Discover Delicious Delights: A Curated Collection of Recipes from My Time at Mom It Forward
For a wonderful stretch from July 2014 to January 2015, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a contributing blogger for the esteemed website, Mom It Forward. During my tenure, I had the pleasure of sharing a new recipe each week, bringing a mix of comfort, creativity, and culinary joy to their vibrant community. It was a period filled with delightful experiments in the kitchen, and now, I’m thrilled to revisit and share some of those cherished posts with you here. Prepare to be inspired – and perhaps, a little hungry! Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of napkins ready for any enthusiastic drooling.
Embarking on this culinary journey with Mom It Forward was an absolute blast, allowing me to connect with countless families seeking wholesome, delicious, and often easy-to-make recipes. The platform was a fantastic space to explore diverse meal ideas, from cozy winter warmers to fun holiday treats and healthy everyday staples. Below, you’ll find a handpicked selection of recipes that resonated deeply with the audience and became firm favorites in many households, including my own. Each dish tells a story, offering simple pleasures and satisfying flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a festive dessert, or a nourishing snack, this collection has something to tantalize your taste buds.
Warm Up & Boost Immunity: Winter Comforts and Healthy Starts
Vanilla Malt Dark Hot Chocolate: A Revelation for Non-Hot Chocolate Drinkers
Believe it or not, I’m typically not a fan of hot chocolate. My childhood memories of it are, shall we say, less than pleasant – bordering on traumatic, in fact! So, it might come as a genuine surprise when I tell you that I not only drank this Vanilla Malt Dark Hot Chocolate but absolutely loved it. This isn’t just any hot chocolate; it’s a rich, velvety concoction with the nostalgic sweetness of malt and the deep, complex notes of dark chocolate, elevated by a hint of vanilla. It’s a decadent experience that transforms a common beverage into an extraordinary treat. Perfect for those chilly evenings or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe single-handedly cured my hot chocolate aversion. I’m confident that even the most discerning palates, and perhaps even fellow hot chocolate skeptics, will find themselves utterly charmed by its comforting embrace. Give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite cold-weather drink!
Invigorating Winter Smoothie: Your Daily Dose of Health
As the cold, and often frigid, weather descends upon a significant portion of the country, bringing with it the perennial threat of colds and flu, it becomes more crucial than ever to nurture our bodies. This Winter Smoothie is designed precisely for that purpose: to bolster your immunity and provide a delicious, nutrient-packed start to your day. Forget the idea that smoothies are only for summer; this blend is a powerhouse of goodness, featuring frozen fruit for natural sweetness and chill, vibrant kale for a dose of greens and protein, and tiny chia seeds that pack a punch of antioxidants and healthy fats. It’s an incredibly kind way to fuel your body, ensuring you’re filling it with essential vitamins and minerals from the very first meal. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, this smoothie is not just a drink; it’s a breakfast solution that will keep that hungry tummy full and happy, helping you fight off seasonal ailments with every sip.
Hearty & Wholesome: Family Favorites for Any Day
Chicken Quinoa Casserole: Effortless Weeknight Perfection
Searching for a meal that is both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully convenient for those busy weeknights? Look no further than this Chicken Quinoa Casserole. This dish brilliantly marries tender chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and protein-packed quinoa into a harmonious blend that’s not only easy to assemble but also exceptionally delicious. It’s the kind of casserole that comes together with minimal fuss, making it a lifesaver when time is short, but you still want to serve a wholesome, home-cooked meal. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that the entire family will eagerly anticipate. Healthy, hearty, and hassle-free, this casserole is poised to become a regular fixture in your weekly meal rotation, proving that nutritious and tasty can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
Homemade Chocolate Graham Crackers: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Have you ever considered making your own graham crackers from scratch? Many people might find the idea daunting, but I’m here to tell you, it’s surprisingly easier than you might imagine, and the results are truly spectacular! These Homemade Chocolate Graham Crackers take a beloved classic and infuse it with a delightful cocoa twist, adding a layer of rich flavor that sets them apart from anything you’d buy at the store. The texture is perfectly crisp, and the subtle chocolate taste makes them incredibly addictive. They are absolutely ideal as an after-school snack, especially when paired with a generous smear of peanut butter, creating a satisfying and nostalgic treat. Knowing exactly what goes into them also adds a wonderful peace of mind, making these homemade delights a much healthier and more flavorful alternative. Prepare to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet sensational recipe!
Homemade Fruit Leather: A Wholesome Snack, Made with Love
In a world full of processed snacks, there’s something incredibly reassuring about making treats at home, and this Homemade Fruit Leather is a prime example. When you craft it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that it’s far superior and healthier for both you and your children compared to the store-bought versions laden with artificial additives. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what’s going into your food is invaluable. This recipe allows you to create vibrant, chewy, and naturally sweet fruit leathers using real fruit, preserving its goodness in a fun and portable format. It’s an ideal after-school snack, a delightful addition to lunchboxes, or even a guilt-free sweet treat for adults. Embrace the simplicity and health benefits of homemade goodness with this fantastic recipe – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Seasonal Delights & Irresistible Desserts: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole: A Year-Round Side Dish Sensation
While often associated with Thanksgiving feasts, this Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is far too delicious to be relegated to just one holiday a year. It’s a magnificent side dish that deserves a place on your table throughout all seasons! This recipe takes the inherent sweetness of sweet potatoes and enhances it with the rich, warm notes of maple syrup, creating an unbelievably delectable foundation. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there; it’s crowned with an irresistible brown sugar and oat topping that adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of sweetness. For those who love a classic touch, don’t forget the fluffy marshmallows melting on top, adding a creamy, caramelized finish. This casserole is so incredibly good, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself reaching for seconds, regardless of the calendar month. Enjoy this comforting classic anytime you crave a taste of pure culinary bliss!
Peppermint Cookies and Cream Fudge: A Sweet Treat for Any Celebration
Who can honestly resist the allure of a piece, or perhaps two, of perfectly crafted fudge? This Peppermint Cookies and Cream Fudge is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself, making it an ideal choice for Game Day parties, festive holiday gatherings, or even a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise. But let’s be real – I give you full permission to enjoy this exquisite confection any time of the year! Its vibrant peppermint flavor combined with the delightful crunch of cookies and the creamy richness of fudge creates an irresistible treat that’s incredibly hard to put down. The refreshing mint, sweet chocolate, and satisfying texture make it a multi-sensory delight. Be warned: once you taste this flavorful creation, you’ll find reasons to make it far beyond the holidays. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite!
Comfort Food Classics: Warming Meals for Chilly Days
Slow Cooker Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread: The Ultimate Cold Weather Duo
When the cold temperatures bite, there’s an undeniable craving for soul-warming comfort food, and few dishes deliver like a hearty bowl of chili. This Slow Cooker Chili is an absolute dream for warming you up from the inside out, offering deep, rich flavors that develop beautifully over hours. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, meaning you can toss in the ingredients, set it, and truly “fuggedaboudit” (forget about it!) while it simmers to perfection, freeing you from hovering over the stove. And what’s chili without its perfect companion? This dish is made even better, even more exceptional, when accompanied by a slice of fluffy, slightly spicy Jalapeño Cornbread. The cornbread’s sweet and savory notes, coupled with a gentle kick of jalapeño, perfectly complement the robust flavors of the chili. Together, they create an unbeatable duo that defines comfort on a cold winter’s day.
Turkey Tetrazzini: A Versatile Meal for Any Time
After a grand Thanksgiving feast, everyone is inevitably on the hunt for delicious and creative ways to utilize leftover turkey. This Turkey Tetrazzini not only fits the bill perfectly but actually elevates it to a whole new level! It’s a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish that transforms post-holiday poultry into a culinary highlight. But why limit yourself to just one time of year? You absolutely don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this magnificent meal. Simply pick up some ground turkey from the store, cook it up in a skillet, and BOOM – you’ve got the foundation for Turkey Tetrazzini all year long! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, comforting pasta bake that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for any weeknight. This recipe is a testament to versatility, offering a delightful meal that can be savored whenever the craving strikes.
Spooky & Sweet: Halloween Treats and Other Delights
Witch’s Fingers: The Ultimate Spooky Snack
Embrace the spirit of Halloween with these delightfully creepy Witch’s Fingers! As unsettlingly realistic as these appetizers appear, they are equally as fun to eat, making them an absolute hit at any spooky gathering. Kids, in particular, get an enormous kick out of their ghoulish appearance, giggling with delight as they pick up a “finger” to munch on. But don’t let their eerie aesthetic fool you – they are remarkably tasty too! Crafted from cheddar cheese and topped with an almond ‘fingernail’, they offer a savory, cheesy crunch that appeals to all ages. These are more than just a snack; they’re a playful edible decoration that adds a huge dose of character to your Halloween spread. Be sure to put these on your to-do list for next Halloween; they’re guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a memorable party favor!
Halloween Pumpkin Cupcakes: Cute Creepiness for Your Party
Spiders are synonymous with Halloween, embodying that perfect blend of creepy and intriguing. However, not everyone wants them crawling all over their party spread! These Halloween Pumpkin Cupcakes offer the perfect solution, featuring adorable little spiders perched neatly atop a whimsical spider web design, ensuring they stay put on your delicious pumpkin-flavored treats. These cupcakes are a fantastic way to infuse your Halloween celebration with a touch of “cute creepiness” that appeals to both children and adults alike. The warm, inviting flavor of pumpkin perfectly complements the festive decorations, making them a delightful dessert that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. They’re easy to decorate and guarantee smiles, making your Halloween party truly memorable and deliciously thematic.
Milky Way Cheesecake Pie: A Decadent Dream Come True
Among the many wonderful recipes I developed for Mom It Forward, this Milky Way Cheesecake Pie stands out as one of my absolute favorites, and for very good reason! This pie is an incredible convergence of rich, creamy cheesecake and the irresistible caramel-nougat goodness of Milky Way candy bars. The result is a dessert that is unbelievably delicious, deeply satisfying, and was a unanimous hit with my entire family. I initially discovered the inspiration for this gem in Lori Lange’s celebrated cookbook, “The Recipe Girl Cookbook: Dishing Out the Best Recipes for Entertaining and Every Day,” and I’m so glad I did! It’s a truly decadent creation that combines two beloved treats into one unforgettable experience. Be forewarned: this pie is so good, you may find yourself needing to go back for a second slice (or even a third!). Prepare for a dessert experience that will utterly captivate your taste buds.
Explore More & Stay Connected
I hope you’ve enjoyed this delightful stroll down memory lane, revisiting these special recipes from my time at Mom It Forward. Each dish represents a labor of love, designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen. While you’re exploring these culinary creations, I highly encourage you to make a visit to the Mom It Forward blog. It’s a vibrant hub filled with a treasure trove of content beyond just recipes; you’ll discover invaluable parenting tips, engaging family projects, and countless other inspiring ideas shared by a community of talented bloggers.
The platform is a fantastic resource for families everywhere, and I truly believe you’ll find something wonderful to enrich your daily life. If any of these recipes or the content on Mom It Forward resonates with you, please consider sharing the love! Pin your favorites on Pinterest, tweet about them on Twitter, or share them with your friends and family on Facebook. Your support helps spread these wonderful ideas far and wide, benefiting even more families. Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey!
Sending you the biggest baking hugs and warmest muffins!