Summer Recipes Archives - mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents

4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

July 1, 2021 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

Summertime means ice cream, but no one wants to spend the day making it! With just a few ingredients, you can make any kind of ice cream! We love this 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but you can make it your way any day.

As shown on Good Morning Texas.

Isn’t it funny that moms spend all that time scoping out Pinterest and creating beautiful meals plans for the family – and don’t normally end up eating any of them?

With all the pick ups, drop offs, appointments, loads of laundry, and dishes, and making dinner for the family, there’s never really a time to sit down for a meal. It’s always on the way out the door, in the car, or after everyone has gone to sleep. Besides, when’s the last time you tried to eat meatloaf and vegetables with one hand while typing on the computer?

So I resort to snacks…thankfully none of them are shaped like fish or dinosaurs. And being that I want to try to make healthy decisions, but still want it to taste good, Fiber One Bars to the rescue. Whether I’m in need of some protein, a middle-of-the-day snack, or a sweet treat, there are several options with added fiber to keep my taste buds and digestive system in check. Having these buried in a bag, drawer, or the back of the pantry (away from my kids’ little fingers), has saved me many times from not just going hungry, but making sure I don’t head for something that I’ll regret again and again later.

When you bite into one, you never would think that you can get a box of something this good and for only around $3 a box at Walmart!

Full of fiber and flavor, Fiber One bars make a good choice for any time of the day (especially when you’re trying to get things done!)

Easy, No Churn 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

But with summer in full swing, there’s nothing better than a deliciously sweet bowl of dreamy creamy ice cream. So taking the best of both worlds of strawberry cheesecake and ice cream, here’s an easy recipe for 4 ingredient strawberry cheesecake ice cream that will have you looking forward to #snaccidents again and again. And with only 4 ingredients and almost no work (you don’t even need an ice cream maker.)

While you do use whipping cream for this summerific treat, choose a lowfat/nonfat condensed milk. Using strawberry pie filling also helps to make this ice cream next level, fresh or frozen strawberries can be substituted if you want to add more fruit and less sweetness. With just a few hours, in the freezer, your #snaccident can be transformed into a life-changing snack experience.

4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

An easy recipe for strawberry cheesecake ice cream with four ingredients featuring Fiber One Bars.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cup whipping cream
1 can low fat condensed milk (14 oz)
1 cup strawberry pie filling, 1 half can
1–2 Fiber One Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, crumbled

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Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

June 13, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 32 Comments

What’s better than macaroni and cheese? NOTHING. Well except macaroni and cheese with stuff in it. Make your small gathering the easiest and cheesiest with a macaroni and cheese bar.

Want to get people all excited? Ask them about what makes the perfect mac and cheese.

Is it multiple cheeses? Is it just processed cheese? On the stove or in the oven? There are so many ways and so many opinions.

A few years ago the mashed potato bar became the big trend for weddings and fancy parties. First because who doesn’t love mashed potatoes, but more so because it allowed everyone to personalize their meal just the way they wanted. I like to call this “Starbucking” phenomenon and for the most part, it always works! Plus – it’s really easy to lay out options and let guests do the work.

Now just like cupcakes went to donuts, mashed potatoes has gone to macaroni and cheese. Other than a few basics, there’s not one way to do it – just let their creativity take over. I love this option and so will they! Here’s how we did this on Good Morning Texas.

How to Make a Mac and Cheese Bar

The Base

First off you’ll need a great, basic macaroni and cheese recipe. To keep the noodles warm, I suggest making a macaroni and cheese recipe in the slowcooker. Based on this recipe, I’ve added a few touches to make it noodleriffic (see below.)

The Toppings

Once you have this down, the fun begins. What sounds good to you? I’ve put together a few common elements of toppings that are popular, but don’t let it end there. Taking a little inspiration from your favorite menus, add ingredients that together make a whole new dish. For instance, one favorite is Buffalo Mac and Cheese. So don’t forget buffalo sauce and chicken as toppings. And because sometimes people want recommendations, add a few suggested menu ideas just in case!

Topping Suggestions

Buffalo
Grilled Chicken
Lobster
Spinach / Artichoke
Bacon
Weenies
More Cheese
Pico de Gallo
Jalapenos, chopped/sliced/diced
Broccoli
Breadcrumbs
Black Beans/Corn
Chili / BBQ

Best Macaroni & Cheese for a Macaroni & Cheese Bar

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

The best kind of macaroni and cheese is the one that you make! Make any party fun with a mac n cheese bar!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter (1/4 cup) cut into pieces
2 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (I prefer Greek yogurt)
One can condensed Cheddar cheese soup, (10 3/4-ounce can)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add sour cream, soup, salt, milk, nutmeg, mustard and pepper and stir well.
Add drained macaroni and stir again. Set the slow cooker on low setting and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Now add any toppings you want! We share tips and recommendations for the Best Macaroni & Cheese Bar on mamachallenge.com

What makes your favorite macaroni and cheese?

COPYCAT Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

June 25, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 48 Comments

Nothing is better than Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream. And we have a copycat recipe that tastes just like Blue Bell at home and tips to for making the best ice cream.

There’s nothing more Texan than a big bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream straight from Brenham’s Blue Bell Creameries in the middle of July. However, you often hear when someone moves up north, the sweet taste of BB is no where to be found (and everything fails in comparison.)

So in times like these (or during a little shortage catastrophe), I’ve worked to create the best version I could of the real thing using a simple and easy ice cream maker. Don’t believe me that it’s possible?

Make it yourself, take a bite and tell me I’m wrong. (Really, I want you to!)

Never made homemade ice cream before? Think it takes tons of work? You’re wrong! You just need a few tips and an ice cream maker. Of course, there’s tons of ice cream makers out there – you just need to find the right one for you! Check out my review of several on Good Morning Texas.

While I created my recipe for Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with the old school Hamilton ice maker (no switch is even on this baby), there are other ways to create a creamy treat – even some without using dairy! Take a look at these gadgets – especially the fun ones that have you take an active roll is making you scream for your ice cream.

Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker

Dessert Bullet

F-Fal Ice Cream Maker

Yay Labs! Ice Cream Ball

Chill Factor Ice Cream Maker

COPYCAT Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

★★★★★

4.6 from 7 reviews

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Description

Recipe created by Autumn Reo of MamaChallenge.com.

Ingredients

Scale

6 eggs yolks
2 cups white sugar
24 oz. heavy cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Whole Milk (about 2 cups)

Instructions

Cream eggs and sugar.
Then add cream and condensed milk and vanilla.
Beat until well blended.
Pour into ice cream churn.
Add milk until to fill line.
Insert dasher.
Pack cooler with layer of ice, then rock salt, and continue to repeat until full.
It’s done when it won’t churn anymore.

Ready to dress up that ice cream? We have the best ice cream sodas!

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

June 22, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 68 Comments

Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak!

Thank you to Market Street for helping all of us girls (and guys) get our grill on with this sponsored post.

Isn’t it funny that so many mamas take on the world (literally) every day, but when it comes to grilling think it’s too hard or should be left to the guys?

Just answer me this: Do you like the idea of biting into a juicy, sizzling steak? Do you like to entertain? Want to make a special meal for your special someone? Then you need to know how to grill a steak.

…But don’t worry, it’s not near as hard as you think it is. Now don’t get me wrong, grilling is just as much an art and a science as it is skill. I have the utmost for those that have mastered it, but we don’t have to be the best to have a really good steak dinner. And before you get any further down, here’s your real disclaimer: Grilling is subjective and everyone does it different.

However, we’re gonna give you the absolute basics to get your first steak from purchase to plate without much work, hassle, or slaving over a grill for hours. (Besides, who has time for that!)

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat.

No matter what marinade you use, what you cook it on, or what you pair with it, you need to pick a great piece of steak. I honestly didn’t have a clue except that there was steak and there was hamburger meat. So off to Market Street I went to figure it all out when the butcher came out to help me (he must have seen the scare in my eyes!) He explained the cuts of meat so I knew what I was looking at and how best to cook it.

There are three basic classes you should know when it comes to your beef: Prime (best), Choice (better) and Select (good.)

When it comes to flavor, it’s all in the marbling or the little white flecks in beef – is key to flavor. The higher the amount of marbling, the higher the quality of beef.

When it comes to the meat, Rancher’s Reserve is always a great choice with 100% Angus beef that is juicy, tender and full of flavor.

Now for the fun stuff, the cuts! These four steaks all come from the same general area of the cow – the short loin, tenderloin, and the ribs.

TENDERLOIN // aka filet mignon / Boneless cut from the short loin and sirloin. / Most tender and most expensive cut of steak.

T-BONE // aka Porterhouse / Bone in cross section of the unfilleted short loin with combo of f tenderloin and NY strip. / Great taste but difficult to cook with two different cuts.

NY STRIP // Boneless & sometimes bone-in short loin behind the ribs. / Fine grained texture with some marbling.

RIBEYE // aka Delmonico /Boneless & bone-in cut from the rib cage. / Lots of marbling and fat pockets for the juiciest flavor.

The Ribeye is by far the best choice for new grillers. It’s more tender than the other cuts of beef and has lots of marbling, which means lots of juicy flavor!

When it comes to the cut, you’ll want to aim for 1 1/4 inch – 1 1/2 inch cut.

Don’t see any in the case? Then ask your butcher to assist you! Market Street will cut it to your specifications!

2) Season and Sit it Out.

Alrighty…this is where there are all kinds of opinions on the best way to make your steak taste perfect. What you put on it, how long you let it sit on the steak and how long you choose to put the steak in the fridge or at room temperatures varies as much as there are different opinions on how best to soothe a crying baby. There’s been tons of research, experiments, and lots of hot-headed opinions but for this first-timer’s steak: we’re keeping it basic. You’ll find your own way after you do it for the first time.

Take your steak out of the fridge at least thirty minutes before you plan to cook your steak. Pat your steak with a paper towel.

Add LOTS of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to both sides (it’s going to seem excessive, but this will add the simple seasoning your steak needs. (Put it in your palm and let it fly!)

Let the steak sit at room temperature for around half an hour.

3) Get your Grill Going.

The biggest question here is: How are you planning to cook this thing!

Gas: By far the easiest way way to grill is on a gas grill. Turn on the tank, turn the burner, ignite, and close the lid for around 10 minutes when the grill hits around 425-450 degrees. Now you’re ready to roll!

Is it time to cook? Hold your hand about about four to six inches above the grill grate, palm down. If you can hold it one to three seconds before you need to pull your hand away, you’re at high heat.

Charcoal: Yes, you’re going to have to light it up! Starting with a clean grill like this one, lay your self-starting charcoal (it has lighter fluid in the briquettes so you don’t have to deal with it) in a grid pattern. Then light each corner and let it go! Close the grill and either using a thermometer or the hand method (see above), wait until the charcoal has lost its flame and beginning to turn gray.

Pan-fry: It never seems to fail that you make plans to grill and Mother Nature makes another plan! When you’re in a rush or weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling, go with the iron skillet! Just put it on high and let it go (I also like to add a little oil and butter to the pan for even more flavor!)

Our fourth is sizzlin’…? Ribeye, butter, garlic, rosemary and an iron skillet. All you need for the perfect steak. ? Get your guide to yours on mamachallenge! (FYI Ribeyes are on big sale now at @marketstreet_tx!) #marketstreet #ad #fourthofjuly

A post shared by Autumn?mamachallenge.com ? (@mamachallenge) on Jul 3, 2017 at 6:21am PDT

4) Let’s Get Cooking.

Alright, Alright, Alright! We’ve reached the big show!

If you’re making your steaks on the grill, then you’re going to wait to cook your steaks until they get to your specific level of doneness.

Rare // 120 degrees Medium Rare // 130 degrees Medium // 140 degrees

Medium Well // 150 degrees Well Done // 160 degrees

You can also use the finger test, but this isn’t always accurate as using this.

5) Dinner is Done.

To cut or to sit out, that is the question! One of the biggest controversies (yes, it’s that big of a deal) is whether you need to let your steak sit before serving. While there is all kinds of rationales for why you should and why you shouldn’t, but for me it’s simple: If you wait about 5 minutes after you take it off the heat, there’s less juice therefore less mess. So that’s my win-win.

Now let’s eat!

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Cool Down with Unique Ice Cream Sodas

July 9, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Before there was Starbucks…there were Ice Cream Soda shops. And there weren’t WiFi connections or grab and go. You waited your turn to get your special unique ice cream soda and just enjoyed it.

People gathered to catch up, go on a date, talk business and enjoy life’s simple joys of creamy, delicious, delectable concoctions with a straw and without a device. Just being able to share a Coca-Cola float sprinkled with a few peanuts atop a whip cream (considered the bees knees at the time) was a big treat and no one worried about calories.

Photo Credit

Those were the days. And I wouldn’t mind a little moment in a poodle skirt to enjoy one.

While we can’t experience the fun of a soda jerk bringing your favorite soda to the table at too many places anymore, you can play the part at home developing your own unique ice cream sodas. All you need is your imagination to devise your own creations using some of those fun sodas like from Sparkling Ice or Mexican sodas like Juanitos, interesting ice creams in the pint section, and one super cold glass.

And don’t forget your fat pants (this is a great time to find your old maternity pants.)

So cool off this summer with some of the best recipes for ice cream sodas like we’re making on Good Morning Texas.

All of today’s recipes were made with ingredients found at Tom Thumb/Randalls Stores. However, you can find many of these at your local grocery store in the soda and ice cream aisle (except the beer for our truly fantastic Grownups version of Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Float.

[Tweet “Tip: Cold Ice Cream + Cold Soda + Cold Glass = Perfect Ice Cream Soda”]

ICE CREAM SODA RECIPES

“The Original” With a Twist – Cherry Coke Float with Peanuts
2 scoops of cherry vanilla ice cream
1 Coca-Cola
Whip Cream
Cherry
Peanuts sprinkled on the top
Or you could use Vanilla Ice Cream with Cherry Coke

Pina Colada
2 scoops Coconut Ice Cream
1 Pineapple Soda
Whip Cream

Caramel Apple Soda
2 scoops of Caramel Ice Cream
1 Apple Soda
Caramel drizzle

Strawberry Limeade/Lemonade
2 scoops of Strawberry Ice Cream
1 Lemonade or Lime Soda

Chocolate Brownie with Stout
2 scoops of chocolate ice cream like a dutch or fudge
1 Guinness, Shiner or preferred Chocolate Stout from Dallas Deep Ellum Beer
Sprinkle crumbled brownies at the top

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Soda
2 scoops of Peanut Butter Ice Cream
1 Grape Soda

Now make sure to spring for straws and a long spoon to really enjoy sodas the way they were meant to be!

What’s your favorite ice cream soda flavor?

Super Summer Supper: Lemonade Inspired Recipes

July 5, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

There’s nothing more summer than a glass of cold lemonade! We’ve the secret to the perfect glass and several other super lemonade inspired recipes for a perfect summer dish or sweetie! (As seen on EyeOpener TV)

Beyonce may have made lemonade the spotlight on iTunes, this super summer time drink has long been the star of the summer for centuries. History says lemonade may have even been created by the Egyptians in as easy as the 14th century. However, taste buds for hundreds of years have kept this simple sipper of lemon, sugar, and water a #1 classic.

But why stop at just lemonade to drink? Inspired by the delicious flavor of lemonade, we’ve put together a whole summer supper featuring lemonade. However, we wouldn’t suggest eating them all at one time; but a few of these will give you the taste of summer in every bite!

But not all lemonade is the same. What’s the perfect combination to make it THE BEST? It’s an easy combination, but it starts with something called simple syrup!

Perfect Lemonade

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

Great lemonade starts with simple syrup for this perfect lemonade recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 gallon water
2 cups lemon juice
Lemons, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Start off the simple syrup by adding 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan.
Bring to boil over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves and then remove from heat.
Next add add simple syrup, gallon of water and fresh lemon juice to pitcher. Still well.
Garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Don’t use presqueezed lemonade! It’s much more bitter than you want for lemonade.

Lemonade Chicken

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

This lemonade-inspired chicken includes a lemon marinate and lemon batter for the perfect mix of lemon, crispy chicken made in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
5 chicken drumsticks
salt and pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or seasoning salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Cooking spray

Instructions

Mix half the lemon zest and the lemon juice in a large bowl.
Add 1/2 cup water, sugar and whisk to dissolve.
Add the buttermilk.
Poke chicken fork and season with salt and pepper.
Place in a plastic zipper bag.
Add the marinade and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
To batter the chicken: Mix panko, thyme, lemon zest, seasonings in a large resealable plastic bag.
Shake to mix.
In a bowl, add mayonnaise and roll chicken in mayo.
Then add chicken to the bag and shake to coat.
Spray the pan with cooking spray and to chicken.
Bake until golden, about 35 minutes.
Turn over and then bake until browned and crisp.

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

A slice of this pie is the taste of summer with strawberries and lemonade! AND it only takes a few minutes to make!

Ingredients

Scale

Tub Whip Cream (in the tub)
12 ounce can lemonade concentrate
1 can condensed milk (12 ounces)
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
lemon and strawberries for garnish
Graham Cracker Crust (Purchase at the grocery store or made from scratch!)

Instructions

in a blender, puree strawberries and sugar together until combined.
With a mixer, combine the rest of the ingredients (except the crust) until blended.
Poor lemonade mixture into crust.
Poor strawberry mixture over lemonade mixture. Use a spoon or knife to swirl.
Add crust top back to pie and then freeze overnight (or at least 8 hours.)
Keep frozen until ready to serve.

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No Skill Baking: Skillet Desserts

February 28, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

In the mood for something sweet, but don’t have ingredients or even a recipe? Then pull out the skillet for the easiest and best way to bake with these Skillet Desserts.

“Honey, do we have anything sweet to eat?”

Famous last words of my husband when we’ve run out of fruit or his reserve Homemade vanilla BB in the freezer.

It’s also the same feeling I get when someone calls on their way to the house and I have nothing to serve.

It’s not like I’m looking for Food Network level here, I’m just trying to bust out something sweet without just ripping up a bag of M&Ms to pass around.

So that’s where skillet desserts come into the picture.

You could make it with a plan like Apple Fritter Skillet (see below) to emptying out the pantry and putting ANYTHING like leftover Valentine’s Day candy to make a Kitchen Sink Skillet (you don’t even need a recipe for this one.)

However the one requirement you do need to create skillet desserts is the SKILLET. (Keyword here.)

So first if you don’t have one, then maybe you should stop here. You could go order one or better yet, go talk to grandma to relinquish hers. Those are the best ones, anyways. Skillets aren’t just because they’re multi-purpose for cooking everything from a steak to desserts like these, but that they get better with time.

Just one thing before you put together your skillet dessert, you’ll need to season it make sure there’s no taste of chicken or steak in there from the time before. Just throw in a little butter, let it melt and stick it in the oven for a little while during the pre-heat. Then go for it.

First off, you don’t really need a recipe for this.

No, really, you don’t.

Open a box of brownie mix and follow the instructions on the box to make the dough.

Then open a box of chocolate chip cookie dough from the box. Read the instructions to make the dough.

Put the brownie mix in the skillet.

Then put the cookie dough in the skillet. I’d leave a little bit of brownie around the sides.

Now, if you really want to mix it up, then start adding stuff. Like anything.

Chocolate chips
Oreo bits
Leftover candy

You get my drift. This is the part where I call it “Kitchen Sink Skillet Dessert.” Or if you prefer, you can call it something creative…but kitchen sink describes it well.

Then bake it as instructed, approximately 350-375 degrees for about 30-45 minutes. Done. Serve it with some vanilla ice cream (that is if you have any of that left.)

Yep, that’s easy, right?

Well then, if you liked that, then you’ll love the Apple Fritter/Apple Cinnamon Skillet we’re sharing soon!

But until then, let’s see how much skill it takes to make it go from this…

to this ooey-gooey, deliciousness.

Summer Sippin: Frozen Rose Slushie (Frosé)

May 24, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 Comments

Counting down to summer in 3, 2, 1…One taste of this frosé (that’s fancy for frozen rose slushie), you’ll be ready to for the lazy days cooling off next to the pool or at least enjoy dreaming about it.

Thanks to Total Wine & More® in Allen for kicking off the summer right with this sponsored post.

Total Wine & More® its new doors in Allen with a grand opening party, it was time to call in the troops for an evening without the kids and with the girls.

If you’ve never to a Total Wine (aka America’s Wine Superstore), the typical store has 8,000 different wines from every wine-producing region in the world, including more than 2,000 wines not available in any other store and more than 2,000 beers. Plus they do sampling, tastings and classes to educated you and help you to appreciate your wine much more. Tonight’s event included delicious apps, cheese pairings, tastings from favorite makers (Conundrum and Moet!), etchings, games, and lots of laughs. Plus it was another wonderful opportunity to browse the huge selection of wines, whiskeys and other spirits that line the many aisle of Total Wine & More®.

Most the time we are so busy we grab just the names and tastes we know, but this really grabbed my attention for finding a new wine for the summer.

Being a huge fan of rosé, I was drawn to this beautiful pink display. So of course, this Rose from Brin de Rose caught my attention, too with it’s beautiful packaging and the notes of pepper, floral notes, and that price! I walked out with several bottles ready to take on the summer head on!

Headed home in the car, I had remembered chatting with a friend a few weeks ago about planning for the summer to spend more time “taking it all in” slowly and savoring the simpleness of all our experiences. The sound of my daughter giggling when she laughs, the aroma of the earth after it rains, the taste of summer when you sip a rose…these were the things we wanted to make sure we enjoyed.

Somewhere in the conversation, the idea of a frozen rosé popped into our heads. We thought we were geniuses! We had created the best idea since sliced bread. Until of course, I Googled it and found out that we weren’t so smart since half the world had popped up with the same idea. However, the recipes we found for something so simple seemed to take too long (who wants to wait for frozen wine ice cubes) or seemed a little too boring (rose and ice.) We wanted something bright, fresh and like the taste of summer.

Challenge accepted.

Our Frozen Rosée Slushy or the fancy name, Frosé, adds all the best parts of summer with berries and lemons blended with rosé, St-Germaine, honey and ice. The St-Germain is a French liqueur made with Elderflower which is a flower that tastes like like honey and basically the taste of summer and pairs famously with lemons. I was thinking this combination was the perfect pairing for my summer adult slushy, slushee or whatever you want to call it.

I love when good ideas come together…and then you put them into the blender.

And with almost no prep, you have the perfect taste of summer. Cold, in a glass, and ready to be sipped, savored, and enjoyed. Just like summer. If you plan to have

Summer Frozen Rosé Slushee (Frosé)

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

Savor summer with this summer sipper perfect for staying cool with those hot, sultry days!

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle of Rosé
1/4 cup St-Germaine (add more if you love Elderflower as much as I do!)
2 cups frozen strawberries (unsweetened)
2–3 tablespoons honey (local honey is always best!)
1–2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in the blender, adding ice slowly until preferred consistency.

Notes

I like a drier Rosé. You can choose a sweeter blend and omit/reduce honey for your taste.)
This recipe makes a pitcher at a time. Half this recipe for 2-3 glasses of wine (just right for you and your friend.)

Visit the Total Wine & More® in Allen, Texas at 190 Stacy Road in Allen, Texas or any of the other locations closest to you.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Total Wine & More. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cauliflower Recipes You Must Make

July 12, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

Move over kale, cauliflower is the new star of produce! This vegetable is so versatile and full of health benefits! Try cauliflower as a great side, entree or even pizza crust with these cauliflower recipes you must make that your kids will love as much as you! *Affiliate links may be included to products used here.

I cannot begin to profess my love of cauliflower. It’s been a long road that we’ve been down together…covered in cheese, butter, or both. However, this cruciferous vegetable also plays the part not just as glutenous goodness, but also as healthy lead in many recipes – as entree, side, or both. So if you’re feeling a little kale or quinoa-ed 0ut, then open your eyes and your mouth for these cauliflower recipes you must make now.

A little note: Now before you get started, I highly suggest using steam bags to make your life that much easier. Since many times you’ll be using steamed cauliflower as your base, using steam bags will cut down dramatically on your time (and dishes) when making successful cauliflower recipes! I’ve used several brands, but these cheaper ones work pretty good.

Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” or Taylor’s Taters

My daughter hates vegetables of any kind – except for potatoes, which in reality we all know aren’t veggies at all. However, I had to find a way to increase the selection of foods in her diet before my pediatrician (and her health) completely hit the wall, so one day my mom made her “Gigi Potatoes,” which she proceeded to eat the entire bowl. What she didn’t know is that my mother had made her cauliflower mashed potatoes or what she now calls “Taylor Taters.” It’s the easiest recipe in the world and around a decade ago most of us were eating due to the South Beach Diet (affiliate link) craze. However, for my little girl they were the most amazing stuff ever and she was eating healthy!

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes “Taylor’s Taters”

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

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Description

Healthy and so good, you’ll never know it was cauliflower! Perfect for kids who don’t love veggies!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head cauliflower
2–4 tablespoons butter, optional
12 cup Manchego cheese, grated
salt and pepper

Instructions

Steam cauliflower in the microwave until soft, but not mushy (I use steam bags!)
Transfer to bowl.
Add butter and blend with handheld blender or emulsifier until your preferred “mashed potato” consistency.
Mix in Manchego cheese
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve!

Notes

The nuttiness of the Manchego cheese and cauliflower pair perfectly for this nutritious and delicious side dish that will have them all wanting more!

Roasted Cauliflower

In a fix to get dinner on the table or want to make something else besides potatoes? Then go for the roasted cauliflower. This dish can actually be your main entree when you want to eat light on calories and not on flavor or just prefer a “veggie kind-of-night.” Paired with a Chimichurri sauce (a blend of garlic, parsley, cilantro and spices with an olive oil/vinegar), roasted cauliflower is my go-to must have for hot summer nights! And because it only takes a few steps, throw it in the oven and in minutes, you’ll come back with an impressive recipe that will have you call for triples!

And did I mention that cauliflower is full of Vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, fiber and whole lotta other good stuff? So bottom line: you should be eating this and this recipe is a good way to enjoy it, too!

Roasted Cauliflower

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 35

Print Recipe

Description

Make it as your entree or your side, eat it once and you’ll want it all the time!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head cauliflower, sliced vertically like a steak
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the cauliflower into steaks, vertically (remove the stump.)
Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray.
Lay “steaks” on sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place in oven and allow to get browned (25 minutes.) In a hurry – broil on low until brown.
Remove from heat and serve.
Optional: add a chimichurri sauce for a nice kick!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2
Calories: 316
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 167
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 23
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 15
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 0

Best-Ever Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I was working on this cauliflower pizza crust recipe one day and the finished product was sitting on the table. My son, who had no idea what I was making, so the pizza and asked if he could PLEASE have a bite. “Mama, you know I love pizza!”

The words almost came out my mouth to tell him, “hey baby that’s not what you think it is”…but instead, I let him bite into it and give me his honest opinion.

Of course, kids are the pickiest eaters (especially mine I’m afraid to admit), so I was waiting for that grimace he makes when he tries something new.

Instead he said, “that’s SO good!” he shouted. “Can I have slice? We need to make more of this since I’m gonna eat it all!”

His reaction signaled this recipe was a WINNER and it would become a staple in our menu. With two gluten-free diets and a corn allergy to now add to the list, I needed more recipes to start circulating. And this recipe for Cauliflower Pizza Crust can be made with any of your own toppings. You just have to get the whole “wringing out the cauliflower part” down. It’s not a hugely quick process, but after a few times, you’ll get it even quicker than making traditional crust that still needs time to rise. Instead, you’ll already have yours out of the oven and ready to serve with this no carb, no gluten, and good cauliflower pizza recipe.

Best Ever Cauliflower Pizza

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

A pizza crust recipe that tastes better than the original – and no gluten, no carbs!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head cauliflower
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
1/4 cup mozzarella/pizza cheese, shredded
1 egg
red pepper
Cooking spray

Instructions

To make crust

Wash and dry the cauliflower.
Cut off the florets, remove the stem.
Using a food processor, pulse cauliflower until it’s the consistency of snow.
Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cover (I prefer a steam bag.) Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Allow cauliflower to cool slightly.
In a strainer or over another bowl draped with a tea towel, place cooked cauliflower into the towel.
Using the towel (the thinnest is best), and wring the cauliflower until there is no more water and it’s “dry.” (You’ll need to do this several times as there will be lots of water (more than a cup is normal.)
Next place cauliflower into a dry bowl, add cheeses and seasonings and mix.
Now add egg and mix until it resembles dough.
Place dough on an parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.
Now roll out dough into a thin crust (be careful to not be too thin.)
Once complete, place crust on cooking stone/pan and place into preheated oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes until golden brown and remove from the oven.
Now add your toppings as normal for pizza.
Return pizza to the oven and cook 6-8 minutes until cheese is golden.
Remove from oven, cut, cool, and eat!

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Fruit and Veggie Recipes to Make NOW

May 26, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 9 Comments

No doubt that it’s always a good time to eat more veggies and fruit, but the summer time is just RIPE for enjoying these 4 Fruit and Veggie Recipes. Mamachallenge is excited to partner with Dole to launch the 2016 Get up and Grow Together! Tour kick-off in Dallas. Compensation for time and product was provided by Dole, but all opinions shared here are those of mamachallenge.com.

No matter what type of diet plan or nutrition program you follow, one thing remains consistent: eating your vegetables and fruit helps create a healthy lifestyle. As parents we’re always trying to find ways to get our kids eating more veggies and fruit (just check out my segment on apples), but it’s just as important for us to get ours, too!

Did you know bananas are North America’s most popular produce?

That’s just part of the reason for the Dole 2016 Get up and Grow Together! Tour. Started last year as a way to get us all by adopting a diet rich in fruits and veggies, the 42-stop tour launches in Dallas on May 26 on “National Eat More Fruit and Vegetables Day.”

Studies have shown that broccoli helps to decrease the risk of diabetes.

The tour stops at supermarkets and public events throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, offering free produce-filled recipe samples, recipe booklets and other giveaways, an interactive Kid’s Corner, and fruit and veggie-themed photo-sharing opportunities – all to showcase the fun, flavor and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the recipes you’ll be able to sample at the Get up and Grow! Together stops (and now make at home, too!)

Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Pineapple Salad

Strawberries mean summer! Love them everyday but this new recipe for strawberry toast with a ricotta-banana spread and a balsamic-honey vinaigrette is the perfect app for the season! Get the recipe #ontheblog or visit the Dole get Up and Grow Tour to try it yourself! It starts in Dallas and goes to 41 other spots across the U.S. this summer. Get the details on mamachallenge.com. #mamachallenge #ad #GetUpandGrow #dallas #dallasblogger #strawberries #recipe #veggies #healthyblogger #memorialday

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on May 28, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT

Strawberry Toasts

Café Banana Frappé

Salad Sipper

Brussels sprouts help beat the bloat and have shown to aid in weight loss.

Go to www.dole.com/GetUpAndGrow for a complete schedule.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Summertime means ice cream, but no one wants to spend the day making it! With just a few ingredients, you can make any kind of ice cream! We love this 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, but you can make it your way any day.

Easy, No Churn 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

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Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

What’s better than macaroni and cheese? NOTHING. Well except macaroni and cheese with stuff in it. Make your small gathering the easiest and cheesiest with a macaroni and cheese bar.

How to Make a Mac and Cheese Bar

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Nothing is better than Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream. And we have a copycat recipe that tastes just like Blue Bell at home and tips to for making the best ice cream.

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Ready to dress up that ice cream? We have the best ice cream sodas!

Love the idea of grilling, but think it’s too complicated? We’re sharing the basics you need to get your grill on with our Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak!

Girlfriend’s Guide to Grilling a Steak

1) It’s all in the meat.

2) Season and Sit it Out.

3) Get your Grill Going.

4) Let’s Get Cooking.

5) Dinner is Done.

Before there was Starbucks…there were Ice Cream Soda shops. And there weren’t WiFi connections or grab and go. You waited your turn to get your special unique ice cream soda and just enjoyed it.

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In the mood for something sweet, but don’t have ingredients or even a recipe? Then pull out the skillet for the easiest and best way to bake with these Skillet Desserts.

Counting down to summer in 3, 2, 1…One taste of this frosé (that’s fancy for frozen rose slushie), you’ll be ready to for the lazy days cooling off next to the pool or at least enjoy dreaming about it.

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Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” or Taylor’s Taters

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Roasted Cauliflower

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Best-Ever Cauliflower Pizza Crust

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Ingredients

Instructions

To make crust

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