Category: APPETIZERS

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potatoes are one of my favorite Autumn treats. It warms your heart and soul, and the pleasant aroma is just enchanting. I did not grow up with sweet potatoes. The first time I tried sweet potatoes I was 18 or 19 years old. read more

Chicken and Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

Chicken and Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

Sometimes you really do not need a whole lot to create an amazing meal. Just look at these tasty Chicken and Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps. They look fire and taste even better. If you like chicken salad or egg salad than you will love these read more

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

When you want to have a quick meal with your family, Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara is definitely the way to go.

It is just so nice with a nice bowl of mixed greens. A pretty balanced meal that my family and I really enjoy at least on a weekly bases.

You really do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to prep and cook a decent dinner. Most of our meals take less than 40 minutes from start to finish, and so many you would just pop in the oven, air fryer or slow cooker then wait until it is complete.

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Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

I don’t know why people complicate cooking. It can be therapeutic as much as economical. For my family of 5 going out is just not economical when I know that I could make far better and healthier for way less money. Wouldn’t you agree?

I am not saying do not go out and support your favorite restaurant or that we never ever go out to eat. What I am saying is that we do not go as often as perhaps average family in the USA. Well, I’m just stating the facts.

Anyhow, if you are vegetarian, or trying to cut down eating meat, these pan-fried eggplant slices are just wonderful.

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

I have so many amazing vegetarian recipes on my blog. I think you would love them. As much as I love meat, I do crave meatless meals from time to time. Yes, that includes a big beautiful bowl of mixed greens.

If you hate eggplant for whatever reasons, please give this one a try. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised at how tasty this is. My boys are not huge on eggplant either, but they actually dig this one. I don’t know why?

Maybe because they are fried and covered with sauce and tasty cheese. It is a life changer for low carb folks as well.

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

One cup of eggplants have less ta 5 carbs, so you can dip them in almond flour, for example, instead of breadcrumbs. So many options that we have to create an amazing low carb, tasty meal.

Hey, if you try Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara please tag me on Instagram. @sandraseasycooking #sandraseasycooking. Thank you in advance!

HAPPY COOKING!

Yield: 4

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

When you want to have a quick meal to have with your family, Pan-Fried Eggplant with Mozzarella and Marinara

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time to prep Eggplant 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant, sliced (you may peel it if you wish)
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (almond flour with Italian herbs as a sub)
  • 1-2 eggs, mixed or egg sub
  • 1/4 cup of oil for frying
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, or fresh slices of mozzarella
  • Fresh and dry herbs for garnish
  • A good drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch thick slices then submerges into salted cold water. I added about 1 tablespoon of table salt mixed with 6-8 cups of water. This will help eggplant become more flavorful and it will remove any bitterness. Allow it to soak for approximately 15 minutes.
  2. Remove eggplant from the water, then tap dry each slice of eggplant with a paper towel.
  3. Heat oil to medium and a plate lined with a paper towel. Keep stove temp on the medium rather than low or high.
  4. Meanwhile, add a mixed egg or egg sub into one bowl and breadcrumbs in the other. Read notes about almond flour prep.
  5. Dip each slice both sides into egg then into breadcrumbs, then drip carefully into the hot oil. Fry for a minute on each side just to get them to light golden color. Remove and place to a paper towel to soak any additional oil.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a nonstick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  7. Place each pan-fried eggplant onto the baking sheet, and add about tablespoon or two of marinara sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese or one slice of fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with some black pepper and dried herbs. Drizzle a bit of olive oil.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve over seasoned salad and eat immediately.

Notes

Almond flour breadcrumbs

  • Mix 1 cup of Almond flour with 1 teaspoon of blended Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
  • For a gluten-free option, cornmeal could be used.

Did you make this recipe?

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Potato and Beef Everything Bagel Croquettes

Potato and Beef Everything Bagel Croquettes

  I do not know about you, but I could live on these Potato and Beef Everything Bagel Croquettes. My family is completely and utterly obsessed with the exquisite taste of this delightful side dish. Can you imagine how amazing this would be served over football season, and to even be the star food during potlucks? read more

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Dip

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Dip

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the National Peanut Board. All opinions are entirely my own. Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Dip is one outstanding sweet treat for all ages. It requires just a bit of your time to make it read more

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary

These new potatoes in the assorted rainbow mixture made in the air fryer have its own distinctive flavor and texture as well as color. Some will cook quicker than others, of course.

Needless to say, these air fryer rainbow potatoes with rosemary will turn crunchy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside.

I love potatoes, especially air fryer rainbow potatoes with rosemary. I think I could live without the pasta, which is shocking, but giving up potatoes for nearly 7 months was probably the hardest thing ever.

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes

We include potatoes in so many dishes that I had to be really creative to substitute them when I was fully doing a Keto diet. I am about 70 percent Keto 20 percent Paleo and 10 percent cheat-o.

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It’s understandable! We cannot really do certain strict diet 365 days a year. If you can then kudos to you, but I am just being realistic. I am okay rewarding myself with things that I enjoy every once in a while.

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes Recipe

Anyhow, cauliflower is a really good alternative and sometimes broccoli, but hey, let’s get real for a second. You really cannot replace potatoes and all their tasty goodness.

Check out more tasty recipes with potatoes.

Every since we got air fryer, it is in use probably 3 times a day, sometimes more. I have never used any kitchen gadget like I use this device. I am in love!

Well, I must admit that I was skeptical. I really was! However, you guys convinced me to try, and I never looked back.

Step by step recipe

If you make this recipe or if I inspire you to make any of my recipes please tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking and use hashtag #sandraseasycooking.

To me, it’s all about sharing food so I would love to share at least a picture of your creation with others. Thank you in advance!

Yield: Serves 4

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary

Air Fryer Rainbow Potatoes with Rosemary

These new potatoes in the assorted rainbow mixture have its own distinctive flavor and texture as well as color. Some will cook quicker than others but they all turn crunchy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ( 0.680 kg) new potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, place sliced in half potatoes, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper. Then drizzle with good olive oil. Mix it well to coat.
  2. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-17 minutes. Check to ensure the potatoes are cooked through. You may use French Fries setting, just adjust the time.
  3. Serve hot and immediately.

Notes

You may use fingerling potatoes, yellow, assorted or any young or new potatoes of your choice. Make sure that potatoes are somewhat the same size even if you slice them in half.

You can add more salt to taste or any other herbs that you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 113Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 532mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

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Caramelized Onion Tart

Caramelized Onion Tart

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Minerva Dairy. All opinions are entirely my own. If you want to churn your recipe up to the next level, I encourage you to use Minerva tasty butter to make my Caramelized Onion Tart. read more

Creamy Spinach Puff Pastry

Creamy Spinach Puff Pastry

I have been playing with some really easy recipes lately just like this tasty creamy spinach puff pastry. I don’t think that we need to spend hours in the kitchen unless it is Thanksgiving, of course. However, even then I do not cook all day. read more

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

Easy and tasty fruit salad with citrus infused citrus maple dressing recipe.

There is nothing more refreshing during hot summer days than colorful and delightful fruit salad. I made this tasty fruit salad with citrus maple dressing, which gave this salad a nice taste lift.

Also, if you want to bring this to a potluck or any other gathering you can make this in 10 minutes from start to finish.

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Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

I am not a big fan of cold fruit. I am not sure why, but I actually liked it when I make this mixed fruit salad.

The sweetness of the fruit thoroughly blends together when it is coated with this amazingly delicious citrus maple dressing.

I am almost certain that you guys going to love this one because it is a keeper.

If you do not like maple syrup then use pure organic honey. I used sugar-free version but you may use any that you prefer.

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

My family always go bananas over this fruit salad. I do mix it up using different kinds of fruit. You may use whatever s in a season like luscious peaches, nectarines, plums or cherries.

If you try this recipe or any other recipe from my blog, please tag me @sandraseasycooking on Instagram and use hashtag #sandraseasycooking so I can find you and reshare your creations. Thank you for your continuous support!

Yield: 8 Servings

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

Fruit Salad with Citrus-Maple Dressing

Easy and tasty fruit salad with citrus infused citrus maple dressing recipe.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Blueberry
  • 1 cup Strawberry, sliced
  • 1 cup Grapes, seedless, sliced
  • 1 medium size Pomegranate
  • 1 smaller Pineapple, peeled and cubed
  • 1 Mango pitted and cubed
  • 2 Kiwi, sliced
  • 5-6 Mint leaves
  • Lemon Thyme, optional
  • Citrus-Maple Dressing:
  • Juice from 1 Ripe Lime + zest
  • Juice from 1/2 Lemon + zest
  • 1/8-1/4 cup Maple Syrup (or honey)

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep all the fruit. You may keep everything in the fridge to keep the fruit cold. It will be easier to slice and it tastes better.
  2. Mix everything for the dressing in the glass jar.
  3. Once all the fruit is tossed together drizzle dressing a bit at the time and toss to coat.
  4. Store in the airtight container, large glass jar or glass bowl, then place the container in the fridge.
  5. I keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

You may use any any fruit that you prefer and more or less. I just added how much we added to our fruit salad but you can add more fruit especially if you omit. So, if you do not add Pomegranate please ad more grapes or strawberries or blueberries.

For the best taste keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I used Sugar Free Maple syrup to support my diet, you may use any that you prefer.

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Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner so I put together a round-up of recipes. They all amazing, easy and delicious. I do not about you, but in my house, we love Mexican cuisine. I make it at least once a week. Spicy or read more