Racquel Jones's Blog

Apple-Lemon Cupcakes

The sweet and sour flavors in these apple-lemon cupcakes go well together. You can make them quickly in an air fryer, and they're great for any time of the day.

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup applesauce 1 egg 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup diced apples 1/4 cup powdered sugar for icing 1 teaspoon lemon juice for icing Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 320F 160C

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

In another bowl, combine melted butter, applesauce, egg, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined

Fold in the diced apples

Line cupcake molds with liners and fill each 3/4 full with the cupcake batter

Place the cupcakes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them

Cook at 320F 160C for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean

While the cupcakes cool, mix powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to make a simple icing

Drizzle the lemon icing over the cooled cupcakes

Enjoy your delicious Apple-Lemon Cupcakes!

Creamy Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Enjoy the smooth and creamy goodness of vanilla frozen yogurt that you made yourself. With the richness of Greek yogurt and heavy cream and the sweetness of vanilla, this easy-to-make recipe makes a treat that is both refreshing and filling.

Ingredients: 2 cups Greek yogurt 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup whole milk Instructions:

Combine the Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and sugar in a bowl

Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until the sugar is completely mixed in

Whisk the vanilla extract and whole milk into the mixture until everything is well mixed

Put the yogurt mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the maker's directions

This should take about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it's the consistency of soft serve

Put the frozen yogurt in a container that won't let air in

Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it's firm

You can serve the smooth vanilla frozen yogurt in bowls or cones and top them with your favorite things, like chocolate chips or fresh berries

Spaghetti Pizza Playful Cooking

It's fun to change up pizza with this Spaghetti Pizza Playful Cooking. It tastes like a classic pasta dish and is easy to make like pizza. Great for a fun meal with family or friends.

Ingredients: 1 pizza dough store-bought or homemade 1/2 cup pizza sauce 1 cup cooked spaghetti 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup sliced green bell peppers 1/4 cup sliced red onions 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional Salt and black pepper to taste Olive oil for drizzling Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 475F 245C

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges

Evenly distribute the cooked spaghetti over the sauce

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the spaghetti

Top the pizza with sliced black olives, green bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and Italian sausage

Season the pizza with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using

Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra flavor

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Spaghetti Pizza Playful Cooking!

5 Ingredient Granola Bars

These 5 Ingredient Granola Bars are a quick and easy snack option that's perfect for when you're on the go. They are sweet, chewy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats 1 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup dried cranberries Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey

Stir in chocolate chips and dried cranberries, mixing until well incorporated

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the pan

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set

Once set, cut into granola bars and serve

Crepa de Pollo con Salsa Verde

Enjoy these tasty crepes filled with chicken and green salsa, perfect for a special breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients: 1 taza de harina de trigo 2 huevos 1 1/4 taza de leche 1/4 de taza de mantequilla derretida 1/4 de cucharadita de sal 1 pechuga de pollo cocida y desmenuzada 1/2 taza de salsa verde 1/2 taza de queso rallado Aceite para engrasar la sartn Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix the wheat flour and salt together

Add the eggs and milk, and beat until you get a smooth mixture

Add the unraveled mantequilla and mix well

Set a skillet that doesn't stick to a medium-sized fire on high heat and lightly grease it with oil

Set a bowl of rice in a hot skillet and pour hot water over it to make a cold biscuit

Cook the crepe for about two minutes, or until the bottom is golden

Then flip it over and cook the other side

Do the same thing again with the rest of the masa

Fill each crepe with shredded chicken, green salsa, and shredded cheese

Divide the crepes in half and serve hot

Homemade Limoncello Cocktail

The zesty taste of homemade limoncello is mixed with vodka and fresh lemon juice to make this refreshing drink.

Ingredients: 2 oz homemade limoncello 1 oz vodka 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz simple syrup Ice cubes Lemon twist, for garnish Instructions:

Put ice cubes in a cocktail shaker

Gin, vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup made at home should all be put into the shaker

Make sure to shake it well until it's cold

Strain the drink into a cocktail glass that has been chilled

Put a lemon twist on top

Serve and have fun!

Roasted Tomato, Eggplant, and Haloumi Burger

This Roasted Tomato, Eggplant, and Haloumi Burger is a tasty vegetarian option. It has the savory flavors of roasted vegetables and the golden, crispy haloumi cheese. This burger is satisfying and tastes great because of the garlic aioli, which adds a creamy and tangy touch.

Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes 1 medium eggplant 200g haloumi cheese 4 burger buns 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon lemon juice Lettuce leaves Red onion slices Pickles Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375F 190C

Slice the tomatoes and eggplant into rounds

Place the tomato and eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper

Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized

While the vegetables are roasting, slice the haloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to make a garlic aioli

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat

Cook the haloumi cheese slices for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy

Toast the burger buns in the skillet or oven until they are lightly browned

Assemble the burgers by spreading garlic aioli on the bottom bun, then add lettuce leaves, roasted tomato slices, roasted eggplant slices, and haloumi cheese

Top with red onion slices and pickles

Place the top bun on the ingredients to complete the burger

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Sweet Shoyu Chicken

This Slow Cooker Sweet Shoyu Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar with the savory umami of soy sauce. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy chicken infused with delicious Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water Green onions, sliced for garnish Instructions:

Put brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a bowl

Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and cover them with the sauce mix

Set the cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours

Remove the lid and cook the chicken until it is soft and fully cooked

Take the chicken out of the slow cooker when it's done cooking and shred it with two forks

Put away

To make a slurry, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl

Slowly add the slurry to the sauce and mix it well

Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it around to coat it with the sauce that has thickened

Keep cooking on high for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce gets thicker

Put it on top of rice or noodles and add sliced green onions on top

Paleo Sweet Potato Nachos

These tasty sweet potato nachos fit for a paleo diet are a great way to enjoy the big game. They are ideal for Super Bowl Sunday and laden with tasty toppings!

Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground beef or turkey 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup sliced black olives 1/4 cup sliced jalapeos optional 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup guacamole 1/2 cup paleo-friendly salsa 1/4 cup coconut cream for drizzling Lime wedges for garnish Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425F 220C

Toss the sweet potato slices in olive oil and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they become crispy, flipping halfway through

While the sweet potatoes are baking, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned

Drain any excess fat, then add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well seasoned

Once the sweet potato chips are ready, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter

Top the sweet potato chips with the seasoned meat, diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and jalapeos if using

Drizzle guacamole and paleo-friendly salsa over the nachos

Garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of coconut cream

Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor

Blackberry Ginger Smash

A refreshing cocktail with the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries, the warmth of bourbon whiskey, and a hint of ginger spice.

Ingredients: 2 oz blackberry ginger simple syrup 2 oz bourbon whiskey 1 oz lemon juice Fresh blackberries and ginger slices for garnish Ice cubes Instructions:

In a shaker, combine blackberry ginger simple syrup, bourbon whiskey, and lemon juice

Add ice cubes and shake well

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice

Garnish with fresh blackberries and ginger slices

Serve and enjoy!