No Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

No-Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

“Kitchens are made for bringing families together.” Sunday dinner has always been an important part of our family’s weekly routine. When we lived in California, it was the day that ALL the family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone was welcome, came over to enjoy a meal. A fun time to catch up on the week, spend time together chatting over a good meal: a special time and a special day. When we moved to Utah, our crowd was smaller, but the idea was the same, and over the years, our crowd has grown. Friends that have become family added girlfriends, and occasionally out-of-state family.

The importance of Sunday dinner and sharing recipes has become popular on my Instagram stories that I started sharing “In the Kitchen with D’Arcy” on my Sunday posts. Find HERE. I realized my blog following wanted more recipe content as well. With that being said, Sunday’s blog post will be dedicated to Recipes and sharing an occasional Family meal at our favorite restaurants, and showing our support for supporting local businesses.

Today, over on Instagram, I shared A great, No-cook Dinner…A Charcuterie Board perfect for a large crowd, a great Sunday dinner, with something for everyone. We love to enjoy on the deck🥖🧀🫕🍓🍎 and take in the beauty of Summer. A charcuterie board makes for great conversation, talking about cheeses and crackers, the combinations you like, and the fun of creating combos you’ll enjoy.

Below: I have included a list of everything I have used here, and I also shared some of the yummy combos we love.

What you’ll need to create our Charcuterie board, No-cook Dinner:

-Everything crackers & cracked pepper Triscuit

-Strawberry & Jalapeño crisps

-Wheat thins

-Organic Garlic Naan crackers

-Caramelized onion cheddar cheese

-Beacon Fell Cheese (traditional Lancashire cheese)

-Unexpected cheddar cheese

-Old Amsterdam cheese

-Asiago cheese with Rosemary and olive oil

-Peppered Salami

-The marinated olive duo

-Velvet Bees Honey butter

-Cornichons

-Cucumber

~Mini peppers

—Honey crisp apple

~Strawberries

butter
-baguette
Hummus
-cream cheese
Olive oil

-Dill goat cheese

Tip: I love collecting Items for creating all types of Charcuterie Boards, this helps to create all types and size boards, perfect for any occasion or meal. Here are a few of my must-have items:

SHOP THE POST

Tip: When creating your Charcuterie board, place items next to items that pair well with each other for easy pairing. It helps your guest know flavors that pair well together. See some of our favorites below.

Charcuterie Board combos we loved: going clockwise from the cucumber.

Cucumber and hummus
Strawberry Jalapeno cracker, cheddar cheese, and Honey butter
Strawberry Jalapeno cracker, cream cheese, and Strawberry
Baguette, Beacon Fell cheese, olive oil, and salt
Honey crisp Apple and Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper Triscuit, Old Amsterdam cheese, peppered Salami, and olive
(center) Naan Cracker, Hummus, and pepper

There are several other fabulous combinations. These are just some of our favorites. The Rosemary cheese is fab on the baguette, the goat cheese on the everything crackers.

Tip: When cutting celery stock for a Charcuterie or another meal, cut the end off in one chunk. Save and use as a garnish(it looks like a flower and oh so easy to create. I like to tuck into my veggie trays and use them as decoration on my Charcuterie Board.

* Trader Joe’s was where I purchased most of the Charcuterie Board Items.

Thank you for stopping by. I really appreciate your support. Hoping I inspired you to create an easy and no-cook dinner, Charcuterie Board.

4th Of July BBQ Side Dish Recipes

Bbq side dishes to celebrate the 4th Of July. Actually, you could use any of these sides for any Dinner side dish, and the Pasta could be a meal in itself. So whether you’re having a bbq or want yummy side dishes, I’ve got you covered, with 4 of my family’s favorites.

Dutch Potato Salad

5 lbs mixed sm potatoes

4 hard-boiled eggs chopped

1 onion white chopped

1 cup green onions chopped

15 oz Mayo

1/2 cup mustard

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

It feeds a large crowd

Boil potatoes. When done, drain and mash but chunky, and mix in all the ingredients. Refrigerate until serving.

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad served as a side with grilled chicken.

Caprice Tortellini salad

12oz bag Barilla tortellini

10.5 oz mixed medley tomatoes (small) cut each tomato into fours

1/2 of one large onion chopped

2 -1/4oz package Organic fresh basil chopped

1/2 of 1 Costco fresh Mozzarella cubed

1 tablespoon garlic minced

1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garlic salt

Top with balsamic glaze (I use Trader Joe’s)

Boil water, add pasta, cook as directed, Strain. Mix in all the ingredients above and serve warm or cold.

Baked Beans

6 16.5 oz baked beans ( I use Bush)

1/2 pound cooked bacon chopped

1 sm onion chopped

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 large tablespoon Mustard

1 tablespoon kitchen bouquet browning seasoning

2 tsp garlic salt

2 tablespoons chopped onion season

Use a large crockpot, add beans and stir in all the ingredients above. Let simmer, and stir occasionally. Serve when warm. ( I make it in the morning and keep the crockpot on low)

Best Corn Salad (Fresh and tastes like Summer) Photo of this Salad HERE

5 Ears of corn Shucked (or a bag of frozen sweet corn)

1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)

3 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup Julienned basil leaves

Corn corn, let cool, Place corn in a bowl make sure it’s separated, then add in all of the above ingredients, mixing as you add. Refrigerate until serving. I could eat as a meal so yummy!

I thought you might like to see or shop some of my favorite decorating pieces and serving pieces for the 4th of July. So here is My Amazon July 4th Shopping Board HERE and a few of my favorite things. View below:

I hope you have an amazing 4th of July with family and friends. We, of course, are having a BBQ, and you better believe I am making the side dishes above as my family looks forward to a big celebration BBQ. Happy 4th of July!

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

Do you love a refreshing and lower-calorie cocktail? I have created two perfect for Summer cocktails that I think you’ll enjoy. Easy to create and so refreshing. Perfect for entertaining on your deck.

4th of July Berry Sparkler Cocktail

You’ll Need:

Vodka ( We like Grey Goose)

Berry Sparkling Water (I used Waterloo Summer Berry) HERE

Seattle Cider ( I used Berry Rose)

Simple Syrup ( make with sugar and water) For lower-calorie remit… Recipe HERE

Ice

Strawberries and Blue Berries

Fill a glass with ice, add two shots of Vodka, pour in about 1/2 cup of the Cider (or until the glass is 3/4 full, add 1 teaspoon simple syrup, mix slowly, top off with the berry Sparkling water, stir slowly and add berries. Enjoy.

One of my Hubbies and I’s All-time favorite cocktails is a Mojito, and I created this Watermelon Mojito with that in mind. I adore watermelon in the Summer, and this takes the traditional Mojito to a new level.

Watermelon Mojito

You’ll Need:

Crushed watermelon ( I like to soak mine in rum in the refrigerator overnight in a zippy bag)

Rum ( your favorite)

Mojito Mix

Lime Sparkling water ( We like La Croix )

Mint

Simple Syrup (see above for recipe) For lower-calorie remit

lime

Ice

Muddle mint in a glass, Fill glass with ice, add two shots of rum, Add 1/4 cup watermelon add about 1/2 mojito mix, 1/teaspoon simple syrup, MIX, top off with Sparkling water and squeeze lime. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the 2 summer cocktails I have created for you. You’ll have to let me know if you create them and if you enjoyed them.

TIP: The Best watermelon Knife ever…. I Highly recommend HERE :

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer🌴☀️🌊

My Favorite SHORTS right NOW… I could wear it every day… so comfortable and easy to style in multiple ways. ( Not ashamed to say I wore them 3 times last week) Purchased at Evereve HERE
TULA Sunscreen is NEW this year, and I love I can use it on Face and Body. It’s not greasy and won’t clog pores. Grab yourself one HERE
I love BEACH BAG season… Let me tell you. You could never have too many😂 HERE are a few of the Favorites I own below. 👇🏻

Here are several cute ones under $30. Some as low as $12 Shop the Post.
You know I am a HAT girl, and these are the ones I purchased this year. Each one provides great protection for your face and looks great with All your Suits & Summer outfits.
SUN TEA is no secret. I am a BIG Ice Tea drinker, Nothing better on the Hot days of Summer than to cool off with a Tall glass of SUN TEA. How I make mine: 4 -5 Lipton tea bags, a glass jar (I have a large Ball Jar HERE) fill with warm water, add bags, and set out in the sun in the mornings. By afternoon it’s the perfect Dark color I love… Grab a tall glass, add ice & pour. ( you can add mint or lemon 🍋)
A good BOOK– I have a few on my reading list this Summer. Below is a couple I can’t wait to read.
CHIPS, SALSA, and GUACAMOLE… I could eat it every day in the SuMMeR! My easy Recipes HERE
WATERMELON and YES I salt mine…. Yum yum yum

TIP: For picking the perfect Watermelon, look for one with a large yellow spot and what looks like scratch marks. The yellow means it stayed on the vine to get ripe, and the stretches are really bee stings (meaning it’s sweet). BEST watermelon cutting Knife HERE

9. SUN DRESSES Summer dress styles are easy to wear, lightweight, easy to pack, and super easy to style. (Below is one I’ve been wearing on repeat) Shop it HERE.

I’ve purchased a few of my favorites this season and have been styling over on the gram for you BELOW: (don’t judge:) HEHEHE…because YES…I did purchase every single one of these dresses this year. (insert shopping problem) seriously though..there so good and so easy to wear!

10. SANDAL season☀️ I adore sandal season, showing off pretty painted toes! It’s no secret I am a shoe lover, and I buy new shoes all the time. I can’t resist pretty shoes. Below are my go-to sandals every season and my NEW additions this year.

Let me tell you… if you don’t have Havaianas Flip flops, you’re missing out. (not joking; I own at least 20 pairs, Got my Mama hooked too) Very very comfortable, not like any flip flop you’ve ever put on. Last for years, come in so many fun colors and designs. Made in Brazil. This was the shoe that saved me when I had Plantar Fasciitis. Trust me, worth paying a little more than your average flip flop. Range $28-35

I hope you enjoyed my 10 Summer Favorites. I would love to hear one of yours below. And make sure to check out my Chic Chat Chic girlfriends blog post for their Summer Favorites as well below.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole served with Flautas, chips, and shredded cheese.

Pico De Gallo and Guacamole made from scratch, so easy you can whip up in minutes. I think Your family will love it as much as mine. (if they love Mexican food and enjoy a tasty snack) A great snack served with chips and perfect toppings or sides served with your Mexican dishes. This is requested in our home at least once a week. This is always a hit at party’s (I double or triple the batch). Enjoy!

Homemade Pico d Gallo

4 Tomatoes chopped

1 Onion chopped

1 or 2 Jalapeños ( depending on the heat you like)

1/2 bushel cilantro chopped

1 lime ( juice of)

Add all ingredients, stir well and enjoy… with your favorite chip.

We like THESE

Guacamole

3 ripe avocados chopped/mashed

2 large scoops of my Pico DeGallo above ( more if you want)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic salt

Mix all together and serve with your favorite chip. On Sourdough toast or with a veggie tray.

If you

Want a little different taste and really yummy add 1 tablespoon of Everything Bagel seasoning or this seasoning

Need Fun serving pieces? Here are a few I love and use to serve my Chips, Pico De Gallo and Guacamole!

I love sharing my family’s favorite recipes with you. Hoping you enjoy trying them as well. I share “in the Kitchen with D’Arcy “over on Instagram on Sundays. Sharing recipes, food tips, and Recipes I may not share here Cooking videos and entertaining ideas. Find them HERE. I often share in my Instagram stories live videos of my cooking everyday meals and what I eat daily if you like getting new ideas. I saved in Highlight TAbs HERE HERE HERE if you miss them. Happy Cooking!

Favorite Side Dish Recipes For Thanksgiving

Cooking for the holidays Can be stressful; I hope you try our family’s favorite side dishes that are very easy to make and you can whip up fast. Helping you to enjoy cooking and entertain a large crowd.

Recipes for Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

Holiday Family Favorite, Nana Holiday’s stuffing (Holiday is my maiden name) I grew up on this recipe, and my family enjoys it as much as I do. Actually, if I take this to a party, everyone asks for the recipe. It’s effortless and full of flavor. 2 key must-haves make this dish, and you can not substitute. (unless you need to make a vegetarian dish) The stuffing bread crumbs need to be Mrs.Cubbisons, and you need REAL butter. I hope you enjoy 3 of our Favorite Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving. Because once you’ve made these side dishes, your family will want them every year like mine.

Below you’ll find our 3 favorite sides for Thanksgiving and cooking for the holidays, Stuffing, Glazed Carrots, and Green bean casserole. I do make these throughout the year with other dishes, as the stuffing is great for my stuffed chicken breast, and the carrots go great with a Ham or roast beef dish. And the Green bean casserole is a great dish to take to a potluck or a side with any meat dish.

Nana Holiday’s Stuffing:

Large stockpot (bigger than 15qt)

9 X 13 pan Greased I love this one HERE

Strainer and a large bowl or Pyrex bowl HERE

2 12oz Box Herb seasoned Stuffing mix Mrs. Cubbinsons

1 12oz box cornbread stuffing mix Mrs. Cubbinsons

6 cups of Chicken broth (this is a little more than you’ll need) use extra for making gravy

(Can Use Vegetable broth if need a vegetarian dish)

1 bunch of celery chopped

2 onions chopped

2 cubes butter (plant-based butter if need a vegetarian dish)

2 teaspoons Garlic salt

2 teaspoons Onion salt

2 teaspoons Pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1 Tablespoon of Parsley

1 Tablespoon of Poultry seasoning (or sage)

1 teaspoon of Kitchen Bouquet (this is a must-have seasoning for turkey and chicken dishes)

Add butter, celery, onion to the stockpot until soften, then add Chicken broth and all the seasonings to the stockpot and bring to boil. Place a strainer over a Pyrex bowl (or bowl) and pour the mixture from the stockpot over the strainer. Add dried stuffing to the stockpot, add in all the veggies from the strainer over the stuffing mixture, stir, then slowly add liquid stock to the dried mixture until moist (needs to be able to make a ball, not to wet). The strained liquid leftover you can use to create your gravy for more added flavor. Use stuffing to stuff turkey (your preference) & place leftovers in the greased 9X13 pan, and bake Stuffing at 350 for about 30 mins. I don’t stuff the turkey; place it all in the pan.

Glazed Carrots

These Carrots are so good that non-vegetable lovers will love them.

1 1 /2 lb baby carrots or diagonal cut carrots

3 tbsp of butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups orange juice

1/8 Tbsp cornstarch

pinch on ginger

Garnish Rosemary or basil

Steam carrots set aside ( if you don’t have a steamer, boil until soft)

In a Saucepan, add Butter, sugar, juice, and bring to a bubble. Whisk in cornstarch. Cook until thick, add ginger, carrots, stir gently, and or into a dish. Garnish with rosemary or my favorite basil.

Not your Regular Green bean casserole

1 can 10 1/2 oz of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup

3/4 cup of heavy cream

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/2 cube of butter melted

4 cups of cooked french green beans (you can use frozen or fresh) Don’t use canned

1 can of French’s Crispy fried onions

1 pound of cooked bacon chopped up

Mix soup, cream, pepper, and butter in a 1 1/2 qt baking dish. Stir in beans and 1/2 the onions, and 1/2 the bacon. Bake at 350 for 30 min or until bubbly hot. Stir and then top with remaining onions and bacon. Bake 5 min or until onions are golden.

A few of my favorite serving and cooking pieces, Shop the post below:

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Great Gift Idea or the Perfect Items to Have in your Freezer for the Holiday’s WILDGRAIN box, It’s our Family’s favorite Bread, Pasta, and Pastries Shipped Fresh Frozen straight to your door or a loved one’s door. It’s perfect for a quick delicious meal or side dish. Let me tell you, the Sourdough bread is to die for. I love having a stocked freezer and pantry, especially during the Holiday. Order NOW, you get an EXTRA-free loaf of sourdough in every box. Use code DARCY_10 for $10 off. Order HERE

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy these posts:

HOW TO CREATE AN EASY THANKSGIVING DINING TABLESCAPE

3 INGREDIENT, QUICK & EASY APPETIZER PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAY’S

SPINACH & TORTELLINI SOUP RECIPE

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for your support!

Build Your Own Pizza Bar for a Fun family Meal

Build Your Own Pizza Bar

Pizza night …using some leftovers and homemade ingredients.

Use up those leftovers and create a Pizza night your Family will love. They can make their own and get creative to try new things. So if you plan your meals out for the week and have a pasta night a couple of nights before, it works out great. Because I like to space out Italian food a couple of days apart, this helps to use up those little bits of leftovers you may have had.

Rhodes rolls

Homemade Alfredo sauce recipe here

Homemade marinara or your favorite Jar

Asparagus (leftovers)

Sautés Mushrooms (leftovers)

Ham ( leftover Easter) That I had thrown in the freezer

Fresh sliced tomatoes

Mozzarella, Asiago, Romano, Parmesan cheese (leftover from this week’s Fettuccine night)

Chopped Garlic

Fresh Rosemary

Fresh Basil

Green onions

Olives

Italian seasonings

Garlic powder

Onion salt

Sea Salt

Balsamic glaze or vinegar

Olive oil

Preheat oven 425 unless you have a pizza oven, we cook them for 10 minutes 12 minutes depending on the oven! Also depends on how crispy you like your pizza.

These make mini individual pizzas. Make sure you do enough rolls per person, I did 2-3 per person. (for the rolls follow the directions on the bag) Then after they’ve risen all day each person flattens and pulls theirs out to shape and top with desired toppings. Some family members made little calzone instead of a mini pizza. That is part of the fun, Building Your Own Pizza Bar, You can get as creative as you want and try different things on your pizza. My family loves this interactive meal, it’s fun to hear them chat, joke, and talk their way through creating their pizza’s.

For fun, kitchen Gadgets check out my Amazon Shop HERE

Blogger Friends:

This week I joined some of my Blogger girlfriends in a recipe share because It’s always fun in the kitchen, please go check out their blogs and see what was cooking or mixing up in their kitchens.

Rosemary = Distinctly Southern Style

Gwen= Gwen Live well

Kim= For a Good Life

Rebecca= R You Ready to Organize

LeNysha= Fifty Fab and Traveling

Sherri= A Woman Thing

Heidi = Simply Our Society

A few more recipes I thought you would like:

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine

Easiest Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

Best Homemade Salsa Recipe

Thank you for stopping by this week. I hope you enjoyed our recipe share! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for your support!

10 Summer Favorites I Can’t Live Without!

10 Summer Favorites I Can’t Live Without! I hope you won’t be able to live without them either. Summer is one of my favorite seasons, being outside enjoying the weather, dining outside, enjoying the gardens, and the long days along with pool & lake time and entertaining outdoors. With all the fun things to do, you’ll need to look good doing them, right? Here are my 10 Summer favorites I can’t live without!

Shorts, I love every length short, but the Bermuda shorts are one of this seasons biggest trends. In every shade, style, and color, you can’t go wrong with a Bermuda short. They look great paired with a blazer too. Easy to wear and even easier to style. Anything goes with a cute pair of Bermudas. Here are some of my favorites.

Sandals are making my top 10 Summer favorite’s. I can’t live without, and I found some adorable ones I have been wearing to death. My picks are sandals you’ll wear all Summer long and truly are some classics you’ll be able to wear for several Summer seasons.

Summer dresses are one of my top Summer favorites. So comfortable to wear, easy to style, and keeps you looking Chic without a lot of effort. Here are some of my favorites and so affordable.

Summer Cover up’s, and I adore this built-in Spf cover-up by Cabana Life. Stylish, true to size, and made of terry cloth.

One of My Summer’s favorites I can’t live without is grabbing a Summer read it’s perfect for catching some rays and soaking up the pages poolside. I am CURRENTLY reading Life gives you LULULemons. You’ll always catch me with an Ice tea in my hand, it’s my favorite for every season! This Summer I am so happy I have Sunnies that are readers too! HERE Shop my photo below.

Coola Self Tanner is a must along with sunscreen for your Summer days. This self-tanner gives you such a beautiful glow and natural-looking tan. I love the face tanner and Oil mist too. Shop my picks below

Summer means BBQs and family gatherings, and I have found Butcher Box home delivery makes it even easier to entertain for the Summer. Delicious 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, and wild-caught seafood. An unbeatable value with an average of less than $6 per meal. Great -tasting, high-quality meat you can feel good about, delivered right to your doorstep. (Free Shipping) My family loves this meat and said it is the best meat they have eaten. (remember I am a mom of boys and they are big foodies) Our Vacations are planned around where they want to eat! Comes fresh frozen in dry ice packs and ready for your freezer. It’s a must for my TOP 10 Summer Favorite’s, and it will be for yours too. I love it to help build up my food storage too. (I am a Butcher box partner) Shop HERE

Making the 10 Summer Favorites you can’t live without! Summer Salads and one of my favorites would-be my Greek salad, So refreshing and light, I could eat it every day. This salad is so easy to make and you’ll love how tasty it is. You can eat it on a bed of romaine lettuce and a side of grilled chicken or just plain.

Greek Salad:

4 on the vine tomatoes cup up

1 English Cucumber cut up

1 cup Kalamata Olives

1 cup red onion chopped up

Italian dressing of your choice

Feta cheese (if doing whole30 leave off) use the amount you like

Add all items together and mix with dressing (I leave the cheese out and top my salad when I serve) As this makes enough for 4 servings. I like to make a batch and have it for a couple of lunches. Serve as is or on a bed of Lettuce of your choice, also great with grilled chicken.

I really enjoyed sharing with you a few of my Summer favorites and I have a few friends that are also sharing their favorites today as well. I hope you’ll go check them out. Have a Beautiful Summer day. OX, D’Arcy

Heidi =www.simplyoursociety.com

Gwen=www.gwenliveswell.com

Sherri=A woman thing

Michele=Hot Flash and Sass

Lerysha=www.fiftyfabandtraveling.com

Rosemary=Distinctly Southern Style

Melanie=Mels 2nd act

Kim=For a good life after 50

Spinach & Tortellini Soup Recipe

Spinach & Tortellini Soup topped with Parmesan cheese & served with a slice of homemade garlic Bread. So delicious, your Family will love it.

Tortellini soup

1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce

1 15.5oz can butter beans rinsed

2 cans water (rinse out tomato cans)

1 14.5oz can chicken broth

1 16oz bag chopped spinach

1 8oz bag cheese tortellini (save until about 15 min before serving)

1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning

1 Tablespoon dried chopped onion

1 teaspoon of salt & pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

Parmesan cheese for topping

Add all ingredients to a soup stock pan and simmer on med-low until boiling (except Tortellini and Parmesan)…. turn to low add tortellini let simmer 5 -10 min or until Tortellini is cooked. Dish up and top with Parmesan Cheese.

Serve with a loaf of garlic bread or crusty Bread

I created this soup a couple of years ago with items I had in my pantry, trying to create a yummy fast dinner. It’s been a quick go-to meal ever since. My Family loves Pasta and soups which make for a great combo. This soup makes a great comfort meal and is a great way to add some nutrients. It makes a big pot and is great for leftovers as well. I serve it with my Cheaters Homemade garlic bread! Recipe below.

Cheaters Homemade Garlic Bread! This Bread is so dang good I have to Make two loaves for this Family of 7!

Cheaters Homemade Garlic Bread

1 Loaf Rhodes Frozen Bread

1 cube butter

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

1 tablespoon Garlic Seasoning

1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

NOTE: This Bread is not for someone on a diet 🙂

First, Place the frozen loaf on a cooking sheet lined with a parchment paper, cover with a linen dishtowel.

(or cheesecloth) let rise. (follow directions on bag) Bread rising usually takes ALL day. I’ll get this ready at about 9:00 am to make for dinner around 6:00 pm. When risen bake at 350 until golden brown. (follow the direction on packaging.) While Bread is baking melt cube of butter in the microwave, then add garlic and seasoning and mix. When Bread is out of the oven, brush on a heavy coating of the Butter mixture. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes slice (Bread will still be warm and will sink, it’s ok), then coat each slice with more of the butter mixture. Serve hot and almost gooey

This Bread is a family favorite, and when my Family sees it on the counter in the morning, they literally jump for joy. They’ll eat two full loaves and if I would make three that would get eaten too. It’s so rich, soaked in butter and garlic it’s heavenly! I serve this Bread with soups, Pasta, and even salads. If you watch my instastories and I hope you do, you’ve seen me make it several times while stay at home was in place. ( heck probably one of the reasons I’ve gained 10 pounds!) 😛 How did it get its name? Well…Cheaters because well, your cheating and not making the loaf from scratch! Nobody’s got time for that! Insert Giggle! Hince, I named it My cheater’s homemade garlic bread.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s blog post, and I would love for you to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or are going to try it. Have a beautiful rest of your week! OX, D’Arcy

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Ben’s Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo! “This is so good it’s dangerous:)” say’s my mom. Thank goodness it’s so filling you can’t eat a full bowl…. Unless you’re a Vandenberg boy! 🙂

Bens Alfredo

For a serving of 4

1 cube of real Butter

1 heaping tablespoon garlic

1 Pint Heavy whipping cream

1 cup Asiago shredded cheese

1 cup shredded Romano

1/2 cup Parmesan

Salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in sauté pan when melted, add garlic, then cream, bring to a slow boil then start to add 1 cup of cheese at a time, first Asiago, the Romano lastly Parmesan cheese, and it gets to thick you can add a little more cream. Salt ad pepper to taste.

1 box Fettuccine noodles cooked per box direction

Dish up and serve with Asparagus or a salad and garlic bread. My garlic bread recipe is coming to the blog soon, it is on my Instagram in the highlights.

From our home to yours, Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo, You’ve been asking for it, and it’s finally made it to the blog. Rich, and creamy Alfredo, made with the best ingredients. Real Butter, heavy whipping cream, and tasty cheeses. Ben Started making this dish for me when we started dating. He learned how to make it from a friend, his family-owned, an Italian restaurant in Del Mar California that was known for making the Best fettuccine. Ben then started playing with the recipe and found this combination is the winner. This dish is decadent, rich, and oh so good. It’s a BIG request at our home, and if we have family in town, they request it as well.

With Quarantine in place, I know you have all been cooking way more than you usually do, I know I have. Hopefully, this will be a fun new recipe for you to try and maybe a little something different that can become a family favorite at your home. Quarantine has been the perfect time to share some of my favorite recipes with you, and I still have a couple more of your request to post. I promise I’ll get them up in the coming weeks even though it looks like we’re going to be getting relief from our kitchens as we start to see part of the country opening up if you’re like me you’ll still like to cook for your family just not as much. I sure am looking forward to a break.

Please let me know if you plan on trying this recipe below or if you do make this recipe, please come back and let me know how your family liked it.

Love this recipe? Try our oldest sons Bucca de Beppo’s copy of Spicy rigatoni Here.

Mother’s Day is less than two week’s away, and I’ve been sharing gift idea’s over at my LIKE TO KNOW IT, Here

Stay tuned for a Mother’s Day post next week. Have a beautiful day! OX, D’Arcy