Chicken Piccata

January 31, 2025January 9, 2025 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I’m a creature of habit. Whenever we dine out at a fancy restaurant, I always find myself drawn to one of three dishes: a hearty braised beef, a delicate salmon, or a classic Chicken Piccata. While these restaurants certainly know how to elevate these dishes, I’ve learned that I don’t need a Michelin-star chef to enjoy a delicious plate of Chicken Piccata. In fact, this elegant dish is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Prepared pasta or rice

Instructions:

Prepare the chicken: Pounding the chicken thin is a very important step in making this chicken dish taste delightful.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
Combine and serve: Stir in capers and parsley. Return the chicken to the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until heated through. Serve immediately with pasta or rice.

I love this lemony, caper-topped, and just buttery enough chicken dish! Enjoy your homemade Chicken Piccata!

Delicious Recipes

Winter Berry Spinach Salad

December 22, 2024December 22, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Most of the recipes I have been sharing recently are rich and decadent. Today’s recipe for Winter Berry Spinach Salad is on the healthier side with a delightful mix of fresh, vibrant ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying. The crisp spinach, sweet-tart cranberries, juicy strawberries, and crunchy candied pecans come together beautifully, while the creamy feta and tangy balsamic dressing add a burst of flavor. This salad not only complements richer holiday dishes but also provides a refreshing and wholesome balance to the table.

Winter Berry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

8 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
1 cup fresh cranberries or dried cranberries
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
blueberries or pomegranate arils for extra festivity (optional)

Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, strawberries, nuts, onion, and feta.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Toss & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly. You can also serve the dressing on the side.

This salad is vibrant, full of flavor, and pairs wonderfully with any meal you’ve planned. The colors make it especially festive for Christmas!

Enjoy!

Delicious Recipes

Saltine Cracker Toffee

December 21, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I remember as a child a classmate would bring homemade Saltine Cracker Toffee to our class parties and special occasions. The combination of the crispy crackers, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate was irresistible, especially since caramel has always been a favorite of mine.

This easy and irresistible treat combines crunchy saltine crackers with rich toffee, melted chocolate. Perfect for sharing at a holiday get together or gifting in festive tins during the holidays!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 32

Ingredients

Saltine Cracker Toffee | lookingjoligood.blog

1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 bag (11.5 oz) milk chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon candy sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and coat the foil with cooking spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the pan.

Step 2:
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and salt, stirring frequently until the mixture reaches a boil. Continue boiling for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture turns a light brown color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately pour the toffee mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly.

Step 3:
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. Top with candy sprinkles.

Step 4:
Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm. Break into pieces and enjoy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variation Idea:
For a delicious twist, substitute the saltines with graham crackers, use packed dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, skip the chocolate chips, and sprinkle with chopped pecans instead

Enjoy!

Delicious Recipes

Coffee Punch

December 20, 2024December 18, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Smooth, creamy, and irresistible—this is the ultimate treat for special occasions! I discovered this recipe years ago and first made it for a church function, it was a crowd pleaser. Having a sweet tooth, I instantly fell in love with how rich and creamy it was! Since then, I’ve made it many times, and it’s always a hit. This drink is so indulgent it can even double as a dessert. If you prefer, you can use decaf coffee to make it.Make your punch bowl look extra festive by drizzling chocolate and or caramel syrup along the inside before adding the coffee punch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20
Yield: 1 large punch bowl

Ingredients

2 cups boiling water
1 cup white sugar
1 (2-ounce) jar instant coffee granules (e.g., Nescafe®)
1 gallon 2% milk
½ gallon vanilla ice cream
½ gallon chocolate ice cream

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Base
In a large bowl, combine the boiling water, sugar, and instant coffee granules. Stir until the sugar and coffee are fully dissolved. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to chill.
Assemble the Punch
Transfer the chilled coffee mixture to a large punch bowl. Add the milk, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ice cream.
Mix and Serve
Gently stir the punch until the ice cream starts to melt, creating a creamy and frothy consistency. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing, indulgent coffee punch at your next gathering!

Delicious Recipes

Million Dollar Dip

December 18, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Last Christmas, my mother-in-law served this Million Dollar Dip, and it was an instant hit. My kids loved it so much that they not only ate a ton of it on Christmas day, they now ask me to make it regularly. It has quickly become a favorite! The original recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens.

Million Dollar Dip | lookingjoligood.blog — This image is from Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (about 8 slices)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on low speed until smooth. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder, and continue mixing until well combined.
Incorporate the Mix-Ins
Reserve 1–2 tablespoons each of bacon, green onions, and almonds for garnish. Add the remaining bacon, green onions, almonds, and shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Toast the Almonds (Optional)
To toast the almonds, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma.
Finish and Serve
Transfer the dip to a serving dish and sprinkle the reserved bacon, green onions, and almonds on top for added texture and flavor. Serve with crackers, corn chips, pretzel chips or cut up veggies.

Storage Tips
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the dip’s texture.

Link to the Better Homes and Gardens Million Dollar Dip Recipe: https://www.bhg.com/million-dollar-dip-7968536

I’m also interested in checking out Better Homes and Gardens “21 Make-Ahead Dips No One Will Be Able to Resist Dunking Into” Here is the link for that: https://www.bhg.com/recipes/party/appetizers/make-ahead-dips/

Enjoy your Million Dollar Dip!

Delicious Recipes

Monkey Bread Recipe

December 18, 2024December 16, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

This easy Monkey Bread is a delicious, pull-apart treat that combines the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar with buttery biscuit dough. This monkey bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone! Here’s how to make it using Pillsbury refrigerated biscuits.

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers Original Biscuits (8 count)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan (Bundt pan) with cooking spray.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a large plastic food storage bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Cut the Biscuits: Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
Coat the Biscuit Pieces: Add the quartered biscuit pieces to the bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Seal the bag and shake until all pieces are well coated.
Layer in the Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, layering them evenly.
Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces in the pan.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a heatproof plate or serving platter. Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Here is a link to the Pillsbury Monkey bread recipe
https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/sweet-and-sticky-monkey-bread/9e6e78e1-f715-47d5-9b5b-ecb4c754a1f7
https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/monkey-bread-with-caramel/4a92932f-f795-4813-9800-d6e35e8d5a49

Delicious Recipes

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

December 17, 2024December 16, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

The other day I shared the recipe for Ooey Gooey Cookies that I had for the first time when my sister in law’s mother was visiting. During that same visit I experienced “dump cake” for the first time. I was an instant fan! This Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple and cherries with a buttery cake topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings!

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe | lookingjoligood.blog — this picture is from the Food Network website

Ingredients

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), cut into thin slices

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer the Fruit: Pour the crushed pineapple (with juice) into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple.
Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers. Do not stir; just spread it out evenly.
Top with Butter: Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before serving warm. This dump cake is delicious on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Dump cakes are incredibly versatile and can be made using a variety of ingredients. Here are some popular dump cake variations you can try:

Peach Dump Cake: Use canned peaches and a yellow cake mix for a simple, fruity dessert. (this is one of my favorites!)
Blueberry Dump Cake: Mix blueberry pie filling with a lemon cake mix for a refreshing twist.
Apple Dump Cake: Combine apple pie filling with a spice cake mix for a warm, comforting dessert.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling topped with chocolate cake mix for a rich, indulgent treat.
Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake: Layer strawberry pie filling with an angel food cake mix for a light, fruity dessert.
Lemon Dump Cake: Combine lemon pie filling with yellow cake mix for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Mix apple pie filling with caramel sauce and top with a yellow cake mix for a decadent dessert.
Funfetti Dump Cake: Use funfetti cake mix with any fruit filling for a festive twist suitable for birthdays or celebrations.
Sweet Potato Dump Cake: Incorporate sweet potato puree and spices with a yellow or spice cake mix for a fall-inspired dessert (I’m planning on making this one for Christmas this year).

These variations allow you to customize your dump cake based on seasonal fruits or your personal preferences, making it easy to create something new and delicious every time!

Delicious Recipes

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

December 16, 2024December 21, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Several years ago, I had a version of these cookies while my sister-in-law’s mother was visiting for Christmas. They left such an impression that I’ve thought about them often ever since. Recently, I decided to track down the recipe and give it a try.

Trust me, if you make these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies, you’re going to have a hard time resisting them. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with a rich buttery flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the kind of treat that disappears as soon as they hit the plate.

I found this recipe on the Betty Crocker site and wanted to share it with you. I’ve included the link to their recipe and video guide below—happy baking! And don’t say I didn’t warn you—they’re dangerously good!

Ingredients

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
1-2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
Add Cake Mix: Gradually stir in the yellow cake mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle.
Form Cookie Balls: Once chilled, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Bake: Place the cookie balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, you can sprinkle more powdered sugar on top before serving.

Tips

For variations, consider using different cake mixes like chocolate or lemon.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days (there is no way these cookies are still going to be around three days later. 😉)

Enjoy these delicious gooey butter cookies that are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Betty Crocker’s recipe:
https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cake-mix-gooey-butter-cookies/f7a9017b-870f-4b20-b37f-392f53c65fbc!
https://www.bettycrocker.com/videos/cake-mix-gooey-butter-cookies

Delicious Recipes

Dr. Pepper and Pineapple Glazed Ham

December 13, 2024December 1, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Ham is a classic holiday dish that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. It is also delicious served as leftovers!

The combination of Dr. Pepper and pineapple juice creates a unique flavor! The Dr. Pepper combined with the sweetness of the pineapple juice creates a delicious glaze that infuses the ham with a unique flavor profile.

You can either use the liquid to baste the ham periodically during cooking or create a glaze by reducing the liquid to a syrupy consistency.

Dr pepper glazed ham | lookingjoligood.blog

Ingredients:

Pre-cooked ham
1 cup Dr. Pepper
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Combine liquids: In a small saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Glaze the ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the glaze over it.
Bake: Cover the ham with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
Broil: Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Delicious Recipes

Creamy Cranberry Dip

December 12, 2024December 1, 2024 LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I love cranberry sauce! This is tangy and sweet dip that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter dip, add a bit of orange zest or a splash of orange juice. Beat until smooth.
Fold in cranberry sauce: Gently fold in the cranberry sauce until combined.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or chips.
Try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉

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Category: Delicious Recipes

Chicken Piccata