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Happylifeblogspot

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How To Spend A Weekend In The Finger Lakes Part 2

How To Spend A Weekend In The Finger Lakes Part 2

One day in the Finger Lakes just wasn’t enough for us so we continued west to Watkins Glen State Park. This is one of those swoon worthy places that you’ll constantly see on popping up on your Facebook and Instagram feeds so naturally I have […]

How to Spend a Weekend in the Finger Lakes Part 1

How to Spend a Weekend in the Finger Lakes Part 1

Summer is coming and you’re gonna wanna be ready for it! If you’re anything like me then you’ve already started day dreaming about all of the warm weather possibilities that are right around the corner. You absolutely have to set aside a long weekend to […]

Asiago Mashed Cauliflower

Asiago Mashed Cauliflower

Why make plain ole mashed cauliflower when you can make Asiago Mashed Cauliflower? This low carb mashed potato alternative is the best mashed cauliflower recipe to try. The secret lies in its ingredients. Tangy cream cheese adds richness and texture while asiago cheese lends comfort and creaminess to the mix. It’s got LOTS of flavor too which means you can keep the carbs low but the satisfaction level high. And it’s even easier to make than traditional mashed potatoes. Try this delicious side dish in place of the starchy alternative tonight! It’ll only cost ya less than 30 minutes of your time.

Here’s all you’ll need: cauliflower, sea salt, cream cheese, shredded asiago, butter, parsley, and pepper. Asiago Mashed Cauliflower ingredients list #cauliflower #ketocauliflower #lowcarbsidedish #lowcarbdinnerideas #mashedcauliflower #asiagomashedcauliflower

This recipe is so easy! All you need is a few simple steps and we’ll have this one on the table before you know it. Using a paring knife, trim the cauliflower into small pieces, about 1 inch a piece. The more bitesize the better since it’s all going to get mashed up anyways!1-inch pieces of cauliflower sliced on a cutting board. #asiagocauliflower #mashedcauliflower #bestmashedcauliflower #howtomakemashedcauliflower #easyketosidedish #easyketorecipes

Next grab a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Place the cauliflower in the saucepan and add just enough water to cover. Sprinkle in the sea salt and bring to a boil. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is very tender. Drain and cool slightly. Cauliflower covered with water in a large saucepan on a stovetop burner. #cauliflowerrecipes #bestcauliflowerrecipes #bestlowcarbsidedishes #easylowcarbsidedishes #dinnerrecipes #holidayrecipes #healthyrecipes #mashedcauliflower

Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add in the cream cheese, butter, asiago cheese, parsley, and pepper. Don’t have any asiago cheese handy. Swap it for Parmesan instead!Cauliflower, asiago cheese, cream cheese, butter, parsley and pepper are added to a large bowl. #cauliflowermash #mashedcauliflower #bestmashedcauliflower #howtomakemashedcauliflower #potatoalternatives

Mix slowly with a hand mixer. Increase the speed and blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively you can toss all of the same ingredients into a food processor. Process until well blended. Either way, you’ll end up with a nice, smooth and creamy Asiago Mashed Cauliflower.  The ingredients are blended together in a large bowl until smooth and cream. #mashedcauliflower #asiagomashedcauliflower #creamycauliflower #cheesycauliflower #cauliflowerdinnerrecipes #cauliflowersidedish #dinnersidedish

And there you have it! A simple, delicious, ready in minutes dinner side dish to compliment just about any meal. Wanna keep dinner simple AND low carb? Try My All Time Favorite Steak Marinade or my Best Grilled Pork Chops Marinade to complete the meal.

Asiago Mashed Cauliflower by Happylifeblogstop.com #asiagomashedcauliflower #mashedcauliflower #cauliflowermash #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarbsidedish #ketorecipes #ketosidedish #ketomashedcauliflower #ketocauliflower #cauliflowerrecipes #howtomashcauliflower

Asiago Mashed Cauliflower

April 11, 2021
: 4 servings
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
  • Step 1 Using a paring knife, trim the cauliflower into small pieces, about 1 inch a piece.
  • Step 2 Place the cauliflower and sea salt in a large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is very tender. Drain and cool slightly.
  • Step 3 Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add in the cream cheese, butter, asiago cheese, parsley, and pepper. Mix slowly with a hand mixer. Increase the speed and blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively you can toss all of the same ingredients into a food processor. Process until well blended. Enjoy!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us your comments and love down below.

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Brandy Glazed Carrots

Brandy Glazed Carrots

Elevate any dinner by adding Brandy Glazed Carrots to the menu. You’ll be amazed at the way brandy can transform the same old carrot dish into something quite special. Fresh baby carrots are cooked until tender, simmered in a mixture of honey and butter with […]

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is my go to recipe when I need breakfast on the table in a jiffy! This delicious egg and sausage bake will make the whole crowd happy. And it’s so easy to pull off that it’ll make you happy too. The […]

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

I was one of those kids that never liked Brussels Sprouts. Heck I don’t even think I tasted one til I was well into adulthood. Then along came Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to change my mind. The combination of sweet maple syrup, smokey bacon and crunchy pecans turns this side dish into quite the tasty treat! But it’s not just the flavor that makes this dish a winner, it’s also the cooking method. You’ll find that these sprouts are cooked to absolute perfection; not too crunchy and not at all mushy. Don’t be surprised if you start popping this green veggie like candy. No matter what they’re served with this little green powerhouse will steal the show. I know I’ll be going for seconds!

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts ingredients list #brusselsprouts #brusselssrouts #maplebaconbrusselssprouts #sidedish #holidaysidedish

First things first Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts wouldn’t be as tasty without the bacon. This is not an ingredient that you want to skip! Start by roughly cutting the bacon into chunks. Then add the bacon to a skillet and cook over medium heat until it gets nice and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and blot it with paper towels to remove any excess grease. Discard any remaining grease in the skillet and wipe clean.Crispy bacon pieces cooking in a large skillet over medium heat. #maplebaconbrusselssprouts #baconbrusselssprouts #brusselssprouts #baconrecipes #dinnersidedishNext we’ve gotta wash and trim the Brussels sprouts. Using a knife, slice off the ends and remove any leaves that aren’t quite top notch. We want our sprouts to look as perfect as they’re gonna taste. Cut an “X” into the core of each sprout. No need to go deep, a quarter of an inch will do just fine.
Brussels sprouts are washed and trimmed. Then an "X" is cut into the core. #brusselssprouts #healthysidedish #healthydinnerideas #maplebaconbrusselsprouts #eastersidedish #holidayrecips

Place 6 Tablespoons of butter into the same skillet. Heat over medium until the butter us melted. Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and saute about 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Give the sprouts a stir once or twice while cooking.Brussels sprouts cooking in butter in a large skillet over medium heat. #maplebaconbrusselssprouts #brusselssprouts #holidaysidedish #dinnerrecipes #dinnerideas #healthyrecipes #healthydinnerrecipes

Mix in the chicken broth, pecans, maple syrup, and salt and pepper. I love that this recipe using classic ingredients that you probably already have on hand, but packs such a wallop of flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover the skillet and continue to cook and stir for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender.Chicken broth, pecans, maple syrup, salt and pepper are added to the Brussels sprouts skillet. #maplebaconbrusselssprouts #baconbrusselssprouts #maplebrusselssprouts #howtocookbrusselssprouts #cleaneating #dinnerrecipes

Sprinkle in the bacon and enjoy! Congratulations!! You just cooked up a batch of the most delicious Brussels sprouts that you’ve ever tasted. Maple Bacon Brussels sprouts are simple, they’re delicious, and they’re most definitely a side dish you can feel good about. Wanna make it a meal? Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts pairs perfectly with our Apple Cider Pork Chops or Grilled Spatchcocked ChickenMaple Bacon Brussels Sprouts by Happylifeblogspot #brusselssorouts #brusselsprouts #maplebaconbrusselsssprouts #baconbrusselssprouts #healthysidedish #vegetablesidedish #holidaysidedish #christmassidedish #thanksgivingsidedish #stpatricksday #healthydinnerideas #healthyrecipes #greenfood

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

March 14, 2021
: 8
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 10 bacon strips, chopped
  • 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
  • Step 1 Roughly cut the bacon into chunks. Add the bacon to a skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon. Blot with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Discard remaining grease from the skillet and wipe clean.
  • Step 2 Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts. Slice off the ends and remove any wilting leaves. Cut an “X” into the core of each sprout, about 1/4 inch deep.
  • Step 3 Heat 6 Tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the Brussels sprouts and saute over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir occasionally.
  • Step 4 Mix in the chicken broth, pecans, maple syrup, and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover the skillet and continue to cook and stir for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender.
  • Step 5 Sprinkle in the bacon and enjoy!!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us your comments and love down below.

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Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are my favorite way to spread Christmas cheer! This nostalgic butter cookie has a rich almond flavor and is a Christmas staple in our house. It takes a little time and practice to get that perfect red and white swirl but I promise […]

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash is stuffed full with as much goodness as we could possibly cram into one recipe. This healthy but flavorful Fall dish is filled with savory sausage, good for you vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices to tantalize your tastebuds. It’s low […]

Butterfinger Cheesecake

Butterfinger Cheesecake

Whether you’re looking to use up that leftover Halloween candy that’s hanging around or brainstorming an epic Thanksgiving spread that will knock everyone’s socks off, Butterfinger Cheesecake fits the bill perfectly. Cheesecake is such an amazing dessert on its own but when you toss in crispy, crunchy Butterfinger bits, a chocolate cookie crust, and top it off with a drizzle of butterscotch, it makes for one tempting concoction that is just too good to pass up. This splurge-worthy dessert is everything a cheesecake should be, thick, rich, creamy and ever so indulgent! Cheesecake can seem like a challenge at first, but this recipe is easy to prepare and great for all those newbies out there. Let’s get baking!

Here’s all you’ll need: chocolate wafers, butter, cream cheese, white sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, eggs, Butterfinger candy bars and butterscotch topping.

Butterfinger Cheesecake ingredients list #cheesecake #butterfingercheesecake #butterfingerrecipes #dessert #leftoverhalloweencandyrecipes #thanksgivingdessert #holidaydessertideas

First things first, let’s get that chocolate cookie base started. Crush the chocolate wafer cookies in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor handy, you can put the cookies in a sealed Ziploc bag and crush with a heavy rolling pin or mallet. This recipe was tested with a mixture of chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate animal crackers but any chocolate cookie will do. Oreo cookies or chocolate graham crackers work wonderfully too. Stir in the melted butter and mix to combine.
Chocolate cookies and melted butter are mixed together in a small bowl. #cheesecake #homemadecheesecake#chocolatecookiecrust #howtomakecheesecake #butterfingercheesecake

Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Press the cookie crumbs and butter mixture onto the bottom of the pan and up the sides as well. The bottom of a spoon or measuring up helps to get a nice and sturdy base. Set aside.

A springform pan is a type of bakeware that features sides that can be removed from the base. They’re typically used in cheesecake baking and a great addition to your bakeware arsenal. However if you don’t have one available you can substitute a 9-inch deep dish pie pan instead. The chocolate cookie mixture is pressed into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. #cheesecake #cheesecakefromscratch #cheesecakecrust #chocolatepiecrust #butterfingercheesecake #holidayrecipes #cheesecakerecipes

Next add the softened cream cheese and sugar to a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Softened cream cheese is key. You can achieve softness by letting the cream cheese sit at room temperature for an hour or so or microwave in very small increments until the cream cheese pliable and easy to work with. Blend in the heavy cream and vanilla extract as well. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl. No clumps left behind!
Cream cheese, white sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract are added to a large bowl and blended together with an electric hand mixer. #cheesecakerecipes #butterfingercheesecake #holidaydessertrecipes #holidaydessertideas #halloweencandyrecipes #butterfingerrecipes #candybardessert #candybarcheesecake

Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat at the lowest speed until just combined. Less is more. Over mixing the batter causes air bubbles. Air in the batter will cause the cheesecake to rise and fall during baking which can result in cracks on the surface of the cheesecake. Room temperature ingredients will also help in achieving a picture perfect crack-free cheesecake.Eggs are blended into the cream cheese mixture one at a time. #cheesecakerecipe #howtomakeacheesecake #dessertrecipes #holidayrecipes #holidaydesserts #butterfingercheesecake #butterfingerrecipe

Then fold in the chopped candy bar pieces by hand. We used 10 fun size Butterfingers which is equal to about 3 full size. Of course since this is a Butterfinger Cheesecake we used Butterfingers, but you could mix it up with any of your favorite candy bars. Snickers, Milk Way, or Peanut Butter Cups would be my top recommendations! I’d love to hear yours!! If your candy bars are too crumbly or hard to chop, toss them in the freezer for a bit to firm them up before slicing.Butterfinger candy bars are folded into the cheesecake batter by hand #butterfinger #butterfingerdessert #butterfingercheesecake #cheesecakefromscratch #easycheesecakerecipe #howtomakecheesecake #cheesecaketutorial

Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Gently drop the pan against the countertop a few times to bring any air bubbles to the top. Bake in a 325 degree preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the center is almost set. A small portion of the center (2-3 inch) may wobble slightly and that’s a good indication that the cheesecake is done. If you notice a large portion of the center (say 5 inches) is still wet and jiggly, the cheesecake needs more time.

Alrighty! Time to test your patience and willpower, but I promise it will all be worth it in the end. Once the cheesecake has set, turn off the oven, and crack the door open slightly. The key to a cheesecake with no cracks is to cool it very slowly. Continue to cool in the open oven for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven, then carefully run a butter knife around the edge to loosen the cheesecake from the pan. Finish cooling on a wire rack or countertop until the cheesecake is room temperature. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours until firm or even overnight. The cheesecake batter is poured over the cookie crust and ready for the oven. #cheeecake #bestcheesecakerecipes #easycheesecakerecipe #beginnercheesecakerecipe #butterfingerrecipes #candybardessert #holidaydessert #christmasdessert

Sprinkle the remaining chopped candy over top of the cheesecake and don’t you dare skimp on that butterscotch drizzle!! SO good!!! If you somehow manage to hide a secret stash, Butterfinger Cheesecake leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but you better find a good hiding spot.

Got the hang of this cheesecake thing? Try our Over The Top Apple Pie Cheesecake too. Craving cheesecake flavor in a flash? Our Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball is no bake!

Butterfinger Cheesecake by Happylifeblogspot.com #butterfingercheesecake #butterfingerrecipes #cheesecake #cheesecakerecipes #springformpanrecipes #dessert #holidaydessert #thanksgivingdessert #christmasdessert #halloweencandyrecipes

Butterfinger Cheesecake

November 10, 2020
: 12 servings
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • 2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (Can use chocolate wafers, chocolate animal crackers, chocolate graham crackers, or Oreo cookies)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 full-size Butterfinger candy bars or 10 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (approximately 6.3 oz in total), chopped
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 full-size Butterfinger candy bar or 3 fun-size Butterfinger candy bars (approximately 2.1 ounces), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butterscotch ice cream topping
Directions
  • Step 1 Crush the chocolate wafer cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Stir in the melted butter and mix to combine. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Press the cookie crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Set aside.
  • Step 2 Add the softened cream cheese and sugar to a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Blend in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
  • Step 3 Mix in the eggs, one at a time, at the lowest speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bar pieces by hand.
  • Step 4 Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Gently drop the pan against the countertop a few times to bring any air bubbles to the top. Bake in a 325 degree preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the center is almost set.
  • Step 5 Once the cheesecake has set, turn off the oven, and crack the door open slightly. Continue to cool in the open oven for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven, then carefully run a butter knife around the edge to loosen the cheesecake from the pan. Finish cooling on a wire rack or countertop until the cheesecake is room temperature. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours until firm or even overnight.
  • Step 6 Sprinkle with the remaining Butterfinger candy bar pieces. Drizzle with butterscotch topping. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us your comments and love down below.

Shop this recipe!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

Attention all chocolate and peanut butter lovers…I’ve got the recipe of your dreams right here!!! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are calling your name (and mine too). Chocolate and peanut butter is a combination that I just can’t resist and these soft, chewy, sinfully delicious […]


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Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza Pinwheels

If you’ve never made Pizza Pinwheels then you’re truly missing out! This bitesize, crowd pleasing appetizer is totally irresistible, super easy to make and tastes just like pizza. Loads of pepperoni and mozzarella are wrapped up inside a tender, flaky crescent dough crust. These mini […]

Cappuccino Swirl Cookies

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Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

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Aunt Lisa’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Aunt Lisa’s Sweet Potato Casserole

A few Thanksgiving’s back, my nephew Nathan started to get brave. Our little picky eater who had been known to enjoy a peanut butter sandwich while everyone else shoveled back mounds of delicious food, decided that he wanted to see what all this Thanksgiving fuss […]