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Recipes

  • 20 Patriotic Food Ideas for the Fourth of July

    Hosting for the Fourth of July? Check out some of our favorite red, white and blue themed recipes that are guaranteed crowd pleasers – and let us know your favorites in the comments below!

    1. Red White and Blue Parfaits

    “These Red, White, and Blue Parfaits make the perfect patriotic treat.  Simply layer fresh strawberries, fat free yogurt and fresh blueberries with a little granola in the center for an easy  and healthy dessert without the guilt.” Go to Post

    2. Fun and Fabulous Fireworks Cupcakes

    “…they’re great for events, parties, and celebrations of all types, and these fireworks cupcakes for 4th of July are perfect to eat as you watch the rockets burst in the sky with sparkly color!” Go to Post

    3. Fourth of July Popcorn

    “4th of July Popcorn recipe is a fun and festive sweet & savory snack to enjoy on any patriotic holiday. Celebrate Fourth of July. Kids enjoy making this easy chocolate covered popcorn and everyone will relish eating this patriotic snack.” Go to Post

    Recipe by Mom Foodie

    4. Fourth of July Fudge

    “A patriotic red white and blue fudge recipe perfect for Flag Day or the 4th of July. This easy marshmallow creme fudge recipe is made using evaporated milk, white chocolate chips, sugar, butter, and food coloring.” Go to Post

    5. Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

    “With summer approaching, I thought that it would be the perfect time to make these red, white, and blue ice cream cone cupcakes.

    These patriotic cupcakes would be great for 4th of July parties or Memorial Day barbecues.  Or even for Flag Day!” Go to Post

    6. Patriotic Thumbprint Cookies

    “It’s no secret that we love making cookies. Double butterscotch cookies that are easy to freeze are usually my go to, but these patriotic cookies also make for a great summer treat.” Go to Post

    Recipe by Money Wise Moms

    7. Patriotic Fruit Pizza

    “This is a great dessert to make with kids too, let them help decorate!” Go to Post

    Recipe by Splendry.com

    8. Flag Rice Krispie Treats

        

    Recipe by Making of a Mom

    9. Marshmallow Pin Wheels

    “They are easy to make, only take a few ingredients, and kids LOVE them! I just adore how fun they look — and aren’t sweet treats on a stick the best?” Go to Post

    10. Fourth of July Cheesecake Bites

    “Now these red, white, and blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites may not be quite  as easy as simply stepping out on the deck to watch the fireworks. But they’re pretty darn close.” Go to Post

    11. Red White & Blue Chocolate Dipped Wafers

    “Got a celebration pool party to go to?  Or having a few friends over to celebrate the big day?  Well, if you’re looking for a fun and easy little 4th of July treat to make for your festivities, I’ve got just the thing for you – Red White & Blue Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Wafers.” Go to Post

    12. Vegan Star Spangled Skewers

    “Let’s start with these super simple 5-minute Star-Spangled Skewers! Aren’t they so cute? You’ll love the flavors of the sweet watermelon (red), salty vegan feta cheese (white), and tart blueberries (blue). Like my mom would say, “It’s the yin and the yang, the tart and the sweet!” It’s the perfect festive finger food to make for your 4th of July BBQ, cookout, or party!” Go to Post

    13. 4th of July Icebox Cake

    “This icebox cake is cool and refreshing with its layers of softened graham crackers, luscious cream filling, and fresh berries. It’s easy to make, there is no baking, and it can be made in advance. It’s a perfect summer treat and a great way to celebrate the 4th of July!” Go to Post

    14. 4th of July Cake Pops

    “These cake pops are easy to make and would look great on any party table.” Go to Post

    Recipe by Mommy Made That

    15. Frozen Yogurt Bark

    “Frozen yogurt bark topped with mixed berries and crushed pistachios – super easy, delicious and a refreshing no-cook recipe that is perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert!” Go to Post

    16. Fourth of July Pretzel Bites

    “Are you looking for a fun and easy recipe to serve on Independence Day? Here’s a festive red, white, and blue snack recipe that will be perfect for your Fourth of July picnic, party, or potluck.” Go to Post

    Recipe by Moms Who Save

    17. Fourth of July Chocolate Covered Oreos

    “With the the new fireworks oreos I thought it would be fun to make festive chocolate covered Oreo cookies for the Summer. The 4th of July oreos have red, white and blue and it’s so patriotic and perfect for a celebration. If you are hosting a cookout, party or just hanging out with family, try making Red white and blue chocolate covered oreos. The milk chocolate coating is so yummy!” Go to Post

    18. Red, White & Blue Jello Shots

    “This batch makes a bunch, depending on the size of jello shot containers you use so be sure to share these with friends! You could also use this recipe with other jello flavors throughout the year to create new color combos.” Go to Post

    19. Fourth of July Doughnuts

    “Be prepared to be shocked and awed by some doughnut deliciousness AND a quick video tutorial on icing these babies.” Go to Post

    20. Patriotic Pretzel Rods

    “Although these Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Pretzel Rods really are the ultimate Independence Day snack, they are actually perfect for any time that you want to express your patriotism. Whip up a batch for Presidents’ Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Election Day, or to commemorate the birthday of your favorite President. These festive snacks make every Patriotic event extra special!” Go to Post

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  • 5 Slow Cooker Meals for the Busy Mom (& Grocery List)

    If you’re a busy, on-the-go mom, you might appreciate slow cooker meals just as much as I do. This week, we have more recipes to share with you!

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links.

    As we continue to share our favorite slow cooker meals with you, we hope you will find ones that become a staple in your home. We’ll share everything from kid-friendly meals, healthy meals, soups, budget-friendly meals and more.

    The first thing when planning your slow cooker meal prep is to make sure you have a top-notch appliance. Here is our favorite – this slow cooker pumps out enough food for the entire family!

    Here are this weeks favorite slow cooker meals.

    1. Broccoli and Sausage Macaroni Casserole

    Only 7 ingredients – and you can’t go wrong with a recipe that incorporates mac-n-cheese!

    2. Pineapple Chicken

    The perfect summer chicken dish – with just the right amount of sweet and savory.

    3. Turkey Chili

    Image link to slow cooker turkey chili by Baking Beauty.

    Recipe by Baking Beauty

    Hearty and healthy chili chock full of beans and 2 different kinds of meat. The slow cooker makes this comfort food almost effortless!

    4. Ranch Chicken

    This ranch chicken recipe only takes moments to prep and then it will cook all day in the crockpot while you are at work, enjoying family time, or out and about! No pre-planning or thawing required

    5. Chicken and Dumplings

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch is the ultimate in cozy day, feel better, warm your belly, cold weather, comfort food.

    To make things easier, use our free grocery list  for this weeks recipes!

    If you enjoyed this post, you might like our previous freezer meals post here.

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  • Get Kids Excited about Eating Breakfast with Homemade Air Fryer Pop Tarts

    It should come as no surprise that my three year old doesn’t come sprinting down the stairs for breakfast each morning since I often skip the entire meal myself and settle for coffee (I’m working on that!)

    One way to encourage breakfast eating (or any meal for that matter) is to have kids help prepare dishes and perhaps even come up with their own recipes, under the supervision of adults, of course! It also helps when the meal is easy to make and absolutely delicious, and BONUS I get to munch on them too.

    This recipe is an easy spin on an old classic – the pop tart! Thanks to the invention of the air fryer, its possible to create this delicious morning treat in a matter of minutes. My son and I had the best time decorating and getting creative with the icing and toppings.

    Note that the icing does dry fast so keep adding more in order for the toppings to stick. The extra layer of sweetness yields even tastier pop tart. We used Nutella and strawberry preserves for our fillings but feel free to experiment with other fillers such as marsh mellow, chocolate, banana, etc. Have some fun with it!

    The principle ingredient in the icing is Greek yogurt to cut down on sugar bright and early. It is not quite guilt free but certainly healthier than the store bought version.

    Let us help with the stress of skipping “the most important meal of the day” and get kids excited about eating breakfast with homemade air fryer pop tarts!

    Homemade Air Fryer Pop Tarts
    Prep Time
    20 mins
    Cook Time
    5 mins
    Total Time
    25 mins
     
    Ingredients
    • 1 Refrigerated or homemade pie crust
    • 1/2 cup Strawberry preserves or Nutella
    • 1/3 cup Cream cheese for icing
    • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt for icing
    • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract for icing
    • 4 tbsp Powdered sugar for icing
    Instructions
    1. Roll pie crust onto floured surface and cut into rectangles.

    2. Spread strawberry preserves or nutella onto rectangle pie crust. Leave half an inch from edge for seal. Place another rectangle pie crust on top.

    3. Seal the pie crusts with water around the edges and use fork to mold both rectangles together. 

    4. Coat Air Fryer with cooking spray. Place pop tarts in fryer. Heat at 350 degrees and let cook for 5 minutes.

    5. Mix all of the icing ingredients in a bowl. Once Pop Tarts are done, remove from fryer and ice. Add sprinkles or other toppings.

     

    Picture of knife cutting rectangle into pie crust to make homemade air fryer pop tart.

    Picture of Knife spreading strawberry preserves on rectangle pie crust to make homemade air fryer pop tart.

    Picture of fork molding rectangle pie crust together to make homemade air fryer pop tart.

    Caught mid-bite eating his
    air fryer pop tarts!

    We hope those early mornings are now a little sweeter! If you’re looking for more air fryer recipes to jump out of bed for, check out our Air Fryer Donuts

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  • 5 Make-Ahead Freezer Meals in 45 Minutes (& Grocery List)

    As an avid cook, I can’t tell you how many times I have been stuck in a jam or caught up in life and resorted to fast-food or pick-up. And while I love the occasional splurges on Thai food or Five Guys in an effort to get dinner on the table faster, it can really add up if you are trying to budget. So what is the solution if you don’t have the time to play cook at night?

    Freezer meals!5 Freezer Meals in 45 Minutes | Rock It Mama | Shop using this complimentary shopping list and make 5 make-ahead freezer meals in under an hour!Make-ahead dinners, freezer meals, dump recipes…whatever you prefer to call them have been a lifesaver during the week and honestly I don’t think I will ever go back. Its pretty simple – get the items you need, carve out an hour of your week to prepare your meals, throw into a freezer bag or casserole dish and you’re done. The best part is prepping for these meals can be done in as little as 45 minutes (and this weeks menu only cost me $67 from Publix). When you are ready to make your recipe, just thaw, throw in the crock pot and it’ll be ready by the time you get home!

    We’ve received some feedback that our readers would enjoy some easy family recipes, so this will be the first of a series of make-ahead freezer meals from our kitchen to yours. Let’s get started.

    Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies:

    • Gallon-sized freezer bags
    • Measuring cups
    • Measuring spoons
    • Can opener
    • Sharpie/label – for writing instructions on bag
    • Disposable foil baking pan or casserole dish

    Here are some of our favorite make-ahead freezer meals that you can make this week – along with a handy grocery shopping list!

    1. Taco Chili

    Ingredients:

    • 1 package ground beef, cooked
    • 1 medium white onion, chopped
    • 1 15.25oz can corn, drained
    • 1 8oz can tomato sauce
    • 2 14oz cans diced tomatoes
    • 1 tbsp chili powder
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp paprika
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • Monterey jack cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro and Fritos, for garnishing

    Directions:

    • Cook beef and set aside to cool
    • Combine all ingredients in freezer bag
    • Place all thawed ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour
    • Continue to took on low for 4-6 hours
    • Serve with shredded cheese, cilantro, green onions and Fritos

    2. White Bean Chicken Chili

    Ingredients:

    • 3 chicken breasts
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 white onion, minced
    • 1 tsp minced garlic
    • 2 tsp cumin
    • 2 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
    • 2 15.8oz can Great Northern beans
    • 2 4.5oz cans green chilis
    • 1 cup corn, drained
    • Sour cream, lime juice and cilantro, for garnishing

    Directions:

    • Combine chicken brother, onion, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, dry ranch mix and chicken breasts into freezer bag
    • Place thawed items from freezer bag in slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours
    • Remove chicken and shred. Return to slow cooker and add beans, green chilis and corn. Cover for another 30 minutes
    • Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime juice and cilantro

    5 Freezer Meals in 45 Minutes | Rock It Mama | Shop using this complimentary shopping list and make 5 make-ahead freezer meals in under an hour!3. Shephards Pie

    Ingredients:

    • 1 package ground beef
    • 1 packet Idahoan Baby Red Mashed Potatoes
    • 1 14.75oz can creamed corn
    • 1/2 cup frozen peas
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    • Preheat oven to 350. Cook the ground beef, salt and pepper and add in frozen peas at the end. Add ground beef and peas to casserole dish as the first layer
    • Make mashed potatoes according to directions on package. Layer on top of ground beef
    • Spread creamed corn over mashed potatoes as third layer. Keep frozen until ready to make
    • When ready, thaw in refrigerator and cook in oven for 30 minutes

    4. Sausage with Onions and Peppers

    Ingredients:

    • 1 16oz sausage, sliced
    • 1 white onion, sliced
    • 3 bell peppers, (red, yellow and green)
    • 2 14oz cans diced tomatoes, fire roasted, not drained
    • 1 chicken bouillon cube
    • 2 tsp minced garlic
    • 1 tsp cajun seasoning

    Directions:

    • For meal prep – combine all ingredients into freezer bag.
    • Place thawed contents in slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3 hours
    • Serve over rice

    5. New England Chicken Chowder

    Ingredients:

    • 4 slices of uncooked bacon, chopped
    • 2 chicken breasts
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup whole milk
    • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
    • 2 15.25 cans corn, drained
    • 1 lb baby red potatoes, quartered
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 1/2 garlic
    • 1 packet Good Seasons Zesty Italian salad dressing and recipe mix
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Parmesan cheese and thyme, for garnishing

    Directions:

    • Combine bacon, chicken, chicken broth, carrots, onions, celery, half the corn and potatoes in freezer bag
    • Place thawed ingredients from freezer bag in slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours
    • Uncover and shred chicken
    • In blender, smooth corn and milk. Add to soup with salt and pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning packet
    • Cover and cook 10-15 minutes. Garnish with parmesan cheese and thyme

    Use this grocery shopping list for the 5 make-ahead freezer meals

    5 Freezer Meals in 45 Minutes | Rock It Mama | Shop using this complimentary shopping list and make 5 make-ahead freezer meals in under an hour! grocery list

    To make things even easier during the week, I highly recommend trying out Instacart., where you can shop online and schedule your grocery deliveries from local stores! I plan our dinner schedule in advance and place my order with Instacart on Fridays to be delivered on Saturdays, then begin prepping the meals right away. Feel free to use this link to receive $10 off your first order.

    For more family recipes we enjoy, be sure to follow our board on Pinterest.

    If  you have tried these recipes OR if you would like us to share more make-ahead freezer meal recipes in the future, let us know in the comments below!

    Bon apetit,

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  • Red Velvet Waffles

    Sorry y’all, I’m about to ruin your New Years healthy eating plans. Disclaimer: this recipe is NOT SKINNY! I promise though, this sweet, fluffy treat will be well worth stepping out for, and so much fun to make with your littles or to surprise your partner with on Valentine’s Day morning. Also, I wanted to plug the cutest mini-waffle maker that I use to make breakfast for my son weekly. Under $10 and conveniently located on the shelves of your nearest Target, it’s a must have kitchen appliance and perfect for these Red Velvet Waffles – A delicious Valentine’s Day breakfast treat!

    This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means we may earn advertising referral fees if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

    So for this recipe, any waffle maker will do but I have to recommend this little gadget, The Dash Mini Maker Waffle. It’s handy for a quick breakfast and easy to store because of its small size. Also I love the color! You can purchase it here.

    Red Velvet Waffles
    Ingredients
    • 1 Box Red Velvet Cake Mix
    • 2 Cups Milk
    • 4 tbsp Cream Cheese Softened
    • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
    • 1/4 Cup Milk
    • 1/2 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips
    • 4 Eggs
    Instructions
    1. Preheat waffle maker. In large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs and milk. Whisk until fully combined and smooth

    2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk. Using a mixer, mix until smooth. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze if desired

    3. Spray waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until done

    4. Plate waffles and drizzle with glaze. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and serve

    Pictured below: one very happy little boy about to dive into his Red Velvet Waffles! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do, and that you plan to incorporate it into your love day celebrations!

    Feeling the LOVE after reading this post? Check out these Fun Valentine’s Day Activities for Preschoolers

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  • Sugar Cookie Truffles – An Easy Holiday Treat

    Ah, the holiday season. My favorite time to indulge in every sweet imaginable. If you’re like me, you’ll have a million cookies, cakes or pies left over after Christmas and a few good pounds to show for it. I came across the recipe for Sugar Cookie Truffles while attempting to find a purpose for some extra sugar cookies I made and was, quite frankly, tired of eating. The end product was so successful I plan to save a few cookies to make truffles every year! These delicious treats are basically Christmas goodness rolled up in a small, delectably edible ball AND as if you needed another convincing reason to make them, they can be used as cake pops. Yum!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups sugar cookies (or 12 cookies)
    • 4 tablespoons cream cheese
    • 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
    • Sprinkles for decoration

    Directions:

    1. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into ball.
    3. Shape mixture into balls about 1 in. in diameter. Place on prepared cookie sheet and put in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
    4. While truffles freeze, melt white chocolate.
    5. Remove the cookie truffles from the freezer. Using 2 forks, dip and roll chilled truffles one at a time in white chocolate coating. Return to line sheet and QUICKLY top with sprinkles before the white chocolate cools.
    6. Store in an air tight container in fridge.

    Tips

    • I used a basic sugar cookie mix and baked the cookies as instructed. Hard sugar cookie recipes are better for the truffles than soft.
    • Make sure to add sprinkles immediately after the truffle is dipped into the chocolate to ensure that they stick!
    • Here are some great tips for melting chocolate.

    Now you’re ready to go try out some Sugar Cookie Truffles of your own!

    Tasty, versatile, no bake and easy to make, they’re great for a unique dessert or a simple sweet after dinner. Push a stick into the bottom and you’ve got a holiday cake pop. Happy tasting!

    Sweet tooth kicking in now? Be sure to try our homemade Air Fryer Donuts!

    Sugar Cookie Truffle
    Prep Time
    25 mins
     
    Ingredients
    • 2 cups (or 12 cookies) sugar cookie
    • 4 tbsp cream cheese
    • 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
    • sprinkles for decoration
    Instructions
    1. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

    2. Place sugar cookies in a food processor and process until cookies turn into fine crumbs. Add cream cheese and process again until well-combined and mixture can be pressed into ball .

    3. Shape mixture into balls about 1 in. in diameter. Place on prepared cookie sheet and put in freezer for 15-20 minutes.

    4. While truffles freeze, melt white chocolate.

    5. Remove the cookie truffles from the freezer. Using 2 forks, dip and roll chilled truffles one at a time in white chocolate coating. Return to lined sheet and QUICKLY top with sprinkles before the white chocolate cools.

    6. Store in air tight container in fridge.

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