गुरुवार, 22 अप्रैल 2021

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a rich refreshing drink that is good for you too! Full of protein, vitamins, and minerals use it as a workout recovery drink or a snack.

I love using smoothies as nutritious refreshing snacks or a quick breakfast in the morning. Add this creamy one to my other favorites, Creamy Avocolada, Pina Colada, and Raspberry Peach Smoothies!

Banana smoothie with straw

The Best Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

I love this Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie! It has two of my favorite flavors ever, combined into a protein-packed treat! Peanut butter and bananas were made to go together. The creaminess and sweetness of the banana pairs beautifully with the rich salty sweetness of the peanut butter. They blend perfectly into a drinkable snack that tastes like a milkshake, but it’s better for you!

One of the best things about this healthy treat is that my kids love it and they have no idea how good it is for them. They think they are getting a milkshake for breakfast or a snack, which makes that much more fun to serve. Top the smoothie with a few slices of banana, a drizzle of peanut butter and some chocolate granola for a bit of crunch. You have to try this smoothie!

Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

You can make this easily from ingredients from your pantry. Enjoy this rich drink

  • Frozen Bananas: This will bring the flavor and the chill.
  • Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for healthier nut butter.
  • Honey: This natural sweetener is a classic for both peanut butter and bananas.
  • Greek Yogurt: Greek Yogurt will add both proteins and create a thick rich consistency.
  • Milk: To thin it out and be able to blend it all together.

How To Make a Banana Smoothie

Truly this is so simple, your loved ones can make it, which I love that they choose a healthy snack.

Mix: Add the frozen bananas, peanut butter, honey, greek yogurt, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Banana Smoothie in the blender.

The Best Tips and Tricks For Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Super creamy and tastes like peanut butter banana ice cream instead of a smoothie, this is going to become a staple in your breakfast rotation, or snack rotation!

  • Bananas: This is the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas when you do not have time to make bread. Peel the bananas cut them in half, and place them in a freezer bag. Release as much air as possible out of the bag. I will freeze bunches at a time so I have frozen bananas at all times. We make a lot of smoothies! They will keep for up to 2 months.
  • Peanut Butter: I like to use natural peanut butter that has fewer added sugars and oils. You can also use peanut butter powder if you are trying to cut calories and fat. Keep in mind the fat in peanut butter is good for you.
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, Greek yogurt adds protein and rich thick consistency. If you need more sweetness, use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt.
  • Honey: Nature’s sweetener is perfect in this smoothie. You can use liquid stevia or agave as well.
  • Milk: Feel free to use non-dairy milk if you desire
  • Ice: Add ice to the blending if you want it even colder, you may want to reduce the milk if you do.

Variations For Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Make this shake like smoothie anyway you love it, customizing it is so easy and so delicious

  • Chocolate: The only thing that makes this smoothie better is to add some chocolate. Whether it’s chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, or chocolate milk it’s takes it over the top.
  • Make it even healthier: Add ground flax seeds, chia seeds and oatmeal to the smoothie to add flavor, texture and nutrition.
  • Add some Green: Yes it may make the color a little funky, but you won’t be able to taste it. Add spinach for a boost of fiber and iron.
  • Power Up: Add a bit of flavor and even more protein by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Vanilla or Chocolate would make yummy additions.
  • Top it: Slice up bananas, drizzle with peanut butter, sprinkle with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for a decorative top. And yes you can use whipped cream too.
The top of a banana smoothie with fresh cut bananas with a straw in a glass cup.
Print

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a rich refreshing drink that is good for you too! Full of protein, vitamins, and minerals use it as a workout recovery drink or a snack.
Course Breakfast, smoothie
Cuisine American
Keyword banana smoothie, peanut butter banana smoothie
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 smoothies
Calories 537kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen bananas
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1/4 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/2-1 cup milk

Instructions

  • Add the frozen bananas, peanut butter, honey, greek yogurt, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 235mg | Potassium: 1206mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg


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बुधवार, 21 अप्रैल 2021

The Best New York Cheesecake Ever!

New York Cheesecake is a smooth, creamy dessert that is decant and always a favorite! This is an easy cheesecake that anyone can make.

Rich in flavor cheesecake is always gorgeous looking and tastes impeccable! Try these cheesecake favorites for your next party like this No-Bake, Mini or Dessert Cups.

Cheesecake slice topped with cherry pie filling.

Truly the BEST Cheesecake Ever

When you walk out with this rich decadent creamy dessert in your hands, you are going to become the most popular person in the room. Everyone loves a good cheesecake, but this is an incredible cheesecake, that surprisingly simple to make. Anyone can do this and become the hero of dessert. Cheesecake is a dessert that will be devoured, so be prepared. You may not have very many leftovers.

A wonderful thing about this New York Cheesecake, is it is a blank canvas of richness ready to be topped with your favorites. But it can also stand alone.You do not need to know all the ends and outs of making a cheesecake, I will give them to you here. If you haven’t attempted a cheesecake before, this is the recipe to try it with. Everyone loves a good cheesecake, and this one will not disappoint.

Perfect Cheesecake Ingredients

Super simple ingredients! Most of these ingredients you already have in your pantry.

  • Graham cracker crumbs about 12 crackers: Crush them easily in a food processor if you have one. Or pound in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
  • Sugar: White sugar adds just enough sweetness to the crust.
  • Butter melted: This will combine the crust ingredients together and make them stick into the perfect crust.
  • Pinch salt: This will balance the sweetness so do not leave it out.
  • 2 lbs cream cheese softened (4 8oz packages): I take out my cream cheese while I prepare and bake the crust, at least a good 30 minutes will do.
  • Sour cream: Adds a beautiful tang to the cream cheese and lightens it so it is not too heavy.
  • Sugar: Adds the sweet we all love.
  • Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the best results. Remove them from the fridge when you take out your cream cheese.
  • Vanilla: Use a good quality vanilla for a rich flavor.
  • Lemon zest: You are going to love the zing it creates,

How to Make the Crust

Simple and delicious, this buttery sweet crumb crust is the perfect bottom layer for New York Cheesecake!

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 325. Prepare your springform pan by spraying with cooking spray, placing a parchment round on the bottom, and spraying the top of the parchment with cooking spray.
  2. Combine: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together. This should resemble damp sand.
  3. Press: Pour your crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the pan. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust.
  4. Cook: Bake for 10 minutes.
  5. Cool: Allow cooling completely.
The crust in the pan.

How to Make a New York Cheesecake with no Cracks

Whether there is a crack or not in your New York Cheesecake will not affect the taste at all, this is all about being pleasing to the eye. When I am eating cheesecake, it really does not matter to me how it looks. These are just some great tips to help try and avoid the cracks.

  1. Cream: Add your softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of your stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium/high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more.
  2. Add: Pour the sugar and sour cream into the mixer and mix at medium/low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl again and mix 10 seconds.
  3. Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds-1 minute. Scrape the bowl again.
  4. Flavor: Add vanilla and lemon zest. Beat until just combined. At this point your batter should be smooth and fairly runny.
The process of making cheesecake.

Prep the Pan for Baking

  1. Water prep: Using 18 inch heavy-duty aluminum foil, wrap the outside of your springform pan with 4 sheets of foil. You can use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into your pan.
  2. Situate: Place your wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. You can alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  3. Pour the batter: Add your cheesecake batter to the springform pan.
Cheesecake in a pan with a bath water.

Baking the Cheesecake

  1. Water: Using very hot water, add water to the baking sheet/ until thee is about 1 ½ inch of water around the springform pan. On a rack in the lower 3rd of the oven, carefully move your pan into the oven.
  2. Cook: Bake for 1-1 ½ hours. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should be jiggly, but not liquid. If it seems very liquidy still, give it 15 more minutes and check it again.
  3. Cool: Once the cheesecake is firm, yet jiggly, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  4. Remove: Once the oven and the cheesecake are cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.
  5. Refrigerate: Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
  6. Release: Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to ensure an easy release when the springform is removed.
  7. Top it: Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
A slice of New York cheesecake being served.

Tips For The Best New York Cheesecake

I am not sure I have ever had a bad cheesecake, but this is definitely the BEST I have ever made or had. Here are some tips to make yours the same.

  • Use Full Fat: For the best consistency and richness in your cheesecake use full fat cream cheese and sour cream. Now is not the time to use full fat. Save that for your other recipes, you will love the difference it creates when seeing how velvety smooth it is.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: To create that smooth luscious filling you will want all your ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, etc) at room temperature. If your ingredients are too cold they can cause lumps. Take your ingredients out and let them sit for up to 2 hours.
  • Do Not Overbeat: When you overbeat your batter, it will put too much air in the mixture, which can cause it to split or rise and fall drastically. Beat with a paddle on low to medium speed and stop as soon as it is all mixed.
  • Grease Your Spring Form Pan: Even if your springform pan is non-stick you will want to grease it. Lightly oil with a cooking spray or with some cold butter rubbed over all the surfaces very lightly. The extra work is worth the peace of mind that it will come out.
  • Keeping it Moist: You may shudder at the fact you must cook your cheesecake in a water bath. But it is the only way to guarantee the creamiest most decadent New York-style cheesecake. If you do not want to place the cheesecake in the water bath you can achieve the same results by putting the pan of water on the rack directly beneath the cheesecake.
  • No Peeking: After you have gone to all that trouble of the water bath, you need to let it do its job. Resist the urge to open the oven and peek at your cheesecake. You will release all that hard-earned steam and could cause your cheesecake to crack. Exposing the cake to extreme temperatures is not ideal.
  • Let it Cool: You will know your cheesecake is done when there is a slight wobble to the center. Do not stick a knife or a thermometer inside it. It will crack it. Once it is done, turn off the oven and let it come to room temperature inside the oven. This takes about an hour and helps it from cracking. Remove from oven and place in the fridge for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Cherries being put on top of the cheesecake.

What to Top Your New York Cheesecake With

This is a gorgeous tasty stand alone dish, or you can top it to your heart’s content. I like to have lots of topping choices available for people to choose from. Almost like a cheesecake topper buffet.

  • PIe Filling: Use your favorite, think cherry, strawberry, blueberry, apple and peach.
  • Sauces: A good drizzle of chocolate or caramel are good starters. But you can use this amazing Lemon Curd, Strawberry Sauce or this tangy Cranberry Sauce that is so good.
  • Fresh Fruit: The options here are limitless, top with whipped cream too.
  • Crushed Cookies or candy: Oreos, Nutter Butters, chocolate chips, snicker bars and heath bars are all good!
Taking a bite of New York cheesecake.
Print

New York Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake is a smooth, creamy dessert that is decadent and always a favorite! This is an easy cheesecake that anyone can make.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesecake, new york cheesecake
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Chill 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 516kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs about 12 crackers
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 1 Pinch salt

Cheesecake

  • 2 pounds cream cheese softened 4 {8 ounces packages}
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

The Crust

  • Preheat oven to 325. Prepare your springform pan by spraying with cooking spray, placing a parchment round on the bottom then spraying the top of the parchment with cooking spray.
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together. This should resemble damp sand.
  • Pour your crumb mixture into the prepared springform pan and press evenly into the pan. You can use the bottom of a flat glass or a flat measuring cup to really press it in well and get a nice, even crust.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely.

Cheesecake Filling

  • Add your softened cream cheese to the mixing bowl of your stand mixer and beat with a paddle at medium/high speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for a few seconds more.
  • Add sugar and sour cream and mix at medium/low speed until just combined. Scrape the bowl again and mix 10 seconds.
  • Add eggs and beat on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds-1 minute. Scrape the bowl again.
  • Add vanilla and lemon zest. Beat until just combined. At this point your batter should be smooth and fairly runny.

Prep the pan for baking

  • Using 18 inch heavy duty aluminum foil, wrap the outside of your springform pan with 4 sheets of foil. You can use regular foil, but it may take a couple more sheets to ensure the water does not get into your pan.
  • Place your wrapped pan in a deep roasting pan. You can alternatively use a baking sheet, so long as the sides are about 2 inches deep.
  • Add your cheesecake batter to the springform pan.

Baking the cheesecake

  • Using very hot water, add water to the baking sheet/ until thee is about 1 ½ inch of water around the springform pan. On a rack in the lower 3rd of the oven, carefully move your pan into the oven.
  • Bake for 1-1 ½ hours. After about an hour of baking, check the cheesecake’s consistency. A slight jiggle of the pan (while still in the oven) should tell you if it’s ready or needs more time. The cheesecake should be jiggly, but not liquid. If it seems very liquidy still, give it 15 more minutes and check it again.
  • Once the cheesecake is firm, yet jiggly, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour or so, until the oven has cooled down. Resist the temptation to open the oven during this time! The purpose of this step is to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly as the oven cools. Doing this will prevent it from cracking, as one of the biggest reasons cheesecakes crack is the drastic temperature change going from the hot oven into the much cooler kitchen.
  • Once the oven and the cheesecake are cooled, remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil lining the pan.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.
  • Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to ensure an easy release when the springform is removed.
  • Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

 if using whole graham crackers, use a food processor or blender to crush into crumbs.
 Leaving the cream cheese on the counter overnight makes it nice and soft, easy to mix into a smooth batter
scraping the bowl several times ensures the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Nutrition

Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 1350IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg


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मंगलवार, 20 अप्रैल 2021

Bubble Pizza

Bubble pizza is a fabulous spin on pepperoni pizza that is easy and crazy good! Soft pillowy biscuits are smothered in sauce, pepperoni, and topped with cheese!

We love pizza in our house and there are so many fun ways to make it besides in the round. Try these tried and true recipes Pizza Crescent Rolls, Calzone, and English Muffin Pizzas.

Bubble pizza in a 9x13 ready to eat.

Quick and Easy Bubble Pizza

When you are craving pizza but need it quick, this bubble pizza is the way to go! Customize your pizza any way you like! This is the perfect combination of biscuit, cheese to pepperoni ratio. Every bite of bubble pizza gets better and better with the same stringy, hot cheese, sizzling pepperoni and the biscuits that is like crust. Your family will be asking to make this each week!

Creating pizza is the best Friday night tradition! Now add this bubble pizza to your rotation and see how simple this pizza casserole comes together. Bubble pizza is named from the biscuits being simple to use and act as a crust in the casserole. They bubble up being baked and create the best balance of bread, cheese and sauce mixture. You can’t go wrong with this bubble pizza recipe!

Ingredients for Bubble Up Pizza

Bubble Pizza is super simple to make and has just the right amount of ingredients that you will have on hand. Easy and delicious, this bubble pizza will be a huge hit for dinner!

  • Regular Biscuits: I used a can of Pillsbury dough biscuits.
  • Pizza Sauce: I love homemade sauce but any store bought kind will work well too.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is the best but if you want to keep it simple, purchase the pre-shredded in kind in the bag.
  • Italian Seasoning: This is a pantry staple and always on-hand.
  • Garlic: My favorite ingredient to add when choosing Italian dishes!
  • Pepperoni: Cut your pepperoni into fourths for a bite size look.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Shredded cheese that will be sprinkled on top.

How to Make the Best Bubble Pizza

It is easy to make and comes together in a less than 10 minutes. Your kids will love to watch the oven window as the biscuits start to bubble up!

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Mix Together: In a medium-sized bowl combine the biscuits, pizza sauce, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, and pepperoni.
  3. Add Biscuits: Spread in an even layer along the bottom of your baking dish.  Do not overlap biscuits.
  4. Bake to Perfection! Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until biscuits are cooked and cheese is bubbly.
Biscuits, sauce, cheese and pepperoni in a bowl.

Variations for Bubble Up Pizza Bread

Mix and match all the toppings to customize your bubble pizza just the way your family loves it!

  • Sauce: Mix up your sauce and try Alfredo Sauce or a zesty Italian sauce that is store bought.
  • Cheese: Switch your cheese with an ooey-gooey mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar.
  • Biscuit Dough: If you love homemade, these biscuits are perfect for using in this recipe.
  • Protein: Shredded chicken, sausage and ham are great ways to create a hearty and filling dinner.
  • Toppings: Add as many or as little toppings to create the best bubble pizza. Try green peppers, canned pineapple, sliced black olives, mushrooms or onions for a delicious twist.

What to Serve with Casserole Pizza

Make a complete meal with these delicious side dishes!

Mixture in a 9x13 with cheese on top ready to bake.

How to Store your Pizza

Storing bubble pizza is simple! Simply place a lid, plastic wrap or aluminum foil overtop the casserole dish and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. When ready to reheat, place a slice of pizza on a microwavable plate for 1 minute or until it is warmed through.

Scooping out a slice of Bubble pizza.
Print

Bubble Pizza

Bubble pizza is a fabulous spin on pepperoni pizza that is easy and crazy good! Soft pillowy biscuits are smothered in sauce, pepperoni, and topped with cheese!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword bubble pizza, bubble up pizza
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 361kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 can pillsbury regular biscuits not grand , cut into fourths
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic
  • 1 cup pepperoni cut into fourths
  • 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium sized bowl combine the biscuits, pizza sauce, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, garlic, and pepperoni.
  • Spread in an even layer along the bottom of your baking dish. Do not overlap biscuits.
  • Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until biscuits are cooked and cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 3mg


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