Blog - Katie's Cucina

Mashed Potatoes with Red Skin

Published on: November 19, 2025 Updated on: November 19, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor—these classic Mashed Potatoes with Red Skin come together in just 30 minutes for the ultimate comfort food side dish!

White bowl filled with mashed potatoes topped with parsley with chicken in blue pan in background.

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes. This version keeps the red potato skins on, giving each bite a rustic texture and a boost of nutrients. I love how the skins add a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with just about any meal.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner (not peeling cuts down a solid 10+ minutes on prep time), holiday feast, or Sunday supper, these mashed potatoes are always a hit at my table. I”ll be honest though, I do have a divided house when it comes to keeping the skin on mashed potatoes. So this recipe is on rotation when I’m on a time crunch but still want homemade mashed potatoes with dinner. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re easy to whip up and taste like they came straight from a restaurant.

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Gaylord Palms Weekend Staycation

Published on: July 24, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Do you live in Florida and looking to get away for the weekend? A little vacation and escape from reality is perfect during these unprecedented times. The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center makes for the perfect staycation.

Thank you Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for hosting my family for the weekend during Summerfest. As always, all opinions are my own.

Family wearing mask in hotel atrium with text on image for Pinterest.

We live just 25 minutes from the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, and have never been before last weekend! We travel a lot, but rarely take the time to travel right here in Central Florida. Since we have cancelled all international and national trips that required an airplane ride we figured this is the year we explore Florida by car. We should have realized this early in the year when we visited the Keys in February, and then detoured our derailed cruise plans in March and spent a week down in Singer Island.

Overlooking atrium at the Gaylord Palms hotel with lush vegetation and pathways.

Gaylord Palms is located in Kissimmee, Florida and is just minutes from Walt Disney World® and Universal Orlando Resort™. Since we stayed for only two nights we opted to stay put at the resort and enjoy everything they had to offer!

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100 Crock Pot Recipes

Published on: March 31, 2022 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 4 Comments

Looking to help simplify life? Check out the wide variety of over 100+ Crock Pot Recipes to help make breakfast, lunch, and dinner time a breeze! Don’t forget the dessert, because their is a whole slow cooker section dedicated to decadent desserts.

Four slow cooker recipe images with title text in the middle

I’ve found 100 amazing, delicious Crock Pot/Slow Cooker recipes that can take away the stress of trying to plan and fix a big dinner after a long, exhausting day. Or maybe you are looking for an easy appetizer, a dessert, or even breakfast! The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can cook in the Crock Pot!

I’m here to not only answer some of the most frequently asked questions but also share with you some of the best slow cookers on the market for all price points. Feel free to click on a link in the table of contents and it will jump you down to the section you are interest in looking at.

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Pepperoni Pizza Toast

Published on: July 30, 2019 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 2 Comments

Looking for a delicious and easy lunch or an afternoon snack to feed a hungry crowd? Try Pepperoni Pizza Toast. It’s made in under 10 minutes!

4 pieces of toast with marinara, pepperoni, and cheese, quartered on countertop with title text.

You guys! My oldest “baby“ is off to elementary school in just a few short weeks. How the heck is this possible?!? I feel like I just gave birth to him yesterday, and now my husband and I are about to enter a whole new stage of life. Whether I’m ready or not I have to put my big girl panties on and face the facts. I’ve started thinking about endless school lunches that I will be making for the next 13 years (okay maybe I won’t be making them once he enters high school, but you get my point). I’m also thinking about how our spontaneous travel is about to be not so spontaneous anymore and well, much more calculated than it ever has been.

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Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast

Published on: October 9, 2019 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 19 Comments

Make a ghoulish snack, lunch or easy dinner for your ghouls with this simple recipe for Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast. A thrilling Halloween treat for all that is made in just 10 minutes time, and requires slices of bread, pizza sauce, string mozzarella cheese and black olives.

Toast with marinara, mozzarella and olives to look like mummy face on spiderweb platter with title text.

A few months ago, I shared how much my kids loved pepperoni pizza toast. When I started brainstorming recipe ideas for Halloween, pizza toast kept coming to mind! Although not a sweet treat its a savory one that I’m sure your family and friends will love. I’m excited to share my spooky twist on the classic pizza toast with my Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast recipe.

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Directions

3 slices toast with marinara, mozzarella and olives to look like mummy faces on spiderweb platter.

First, you want to lightly toast your bread. While your bread is slightly toasting gather all of your ingredients to make assembly a breeze.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the lightly toasted bread on the baking sheet. Then, top with marinara sauce. Next, take the pieces of string cheese and place them diagonal over the marinara. I use about 1 string cheese per slice of toast.

Then, add either mini pepperoni or sliced black olives at the top of the toast to resemble eyes. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni has cooked.

As soon as the toast is done, remove from the oven, slice (if desired) and serve immediately!

FAQS

close-up of marinara, mozzarella, and black olives topping toast to look like mummy face.

How many people does this recipe feed?

The recipe card makes four slices of Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast. However, you can double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe to make more. You can also reduce the amount of toast and just make one piece of mummy toast.

Kitchen tools you will need to make Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast

Here are a few kitchen tools you will need to make this mummy pizza toast. They are basic kitchen items you most likely already have on hand.
Toaster oven
Small baking sheet:
Aluminum foil
Pot holders
Measuring Spoons

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few of my main tips and tricks I’ve learned when making Halloween Mummy Toast.

Bread – I like to use white or honey wheat bread.
Cheese – You can use shredded mozzarella cheese if you don’t have mozzarella string cheese.
Tomato Sauce – I like to use a jarred pizza sauce. If you don’t have that on hand you can use a can of tomato sauce–to add additional flavor you can sprinkle some Italian seasoning into the sauce.
Oven – No toaster oven? No problem. You can toast the bread in the oven and cook the pizza toast in the oven.

Pizza Recipes

toast slice with marinara, mozzarella and olives to look like mummy face missing a bite.

Still craving pizza? Try these pizza recipes.

If your looking for a festive Halloween lunch time idea or maybe even an afternoon snack. This recipe for Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast is the ticket.

If you make this Halloween Pizza recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

Black spider web tray with a slice of toast with tomato sauce and melted piece of cheese to look like a mummy with olive eye balls.

Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast

Make a ghoulish snack, lunch or easy dinner for your ghouls with this simple recipe for Halloween Mummy Pizza Toast. A thrilling Halloween treat for all that is made in just 10 minutes time, and requires slices of bread, pizza sauce, string mozzarella cheese and black olives.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Salt

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 166kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

▢
Toaster Oven

Ingredients

▢ 4 slices of sandwich bread
▢ 4 tablespoons marinara sauce divided
▢ 4 mozzarella cheese sticks cheese pulled off
▢ 4 mini pepperoni slices
▢ 4 sliced black olives

Instructions

Lightly toast the sandwich bread.
4 slices of sandwich bread
Once the bread is lightly toasted, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the lightly toasted bread on the baking sheet.
Preheat the toaster oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top each slice of toast with one tablespoon marinara sauce. Next, take the pieces of string cheese and place them diagonal over the marinara.
4 tablespoons marinara sauce, 4 mozzarella cheese sticks
Next, add either mini pepperoni or sliced black olives at the top of the toast to resemble eyes.
4 mini pepperoni slices, 4 sliced black olives
Bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni has cooked.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Bread – I like to use white or honey wheat bread.
Cheese – You can use shredded mozzarella cheese if you don’t have mozzarella string cheese.
Tomato Sauce – I like to use a jarred pizza sauce. If you don’t have that on hand you can use a can of tomato sauce–to add additional flavor you can sprinkle some Italian seasoning into the sauce.
Oven – No toaster oven? No problem. You can toast the bread in the oven and cook the pizza toast in the oven.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

50+ Creative Smoothie Recipes

Published on: January 9, 2021 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 2 Comments

Tired of the same old smoothie recipe? Want to spice things up? Check out over 50+ creative smoothie recipes to switch up your daily dose of fruits and veggies!

Four photos of bright colored smoothies with text on image for Pinterest.

Their is no denying we love smoothies in our home. We drink at least one smoothie a day in my home whether its our favorite strawberry banana smoothie or a pineapple peach smoothie (think ultra tropical).

One way to pack in quite a bit of fruit and veggies is to make a smoothie. They can be nutrient dense without tasting like it was served from the earth. Best of all you can prep most ahead of time, making it easy to blend on a busy morning. I love the fact that we can use both frozen and fresh fruit in smoothies.

What to put in a smoothie
Best Blender for Smoothies
Breakfast Smoothie Recipes
Basic Smoothie Recipes
Smoothie Bowls
Afternoon Smoothies
Easy Healthy Smoothies
Dessert Smoothies

What to put in a smoothie

If you ever wondered how to make smoothies at home, I have all the tips and tricks for you! Below you’ll find how to build the best smoothies!

Buy local – I prefer to buy from the farmer’s market or farm stands for my fruits and vegetables. This is typically the best way to get the freshest produce possible and not cost nearly as much as the grocery store.
Freeze – Freeze fruit to avoid having to add lots of ice. Rinse and thoroughly dry fruits and vegetables prior to freezing. Always freeze when produce is at it’s freshest to capture all the nutrients it packs.
Make Ahead – frozen fruit and vegetables packs using freezer bags. Label the bags and store flat in the freezer. This will make for quick smoothie blends in the morning or for an afternoon snack.
Fruits – The sky is the limits to what fruit to add in your smoothie. I stick to some of the basics I have on hand like banana’s, apples, strawberries. If in season I’ll add in fresh peaches, mangos, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. I almost always have frozen pineapple, mango, and mixed berries in my freezer at all time. This allows me to ensure the flavors year round without the higher price tag.
Vegetables – I like to place a handful of spinach or kale in my smoothies. If you have a high-power blender these greens will break up and you’ll never know they are in your smoothie. Other vegetables I blend are fresh beets, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, and avocado.
Liquid – I like to use yogurt if I have it on hand. It adds a creamy layer to my smoothies. I sometimes will also use whole or 2% milk if I’m looking for the added protein and fat. To keep the smoothies dairy free add in a plant-based milk or nut-milk like almond milk. Other liquids you can use are 100% fruit juices or even coconut water/milk.
Sweeteners – If the fruit is not enough to sweeten the smoothie I’ll add a tablespoon of honey or even agave nectar to my smoothies.
Other Add-ins – I sometimes use a scoop of protein powder or blend in plain tofu. The tofu sounds crazy, but it works and you’ll never know—it adds a silky texture to the smoothie! I will add a scoop of collagen (to my adult smoothies—not for kids) or even to get extra health benefits I’ll add in Fish Oil for the healthy benefit of Omega 3’s. I love adding peanut butter powder or plain peanut butter to smoothies. A scoop of cocoa powder has been found to help with inflammation. This will give you a nice chocolatey flavor.

If you are like me and find that you tend to make the same smoothie over and over again. I gathered over 50 smoothie recipes to help fuel your body and day. This should help us all branch out and try some new recipes.

Best Blender for Smoothies

The key to a good smoothie is an excellent blender. One that can truly crush and pulverize all the ingredients and blend them so that you can’t tell if you’ve hidden in a little spinach or kale. A few years ago when I had a toddler I felt like he would want me to make a smoothie simply to hear the power of the blender. Other days I knew he actually wanted a smoothie.

View of a blender with apples, strawberries, and bananas next to it.

Now that you know how to make a smoothie, you might be wondering what the best blender is to make smoothies. I have a few recommendations for all price points.

Ninja Professional Countertop Blender – I had this blender before my Wolf Gourmet and loved it. For the most part it could puree greens in smoothies. Ninja professional blender with Nutri Ninja Cups has 1100 watts of professional performance power with 3 speeds, pulse, and single serve functions. Includes one 1100 watt base, 72 ounce total crushing pitcher, and two 16 ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with to go lids note: Refer user manual before use. The Ninja Professional Countertop Blender is $120.
KitchenAid Countertop Blender – Unique asymmetric blade that blends at four distinct angles to pull contents into the blade. Working with the 1. 5 peak HP motor, the blade creates a powerful blending vortex to power through the toughest ingredients. Laboratory Measurement of peak horsepower output of motor. 3 preset recipe programs: ice crush, icy drinks & smoothie and 5-speed variable speed dial. This KitchenAid blender retails for $250.
Blendtec – This blender does it all. Easy blending cycles: 1-touch buttons, 6 pre-programmed cycles, pulse, and 10 speed manual control with the ability to achieve a variety of textures. Complete control to adjust your blending at any time while blending. The Blendtec runs roughly $350. You can buy refurbished for cheaper, too.
Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender – This is what I have. I will preface the price tag is steap and I feel confident that all the other brands below can do all the same features. This was given to me by Wolf Gourmet years ago, and has been my only blender since! This blender has a 2.4 peak HP motor propels the blades to speeds over 210 mph. Four pre-programmed settings; Smoothie, Puree, Soup, and Ice Crush provide consistent professional blender results and walk-away convenience. The Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Blender is $599.

Breakfast Smoothie Recipes

If you love to start the day with a smoothie you’ll love some of the best breakfast smoothie recipes. You can try my Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie or even my Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie.

Banana Blueberry Protein Smoothie

This easy 5 minute Banana blueberry smoothie is protein packed and full of so much flavor. This smoothie is perfect for an easy breakfast or an after school snack and is naturally gluten free.

Check out this recipe

Grapefruit Green Smoothie | Minimalist Baker Recipes

A simple, refreshing green smoothie with the tartness of grapefruit and the sweetness of banana and apple. The perfect healthy start to your day.

Check out this recipe

Maple-Almond Banana Smoothie

A blog about my big-flavor cooking adventures…with some baking and restaurant reviews added for good measure!

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Avocado Smoothie – The Little Kitchen

The Little Kitchen is a food blog with tons of quick and easy recipes that you can make for your family and friends.

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Honey and Wild Blueberry Smoothie

This Honey and Wild Blueberry Smoothie is so simple and delicious. Creamy, refreshing, and healthy – a great, easy breakfast or snack!

Check out this recipe

Oatmeal Smoothie

Creamy oatmeal smoothie with peanut butter and banana. With fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this vegan breakfast smoothie is filling and delicious!

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Pancake Green Smoothie

Breakfast made healthy and quick! Learn how to make a Blueberry Pancake Green Smoothie in minutes.

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Strawberry Mango Green Smoothie

If you love smoothies–and green smoothies then you should definitely try my Strawberry Mango Green Smoothie.

Check out this recipe

FAVORITE Strawberry Smoothie recipe

A simple, quick and delicious Strawberry Smoothie recipe that is filled with oats, banana, strawberries and milk. Everyone in the family loves this recipe!

Check out this recipe

Banana Date Smoothie

This simple Banana Date Smoothie uses milk, yogurt, bananas and dates to create a creamy breakfast smoothie or afternoon pick-me-up.

Check out this recipe

Berry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Very Berry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie: just five ingredients to make this fruity breakfast smoothie loaded with strawberries, bananas and oats to keep you full!

Check out this recipe

Basic Smoothie Recipes

If you are new to making smoothies these Basic Smoothie Recipes are perfect for a beginner with just a few simple ingredients. My Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe or my simple 5 ingredient mixed berry smoothie to start with.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Two glasses filled with a pink smoothie with strawberries and paper straws in the glasses.

Make this delicious Strawberry banana smoothie recipe for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With just three ingredients and in under 5 minutes time you will have a delicious smoothie in hand. The perfect way to use up fruit that might be on its way out.

Check out this recipe

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothies

Strawberries, watermelon and yogurt blend together to create a light and refreshing Summer smoothie. As the school year draws near and families start the back-to-school prep, they start to savor those special end of Summer

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Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie | Minimalist Baker Recipes

A creamy, refreshing cucumber smoothie with coconut, lime, pineapple, and greens! A nutrient-rich smoothie that will beautify you from the inside out!

Check out this recipe

Strawberry-Banana Protein Smoothie » Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

Fresh fruit, yogurt & vanilla protein powder come together in a deliciously refreshing drink!

Check out this recipe

Green Monster Smoothie

This green monster smoothie is a great way to sneak some greens into your day

Check out this recipe

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Close up of a purple smoothie is a mason jar style glass.

A mixture of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries paired with yogurt and a dash of honey make for this 5-minute Mixed Berry Smoothie recipe.

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Creamy Tropical Yogurt Smoothie

Sipping on this delicious Creamy Tropical Yogurt Smoothie will have you daydreaming of being on the beach and dipping your toes in the water!

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Strawberry Almond Milk Smoothie

This simple snack is a breeze to make and oh so refreshing! If you’ve never tried making a smoothie with almond milk, you need to check out this recipe. This post contains affiliate links. If

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Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie

I’m starting the week off with a Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie.

Check out this recipe

Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls have become all the rage over the past few years. If you are not familiar with them they are a thicker version of a smoothie topped with dried nuts, fruits, granola, etc and eaten with a spoon. Here are a few of my favorite recipes including this recipe for peanut butter mocha smoothie bowl.

Dragonfruit Smoothie Pitaya Bowl | What Molly Made

This pitaya bowl is filled with superfoods and nutritious ingredients. The base of the smoothie bowl is made with frozen pitaya, bananas and strawberries.

Check out this recipe

Smoothie Bowl With Berries & Bananas {Healthy} – Two Peas & Their Pod

This healthy fruity smoothie bowl is great for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. See how to make a smoothie bowl here.

Check out this recipe

Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl – Pinch of Yum

Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl – an easy, nutrition-packed dessert or snack recipe with a secret super-healthy ingredient! Guilt-free snack!

Check out this recipe

Berry Smoothie Bowl | Minimalist Baker Recipes

My go-to 5-minute smoothie bowl with just 3 ingredients! Satisfying, nutrient-rich, and naturally sweet! A healthy, plant-based breakfast or snack.

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Orange Turmeric Smoothie — Chickpea & Herb

When cold season hits, I try to preemptively fill my body with as much Vitamin C as possible. This breakfast smoothie does the trick while also tasting amazing.

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Beet, Pray, Love Smoothie Bowl

This vegan, gluten-free, beet, pray, love smoothie bowl is the perfect combo of bright red beets and berries. Loaded with antioxidants and superfoods!

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Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl

This Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl is so quick and easy to make, requiring just 2 ingredients. It’s also a beautiful lavender-purple shade.

Check out this recipe

Mango – Turmeric Smoothie Bowl

October Recipe ReDux Theme: Plant Protein Power Bowls Packed with protein, fiber and color, plant power bowls are trendy and delicious. Show us the healthy recipe that’s in your bowl. So you might be wondering,

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Healthy Glowing Green Smoothie Bowl | A Simple Palate

Glowing Green Smoothie Bowl with mangos, banana, and spinach. A DELICIOUS and healthy smoothie to have for breakfast or a snack!

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Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

This cauliflower smoothie bowl is loaded with salty peanut butter, sweet strawberries, and riced cauliflower which makes this smoothie extra thick and creamy. You’d never guess there is a vegetable in the base of this tasty smoothie bowl!

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peanut butter mocha smoothie bowl | The Baking Fairy

Start your day off with a deliciously healthy smoothie bowl that tastes like a coffeehouse shake! It combines coffee, peanut butter, and chocolate.

Check out this recipe

Afternoon Smoothies

Looking for a delicious and nutrient-packed afternoon snack? Try an afternoon smoothie or afterschool smoothie. My kids love the pbj and banana smoothie and I love a good CBD Blueberry Lemon Smoothie to cut the edge off a stressful day.

Banana Birthday Cake Smoothie

Whether or not it’s your birthday or you just are int he mood for a piece of birthday cake… give my Banana Birthday Cake Smoothie a try!

Check out this recipe

Cold Brew Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is a coffee lover’s dream. It’s thick and chocolaty and almost Frappuccino-y. Packed with protein and healthy!

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PBJ Smoothie

Two glasses of light pink smoothie with pink straws next to it.

PBJ Smoothie has just five ingredients and is made in under five minutes. This smoothie recipe is perfect for an easy breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack.

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries Protein Shake – Made It. Ate It. Loved It.

School has been out for 2 weeks for my kids. Luckily the temperatures have been pretty good and by pretty good I mean in the 90’s! Arizona weather can get in the 100’s in May. So for it being the end of May it has been gorgeous! The summer activities are in full swing. My sons are both in swim team …

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Apple Smoothie – WellPlated.com

The flavor of apple pie, blended into a healthy Apple Smoothie! Rich, creamy and vegan, it’s made with apple, oatmeal, peanut butter and spices (no yogurt!)

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CBD Blueberry Lemon Smoothie

Blueberry Lemon Smoothie in a glass surrounded paper straws, fresh lemon, and blueberries.

Looking to relax and enjoy your morning smoothie? Try this delicious and easy recipe for my CBD Blueberry Lemon Smoothie.

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Chunky Monkey Smoothie

Today, I thought I would share this quick and delicious protein packed smoothie that you and your kiddos are going to love! Smoothies are so popular in our house! We make smoothies for after

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Orange Colada Smoothie | YellowBlissRoad.com

This Orange Colada Smoothie is light and healthy. A perfect breakfast or afternoon snack! Hey Yellow Bliss Road fans! I’m so happy to be here! My name is Lisa and I blog over at Wine & Glue. I blog all about easy crafts, fast dinners, and delicious desserts…you know, a lot like the same awesome… R…

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Coffee Smoothie

Peanut butter and coffee?! Promise it’s a thing! This rich and creamy Peanut Chocolate Coffee Smoothie is a simple morning treat!

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Strawberry Grape Pineapple Smoothie – Add a Pinch

Strawberry Grape Pineapple Smoothie – This all fruit smoothie recipe is quick and refreshing. Blended with strawberries, grapes, and pineapple pieces.

Check out this recipe

Easy Healthy Smoothies

Not all smoothies at times are healthy smoothies. Look at smoothies that have lots of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to boost the health factor. Stear clear of sweetners like sugar in smoothies. To start, try my Strawberry Orange Flax Smoothies recipe or Grassfed Blueberry & Almond Smoothie.

Strawberry Orange Flax Smoothies

Start your day off with a vitamin C packed strawberry orange flax smoothies. Both kid and adult approved and made within 5 minutes from start to finish!

Check out this recipe

Magical Orange Creamsicle Smoothie – Fit Foodie Finds

Looking for the orange smoothie of your dreams? Try our magical vitamin C-packed Orange Creamsicle Smoothie with only 3 ingredients.

Check out this recipe

Golden Beet, Carrot and Turmeric Smoothie

This is one power packed, vision-boosting, gut-healing golden beet, carrot and turmeric smoothie. It’s loaded with beta carotene and nutrients.

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Ginger Peach Smoothie – The Lemon Bowl®

Fresh ginger brings out the natural sweetness of ripe fruit to create this protein-packed breakfast smoothie – perfect for any time of the year.

Check out this recipe

Turmeric Smoothie | Immune Boosting and Anti-Inflammatory

Immune Boosting Turmeric Smoothie with blueberry, spinach, ginger, and honey. A perfect healthy breakfast smoothie to kick start your mornings! This easy smoothie is great for kids because you can’t taste or see the green. Other health benefits include acting as a natural cold remedy and anti-inflam…

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Raspberry Beet Smoothie

This bright, colorful Raspberry Beet Smoothie is healthy and so delicious – using cottage cheese for a milkshake-like flavor you wont believe!

Check out this recipe

Grassfed Blueberry & Almond Smoothie

If you want to change things up for your family I highly suggest you try the new Stonfyield Organic 100% Grassfed Whole Milk Yogurt and make my Grassfed Blueberry & Almond Smoothie recipe.

Check out this recipe

Peach Chia Green Smoothie Recipe

This super-healthy Peach Chia Green Smoothie is not only delicious, it’s packed full of nutrients. Throw this together in two minutes for a great breakfast!

Check out this recipe

High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie – The Lemon Bowl®

This high protein powerhouse blueberry kale smoothie is full of antioxidants and plenty of protein to keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.

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Chocolate Raspberry Protein Smoothies

Start your day the right way with a delicious and nutritious Chocolate Raspberry Protein Smoothie! Made with Greek yogurt, fresh raspberries, and chocolate protein powder, it will give you the energy you need to rock your morning!

Check out this recipe

Dessert Smoothies

If you are craving dessert, trick yourself and blend a smoothie instead. My Pineapple Peach Smoothie reminds me of my favorite tropical cocktail and my Banana Birthday Cake Smoothies makes me think that I’m eating a slice of cake, but I’m not!

Pineapple Peach Smoothie

Two yellow smoothies with pineapple on the rim and paper blue straws.

Want to enjoy the delicious flavors of the summer year round? This dairy free/ gluten free Pineapple Peach Smoothie is made with just five ingredients made in five minutes time!

Check out this recipe

Hummingbird Cake Smoothie – The Kitchen Prep Blog

Hummingbird Cake Smoothie! Whether your looking for vegan smoothies or just hungry for a healthy sweet treat, this Southern cake-inspired smoothie will please all palates!

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Banana Date Smoothie

This delicious Chocolate Banana Date Smoothie will not only satisfy any chocolate cravings, it will also give you a boost of nutrients to fuel your body.

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Blueberry-Ginger Cobbler Smoothie – The Kitchen Prep Blog

Do you know the one thing I have not been able to shake cravings for during this whole Clean Eating adventure? Ice cream. The most heavenly combination of my two favorite {naughty} things: sugar and dairy. I have been so very good and, before my vacation a few weeks ago, I didn’t cheat at all….Rea…

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Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

It’s time to change up your breakfast game with this Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie! It’s made with just 4 ingredients and only takes 5 minutes to whip up. Bonus points: this recipe is healthy,

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Banana Split Smoothie – West of the Loop

Today’s post is sponsored by Stonyfield Organics and Healthy Skoop. As always, all opinions are my own. Banana splits for breakfast? Have I completely abdicated my responsibilities as a mother? Is this what happens when there are two weeks of school left and I am done? I mean, done. Nah! My kids are…

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Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie – all the flavors of a sweet banana cream pie in a good for you smoothie!

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Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

My husband is a creature of habit. When he finds something that he likes, he sticks with it, that is until he is sick of it. The smoothie sensation has been going on for quite some time in our ho…

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I hope that this list of 50+ smoothie recipes has given you some more ideas and will help you broaden some of your smoothie ingredients.

If you make any of these smoothie recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours creating these round-ups, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

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Disclosure: There are affiliate links present in this post. That means if you click on a link and purchase something. I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continuous support of Katie’s Cucina!

Sav

Cranberry Vanilla Yogurt Scones

Published on: December 27, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 2 Comments

sliced and stacked scone with white glaze icing drizzled on light blue plate with title text.

Thank you Stonyfield, Dreamfarm, and SILPAT for sponsoring today’s recipe. As always, all opinions are my own!
I hope everyone had a great holiday. I did, and have enjoyed the break from blogging for a little bit to focus on family. Today, I’m sharing the most delicious recipe for Cranberry Vanilla Yogurt Scones. My friends at Stonyfield challenged us to Pay It Forward this month and gave us a $50 Visa gift card to share with the charity of our choice or a person in need. I thought long and hard about who I wanted to give this money to. At the end of the day I had to gift it to the Central Florida Children’s Home.

Central Florida Children's Home sign on green lawn near roadside with cars.

I typically donate to the Central Florida Children’s Home a few times a year thanks to all the blessings I’ve had from blogging. In fact, earlier this year, Stonyfield sent them yogurt for the house to kick off back to school. The kids loved having the yogurt to snack on and eat for breakfast! They house over 20 children ranging in age from 2-17. They rely 100% on donations from the public to keep their program going. They always receive an influx of donations around the holidays but that’s it. So they find themselves scraping throughout the year to get by. They loved receiving the $50 gift card because they can use it toward groceries later on in the year when the donation fund in dwindling. Not only did I bring them the gift card, but I brought the office staff a few of these Cranberry Vanilla Yogurt Scones. A win-win for everyone!

[Read more…]

Cinnamon Streusel Yogurt Coffeecake

Published on: November 30, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 8 Comments

Thank you Stonyfield Organics and King Arthur Flour for sponsoring today’s recipe! As always, all opinions are my own.

Looking to feed a crowd? Make this recipe for Cinnamon Streusel Yogurt Coffeecake–your family and friends will be impressed by this easy to make cake!

closeup side view of square of Coffeecake topped with crumbled sugar on blue plate with title text.

Holy smokes. I’ve been eating and testing coffeecake recipes for what feels like years–okay maybe it really has been years since I’ve been eating coffeecake since I was a little girl! I’ve been in search of the perfect, moist and flavorful coffeecake for probably the last 5 years. I’ve tested countless recipes… and then I came across this recipe for Cinnamon Streusel Yogurt Coffeecake from King Arthur Flour. Hands down–this is the holy grail of coffeecake recipes. I’ve made sour cream coffee cakes in the past but never with yogurt. So when my friends at Stonyfield challenged us to bake something using King Arthur Flour I started brainstorming ideas. And then coffeecake came to mind. Since I’m not a skilled from scratch baker I found this recipe on the King Arthur Flour website and gave it a test run.

[Read more…]

Grassfed Blueberry & Almond Smoothie

Published on: March 25, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Thank you Stonyfield Organics for sponsoring today’s post! As always all opinions are my own and do not reflect those of the company.

Today, I’m sharing a delicious Grassfed Blueberry & Almond Smoothie Recipe using the new Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt. This smoothies is packed full of fresh organic blueberries, some sliced almonds for added protein, a little flax-seed meal, honey and of course lots of ice. My toddler loved this smoothie. Some days I make a smoothie and he’s not so interested in it. Then other days he slurps them up. This was one of the smoothies he slurped up and asked for “more more more”. He say’s it in the cutest most endearing voice. I’m pretty sure that when he’s in the thralls of his teenage years being bratty I’m going to still hear him talk in his cute toddler-like voice. Or at least I hope so.

[Read more…]

Shrimp Creole Deviled Eggs

Published on: March 7, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 5 Comments

Spice up every day Deviled Eggs, and make my delicious and easy recipe for Shrimp Creole Deviled Eggs. Sure to be a new family favorite!

Can you believe that Easter is right around the corner? What do you do when you have an excess of hard boiled eggs? Make deviled eggs of course. I’m excited to share three kicked-up deviled egg recipes with you this week. To start off the week, I’m sharing with you my recipe for Shrimp Creole Deviled Eggs.

[Read more…]

Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie

Published on: January 4, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

I’m starting the week off with a Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie. I’ve been making this smoothie almost daily since receiving a Wolf Gourmet High Performance Blender last month! It felt like Christmas came early when my husband and I opened up our new high performance blender. We have dreamed of owning one for years and our dreams finally came true. And my husband, Jon, told me that I’ve officially made it in the blog world because this is all he has wanted for years! So now that I’ve made it in my husbands eyes let’s talk about this semi-green smoothie. [Read more…]

Creamy Greek Salad Dressing

Published on: August 27, 2015 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 4 Comments

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Stonyfield Organics and Wayfair.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’m chin-deep in home renovations right now. So I apologize in advance for the lack of recipes over the past week. I have a few recipes written, but just haven’t had time to edit photo and finish getting my recipes loaded. Don’t even get me started about my Stonyfield trip from the other weekend (although it feels like it was months ago). I have so much I want to share, but no time to do it. Hopefully, I’ll be sharing a short video and a boatload of info next week. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that I created using Stonyfield Plain Yogurt.

Lately, I’ve had a thing for Greek salads. I don’t know what it is but I can’t stop making them. Anytime I entertain I find myself making a Greek salad. Some days I make an oil based Greek salad dressing but most of the time I find myself making this Creamy Greek Salad Dressing.

My secret ingredient for this creamy salad dressing is plain organic yogurt! It gives the perfect creamy texture. I always have all the ingredients on hand and can whip this dressing up within 5 minutes! That’s it. I simply blend all the ingredients in a food processor and then pour it Into my salad shaker. If I have time earlier in the day before dinner I’ll make it the refrigerate it until I need it. If not, I whip it up while I’m cooking dinner. Easy as that! [Read more…]

Berry Tart with Lime Glaze

Published on: January 26, 2015 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 29 Comments

Surprise! Today we are throwing a virtual baby shower for my dear friend Caroline from Chocolate and Carrots. She is expecting her second baby any day now, and since we all don’t live near one another we are throwing her a virtual baby shower for her (and the baby to be)!

Last year, I finally tackled something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I made a fruit tart. I’ve always been intimidated by it–I guess because it looks so incredibly fancy. Little did I realize that it’s so crazy easy to make! I made this berry tart with lime glaze as our “dessert” for our Christmas morning brunch. It was a hit and to be honest I don’t think I really needed to make anything else because everyone would have been content nibbling on this tart.

[Read more…]

Cookie Butter Milkshake

Published on: August 23, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 48 Comments

This Cookie Butter Milkshake is a perfect afternoon or evening dessert made with just 5 simple ingredients, a blender, and in five minutes time!

Three clear glasses with a light brown milkshake in it with whipped cream, red straw, and lotus cookie.

We love milkshakes in my house, yet, I always forget to make them as a quick dessert after dinner. When I do remember, my kids go crazy for them. Milkshakes are a great way to use up whatever leftover ice cream and pantry ingredients. That’s exactly what I did with this recipe for a Cookie Butter Milkshake.

[Read more…]

Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Banana

Published on: July 2, 2014 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 2 Comments

I eat bananas on an almost daily basis. Never in a million years would I think to mash it into a side dish. Let alone with sweet potatoes. But after reading a magazine last month I saw the idea and I felt the urge to try it. I love sweet potatoes. My husband on the other hand, not a huge fan but he will eat sweet potatoes ~~or starve~~. I started a new fitness program called Baby Boot Camp at the beginning of last month. I’ve been working out 3 days a week with fellow mom’s of babies ages 3 months (mine is currently the youngest) to 5 years of age. It’s a boot camp style workout where you can bring your baby. No one judges at the screaming, crying, cheeri-o throwing tots that are with us, because we are all experiencing this thing called motherhood, together. Since I’ve started working out I’ve really been trying to eat a little healthier. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still indulging (because you know I do need a few hundred extra calories a day since I’m breastfeeding) but for the most part I’m trying to make even more health conscious decisions. That’s the good thing about always eating relatively well–eating healthier is not that difficult. And can I just tell you that I’ve dropped 7 lbs since starting boot camp and I’ve had to ditch my large stretchy maternity shorts for actual non-maternity shorts. I never knew how much I missed being sore until I started working out again. To say I’m addicted to it is an understatement. I’ve never been one too really want to work out but since joining Baby Boot Camp I’m in love with working out.

Each week, our fearless instructor, Kirstin, gives our group an ingredient of the week. It’s a challenge to add it into your daily meals. A few weeks ago it was sweet potato and since I love sweet potato I was up for the challenge. I wanted to do something different other than just baking the sweet potato which is what I normally do. Of course, my recipe for twice baked candied sweet potatoes was not going to fly. Ironically, this week our ingredient of the week is bananas! So I felt it was fitting to post this recipe this week rather than wait a few more weeks. Sweet potatoes are loaded in fiber and are naturally high in vitamin A. Bananas are a heart-healthy food and a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. (Banana Facts courtesy of Chiquita)

This side dish comes together in a flash. I used the microwavable sweet potato bags to expedite the process. I let them cool down once they were done cooking, cut them length-wise and scooped the insides into a bowl. Then I took one really ripe banana and mashed that into the sweet potatoes using a fork because I couldn’t find and didn’t have the time to look for my potato masher. I also added in fresh orange juice and a little brown sugar for good measure! This made 3 portions and was the perfect side dish to a tasty grilled chicken recipe I’ll be sharing in the coming weeks. I did not tell my husband that I mashed a banana in with the sweet potatoes I wanted to see if he would notice. He noticed alright and at first wasn’t sure if he liked it or not but after a few bites he said he loved it and actually prefers a side dish of sweet potatoes thanks to this recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Banana.

Katie Original Recipe

Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Banana

I eat bananas on an almost daily basis. Never in a million years would I think to mash it into a side dish. Let alone with sweet potatoes.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Katie

Ingredients

▢ 1.5 lb. petit sweet potatoes about 4-5
▢ 1 ripe banana peeled and sliced
▢ 2 tablespoon brown sugar
▢ ¼ cup orange juice
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Microwave sweet potatoes according to package. Let rest to cool 5 minutes, then slice lengthwise. Scoop out the insides of the sweet potatoes (discarding the skins) and place in a large bowl.
Place sliced ripe bananas in the bowl, add the brown sugar, and the orange juice. Using a fork, mash until desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you cannot find or do not like to use microwavable sweet potato bags you can peel and dice 1.5lb of sweet potatoes. Boil in a pot of water with salt for 15 minutes until fork tender.

*Like it spicy? Add 1-2 tablespoons of minced jalapeño to the sweet potato mash!

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes

Published on: June 25, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 35 Comments

Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes made from scratch with over a pound of fresh strawberries. These strawberry sundaes take quite a bit of time, but totally worth the labor once you dig into your first bite. The homemade sundaes are perfect for a hot summers day.

Ice Cream Sundaes in a glass bowl topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.

One thing I love about summer is the abundance of fresh strawberries. Although, not Florida strawberries, they are still found in my local grocery stores. I’ve created a recipe with a twist on the traditional summertime treat. I introduce to you Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes.

I could eat carton and cartons of them. When I go to my local produce market I typically buy four 16 oz cartons a week. Yes, you read that correctly, four pounds of strawberries for our family of 4 each week during strawberry season.

Most of the times they are cut up and placed into fruit salads. I also add them into recipes throughout the week. Of course, you’ll find fresh strawberries and whipped cream on our dessert menu most nights during strawberry season. If I have homemade shortcakes made then we are most definitely having strawberry shortcakes for dessert! Love Strawberry Shortcake, I have over 50+ recipes for you to choose from!

[Read more…]

Meyer Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

Published on: March 7, 2014 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 22 Comments

Enjoy the flavors of meyer lemon in this delicious and easy-to-make Meyer Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake recipe.

After bringing homes bags and bags of produce from the Southeast Produce Conference last weekend I knew I wanted to make a pound cake with the bag of Meyer Lemons I received from Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

I was never one to love lemon cakes, but over the past few years I’ve learned to love them. My inlaws have a lemon tree and always load us up with lemons. Granted they are not Meyer Lemons but they are pretty darn close. So what do you do when you have a plethora of lemons? You make a lemon pound cake. That is what my mother in-law does year after year as well as homemade lemonade that is to die-for. I’ve made pound cakes in the past, and I recently realized that I’ve just never blogged about them. I’ve used Ina’s recipe for the past few years and love it. I don’t do the lemon juice soaking method that she suggest. I skip that step and just add it all in the batter. But the glaze is an absolute MUST! I also grate all my lemons I have on hand. I love using my KitchenIQ Better Zester. It captures all the lemon zest with out it going all over the place. If you have extra zest feel free to freeze it for another day. It freezes beautifully!

I made this recipe for meyer lemon buttermilk pound cakes last Sunday. I use my KitchenAid Stand Mixer on an almost daily basis, and on the weekends you’ll find me using it multiple times throughout the day. Constantly washing and re-washing my paddle attachment and bowl. I love that I can throw in my butter and sugar, set it and let it do the work while I work on prepping the rest of the recipe (or cleaning dishes). I brought one pound cake into my office on Monday (which by the way the pound cake was devoured in .5 seconds), and kept one at the house for us. I didn’t think my husband would like it. Once again, he has surprised me, he likes it and has been taking a slice every day this week with his lunch. And well… I may or may not have a few slices each day. Shhh don’t tell anyone.

And in case you’ve never used/bought Meyer Lemons. I have a great storing tip for you. Store lemons away from foods with strong odors. If you refrigerate them they will last for up to 20 days! This works for all lemons but you definitely want to keep your Meyer Lemons away from the stinky foods. They are super fragrant and you don’t want to alter their fragrance.

So, if you can get your hands on some Meyer Lemons (or any lemons) and craving pound cake… I definitely challenge you to make this Meyer Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake. You won’t be disappointed.

Adapted from Ina Garten

Turkey Cranberry Flatbread

Published on: December 1, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 4 Comments

Use up the last of the holiday turkey and cranberry sauce leftovers with my easy 10 minute recipe for Turkey Cranberry Flatbreads. This makes for the perfect easy lunch or dinner after a day full of cooking!

Top view of four triangle slices of flatbread with cranberry sauce on the side.

What do you do when you still have leftover turkey and cranberry after the holidays? You make an individual Turkey Cranberry Flatbread! Super simple to put together and full of flavors! Your family, friends, and even yourself will forget that some of the ingredients in the flatbread were part of the holiday meal!

If you love Panera’s turkey cranberry flatbread I think you’ll love my version! It’s just as good if not better. Years ago, I made this for lunch for myself, while my then baby son napped. It was pure bliss. Part of me was sad that I had never thought of making a leftover turkey and cranberry flatbread like this before now.

I topped the flatbread with Boursin cheese and the tang from the leftover cranberry sauce compliment each other perfectly. This leftover turkey and cranberry flatbread would make for a perfect after holiday lunch or even a party appetizer!

[Read more…]

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Published on: November 19, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 6 Comments

Love cheesecake and the flavors of pumpkin spice? If you answered yes then my easy recipe for No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie will be one of your new favorite recipes. Best of all you don’t have to turn on the oven to make this dessert, and it’s perfect for making ahead of time to enjoy later after a delicious feast.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie with a slice on a plate drizzled with caramel sauce.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been focusing on all things turkey as well as all the side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is in a week and in case you don’t have dessert figured out yet I have the recipe for you. My easy-to-make No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie recipe might fit the bill. I love cheesecake and I love all things pumpkin, even better you can have two desserts in one, That gives you more time to focus on other things (and not spending additional time in the kitchen having to bake two recipes)!

[Read more…]

Pumpkin Waffle Recipe

Published on: October 11, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 35 Comments

This easy melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Waffle Recipe is sure to be a new fall favorite. Pumpkin spice blended with buttermilk waffle batter makes for light and fluffy fall flavored waffles!

Top view of two white plates with waffles stacked topped with whipped cream.

Nothing screams fall more then my pumpkin waffle recipe. My family loves buttermilk waffles year round, but as soon as the fall months hit I make my pumpkin waffles instead. I love to top these waffles with whipped cream, salted maple caramel sauce, and chopped pecans. Of course, you can always enjoy the pumpkin waffles with just good old whipped butter and maple syrup. Either way these waffles are delicious!

In this post you will learn everything you need to know on how to make the very best pumpkin waffles in under a half hours time.

🥘Ingredients
🔪Directions
⭐FAQs
💭Tips & Tricks
📋Recipes

Ingredients

Eggs – It’s always best whenever baking to have eggs sit at room temperature prior to incorporating them in the batter.
Butter – For this recipe, you need to melt butter ahead of time in order to incorporate throughout the batter.
Buttermilk – I always use buttermilk in my waffle and pancake recipes. It yields the fluffiest melt-in-your-mouth taste!
Pumpkin Puree – You will not need a full can, so feel free to freeze the remaining pumpkin puree for a future recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – You can make your own pumpkin pie spice or buy it from the store.
Sugar – A little sugar goes a long way. I don’t like these too sweet, since the toppings are a bit over the top.
Toppings – I use whipped cream (fresh or from the can), salted maple caramel sauce that I make from scratch. A regular caramel sauce would work too, and chopped pecans to top these pumpkin waffles.

Directions

Four process shot photos: flour whisking, liquid in bowl, mixed batter, and waffles on waffle iron.

Preheat a waffle iron. Using a KitchenAid Stand mixer (or mix by hand), eggs, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree for 30 seconds on STIR mode.

In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix on “STIR” setting for 10 seconds then bump up to speed 2 for an additional 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for another 5-10 seconds.

Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray, ladle 1 cup batter into waffle iron. Cook for 3 minutes or until golden in color. Repeat until all the batter is used.

Top each waffle with freshly whipped cream, pecans, and salted maple caramel sauce.

Rectangular waffles stacked on a black wire rack.

FAQs

How do you keep waffles crispy?

If I’m serving breakfast for a crowd, I will set my oven on a low temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit). As each waffles comes out of the waffle iron, I place it on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. This will ensure the waffles stay not only warm but crispy!

What does buttermilk do to waffles?

In order to achieve a light and fluffy waffle using buttermilk is best. When buttermilk is combined with baking soda it creates a rise in the batter.

Why are my Belgian waffles not crispy?

Buttermilk waffles are on the moister side, and they tend to not be a crispier waffle. However, if you toast them for additional time they will crisp up.

Tips & Tricks

Top view of a white plate with two rectangular waffles with whipped cream and pecans.

Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I’ve found helpful when making this recipe.

Cool Butter – Whenever I make buttermilk waffles. The first thing I will do is melt and begin to cool the butter. If you pour hot butter into the batter with the cold buttermilk, the butter will immediately harden making it difficult to incorporate throughout.
Waffle Irons – Depending on the size of your waffle iron will depend on how much batter you need to place in the waffle iron. I’ve tested both KitchenAid Waffle Baker and Cuisinart Griddler with Waffle Iron Plates. Both have taken 3 minutes to cook the waffles.
Freeze – You can freeze any leftover waffles. Lay them flat or wrap them between parchment paper, place in a freeze bag, and label with recipe title and date.
Fresh Waffles – Store waffles in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating Waffles – Whether the waffles are frozen or fresh simply place a waffle in a toaster oven on low setting. Cook until warm and just crispy.

Pumpkin Recipes

Two white plates with waffles topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and pecans.

I love pumpkin recipes and I have a few dozen here on the blog. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin breakfast recipes.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Whipped Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Pumpkin Pie Granola
Cinnamon-Swirl Pumpkin Yeast Bread
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Iced Pumpkin Coffee
Easy Pumpkin Bread

If you make this pumpkin waffles recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

Blood Orange Pudding Pops

Published on: August 5, 2013 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 10 Comments

This is a sponsored post from Cost Plus World Market.

I remember as a kid making pudding pops. They can be super easy to make and they taste delicious. Today, I’ve teamed up again with Cost Plus World Market and Lorina Prestige Sparkling Soda to create yet another tasty recipe. You might remember, that last week I shared a recipe for Strawberry Pink Lemonade Sherbet.

When I started brainstorming on what I wanted to make with the Lorina Prestige Sparkling Soda I knew I wanted to make pudding pops. With just a few simple ingredients these are popsicles that anyone can create in the comforts of their own home. Once the mixture is made you pour it into the popsicle moulds and place them in the freezer… The best thing to do is to make these in the morning that way they are ready for an after dinner dessert later that day. [Read more…]

Blood Orange Sangria

Published on: September 24, 2014 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 11 Comments

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Cost Plus World Market. As always all opinions are my own.

Y’all Fall is officially here. So why not kick off fall with a spooky sweet sangria recipe. A three ingredient sangria recipe to boot; blood orange soda, white wine, and grapes. Grapes? Why grapes, you might ask. Because I’ve made this Blood Orange Sangria in ode to Halloween and I used grapes to resemble eyeballs! I know, sounds gross, but that is kind of what Halloween is all about.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year. In the past I’ve decorated my home from top to bottom and I’ve thrown parties. Those days are on hold for at least this year, but what’s not on hold is making creepy crawly Halloween food and Halloween baking.

If your hosting a party this Halloween I welcome you to try my recipe for 3-ingredient Blood Orange Sangria.

Hosting a party? Check out my blog post over on Sew Woodsy: 5 Tips to Host a Successful Halloween Party

Katie Original Recipe

Blood Orange Sangria

Blood Orange Sangria is three ingredient sangria recipe that contains blood orange soda, white wine, and grapes. This sangria recipe is perfect for every day entertaining or a spooky drink for Halloween.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: glasses

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

▢
1 Drink Pitcher

Ingredients

▢ 25.4 ounce Blood Orange Soda
▢ 1 bottle white wine
▢ 2 dozen green or red grapes

Instructions

In a large drink pitcher combine the blood orange soda with the white wine.
Place a few grapes in the pitcher and a few in each glass your serving. Enjoy immediately over ice.

Notes

Entertaining for Halloween - Leave a bowl of grapes next to the pitcher of sangria for guest to help themselves to some "eyeballs".
Fruit - In addition to grapes you can also serve wedges of blood oranges to this festive sangria.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

My friends at World Market and Fox Studios has a fun sweepstakes for the brand new movies, The Book of Life. So, what is the Book of Life about?

An animated movie of a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story set during a Day of the Dead celebration: Manolo (Channing) is a young matador who wants to shed the expectations of his family to follow his dreams of being a musician and his best friend, Joaquin (Diego), is the successful pride of the town. They compete for the heart of Maria (Zoe). In order to win Maria’s heart and save her life, Manolo must face his greatest fears and follow his heart to rewrite his destiny.

In Theaters October 17, 2014.

You could win a trip to the Riviera Maya & FREE Movies for a Year!

Grand Prize Package:

5 Days/6Nights at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Free Movies for a year
$1,000 World Market gift card
Book of Life Merchandise
Plus, three (3) first prizes: $500 World Market gift card
Sweepstakes ends October 24^th, 2014

Enter to win here.

Get social with World Market on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram & Tumblr.

Disclaimer: I received gift cards to create this recipe and share about the Book of Life Sweepstakes. As always all opinions are my own.

Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer

Published on: August 9, 2013 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 11 Comments

This is a sponsored post from Cost Plus World Market.

I’ve been on a drink kick lately. I think its because it feels like its 100+ degrees out and I just want to cool off. Today, I’m sharing with you a recipe for Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers. This drink can be consumed as a non-alcoholic beverage or you can kick it up with a splash of vodka. It’s whatever you desire. Both ways taste divine!

This is the last of my three recipe series sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. Y’all know I love them. Not jut for food props, but for beautiful furniture and decor, and the glorious variety of food they offer! Every time I go shopping their I’m lost in the aisles for hours… lost in a good way! This drink is perfect for sipping on our back patio. We recently redecorated it in June and I still can’t get over how beautiful and vibrant it is. Go check out our awesome video and revamp over at Sew Woodsy (my DIY blog).

I love making the blueberry syrup for this drink. It’s add an additional layer of sweetness and flavor. By using Lorina Prestige Sparkling Soda it gives aditional flavors that you could never achieve with plain old seltzer water. The bubbles plus a light lemony taste equals pure summer goodness. So if you’re entertaining this summer or simply want to cool off, make my recipe for Blueberry Lemonade Spritzers!

Check out my other recipes created specifically for Lorina Prestige Sparkling Soda and Cost Plus World Market:

Strawberry Pink Lemonade Sherbet
Blood Orange Pudding Pops

Katie Original Recipe

two glasses filled with pink beverage, ice, and two paper straws artfully placed next to blueberries.

Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer

This drink can be consumed as a non-alcoholic beverage or you can kick it up with a splash of vodka. It’s whatever you desire. Both ways taste divine!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 45

Total Time: 45

Servings: servings

Calories: 236kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

▢
1 Sauce Pan

Ingredients

For the Blueberry Syrup:

▢ ½ cup fresh blueberries
▢ ⅓ cup sugar
▢ ⅓ cup water

For the Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer:

▢ 2 tablespoon Blueberry Syrup per glass
▢ Lorina Sparkling Lemonade
▢ 1 oz. Vodka optional

Instructions

For the Blueberry Syrup:

In a saucepan combine, fresh blueberries, sugar, and water. Cook on high for 5 minutes and low for 10 minutes. Remove from the burner and let cool for at least 30 minutes to room temperature. *Seal in a jar and store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

For the Blueberry Lemonade Spritzer:

Fill two glasses with ice. Pour 2 tablespoons of blueberry syrup in each glass and fill the remainder of the glass with Lorina Sparkling Lemonade. *For an adult version add 1 ounce of vodka. Mix well and enjoy!

Notes

*Nutritional calculations are estimated and may vary depending on serving size and ingredients.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

Cost Plus World Market teamed up with Lorina for a Summer in Paris Sweepstakes!

Enter to win a Trip for two to Paris which includes airfare and accommodations, 2 day museum pass, river cruise, dinner at the Eiffel Tower, $1,000 World Market gift card and case of Lorina French Lemonade! Enter in the Cost Plus World Market’s Summer in Paris Sweepstakes, ends Friday, August 16.

Plus, 3 First Prizes: $500 World Market gift card

Participants can earn bonus entries for liking World Market on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram & Tumblr for more chances to win.

Disclaimer: I was compensated to create recipes for Lorina French Lemonade and World Market. I love them both and as always all opinions are my own!

Mango Raspberry Pops

Published on: July 22, 2013 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 34 Comments

Frozen Treat Week has been a few months in the making, and its finally here! Last year, you might remember I hosted a virtual ice cream social. My friend Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny hosted a similar event last year. This year, we decided to team up and co-host together for a week long event filled with not only ice cream but frozen treats in general!

To start things off, I’m sharing this simple 3 ingredient recipe for Mango Raspberry Pops! Yes, just three ingredients and is ready to eat in less than 15 minutes. Nothing like a sweet refreshing treat on a hot summer day. I will be the first to admit that I didn’t enjoy mango’s until our honeymoon 5 years ago. We were in St. Luica for a week, a beautiful island where the fruit is bountiful. Especially the mangos. Upon arriving to our room in a little boutique hotel perched on top of the mountain that over looked the beautiful Caribbean waters, sat a beautiful fruit plate. Of course on this fruit plate there were a few pieces of sweet sliced mango. My husband dug right in. I ate the fruit that I knew I would enjoy. I of course skipped the mango. After he ate the first slice of mango he couldn’t stop raving about how sweet it was. After his persuasion I took a bite. I was amazed how delicious it was.

On the next day of our trip, we were out in town and I made our driver stop at a road side stand so I could buy mangos. I bought 6 mangos. My husband thought I was crazy. That afternoon as we settled into our cottage we sat in rocking chairs on the front porch and both dug into freshly grown mangos. The picture above was of our fresh fruit plate on our porch. We ordered a fruit plate each day, and also ate a mango each typically during our afternoon snack.

So now that you know my back story about how I fell in love with mangoes on my honeymoon now I can tell you a little bit about this recipe. I’m always looking for easy summer ice pop recipes. One way I can create them is easily and quickly is with my ZOKU pop maker! If you don’t have one and love ice pops you should definitely go invest in one (or enter the giveaway below). This 3-ingredient recipe is super easy to make and quite refreshing on a hot day. [Read more…]

{Recap} BlogHer Food 2013 – Austin, Texas

Published on: June 13, 2013 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 12 Comments

BlogHer Food 2013 Recap via Katie's Cucina

This past weekend I traveled to Austin, Texas to attend BlogHer Food! This is a conference that has been long in the making for me! Rather than bore you with tons of writing I’ll share some of my photos from my trip. All of which were taken on my iPhone. I brought my DSLR camera with me and did not use it once during my 4-day trip. Proving once again, that I don’t need to bring my DSLR to everything.

After I got off the plane, I jetted to lunch followed by a Spa Party hosted by Dixie Crystals/Imperial Sugar at the Hiatus Spa. The above picture was taken right after Caroline and I changed into our robes! She is seriously my new good friend. We hung out most of the weekend together! I think every trip should start off with a spa day!

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Cinnamon Raisin Banana Stuffed French Toast

Published on: May 9, 2013 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 35 Comments

Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Banana Stuffed French Toast is perfect for a Sunday breakfast or entertaining for brunch to be enjoyed by kids and adults!

Thank you Dixie Crystals Sugar for sponsoring this recipe. As always, all opinions are my own.

Growing up I was a picky breakfast eater. Well heck, I was a picky eater altogether. I hardly ever ate meat, wouldn’t eat pasta with sauce on it, and preferred a bread and butter sandwich over a grilled cheese sandwich any day of the week. And yes, my mother totally let me eat a thick slathering of butter on white bread.

It was delicious; however, I don’t think I could ever eat that now. The one breakfast food I did enjoy, besides cinnamon raisin bread slathered with butter and extra cinnamon sugar (by the way do you see a reoccurring butter theme here. I can assure you that my mother is not Paula Deen.) was french toast.

Whether it was in the “stick” form or just a piece of white bread dipped in thick egg wash and fried until golden brown. I loved me some french toast. And let’s also take note that I never dared to eat the “real stuff”. You know thick grade A maple syrup. I thought that was garbage (ask me now and I’ll tell you much different). Instead I poured a hefty amount of the high-fructose corn syrup variety.

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{Foodie Travels} Las Ramblas; The Boqueria Market: Barcelona, Spain

Published on: November 7, 2012 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 5 Comments

One of my favorite things that we got to experience while visiting Barcelona, Spain was walking around the Boqueria Market in Las Ramblas. It was a rainy Saturday and with loosing one full day the day prior thanks to the airlines we weren’t about to sit in our hotel room. Instead, we got golf size umbrellas from our hotel and hit the pavement running. Well, maybe not running. Maybe more of a brisk walk. The front desk at the Hilton Barcelona (which by the way–the hotel was amazing) recommended we visit the Las Ramblas Boqueria market no later than lunch time since it is closed on Sundays. After my husband and I grabbed our hop-on hop-off passes we decided to make our way down to Las Ramblas.

Since it was raining I opted to leave the DSLR cameras back at the hotel. I was fearful they would get ruined in the rain. So all the photos we took on our first day in Barcelona were taken using our iPhones. Which also meant that all the video I filmed this day was done on the iPhone.

Without further ado… here is my first of 5 Europe travel videos!!!

I hope the video gave you a good idea of how it is at the Las Ramblas Market. As you can tell I am not fluent in Spanish and got yelled at a few times by the locals. Such is life.

One of my favorite parts of the market was all the fresh juice. We made the mistake by purchasing our first juice upon entering the market and we paid 2.50 in euros. As you saw in the video, once we got into the heart of the market you could find juices for one euro. At the time, our exchange rate was $1.28. You could never get a fresh pressed juice for $1.28 in the United States! So I felt the need to splurge on juices. My husband and I had 4 juices in about an hours time while exploring the market.

Las Ramblas; The Boqueria Market: Barcelona, Spain

La Boqueria Market or Sant Josep is the place to go for any item you need for a delicious Mediterranean meal, or simply for some extra fruits and treats on the go. The Boqueria has everything you could possibly imagine under one tall metal umbrella. Sant Josep market is the largest of Barcelona’s 39 food markets, and it is also the largest in Europe.

Looking for more information on the Boqueria Market? Head on over to the Suite Life. They have a great post that explains the history of the market as well as more details of what you can find.

If you ever make it to Barcelona, Spain you must not miss the Boqueria Market! You can shop for souviniers and eat breakfast or lunch while roaming around the market!

The Boqueria Market: Barcelona, Spain

Address: La Rambla, 89 bis – Plaça de la Boqueria

Phone: 933 182 584 / 933 182 017

Website: www.boqueria.info

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 8am to 8.30pm

S’mores Popcorn

Published on: July 6, 2017 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 3 Comments

Give life to plain butter popcorn with an easy recipe for s’mores popcorn. Mix together popcorn with s’mores toppings for the ultimate summertime treat!

I’m so excited to kick of July with a new popcorn recipe. This time it’s a mash-up of my favorite summertime treat; s’mores. Add in the popcorn and you have the best of both worlds. I’m back to sharing delicious and unique popcorn recipes again.

Popcorn is always a crowd pleaser and I find that most people forget that you can transform a plain bowl of popcorn in minutes. Whether your entertaining friends and family, hosting a sleepover, or just making a bowl for the family to snack on you have endless options. Back in May I shared my recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Popcorn. It’s pretty amazing if you haven’t tried it yet. It’s a nice salty/buttery popcorn. This popcorn satisfies my salty/sweet tooth.

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Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn

Published on: January 5, 2015 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 14 Comments

Delicious popcorn made in minutes thanks to this easy recipe for Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year. I’ve taken the last week off to enjoy time with family, recipe develop, and just get myself ready for the new year. I never really make “resolutions” mainly just yearly goals. I’m happy to say that “loosing weight and getting in shape” really aren’t on my goal list this year.

I’ve been doing a good job of getting myself in shape ever since giving birth last spring. In fact, I’m below my pre-pregancy weight. I haven’t been this skinny in gosh… I have no idea how long. It’s an amazing feeling. I still have six pounds to loose. My overall goal is to be back to wedding weight by June. I know I can do it. I also want to really tone my body this year. Now that I’ve lost the weight its time to make it look like I’ve lost it! Another goal of mine this year is to eat cleaner than I have in past years. Ever since watching GMO OMG! I’m all for cleaner eating–really reading packaging and making conscious choices about the food that I’m putting into my body.

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Biscoff Ice Cream

Published on: July 13, 2012 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 30 Comments

Biscoff… what? Yes, I went there. I created an ice cream recipe that is going to rock your socks. If you are a lover of the sweet and buttery cookie then you are going to fall head over heals in love with this ice cream recipe. Ever since I whipped up my first batch of this I haven’t be able to put the spoon down. I even brought in a container to my office where I find myself sneaking the break room freezer to get a spoonful of this buttery cookie goodness.

Julie from The Little Kitchen and Naomi from Bakers Royale have declared this week as Biscoff week on their blogs. So if you’re a biscoff lover [like me] then you better get your bums over to their blogs and take a look at the sinful recipes they’ve developed! Both of their blog post on monday sent me over the edge and that’s when I knew it was finally time to break open the container of biscoff spread and make an ice cream.

Yes, that’s right. I purchased a jar of biscoff spread back at the beginning of May and managed to not open it and try it. I honestly wasn’t excpecting it to taste like the cookie–oh my, was I wrong! Forget peanut butter… this spread is 10 times better than peanut butter… Now that I’ve created this recipe I’ve now got the biscoff itch… the sky is the limit as to what you could create!

Ok, so let’s talk about this ice cream. First thing is first, there are a handful of recipes out in blog land for Biscoff ice cream; however, I wasn’t a fan of any of the recipes. You see… I wanted to make the ice cream that night… not cook down eggs and milk mixtures and wait 24 hours for it to cool so I can churn.

I wanted it now (as Veronica from Willy Wonka would say).

I got to work and developed my own biscoff recipe. My version contains not one egg which means that once you mix the batter together you can instantly churn! Then to step it up to the next notch… I added a few swirls of biscoff spread in the final pints; swirling through out the ice cream. I hope you’ll give this super simple recipe a try and once you do–try not to eat it all in one sitting.

Katie Original Recipe

Biscoff Ice Cream

Homemade Biscoff Ice Cream is made with just four ingredients and in about a half hours time. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to freeze all the way to enjoy. If you love Biscoff cookies you'll love this ice cream.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 30

Freeze: 4

Total Time: 4 30

Servings:

Calories: 344kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

▢
1 KitchenAid Stand Mixer
▢
1 KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup Biscoff Spread + 2 tablespoons
▢ ¼ cup White Sugar
▢ 1-¼ cups Whole Milk
▢ 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

Instructions

Using a KitchenAid Stand Mixer begin to cream the Biscoff spread and white sugar together (for about 1 minute).
Turn the mixer off, add the whole milk and slowly mix. Once the milk has started to mix in with the Biscoff spread turn up the speed of the mixer and mix until well incorporated and soup like (around 5 minutes). Add the heavy whipping cream to the mixture until its combined (about 1 minute).
Pour the Biscoff mixture into an ice cream machine and follow your manufacturers directions.
Once your ice cream is done it will resemble soft serve ice cream. Scoop ice cream into an air tight container then place 2 tablespoons of Biscoff spread in the container and swirl. Freeze for at least 4 hours and then enjoy.

Notes

Yield - This recipe for Biscoff Ice Cream makes 2-½ pints of ice cream. That will yield about 10 half cup servings.
Ice Cream Machine - I use the KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment, and it takes about 20 minutes to churn the ice cream.
Storage - Place the ice cream in a freeze safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Toppings - Top ice cream with whipped cream and crumbled Biscoff cookies.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you buy something I’ll make a small percentage off your sale.

Banana Walnut Cream Cheese Cake

Published on: May 11, 2012 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 8 Comments

What do you do when you have an excess amount of overly ripe bananas? Make banana bread, right? Wrong–kind of in this case. I didn’t want to make the same old banana walnut bread/ muffins although those are tasty I wanted a twist. So I searched the internet and stumbled across a cream cheese banana bread recipe–yum! I love cream cheese. You could slather cream cheese on just about anything, and I would probably eat it! I digress… as I read the recipe I realized I needed 2 loaf pans–umm houston we have a problem!?!?! I only have 1 loaf pan. So plan “B” went into full effect and that meant I was going to adapt this recipe.

That’s how the cake was born! I had two round 9-inch pans so cake it was. I also had 7 overly ripe bananas which was 3 more than the original recipe called for–so they all went in because let’s face it if your going to make something banana you might as well go balls to the walls and make it all things banana! lol. Excuse my language if that offended anyone. But, hey, it’s the truth! I also received delicious California Walnuts in the mail a few weeks ago and decided to add the walnuts into the cake and as a garnish on top of the cake.

All of that doughiness is banana and the tiny bit that looks like cake texture is cake. This really should be called banana supreme cake times 10 because its chocked full of bananas! I can honestly say that this is my first cake that hasn’t come out in chunks of pieces. Thanks to my good friend, Julie of The Little Kitchen she told me about this wonderful product made by Wilton. It’s called Cake Release people. And I suggest you run out and buy it now! It’s life changing and will make your cakes look like a pro made them.

This cake is perfect for brunch… a mother’s day brunch to be exact. Cake for breakfast… I think so! If your menu is already set for mother’s day I’m ok with that–just remember the next time you have a bundle of overly ripe bananas don’t make the traditional banana bread… make a Banana Walnut Cream Cheese Cake instead!

Adapted from Southern Living

Banana Walnut Cream Cheese Cake

Author: Katie Jasiewicz of Katie’s Cucina Adapated from Southern Living

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 50 mins

Total time: 1 hour 5 mins

Serves: 12

Ingredients

¾ cup butter, softened
1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
7 bananas, mashed
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts + additional for topping
8oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick of salted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups powdered sugar
Wilton Cake Release

Instructions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Using an electric mixer beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in bananas, walnuts, and vanilla.
Pour batter into 2 greased (I used Wilton Cake Release) 9-inch circular cake pans.
Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan. Cool bread in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans, and cool 30 minutes on wire racks before icing.
For the frosting: In a stand mixer cream butter and cream cheese together until well mixed. On a slow speed add heavy cream. Mix until fluffy and slowly mix in powdered sugar.
Once your ready to ice the cakes; invert one cake on to a plate and ice the top. Then stack the second cake on top, icing around the entire cake. Once the cake is iced take chopped walnuts and garnish on the edge.

Notes

I used Wilton Cake Release to grease the pans and my cakes came out with out a crumb sticking to the side.

Apple Pie Milkshakes

Published on: December 2, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 2 Comments

All you need is three ingredients plus a slice of leftover apple pie to make these delicious Apple Pie Milkshakes! This milkshake comes together in just a few minutes and makes for a perfect dessert.

Two tall glasses filled with milkshakes topped with caramel sauce.

Get ready for another leftover recipe. This one involves dessert (one of my favorite meals of the day)! Do you have just one or two slices of apple pie leftover? Tired of eating pie in the morning with coffee or maybe as a midnight snack? Why not make an Apple Pie Milkshake?

Yes, you read correctly–if you have milk and vanilla ice cream on hand you are in luck my friend. Wow, your family and friends and make this decadent apple pie shake for them. Even though it might be cold out — I don’t think anyone can resist a good milkshake. Especially if it is an apple pie milkshake!

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Pineapple Tequila Cocktail

Published on: September 1, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 21 Comments

Sip on summer in a cup with this easy 6-ingredient Pineapple Tequila Cocktail made in under 10 minutes time. This recipe has fresh ingredients and yields enough to make a full pitcher, perfect for entertaining.

Glass with yellow drink with blue rim garnished with lime and pineapple chunk.

We love to make a refreshing drink on the weekends as we lounge poolside. After all, we live in Florida. That’s what Florida living is all about. When pineapple are in season I love to make this Pineapple Tequila Cocktail. Best of all this recipe makes a whole pitcher! Nothing more than I hate then having to make individual drinks. My husband and I will actually play rock, paper, scissor to decide who is going to go back in the house to make another drink.

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Why this Recipe Works

Refreshing and Delicious: The Pineapple Tequila Cocktail is a refreshing and tasty drink that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and sour pineapple juice and smooth tequila creates a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Easy to Make: This cocktail is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Simply combine tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave nectar in a shaker with ice, shake well, and pour into a glass. It’s that simple!

Perfect for Summer: This cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. The fruity and tropical flavors are reminiscent of a day at the beach or a relaxing vacation, making it the perfect way to unwind and beat the heat.

Ingredients

Pineapple – You will puree a whole fresh pineapple in a blender plus additional for garnish in the pitcher and inside each glass. If you can’t find fresh pineapple in season you can use pineapple juice as a substitute.
Tequila – Use whatever you prefer to drink when it comes to the tequila in this recipe.
Agave – If you like sweeter drinks you will want to add all the agave. If you like it on the less sweeter side start with a little and continue to add until it’s to your liking.
Lime – You will want both fresh limes for garnish and lime juice. I like to use a lime juice concentrate, but you can also freshly squeeze lime.

Directions

Pitcher of pineapple cocktail in the background with a glass in the foreground.

Using a blender, puree pineapple (in chunks) until its fine like juice (you may need to do 2-3 batches depending on the size of your blender).
Mix in lime juice, 1 cup water, and agave. Pour into pitcher. Stir in tequila.
Pour over ice and garnish with pineapple chunks and lime wedges.

FAQs

What mixes well with Patron?

Pineapple juice like in this recipe mixes great with patron! As does orange juice, guava juice, cranberry, grapefruit soda, bloody mary mix, or even margarita mix.

Does pineapple soak up alcohol?

Select your favorite alcohol and the pineapple will absorb its flavor. Whether sitting in a bowl with straight alcohol or sitting in this mixed drink over time.

How long does pineapple last in alcohol?

If you plan to just soak pineapple in tequila, seal it in a jar for up to 10 days.

Tips & Tricks

Top view of a glass filled with pineapple tequila drink with lime wedges and pineapple.

Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I’ve found helpful when making this tequila pineapple drink recipe.

Virgin – Make this drink non-alcoholic by omitting the tequila.
Pineapple – You will want to cut and core the pineapple prior to pureeing in a blender.
Agave – If you like a sweeter drink you’ll want to add all the recommended amount. If not, omit and gradually add into the drink.
Pineapple Juice – If you don’t have fresh pineapple in season you can use pineapple juice. Just know that you may need to adjust the agave syrup and add less. Pineapple juice is typically much sweeter then a fresh pineapple pureed.
Garnish – I love to garnish my pineapple juice and tequila with fresh lime and chunks of pineapple. I’ll place a few in the pitcher and a few in the cup. Don’t let the pineapple chunks go to waste after the drink is done! It will be soaked in all the tequila goodness and tastes just as delicious.

Drink Recipes

Close up of a glass with blue rim filled with a pineapple cocktail garnished with lime and pineapple.

Craving more delicious drinks? Here are a few of my favorites.

While you are sipping on this tequila pineapple cocktail it will pair perfectly with my Smoked Tequila Lime Beer Can Chicken and save room for Margarita Cupcakes for dessert!

If you make this Tequila and pineapple juice recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

Glass cup with yellow liquid with a lime and pineapple wedge on the glass rim.

Pineapple Tequila Cocktail

Sip on summer in a cup with this easy 6-ingredient Pineapple Tequila Cocktail made in under 10 minutes time. This recipe has fresh ingredients and yields enough to make a full pitcher, perfect for entertaining.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Save Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Salt

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

▢
Blender

Ingredients

Instructions

Using a blender, puree pineapple (in chunks) until its fine like juice (you may need to do 2-3 batches depending on the size of your blender).
Mix in lime juice, 1 cup water, and agave. Pour into pitcher. Stir in tequila.
Pour over ice and garnish with pineapple chunks and lime wedges.

Notes

Pineapple – Prior to blending the pineapple, core and cut pineapple into chunks.
Yield – Recipe makes an entire pitcher.
Over Ice – Best served chilled over ice.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!

Cauliflower Puree

Published on: February 11, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 4 Comments

Cauliflower-Leek Purée is the perfect side dish alternative to the traditional mashed potatoes. Rich, creamy, and packed full of veggies. Even the potato lover in your life will love this delicious cauliflower purée dish!

Closeup of white puree topped with panko bread crumbs and herbs with title text.

I originally published this recipe for cauliflower puree eight years ago. Back when we were kid-free and living our young adult lives. We were tight for money and would treat ourselves to fancy meals every once in a while at home. I shared this recipe in 2011.

side view of man smiling and holding tongues as he cookes lobster tails and steak on the grill.

We made this Cauliflower-Leek Purée for Valentine’s Day that year. This is the only photo I saved from this original recipe. My husband was manning the grill. Cooking our lobster tails and steaks while I worked on making this puree among other things. Back then, replacing cauliflower with potatoes wasn’t really a thing. So this was totally out of the normal side dish. Now, cauliflower is consumed much more frequently and has become the new normal on the side dish market.

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Ingredients for Cauliflower Purée

A red casserole dish with Cauliflower-Leek Puree in it topped with panko bread crumbs.

Here are all the ingredients I use for this high-end restaurant quality side dish.

Cauliflower – 1 head of fresh cauliflower is all you will need for this recipe.
Salted Butter
Leeks – This is definitely a specialty item. Look for leeks near the lettuce in your grocery store. Make sure you wash them really well as they can be gritty.
Garlic – The good news is that the blender will puree the garlic so you don’t need to worry about finely mincing the garlic.
Heavy Cream – This is what makes this cauliflower puree recipe oh-so decadent. You won’t realize it’s not potatoes!
Seasonings – Salt, Pepper, and fresh parsley
Panko Bread Crumbs – These bread crumbs get toasted on top and make for a delicious fancy topping.

Directions

A pot of water with cauliflower boiling in it.

First, you will need to rinse and chop the cauliflower into bite size pieces.

Place cauliflower in a large pot of boiling (salted-add about 1-2 teaspoons) water. Cook the cauliflower until very soft. Drain and set to the side.

Meanwhile, in a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are translucent and very soft, about 8 minutes.

top view of cauliflower, leeks, and spices in blender.

Using a blender or food processor (*you may have to work in batches) add the cooked cauliflower, leek mixture, salt, pepper, and heavy cream.

Cauliflower-Leek Puree in the blender on counter next to cauliflower, leeks, and a measuring cup.

Puree for 1 minute or until smooth in texture.

top view of Blended Cauliflower-Leek Puree inside blender next to cauliflower and leeks on counter.

This is what it will look like once it’s pureed.

Using the frying pan from the leek mixture melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the panko and parsley and toast until golden in color. Top the puree with the toasted panko. Divide evenly among plates and enjoy.

Cauliflower Purée: FAQs

How do you make purée?

Just like the directions above you will follow similar steps. First steam your veggies. Then drain, and place into a high power blender or food processor. Purée for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

How do you thicken cauliflower purée?

You can thicken the cauliflower purée by cooking it down further while stirring often over low heat in a large nonstick skillet.

Can I freeze cauliflower purée?

Yes, you can definitely freeze cauliflower puree. Make sure to cool the purée and refrigerate leftovers in a plastic or glass container for up to 3 days. Freeze the cool leftovers for up to three months.

What kitchen tools do you need to make mashed cauliflower?

To make this mashed cauliflower side dish you’ll want to use either a high end blender or food processor to get the rich creamy smooth results like mashed potatoes. I have an 8 cup capacity blender. I didn’t need to work in batches, but others might need to depending on the size.

Tips & Tricks

close up top view of white puree topped with panko bread crumbs next to leek.

Rinse well – Make sure you rinse the leek very well. Cut down the middle in half then let sit in a bowl of cool water. The sand/silt will start to release and move to the bottom of the bowl.
Gluten Free – To make this recipe gluten free simply omit the panko bread crumbs or use a gluten free breadcrumb.
Blender Free – If you don’t own a blender or food processor you can mash with a fork or even use a hand mixer. Just note, that the leeks and garlic will not be pureed causing for additional texture in the puree.

What to Serve with Cauliflower

Not sure what to serve with this mashed cauliflower? Check out a few of my recipes that pair perfectly with it.

If you’re looking to change up your every day side dish or looking for an extra fancy side dish I hope you’ll give my pureed cauliflower a try.

If you make my creamy cauliflower puree, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list! This recipe is available as a Google Web Story.

Arugula Pesto (Rocket Pesto)

Published on: March 22, 2019 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Change up your pesto game with this fast, and fresh recipe for peppery arugula pesto (also known as Rocket Pesto)! With just a few simple ingredients you’ll have a delicious pesto made in minutes.

top view glass bowl with thick green sauce on counter with arugula and pine nuts. Title Text.

Nothing screams spring more then pesto in my book. Since, Wednesday marked the official first day of spring I felt a pesto recipe was the best way to celebrate! I love to make basil pesto when I have an abundance of it. However, as of lately, I’ve been eating a lot of arugula. With my latest food obsession has come some thoughts on making an Arugula Pesto also known as Rocket Pesto. Since making this peppery pesto I’ve been hooked. Instead, of adding basil like you would use for basil pesto I used a handful of fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves along with the arugula. It yields the brightest green color!

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Peach Baby Food

Published on: July 30, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 11 Comments

Treat your baby to homemade Peach Baby Food made in minutes with just two simple ingredients. You can use a food mill, food processor, or even high power blender to yield a smooth peach puree that can be enjoyed by baby or adult in various recipes.

Top view of orange puree in a small square containers on a wood countertop next to peaches.

When my son was just 3 months old I started making homemade baby food from fruits and vegetables that were in season. One of the first recipes I made was this Peach Baby Food.

We took a road trip up to Georgia his first summer alive. On our way home, we stopped by Lane Orchard to pick up a case of sweet juicy Georgia peaches. We do this every year during peach season when we drive through Georgia. We share a dozen or so peaches to our parents and coworkers, and then I take the rest and make all things peach.

I love to make my skillet peach cobbler, Grilled Peaches with Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream and even peach mojitos. The year that Ryder was a newborn I knew I needed to make a batch of homemade peach puree baby food for him. Although he had to wait a few months to try the puree he did enjoy the sweetest juiciest peaches around during the off season.

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Mixed Berry Smoothie

Published on: September 7, 2020 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 16 Comments

A mixture of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries paired with yogurt and a dash of honey make for this 5-minute Mixed Berry Smoothie recipe.

Mason jar glass with handle filled with purple smoothie with purple and white stripped straw.

I love making berry smoothie recipes. This mixed berry smoothie is one of my go-to’s and favorites. It only requires three simple ingredients, which I almost always have on hand. I love to keep frozen berries on hand to whip up delicious smoothie recipes on a whim.

I’ve mentioned it before, but my husband is the king at making smoothies. He’s normally the one who comes up with the different variations. Then I refine the smoothie recipe for the blog. We have been making this mixed berry smoothie flavor combo for years now.

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Sheet Pan Shrimp Stir-Fry

Published on: April 23, 2019 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Enjoy a delicious healthier dinner of Sheet Pan Shrimp Stir-Fry in just 30 minutes time. Prep in the morning and bake on a sheet pan at dinner time for an easy and delicious quick dinner.

plated stir fried veggies and shrimp next to pan and platter of eggrolls with title text.

Get ready for a new delicious and easy-to-make sheet pan dinner! When I first tested this recipe for sheet pan shrimp stir-fry; my husband was a little apprehensive. He figured, it would lack flavor and just be straight up bland. After his first few bites, he changed his opinion quickly! My entire family devoured this easy healthy meal that I made in under a half hours time.

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Grilled Balsamic London Broil

Published on: June 17, 2016 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie Leave a Comment

Treat dad to the ultimate grilled dinner and make my easy and flavorful recipe for Grilled Balsamic London Broil in under a half hour!

Father’s Day is this weekend! This weekend people. That means it’s time to fire up the grill and make dad all the grilled meats. Isn’t it funny how our culture has dubbed Father’s Day as a grilling holiday? Mother’s day is all about brunch and Father’s day is all about grilling. So it’s only fitting that I share my recipe for Grilled Balsamic London Broil.

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New York Style Cheesecake Recipe

Published on: June 20, 2010 Updated on: November 18, 2025 by Katie 4 Comments

This creamy thick New York Style Cheesecake Recipe comes together with fresh ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and sugar. The graham cracker crust lends a nice buttery yet crunch to the cake. Worried about cracks forming in your cheesecake? Add a sweet sour cream topping that adds an additional layer of flavor and hides the cracks.

Top view of a sliced cheesecake with strawberries in a carton next to it.

My mom grew up very close to her next door neighbor, Annie. So close that she was truly apart of her family. Every weekend her family would go over to Annie’s for dinner. Annie was famous for her New York Style Cheesecake Recipe. Before she got too old to remember how to make it my mom made her write down the recipe. Because like most classic recipes it was stored in her head and not on a recipe card.

My mom never attempted to make Annie’s cheesecake until after she was dead. My mom passed on Annie’s recipe to me at my bridal shower. Her and my Maid of Honor had all my friends and family give me their favorite recipe and put it in a book for me to keep. Shortly after being married I gained enough courage to make Annie’s famous New York cheesecake recipe. It came out perfect and just as I remember tasting it at Annie’s house. Every time I make this cheesecake recipe I think of Annie, and know that she is smiling down at me.

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