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Pumpkin Apple Muffins with Brown Sugar Crumble Topping
Why choose between apple and pumpkin when you can have both?! If fall had a flavor, I’m pretty sure it would taste exactly like these Pumpkin Apple Muffins! 🍂 There’s just something about the combination of pumpkin, fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery brown sugar crumble topping that makes you want to grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy a slow fall morning. These muffins are soft, moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. And let me tell you, they were an absolute HIT in our house! The kids practically devoured the entire first pan between breakfast…
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Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Dark & White Chocolate Chips 🍪🎃
Soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, and loaded with chocolate! It’s officially pumpkin season, and if there’s one thing I love about fall, it’s having an excuse to get back into the kitchen and bake something delicious! These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are everything I want in a fall cookie. They’re soft in the middle, slightly golden around the edges, filled with warm pumpkin spice, and packed with both dark and white chocolate chips. And can we talk about the combination of pumpkin and chocolate for a minute? The dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while the white chocolate brings just the right amount of sweetness. Add a little oatmeal for texture, and…
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French Onion Chicken
An Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food Dinner Some nights, you just need a dinner that’s easy to throw together, tastes delicious, and doesn’t require a sink full of dishes afterward. 😂 Enter French Onion Chicken! This recipe combines tender chicken breasts, savory French onion soup, creamy sour cream (or French onion dip if you’re feeling a little extra!), crunchy seasoned croutons, and melted provolone cheese. It’s one of those meals that feels a little fancy without requiring a whole lot of effort. And honestly, those are some of my favorite recipes. The best part? You can get everything assembled in one baking dish and let the oven do most of the…
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Crab Salad with Cucumber & Tomato
Some recipes just feel like summer. My last post was about taking deli crab salad (or homemade crab salad) and eating it with cucumbers… well, I’ve officially taken it a step further and combined it all together into one easy, refreshing salad! This crab salad is cold, crunchy, creamy, and somehow feels both light and filling at the same time. Plus? It takes almost no effort, which honestly makes it even better. And before anyone judges the imitation crab… listen. I’ve loved this stuff since I was a kid, and apparently that obsession followed me right into adulthood. 😂 If you need an easy lunch prep idea, quick side dish,…
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Latest Obsessions (aka… what I can’t stop eating lately 😅)
Do you ever find a snack or meal that you are instantly in love with… and then you eat it on repeat until further notice? Because same. I am that person. Right now, I’m fully in my Mediterranean Bean Salad era and honestly… I don’t see an end in sight. It’s fresh, filling, and gives that “I’m eating something really good for my body” feeling without being complicated. And if you know me, we’re all about simple, doable wins. This post may contain affiliate links, including products I personally use and love. 🥗 Mediterranean Bean Salad (current obsession #1) Ingredients: Dressing: Directions: Serve immediately… or meal prep it!I’ve been throwing…
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🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)
A new month is right around the corner, and that usually means one thing… let’s start thinking about meal planning. Summer is nearing, and everyone is in their “flat belly for sunshine and swimsuits” era.Okay, maybe not everyone… but a lot of people. And honestly? I’m here for it. But also… I’m kinda lazy. 😅 Not lazy lazy—but I’m at a point where I just can’t add another huge, time-consuming habit into my life. I’m focusing on small, doable steps that actually stick. And for me? Meal prepping healthier options is one of those steps. Because here’s the truth: So let’s help out the pocketbook and our bodies a little—and…
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Taqueria Pork Bowls
These Taqueria Pork Bowls are bold, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The seasoned pork comes together quickly in one skillet, and everyone can build their bowl just the way they like it. It’s one of those flexible meals that works great for leftovers, too. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) For the Pork For the Bowls Instructions Step 1: Brown the PorkHeat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Add ground pork and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Step 2: Cook the AromaticsAdd diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the onions soften and…
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes recipe is one of those hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners that always disappears fast in our house. Crispy roasted potatoes, juicy seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and plenty of ranch make this the ultimate comfort food bowl. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Serve warm and enjoy! For a fun twist, we love drizzling Tastefully Simple’s Bold Buffalo Ranch over the top. It adds just the right kick and takes these loaded potatoes to the next level. 🛒Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully…
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Easy Pizza Sliders (Perfect for Busy Nights)
These pizza sliders are one of my go-to dinners when I need something quick, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re cheesy, warm, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or even casual get-togethers. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Tips & Variations 🛒 Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully Simple seasonings: You can shop these (and browse my full collection) in my online store here:👉 https://tastefullysimple.com/?ref=samchristensen9291 Disclosure: As an Ambassador for Tastefully Simple, I may earn a commission from purchases made through my links. I only share products I personally use and love in my own…
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KFC Bowls (Easy Copycat Dinner)
These cozy “KFC-style” bowls are one of my favorite comfort meals — mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gravy, and lots of cheddar. Perfect for busy nights and super kid-friendly! Ingredients (Serves 4) Instructions Notes & Tips These make great leftovers — store components separately if you can, then reheat and assemble. Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of pepper, a dash of garlic powder in the potatoes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Simply Samantha 🌻Simply Real. Simply Me.












