chicken pita filling recipes?

If you don’t like these fillings, you could easily use the chicken add change up the fillings. Try avocado and cheese, grilled fajita veggies or try adding some spinach and crumbled feta!

These Spicy Chicken Pitas are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and you can prep all the components ahead of time and assemble them quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

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This four-ingredient Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

*Originally published 8/2016. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

If your kids are anything like mine and they love to snack all day long, you’re probably constantly looking for healthy, nutrient-dense snacks that you can offer them. Of course, all kids will have their favorites. Mine particularly love Lentil Banana Muffins, Black Bean Brownies and some of my other healthy muffins and bars.

They also have their store-bought snacks – check out these 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids. And when it comes to feeding kids it’s easy to fall into a rut. But as a Registered Dietitian, I know the importance of continuing to offer and expose kids to new foods.

That’s where this peanut butter banana chia pudding comes in! While some people may not enjoy the texture of a snack like this, you might be surprised to find your kids love it. And since it’s packed with nutrients and can be prepped ahead of time, it’s a great option to work into your snack rotation.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

This pudding is super easy to make and great to have on hand for a quick snack or addition to breakfast or lunch. The flavor possibilities are endless but I went with a classic peanut butter and banana combo.

How To Make Chia Peanut Butter Pudding

If you’ve never tried using chia seeds to thicken something, you’ll be amazed how well this works. All you need for this snack is:

  • Ripe bananas
  • Milk or kefi
  • Chia seeds
  • Peanut Butter

When combined with liquid, chia seeds act as a natural thickening agent so all you have to do is combine all the ingredients and let it sit. I use a blender or food processor to get all the lumps out of the bananas but you could mash by hand if you want to.

Banana Peanut Butter Pudding

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding 4
Print Recipe

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5 from 1 review

This Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium ripe bananas
  • 1 cup milk (or kefir)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until well combined.
  2. Refrigerate at least an hour. Pudding will continue to thicken as it sits.

Notes

If you don’t mind a little chunkier texture, you could just mash the bananas by hand.

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding FAQs

Can you make chia seed pudding with kefir?

Yes! We love Lifeway Kefir and it would work great in this recipe! You could also use your favorite non-dairy milk if you prefer.

How long does chia seed pudding take to set?

Typically the pudding will thicken and set in 1-2 hours once you put it in the fridge. But I often recommend letting it sit overnight in the fridge for best results.

Can you make chia seed pudding with peanut butter powder?

Yes! If you don’t want to use actual peanut butter but still want the peanut butter flavor, you could mix powdered peanut butter like PB2 into your pudding. You could also mix in your favorite flavor of protein powder.

Why eat chia seed pudding?

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. Mixing them with milk adds protein for a balanced snack that will keep you full and satisfied.

What about overnight oats with chia seeds?

If you want to take this concept to the next level, you can try overnight oats made with chia seeds. Try these Easy Overnight Oats with 6 flavor combinations for a filling meal or snack.

Other flavors besides banana chia pudding?

If you’re a chia pudding fan, you could try Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding, Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding or this Creamsicle version.

Not a fan of the chia seeds? You might like my Chocolate Avocado Pudding recipe instead!

This four-ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It's packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Gifts For In-Laws {and Parents}

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Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here’s a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc! 

best gifts for in law and parents

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

This post is the follow-up to my Best Gifts for Husbands list. Today I’ve got some of the best gift ideas for in-laws. Behind husbands, this was the second most requested post. People seem to have a tough time coming up with gift ideas for in-laws/parents/grandparents.

Whether you’re new to the family and haven’t gotten to know your in-laws very well yet or you’ve been in the family for years and feel like you’ve already gotten them everything they could possibly want or need, I’ve got you covered with this list!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

Here are the best gifts for in-laws and parents: 

aura digital frame gift for grandparents

Photos

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with photos!

  • Book and pay for a family photo session so they can have some current photos of the family, grandkids, etc with them in it!
  • Canvas print – I get all mine from Canvas On Demand. The perfect way to decorate a room.
  • Digital frame – This one has an app and it’s super easy for multiple people to add photos so they appear in the frame.
ring doorbell camera

Electronics

Make the gift even better by installing and setting it up for them!

  • Make their house a little more high tech with a Nest thermostat or a Ring doorbell camera 
  • Upgrade their TV with Apple TV or Roku – you could throw in a year subscription for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc!
  • Improve their stereo system with a new sound bar.
  • Introduce them to Alexa with an Echo with Alexa or Google Home, etc
  • If they like to read or listen to books or podcasts, try an Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription.
instant pot gift idea

Kitchen

If they enjoy cooking, you can always add something to their kitchen collection!

  • My number one pick is an Instant pot
  • An Air fryer is also a good option.
  • Or buy them tickets to a cooking class!
airline gift card gift

Travel

Airline gift cards: Do they live far away?

  • Put some money towards a flight so they can come to visit!
  • Or help them enjoy their retirement and take the trip they’ve been planning for years!
holiday box featured

Food

Feed them!

bloomscape gift subscription

Plants

A fun way to add new life to a room!

  • Check out websites like Bloomscape for beautiful indoor plants – they give you info on size, maintenance, light, pet-friendly etc.
  • Or gift them a monthly plant subscription- Check out something like The Sill
Screenshot 2023 11 07 at 7.07.31 PM

Interior Design

Whether they recently moved or have been living somewhere for a long time, they might enjoy a room refresh!

  • Gift them a Havenly consult – they can consult with an interior decorator online for a very reasonable price!
theater

Out of Town

If they live out of town, consider:

  • A restaurant gift card to their favorite place or a new place to try
  • Dinner theater tickets
  • A night out with just you and your spouse! Especially if you have kids….they love the grandkids but you guys were their kids first and they would probably love spending some adult-only time with just you guys too!
Looking for the best gifts for in-laws? Here's a roundup of fun, yet practical gift ideas that are perfect for in-laws, parents, grandparents etc! 

That’s all I’ve got! For more gift ideas, check out:

What’s the best gift you’ve gotten your in-laws or parents lately?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

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These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They’re the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They're the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

*Originally published 12/2014. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends-

You know those few weeks in early November, when Halloween and all things pumpkin is over, but Thanksgiving isn’t quite here and you’re ready for Christmas but it still feels to early?

That’s when you make these muffins. They’re the perfect bridge between Fall and Winter and you absolutely must try them.

Pumpkin and Gingerbread Flavors

I’ve been making these muffins for almost 10 years and they never disappoint. They’re the perfect mix of your favorite pumpkin bread and a delicious gingerbread cookie. All wrapped up in a delicious muffin.

The pumpkin adds a light Fall flavor and the molasses and ginger add the perfect hint of gingerbread with just a couple of simple ingredients.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins with Icing Drizzle

How To Make Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

To make these muffins, you just need a few simple ingredients.

Many of them can be found at Thrive Market– my favorite place to stock your pantry! I love their large selection and place an order every month or two to stock my staple baking items! (refferal link)

  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Molasses
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Flour – I use white whole wheat flour, or
  • Baking soda & baking powder
  • Cinnamon and Ginger – for flavor

To make them just mix all the wet ingredients together, add the dry ingredients and stir to just combine. You can leave them plain or add mix-ins. I like fresh cranberries for a bit of tart, but you could also add chocolate chips or some hemp seeds.

Recipe for Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Print

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They're the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 12 reviews

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are packed with ginger flavor and full of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and white whole wheat flour.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger (more if desired)
  • optional mixins- fresh cranberries, hemp seeds, ground flax etc

Instructions

  1. Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed.
  3. Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins.
  4. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

I make 12 large muffins. Feel free to make yours smaller if you prefer. I like them plain, but if you want to fancy them up a little, mix some powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle it on top for a glaze!

Easy Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins FAQs

Can I freeze pumpkin gingerbread muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw on the counter!

What if I don’t have ground ginger?

You can leave it out and add extra cinnamon to amp up the flavor but the gingerbread flavor will be lacking if you leave it out.

What is molasses and is it healthy?

Molasses is a type of liquid sugar. It’s a thick, dark syrup that is made while refining sugar cane into sugar. Molasses is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar. It also contains small amounts of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

Do you have a regular pumpkin muffin recipe?

Try this Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe. You can also make it as muffins. You might also like my Gluten-free Pumpkin Bean Bread as an easy way to add some extra nutrients. Or try these Pumpkin Yogurt Bars or my Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They're the perfect way to transition from fall to winter. 

Looking for more pumpkin recipes?

Try these:

And if you want more gingerbread baking recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Toddler Gift Ideas {Ages 1-3}

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These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends!

Need some toddler gift ideas? I’ve got you covered! I first wrote this post when my oldest turned 3. Since then I’ve had 2 more kids and all 3 of them are out of the toddler years so we’ve had some experience with toddler toys 🙂

This is a round-up of some of our favorite toys for the toddler years. You can also check out my Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7} and  Best Toys For Multiple Ages post for more ideas!

It can be easy to accumulate a lot of toys so one thing I’ve really tried to do, especially with my second and third kids after learning my lesson with the first, is focus on keeping things that have multiple uses and encourage imagination.

Things like blocks, trains, play kitchen etc that he can use every day but use in different ways! I love it when they get into their own little world talking and playing by themselves and I can just sit back and quietly watch and listen.

So, if you have a toddler of your own or are looking for gift ideas, I hope this post is helpful!

If you have anyone besides toddlers on your list, maybe one of these gift guides will be helpful:

All the links below are Amazon affiliate links which means I make a small amount of money if you purchase using them, at no additional cost to you.

arts and crafts

Arts and Crafts Ideas for Toddlers

I’m a huge fan of having a robust arts and crafts station. Use Pinterest to find some fun, simple project ideas or just take a bunch of stuff out and let them go to town!

physical activity

Physical Activity Toys for Toddlers

imagination

Imagination & Creative Play Toys for Toddlers

  • Monster Hunting Kit – {Net +Flashlight + Spray Bottle}
  • Sensory Table – use for water, sand, dirt, etc
  • Play Kitchen – buy play food, a mini grocery cart, save product packages and make your own grocery store!
  • Camera – Save your old digital cameras you don’t use anymore. Also check garage sales, etc!
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Tools – we have about 3 different sets!
  • Doctor Kit or Vet Set
  • Dinosaurs
  • Baby dolls/stuffed animals/baby stroller
  • Cars/Trucks/Fire engines
  • Guitar/Keyboard – anything that encourages music is fun (drums, maracas…)
  • Air Fort – easy to setup and easy to store
  • Nugget – one of the best things we’ve ever bought for our kids
  • Tea Set or Ice Cream Set
  • Cleaning Tools
train stuff

Trains for Toddlers

Trains get their own separate category because they’re such an obsession in our house

  • Brio (or Orbium) Train Track Pack   – We set these up on the floor usually but also have a train table. Get a crane! They were my oldest’s fav train accessory.
  • Train table – Look for these tables and train sets secondhand on FB selling groups, garage sales etc.
  • Wooden Trains  – you can never have too many
  • Road tape – Also fun for train cars, hot wheels, cars etc
motor skills

Fine Motor Skills Toys For Toddlers

other toddler gifts

Toddler Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for something more branded, here are some TV shows that are popular with toddlers. Any merchandise, games, etc featuring these characters would probably be a hit as well:

  • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
  • Doc McStuffins
  • PJ Masks
  • Paw Patrol
  • Anything on PBS – Curious George, Nature Cat, Daniel Tiger, etc
These Toddler Gift Ideas make perfect birthday presents, Christmas gifts or everyday surprises. Grab one for your son or daughter or one of their friends!

Whew! Ok well hopefully this gave you some fun new ideas. If your toddlers or toddlers you know have other favorites, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!

If you’re looking for baby gift ideas, check out by Baby’s First Year Gift Guide!

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

And if you’re a toddler parent looking for new ways to keep them entertained, be sure to check out this post full of Indoor Activities for Toddlers.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Gifts For Husbands

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Looking for the best gifts for husbands and partners? This list has something for everyone from style to tech gadgets to music!

best gifts for husbands and partners

*Originally published 11/2019. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

What are the best gifts for husbands or in-laws? These groups can be notoriously hard to buy for and my goal is to make your life a little easier. You can check out the Best Gifts for In-laws and Parents here.

Husbands and partners can be tricky to buy for, especially if you’ve been together a long time and they already seem to have everything they need and want.

But I spent some time researching, polling my followers and thinking about my own husband and I think I’ve come up with a pretty good list of ideas!

So here you go!

This list is not sponsored but does contain some affiliate links. Using them results in no extra cost for you but I do earn a small amount! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!

Best Gifts for Husbands

build your own six pack gift idea

Favorites Box

An easy one to personalize!

  • My mom always gave my dad a bunch of single bottles of different beers growing up and it was fun to watch him open them. She now does the same thing for my husband.
  • Not into beer? Grab a few of their drink of choice and pair it with their favorite snacks!
  • Or go a different route and grab them some different new or local coffees, jerky, spice rubs etc. Check out Man Crates for more ideas.
custom socks gift for dads

Style

There are lots of both fun and practical things you can get them!

  • I got my hubby socks with our cat’s face from Pupsocks on them a couple of years ago and they were a huge hit! Now you can get ones with kids’ faces on them as well! Check out their website or find them on Amazon. 
  • Not into socks? Try shoes!
  • Or slippers. These Ugg Slippers for men come highly recommended.
  • Comfortable casual pants are always a hit. Try these Lululemon ABC joggers.
  • If he likes to work out, a silicone ring can help keep his wedding ring from getting all scratched up. We like Qalo rings
weather tech floor liners for men

Car

If you’re married to a car guy, here are some ideas:

  • I’ve gotten my hubby a gift certificate for a mobile car detailing service that comes to you and makes your car look brand new on the inside. (Hint- this would also be a great gift for most mamas!)
  • A prepaid car wash
  • Weather tech floor liners
  • AAA membership
  • Weather tech mug coffee cup holder – My husband loves his Yeti with a handle so this thing fits in the cup holder and lets him bring the mug-style Yeti in the car
apple watch for husband gift

Electronics

I’m always on the hunt for new electronic gadgets:

  • Check out these Tile finders if your hubby is constantly losing things! They come in various sizes to help you find things like keys, wallets, remotes etc!
  • A wireless charging pad
  • Apple Watch if you wanna get fancy.
  • Bluetooth speaker – My husband loves this to have on our screened porch so he can listen to music
  • Sunrise alarm – If he’s a heavy sleeper, this can help him ease into waking up
record player gift idea for men

Music

Got a music lover? Try one of these gifts:

  • Subscription to an unlimited music service like Spotify, Napster or Amazon Music Unlimited
  • Wireless headphones like AirPods – choose noise-cancelling if that’s important!
  • Concert tickets
  • Record player – Very trendy right now, reasonably priced and fun to listen to
wireless noise cancelling headphones

Commuter

If your hubby spends a lot of time commuting in the car, on the subway etc, here are a few things to consider:

  • Wireless Noise-canceling Headphones (You’ll have to do your own research for the best pick for your pricepoint – there’s everything from $50 ones to $300 ones )
  • NY Times online subscription to keep up on the news
  • Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscription if they like to read or listen to books or podcasts
  • Yeti – to keep their coffee hot!
  • Portable charger – perfect for keeping in the car for an extra charge
sock of the month club

Subscription Box

They have them for pretty much everything now so find one that fits his interest to try out!

meat smoker gift idea for men

Food & Drink

If he likes to cook, grill etc there are lots of good options!

  • Meat Smoker – Try this more affordable option or go fancy with something like a Big Green Egg
  • Wireless Thermometer – Perfect for smoking, grilling etc so he can monitor temp from his phone
  • Ooni Pizza Oven – If he loves pizza night, i’ve heard nothing but good things about these
  • Ninja Coffee Maker – Upgrade his basic coffee pot to something a little fancier!
  • Nutribullet – Perfect for making a single-serve post-workout smoothie
  • Blackstone – trendy right now and fun if he likes to grill!
solo stove

Other

A few other things that didn’t fit anywhere else:

  • Drone – A fun little toy for them to play around with
  • Solo Stove – Perfect for family nights around the fire. We love ours
  • Waterpik – My husband loves this instead of flossing
  • Projector – An easy way to take game day or movie nights to the next level. We have this projector and this screen to go with it.
  • Theragun – If he works out, this is a handy tool. Or try a trigger point massage hook.
  • Dumbbells – For the days when he can’t get to the gym, having a set at home can help him squeeze in a great workout.
  • Leatherman Multitool – Comes in handy for all sorts of little tasks (especially opening packages!)
The best gifts for husbands in 2024

What’s on your list of best gifts for husbands? And if you need gifts for mom, check out Gift Ideas For Busy Moms.

Looking for more gift guides? Check out my lists:

And if you want to shop small check out this list of 50+ Small Businesses To Support.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Gift Ideas For Busy Moms

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These Gift Ideas For Busy Moms are perfect for the moms in your life! Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc who are constantly worrying about everyone else will appreciate a few of these presents for themselves.

gift ideas for moms

Hi friends!

I first published this gift guide for busy moms back in 2017 when I had 2 kids under 3 and felt constantly busy. Now, almost 6 years later I have 3 kids and gues what? I’m still busy all the time. So I’ve updated this gift guide with some of my favorite things in a variety of categories, plus some things I don’t have yet but are on my wish list.

I hope this gives you some ideas for the moms in your life!

This post contains some Amazon affiliate links (which are clearly identified). That means if you purchase through my link, I get to keep a tiny portion of the sale, at no additional cost to you! Thanks for helping to support The Lean Green Bean.

Need more gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:

Happy Shopping!

kitchen gift ideas for busy moms

Kitchen Gifts for Moms

Moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Sometimes it feels like all I do is cook and feed people all day long. Here are some tools that make life easier:

  • Yeti Coffee Mug– Any mom knows that having the time to sit down and drink an entire cup of coffee is nothing more than a wish. This will keep it warm all morning long.
  • Souper Cubes – One of the biggest gifts on busy nights is being able to pull something from the freezer to feed the family. Souper cubes make it easy to freeze and thaw things quickly.
  • Instant Pot – When you need a quick meal, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. It helps me so much with food prep on the weekends and dinners on busy nights.
  • Instant Pot Dutch Oven – I’ve replaced my old crockpot with this. You can sear/saute in the pot, use it to slow cook or braise or even remove the dutch oven and use it on the stove.
  • Griddler – If she’s still making pancakes in a tiny skillet, get her a griddle so she can make more at once. Plus this one doubles as a sandwich maker.
  • Air Fryer – Just as helpful as an Instant Pot for making meals quickly. I use mine multiple times a week.
  • Stanley – Help keep her hydrated with a good water bottle. I prefer the 32 oz version with a flip straw but the 40 oz is popular as well. We’re also big fans of Owala.
  • Geometry Kitchen Towels – These kitchen towels are on my wish list to make kitchen cleanup a breeze.
  • Stasher Bags – Every mom needs snacks and these Stasher bags make it easy to make everything from mom snacks to school snacks for the kids.
  • Nutribullet Blender – I’ve been using the personal-sized Nutribullet to make a daily smoothie for months now and I love how it makes the perfect amount and is quick and easy to clean.
style gift ideas for mom

Style Gifts for Mom

Moms don’t always have a lot of time to spend on themselves but here are some stylish gifts she’ll love:

  • LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers – These are my absolute favorite slippers. I wear them around the house all winter long. If you’re looking for a slide-on option, try these Dearfoam Firesides. (aff link)
  • Shark Hair Dryer – I have long hair and until last year I was drying it with the same hair dryer I had in college and it took forever. I bought this last year and it’s a total game changer. I can use the two attachments to dry and brush straighten my hair in under 10 minutes. (aff link)
  • Able Leather Bag – Every mom needs a good bag and several of my favorites are from Able. They’re a great company that makes quality products and I have 3 bags of various sizes.
  • Avryn & Co. wallet and wristlet – One of my favorite small businesses. I bought myself a wallet/wristlet set two years ago and absolutely love it. They’re perfect for moms on the run who have their hands full of kids and sports bags and coffee. Just slide it on your wrist and go!
  • Birkenstock Mayari Sandals – These are the perfect summer sandals. They last forever. They’re comfortable and they can be dressed up or worn all over town when running the kids around. (aff link)
  • ChappyWrap Blanket – These blankets are my favorite. We have two and they hold up well in the wash, are super soft and still look stylish draped over the back of the couch.
  • Handheld Steamer – For a busy working mom who needs to look professional, this handheld steamer can help her quickly remove wrinkles from clothes on a busy morning. (aff link)
  • Aura Wifi Picture Frame – This stylish frame looks great on the counter and is a great solution for busy moms who don’t have time to get actual photo prints made but still want to see all those photos on their phones. Just upload photos to the app and they scroll through on the frame! My mom has one of these and loves it. I love that I can make pics of the grandkids easily appear on her counter! (aff link)
  • Silk Pillowcase – These can help keep hair from tangling and frizzing leading to less time needing to be spent on her hair during the morning rush! (aff link)
  • Loop Earplugs– For the moms that are just a little overstimulated by all the noise in their house, these can help dull the noise to a manageable level. (aff link)
  • Heating Pad/ Weighted eye mask – Make bedtime a little more relaxing once she finally gets there! (aff link)
tech gifts for mom

Tech Gifts for Moms

Technology is life in this day and age. Here are some gadgets to make a busy mom’s life easier:

  • INIU portable charger – I have one of these that lives in my car for all the times I don’t have enough time to charge my phone while running around all day. You could also throw in an ultra-compact charger for her to keep in her purse. (aff link)
  • Kindle Paperwhite – Slim enough to fit in her bag and gives her a chance to grab a few minutes to read while waiting for kids, appointments etc. (aff link)
  • Airpods – I feel like I have no time to sit down and read a book anymore so I’ve switched to audiobooks and I love my airpods for listening while I’m walking the dog, in the car, etc. (aff link)
  • Visual timer – This one does double duty. Mom can use it to get work, cleaning, etc done using the Pomodoro technique or she can set it for the kids so they can easily see how much time is left before school, bed etc which makes it easier on mom. Or try this Echo wall clock that we have on the wall in our kitchen so the kids can easily see how much time is left when we ask Alexa to set a timer. (aff link)
  • 3 in 1 Charging Station – Give her a place to charge all her devices – phone, watch, airpods all in one spot! (aff link)
  • Tile Mate – If she’s constantly wasting time looking for her keys, this can be a major time saver. Or give her the button version to put on a remote. (aff link)
  • Walking Pad – I like to get my steps in but I don’t always have time to run out on a walk multiple times a day. These are small enough to store away if needed and make it easy to get some extra steps in while working, watching the kids play etc. (aff link)
  • Skylight Calendar – Save her from having to answer questions about the family schedule all day long with this visual calendar that synchs with hers and sits on the counter so everyone can see it. (aff link)
  • Carex Bright Light Therapy Light- Long, dark winter months are tough. Give her the benefits of sunlight that she can sit in front of while working on her computer or eating breakfast. (aff link)
best gifts for busy moms

Best Gifts For Busy Moms

A few other ideas for sports moms and helping mom relax!

  • First Aid Kit for Car – Whether its for an ouchie at the playground or a sports injury, having a first aid kit in the car will definitely come in handy. (aff link)
  • Car Trash Can – While you’re at it, grab a car trash can for her to help keep the mess under control and a rechargeable car vacuum can be a big help as well!
  • Planner – If she’s a paper planner mom, you can always gift her a planner for the upcoming year!
  • Simply Southern Bag – These are perfect for a busy pool mom in the summer. Holds tons of stuff and never falls over so everything spills. (aff link)
  • Car Blanket – This will come in handy when her kids are cold in the car, when they stop for an impromptu picnic or when spectating at sports games. This one condenses into a little pouch so she can leave it in the car.
  • Shade Chair – If she is an outdoor sports mom, I promise there are some times she’ll wish she had some shade over her chair! (aff link)
  • Rain Jacket – Similarly, if she spends time outside it will be raining at some point so a stylish wind/water resistant jacket would make a great gift! (aff link)
  • Easy Plant – For when she wants greenery but doesn’t have time to water. These plants have a reservoir that only needs to be filled once a month and then they water themselves. Low maintenance for the win! Pick one out or give her a gift card.
  • Puzzle Board – If she loves to do puzzles but never has time to sit down and do one all at once, these are easy to store under the couch or on a table and work on when she has time. (aff link)
  • Coloring Book – Even busy moms need to wind down. Coloring is a great option! (aff link)
  • Little Green Machine – All moms battle stains and this portable carpet cleaner makes it quick and easy. It’s on my wish list! (aff link)
gift certificate ideas for moms

Gift Certificate Ideas for Moms

Sometimes a gift certificate is the biggest blessing to a busy mom. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Down Dog App – I use this for yoga and absolutely love it. They also have HIIT, meditation and barre workouts. You could pay for a few months of these workouts for her.
  • Created Colorful – Gift her a chance to find out what her best colors are to make shopping easier. I got this done about 2 years ago and it’s been super helpful
  • SLAM – Strong Like A Mother – My favorite workout app! She has workouts for everything from pregnancy to core basics to help heal diastasis recti, plus beginner to advanced workouts you can do at home. I’ve been doing them off and on for 4+ years and still love them. Offer to pay for a couple of months of her workouts!
  • Audible – If she likes audiobooks, gift her an audible subscription so she can listen to some new books! (aff link)
  • Amazon Prime membership – If they don’t have Amazon Prime yet, give them an Amazon gift card with instructions to use it to purchase a Prime membership for their house. Quick shipping is a game-changer for busy moms. (aff link)
  • Stitch Fix – If they don’t have time to go shopping, get them a Stitch Fix gift card so the clothes can come to them! (referral link)
  • ButcherBox – If her family is meat eaters, gift them a Butcher Box or a gift card so they can choose their own. Reliable meat delivery can be a big time-saver and help them stock their freezer for busy nights! (referral link)
  • Blue Apron – Sometimes we’re just too busy to make meals from scratch. Meal delivery services like Blue Apron help get home-cooked meals on the table without requiring much energy on our part. Sometimes it’s so nice to not have to shop or meal plan but still be able to eat at home!
  • Haldi – Even mamas with the most basic skincare (me!) can benefit from this service. Have your mom friends take the free skincare quiz and then gift them a gift card so they can buy some of the recommended products! The quiz helps them learn all about your skin and then they can recommend all types of products that will work best for you. I took the quiz a couple of years ago and have loved almost all of their reccs! (referral link)
  • Mo News – If she likes the news but barely has time to watch gift her a Mo News premium membership so she can stay in the know on Instagram.
  • Blowout Bar – If she’s having family pictures done or has an event to go to, it can be a treat not to have to do her own hair so you could gift her gift card to a local place!
These Gift Ideas For Busy Moms are perfect for the moms in your life! Wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc who are constantly worrying about everyone else will appreciate a few of these presents for themselves.

Let’s chat:

Moms! What’s on your Christmas list this year?

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Kid Gift Ideas
{ages 4-7}

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Need kid gift ideas for ages 4-7? Here are toy ideas for everything from arts and crafts, building and educational toys to pretend play and outdoor toys. 

kid gift ideas ages 4-7

Originally published 10/21. Updated 11/23.

Hi friend!

I’ve been blogging for 10+ years now and have done my share of gift guides. I wasn’t planning to create any more but then I realized that in the kid gift department, I kinda left off at the toddler stage. Now that I have 2/3 of my kids out of toddlerhood, I thought I should put together a new kids gift guide for our current stage of life. So, here are some things my older two (who are about to turn 5 and 7) have been into the past couple of years!

If you need more ideas, check out my past gift guides:

As always, you know who you’re buying for. Some of these could be used by kids younger or older than this age group. This is also kind of a tricky age group because there are often two versions of things and a 4-year-old could do the “junior” version while a 7-year-old could do the regular version so be sure to consider that!

Remember that I’ve tried to provide links but there are often several similar versions of each idea out there so do some research if needed to find the best one for you! I also encourage you to shop from small businesses whenever possible. I’d love to see you take an idea from this post and purchase it from a small or local business! Or check FB Marketplace or your local selling groups and find one secondhand. Kids don’t need all brand new toys all the time!!

Most of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. That means that I make a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean.

arts and crafts for kids ages 4-7

Arts & Crafts for Kids

Let them express their creativity with all sorts of projects.

  • Paint by Sticker – Paint by number can be tricky and messy. These are the same idea, but with stickers. Easy to throw in a travel bag, take to a restaurant and more!
  • Boogie Boards – Great for car trips, waiting rooms, sibling sports practices etc.
  • Perler Beads – these are fun to make your own designs or follow one tons of free patterns you can find online. For 4 year olds I recommend Biggie Beads which are larger and easier for little hands.
  • Giant coloring pages – This is my absolute favorite one, and we’ve done lots! Great for multiple kids to work on at once or for special one on one time before bed or during quiet time.
  • Rainbow scratch paper – Something I did as a kid that’s still fun today!
  • Playdough + playdough tools – Makes a great stocking stuffer
  • Kinetic sand – Lasts forever and is easier to clean up than real sand 🙂
  • Mosaic sticker art – Similar to sticker by number
  • Origami – Comes with paper that’s the exact size you need and shows you how to fold it!
  • Paper Airplanes – Easy to make and shows them lots of different types of planes to make.
  • Beads for jewelry making – If they’re ready to start stringing, try these. If they’re on the younger side, these beads pop together easily to make jewelry. Or these Lego Dot bracelets!
  • Friendship bracelet-making kits – definitely for the older end but great for 7-8 year olds to start making!
  • Weaving loom – So fun for making pot holders. If they like it, you can buy refill bags of just the loops to make more on the loom.
  • Modeling clay – They have kinds that won’t dry out and can be reused or kinds that dry into permanent creations
  • How to draw books – there are books for pretty much anything they’re interested – animals, characters, monsters etc
art supplies for kids

Art Supplies for Kids

Build a robust art station and let them create with anything that is out and available!

building toys for kids

Building Toys for Kids

These building toys for kids give them a chance to let their creativity shine!

  • Legos – There are so many different sets out there from easy to hard. There should be an option for everyone!
  • Playmobil – If they’re tired of Legos these are a fun way to change it up and great for younger kids
  • Magnatiles – One of my all-time favorite gifts for kids ages 2- 10. There’s always more to build and you can always use more of these!
  • Giant Jenga blocks – my kids love to use these for building just like regular wooden blocks
  • Wooden Blocks – A classic toy that never goes out of style. So much open-ended play!
  • Marble run – Tons of different combinations are possible with some imagination
  • Plus Plus – Another alternative to legos. They have sets to build or boxes for open-ended play. For the younger end of the range look at Plus Plus Big. 
  • K’nex – For 4-5 year olds look at Kids K’nex
  • Fort Builder – there are lots of brands. Build and then drape a blanket or sheet over it!
  • Real Tools – plus some scrap wood! Or a building kit.
  • Air Fort – Easy to store without taking up space and easy to set up.
  • Erector Set – My youngest loves looking through the book to pick out which design to build and use the screw driver it comes with.
games and puzzles

Games and Puzzles for kids

Games that are easy enough for kids but still fun for adults to play, plus puzzles!

educational for kids

Educational Toys for Kids

Let them research and learn, experiment and build! Plus you can never have too many books.

subscriptions for kids

Subscription Boxes for Kids

Monthly subscription boxes for kids- everything from cooking to magazines to coding and clothes.

  • Raddish – cooking for kids
  • Kiwi Crate – STEAM activities for kids
  • Highlights – I get Highlights for my 7-year-old and High Five for my 5-year-old.
  • Ranger Rick – They have Ranger Rick and Rick Jr. magazines for different ages
  • Stitch Fix Kids – If they’re into fashion! Rockets of Awesome and KidPik are other similar options
  • Little Passports – Global learning adventures that are fun and educational!
  • Bitsbox – Coding for kids
active and outdoor toys for kids

Active and Outdoor Toys for Kids

Get them up and moving. There are so many options out there for some of these that you’ll have to do your own research to find a good one. But here are some general ideas, some with links, some without

imagination toys for kids

Imagination Toys for Kids

Look for all this stuff secondhand! I scored a great deal on a dollhouse in perfect condition plus a huge bunch of Barbies. Around and after Halloween is a great time to look for dress-up clothes.

A few more ideas for the kitchen:

Whew! There you go. Hope that helps give you some ideas. Would love to hear your favs in the comments.

Need kid gift ideas for ages 4-7? Here are toy ideas for everything from arts and crafts, building and educational toys to pretend play and outdoor toys. 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

50+ Small Businesses To Support in 2024

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Looking for small businesses to support? Here are 50+ ideas that have amazing gifts for all occasions and make it easy to shop small!

50+ small businesses to support in 2024 and beyond

*Originally published Nov 2020. Updated Oct 2023*

This is the one gift guide I published in 2020 so I worked hard to make it a good one. As I continue to make an effort to step away from Amazon and support small businesses and local businesses for my gift-giving, I’ve come up with a list of 50+ amazing small businesses to support that I can’t wait to share with you guys. Some of them are local to Columbus or Ohio, some of them are Black-owned, minority-owned or women-owned, some I found through word of mouth, some on Etsy and many I’ve purchased from already!

Several people asked me how to find small businesses and local businesses to support. Here are a few ways:

  1. Search Etsy! They’re great for small businesses in general but they also have great filters so you can filter results by a specific state or city, Black-owned shops, etc.
  2. Search local hashtags – Get on Instagram and search some of the local hashtags for your area to find local businesses. Once you find some you like, follow them! They’re often really good about sharing and collaborating with other local businesses so that will help you find more.
  3. Ask in a Facebook group – There are always a few people in every Facebook group who are in the know about all things small businesses and local!
  4. Search your city’s website for a list of shops. You can also check your Chamber of Commerce website.
  5. Use Google! Oftentimes local papers, magazines and bloggers put together shop guides or gift guides that can be a great starting place.
  6. If you’re looking for a certain toy, perhaps one you find on Amazon, seek out a few local toy stores and see if they have it. If they don’t, call them and see if they’d be willing to order it for you! If you have a more general toy like stacking cubes or dolls, search on Etsy and see what options are available!

And now, in no particular order, here are some awesome small businesses to check out. I highly encourage you to spend time clicking through and exploring their websites. I chose one photo from each site for the collages but their sites have so much more worth seeing! Some of these are Etsy shops and are affiliate links. That means I earn a small amount of money if you shop through them at no additional cost to you!

If you need gift ideas, check out my previous gift guides and then search for those ideas on these small business sites:

50 Small Businesses To Support

small business gift guide 2024

Shown above:

  1. LoreleiVella – Personalized kitchenware, jewelry and more. I got my kids personalized silicone spatulas for Christmas this year! (aff link)
  2. My Sweet Muffin – gifts for babies and kids. So many cute toys, plus room decor, bibs, party supplies and more. I bought Nolan the Play&Go road mat pictured above. It has a drawstring and you can pull it to turn the mat into a storage bag for toys!
  3. Cate and Levi – Handcrafted, eco-friendly toys. They have the cutest puppets, as well as sew-your-own stuffed animal kits. I got the dog for a winter project to do with Chase!
  4. Little Nomad – Kids clothing and toys plus shoes, books and even clothes for women.
  5. Flux Imagery – The most whimsical watercolor art and planners. I bought the fairy pictured above for Lyssie’s room. Erika also offers painting and drawing courses on SkillShare.
  6. Cookie Society – Giant, delicious cookies delivered straight to your door! So many flavor options. Marissa also has an amazing food blog – First and Full.
  7. Kido – Toys, books and clothes for kids.
  8. The Fresh Dolls – A diverse line of multicultural dolls for all kids.
  9. Goose Grease – A fair trade company that makes handmade wooden peg dolls. They offer painted sets, DIY kits, custom families and cake toppers.
small businesses to support

Shown above:

  1. Jamison and Bexley – A local Columbus kids clothing shop. I connected with Jen the owner, who lives near me! And we bonded over our experience with challenging 3-year-olds 🙂 The clothes in her shop are adorable! (Shopping through my aff link will save you 10%)
  2. Wright Kitchen – My mom got me one of her photo books for Christmas last year. I’m obsessed with all her prints. So bright, colorful and amazing using food. She also makes them into puzzles!
  3. Treasures from Jennifer – Artisan-crafted, all-natural toys, educational tools, and decor. A friend recommended the bow and arrow shown above and said it’s high quality and easy for her boys to use. I immediately bought one for Chase bc he’s been asking for the past two years.
  4. Semicolon Book Store – Black-owned women-owned bookstore in Chicago but you can always shop online! Here’s a list of Black-owned independent bookstores by state if you want to find one local to you!
  5. Tab Knits – Handmade backpacks, purses and pouches. I loved one of her wristlets and asked her if she could turn it into a crossbody for me and she did and it’s wonderful. Perfect for just holding a few cards and cash since I leave the house infrequently and don’t need a big purse. (aff link)
  6. Sarah + Abraham – Personalized kids’ plates, cups, placemats and stationary items.
  7. MKoby Art – – I just love her art- people and landscapes. Melissa is so talented. I have the print pictured above in my office and have my eye on the Sunset one for my bedroom. (aff link)
  8. Game Day Feels – Bracelets, mask chains, key chains, dog tags and more made from baseball glove lace. I bought a bracelet a few years ago and it broke and I just replaced it last week! You can put your own quote on it or choose one of theirs. Mine says “Life is about moments. Don’t wait for them, create them.”
  9. Magic Beans – Based in Boston, they sell all things baby – car seats, strollers, high chairs, bottles, baby monitors but also have a great toy selection!
best small business gift guide

Shown above:

  1. Dig & Co – Sweet supplies for outdoor adventures, garden and kitchen tools, art supplies and more. I love the acorn matching game pictured above as well as the kangaroo pillows!
  2. Grace Personalized – Their custom name jewelry is beautiful but I’m in love with their actual handwriting and fingerprint jewelry. I asked my parents for a handwriting bracelet last year and it turned out so well (aff link)
  3. More Than Peach Project Started by a 9-year-old. Multi-cultural crayons. The perfect addition to your art supplies.
  4. Puzzle Huddle – Childrens puzzles featuring diverse characters. They start at 15 pieces and go up to 200 pieces for several skill levels!
  5. Red Giraffe Designs – Local to Columbus. Handmade jewelry. I have my eye on the long hammered bar earrings pictured above.
  6. Native PRINTcess – Gorgeous handmade catchalls and jewelry dishes. I got for one for Christmas (aff link)
  7. Lovely Grain Studio – Personalized signs, home decor etc. Or turn your kid’s handwriting into a sign. Did this last year and it was a big hit with both sets of grandparents. (aff link)
  8. Mariya Eleanor Designs – One-of-a-kind yarn tapestries. So obsessed with these. Mariya is so talented.
  9. LaurelBox – Heartfelt sympathy gifts for those grieving. Choose a curated box or make your own for someone you know grieving a miscarriage, loss of a spouse, battling infertility and more.
black owned small businesses to support

Shown above:

  1. Little Lily Shop – Mess-free pretend makeup. I got some for Lyssie last Christmas and it’s held up so well! (aff link)
  2. Learning Express Toys and Gifts – Several central Ohio stores. It’s a franchise but my father-in-law knows the owners of the Worthington and New Albany locations. You can shop online or find a branch local to you. Tons of toy options for kids.
  3. EcoVibe Style – – Recently found this shop and immediately ordered 2 Christmas presents from them. An awesome collection of apparel, home decor, plants, gardening supplies, pillows, kitchenware, furniture and more.
  4. Collisionware – Adorable oven mitts and finger mitts. I bought some for my kids this year. (aff link)
  5. Dope Coffee – If you have a coffee lover in your life, the holidays are a great time to help them test out a new brand!
  6. ElemenOPillows – If you need pillow covers, Karen is your lady! She’s a family friend and makes great pillow covers in pretty much any fabric you could ever want. (aff link)
  7. Planthropy – Local to Columbus. The coolest living moss wall art.
  8. ARCHd – Homemade decor on wood and marble. I love their wood art.
  9. Wildflower Art Studio – DIY Kits that teach you how to do fun things like watercolor, hand lettering, calligraphy and more! (aff link)
small business gift guide - etsy

Shown above:

  • The Bee & The Fox – Vintage graphic tees with fun sayings, keychains, socks and more.
  • Avryn & Co – Amazing wrislets and card wallets. Super stylish and come in tons of colors. I love mine!
  • Custom Acrylic US – custom signs that would be great for small business owners, friends and family! (aff link)
  • Darlify – Personalized pretty things like cups, bookmarks and more. (aff link)
  • Created Colorful – Gift a friend a consult to learn what colors work best from them so they can choose clothes that make them look great!
  • Mo News – If you have a news-loving friend, gift a premium membership to Mo News!
  • Wild Lettie – Greeting cards, cute outdoor gear, accessories and more! I have my eye on one of the hip packs.
  • House Of Metalworks – All kinds of beautiful handmade jewelry! I would love one of the fidget rings to play with. (aff link)
  • Good Mornings by Steph – super cute earrings and other goodies. She only stocks her Etsy shop the last weekend of the month so follow on Instagram to stay up to date! (aff link)

Two others I love that only do very limited runs but still worth checking out Ettavee and Harper Iman Dolls!

small businesses to support on Etsy

In 2022 I added a few more Etsy shops I’ve purchased from over the last couple of years:

  •  The Leather Store – I treated myself to a new leather backpack that fits my laptop so I can easily take it along to work at the kids’ sports practices etc and I love it so much. (aff link)
  • Cutting Edge Boston – Last year I got my dad a stemless wineglass with a photo of my youngest engraved on it and it was a huge hit! (aff link)
  • Palmetto Wood Shop LLC – We got my FIL a new pocketknife engraved with GRANDPA and it was beautiful! (aff link)
  • Make It Snappy – We have 3 of these folding card holders. The kids can put their cards in them when we’re playing games and not have to worry about holding them all in their little hands. And then they fold flat when you want to store them! (aff link)
  • Wild Clementine Co – (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) I got my mom one of her reusable bowl covers a couple years ago and it’s so pretty. Great for covering bread dough, pizza dough etc while it rises!
  • Vitrage Art Souvenirs – I got my mom and MIL these stained glass hummingbirds and they are gorgeous. You can stick them in a vase with flowers or in a potted plant. And they have tons of other pretty stained glass. Made in Ukraine and shipped super quickly and were well packed. (aff link)
  • LitoCraft – My daughter drew a picture and this company turned it into a coffee mug for my husband for his birthday. It turned out so well! (aff link)
  • TobeTote – I got my friend’s girls customized tote bags last Christmas and they were a big hit. Super cute and customizable.

If you’re buying board games for people, consider searching for a local game store. Guard Tower is one local to Columbus but you can probably find one in your area! If you’re looking for game suggestions for kids at different ages, follow my friend Danielle @boardgamebabies on Instagram or check out her blog.

Here are 45 Small Businesses To Support in 2020! Some are Black-owned, some are local to Ohio, all can be shopped and supported from the comfort of your own home!

Happy shopping!
–Lindsay–

 

Bisquick Cornbread

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A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

bisquick cornbread recipe

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing another family holiday recipe. This Bisquick Cornbread is known as Mimi’s cornbread around our house and it was a staple at our Thanksgiving dinners while I was growing up.

I’ve also shared a few other family holiday recipes including Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Sausage & Wild Rice Stuffing and Strawberry Jello Salad so be sure to check those out as well!

What is Bisquick Cornbread?

As the name implies, this cornbread relies on a Bisquick mix as the base of the recipe. By adding just a few other ingredients, you can whip up a large pan of cornbread that will easily feed the whole family for your next holiday dinner.

Is this Hawaii cornbread?

Although I’d never heard that term until recently, I believe it’s a term that accurately describes this recipe. Northern cornbread tends to be less sweet while southern cornbread is more buttery and cake-like. This Bisquick or Hawaii cornbread is sweet and fluffy, almost like corn cake.

Hawaii cornbread recipe

How To Make Bisquick Cornbread recipe

Making this cornbread is super easy. You just need a few basic ingredients:

  • Bisquick
  • Yellow cornmeal
  • Baking soda
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Baby food prunes – they add sweetness, you don’t taste them I promise!
  • Sugar
  • Milk

To make the cornbread just add the dry ingredients to a bowl, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into a pan and bake!

Print

Bisquick Corn bread Recipe

bisquick cornbread recipe
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A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Bisquick baking mix
  • 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 8 Tbsp melted butter (1 stick)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 (4 oz) jar baby food prunes
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1.5 cups milk

Instructions

  1. Place Bisquick, cornmeal and baking soda in a large bowl. 
  2. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until just combined. 
  3. Pour into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

* if you don’t have baby food prunes, sub an additional 1/4 cup sugar

Bisquick Cornbread FAQs

Can you make this cornbread recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There is a gluten-free Bisquick mix you can find at most grocery stores. Then just make sure you find a gluten-free cornmeal if needed (aff link).

Can you make cornbread without cornmeal?

If you find yourself without cornmeal or don’t want to use it for whatever reason, try this No Cornmeal Cornbread recipe from The Food Network that blends sweet corn with milk and sour cream. Or try this Bisquick Cornbread recipe that uses canned cream-style corn.

How to store Bisquick cornbread?

Store this cornrbead in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days. After that I would move it to the fridge to prevent spoiling since it is fairly moist.

Can you freeze Bisquick cornbread?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then cut into squares and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw on the counter and enjoy!

Substitute for Bisquick in Bisquick cornbread

If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, here is a recipe for homemade Bisquick.

More cornbread recipes

If you’re looking for more cornbread recipes, try:

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–