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Recipes

Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

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I love using my air fryer and I am always trying and tweaking new air fryer recipes. Today I have one for you that just screams, fall is coming! Air fryer apple fries!!!!

easy graham cracker crusted apple fries from your air fryer.

Crispy apples slices, dipped into a warm caramel sauce…you can’t get much more fall than that! But let me ask you; do you say car a mel or car mal? I am car-mal person!

Not only are these apple fries delicious, your whole house will smell like you’ve been baking all day! Be careful not to leave the windows open, or all your neighbors might just pop over for a visit!

What air fryer do you recommend?

I am on my 2nd air fryer and I use it 4 – 5 times a week. I HIGHLY recommend the Ninja Air Fryer. It isn’t the biggest but it has a great basket, works like a champ is is less than $100. It is MUCH better than the one I had prior to the Ninja.

What kind apple should I use for the fries?

I really like the Fuji apples or some tart Granny Smith but a Gala would be a great choice too. Just avoid the softer varieties like Red Delicious; they just won’t give you the best texture.

Do I really need a dip?

Well as far as I’m concerned, fries need dipping; even an apple fry! But you don’t have to make a caramel sauce (you could buy one) or try some chocolate sauce or jam if you prefer. Or just have them with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.

air fryer apple pie slices

More Apple Recipes

Easy Homemade Dehydrated Apple Snacks

Apple Scotch Pie & More Vintage Pie Recipes

3 Classic Apple Recipes

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries with Caramel Dipping Sauce

Ingredients Air Fryer Apple Fries

Easy to make apple fries

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fries

  • 4 apples, cored, peeled and cut into wedges
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients for Caramel Dipping Sauce

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions For Making The Apple Fries in Your Air Fryer

  1. Prepare air fryer basket by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Place apples in a zip-top storage bag. Add cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
    In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Add eggs to another shallow bowl to create a dipping station.
  3. Remove apples from bag and dip in eggs, coating on all sides. Then, dip in graham cracker crumbs, coating on all sides.
  4. Pre-heat your air fryer at 380 degrees F for 3 – 4 minutes.
  5. Place apples in air fryer basket leaving space between and without stacking.
  6. Cook at 380 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes, using tongs to flip halfway. Remove from air fryer and keep warm.
  7. Repeat until all apples are cooked through. Serve warm.
air fryer apple fries prep 3

Instructions for Making Your Caramel Sauce

  1. Place butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
  3. Add whipping cream to boiling sugar mixture and stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  4. Stir in the vanilla (See my recipe for making your own vanilla extract)
  5. Serve warm
Air Fryer Apple Fries with Caramel Sauce Dip
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Apple Pie Fries in the Air Fryer with Caramel Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

  • 4 whole Apples, cored, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 4 Eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 6 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.

    Place apples in a zip-top storage bag. Add cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.

    In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Add eggs to another shallow bowl to create a dipping station.

    Remove apples from bag and dip in eggs, coating on all sides. Then, dip in graham cracker crumbs, coating on all sides.

    Place apples in air fryer basket leaving space between and without stacking.

    Cook at 380 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes, using tongs to flip halfway. Remove from air fryer and keep warm.

    Repeat until all apples are cooked through. Serve warm.

Print

Caramel Dipping Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 stick Butter 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Place butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil.

    Add whipping cream to boiling sugar mixture and stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

    Stir in vanilla.

    Serve Warm

What are you favorite apple recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe

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This easy gingerbread recipe is baked in an 8-inch cast iron skillet. The cast iron creates a warm, rustic, vintage dessert that brings back warm memories and a nod to the upcoming fall season. This easy to make gingerbread has been a family favorite for many years. I’d put this in a classic recipe category for sure!

You’ll never want a grocery store gingerbread after you make this recipe!

I love cooking in my cast iron skillets – I’ve actually written about it a few times:

Warm Rustic Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe

Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe

Why cook in cast iron?

Cooking this gingerbread in a cast iron skillet gives it a crispier outside while leaving the gingerbread warm and moist on the inside. Invest in some good Lodge Cast Iron – you won’t regret it! This recipe is made with a 8 inch skillet.

6 More Traditional Gingerbread Recipes

Vintage Recipes

I love old fashioned, or vintage recipes. I’ve been cooking these type of recipes for more than a decade. I have collected and used so many recipes, and I share them here on the blog too.

Is Gingerbread Only for Christmas?

I don’t think so! In fact gingerbread just smells like fall to me. Maybe its the cinnamon that makes me think of that season. But gingerbread is definitely NOT just for Christmas or any holiday. Make this cast iron gingerbread recipe any ‘old time you want!

Can I Make Muffins with This Recipe?

Absolutely! I should make 6 large or 12 average sized muffins. You could use Lodge’s Mini Cake Pan if you wanted to stick with using cast iron for this recipe.

How Do I Serve Gingerbread?

Serve your homemade gingerbread with whipped cream.

You can serve this gingerbread recipe in a variety of ways. Top it with some homemade whipped cream (try making your own with N2O charged dispenser).

Or try it topped with your own vanilla ice cream. See 31 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for ideas!

But my favorite way to eat gingerbread is warm, right out of the oven, topped with real butter and a big mug of hot coffee!

Gingerbread Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups flour sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup molasses
  • 2/3 cup hot water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Gingerbread Recipe Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Gather your ingredients
  3. Prepare cast iron skillet by rubbing with butter and sprinkling with flour.
  4. In a medium bowl combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
  5. In separate bowl combine: softened butter, brown sugar , molasses and hot water.
  6. Mix until butter is almost melted.
  7. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
  8. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until batter is free of lumps .
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  11. Let cool and cut into 12 equal slices.
  12. Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries. Or try it topped with some homemade vanilla ice cream.

Below you’ll find a fully printable version of this cast iron gingerbread recipe with pictures to help you.

Print

Easy Cast Iron Gingerbread Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Author Tiffany Davis

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups flour sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup molasses
  • 2/3 cup hot water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Gather your ingredients.

  3. Prepare cast iron skillet by rubbing with butter and sprinkling with flour.

  4. In a medium bowl combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.

  5. In separate bowl combine: softened butter, brown sugar , molasses and hot water.

  6. Mix until butter is almost melted.

  7. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.

  8. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until batter is free of lumps.

  9. Pour batter into prepared skillet.

  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

  11. Let cool and cut into 12 equal slices.

  12. Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries. Or try it topped with some homemade vanilla ice cream.

How do you plan to use this gingerbread recipe?

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

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Homemade ice cream is a mixture of cream and/or milk, sugar, sometimes eggs and always a little home cooked magic! Sure you can buy just about any flavor of ice cream at your local grocery store; but there is something truly special about homemade ice cream. Not only the fresh rich flavors, but I love to customize it with my favorite mixtures of nuts or berries or both. I know the kids love cookies and cream ice cream or pieces of fudge mixed in.

31 homemade ice cream recipes

Now that summer is in full swing these homemade ice cream recipes will be a real treat. Try making some for your 4th of July celebration or bbq too!

Ice Cream Making Supplies:

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cutting Board and Knife (especially for fruit based ice creams)
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Freezer Containers – make sure they are made to be in the freezer, like these.
  • Consider investing in a Waffle Cone & Bowl maker!

Do I Need an Ice Cream Maker?

You may be very surprised how easy it is to make ice cream at home. I have found that investing in a good ice cream maker has made it an even more enjoyable process. I now prefer my fully automatic ice cream maker but there are more budget friendly options as well.

31 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Classic Ice Cream Recipes

Grandma’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream – by The Crafting Chicks
Here is a classic ice cream flavor to get you started; easy to make and simply delicious! Homemade vanilla ice cream is the perfect base for adding in flavors too!

The Best Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream – by Ever After in the Woods
A family favorite! A simple, classic, homemade chocolate ice cream.

Old Fashioned Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – by Self Proclaimed Foodie
Nothing says summer, to me, like a bowl of fresh strawberry ice cream.

Homemade Peppermint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream– by Let’s Dish
Mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy add some holiday flavor and flare to classic vanilla ice cream.

Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream – by Pioneer Woman
The ultimate 3-in-1 ice cream is the chocolate, vanilla, strawberry combination of a simple Neapolitan ice cream. This one is out of this world good!

Sweet Cream Ice Cream (Cold Stone Copycat) – by Reality Daydream
Homemade Ice Cream is a summer staple! This sweet cream recipe tastes exactly like the Cold Stone sweet cream ice cream favorite we’ve all grown to love!

Thin Mint Ice Cream – by A Pretty Happy Home
Inspired by classic girl scout cookies!

Nutty Ice Cream Recipes

Butter Pecan Ice Cream – by Simple Recipes
Homemade butter pecan ice cream, made with a custard base, browned butter, and toasted pecans.

Maple Walnut Ice Cream– by All Day I Dream About Food
This homemade maple ice cream recipe is Keto, sugar-free, and absolutely amazing.

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream– by Recipe Girl
A smooth and creamy peanut butter ice cream recipe with chunks of chocolate peanut butter cups mixed in.

Nutella Swirl Ice Cream – by House of Nash
Everyone’s favorite chocolate hazelnut spread makes an appearance in this Nutella Swirl Ice Cream!

Fruity Ice Cream Recipes

Homemade Mango Ice Cream– by Sandhya’s Kitchen
This mango ice cream combines just three ingredients together to bring together creamy delicious flavors.

Raspberry White Chocolate Ice Cream – by Searching for Spice
This white chocolate raspberry ice cream recipe is so good made in the ice cream maker. It’s easy to make and very popular with kids and adults.

Apple Pie Ice Cream – by Serious Eats
All the flavor of an apple pie without the hassle of making a crust or turning on the oven.

Peach Ice Cream – by Sustainable Cooks
Like a bowl full of summer, the Ultimate Homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe will blow your mind with flavor.

Lemon Ice Cream – by Grits and Pinecones
This homemade silky smooth and lemony ice cream is just the thing to help you cool off on a hot summer day!

Sugar-Free Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream– by Happy Kitchen
Easy sugar free blueberry cheesecake ice cream is a delicious dessert made from just 5 ingredients! This recipe can be used without an ice cream maker.

Fun Ice Cream Recipes with Mix-Ins

Oreo Ice Cream – by Sweetest Menu
Easy cookies and cream ice cream made with just four ingredients!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream – by Mavis Butterfield
Pumpkin? Check. Cheesecake? Check. Ice Cream? Check. I can’t wrap my brain around all of the deliciousness packed into one recipe.

Homemade Coffee Ice Cream – by Baked by an Introvert
This Homemade Coffee Ice Cream is made just like old-fashioned ice cream! It starts with a custard that is blended with heavy cream and churned in an ice cream maker for a sensationally smooth and creamy dessert.

Brownie Fudge Swirl Ice Cream – by Life Made Simple
For extreme chocolate lovers only! This rich, decadent brownie fudge swirl ice cream is loaded with brownie chunks and swirled with hot fudge!

Coconut Ice Cream – by Keto Cooking Christian
A smooth, creamy and refreshing coconut ice cream made with coconut milk, extract, shredded coconut with a hint of lime zest! Keto-Friendly!

Honey Butter Shortbread Ice Cream – by Pampered Chef
Melted butter and honey are swirled into homemade ice cream with crunchy shortbread cookies mixed in.

Cake Batter Ice Cream – by Like Mother, Like Daughter
Cake batter ice cream is a delicious creamy ice cream treat that tastes just like cake batter! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just for a delicious treat!

No Churn Cinnamon Ice Cream – by Kitchen Swagger
Super creamy, egg-free, cinnamon ice cream that comes together in 15 minutes (plus freezing), without and ice cream machine.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream – by Life Currents
Homemade ice cream may be a bit of work, but it’s well worth the time and energy. Salted Caramel no longer has to be only a topping!

Churro Ice Cream – by Butternut Bakery
Easy no churn ice cream with baked churros, dulce de leche, homemade cinnamon ice cream and Mexican vanilla.

Green Tea Ice Cream – by Mildly Meandering
An easy summer dessert made with only 4 ingredients! This refreshing recipe is inspired by Japanese flavors and it’s so easy to make!

Moose Tracks Ice Cream – by Farm Girl Gourmet
A recipe for Homemade Moose Tracks Ice Cream. So easy to make and just as delicious as store bought, or better!

Kahlua and Cherry Ice Cream – by The Flavor Bender
You wouldn’t believe how addictively delicious this ice cream is, and that’s before you even get to the Kahula! Take it to the NEXT level and make your own Coffee Liqueur at home, see my recipe for homemade Kahula.

Smores Ice Cream – by Meatloaf and Melodrama
No-Churn Chocolate S’mores Ice Cream is loaded with graham crackers, chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows. You don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy this easy summer treat!

Homemade ice cream has been loved and cherished throughout generations! Find your favorite from this list and create some new memories making and sharing ice cream with your family. These recipes are easy, delicious and fun to recreate. Enjoy!

Infused Water Recipes

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Infused water recipes can be a great way to beat wanting unhealthy sodas and the upcoming summer heat! I’ve included recipes for my favorite infused waters that are easy to make as well as some tips and tricks to get you started.

infused water recipes

Infused Water Recipes

What is infused water?

Infused water is what we call water that is flavored with fruit, vegetables and herbs. Allowing the water and flavors of the add-ins gives you an “infused” flavor in the water (chemical and calorie free).

What are the health benefits of infused water?

  • Infused water tastes great so you are more likely to drink more and stay hydrated.
  • No sugars, chemicals or additives
  • Helps you to feel less hunger

How to Make Infused Water

Start with a good pitcher. I recommend avoiding plastic. I recommend using glass. You can do this with a glass water bottle made for dispensing water or mason jars (they come in a variety of sizes if you want to make larger amounts).

How long does it take to infuse water?

You’ll want to let your ingredients and water sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours to really get any flavor. I suggest not leaving fruit, vegetables or herbs in the water more that 10 – 12 hours.

Can I eat the fruit or vegetables after making infused water recipes?

I don’t, that goes into my compost pile.

What is the best fruit. vegetables and herbs for infused water recipes?

First – organic is ALWAYS best. These ingredients will be sitting in your water and you do not want chemical leeching into it.

Fruits for infused water: my favorites are lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, melon and pineapple.

Vegetables for infused water: I mainly used cucumber.

Herbs for infused water recipes: cilantro, mint and basil are amazing!

Best Infused Water Recipes and Ideas

Here are some delicious ways to infuse your water for awesome flavor. Don’t be afraid to try your own combinations or change things! All of these recipes are based on using a 64 oz glass jar so adjust accordingly.

Lemon Lime Infused Water
Add 4 thick lemon slices and 4 thick lime slices to your jar then fill the remaining space with water (filtered is best). Allow it to sit in the refrigerator at least 2 – 4 hours. Remove your fruit after 12 hours if you have not already consumed all the water.

Pineapple Cilantro Infused Water
I know the combo sounds crazy but I started making this after having a popsicle at a local farmer’s market with these ingredients. Delicious!
Add 1/2 of a small to medium fresh pineapple (I recommend using a pineapple peeler / corer) and 1 – 2 tablespoons of washed & chopped cilantro, then complete by filling in with water. To make it easier to get the herbs out of your water you can put the herbs in cheese cloth. Test the water at 2 hours to see how your flavor is developing. Again, remove solids if you haven’t finished the water at 12 hours.

Cherry Lime Infusion
All the fun flavor of a cherry limeade with no crappy ingredients.
1 cup of pitted cherries, cut in half and 1/2 of a lime sliced (remember to wash the rind of your citrus). Put the cherries and lime in the pitcher and add water.

Strawberry and Watermelon Infused Water
Add 7 – 8 sliced strawberries and about 1/2 – 3/4 cup of diced watermelon to your pitcher and then your water. Lime can be a nice addition to this water as well. Very refreshing!

Cucumber Mint Water
This popular flavor combination is always a winner. You’ll need one medium to large cucumber (use an English cucumber to avoid peeling) and 1 – 2 tablespoons of washed and chopped mint (whole leaves are ok too). Add ingredients and water to your pitcher.

Blueberry Orange Infused Water
For this recipe I used 4 – 5 thick slices of orange and 10 – 12 whole blueberries. You could use lemons instead of the orange or a combination of both to change up the flavor. Fill-in with water.

Raspberry Lime and Basil Water
This is said to be a detoxifying infused water. You need 3/4 – 1 cup of fresh raspberries, 1 lime, sliced and 4 basil leaves (whole or chopped).

I hope these refreshing and delicious recipes for infusing water help you stay hydrated this summer.

Do you make infused water? What’s your favorite recipe? Share in the comments!

Ground Beef Recipes

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I’ll be honest, I love ground beef; I prefer it to almost any meat. I have a lot of ground beef recipes that I’ve been making for 24 years as a wife and mother. But I am not going to share ALL of my ground beef recipes today, just the ones that have been family favorites over the years. These recipes use ground beef but you can certainly use ground turkey, ground pork or ground chicken as a replacement.

ground beef recipes

Our Favorite Ground Beef Recipes

How to Cook A Lot of Ground Beef Fast

If you have a busy week coming up you can prepare your ground beef ahead of time and it will be ready for your ground beef recipes when you get home. I like to cook a large amount of ground beef in my oven at 400°F.

Can I Freeze Cooked Ground Beef?

Yes, you can freeze ground beef after you cook it. It is a great way to meal prep for busing weeks. Here’s how you want to freeze cooked ground beef:

  1. Fully cook your ground beef, drain liquid.
  2. Place in a bow and allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.
  3. Once the ground beef has cooled you can use a Food Saver or reusable freezer bags to make one large bag to use in a big recipe or weigh and separate into smaller portions. If you aren’t using a Food Saver make sure you get all the air out of your bag!
  4. Make sure to label your ground beef – it will be good to use up to 4 months in the freezer according to the USDA.
  5. To thaw your cooked ground beef you’ll want to take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to prepare ground beef in a slow cooker.

You can use your crock pot or slow cooker to cook ground beef! Depending on the size of your crock pot you can cook 3 – 5 pounds at a time.

  1. Add your ground beef to the slow cooker and break it up; I like to use this ground meat chopper tool.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth per pound of beef (so 3 lbs beef, 1.5 cups liquid).
  3. Cook low for 4 – 6 hours or high 2 – 3 hours (more meat, more time). You want to make sure the beef is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 160 °F.
  4. If you are able to stir the meat during cooking 1 or 2 times, this will help the cooking process.
  5. Once the ground beef is cooked you can use it in a recipe immediately or freeze (per instructions above) or refrigerate up to 3 days.

How to prepare ground beef in an instant pot.

You can also prepare your ground beef in an Instant Pot. This a quick an easy way to get your ground beef cooked, completely hands off.

  1. Add 1 cup of water or broth to your Instant Pot.
  2. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the pot.
  3. Add 1 – 2 pounds of ground beef to your trivet (do not break up).
  4. Seal the vent.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  6. Do a quick release.
  7. Make sure the internal temperature has reached 160 °F
  8. Remove your meat and break up in a bowl to use in your recipes.
  9. Discard any liquid and fat at the bottom of your Instant Pot.

Can ground beef be cooked in a microwave oven?

Yes you can but this is not the best way to get your ground beef cooked. I would not recommend it. However there are some good tips on cooking raw ground beef in the microwave on Thrifty Fun.

What Are Some Simple Ground Beef Recipes?

There are countless simple ground beef recipes. Many are fast and can be made ahead of time for convenience. I’ve included some of my favorites below.

Sloppy Joe’s Recipe

Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Taco Meat Recipes

We love a Taco Tuesday in our house. I would recommend making your own taco seasoning to avoid all the junk in the pre-made options.
See my Taco Seasoning Recipe.

We love making Taco Salads too! All the taco fixings on top of a bed of lettuce and other salad veggies.

Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A ground beef stir fry is a great way to change up your ground beef game! Here are a few recipes to get you started!

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes for You to Try