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Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage | lookingjoligood.blog Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Lifestyle

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I always tackle all my food prep for the holiday in one go on the day before, so everything is ready to roll when the day arrives. There’s something so nice about having dinner simmering away in the crockpot while you’re busy with all the holiday cooking prep! Knowing a warm, hearty meal is already taken care of makes the food prep feel a little more stress-free! This comforting slow-cooker soup features Italian sausage, tomatoes, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a touch of cream for a hearty and satisfying meal. It tastes even better the next day served as leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage | lookingjoligood.blog

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Italian sausage (ground or casings removed; spicy or mild)
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 4 cups chicken broth (use bone broth for extra protein)
  • 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but i definitely recommend it!)
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Sausage and Onions:
    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and onion, cooking for 7–8 minutes while breaking up the sausage with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add Garlic:
    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Transfer the sausage mixture to the Crockpot.
  3. Add Vegetables and Broth:
    Add the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
    • For a quick cook (3–4 hours on high), finely chop the carrots.
    • For a longer cook (7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high), chop the carrots into larger pieces.
  4. Add Tortellini and Cream:
    About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini, spinach, and heavy cream (if using). Stir occasionally and set the Crockpot to “high” if it isn’t already.
  5. Season and Serve:
    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the tortellini is tender. Serve with crusty bread or ritz crackers.

Notes

  • Use ground sausage or remove the meat from sausage casings. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick!
  • This soup is best fresh, as the tortellini can absorb the broth over time (Personally, I like it like that, but some people may not). Add extra chicken broth when reheating or cook the tortellini fresh if you plan on having leftovers.
  • A 7-quart Crockpot is ideal for this recipe, as the tortellini will nearly fill the pot.

Enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy days or chilly nights!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Winter Berry Spinach Salad | lookingjoligood.blog Winter Berry Spinach Salad
Delicious Recipes

Winter Berry Spinach Salad

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment
Winter Berry Spinach Salad | lookingjoligood.blog

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:

Winter Berry Spinach Salad | lookingjoligood.blog
  • 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:

  1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, cranberries, strawberries, nuts, onion, and feta.
  2. Make the Dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  3. 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!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Saltine Cracker Toffee | lookingjoligood.blog Saltine Cracker Toffee
Delicious Recipes

Saltine Cracker Toffee

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

Saltine Cracker Toffee | lookingjoligood.blog

Enjoy!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Coffee Punch
Delicious Recipes

Coffee Punch

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

  1. 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.
  2. Assemble the Punch
    Transfer the chilled coffee mixture to a large punch bowl. Add the milk, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ice cream.
  3. 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!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Million Dollar Dip | lookingjoligood.blog Million Dollar Dip
Delicious Recipes

Million Dollar Dip

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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

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!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Monkey Bread Recipe | lookingjoligood.blog Monkey Bread Recipe
Delicious Recipes

Monkey Bread Recipe

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.

monkey bread | lookingjoligood.blog

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan (Bundt pan) with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a large plastic food storage bag, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
  3. Cut the Biscuits: Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
  4. 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.
  5. Layer in the Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared pan, layering them evenly.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.
  8. 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!

monkey bread | lookingjoligood.blog

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

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com


Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe | lookingjoligood.blog Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Delicious Recipes

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers. Do not stir; just spread it out evenly.
  4. Top with Butter: Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. 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:

  1. Peach Dump Cake: Use canned peaches and a yellow cake mix for a simple, fruity dessert. (this is one of my favorites!)
  2. Blueberry Dump Cake: Mix blueberry pie filling with a lemon cake mix for a refreshing twist.
  3. Apple Dump Cake: Combine apple pie filling with a spice cake mix for a warm, comforting dessert.
  4. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling topped with chocolate cake mix for a rich, indulgent treat.
  5. Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake: Layer strawberry pie filling with an angel food cake mix for a light, fruity dessert.
  6. Lemon Dump Cake: Combine lemon pie filling with yellow cake mix for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  7. Caramel Apple Dump Cake: Mix apple pie filling with caramel sauce and top with a yellow cake mix for a decadent dessert.
  8. Funfetti Dump Cake: Use funfetti cake mix with any fruit filling for a festive twist suitable for birthdays or celebrations.
  9. 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!

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com