Tag: easy

Chocolate Chip French Toast

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It’s Wednesday again! This week I have a recipe for you – Chocolate Chip French Toast!

French toast is one of my all-time favorite breakfast foods (check out a cinnamon sugar French toast sticks recipe here). Add some chocolate chips? Perfection.

It’s super annoying to be the one standing at the stove while everyone else digs in, so I bake the French toast to get a delicious fluffy texture and ensure that it’s ready all at once.

Enjoy!

French Toast

  • Servings: 5
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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Perfect for a weekend morning!

Ingredients

  • 2 c. milk
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 12 to 15 slices of bread – you can use whatever kind you like. I use white sandwich bread.
  • 1/2 c. chocolate chips
  • dash of salt
  • butter or oil for cooking
  • powdered sugar – optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except chocolate chips, bread, powdered sugar, and butter.
  2. Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in the pan.
  3. Soak thick slices of bread in the egg mixture and place on the pan, cooking for about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Place cooked slices on a greased cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  5. Top with powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips
  6. Enjoy!

Nutrition


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Today’s Furry Moments (human) Recipe Compilation

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Today I thought it would be cool to do a quick recap of all the recipes I have posted so far this year. (All the recipes for human consumption, I mean. I’ll make the animal recipes another post!) Enjoy, and please let me know what your favorite is!

Each recipe will be linked with a picture and a quick excerpt from the original post or a comment from me.

Strawberry Mango Sherbet – Healthy, Dairy Free and 5 ingredients!

Summer is fast approaching, and with it come the sweltering temps and the it’s-too-hot-to-turn-on-the-oven days. So, here is a sweet, tangy, cold, refreshing and fruity treat. Strawberry Mango Sherbet! It can be made in a blender or food-processor, no fancy ice-cream machine required. 

Maple Glazed Popcorn

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a human recipe (check out a chicken treat recipe here). But it’s maple-sugaring season for those of us in the northeast, and that calls for a special recipe! So, here’s a sweet and salty maple popcorn recipe. It’s only 5 ingredients and takes 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp has always been my go-to dessert or breakfast item. It’s delicious hot or cold, it’s not too fancy or too casual, and it’s not just for autumn. It’s so easy and only requires a few basic ingredients. You can even make it in the microwave! 

Dark Chocolate Frosting!

Chocolate frosting is my absolute favorite. I could it it straight, no cake required. But I could never find a recipe where the balance of creaminess and chocolate was just right. So, I made my own recipe!

This tastes like a chocolate bar was magically turned into frosting – very chocolaty, rich and creamy.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Hershey's kiss cookies

I love these cookies! They’re super easy, delicious, and this recipe makes enough for a crowd. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

There are many different myths about French toast’s origins. While we may never know which one is true, we do know that French toast is delicious. And it can be made even more delicious by cutting it into French toast sticks and adding cinnamon sugar! Frozen French toast sticks can be found in the freezer aisle of almost any grocery store. But none can rival the homemade version, which is what I now present to you…

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Microwave Granola Bars

This is probably one of my all-time favorite recipes. It takes only 6 ingredients and you can throw it together in less than 6 minutes. Whenever I make these, my family devours them immediately! Also, they have 8g of protein!

Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter frosting is probably my favorite frosting of all. But I can never find a recipe that is “just right,” so I invented a new one! Definitely for the peanut butter lover – this has strong peanut flavor and isn’t too sweet. The secret ingredient is the vanilla extract, which really makes this recipe shine. The frosting may be thick, if so, you can add a little more milk.

Are you hungry yet? 😂 Now you can go bake one of these treats!

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My Favorite Apple Crisp Recipe

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Apple crisp has always been my go-to dessert or breakfast item. It’s delicious hot or cold, it’s not too fancy or too casual, and it’s not just for autumn. It’s so easy and only requires a few basic ingredients. You can even make it in the microwave! (This is my fav microwave apple crisp on Allrecipes). Add a scoop of my favorite salted caramel ice cream and perfection!

A quick bit of history for you – The first mention of apple crisp (aka apple crumble) was in a 1924 cookbook. During World War II, apple crisp rose in popularity due to rationing of ingredients for the more traditional apple pie.

Today I’m sharing my favorite apple crisp recipe. This is modified from a recipe in a cookbook so old and well loved that it’s missing a cover and half the pages. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

Tip: For the best results, use a mix of apples. I like to use at least one variety of tart/cooking apple with at least one variety of sweeter apple, for example, Courtland and Gala apples. For the apple crisp in the picture, I used Granny Smith and a sweet hybrid eating variety.

(A quick note: I was going to post some cold doggie treat recipes, but Winnie needs to lose weight, so she can’t test my recipes! 😂)

Apple Crisp

  • Servings: 16
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

Apple crisp for any time of day and any season of the year.


Ingredients

  • 8 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1 c. rolled or quick oats
  • 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2/3 c. butter, softened

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375. Grease bottom and sides of a 9 by 13 baking dish with butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss together apple slices, vanilla, and lemon juice
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, incorporate butter until crumbly.
  4. Spread the apples in the bottom of a 9 by 13 baking dish. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over apples.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, if needed. Topping will be golden brown, apples will be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
  6. Enjoy! Serve cold or hot, or add ice cream!

Strawberry Mango Sherbet – Healthy, Dairy Free and 5 ingredients!

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Summer is fast approaching, and with it come the sweltering temps and the it’s-too-hot-to-turn-on-the-oven days. So, here is a sweet, tangy, cold, refreshing and fruity treat. Strawberry Mango Sherbet! It can be made in a blender or food-processor, no fancy ice-cream machine required. This dairy free mango version was adapted from this 5-Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt recipe by Just a Taste.

What I love about this recipe is that it is totally customizable. You can add more sweetness with an extra drop of honey, make it more tart with some lemon juice, or change up the flavor of the dairy free yogurt. Sub agave or maple syrup for a vegan version. It’s all really up to you!

This recipe is quick and easy and can be stored in the freezer for weeks. Be sure to let it thaw for several minutes before serving.

Strawberry Mango Sherbet

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

A fresh, cold and sweet frozen treat.

You can serve with a sprig of mint, as in the picture.

Ingredients

  • 2 c. frozen mango chunks
  • 2 c. frozen whole strawberries
  • 2 1/2 T honey (make it vegan with agave or maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 5oz carton dairy free yogurt alternative (I used Silk Strawberry Almondmilk yogurt)

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in blender or food processor and process until smooth.
  2. Eat! or freeze for later.

If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!

Chicken Bandannas! (yes, really! they’re adorable!)

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Bandannas are just awesome. They have so many uses, and there are so many different colors and patterns to choose from! So why shouldn’t our chickens get to enjoy the bandanna-ness? Here is the solution: A 10 minute bandanna craft for chickens!

**It is dangerous to let your chickens wear bandannas unsupervised, because they can get caught on things and potentially injure the bird. However, these bandannas are perfect for a photo op!**

(Check out my article on dogs and bandannas!)

I’m not great at sewing, but these are super easy! I used them to quickly identify two of my Silkies for a project I was working on.

Materials:

12 inch square of fabric

1 fabric snap

Thread and needle

Hot glue/regular glue

  1. Hem 2 sides of the fabric, 3/4 of an inch in

2. With the patterned side down, fold the side that isn’t hemmed to make a triangle.

3. Roll over the top of the triangle until it is the right size for your chicken. You can always adjust this later.

4. Glue on the fabric snaps. One will be on the outside of the collar, one on the inside. Before you glue, double-check that they will fasten correctly.

5. Make sure the glue dries completely before putting it on your chicken. It should fit loosely.

6. Chicken fashion show!

Chicken fashion show!
Fancy Pants the chicken is showing off her new bandanna!

The Best Dark Chocolate Frosting

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Chocolate frosting is my absolute favorite. I could it it straight, no cake required. But I could never find a recipe where the balance of creaminess and chocolate was just right. So, I made my own recipe!

This tastes like a chocolate bar was magically turned into frosting – very chocolaty, rich and creamy.

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, just butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. The secret is reducing the milk for a creamy, delicious texture. You can probably substitute evaporated milk, but I like to use lactose free milk, which means I have to make my own evaporated milk. One batch will be enough to frost an 8-inch 2-layer cake, but you may want to make an extra batch just to eat. Make 1/2 batch just for a chocolate cake filling.

Dark Chocolate Frosting

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

A rich, creamy chocolate frosting, perfect for cakes or cupcakes.

Ingredients

  • 1 c. milk (I used lactose-free 2%, you can probably sub any kind you want)*
  • 5 c. powdered sugar
  • 7/8 c. cocoa powder**
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 c. butter
  1. Combine cocoa and powdered sugar in medium bowl.
  2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter
  3. In a small saucepan, simmer milk, stirring constantly, until it has the consistency of evaporated milk. It should be reduced by about 50 to 70%
  4. Place saucepan in a bowl of cold water, stirring constantly until the milk comes to room temperature.
  5. Alternate adding the cocoa/powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of the reduced milk to the bowl of the electric mixer on medium speed.
  6. Add the vanilla
  7. Whip the frosting on high speed for 30 seconds
  8. Frost immediately & enjoy!

*You can try to sub 1/3 c. evaporated milk if you want, and skip steps 3 and 4 (I haven’t tried this, so let me know how it goes). **7/8 cups is 14 tablespoons. Frosting may need to be re-whipped if refrigerated for more than an hour.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks – easy and delicious!

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French toast is perhaps one of the most iconic breakfast foods. It was even eaten in the Roman empire in the 5th century! Yes, that’s right, French toast existed even before France was a country.

There are many different myths about French toast’s origins. While we may never know which one is true, we do know that French toast is delicious. And it can be made even more delicious by cutting it into French toast sticks and adding cinnamon sugar! Frozen French toast sticks can be found in the freezer aisle of almost any grocery store. But none can rival the homemade version, which is what I now present to you…

This recipe can be made with any type of bread. Use hamburger rolls, frozen waffles, whole wheat, or Texas toast. It’s a great way to use up old bread. We also used 8 silkie bantam eggs in our recipe, which is 4 regular eggs.

Frying up some hamburger rolls as French toast sticks

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

Sweet and buttery French toast sticks with Cinnamon Sugar.


Recipe by todaysfurrymoments

Ingredients

  • 10 slices of bread (waffles, rolls, whole wheat, Texas toast, etc.)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 heaping Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • Butter, for the pan
    • Topping
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Directions

  1. Cut each piece of bread into 3-4 sticks
  2. Mix all ingredients for topping and set aside
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, syrup, nutmeg, and sugar.
  4. In a large pan, melt several tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  5. Dip bread sticks into milk/egg mixture and place in pan. Cook until browned, flipping halfway through.
  6. Coat with topping mixture.
  7. ENJOY!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Microwave Granola Bars!

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I recently rediscovered my recipe for peanut butter chocolate granola bars. I originally posted it back in July 2020. However, I think it’s time for a re-post, since I’ve finally figured out how to use the WordPress recipe shortcode.

These are the perfect snack – quick, portable, filling, and delicious. And you don’t even have to turn on the oven – it’s all made in the microwave with only 6 ingredients. Enjoy!

Microwave Granola Bars

  • Servings: 9
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

Easy peanut butter and chocolate granola bars - made in the microwave. They also have 8 grams of protein!



An original recipe by todaysfurrymoments

Ingredients

  • 2 c. quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 c. maple syrup, honey, or light corn syrup
  • 1/4 c. butter
  • 1/2 c. chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Combine oats and brown sugar in medium bowl
  2. Melt butter and soften peanut butter in microwave
  3. Add melted butter, maple syrup and softened peanut butter to the oats and brown sugar mixture. Stir well.
  4. Press into greased 9 in. square baking dish and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Rotate dish and microwave for another 1 1/2 minutes.
    5. 5. Scatter chocolate chips on top. Microwave on 30% power for 3 minutes, or until chocolate chips have melted. Spread chocolate chips across bars with a spatula.
  5. Let bars harden for about 30 minutes. Then slice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Per Serving: 291 calories; 16.2 g fat; 30.3 g carbohydrates; 7.6 g protein; 16 mg cholesterol; 49 mg sodium.

Looking for some more awesome snack recipes? Check this out: 10 Minute Maple Glazed Popcorn

5 Ways to Amuse Your Cat for $0

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All cats need some sort of stimulation. Playing helps keep your cat fit and happy. But there’s no need to pay ridiculous amounts for a mechanical mouse or other fancy toy that your cat will destroy or get bored of in five minutes. While storebought toys can be great for some cats, my cat much prefers batting around pipecleaners, paper and other household objects. Simple things, such as placing an armchair next to the window for them, can also greatly improve the quality of your cat’s life.

1. The Cardboard Box

Many cat owners know that as soon as the latest Amazon order gets unpacked, the cat is likely to claim the box as a naptime spot. Recycle your boxes to make cat tunnels, beds, climbing structures, caves and more. Even just a medium-sized one left upright or on its side is sure to please your cat.

2. Grass

Some pet owners don’t like to give their felines grass because they hear it may make them throw up. In fact, grass contains many nutrients and works as a natural laxative. Some cats may throw up after eating too much grass because the cat digestive system isn’t meant for breaking down plant matter. But the grass helps move other undigestable stuff out of their system. A nibble or two once in a while will help your cat with hairballs, passing bones from prey and many other things. A small pot of pesticide, herbicide free grass for your feline will be very beneficial for them.

Photo by Alex .B on Pexels.com

3. Toys from household objects

Crumpled paper, pipecleaners and feathers all make great cat toys. Pompoms and balls of yarn also work. Beware of certain household objects such as plastic bags, because your cat can suffocate or eat the plastic. Paper bags make great toys though, just cut off the handles so your cat can’t get stuck.

Looks like that paper bag is a tight fit!

4. The Window

Does your cat have a comfortable spot next to a window to watch the outside? Many cats can spend hour stalking chipmunks, birds and squirrels through the glass. Place a scratching post or armchair near a window for your cat to perch on. If you have a bird feeder in your yard, make sure that your feline friend can see it from the window.

Photo by Buenosia Carol on Pexels.com

5. DIY Toys

My cat loves homemade toys. In fact, she won’t use the store bought ones at all! Check out these links for some DIY cat toys, scratchers, and more!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Well, there you go. Five ways to amuse your cat and provide them with stimulation and entertainment for a happier life. Best thing is, these take no time at all and cost just about nothing. Got ideas to add? Comment down below!

Microwave Granola Bars

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With the heat of summer at its height, no one wants to turn on the oven or stove. But we all have times when we crave the chocolatey, nut-buttery goodness that is homemade granola bars. These are so much healthier than their store-bought counterparts and so much easier to make than the traditional homemade granola bar.

Scroll down for full recipe.

With only 6 ingredients, these granola bars are a breeze.

Your first step is to combine the brown sugar and oats in a medium sized bowl.

Next, soften the peanut butter and melt the butter in the microwave. In my experience, the peanut butter takes about 30 seconds, and the butter about 40 seconds, but microwaves vary. Keep that in mind while executing the rest of the recipe.

Add butter, peanut butter and maple syrup to oats and brown sugar. Stir well. Press the mixture into a greased 9 in. square microwave-safe dish.

Time to mike it! Microwave uncovered on 100% power for 1 1/2 minutes, then rotate the dish and mike it for another 1 1/2 minutes. Scatter chocolate chips on top. (Oops, sorry about the sideways picture!)

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Microwave again on 30% power for 3 minutes, or until chips are melty. Use a silicone spatula to spread the chips over the tops of the bars.

Now comes the hard part – waiting for the bars to set. Pop them in the fridge for half an hour to firm up. Then slice and enjoy!

Ingredients

Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Chill: 30 min Servings: 8

  • 1/2 c. natural peanut butter*
  • 1/2 c. chocolate chips
  • 2 c. quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 c. butter
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. maple syrup
  1. Combine oats and brown sugar in medium bowl
  2. Melt butter and soften peanut butter in microwave
  3. Add melted butter, maple syrup and softened peanut butter to the oats and brown sugar mixture. Stir well.
  4. Press into greased 9 in. square baking dish and microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Rotate dish and microwave for another 1 1/2 minutes.
  5. Scatter chocolate chips on top. Microwave on 30% power for 3 minutes, or until chocolate chips have melted. Spread chocolate chips across bars with a spatula.
  6. Let bars harden in fridge for about 30 minutes. Then slice and enjoy!

Notes

*Although I have not tested it, this recipe could probably work with other nut butters for those with peanut allergies

Feel free to experiment with this recipe, and let me know how it goes in the comments down below!