If there’s one thing we know how to do at Frugal and Thriving, it’s shopping a really good sale. Our job is to be on top of the hottest and latest deals from all across the internet, and we’re rounding them up and putting them all in one place for you! See this week’s best sales from some of our favorite retailers below.

Carter’s

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

It’s spring break at Carter’s! Get 40% off everything plus an extra 10% off with code INSIDER10

Express

Dress to impress! Shop 40% off sitewide at Express

Kohl’s

Get up to 40% off Easter essentials, 30% off select floorcare, decorative storage for $19.99 and under, and up to 70% off clearance. Use code EXTRA15 to get an extra 15% off at Kohl’s

Macy’s

From home to fashion and everything in between, get 20-50% off sitewide at Macy’s!

Old Navy

Easter is almost here!! Get 50% off Easter finds from Old Navy!

Target

Shop the Spring Home Sale and get up to 50% off home & patio items from Target!!

Tarte

Calling all beauty babes! Shop 30% off sitewide with code FAM30 during the tarte Friends & Family Sale

Victoria’s Secret

Think PINK! Victoria’s Secret rewards members (it’s free to join!) get 25% off their purchase today, and 20% off tomorrow

Walmart

It’s Super Spring Savings Week at Walmart! Shop rollbacks on thousands of items!

While Easter spirit brings us bunnies and carrots and colorful eggs, we all know what the best part of this holiday is…the treats! Whether it’s the chocolate in your child’s Easter basket or a fluffy marshmallow Peep, a sweet snack is what puts a smile on our faces every time. Make your own Easter treats for your family get-together, your office colleagues, or your kiddo’s classroom! See our recipes below.

Easter Bark

A pretty pastel Easter treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Colored chocolate pieces (colors can be interchanged for each holiday!! This is a great party snack for anytime of the year) I went with pink, white, orange and I used a light green food coloring gel with white chocolate for Easter
  •  Sprinkles for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Melt chocolate pieces in 40 second increments – if chocolate becomes clumpy add 2 tsp of vegetable shortening! 
  • Pour into baking dish and top with sprinkles
  • Place in refrigerator and let cool for about 2 hours (or until hardened)
  • Cut into small pieces and enjoy! 

Easter Dirt

This Easter Dirt is a super cute treat for the kiddos! Prep it in an Easter-themed bucket to really make it feel like a tasty garden of goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pack Oreo
  • 3.5 cups milk
  • 2 small boxes instant serve vanilla pudding
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8-ounce tub of cool whip
  • Decorations for top

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break the Oreos into crumbs (can use food processor or ziplock back and rolling pin)
  • Whip the milk and two pudding boxes together until pudding forms- set aside in fridge
  • Cream together cream cheese and butter – once smooth, add powdered sugar
  • Once smooth, add in the pudding mixture
  • Once combined fold in the cool whip
  • In a truffle dish (or Easter bucket), layer Oreo crumbs then pudding mixture until you end on Oreo crumbs
  • Decorate with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolate carrots, edible grass, or gummy worms and dig in!!

Peeps S’mores

Our favorite campfire snack just got an Easter makeover! These Peeps S’mores are not only delicious, they’re convenient for the classroom too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Graham crackers
  • Peeps
  • Hershey’s chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break apart graham crackers and chocolate bars into s’mores-sized pieces
  • Top graham cracker with chocolate, Peep, and another graham cracker
  • For the classroom, prep individual s’mores ingredients in Ziploc bags!

Rice Krispies Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat?! These Rice Krispies Eggs are gooey and chewy and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Rice Krispies
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Almond bark
  • Easter sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow Rice Krispies treat instructions on back of cereal box
  • Mix in Easter sprinkles
  • Spray Easter egg-shaped molds with nonstick spray and fill with mixture
  • Let set and remove from molds
  • Melt almond bark and dip one end of egg then cover with sprinkles (optional)
  • Enjoy!!

Snickers Salad

This yummy candy “salad” is perfect for an Easter dessert, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover candy after the holiday!

INGREDIENTS:

  • (1) 5oz pack of Vanilla Instant pudding 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz Cool Whip 
  • 3 Granny Smith apples 
  • 3 share-size Snickers 
  • Caramel sauce to top (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix instant pudding with 1 cup milk
  • Fold in Cool Whip 
  • Dice up apples
  • Stir into pudding mixture 
  • Chop up Snickers and fold half into mixture (if you’re taking this dish to-go, transfer mix to new bowl)
  • Top with rest of Snickers and optional caramel sauce and enjoy!

While Easter spirit brings us bunnies and carrots and colorful eggs, we all know what the best part of this holiday is…the treats! Whether it’s the chocolate in your child’s Easter basket or a fluffy marshmallow Peep, a sweet snack is what puts a smile on our faces every time. Make your own Easter treats for your family get-together, your office colleagues, or your kiddo’s classroom! See our recipes below.

Easter Bark

A pretty pastel Easter treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Colored chocolate pieces (colors can be interchanged for each holiday!! This is a great party snack for anytime of the year) I went with pink, white, orange and I used a light green food coloring gel with white chocolate for Easter
  •  Sprinkles for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Melt chocolate pieces in 40 second increments – if chocolate becomes clumpy add 2 tsp of vegetable shortening! 
  • Pour into baking dish and top with sprinkles
  • Place in refrigerator and let cool for about 2 hours (or until hardened)
  • Cut into small pieces and enjoy! 

Easter Dirt

This Easter Dirt is a super cute treat for the kiddos! Prep it in an Easter-themed bucket to really make it feel like a tasty garden of goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pack Oreo
  • 3.5 cups milk
  • 2 small boxes instant serve vanilla pudding
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8-ounce tub of cool whip
  • Decorations for top

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break the Oreos into crumbs (can use food processor or ziplock back and rolling pin)
  • Whip the milk and two pudding boxes together until pudding forms- set aside in fridge
  • Cream together cream cheese and butter – once smooth, add powdered sugar
  • Once smooth, add in the pudding mixture
  • Once combined fold in the cool whip
  • In a truffle dish (or Easter bucket), layer Oreo crumbs then pudding mixture until you end on Oreo crumbs
  • Decorate with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolate carrots, edible grass, or gummy worms and dig in!!

Peeps S’mores

Our favorite campfire snack just got an Easter makeover! These Peeps S’mores are not only delicious, they’re convenient for the classroom too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Graham crackers
  • Peeps
  • Hershey’s chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break apart graham crackers and chocolate bars into s’mores-sized pieces
  • Top graham cracker with chocolate, Peep, and another graham cracker
  • For the classroom, prep individual s’mores ingredients in Ziploc bags!

Rice Krispies Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat?! These Rice Krispies Eggs are gooey and chewy and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Rice Krispies
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Almond bark
  • Easter sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow Rice Krispies treat instructions on back of cereal box
  • Mix in Easter sprinkles
  • Spray Easter egg-shaped molds with nonstick spray and fill with mixture
  • Let set and remove from molds
  • Melt almond bark and dip one end of egg then cover with sprinkles (optional)
  • Enjoy!!

Snickers Salad

This yummy candy “salad” is perfect for an Easter dessert, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover candy after the holiday!

INGREDIENTS:

  • (1) 5oz pack of Vanilla Instant pudding 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz Cool Whip 
  • 3 Granny Smith apples 
  • 3 share-size Snickers 
  • Caramel sauce to top (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix instant pudding with 1 cup milk
  • Fold in Cool Whip 
  • Dice up apples
  • Stir into pudding mixture 
  • Chop up Snickers and fold half into mixture (if you’re taking this dish to-go, transfer mix to new bowl)
  • Top with rest of Snickers and optional caramel sauce and enjoy!

While Easter spirit brings us bunnies and carrots and colorful eggs, we all know what the best part of this holiday is…the treats! Whether it’s the chocolate in your child’s Easter basket or a fluffy marshmallow Peep, a sweet snack is what puts a smile on our faces every time. Make your own Easter treats for your family get-together, your office colleagues, or your kiddo’s classroom! See our recipes below.

Easter Bark

A pretty pastel Easter treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Colored chocolate pieces (colors can be interchanged for each holiday!! This is a great party snack for anytime of the year) I went with pink, white, orange and I used a light green food coloring gel with white chocolate for Easter
  •  Sprinkles for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Melt chocolate pieces in 40 second increments – if chocolate becomes clumpy add 2 tsp of vegetable shortening! 
  • Pour into baking dish and top with sprinkles
  • Place in refrigerator and let cool for about 2 hours (or until hardened)
  • Cut into small pieces and enjoy! 

Easter Dirt

This Easter Dirt is a super cute treat for the kiddos! Prep it in an Easter-themed bucket to really make it feel like a tasty garden of goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pack Oreo
  • 3.5 cups milk
  • 2 small boxes instant serve vanilla pudding
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8-ounce tub of cool whip
  • Decorations for top

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break the Oreos into crumbs (can use food processor or ziplock back and rolling pin)
  • Whip the milk and two pudding boxes together until pudding forms- set aside in fridge
  • Cream together cream cheese and butter – once smooth, add powdered sugar
  • Once smooth, add in the pudding mixture
  • Once combined fold in the cool whip
  • In a truffle dish (or Easter bucket), layer Oreo crumbs then pudding mixture until you end on Oreo crumbs
  • Decorate with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolate carrots, edible grass, or gummy worms and dig in!!

Peeps S’mores

Our favorite campfire snack just got an Easter makeover! These Peeps S’mores are not only delicious, they’re convenient for the classroom too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Graham crackers
  • Peeps
  • Hershey’s chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break apart graham crackers and chocolate bars into s’mores-sized pieces
  • Top graham cracker with chocolate, Peep, and another graham cracker
  • For the classroom, prep individual s’mores ingredients in Ziploc bags!

Rice Krispies Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat?! These Rice Krispies Eggs are gooey and chewy and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Rice Krispies
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Almond bark
  • Easter sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow Rice Krispies treat instructions on back of cereal box
  • Mix in Easter sprinkles
  • Spray Easter egg-shaped molds with nonstick spray and fill with mixture
  • Let set and remove from molds
  • Melt almond bark and dip one end of egg then cover with sprinkles (optional)
  • Enjoy!!

Snickers Salad

This yummy candy “salad” is perfect for an Easter dessert, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover candy after the holiday!

INGREDIENTS:

  • (1) 5oz pack of Vanilla Instant pudding 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz Cool Whip 
  • 3 Granny Smith apples 
  • 3 share-size Snickers 
  • Caramel sauce to top (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix instant pudding with 1 cup milk
  • Fold in Cool Whip 
  • Dice up apples
  • Stir into pudding mixture 
  • Chop up Snickers and fold half into mixture (if you’re taking this dish to-go, transfer mix to new bowl)
  • Top with rest of Snickers and optional caramel sauce and enjoy!

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and everyone has a favorite part of this big day. Whether you love the actual game, the commercials and halftime show, the snacks (guilty), or just the general camaraderie, having some yummy food is definitely an essential part of the celebration. Get ready for the big game day with these quick & easy Super Bowl snack recipes!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Paprika Pita Chips

This spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips is *chef’s kiss* – even the picky eaters will love!

Ingredients:

*double the recipe if you’re feeding a big crowd

  • (1) 10oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and well drained)
  • 6 pieces of bacon (crumbled once cooked)
  • 2 tsp of minced garlic 
  • (1) 14oz can of artichoke hearts
  • 16oz container of light dairy sour cream 
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise 
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 
  • 1 Bag of pita bread 
  • Paprika (or smoked paprika) 

Directions:

  • Preheat oven at 350° – cut pita bread into triangles and set on foil lined baking tray – spray with pam spray and season with paprika. Cook for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 
  • Cook bacon (I used 6 slices) and set aside to cool (reserve 1 tbsp of bacon grease) add garlic and sauté until browned, add spinach, artichokes to pan until warm. Then add sour cream, Mayo, and pepper until warm throughout. Crumble bacon into small pieces and fold into spinach mix. 
  • Serve with baked pita chips and enjoy!!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This buffalo chicken dip is our absolute favorite!! It’s creamy and delicious and hits the spot every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package chicken breasts
  • Chicken broth
  • Shredded cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Cream cheese
  • Mild wing sauce

Directions:

  • Cook chicken in slow cooker with chicken broth (I use about a cup and a half or until chicken is covered) until fully cooked – shredding chicken as it cooks.
  • Once chicken is cooked – pour a bottle of wing sauce over chicken and let it marinate overnight. 
  • Preheat oven at 350° (take chicken and cream cheese out of fridge and let sit to room temperature)
  • Evenly spread cream cheese on bottom of oven safe casserole dish, top with buffalo chicken, then full package of shredded cheese (we love cheese), and full bottle of ranch dressing. 
  • Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 
  • Enjoy with your favorite chips or veggies!

Slow Cook Taco Pasta

This slow cook taco pasta is an easy, hearty meal for the whole family (or party)!

Ingredients:

  • 1 box pasta shells
  • 13oz tomato sauce
  • Ground beef
  • Shredded cheese of choice
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Cream Cheese

Directions:

  • Cook ground beef thoroughly
  • Add ground beef, (1) 13oz can of tomato sauce, one packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to slow cooker and stir 
  • Cook on high for 1 hour 
  • Cook shell noodles until al dente (about 8 minutes)
  • Add noodles, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 block of cream cheese (cut into cubes) to slow cooker and stir 
  • Cook on low for another hour 
  • Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream and enjoy! 

Honey BBQ Meatballs

These little meatballs are a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lotta yummy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs
  • Honey BBQ sauce

Directions:

  • Bake meatballs at 350° for about 20 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes (about 12 meatballs) 
  • Cover meatballs with BBQ sauce and serve

*For a heartier snack, add meatballs to rolls topped with provolone cheese!!

Loaded Fries

Load ’em up! These loaded fries will be the talk of the town, long after the game ends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen crinkle cut fries
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Bacon bits
  • Sour cream

Directions:

  • Bake fries at 425° for 15 minutes
  • Top with cheese and bacon pieces 
  • Bake at 425° for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted 
  • Serve with sour cream and enjoy!!

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and everyone has a favorite part of this big day. Whether you love the actual game, the commercials and halftime show, the snacks (guilty), or just the general camaraderie, having some yummy food is definitely an essential part of the celebration. Get ready for the big game day with these quick & easy Super Bowl snack recipes!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Paprika Pita Chips

This spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips is *chef’s kiss* – even the picky eaters will love!

Ingredients:

*double the recipe if you’re feeding a big crowd

  • (1) 10oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed and well drained)
  • 6 pieces of bacon (crumbled once cooked)
  • 2 tsp of minced garlic 
  • (1) 14oz can of artichoke hearts
  • 16oz container of light dairy sour cream 
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise 
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 
  • 1 Bag of pita bread 
  • Paprika (or smoked paprika) 

Directions:

  • Preheat oven at 350° – cut pita bread into triangles and set on foil lined baking tray – spray with pam spray and season with paprika. Cook for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 
  • Cook bacon (I used 6 slices) and set aside to cool (reserve 1 tbsp of bacon grease) add garlic and sauté until browned, add spinach, artichokes to pan until warm. Then add sour cream, Mayo, and pepper until warm throughout. Crumble bacon into small pieces and fold into spinach mix. 
  • Serve with baked pita chips and enjoy!!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This buffalo chicken dip is our absolute favorite!! It’s creamy and delicious and hits the spot every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package chicken breasts
  • Chicken broth
  • Shredded cheese
  • Ranch dressing
  • Cream cheese
  • Mild wing sauce

Directions:

  • Cook chicken in slow cooker with chicken broth (I use about a cup and a half or until chicken is covered) until fully cooked – shredding chicken as it cooks.
  • Once chicken is cooked – pour a bottle of wing sauce over chicken and let it marinate overnight. 
  • Preheat oven at 350° (take chicken and cream cheese out of fridge and let sit to room temperature)
  • Evenly spread cream cheese on bottom of oven safe casserole dish, top with buffalo chicken, then full package of shredded cheese (we love cheese), and full bottle of ranch dressing. 
  • Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 
  • Enjoy with your favorite chips or veggies!

Slow Cook Taco Pasta

This slow cook taco pasta is an easy, hearty meal for the whole family (or party)!

Ingredients:

  • 1 box pasta shells
  • 13oz tomato sauce
  • Ground beef
  • Shredded cheese of choice
  • Taco Seasoning
  • Cream Cheese

Directions:

  • Cook ground beef thoroughly
  • Add ground beef, (1) 13oz can of tomato sauce, one packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to slow cooker and stir 
  • Cook on high for 1 hour 
  • Cook shell noodles until al dente (about 8 minutes)
  • Add noodles, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 block of cream cheese (cut into cubes) to slow cooker and stir 
  • Cook on low for another hour 
  • Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream and enjoy! 

Honey BBQ Meatballs

These little meatballs are a little sweet, a little tangy, and a whole lotta yummy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs
  • Honey BBQ sauce

Directions:

  • Bake meatballs at 350° for about 20 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes (about 12 meatballs) 
  • Cover meatballs with BBQ sauce and serve

*For a heartier snack, add meatballs to rolls topped with provolone cheese!!

Loaded Fries

Load ’em up! These loaded fries will be the talk of the town, long after the game ends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen crinkle cut fries
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Bacon bits
  • Sour cream

Directions:

  • Bake fries at 425° for 15 minutes
  • Top with cheese and bacon pieces 
  • Bake at 425° for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted 
  • Serve with sour cream and enjoy!!

Soups are an easy, delicious, and (usually) healthy meal option, and they can really hit the spot on a cold winter day! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite soup recipes to share with you so next time you’re stumped about what to make for dinner, you can whip one of these up and make the whole family happy! See our soup recipes below.

Stracciatella Soup

A heartwarming, delicious and nutritious soup. Made in the beloved Always Pan!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

A creamy, filling soup perfect for family dinner on a chilly night!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 celery chopped 
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped 
  • 1/2 onion 
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped garlic (about three cloves)
  • 3 TBS flour 
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1 cup uncooked rice 
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound uncooked chicken cut into bite size pieces 

DIRECTIONS:

  • Chop all veggies 
  • With 1 TBS oil, sauté celery, onion and carrots in soup pot for 5 minutes
  • Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds
  • Add in flour and cook for about a minute (coating veggies)
  • Slowly add in chicken broth (scraping the bottom of the pot)
  • Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Stir in rice and heavy whipping cream
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer
  • Cover the pot with lid to cook rice for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally
  • Add in chicken and cook for another 10-12 minutes (while stirring occasionally so rice doesn’t stick)
  • Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers

    *Krista’s pro tip: I personally cook the rice separate and instead of adding when you add the cream, let the soup broth cook for a bit then add the chicken and let cook. If you’re planning on saving leftovers, it’s best to keep rice separate since it soaks up the broth! 

Mushroom Soup

This mushroom soup has a kick of spice! It’s delicious by itself or with rice and/or chicken!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 TBS plant-based butter
  • 10oz mushrooms
  • 1 TBS Hungarian paprika
  • 1 TBS coconut aminos
  • 2 cups no salt added chicken broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 TBS tapioca flour
  • Ground pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • Parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Place butter in sauce pan and melt
  • Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender
  • Mix in paprika, aminos, and broth – simmer on low for about 15 minutes
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk and flour – then add to sauce pan
  • Stir well and let simmer (don’t boil) covered, for about 15 minutes
  • Stir in pepper, lemon juice, and sour cream and allow to heat for about 5 minutes
  • Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Dupe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound spicy sausage (or mild if preferred)
  • Diced pancetta (1-pack sized) or bacon
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 2 TBS flour 
  • 4 cups chicken stock 
  • 4 large potatoes (russet)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Kale

DIRECTIONS:

  • Chop onion, garlic and potatoes
  • In pot, heat a drizzle of oil – crumble up sausage and brown it, drain well and move to a plate
  • In same pot cook the pancetta (or bacon) using the grease from the sausage. Cool till crisp. Once done move to plate, clear all but 1 TBS of oil from pot
  • Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes
  • Add garlic and cook for an additional minute
  • Add flour to onion and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for about a minute.
  • Pour in chicken stock and gently stir as you pour, add potatoes and bring to a boil
  • Cook until potatoes can be pierced with a fork (about 15 minutes)
  • Add in cooked sausage, pancetta/bacon (leaving some for topping), heavy cream, and kale
  • Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes
  • Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Top with pancetta/bacon pieces and serve!

Soups are an easy, delicious, and (usually) healthy meal option, and they can really hit the spot on a cold winter day! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite soup recipes to share with you so next time you’re stumped about what to make for dinner, you can whip one of these up and make the whole family happy! See our soup recipes below.

Stracciatella Soup

A heartwarming, delicious and nutritious soup. Made in the beloved Always Pan!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

A creamy, filling soup perfect for family dinner on a chilly night!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 celery chopped 
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped 
  • 1/2 onion 
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped garlic (about three cloves)
  • 3 TBS flour 
  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 1 cup uncooked rice 
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound uncooked chicken cut into bite size pieces 

DIRECTIONS:

  • Chop all veggies 
  • With 1 TBS oil, sauté celery, onion and carrots in soup pot for 5 minutes
  • Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds
  • Add in flour and cook for about a minute (coating veggies)
  • Slowly add in chicken broth (scraping the bottom of the pot)
  • Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Stir in rice and heavy whipping cream
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer
  • Cover the pot with lid to cook rice for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally
  • Add in chicken and cook for another 10-12 minutes (while stirring occasionally so rice doesn’t stick)
  • Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers

    *Krista’s pro tip: I personally cook the rice separate and instead of adding when you add the cream, let the soup broth cook for a bit then add the chicken and let cook. If you’re planning on saving leftovers, it’s best to keep rice separate since it soaks up the broth! 

Mushroom Soup

This mushroom soup has a kick of spice! It’s delicious by itself or with rice and/or chicken!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 TBS plant-based butter
  • 10oz mushrooms
  • 1 TBS Hungarian paprika
  • 1 TBS coconut aminos
  • 2 cups no salt added chicken broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 TBS tapioca flour
  • Ground pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • Parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Place butter in sauce pan and melt
  • Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender
  • Mix in paprika, aminos, and broth – simmer on low for about 15 minutes
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk and flour – then add to sauce pan
  • Stir well and let simmer (don’t boil) covered, for about 15 minutes
  • Stir in pepper, lemon juice, and sour cream and allow to heat for about 5 minutes
  • Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Dupe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound spicy sausage (or mild if preferred)
  • Diced pancetta (1-pack sized) or bacon
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 2 TBS flour 
  • 4 cups chicken stock 
  • 4 large potatoes (russet)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Kale

DIRECTIONS:

  • Chop onion, garlic and potatoes
  • In pot, heat a drizzle of oil – crumble up sausage and brown it, drain well and move to a plate
  • In same pot cook the pancetta (or bacon) using the grease from the sausage. Cool till crisp. Once done move to plate, clear all but 1 TBS of oil from pot
  • Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes
  • Add garlic and cook for an additional minute
  • Add flour to onion and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for about a minute.
  • Pour in chicken stock and gently stir as you pour, add potatoes and bring to a boil
  • Cook until potatoes can be pierced with a fork (about 15 minutes)
  • Add in cooked sausage, pancetta/bacon (leaving some for topping), heavy cream, and kale
  • Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes
  • Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Top with pancetta/bacon pieces and serve!

(Cinnamon) sugar, (pumpkin) spice, and everything nice!! Autumn means delicious and comforting recipes featuring our favorite fall ingredients like pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet snack, we’ve got a fall recipe to fill your belly and warm your heart. See our fall recipes below!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Hearty, healthy, and unbelievably flavorful, this pumpkin oatmeal with protein will have you feeling fueled up and ready to take on your day!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 mashed banana
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • Dash of cinnamon and pumpkin spice
  • 1 TBS vanilla protein
  • 2 egg whites
  • Toppings: melted almond butter, pecans, banana slices

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except egg whites and protein in a small pot
  • Stir on medium heat until thickened and then simmer until desired thickness
  • Remove from heat and whisk/stir in egg whites until mixed in well
  • Stir in your protein and finish off with your favorite toppings
  • Enjoy!

Harvest Salad

This mouthwatering harvest salad can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side to the main course!

Ingredients:

FOR THE SALAD

  • 1 bag of spinach
  • Cranberries
  • Low fat feta cheese
  • Pecans
  • 1 Granny Smith apple
  • 3 pieces of turkey bacon (can omit this to make it vegetarian)

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 4 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 2 TBS sugar free maple syrup
  • 3 TSP Dijon mustard

Directions:

  • Combine all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl
  • Add dressing ingredients to shaker bottle. Shake & pour over salad
  • Enjoy!

Pumpkin Truffles

If you live with any sweet-toothed family members, you’re going to want to hide a few of these pumpkin truffles for yourself. Or maybe all of them…

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3 packets of stevia (we recommend Sweet Leaf)
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks (we like Enjoy Life)

Directions:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and stevia until well combined
  • Add in the oat flour
  • Roll into 1” round balls and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  • Melt chocolate (add 1/2 tsp coconut oil to help the chocolate not burn)
  • Roll pumpkin truffles in the melted chocolate and place back on the cookie sheet
  • Let sit in fridge until chocolate hardens and enjoy!

Pumpkin Donut Holes

These delicious donuts are a healthier, guilt-free version of the doughy dessert. Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a quick morning snack or after dinner for a little sweet treat to end the evening.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 TBS coconut flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbs pumpkin purée

FOR COATING

  • 3 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl
  • Add pumpkin purée and egg to the dry mixture
  • Make 1” balls and roll in coating mixture
  • Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes
  • Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy!!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

If a cookie contains fruit, you can eat as many as you want, right?! These apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are soft, sweet, and seriously difficult to have just one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 TBS melted coconut oil
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 green apple – diced into small cubes

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325° and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Mix together the oats, flour, baking powder, salt & cinnamon in a medium bowl
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and egg – stir in the honey
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients – fold in the apple and chill dough mixture for 30 minutes
  • Drop cookie dough into small balls and flatten a bit
  • Cook for 13-15 minutes
  • Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy!

Spiced Apple Cider

This spiced cider is great for a Sunday brunch treat, and it also makes the perfect party beverage! Spike it to make your cider extra special (for adults only, please!).

Ingredients:

  • 12 cups of apple cider (or apple juice) 
  • 2 TBS of Torani Salted Caramel Syrup
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract 
  • 1 navel orange 
  • 3 cinnamon Sticks 
  • 2 whole Nutmegs 
  • A few whole cloves 
  • Whipped cream (optional) 
  • Caramel sauce (optional)

Directions:

  • In a slow cooker, mix together the cider, syrup, and vanilla
  • Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the mixture
  • Take a cheesecloth (sterile gauze can be used as a substitute!!) and put the rind from the orange, the cinnamon sticks, nutmegs, and cloves and tie it tightly with twine. Add your cloth to the slow cooker and let it warm up on low
  • Let cook for three hours
  • Serve with whipped cream and caramel sauce and enjoy!! *add alcohol to make an adult-friendly version
baking ingredients

(Cinnamon) sugar, (pumpkin) spice, and everything nice!! Autumn means delicious and comforting recipes featuring our favorite fall ingredients like pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet snack, we’ve got a fall recipe to fill your belly and warm your heart. See our fall recipes below!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Hearty, healthy, and unbelievably flavorful, this pumpkin oatmeal with protein will have you feeling fueled up and ready to take on your day!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 mashed banana
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • Dash of cinnamon and pumpkin spice
  • 1 TBS vanilla protein
  • 2 egg whites
  • Toppings: melted almond butter, pecans, banana slices

Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except egg whites and protein in a small pot
  • Stir on medium heat until thickened and then simmer until desired thickness
  • Remove from heat and whisk/stir in egg whites until mixed in well
  • Stir in your protein and finish off with your favorite toppings
  • Enjoy!

Harvest Salad

This mouthwatering harvest salad can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side to the main course!

Ingredients:

FOR THE SALAD

  • 1 bag of spinach
  • Cranberries
  • Low fat feta cheese
  • Pecans
  • 1 Granny Smith apple
  • 3 pieces of turkey bacon (can omit this to make it vegetarian)

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 4 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 2 TBS sugar free maple syrup
  • 3 TSP Dijon mustard

Directions:

  • Combine all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl
  • Add dressing ingredients to shaker bottle. Shake & pour over salad
  • Enjoy!

Pumpkin Truffles

If you live with any sweet-toothed family members, you’re going to want to hide a few of these pumpkin truffles for yourself. Or maybe all of them…

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3 packets of stevia (we recommend Sweet Leaf)
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks (we like Enjoy Life)

Directions:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and stevia until well combined
  • Add in the oat flour
  • Roll into 1” round balls and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  • Melt chocolate (add 1/2 tsp coconut oil to help the chocolate not burn)
  • Roll pumpkin truffles in the melted chocolate and place back on the cookie sheet
  • Let sit in fridge until chocolate hardens and enjoy!

Pumpkin Donut Holes

These delicious donuts are a healthier, guilt-free version of the doughy dessert. Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a quick morning snack or after dinner for a little sweet treat to end the evening.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 TBS coconut flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbs pumpkin purée

FOR COATING

  • 3 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl
  • Add pumpkin purée and egg to the dry mixture
  • Make 1” balls and roll in coating mixture
  • Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes
  • Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy!!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

If a cookie contains fruit, you can eat as many as you want, right?! These apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are soft, sweet, and seriously difficult to have just one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 TBS melted coconut oil
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 green apple – diced into small cubes

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325° and line baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Mix together the oats, flour, baking powder, salt & cinnamon in a medium bowl
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and egg – stir in the honey
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients – fold in the apple and chill dough mixture for 30 minutes
  • Drop cookie dough into small balls and flatten a bit
  • Cook for 13-15 minutes
  • Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy!

Spiced Apple Cider

This spiced cider is great for a Sunday brunch treat, and it also makes the perfect party beverage! Spike it to make your cider extra special (for adults only, please!).

Ingredients:

  • 12 cups of apple cider (or apple juice) 
  • 2 TBS of Torani Salted Caramel Syrup
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract 
  • 1 navel orange 
  • 3 cinnamon Sticks 
  • 2 whole Nutmegs 
  • A few whole cloves 
  • Whipped cream (optional) 
  • Caramel sauce (optional)

Directions:

  • In a slow cooker, mix together the cider, syrup, and vanilla
  • Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the mixture
  • Take a cheesecloth (sterile gauze can be used as a substitute!!) and put the rind from the orange, the cinnamon sticks, nutmegs, and cloves and tie it tightly with twine. Add your cloth to the slow cooker and let it warm up on low
  • Let cook for three hours
  • Serve with whipped cream and caramel sauce and enjoy!! *add alcohol to make an adult-friendly version

It’s time to say goodbye to hearty soups and heavy comfort foods and break out the healthy, crisp salad recipes! Springtime means lots of fresh fruits and veggies which make for plenty of yummy salads. See some of our favorite springtime salad recipes below.

Strawberry Salad

A little crunchy, a little creamy, and 100% mouthwateringly amazing, this strawberry salad is sure to become a family favorite!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Container of fresh strawberries
  • Bag of spring mix
  • Candied pecans (or any nut of choice)
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix spring mix, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese together in a bowl
  • For dressing, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake vigorously
  • Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy!

Peach Salad

This salad is as sweet as a peach! This juicy, delectable dish can be served as a side or as an entree and will take you right from spring to summer.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 peaches
  • Bag of spinach
  • 1 avocado
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • Diced chicken

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix all ingredients together and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or your favorite dressing (like lemon poppyseed)!

Arugula Salad

This arugula salad is crisp and fresh! The bitter arugula and apple are balanced out with salty prosciutto and nutty Parmesan cheese, making a perfect combination of flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Sliced Granny Smith apples
  • Bag of arugula
  • Sliced prosciutto
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add arugula to plate or bowl
  • Top with apple and prosciutto slices
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese
  • Drizzle with EVOO and balsamic glaze
  • Enjoy!!

Mediterranean Salad

This Mediterranean salad is a little on the heartier side and makes a great springtime dinner for the whole family. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cucumbers
  • Greek olives
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup Bobs Redmill whole wheat cous cous
  • 2 Gilberts caprese chicken sausage links
  • 1/3 cup pearl mozzarella
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cook the cous cous in about 1/2 cup of water until absorbed and soft
  • Sauté the sausage on the stovetop until cooked
  • Cut your veggies and place in a bowl
  • Let cous cous and sausage cool before adding veggies
  • Mix in mozzarella and season with fresh pepper
  • Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
  • Toss and serve!

Thanks for reading! Which of these springtime salads makes your mouth water? Let us know xo.

vegetable salad in stainless steel bowl

It’s time to say goodbye to hearty soups and heavy comfort foods and break out the healthy, crisp salad recipes! Springtime means lots of fresh fruits and veggies which make for plenty of yummy salads. See some of our favorite springtime salad recipes below.

Strawberry Salad

A little crunchy, a little creamy, and 100% mouthwateringly amazing, this strawberry salad is sure to become a family favorite!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Container of fresh strawberries
  • Bag of spring mix
  • Candied pecans (or any nut of choice)
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix spring mix, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese together in a bowl
  • For dressing, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake vigorously
  • Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy!

Peach Salad

This salad is as sweet as a peach! This juicy, delectable dish can be served as a side or as an entree and will take you right from spring to summer.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 peaches
  • Bag of spinach
  • 1 avocado
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • Diced chicken

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix all ingredients together and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or your favorite dressing (like lemon poppyseed)!

Arugula Salad

This arugula salad is crisp and fresh! The bitter arugula and apple are balanced out with salty prosciutto and nutty Parmesan cheese, making a perfect combination of flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Sliced Granny Smith apples
  • Bag of arugula
  • Sliced prosciutto
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add arugula to plate or bowl
  • Top with apple and prosciutto slices
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese
  • Drizzle with EVOO and balsamic glaze
  • Enjoy!!

Mediterranean Salad

This Mediterranean salad is a little on the heartier side and makes a great springtime dinner for the whole family. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cucumbers
  • Greek olives
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup Bobs Redmill whole wheat cous cous
  • 2 Gilberts caprese chicken sausage links
  • 1/3 cup pearl mozzarella
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cook the cous cous in about 1/2 cup of water until absorbed and soft
  • Sauté the sausage on the stovetop until cooked
  • Cut your veggies and place in a bowl
  • Let cous cous and sausage cool before adding veggies
  • Mix in mozzarella and season with fresh pepper
  • Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
  • Toss and serve!

Thanks for reading! Which of these springtime salads makes your mouth water? Let us know xo.

Happy Pi Day, Frugal and Thrivers!! If you remember from your school days, pi is the mathematical constant equaling approximately 3.14, which means on March 14th we get to celebrate Pi Day with…pie!! Check out our easy and delicious pie recipes below and channel your inner mathematician (and baker).

No-Bake Oreo Pie

This no-bake Oreo pie is perfect for chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Oreo crust (store bought or you can make your own!)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups of Cool Whip
  • 10-15 Oreo cookies

For homemade pie crust:

  • 25-30 Oreos
  • 5 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS:

  • Food process Oreos or crush in a zip lock bag
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together
  • Fold in Cool Whip then add crushed Oreos
  • Spoon filling into pie crust
  • Place in fridge and let chill for at least an hour before serving

To make your own pie crust:

  • Food process Oreos
  • Mix in melted butter
  • Press into a pie plate
  • Put in fridge and let chill

Crustless Apple Pie

These crustless apple pies are a mini version of a timeless classic.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Brioche bread
  • 1 can apple pie filling
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Splash of lemon juice
  • Caramel syrup to drizzle

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cut an even number of circles out of brioche bread (using cup or cookie cutter)
  • Roll circles flat using rolling pin or the side of a cup
  • In a bowl, combine can of apple pie filling, butter, white and brown sugar, and cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Heat mixture until warm and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are mixed evenly
  • Lay half of the bread circles out flat and add a scoop of pie filling on top
  • Place another bread circle on top and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat
  • Fry pies for about three minutes on each side
  • Remove from pan, top with cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramel. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Oatmeal Apple Pies

These two-ingredient oatmeal cookie apple pies are super delicious and super easy to make!!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies
  • Can of apple pie filling
  • Caramel syrup to drizzle
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Spray cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray
  • Make a small indentation in the middle of each creme pie and then place in cupcake liner
  • Scoop apple pie filling onto pies
  • Turn air fryer on to 350°
  • Place pies in air fryer for 5 minutes
  • Remove from air fryer and top with vanilla ice cream and caramel!

Berry Pie

For the fruit lovers, this braided-crust berry pie is as beautiful as it is tasty!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 pie crusts
  • 7 cups of frozen or fresh berries of choice
  • 1 cup of sugar plus some for sprinkling on top
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 egg beaten

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add berries, sugar and lemon juice to a large saucepan over medium heat
  • Simmer for about 10 mins gently stirring occasionally, until warm and juicy
  • Spoon out about 1/2 cup of juice from pan into a bowl and mix in the cornstarch
  • Slowly pour cornstarch mixture back into pot of berries, slowly mixing in
  • Bring back up to a simmer and mix until thickened (about 5 mins)
  • Turn off heat and mix in butter
  • Allow mixture to cool for about 15 mins
  • Add to prepared unbaked pie crust
  • Add lattice top or whole top with slits cut into crust for steam to escape
  • Brush top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar
  • Bake at 400° for 40-45 mins, checking halfway through – if crust is getting too brown cover with aluminum foil
  • Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack

And if baking is just really not your thing, check out these expertly crafted pies from Harry & David and get an amazing pie (or two) delivered right to your door!!

Thanks for reading! Which of these delicious pies will you be celebrating Pi Day with? Let us know xo.

baked pie

Happy Pi Day, Frugal and Thrivers!! If you remember from your school days, pi is the mathematical constant equaling approximately 3.14, which means on March 14th we get to celebrate Pi Day with…pie!! Check out our easy and delicious pie recipes below and channel your inner mathematician (and baker).

No-Bake Oreo Pie

This no-bake Oreo pie is perfect for chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Oreo crust (store bought or you can make your own!)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups of Cool Whip
  • 10-15 Oreo cookies

For homemade pie crust:

  • 25-30 Oreos
  • 5 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS:

  • Food process Oreos or crush in a zip lock bag
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together
  • Fold in Cool Whip then add crushed Oreos
  • Spoon filling into pie crust
  • Place in fridge and let chill for at least an hour before serving

To make your own pie crust:

  • Food process Oreos
  • Mix in melted butter
  • Press into a pie plate
  • Put in fridge and let chill

Crustless Apple Pie

These crustless apple pies are a mini version of a timeless classic.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Brioche bread
  • 1 can apple pie filling
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Splash of lemon juice
  • Caramel syrup to drizzle

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cut an even number of circles out of brioche bread (using cup or cookie cutter)
  • Roll circles flat using rolling pin or the side of a cup
  • In a bowl, combine can of apple pie filling, butter, white and brown sugar, and cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Heat mixture until warm and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are mixed evenly
  • Lay half of the bread circles out flat and add a scoop of pie filling on top
  • Place another bread circle on top and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat
  • Fry pies for about three minutes on each side
  • Remove from pan, top with cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramel. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Oatmeal Apple Pies

These two-ingredient oatmeal cookie apple pies are super delicious and super easy to make!!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies
  • Can of apple pie filling
  • Caramel syrup to drizzle
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Spray cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray
  • Make a small indentation in the middle of each creme pie and then place in cupcake liner
  • Scoop apple pie filling onto pies
  • Turn air fryer on to 350°
  • Place pies in air fryer for 5 minutes
  • Remove from air fryer and top with vanilla ice cream and caramel!

Berry Pie

For the fruit lovers, this braided-crust berry pie is as beautiful as it is tasty!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 pie crusts
  • 7 cups of frozen or fresh berries of choice
  • 1 cup of sugar plus some for sprinkling on top
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 egg beaten

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add berries, sugar and lemon juice to a large saucepan over medium heat
  • Simmer for about 10 mins gently stirring occasionally, until warm and juicy
  • Spoon out about 1/2 cup of juice from pan into a bowl and mix in the cornstarch
  • Slowly pour cornstarch mixture back into pot of berries, slowly mixing in
  • Bring back up to a simmer and mix until thickened (about 5 mins)
  • Turn off heat and mix in butter
  • Allow mixture to cool for about 15 mins
  • Add to prepared unbaked pie crust
  • Add lattice top or whole top with slits cut into crust for steam to escape
  • Brush top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar
  • Bake at 400° for 40-45 mins, checking halfway through – if crust is getting too brown cover with aluminum foil
  • Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack

And if baking is just really not your thing, check out these expertly crafted pies from Harry & David and get an amazing pie (or two) delivered right to your door!!

Thanks for reading! Which of these delicious pies will you be celebrating Pi Day with? Let us know xo.

Winter is the season for big appetites and hearty, warm meals. If you’re trying to eat a little bit better this new year, finding easy, healthy meals that also fill your belly can be difficult! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes for healthy and easy comfort meals that are good for your body, great for your soul, and perfect for your busy schedule. See the recipes below.

Stracciatella Soup

A heartwarming, delicious and nutritious soup. Made in the beloved Always Pan!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This one is super easy, and the kids will love it! Use your Always Pan for this one, too.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Lean ground beef (93% or higher)
  • 1 TBS arrowroot powder
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup fat-free/low-fat grated cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • Brown ground beef until fully cooked.
  • Add the arrowroot powder, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper – mix until evenly coated through ground beef.
  • Add water, milk, and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8-11 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and enjoy!

Pretzel Melts

This is a great snow day lunch or Sunday gameday snack! Pop them in your Ninja Air Fryer Oven.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Frozen soft pretzels
  • Chicken salad (or tuna or crabmeat!)
  • Slices of your favorite cheese (we love cheddar or pepper jack)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Set oven to 350°
  • Thaw pretzels in air fryer oven for about 5 minutes
  • Take out and add chicken salad, tuna, or crabmeat and top with cheese
  • Place back in oven and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted

Slow Cooker Beef BBQ

Prep in the morning and come home to a ready-to-go meal! Let it cook all day in your slow cooker.

INGREDIENTS:

For the beef:

  • 2lb beef chuck roast – look for beef that has the least amount of fat
  • 1 lg yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 6oz can tomato paste
  • 2 TBS Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the coleslaw:

  • 1/2 bag coleslaw mix
  • 2 TBSP of avocado mayo
  • 1 1/2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

For the beef:

  • Slice onions and place in slow cooker and place beef chuck roast on top
  • Mix together all the other ingredients in a small bowl and then pour over beef and onions
  • Stir to be sure it coats meat and onions – if your mixture is a little thick add about 1/2 cup of unsalted beef stock
  • Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender and shreds easily

For the coleslaw:

  • Mix all ingredients together and then place on top of your beef
  • Enjoy!!

Pizza Bites

This one is a little more indulgent, but a quicker (and cheaper) alternative for pizza night. Your Ninja Air Fryer Oven is perfect for these guys, too.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Pillsbury biscuits
  • Pizza sauce
  • Favorite pizza toppings (veggies, meat, cheese)
  • Seasonings of choice (oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Set oven to 400°
  • Lay out halved biscuits and top with sauce and pizza toppings
  • Place tray in oven and cook for 8 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown
  • Remove from oven and let cool. Add seasonings and enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Which of these easy and healthy comfort food recipes will you be trying? Let us know xo.

Winter is the season for big appetites and hearty, warm meals. If you’re trying to eat a little bit better this new year, finding easy, healthy meals that also fill your belly can be difficult! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes for healthy and easy comfort meals that are good for your body, great for your soul, and perfect for your busy schedule. See the recipes below.

Stracciatella Soup

A heartwarming, delicious and nutritious soup. Made in the beloved Always Pan!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This one is super easy, and the kids will love it! Use your Always Pan for this one, too.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Lean ground beef (93% or higher)
  • 1 TBS arrowroot powder
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup fat-free/low-fat grated cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • Brown ground beef until fully cooked.
  • Add the arrowroot powder, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper – mix until evenly coated through ground beef.
  • Add water, milk, and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8-11 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and enjoy!

Pretzel Melts

This is a great snow day lunch or Sunday gameday snack! Pop them in your Ninja Air Fryer Oven.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Frozen soft pretzels
  • Chicken salad (or tuna or crabmeat!)
  • Slices of your favorite cheese (we love cheddar or pepper jack)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Set oven to 350°
  • Thaw pretzels in air fryer oven for about 5 minutes
  • Take out and add chicken salad, tuna, or crabmeat and top with cheese
  • Place back in oven and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted

Slow Cooker Beef BBQ

Prep in the morning and come home to a ready-to-go meal! Let it cook all day in your slow cooker.

INGREDIENTS:

For the beef:

  • 2lb beef chuck roast – look for beef that has the least amount of fat
  • 1 lg yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 6oz can tomato paste
  • 2 TBS Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the coleslaw:

  • 1/2 bag coleslaw mix
  • 2 TBSP of avocado mayo
  • 1 1/2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

For the beef:

  • Slice onions and place in slow cooker and place beef chuck roast on top
  • Mix together all the other ingredients in a small bowl and then pour over beef and onions
  • Stir to be sure it coats meat and onions – if your mixture is a little thick add about 1/2 cup of unsalted beef stock
  • Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender and shreds easily

For the coleslaw:

  • Mix all ingredients together and then place on top of your beef
  • Enjoy!!

Pizza Bites

This one is a little more indulgent, but a quicker (and cheaper) alternative for pizza night. Your Ninja Air Fryer Oven is perfect for these guys, too.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Pillsbury biscuits
  • Pizza sauce
  • Favorite pizza toppings (veggies, meat, cheese)
  • Seasonings of choice (oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Set oven to 400°
  • Lay out halved biscuits and top with sauce and pizza toppings
  • Place tray in oven and cook for 8 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown
  • Remove from oven and let cool. Add seasonings and enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Which of these easy and healthy comfort food recipes will you be trying? Let us know xo.

Pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies…mmmmm. Baked with sweet spices, whipped sugars, fall fruits, and lots of love, autumn treats are simply the best desserts you can make. They warm the home and the heart and bring comfort to everyone. Fall baking season is upon us and we’re sharing some fun fall recipes you can make with a few simple kitchen tools…like the KitchenAid Pro Stand Mixer. Find out more below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

The KitchenAid Pro stand mixer is a dream come true for bakers both new and experienced. Knead, whip, mix, and more – Kristy’s mixer pictured above is the 6-qt bowl mixer, which can handle up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and triple batches of cookie dough. The bowl is wide-mouthed to make adding ingredients easy, and it comes equipped with a pouring shield to minimize spills and messes.

The mixer includes a KP26M1X Professional 600 Series stand mixer, a 6-qt stainless steel wide-mouth bowl with contoured handle, a pouring shield, a spiral dough hook, a flat beater, and a wire whip.

Recipe Inspiration

These KitchenAid recipes from Yummly.com are the perfect fall treats to make with your KitchenAid mixer and accessories!! Grab your ingredients and supplies and get to baking!

Honey Cardamom Pear Upside Down Cake

**Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup butter (for caramel pear base)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
  • 1/4 cup honey (for caramel pear base)
  • 3 medium pears (peeled, cored, quartered and sliced in 1/4″ slices)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup butter (room temp)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Special Equipment: KitchenAid® paddle attachment; 9” round cake pan; saucepan.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Place a large tin foil sheet on the rack below your baking rack to catch any bubbling juices while the cake is baking.
  • Make the caramel base. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan on medium high heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey and gently whisk until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to come to a heavy bubble, then reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute. Remove from heat, whisk and then spread evenly in the cake pan. Layer 2-3 pears in whatever pattern desired. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and 1/4 cup honey. Set aside.
  • Attach the paddle attachment to your KitchenAid® Artisan Stand Mixer, and cream the 3/4 cup butter on speed 6 for one minute. Reduce speed to 4, and slowly stream in the granulated sugar. Once sugar is fully added, increase speed back to speed 6 and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla.
  • Reduce mixer speed to 2 and add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture in three additions; beat just until blended after each addition. Spread batter evenly over pears.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. (At 50 minutes, if the cake has browned on top but is not cooked through, you can lightly cover with foil for remaining bake time.) Remove cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for five minutes before inverting the cake onto a rimmed plate and releasing the cake. (NOTE: A rimmed plate is necessary to catch the juices that will release when the cake is turned over.)
  • Can be served warm, or cooled completely.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

** Makes 9 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 red apple (unpeeled, cored, chopped (202g))
  • 1 cup apple cider (divided (250ml))
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (425ml)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (10ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2ml)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5ml)
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (0.5ml)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (75ml)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (54ml)
  • 1 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (50ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2ml)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (750ml)

Directions:

  • Combine apples and ¾ cup apple cider in medium saucepan; cover. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until softened. Uncover and continue cooking 5 minutes or until apples are tender and cider is almost completely reduced. Purée mixture with an immersion blender or in food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have ½ cup. If you have more, return to saucepan and continue cooking until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.Combine flour, baking powder, salt, spices and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.
  • Add granulated sugar and shortening to bowl of KitchenAid® Artisan Mini Stand Mixer. Attach bowl and Flat Beaterto mixer. Turn to Speed 4 and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Turn to Speed 1 and gradually add egg and apple mixture.Continuing on Speed 1, add half the flour mixture, buttermilk and vanilla. After the liquid is fully incorporated, add remaining flour mixture. Mix 1 minute. The mixture will be sticky.
  • Spray two 6-cavity full-sized doughnut baking pans generously with vegetable pan spray. Spoon ¼ cup batter into each cavity. Recipe will yield 9 doughnuts.Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in doughnuts comes out clean. Reserve in pan.
  • Add remaining ¼ cup apple cider to small saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Transfer to medium bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.Dip each warm donut in the glaze, turning it with a fork. Transfer to cooling rack set on top of a baking sheet and let stand until glaze has set.

Pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies…mmmmm. Baked with sweet spices, whipped sugars, fall fruits, and lots of love, autumn treats are simply the best desserts you can make. They warm the home and the heart and bring comfort to everyone. Fall baking season is upon us and we’re sharing some fun fall recipes you can make with a few simple kitchen tools…like the KitchenAid Pro Stand Mixer. Find out more below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

The KitchenAid Pro stand mixer is a dream come true for bakers both new and experienced. Knead, whip, mix, and more – Kristy’s mixer pictured above is the 6-qt bowl mixer, which can handle up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and triple batches of cookie dough. The bowl is wide-mouthed to make adding ingredients easy, and it comes equipped with a pouring shield to minimize spills and messes.

The mixer includes a KP26M1X Professional 600 Series stand mixer, a 6-qt stainless steel wide-mouth bowl with contoured handle, a pouring shield, a spiral dough hook, a flat beater, and a wire whip.

Recipe Inspiration

These KitchenAid recipes from Yummly.com are the perfect fall treats to make with your KitchenAid mixer and accessories!! Grab your ingredients and supplies and get to baking!

Honey Cardamom Pear Upside Down Cake

**Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup butter (for caramel pear base)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
  • 1/4 cup honey (for caramel pear base)
  • 3 medium pears (peeled, cored, quartered and sliced in 1/4″ slices)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup butter (room temp)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Special Equipment: KitchenAid® paddle attachment; 9” round cake pan; saucepan.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C. Place a large tin foil sheet on the rack below your baking rack to catch any bubbling juices while the cake is baking.
  • Make the caramel base. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan on medium high heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey and gently whisk until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to come to a heavy bubble, then reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute. Remove from heat, whisk and then spread evenly in the cake pan. Layer 2-3 pears in whatever pattern desired. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and 1/4 cup honey. Set aside.
  • Attach the paddle attachment to your KitchenAid® Artisan Stand Mixer, and cream the 3/4 cup butter on speed 6 for one minute. Reduce speed to 4, and slowly stream in the granulated sugar. Once sugar is fully added, increase speed back to speed 6 and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla.
  • Reduce mixer speed to 2 and add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture in three additions; beat just until blended after each addition. Spread batter evenly over pears.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. (At 50 minutes, if the cake has browned on top but is not cooked through, you can lightly cover with foil for remaining bake time.) Remove cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for five minutes before inverting the cake onto a rimmed plate and releasing the cake. (NOTE: A rimmed plate is necessary to catch the juices that will release when the cake is turned over.)
  • Can be served warm, or cooled completely.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

** Makes 9 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 red apple (unpeeled, cored, chopped (202g))
  • 1 cup apple cider (divided (250ml))
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour (425ml)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (10ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2ml)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5ml)
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (0.5ml)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (75ml)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening (54ml)
  • 1 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (50ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2ml)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (750ml)

Directions:

  • Combine apples and ¾ cup apple cider in medium saucepan; cover. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until softened. Uncover and continue cooking 5 minutes or until apples are tender and cider is almost completely reduced. Purée mixture with an immersion blender or in food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have ½ cup. If you have more, return to saucepan and continue cooking until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.Combine flour, baking powder, salt, spices and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.
  • Add granulated sugar and shortening to bowl of KitchenAid® Artisan Mini Stand Mixer. Attach bowl and Flat Beaterto mixer. Turn to Speed 4 and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Turn to Speed 1 and gradually add egg and apple mixture.Continuing on Speed 1, add half the flour mixture, buttermilk and vanilla. After the liquid is fully incorporated, add remaining flour mixture. Mix 1 minute. The mixture will be sticky.
  • Spray two 6-cavity full-sized doughnut baking pans generously with vegetable pan spray. Spoon ¼ cup batter into each cavity. Recipe will yield 9 doughnuts.Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in doughnuts comes out clean. Reserve in pan.
  • Add remaining ¼ cup apple cider to small saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Transfer to medium bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.Dip each warm donut in the glaze, turning it with a fork. Transfer to cooling rack set on top of a baking sheet and let stand until glaze has set.

If you’re looking for a little help in the kitchen, or for a way to make cooking meals easier and more enjoyable, then we have the perfect solution for you. Our Place, a brand that makes products that connect people over home-cooking, brings you the Home Cook Duo, made for and by home cooks. Their popular Always Pan and Perfect Pot make up the coveted Home Cook Duo, which are designed with game-changing ingenuity. So whether you’re a gastronomical genius or still a culinary novice, this duo will have you cooking meals to perfection, every time. Our girl Kristy is a queen in the kitchen, and this set was a no brainer for her. Find out more about these life-changing cookware essentials and see some of her creations below.

The Duo

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Simplify your life and declutter your kitchen with the Home Cook Duo. This duo replaces 16 pieces of traditional cookware, giving you an entire cooking system with just two items!! It will serve as your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, stockpot, dutch oven, bread pot, roasting rack, colander, braiser, spoon rest, spatula, AND spoon. You can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, pour…there’s really nothing you can’t do with this duo!

The Home Cook Duo is made with a nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating and a sturdy aluminum body for fast and even heat distribution. The Perfect Pot and Always Pan are compatible with all cooktops, are super lightweight, and also extremely durable. Home cooking is now easy and enjoyable…what’s not to love?

The Always Pan

The Always Pan is a best-selling cult favorite for a reason! The do-it-all wonder cooks amazing meals and looks good, too. The pan is available in 9 different colors – Kristy’s pan above is the “Spice” color and she loves the earthy terracotta vibe it gives. But the best part? All of the delicious food you can make…check out some of her favorites.

1. Chicken Piccata

This tasty recipe is easy to make and a dinner that the whole family will love.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut in half)
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • All-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 6 TBS unsalted butter
  • 5 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate.
  • Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.
  • Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.

2. Stracciatella Soup

Soup is food for the soul! This healthy recipe is delicious and nutritious.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Homemade Hamburger Helper

This is a quick, simple comfort meal that’s great for those busy fall evenings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Lean ground beef (93% or higher)
  • 1 TBS arrowroot powder
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup fat-free/low-fat grated cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • Brown ground beef until fully cooked.
  • Add the arrowroot powder, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper – mix until evenly coated through ground beef.
  • Add water, milk, and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8-11 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and enjoy!

4. Fried Oreos

No meal is complete without dessert. This recipe will hit the spot every time.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Oreos
  • Bisquick
  • Vegetable oil
  • Powdered sugar to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow directions on Bisquick box for pancake batter.
  • Set batter aside and heat vegetable oil in the pan.
  • When oil is hot, coat Oreos in pancake batter and place into pan, cooking until batter solidifies.
  • Remove from pan and let cool. Garnish with powdered sugar.

Stay tuned for more recipes made with Kristy’s Perfect Pot!!

If you’re looking for a little help in the kitchen, or for a way to make cooking meals easier and more enjoyable, then we have the perfect solution for you. Our Place, a brand that makes products that connect people over home-cooking, brings you the Home Cook Duo, made for and by home cooks. Their popular Always Pan and Perfect Pot make up the coveted Home Cook Duo, which are designed with game-changing ingenuity. So whether you’re a gastronomical genius or still a culinary novice, this duo will have you cooking meals to perfection, every time. Our girl Kristy is a queen in the kitchen, and this set was a no brainer for her. Find out more about these life-changing cookware essentials and see some of her creations below.

The Duo

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Simplify your life and declutter your kitchen with the Home Cook Duo. This duo replaces 16 pieces of traditional cookware, giving you an entire cooking system with just two items!! It will serve as your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, stockpot, dutch oven, bread pot, roasting rack, colander, braiser, spoon rest, spatula, AND spoon. You can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, pour…there’s really nothing you can’t do with this duo!

The Home Cook Duo is made with a nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating and a sturdy aluminum body for fast and even heat distribution. The Perfect Pot and Always Pan are compatible with all cooktops, are super lightweight, and also extremely durable. Home cooking is now easy and enjoyable…what’s not to love?

The Always Pan

The Always Pan is a best-selling cult favorite for a reason! The do-it-all wonder cooks amazing meals and looks good, too. The pan is available in 9 different colors – Kristy’s pan above is the “Spice” color and she loves the earthy terracotta vibe it gives. But the best part? All of the delicious food you can make…check out some of her favorites.

1. Chicken Piccata

This tasty recipe is easy to make and a dinner that the whole family will love.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut in half)
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • All-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 6 TBS unsalted butter
  • 5 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate.
  • Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.
  • Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.

2. Stracciatella Soup

Soup is food for the soul! This healthy recipe is delicious and nutritious.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 4 eggs (whipped)
  • Spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simmer chicken (or vegetable) stock on medium heat and slowly add whipped eggs.
  • Let cook for about two minutes and then add uncooked spinach. Continue to cook until wilted. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Homemade Hamburger Helper

This is a quick, simple comfort meal that’s great for those busy fall evenings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Lean ground beef (93% or higher)
  • 1 TBS arrowroot powder
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened original almond milk
  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 1 cup fat-free/low-fat grated cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • Brown ground beef until fully cooked.
  • Add the arrowroot powder, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper – mix until evenly coated through ground beef.
  • Add water, milk, and pasta and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8-11 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and enjoy!

4. Fried Oreos

No meal is complete without dessert. This recipe will hit the spot every time.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Oreos
  • Bisquick
  • Vegetable oil
  • Powdered sugar to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow directions on Bisquick box for pancake batter.
  • Set batter aside and heat vegetable oil in the pan.
  • When oil is hot, coat Oreos in pancake batter and place into pan, cooking until batter solidifies.
  • Remove from pan and let cool. Garnish with powdered sugar.

Stay tuned for more recipes made with Kristy’s Perfect Pot!!

Just as Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. And whether you can’t wait for fall or you’re already counting down the days until next summer, LDW is definitely a weekend for BBQing with friends and family and reminiscing on the fun in the sun you had this season. Put on your adorable matching family outfits, fire up the grill, and get ready for one last summer bash. Check out our LDW BBQ guide below.

The Outfits

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Men’s Polo | Men’s Jeans | Men’s Slip-On Shoes | Women’s Jean Jacket | Women’s Maxi Dress | Women’s Espadrilles | Baby Girl One Piece | Baby Girl Sandals | Baby Boy Bodysuit | Baby Boy Shorts | Baby Boy Loafers | Toddler Girl Romper | Toddler Girl Sandals | Toddler Boy T-Shirt | Toddler Boy Shorts | Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes

Grab complementary outfits for the whole family and get ready for a photo shoot – these muted earth tones and denim styles with pops of color and playful patterns are perfect for fun family photos! These casual yet chic pieces are as comfy as they are cute so no one will fuss when you say “Just one more picture!!”

Shop the Outfits

Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes
Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes
Toddler Boy Shorts
Toddler Boy Shorts
Toddler Boy T-Shirt
Toddler Boy T-Shirt
Toddler Girl Sandals
Toddler Girl Sandals
Toddler Girl Romper
Toddler Girl Romper
Baby Boy Loafers
Baby Boy Loafers
Baby Boy Shorts
Baby Boy Shorts
Baby Boy Bodysuit
Baby Boy Bodysuit
Baby Girl Sandals
Baby Girl Sandals
Baby Girl One Piece
Baby Girl One Piece
Women’s Espadrilles
Women’s Espadrilles
Women’s Maxi Dress
Women’s Maxi Dress
Women’s Jean Jacket
Women’s Jean Jacket
Men’s Slip-On Shoes
Men’s Slip-On Shoes
Men’s Jeans
Men’s Jeans
Men’s Polo
Men’s Polo

The BBQ Essentials

Griddle | Grilling Accessories | Spices | Thermometer | Cornhole Game | Patio Dining Set | Solar Lighted Umbrella

If you’re the one hosting the BBQ, get your backyard ready with these basics. A good grill, grilling accessories, meat thermometer, and flavorful spices will have everyone praising you as the grill master. Set up a patio dining set so your guests have a comfortable place to hang out and eat, and grab a couple fun lawn games like cornhole to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Shop the BBQ Essentials

Patio Dining Set
Patio Dining Set
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Cornhole Game
Cornhole Game
Thermometer
Thermometer
Spice Set
Spice Set
Grilling Accessories
Grilling Accessories
Griddle
Griddle
Patio Dining Set
Patio Dining Set
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Cornhole Game
Cornhole Game
Thermometer
Thermometer
Spice Set
Spice Set
Grilling Accessories
Grilling Accessories
Griddle
Griddle

The Recipes

Need a couple recipe ideas? Whether you’re hosting or you’ve offered to bring a dish to someone else’s party, these easy recipes are light and summery. Check out Kristy’s take on a Mediterranean salad and no-bake key lime bars. You’re going to want to double these recipes and keep the leftovers!!

Mediterranean Salad

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦:

• 𝖢𝗎𝖼𝗎𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋𝗌

• 𝖦𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗄 o𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗌

• 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 t𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗈𝖾𝗌

• 1/3 c𝗎𝗉 𝖡𝗈𝖻𝗌 𝖱𝖾𝖽𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖶𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍 𝖢𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗎𝗌

• 2 𝖦𝗂𝗅𝖻𝖾𝗋𝗍𝗌 𝖢𝖺𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾 𝖢𝗁𝗂𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖲𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖫𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗌

• 1/3 c𝗎𝗉 p𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗅 m𝗈𝗓𝗓𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺

• 𝖡𝖺𝗅𝗌𝖺𝗆𝗂𝖼 v𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗀𝖺𝗋

• 𝖤𝗑𝗍𝗋𝖺 v𝗂𝗋𝗀𝗂𝗇 o𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 o𝗂𝗅

• 𝖯𝖾𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗋

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦:

• 𝖢𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 1/2 𝖼𝗎𝗉 𝗈𝖿 𝗐𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝖻𝗌𝗈𝗋𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍

• S𝖺𝗎𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗄𝖾𝖽 (𝗂 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗊𝗎𝗂𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗐𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗇 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗌)

• M𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗅𝖾 𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗏𝖾𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝖼𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝖻𝗈𝗐𝗅

• L𝖾𝗍 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗏𝖾𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾𝗌

• M𝗂𝗑 𝗂𝗇 𝗆𝗈𝗓𝗓𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗁 𝗉𝖾𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗋

• 𝖨 𝖽𝗋𝗂𝗓𝗓𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 1 𝗍𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝖿 𝗈𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗏𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗀𝖺𝗋 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗅𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖻𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽!

Key Lime Pie Bars

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦:

𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵

• 3/4 c𝗎𝗉𝗌 o𝖺𝗍𝗌

• 1/2 c𝗎𝗉 p𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗌

• 1 c𝗎𝗉 p𝗂𝗍𝗍𝖾𝖽 d𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌

• 1 𝖳𝖡𝖲 𝖼𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝗂𝗅

𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨

• 1 1/2 c𝗎𝗉𝗌 r𝖺𝗐 c𝖺𝗌𝗁𝖾𝗐𝗌 (𝖻𝗈𝗂𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 20 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗎𝗍𝖾𝗌)

• A 𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 1/4 c𝗎𝗉 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗃𝗎𝗂𝖼𝖾

• 𝖫𝗂𝗆𝖾 z𝖾𝗌𝗍 ( 2 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 – 1 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇𝖽 1 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗁)

• 2 𝖳𝖡𝖲 s𝗎𝗀𝖺𝗋-f𝗋𝖾𝖾 m𝖺𝗉𝗅𝖾 s𝗒𝗋𝗎𝗉

• 1 𝖳𝖡𝖲 c𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 o𝗂𝗅

• 1 𝗍𝗌𝗉 v𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖺 e𝗑𝗍𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦:

• 𝖠𝖽𝖽 𝗈𝖺𝗍𝗌, 𝗉𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗌, 𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝗂𝗅 𝗍𝗈 𝖿𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌𝗈𝗋 – 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗄𝗒

• 𝖳𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌𝖿𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝖺 8𝗑8 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖼𝗁𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗉𝖺𝗇 – 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗆𝗅𝗒

• 𝖭𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖺𝖽𝖽 𝖿𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖽𝗂𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝗌𝗆𝗈𝗈𝗍𝗁

• P𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗈𝖿 𝖼𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗍

• G𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗓𝖾𝗌𝗍

• F𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗓𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 2-4 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒!

food red picnic summer

Just as Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. And whether you can’t wait for fall or you’re already counting down the days until next summer, LDW is definitely a weekend for BBQing with friends and family and reminiscing on the fun in the sun you had this season. Put on your adorable matching family outfits, fire up the grill, and get ready for one last summer bash. Check out our LDW BBQ guide below.

The Outfits

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Men’s Polo | Men’s Jeans | Men’s Slip-On Shoes | Women’s Jean Jacket | Women’s Maxi Dress | Women’s Espadrilles | Baby Girl One Piece | Baby Girl Sandals | Baby Boy Bodysuit | Baby Boy Shorts | Baby Boy Loafers | Toddler Girl Romper | Toddler Girl Sandals | Toddler Boy T-Shirt | Toddler Boy Shorts | Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes

Grab complementary outfits for the whole family and get ready for a photo shoot – these muted earth tones and denim styles with pops of color and playful patterns are perfect for fun family photos! These casual yet chic pieces are as comfy as they are cute so no one will fuss when you say “Just one more picture!!”

Shop the Outfits

Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes
Toddler Boy Slip-On Shoes
Toddler Boy Shorts
Toddler Boy Shorts
Toddler Boy T-Shirt
Toddler Boy T-Shirt
Toddler Girl Sandals
Toddler Girl Sandals
Toddler Girl Romper
Toddler Girl Romper
Baby Boy Loafers
Baby Boy Loafers
Baby Boy Shorts
Baby Boy Shorts
Baby Boy Bodysuit
Baby Boy Bodysuit
Baby Girl Sandals
Baby Girl Sandals
Baby Girl One Piece
Baby Girl One Piece
Women’s Espadrilles
Women’s Espadrilles
Women’s Maxi Dress
Women’s Maxi Dress
Women’s Jean Jacket
Women’s Jean Jacket
Men’s Slip-On Shoes
Men’s Slip-On Shoes
Men’s Jeans
Men’s Jeans
Men’s Polo
Men’s Polo

The BBQ Essentials

Griddle | Grilling Accessories | Spices | Thermometer | Cornhole Game | Patio Dining Set | Solar Lighted Umbrella

If you’re the one hosting the BBQ, get your backyard ready with these basics. A good grill, grilling accessories, meat thermometer, and flavorful spices will have everyone praising you as the grill master. Set up a patio dining set so your guests have a comfortable place to hang out and eat, and grab a couple fun lawn games like cornhole to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Shop the BBQ Essentials

Patio Dining Set
Patio Dining Set
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Cornhole Game
Cornhole Game
Thermometer
Thermometer
Spice Set
Spice Set
Grilling Accessories
Grilling Accessories
Griddle
Griddle
Patio Dining Set
Patio Dining Set
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Solar Lighted Umbrella
Cornhole Game
Cornhole Game
Thermometer
Thermometer
Spice Set
Spice Set
Grilling Accessories
Grilling Accessories
Griddle
Griddle

The Recipes

Need a couple recipe ideas? Whether you’re hosting or you’ve offered to bring a dish to someone else’s party, these easy recipes are light and summery. Check out Kristy’s take on a Mediterranean salad and no-bake key lime bars. You’re going to want to double these recipes and keep the leftovers!!

Mediterranean Salad

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦:

• 𝖢𝗎𝖼𝗎𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋𝗌

• 𝖦𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗄 o𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗌

• 𝖢𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗒 t𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗈𝖾𝗌

• 1/3 c𝗎𝗉 𝖡𝗈𝖻𝗌 𝖱𝖾𝖽𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖶𝗁𝗈𝗅𝖾 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍 𝖢𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗎𝗌

• 2 𝖦𝗂𝗅𝖻𝖾𝗋𝗍𝗌 𝖢𝖺𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾 𝖢𝗁𝗂𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖲𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖫𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗌

• 1/3 c𝗎𝗉 p𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗅 m𝗈𝗓𝗓𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺

• 𝖡𝖺𝗅𝗌𝖺𝗆𝗂𝖼 v𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗀𝖺𝗋

• 𝖤𝗑𝗍𝗋𝖺 v𝗂𝗋𝗀𝗂𝗇 o𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 o𝗂𝗅

• 𝖯𝖾𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗋

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦:

• 𝖢𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 1/2 𝖼𝗎𝗉 𝗈𝖿 𝗐𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝖻𝗌𝗈𝗋𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍

• S𝖺𝗎𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗄𝖾𝖽 (𝗂 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗊𝗎𝗂𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗆 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗐𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗇 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗌)

• M𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗅𝖾 𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗏𝖾𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝖼𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝖻𝗈𝗐𝗅

• L𝖾𝗍 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗈𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖽𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗏𝖾𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾𝗌

• M𝗂𝗑 𝗂𝗇 𝗆𝗈𝗓𝗓𝖺𝗋𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗁 𝗉𝖾𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗋

• 𝖨 𝖽𝗋𝗂𝗓𝗓𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 1 𝗍𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝖿 𝗈𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗏𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗀𝖺𝗋 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖺𝗅𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖻𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽!

Key Lime Pie Bars

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦:

𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵

• 3/4 c𝗎𝗉𝗌 o𝖺𝗍𝗌

• 1/2 c𝗎𝗉 p𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗌

• 1 c𝗎𝗉 p𝗂𝗍𝗍𝖾𝖽 d𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌

• 1 𝖳𝖡𝖲 𝖼𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝗂𝗅

𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨

• 1 1/2 c𝗎𝗉𝗌 r𝖺𝗐 c𝖺𝗌𝗁𝖾𝗐𝗌 (𝖻𝗈𝗂𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 20 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗎𝗍𝖾𝗌)

• A 𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇 1/4 c𝗎𝗉 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗃𝗎𝗂𝖼𝖾

• 𝖫𝗂𝗆𝖾 z𝖾𝗌𝗍 ( 2 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 – 1 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇𝖽 1 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗁)

• 2 𝖳𝖡𝖲 s𝗎𝗀𝖺𝗋-f𝗋𝖾𝖾 m𝖺𝗉𝗅𝖾 s𝗒𝗋𝗎𝗉

• 1 𝖳𝖡𝖲 c𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 o𝗂𝗅

• 1 𝗍𝗌𝗉 v𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖺 e𝗑𝗍𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍

𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦:

• 𝖠𝖽𝖽 𝗈𝖺𝗍𝗌, 𝗉𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗇𝗌, 𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝗂𝗅 𝗍𝗈 𝖿𝗈𝗈𝖽 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌𝗈𝗋 – 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗄𝗒

• 𝖳𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌𝖿𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝖺 8𝗑8 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖼𝗁𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖻𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗉𝖺𝗇 – 𝗉𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗆𝗅𝗒

• 𝖭𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖺𝖽𝖽 𝖿𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖽𝗂𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗇𝖽 𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗅 𝗌𝗆𝗈𝗈𝗍𝗁

• P𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗈𝗉 𝗈𝖿 𝖼𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗍

• G𝖺𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗁 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗅𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗓𝖾𝗌𝗍

• F𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗓𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 2-4 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒!