Name: Best Ever Soft Caramel Corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 32 Cups
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 cup unpopped popcorn about 8 quarts popped; 1 cup butter; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 1 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla

Smoked Salmon Chowder {with Leeks & Fresh Tarragon}

January 5 By Renée ♥ 15 Comments

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder is a rich bowl of comforting decadence; each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the delicate, smoky salmon and allow it to shine.

Soups are a specialty of mine, and I think this Smoked Salmon Chowder may be one of the best soups I’ve ever created.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Ingredient Notes: What You Need to Know

I spent a lot of time and care developing this rich, decadent salmon chowder recipe. Each ingredient was chosen specifically because it works to highlight the star of the show.

For this reason, you won’t find any bacon, or corn, or cream cheese (seriously people?!?), or added thickeners like cornstarch or flour, or anything else that could eclipse the sweet, smoky, delicate flavor of the salmon.

There are the six key ingredients that set this amazing chowder apart:

1. Hot Smoked Salmon [The Star!]

Smoked salmon is a blanket term for salmon of any origin (wild, farmed) or cut (fillet, steak) that is cured with hot or cold smoke.

For this smoked salmon chowder recipe, you want to use hot-smoked salmon. Hot-smoked salmon is smoked basically like meat, resulting in a firm, flaky piece of fish. The flavor and texture will be similar to grilled salmon, with smoky undertones.

Be sure to use as high-quality smoked salmon as you can find/afford. Good-quality smoked salmon should still look like fish. If at all possible, avoid using the rock-hard, vacuum-packed bricks o’salmon sitting in the fish section cooler. Also, for the purposes of this recipe, do not use “flavored” smoked salmon (i.e, teriyaki, peppered, lemon, etc.).

Scroll down past the recipe card to learn more about the different types of cured and smoked salmon, what works best for this recipe, and where to find the best smoked salmon ever.
(Hint: It’s in Oregon!)

2. Leeks

The base for this chowder is riff on the French classic, potage parmentier, or potato leek soup. I chose leeks for this recipe instead white or sweet onions because they have a milder, more delicate flavor than their onion cousins, so they complement the smoked salmon flavors instead of overpowering them.

Leeks, which look like giant green onions, are notorious for having hidden sand and grit in between their tightly packed leaves. In the recipe below, I’ve included basic information on how to prep the leeks, but if you need a detailed tutorial, you may find this post – “How to Clean & Cut Leeks” – very helpful.

3. Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes (Why you need three varieties for this chowder)

Each of the three types of potatoes in this chowder serves an important role.

Russet potatoes have a neutral flavor and high starch content, resulting in a creamy, soft texture that breaks down easily. This all makes them the perfect choice for making a creamy soup, as they act as a natural thickener.
Yukon Golds are a cross between a North American white potato and a wild South American yellow-fleshed one. Their golden flesh is richly flavored and fairly firm and moist, with medium starch content. They hold their shape a better than Russets, and contribute to the chowder’s classic chunkiness.
White Sweet Potatoes add a mild sweet component to the mix that complements and highlights the natural sweetness of the salmon. They also help to thicken the chowder.

4. Fresh Tarragon

Tarragon is often described by French chefs as the king of herbs. Its delicate flavor pairs perfectly with the smoked salmon in this French-inspired chowder.

In my experience, fresh tarragon has a completely unique flavor; one that is noticeably changed by the drying process. If you must use dried tarragon (which I do not recommend) keep in mind that it has a much more concentrated, intense flavor than that of fresh. As a rule, use 1 scant teaspoon of dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh.

If possible, use fresh French tarragon (as opposed to Russian tarragon, which can be bitter) for best results.

5. Grated Carrots

You may not think that something as simple as grating a carrot (versus dicing it) would have any significant impact on a recipe, but in this case it really does. Coarsely grating the carrots allows them to cook faster, meld with the other chowder components more readily, and (bonus!) it gives your soup some lovely color in the process.

6. Heavy Cream vs. Everything Else

If possible, use full-bodied, heavy cream. Smoked salmon chowder is something special: treat it that way.

And Yes, in case you’re asking, you can make it with half & half, or even straight-up milk for that matter, but it won’t be the same. Trust me.

5 from 5 votes

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder is a rich bowl of comforting decadence; each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the delicate, smoky salmon and allow it to shine.

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Steeping Time30 mins

Total Time1 hr 20 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Pacific Northwest

Keyword: salmon, seafood

Servings:

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons light olive oil
3 medium leeks
2 cloves garlic minced
2 stalks celery diced
2 medium carrots coarsely grated
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 16 ounces) peeled & cubed 1/2"
1 medium Russet potato peeled & cubed 1/2"
1 medium white-fleshed sweet potato peeled & cubed 1/2"
8 ounces clam juice
2 cups mild vegetable stock or chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup white wine I use a Reisling
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4-1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
8 ounces hot-smoked salmon divided
1 cup heavy cream
1 large sprig fresh tarragon

Instructions

Prepare leeks: Slice off the root and the tough green top. Slice leeks lengthwise. Turn leeks so that their flat sides are facing down. Slice leeks into thin half-moons.
Heat an enameled cast iron Dutch oven or other heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, butter, and prepared leeks to the soup pot.
Stirring almost constantly, sauté leeks until they wilt and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic to leeks and continue sautéing until garlic is fragrant.
Add diced celery and grated carrots to the leek mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until celery begins to look slightly translucent.
Add clam juice, vegetable stock, tomato paste, white wine, water, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
Stir in all of the diced potatoes and bring mixture in pot to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the diced potatoes are tender but not mushy.
Remove from heat.
OPTIONAL: If you like your chowder extra creamy, use a potato masher to break up potatoes just a bit before moving on. Remember though, this is a chowder: you want it to be chunky!
You can also use an immersion blender to break down the mixture, but don't get carried away.
Using your fingers (or a knife), flake the smoked salmon into small pieces. You want it to be roughly the same size and texture as flaked chunky canned tuna.
Add 3/4 of the salmon (6 ounces) to the soup mixture, reserving 2 ounces to finish the soup.
Prepare Tarragon: Separate a few small springs of tarragon from the larger stem to use later for garnishing chowder. Set aside.
Option 1: Remove a small handful tarragon leaves from the stem. Using the palm of your hand, roll the leaves on the counter or cutting board to bruise, and then coarsely chop. Add about 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon to chowder mixture.
Option 2: Leave tarragon on stem, and stir entire stem into chowder. If you choose to leave the tarragon stem whole, you can remove it just before serving, or leave it in the soup pot and work around it as your serve.
Add fresh tarragon and heavy cream to the leek mixture and give it a good stir.
Allow the chowder to steep in its own heat (i.e., off the stove) for at least a half an hour. This will give the smoky salmon and fresh tarragon flavors time to infuse themselves into the mixture.
I usually make this chowder a day ahead of time, and let it rest overnight in the fridge.
When ready to serve, return the chowder to the stovetop and heat on low to bring it back up to temperature. DO NOT BOIL!
Serve in bowls: Finish chowder with a splash of heavy cream, a generous sprinkling of the reserve flaked smoked salmon, and a small sprig of fresh tarragon.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

Types of Cured Salmon (and which kind works best for this recipe)

For best results, you should use Hot-Smoked Salmon when making this chowder. With that in mind, I thought it might be helpful to do a brief run-down of the major types of cured salmon to avoid any confusion.

**For best results, use hot smoked salmon for this recipe!**

A perfect hot-smoked salmon steak! (Robba Gumps Smoke’n Fish Co., Depoe Bay, Oregon)

Cured salmon can be broken down into two basic categories: brine-cured salmon, and smoked salmon (hot & cold).

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a blanket term for salmon of any origin (wild, farmed) or cut (fillet, steak) that is cured with hot or cold smoke.

Hot-Smoked Salmon <<< THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO USE FOR CHOWDER!
- Hot Smoked salmon is smoked basically like meat, resulting in a firm, flaky piece of fish. The flavor and texture will be similar to grilled salmon, with smoky undertones.
- Use as high-quality smoked salmon as you can find/afford, and look for smoked salmon that still looks like fish, as opposed to a hard brick. (See “Where to Get the Best Smoked Salmon” below.) Also, for the purposes of this recipe, avoid “flavored” smoked salmon (i.e, teriyaki, peppered, lemon, etc.).
Cold-Smoked Salmon is smoked significantly longer and at a lower temperature than hot-smoked, which results in a texture that is similar to lox, but with an infused smoky flavor.

Brine-Cured Salmon {Delicious for brunch, but not for chowder!}

Lox is salmon that has been cured in a salt-brine. Authentic lox traditionally comes from the belly of the salmon, and is sliced very thin for serving. Lox are salt-cured, but unlike smoked salmon, does not go through a smoking process.

Lox & Bagels at Meridian, Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa | The Good Hearted Woman

We had these beautiful lox for breakfast when we visited Meridian at Headlands. {Pacific City, Oregon}.

Gravlax is like Lox, in that it undergoes a curing process, and it isn’t smoked afterwards. The difference between lox and gravlax is in the brining spices: gravlax is cured with sugar, salt, and dill, rather than a salt brine.

Where to Get the Best Smoked Salmon Ever!

(Before you read this section, it’s important you know that this is Not A Sponsored Post. No one is paying me in any way for what I’m about to write.)

Mr B and I both grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and we’ve eaten a lot of salmon in our day. So it is no small thing that we both agree on this point: in our experience, the best commercially available fresh smoked salmon in the world (yeah, that’s what I said – THE WORLD) can be found at a place called Robba Gump’s Smoke’n Fish Co., in the tiny tourist town of Depoe Bay on the Central Oregon Coast.

Mr B and I first stumbled into Robba Gump’s a few years ago. Back then, the shop was a tight, narrow space, wedged between a beach-themed candy shop and a whale watching tour kiosk on the far south end of town. Owner Rob Jacobs greeted us at the door with a plate full of generous samples, and we walked away with a pound of the most delicious smoked salmon I’ve ever eaten.

Rob tells us he “double-smokes” his salmon. I’m not sure what that means, but the final product is perfect: moist and sweet, with just the right amount of smoke to allow the flavors of the salmon shine. And, since Rob’s fish is not “overcooked” (as is the case with the majority of mass-produced smoked salmon), it retains its fresh, flaky texture, making it the ideal choice for this Smoked Salmon Chowder recipe.

Recently, Robba Gump’s moved to a new location on the north end of town, into what feels like ten times the space of their previous digs. The new place even has tables where you can relax and enjoy a snack, and visit with Rob and his wife. Business is good. It should be: like I said, Rob makes the best smoked salmon in the world.

Robba Gump’s Smoke’n Fish Co.
~~488 N Highway 101~~
~~Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341~~

~~(541) 614-4296~~

UPDATE 1/18/2020 – It appears that Rob is in the process of making another move. We hope to connect with him again in the spring, and I’ll update this post with new contact info when/if I do.

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

More Smoked Salmon Recipes from GHW

Smoked Salmon Pastry Cups {Appetizer}

These Smoked Salmon Pastry Cups with mascarpone & fresh dill are a breeze to throw together and perfect for any gathering.

Smoked Salmon Chowder {with Leeks & Fresh Tarragon}

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder is a rich bowl of comforting decadence; each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the delicate, smoky salmon and allow it to shine.

Elegantly Easy: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

This beautiful Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict is rich, delicious, and deceptively easy to make.

Smoked Salmon Crustless Quiche

A new twist on an old standby, this "impossible" quiche is perfect for any meal of the day. It goes together in less than 15 minutes, and is ready to serve – start to finish – in about an hour.

How to Make a Buddha Bowl {+ 37 Delicious Bowls}

January 2 By Renée ♥ 29 Comments

The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy, plus 37 great ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Buddha Bowl = Bliss Bowl = Glow Bowl = Hippie Bowl = Power Bowl = Glory Bowl = Nourish Bowl = Big Bowl of Awesome

By any name, a Buddha Bowl is basically a colorful, delicious meal served up in a big bowl of Awesome. Comprised of healthy, plant-based ingredients like grains, roasted vegetables, nuts, sometimes fruits, a handful of leafy greens, and a flourish of sweet, savory, or tangy sauce, Buddha Bowls offer infinite combinations of flavor and texture.

From my first bowl, eaten aside a downtown Portland food cart, I have been in love with both the idea and the practice of Buddha Bowls. In the warmer months, they are often comprise the majority of our weekly menu. However, as you may know, making your first bowl can be a little like opening up a brand new 64-color box of crayons – there are so many choices! However, once I was hooked, I set about making the task of creating new bowls a little easier.

UPDATED: January 2, 2020. {Originally published June 27, 2016.}

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

How to Make a Buddha Bowl

Step 1: Beginning with a Base, layer at least one item from each list in the infographic below into your favorite bowl to create your own Buddha Bowl bliss.
1. Base: Anything green [Examples: Lettuces, Leafy greens, spinach]
2. Veggies: Chopped, grated, cooked or raw, anything goes here.
3. Protein: Traditional Buddha Bowls, by definition, are plant-based; however, you can use whatever protein you want.
4. Complex Carbs: This category includes such tasty additions as corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat berries.
5. Sweet: Add some fresh fruit to your bowl for a sweet component.
6. Crunch: Texture is as important in a Buddha Bowl as taste. Be sure to include a crunchy option to keep things interesting.
7. Flourish: This is your finishing touch – your sauce, your sprinkling of fresh herbs, etc.
Step 2: Enjoy!

FREE PRINTABLE BUDDHA BOWL GRAPHIC: I created the infographic below as a road-map to make the task of creating new combinations a bit easier. If you would like a copy of your own to magnet to your fridge, click here for a free printable PDF.]

Note: This infographic is provided as a jumping-off point, and is by no means an exhaustive list. This list includes a number of animal-based choices in the Proteins category. By definition, traditional Buddha Bowls are plant-based; however, that is the beauty of the Bowl! You can make your bowl anything you want it to be.

Need more inspiration? Check out this list, then grab your favorite bowl and have some fun!

Vegetarian & Vegan Buddha Bowls

Traditional Buddha Bowls, by definition, are plant-based.

Cuban Quinoa Bowl with Spicy Lemon Cashew Dressing

Photo Credit: heatherchristo.com

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl w/ Cashew Curry Sauce

Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

Crispy Tofu Bowls {& Garlicky Lemon Yogurt Sauce}

Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com

Brown Rice Veggie Bowl - Eat Thrive Glow

Photo Credit: www.eatthriveglow.com

Buddha Bowl Recipe with Peanut Butter Coconut Dressing

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Asian-Style Farro Buddha Bowl with Crispy Baked Tofu

Photo Credit: jessicalevinson.com

Masala Chana Chaat - a classic Indian street food recipe for vegetarians

Photo Credit: www.greedygourmet.com

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls in 30 Minutes

Photo Credit: umamigirl.com

Sweet Potato Vegan Buddha Bowl

Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com

Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tempeh and Quinoa

Photo Credit: www.bucketlisttummy.com

Turmeric Chickpea Buddha Bowl: Eat ALL the Superfoods!

Photo Credit: thekitchengirl.com

Vegan Buddha Bowl With Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Spinach and Brown Rice

Photo Credit: www.melaniecooks.com

Buddha Bowl - A Balanced And Easy Meal

Photo Credit: claudiacanu.com

Chili Lime Chickpea Buddha Bowl - This Healthy Kitchen

Photo Credit: thishealthykitchen.com

Teriyaki Tofu Bowl with Cauliflower Rice

Photo Credit: www.jessicagavin.com

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Photo Credit: www.simplyquinoa.com

Grain Free Cauliflower Rice Buddha Bowl

Photo Credit: www.tastingpage.com

Hippie Macro Glow Bowl

Photo Credit: www.theglowingfridge.com

The Vegan Buddha Bowl | Well and Full

Photo Credit: wellandfull.com

Healthy Thai Coconut Quinoa Bowl

Photo Credit: gethealthyu.com

Harvest Black Rice Salad Recipe

Photo Credit: www.foodfaithfitness.com

Grain Bowls with Smoky Tofu and Creamy Pumpkin Seed Sauce Recipe

Photo Credit: yummybeet.com

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com

Thai Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce VIDEO » LeelaLicious

Photo Credit: leelalicious.com

Dragon Bowls with Easy Vegan Option - Black Food Bloggers Club by The Blenderist

Photo Credit: theblenderist.com

Spring Harvest Bowls with a Dill Shallot Vinaigrette

Photo Credit: withfoodandlove.com

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

Photo Credit: greenkitchenstories.com

The Ultimate Winter Bliss Bowls

Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com

Shaved Purple Asparagus & Asian Vegetable Soba Noodles

Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

Goddess Bowl

Photo Credit: sewfrenchembroidery.blogspot.com

Soba Noodle Bowl Recipe with Vegetables & Peanut Sauce

Photo Credit: www.cookincanuck.com

Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls

Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com

Seafood, Chicken & Other Meaty-type Power Bowls

The following bowls are not vegan or vegetarian, and therefore not technically ”Buddha” bowls. Nevertheless, these bowls provide some delicious inspiration, not to mention some amazing sauce options!

California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado & Rice Bowls

Photo Credit: www.halfbakedharvest.com

Sesame Crusted Tuna Buddha Bowls

Photo Credit: www.coupleinthekitchen.com

Japanese Farm Style Teriyaki Bowl

Photo Credit: www.feastingathome.com

Crab Cake Buddha Bowl

Photo Credit: www.karenskitchenstories.com

Summer Detox Chicken Buddha Bowl

Photo Credit: gypsyplate.com

Grilled BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Photo Credit: thecompletesavorist.com

Southwestern Buddha Bowls

Photo Credit: www.simplysissom.com

Fiesta Chicken + Cilantro Lime Rice Fajita Bowl with Avocado Chipotle Crema.

Photo Credit: www.halfbakedharvest.com

We’d love it if you’d share your favorite Bowl ideas in the comments below!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Best Ever Soft Caramel Corn {Mary’s Sticky Popcorn}

November 24 By Renée ♥ 51 Comments

A treasured family recipe, **Mary’s “Sticky Popcorn“** is the best soft caramel corn recipe ever! It is everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn; and despite its nickname, it’s not sticky at all!

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Today I am sharing a very special treat; one my girls grew up calling Sticky Popcorn. This ridiculously easy caramel corn recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make, and will completely turn your idea of caramel corn on its head!

But first, I want to tell you about Mary.

Mary with Cheryl’s daughter, Emily. Emily has kiddos of her own now!

Back when my oldest girls were little (before some were even born), we lived in a cul-de-sac, three doors down from my BFF Cheryl. Next to Cheryl lived a little woman named Mary, age 90ish. Mary lived on her own long past the time when most folks need to have more assistance, and I learned a lot by watching her.

Mary was able to stay independent for so long for two reasons: First, she lived next door to Cheryl and her family. (If you know them, that is all the explanation you need: they are amazing examples of loving and serving their neighbors.) Second, Mary learned to adapt.

My favorite example of Mary’s modifying life to meet her needs was her Christmas tree. Mary kept a fully decked Christmas tree year round. The tree was only about three or four feet tall, and it sat eleven months out of the year in her garage, protected by a white plastic garbage bag tied closed at the top of the tree.

Every December, Mary would ask someone would bring her tree in from the garage, sit it on a little table, and untie the twist-tie that held the bag closed. (One year, I was the someone who got to put up Mary’s tree. I felt so special!)

Once her tree was standing on its little table, Mary would carefully pull down the bag to reveal the tree already hanging with ornaments. Then she arranged the bag around the base like a tree skirt, and stand back to enjoy her beautiful decorations.

When the holidays were over, someone would go over to Mary’s, pull the bag back up to the top and tie it off, and then put her little tree back in the garage until the following Christmas.

Brilliant!

Which brings me back to Sticky Popcorn.

Every Christmas season, Mary would make her soft caramel corn recipe. As the buttery-sweet popcorn cooled, she formed it into popcorn balls, which she later handed out to the neighborhood kids for the holiday.

Normally, I don’t like popcorn balls at all. Never have. They are hard and stick to your teeth, and the popcorn in them is always gross. In fact, the first time one of my girls offered me a bite of Mary’s caramel corn, I turned her down.

But then I noticed that, as she ate it, there was no distinctive crunch-crunch-crunching and side-of–mouth biting going on, like there always was with typical rock-solid popcorn balls. Instead, my daughter was taking neat little bites and chewing them with satisfaction, making her way around the popcorn ball as if she was eating an ice cream cone.

So I snuck a little bite. And another. And then another. (Good thing she was just a toddler, or I would have never gotten away with that many bites!)

I soon discovered that Mary’s popcorn balls were different from any I had ever had, in all the best ways. The caramel was soft and didn’t stick to my teeth; the texture was smooth and buttery; and in addition to being easy to eat, the caramel popcorn itself was absolutely delicious!

As soon as I could, I asked Mary for the recipe and was floored by the simplicity of it – just five ingredients, including the popcorn!

I was soon making Mary’s caramel corn as a family treat almost weekly, although we dispensed with the “popcorn ball” model almost immediately, and almost always just eat it straight form the bowl. This caramel corn recipe – now a family tradition – is everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn; and despite it’s nickname, it’s not sticky at all!

Mostly it’s just wonderful.

Mary has been gone for many years now, but every time I make Sticky Popcorn, I think of her. I asked Mary once what the best thing about getting old was, and I will never forget what she said:

By the time you get to be about 80, you can say anything you want to, because no matter what you say, people either think you’re wise or you’re crazy.

So now, my friends, I am passing this little bit of Mary onto you. Enjoy!

How to Make Homemade Soft Caramel Corn
{Step-by-Step}

For ingredients and amounts, please refer to the recipe card below.

How-to Video ↓↓↓

Step-by-Step Directions

Pop popcorn and set aside in extra-large bowl or large roasting pan.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining ingredients.
Stirring constantly, melt butter and heat mixture on medium until it reaches a full, rolling boil. (This is a boil that cannot be stirred down.) Boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat. (If you are want to, you can check the temperature with a candy thermometer. It should read 200° F [94° C].) (Note: This is the first time I have checked the temperature, ever. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, no worries! Just boil it for one minute, and you’ll be golden!)
Immediately remove from heat and pour over popcorn. Stir popcorn with wooden spoon until popcorn is all coated with caramel. You need to do this step very quickly! (NOTE: My caramel got a little too cool because I was stopping the process to take pictures. If you watch the video, you can see that it is already getting stiff when I’m stirring the caramel in. If you do pour the caramel and stir it right away, without stopping in the middle to take a half a million pictures and video, it will stir in very smoothly. )

6. Form into balls if desired. (We always just eat it like popcorn.)

Yield: 32 Cups

Best Ever Soft Caramel Corn

Mary’s Sticky Popcorn is the best soft caramel corn recipe ever! It is quick and easy to make, everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn. (And despite its nickname, it’s not sticky at all!)

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup unpopped popcorn about 8 quarts popped
1 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Pop popcorn and set aside in extra-large bowl or roasting pan.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining ingredients.
Stirring constantly, melt butter and heat mixture on medium until it reaches a full, rolling boil. (This is a boil that cannot be stirred down.) Boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat. If you are want to, you can check the temperature with a candy thermometer. It should read 200° F [94° C].
Immediately remove from heat and pour over popcorn. Stir popcorn with wooden spoon until popcorn is all coated with caramel.
Stir and mix to cool. Form into balls if desired.

Notes

To mix my caramel corn, I use a large roasting pan; the kind made for roasting a turkey.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 200 Total Fat 12g Saturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Unsaturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 31mg Sodium 102mg Carbohydrates 25g Sugar 25g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.

So just how good is this caramel corn, anyway?

Mr. B always says he doesn’t much like popcorn. Which must be why the first time I made Sticky Popcorn for him, he ate almost half a batch! All by himself!! Allow me to quote him: “This (nom-nom-nom) popcorn is (nom-nom) really (nom-nom) really (nom-nom-nom) delicious!”

UPDATE: In November 2019, I rewrote this entire post (originally published 12/2013), adding new process photos, more concise directions, and a how-to video. (Thanks for the music, Mr. B!) So of course, I had to make a batch of Mary’s caramel corn recipe for picture-taking purposes, right? Well, guess who ate half the batch by the time I got done editing images?

I’m not naming names, but his name rhymes with Kenny G. 🤣

Seriously, this stuff is really tasty, folks.

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

UPDATE: This post was first published December 10, 2013.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

October 10 By Renée ♥ 22 Comments

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds combines Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic for a delicate crunch and rich, nutty depth in this light and easy spaghetti squash recipe.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

A while back, I found a recipe for Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Herbs on one of my favorite food blogs, Pinch of Yum. Unfortunately, when I finally got around to putting it together for the first time – after a very long day of teaching that followed a very short night of sleep – I realized that it called for a few things I didn’t have on hand; moreover, no way was I ponying up for pine nuts at the end of the month. So I made a few changes.

The results were amazing! Everyone in our family ate it – and liked it! (Unanimous appreciation of a new food by all family members = Tier I Miracle!) We love how the Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic combine to bring a great crunch and a rich, nutty depth to what has become one of our favorite easy spaghetti squash recipes.

Not only is this Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds a snap to make and super tasty, but it has proven itself to be as quite versatile, too. We’ve served it it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; both as a main dish and on the side. (It pairs very well with Eggs Provençal.)

TIP: For an easy workday dinner, we like to top this easy Spaghetti Squash recipe off with a little stir-fried mixture of spicy Isernio Hot Italian Sausage, sliced mushrooms, and sweet onions. Serve with a spinach salad and a light vinaigrette, and you’re set.

5 from 8 votes

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic combine to bring crunch and rich, nutty depth to this versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Skillet time5 mins

Total Time45 mins

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Course: Main dish or side

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: almonds, garlic, spaghetti squash

Servings: servings

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash halved and seeded
Olive oil
Kosher salt
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup chopped almonds toasted
1/2 ounce fresh basil chiffonade (about 1/4 cup)
2 ounces Jarlesberg shredded (about 1/2 cup)
Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Roast Spaghetti Squash

Preheat the oven to 375°.
Carefully split the Spaghetti Squash in half from blossom to stem. [Here's a safe, easy method for doing that if you're not sure how.]
Clean out seed cavity, and sprinkle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the cut side down on a Silpat mat (or parchment) lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until fork tender.
Allow cooked squash to cool cut side down for at least 10 minutes. Use a fork to scrape out the insides and separate strands. Set aside.
[For more specific directions/pictures, see "How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash" below.]

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Heat a 10-inch cast iron or other large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped almonds into dry skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until they are barely beginning to toast. (You will smell the toasting before you see it.)
Immediately reduce heat to low, and add a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté one more minute.
Stir in cooked spaghetti squash and turn heat back up to medium. Using tongs, continue to sauté for about 2-3 more minutes, until almonds and garlic are distributed evenly and squash is heated through. (Try not to cook it too long, or the spaghetti squash strands will get mushy.)
Remove from heat. Toss in grated Jarlsberg cheese and fresh basil. Using tongs, toss to mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with additional cheese, almonds, and basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition

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5 from 8 votes

How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time35 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main dish or side

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: spaghetti squash

Servings: servings

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash halved and seeded
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Carefully split the Spaghetti Squash in half from blossom to stem. [Here's a safe, easy method for doing that if you're not sure how.]
Clean out seed cavity, and sprinkle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the cut side down on a Silpat mat (or parchment) lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until fork tender.
Allow cooked squash to cool cut side down for at least 10 minutes. Turn over.
Use a fork to scrape out the insides and separate strands.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

^{Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!}

Originally published March 15, 2015

Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

August 21 By Renée ♥ 6 Comments

These delicious Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars will give them something hearty and healthy to start their day – no matter how fast they have to run for the bus!

7:54 a.m. – The typical time that our little Princess rolls her fanny out of bed to get ready for school.

8:03 a.m. – The time that the bus rolls up at the corner to carry the aforementioned Princess off to school. (It used to be 6:50 a.m.: things are better now.)

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Seven minutes. Em has an average of seven minutes – to get dressed, check her face, comb her hair, check her face again, maybe put on a little make-up, gather her school supplies that were supposed to be together the night before, grab her clarinet, hug her Mama and run out the door…

Breakfast? Most often, it is in her hand – because if she can’t hold it and eat it before she gets to the bus stop, it won’t get eaten. Because, heaven forbid should anyone know that she actually eats breakfast. (“It’s embarrassing.”) And somehow, no matter how early she gets up, it doesn’t change the amount of time she allots for eating breakfast. Thirteen-year old girls are weird.

Any Mama or Papa who has children who hop on a school bus has at least a few mornings when there isn’t time to sit down and eat anything. Some of us more than others, I’m sure, but we’ve all been there. So when you press something into their hands as they bolt out the door, you hope it’s something healthy and delicious (and NOT full of weird chemicals and preservatives) – something that will stick with them for the whole morning. Something that might even remind them that they are loved.

A few weeks ago, I threw a bunch of ingredients in a bowl, waved my magic spatula and came up with a new favorite – soft, healthy, hand-friendly oatmeal breakfast bars full of oatmeal and yumminess.

I like to wrap these breakfast bars individually and freeze them in gallon-sized Ziploc bags, then take out however many I need the night before. They’re great cold, but for a warm breakfast on the go, ten seconds in the microwave makes them even better.

[NOTE: This post has been updated. It was originally published in February 2014. Our little Princess leaves for college this fall!]

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe | Gluten-free, Dairy-free | The Good Hearted Woman

5 from 5 votes

Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

These soft, hand-friendly oatmeal breakfast bars are gluten-free, dairy-free and full of oatmeal yumminess.

Prep Time25 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 25 mins

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Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Keyword: Breakfast Bar Recipe, Breakfast Bars

Servings: Bars

Calories: 212kcal

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 large banana mashed
½ cup honey
5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup ground almonds or ground flaxseed
1 Tbls ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger optional: I love ginger!
1 Tbls baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups almond milk

Optional Breakfast Bar Add-ins

¼ cup coconut
¼ cup golden raisins or craisins
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup anything else that sounds good ahem… chocolate chips, anyone?

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°.
Mix eggs, vanilla, applesauce, banana and honey together in a bowl.
Add in oats, ground almonds, ginger, baking powder, salt and and “optional additions” you choose, mix well with wet ingredients.
Pour in almond milk and stir combine. Set on counter for 15 minutes to allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Spread mixture evenly over parchment paper.
Bake 1 hour, or until the top is slightly golden and it is “bouncy” to the touch. (Like a heavy quickbread.)
Cool and cut into 18 bars.
To store, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then freeze them in gallon freezer bags.

Notes

I like to wrap these individually and freeze them in gallon-sized Ziploc bags, then take out however many I need the night before. They’re great cold, but for a warm breakfast on the go, ten seconds in the microwave makes them even better.

NOTE: Nutritional analysis DOES NOT INCLUDE optional add-ins.

Nutrition

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Red Pepper Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses {Muhammara}

June 17 By Renée ♥ 24 Comments

Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses (Muhammara) is a versatile, savory-sweet dip that is delicious spread on pita, as a dip for veggies, or sauce for kabobs. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and… AMAZING!

Muhammara, or Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses, originated in Aleppo, Syria, and its principal ingredients traditionally include red peppers, ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, spices, and olive oil. However, this recipe – inspired by popular local pub fare – omits the bread crumbs, and instead uses roasted carrots to thicken and extend the dip. Not only do the carrots keep this delicious savory-sweet dip gluten-free, but they give it a wonderful creaminess and infuse an earthy sweetness as well.

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Every year, our town hosts the Portland Book Festival [formerly Wordstock], a week-long literary celebration with a mission: to use the power of writing to effect positive change in people’s lives. Some years back, my sister-friend Dottie and I attended the annual Poetry Slam together, and afterwards decided to stop for a little late night nosh at the adjacent Bagdad Pub.

Dottie and I ordered something called “Three Faces of Eve,” [super-fancy hummus plate] and sat down to rehash the slam, poet by poet.

Forty-five minutes later, still no hummus plate. When we finally got our waitress’s attention and she (let’s call her Alice) went to check on our order, only to return frantic and apologizing all over the place. Alice said she had no idea what happened but the kitchen never got our order.

“Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” she asked us – at least seven times. In between apologizing, she kept up a steady train of chatter, trying so hard to be accommodating that it was driving us nuts. All either Dottie or I could think was, “It’s OK, we understand. Really. Just please stop talking.”

Finally, I told Alice what would really make me happy: I wanted the recipe for their roasted red pepper walnut dip. Which I love. LOVE. As in, I have been known to go to this pub solely for the walnut-pomegranate dip. (It is my favorite of Eve’s three faces.)

“Can you get the recipe for me?” I asked, smiling my best ‘you might just be able to salvage your tip’ smile.

“I dunno, but I’ll try.” She didn’t sound very confident, but it gave her something to do besides hover over us like a needy dragonfly.

Ten minutes later, Alice emerged from the back with a big grin, waving piece of white paper. My recipe! I was so happy I almost got misty. I had literally been wanting this recipe for years! I scanned it briefly before I returned to Dottie and our conversation, and it was a good thing I did! Because somewhere between the booth at the Bagdad and my front door, that little slip of paper completely disappeared.

Luckily, I have a knack for remembering printed text pretty well, so I wasn’t really panicked. I was pretty sure I had the complete list of ingredients memorized, including basic ratios. In the long run, losing it wasn’t entirely a bad thing, because it forced me to really work each this recipe out for myself, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results!

Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip {Muhammara} is savory, sweet, smoky deliciousness! Spread on pita, dip in veggies, or sauce up kabobs! 🌻 #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #healthyfood #healthylifestyle #healthyrecipes #recipes Click To Tweet

5 from 6 votes

Muhammara (Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses)

Inspired by the Walnut-Pomegranate Dip on the "Three Faces of Eve" Plate at McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub in Portland, Oregon.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time1 hr

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: appetizer, dip

Servings: servings

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 2" pieces
1 large red pepper cored, seeded, and cut into eighths
1 teaspoon cumin
4 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 cup walnuts about 4 ounces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sumac
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes or 1/2 tsp regular red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons Pomegranate Molasses plus more for garnish
2 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 cup warm water

Instructions

Roast Vegetables

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cover a baking sheet pan with a Silpat mat or parchment paper and spread the prepared vegetables out in a single layer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over vegetables and toss to coat. Season vegetables lightly with kosher salt and ground cumin.
Roast vegetable in preheated oven for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once vegetables are cool, remove peel from red peppers.

Toast Walnuts

Heat walnuts in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes, or until nuts are golden brown and smell toasty. Walnuts burn easily in a skillet, so be sure to stir constantly to ensure even toasting until the nuts turn a rich, golden brown. Remove walnuts from skillet and set aside.

Prep Spices

In the same skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Turn off burner, add the cumin and paprika, and stir in hot oil until fragrant - just a few seconds. Allow to cool slightly.

Put it all together!

Put all ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Serve with warm pita triangles, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or whatever makes you happy.

Notes

As with many things, the flavors in this dip benefit greatly by having a little time to blend. It can definitely be eaten immediately after making it, but If you are making this for a party, I strongly suggest doing so a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to mingle and come together. Serve cold or at room temperature.

If you prefer your dips a little chunkier, reserve one carrot and a handful of walnuts until after you have mostly pureed the mixture, then throw the reserve nuts and carrot in and pulse for a few times to combine.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup. Check it out for more great recipes!

Ingredient Notes:

Aleppo Peppers: Named after the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, Aleppo dried pepper flakes are traditionally used in Muhammara. Aleppo pepper flakes are about half as hot as crushed red chili flakes, and according to some, twice as flavorful. Aleppo pepper flakes can be found in specialty markets or online.
Carrots: Carrots are not a traditional ingredient in muhammara; however, this recipe uses carrots in place of breadcrumbs to thicken and extend the dip. For this recipe, I chose to roast the carrots before blending them into the dip, instead of simply boiling them as my original notes indicated. Not only do the roasted carrots pair perfectly with the walnut-pomegranate flavors to make this savory-sweet dip gluten-free, but they give it a wonderful creaminess as well.
Pomegranate Molasses: Probably the most unusual ingredient in this recipe, pomegranate molasses is a household staple in many Middle Eastern kitchens. It has a truly unique flavor, and can be used for glazes, salad dressings, and even barbecuing. You can find it at specialty stores or online. And before you even ask: no, here is no good substitute for it.

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Originally Posted June 2013.1

Favorite Layered Taco Salad {Vintage Recipe Redux}

April 1 By Renée ♥ 14 Comments

Easy and economical, this beautiful layered taco salad is deliciously satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser!

“You don’t have to have anything in common with people you’ve known since you were five. With old friends, you’ve got your whole life in common.”

– Lyle Lovett

Standing: Julie, Jodi, Marilee, Linda, Kathy & Tracy | Sitting: Kay, Lurissa, Terry & Me

Julie and I first met in kindergarten, and although she lives on the opposite side of the country now and we haven’t seen one another face-to-face for probably two decades, I still (and always will) count her among my dearest friends.

My mother was a working mom in an era when most moms weren’t, and I often went over to Julie’s house after school. In those early, tender years, we spent countless hours together – most often playing house, or school, or our favorite, “Little Princess.”

I loved going over to Julie’s house. She had two brothers, a sister, a black lab named Licorice, and a little cat named Twinkles. Twinkles was almost always pregnant or taking care of a litter, so there were often kittens to play with. Julie’s mother was young and beautiful, and in my memory, she always had warm cookies waiting for us when we came home from school. She was patient in a way no other mother I knew was, and her melodic voice with its soft Polish accent only added to her enchantment. Julie’s father had a quick smile and looked like a business suit model in the Sears Roebuck catalog, and he spoke with a quiet assurance that always made me feel safe.

In second grade, Jules and I were in Blue Birds together, and our moms were our group leaders. (Blue Birds was the junior organization to the Camp Fire Girls, now Camp Fire.) That year, Julie’s dad, who worked at the Frito-Lay plant in Portland, took us all on a tour of the Doritos factory.

Now you may not know it, but it was Frito-Lay who introduced America to the first mass-produced flavored tortilla chips – specifically, Taco-flavored Doritos – in 1967. So let’s just say this all happened sometime after that… in an era before mandatory hairnets and plexiglass partitions and booties in food production rooms were the norm.

It was also a time when a major food company would be totally cool with it if you were to lead a dozen or so eight-year-olds out onto their production floor, with its whirring, clanking machinery and endless conveyor belts, to show them first-hand how the chips get made.

Which is exactly what Julie’s dad did.

I still remember feeling dwarfed by all those monstrous machines; the orange-gold chips tumbling down onto the conveyor, and the thick, heady scent of freshly toasted corn and exotic taco seasonings melding together.

As we gathered around and listened to him explain the chip-making process, Julie’s dad invited us to sample some chips, and he pointed to the conveyor belt. We all reached out and caught up handful as they ferried by, and as I bit the corner of one orange-colored triangle and crunched its warm, spicy deliciousness, I wished I had been brave enough to grab more.

At the end of our tour, Julie’s dad gave us each a little bag full of Frito-Lay products: Doritos, Fritos, and the like, and a little advertising cook booklet to give to our mom. When we got home from the field trip, my mom filed the little cook booklet in our kitchen cupboard alongside a collection of other similar handouts. At some point, I took it from the cupboard and kept it as my own, and it has held a special place in my recipe collection ever since.

Every time I see that worn little booklet, I think of Julie and that field trip, and those warm, delicious chips.

Which brings me to today’s recipe.

Favorite Layered Taco Salad {Vintage Recipe Redux} 🌮 🥗 Easy and economical, this beautiful layered taco salad is deliciously satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser! #tacosalad Click To Tweet

NOTE: This post is neither sponsored nor endorsed by Frito-Lay. (But if anyone there reads it and is interested in seeing more, feel free to reach out! 😉)

By definition, most of the recipes in this vintage advertising booklet are simply branded twists on late-20th-century favorites: casseroles, Salisbury steak, fried chicken, and so forth. A few are combinations that lunchroom kids figured out long before Frito-Lay thought to write them down, like cheesy Frito hot dogs (“Glamour Dogs”) and crunchy chip-filled sandwiches. And at least one – “Chili Pie Casserole” – has transcended the plate and become the stuff of childhood memories, known more commonly among the junior camping crowd as “Walking Tacos” or “Frito Pie.”

Walking Tacos aside, the “Southwest Salad Bowl” recipe is the only one I’ve ever made from this cook booklet, and the one upon which my Favorite Layered Taco Salad is based.

Your Favorite Taco Salad {Vintage Recipe Redux} | The Good Hearted Woman

Here’s a shot of the original recipe, complete with dog-ear and random splatters of taco salads past.

This layered taco salad seems to have amazing crowd appeal: it is always a hit when I take it to parties and potlucks! You can dress it up pretty or just throw it together – it’s great either way.

Vintage Taco Salad Redux

Over the years, I’ve made many changes and adaptations to the original “Southwest Salad Bowl.” Be sure to scroll down and read the ingredient suggestions listed below the recipe.

5 from 1 vote

Favorite Layered Taco Salad

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Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keyword: taco salad

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

4 cups Favorite Lettuce or Salad Greens chopped
1 pound Favorite Ground Meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, veggie crumbles)
1 medium onion chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups Favorite Cooked Beans
5 ounces Favorite (Tex-Mex friendly) cheese grated
2 1/2 medium tomatoes cut in wedges
1/4 cup sliced olives for garnish
6 ounces Favorite Flavored Tortilla Chips crushed (don't go crazy)

Tomato Sauce (Or substitute 1 cup of your Favorite Salsa)

8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Favorite Chili Powder (e.g., Chipotle, New Mexico, etc.)
1/2 medium onion chopped
1/2 medium tomato chopped

Instructions

Saute ground meat, chopped onion in large skillet over medium heat, until meat is browned and onions are soft.
Add salt and beans and heat through. Remove meat mixture from pan and set aside.
In medium skillet, combine Sauce Ingredients (e.g., tomato sauce, salt, chili powder, chopped onion and tomatoes). Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Allow to cool before proceeding.
In a large salad bowl, layer lettuce, crumbled tortilla chips, meat mixture, sauce, and grated cheese. Repeat. Garnish with tomato wedges, sliced olives, and whole tortilla chips.

Notes

Serve with our delicious Original Taco House Fiesta Dressing {CopyCat Recipe}!

I like to use the Sauce layers to sort of "seal the salad," which I do by smoothing it down over the meat mixture with a spatula or the back of a large spoon. As in more traditional layered salads, this step seems to keep the lettuce crisper longer.

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INGREDIENT SUGGESTIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Lettuce:
- Use your favorite lettuce or salad greens. Believe it or not, I prefer good, old-fashioned iceberg for this salad. The other ingredients are very dense, and the light, water heavy lettuce makes a nice contrast.
Ground Beef:
- I’ve used ground chicken, ground turkey, ground beef, and vegetarian crumbles [Morning Star], all with equal success.
- If you use a poultry-based ground meat, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat, onion, and bean mixture to give it a little more body.
Kidney beans:
- Use your favorite bean(s). I am not a fan of the kidney beans suggested in the original recipe, and usually use black or piquinto beans.
American cheese:
- We prefer Jack or cheddar, or something along those lines.
Taco Flavored Doritos:
- Use your favorite flavored tortilla chips. (If you use plain chips, your salad will taste a little flat, but that’s nothing that a little splash of my Original Taco House Fiesta Dressing can’t fix!)
Chili Powder:
- Chili Powder in my part of the world has come a long, long way since I was a kid. Use the ground chili powder of your choice: chipotle, New Mexico, etc; just be mindful and adjust the amount accordingly.
Sauce
- If you don’t want to go to the trouble of making the sauce, just use about a cups of your favorite mild-to-medium salsa.

SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve with my Original Taco House Fiesta Dressing {Copycat Recipe}.

PRO TIP: If you use Doritos brand tortilla chips, you will need the better part of one regular sized [9.75 oz] bag. Before you crush any chips for use in the salad, take some time to separate out the unbroken chips in the bag and set them aside. You will use them to garnish the salad before serving. You’ll probably also have a few extra chips to munch on when you’re done. 😊

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How to Make a Perfect Frittata {Plus 70+ Amazing Frittata Recipes}

February 13 By Renée ♥ 20 Comments

Everything you need to make a perfect frittata: a super-easy Master Frittata Recipe that you can use to transform leftovers into something new and delicious, plus a collection of 70+ frittata recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

Frittata = Skillet Omelet = Crustless Quiche = Egg Pizza = Leftover Heaven

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You know those days when you just cannot for the life of you come up with one more meal? The times when you just want someone to tell you what to make for dinner (or better yet, make it for you!)? The nights when you think, please just let me throw something in a pan and let it come out delicious with little to no effort on my part?

Frittatas may be just what you’re craving.

Basically a big oven-finished skillet omelet filled with all sorts veggies and proteins, frittatas are one of the easiest, most budget-friendly meals you can make.

When you decide to make a frittata, half the struggle is figuring out what to put into it. More often than not, I use leftovers: frittatas are a great way to use up all those bits and bowls that are waiting for you in the back of the fridge.

For inspiration, check out My Master Frittata Recipe (so fancy!!) below, which includes lists of ingredient ideas. Following the Master Frittata Recipe, you’ll also find links to 70+ delicious recipes to inspire you.

MASTER FRITTATA RECIPE

Making a basic frittata from leftovers is pretty straightforward. I’ve broken them down into six simple steps for the printable graphic below, listed here with a few extra notes:

Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C.
• I sometimes turn the oven up to 400° for a shorter cook time.
Sauté vegetables and proteins in a large skillet until fully cooked.
• When everything is fully cooked, you want between 2 and 3 cups of combined cooked veggies and protein.
• I use a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet, depending on how big a crowd I’m feeding.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 eggs & ½ milk. Stir in herbs and spices.
• I sometimes use 1 or 2 more eggs, especially when using a 12-inch skillet.
Pour eggs evenly over skillet mixture. Sprinkle cheese over top.
• Once you pour in the egg mixture, stir it in a little so that it settles in and around the ingredients in the pan. The egg mixture should just barely reach the top of the veggie mix in skillet. If it looks like there aren’t enough eggs, go ahead and whisk up another and pour it in. Don’t go crazy though – remember, the egg mixture will raise up quite a bit while baking.
Cook mixture over medium-low heat without stirring for 3 minutes.
• It helps to shake the pan once to settle everything together, but don’t stir, because the grated cheese may settle on the bottom, and that isn’t where you want it.
Transfer oven and bake about 30 to 35 minutes.
• Cooking time for frittatas is very flexible, because it is so dependent upon the ingredients used and the density of the frittata. I’ve made frittatas that were done in 20 minutes, and others that took almost an hour to cook. To test for doneness, insert a knife in the center of frittata – it should come out clean.
• If possible, allow the freshly baked frittata to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

HINT: Click image below for a printable PDF that you can magnet to the fridge!

❤️ Scroll down for 70+ frittata recipes to get your creative juices flowing! ❤️

NOTE: If you like this Frittata graphic, you might also like How to Make a Buddha Bowl.

5 from 1 vote

How to Make a Perfect Frittata

Frittata Perfection in six easy steps.

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Course: Main Course

Keyword: frittata

Servings:

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

Basic Frittata Ingredients

6-8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
~ 2 cups cooked vegetables
~ 1 cup cooked protein [optional]
1 - 1 1/2 cups grated cheese
Herbs spices, seasonings as desired

INGREDIENT INSPIRATION

Vegetables [~ 4 cups raw, or 2 cups cooked]

Butternut squash
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Green onion
Kale
Leeks
Onion
Peppers
Scallions
Spinach
Tomatoes
Yellow Squash
Zucchini

Cooked Proteins [~ 1 cup cooked; optional]

Bacon
Carnitas
Chicken
Chorizo
Falafel
Ground beef
Ham
Italian Sausage
Salmon
Smoked Salmon
Taco meat
Turkey

Cheese [~ 1 – 1 ½ cups grated]

Bleu Cheese
Cheddar
Cottage cheese
Feta
Gorganzola
Gouda
Gruyere
Jarlsberg
Jack
Parmesan
Pepper jack
Swiss

Herbs & Spices [~ 1/4 – 1/2 cups fresh, 2-3 teaspoons dried]

Cilantro
Garlic
Garlic salt
Mint
Onion flakes
Onion powder
Parsley
Red Pepper Flakes go easy!
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Taco seasoning
Thyme

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, sauté vegetables and protein in olive oil over medium heat until soft. You want between 2 and 3 cups of cooked veggies and protein when everything is done.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 eggs & ½ milk. Stir in herbs and spices.
Pour eggs evenly over skillet mixture. (The egg mixture should just barely reach the top of the veggie mix in skillet. If it looks like there aren't enough eggs, go ahead and whisk up another and pour it in.) Sprinkle cheese over top and shake the pan once to settle everything together.
Cook mixture over medium-low heat without stirring for 3 minutes. (I usually poke things around a bit during this step. The basic idea here is that you don't want to stir it and have all that grated cheese settle to the bottom.)
Transfer oven and bake about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. If possible, allow to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Notes

SKILLET: For best results, use a 10- to 12-inch cast iron or other heavy, oven-safe skillet.

COOK TIME: Depending upon the density of ingredients and type of skillet used, it can take up to an hour in the oven for the frittata to be completely cooked.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

Need more inspiration? Check out this list of 70+ Frittata Recipes, then grab your skillet and have some fun!

MEATY FRITTATA RECIPES

Bacon, Apple & Gorgonzola Frittata [Tastfulventure]
Bacon & Brie Frittata [Building Our Story]
Bacon & Potato Frittata [Christina’s Cucina]
Bacon Lobster Omelette [Caroline’s Cooking]
Bacon, Spinach, Tomato & Ricotta Frittata [Beauty & the Foodie]
Bacon, Tomato & Cheddar Frittata [Homemade Food Junkie]
BLT Frittata with Ramen Noodles [Soup Addict]
Broccoli & Salami Frittata [The Schizo Chef]
Broccolini Cheddar Bacon Frittata [Umami Girl]
Buffalo Chicken Frittata [Thyme & Joy]
Caramelized Onion Frittata [Urban Foodie Kitchen]
Cheesy Ham & Asparagus Frittata [Cooking with Carlee]
Chorizo Frittata [Latina Mom Meals]
Cottage Cheese, Kale & Smoked Salmon Frittata [Supergolden Bakes]
Deep Dish Breakfast Frittata with Comté Cheese, Bacon, Sausages, Tomatoes and Mushrooms [Super Golden Bakes]
5-Ingredient Cheeseburger Frittata [Snacking in Sneakers]
Grilled Corn & Tomato Frittata [Hey Nutrition Lady]
Frittata with Goat Cheese, Leeks & Sage [The Gluten Free Homestead]
Hearty Southwestern Frittata with Potato and Beef [My Sequined Life]
Italian Frittata with Sausage, Red Peppers, Potatoes & Onions [The Gluten Free Homestead]

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Frittata [My Life Cookbook]
Low-Carb Pepperoni Pizza Frittata [My Life Cookbook]
Meat Lovers Frittata with Salsa Verde [Muy Bueno Cookbook]
Mexican Frittata [Real Food, Real Deals]
Mexican Pasta Frittata [Living Well Kitchen]
Mushroom Omelette with Chèvre, Cherry Tomatoes & Sausage [Chocolates & Chia]
Potato & Chorizo Frittata [Muy Bueno Cookbook]
Salmon, Pea & Horseradish Frittata [Pointed Kitchen]
Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Frittata with Garlic Herb Goat Cheese [Mashup Mom]
Skillet Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Grits Breakfast Bake [Peas & Crayons]
Smoked Salmon & Veggie Frittata [Allergy Free Alaska]
Smoked Salmon Crustless Quiche [The Good Hearted Woman]
Smoked Salmon Frittata [Downshiftology]

Smoked Salmon Frittata [Killing Thyme]
Spinach Artichoke Cottage Cheese Frittata [Rhubarbarians]
Spring Frittata with Seeded Avocado [Cook with Me Darling]
Sausage, Mushroom & Cheddar Frittata [Chef Rhadia]
Sweet Potato Salmon Frittata [The Food Blog]
Turkey Sausage & Spinach Frittata [Dude the Cookz]
Vietnamese Frittata with Ground Pork, Onion & Basil [Delightful Plate]

VEGETARIAN FRITTATA RECIPES

Asparagus & Brie Frittata [Pointed Kitchen]
Asparagus Goat Cheese Frittata [Tasting Page]
Baked Frittata with Spinach & Feta [The Clever Meal]
Baked Mushroom Leek Frittata [Jessica Levinson]
Bitter Melon Egg Frittata [Daily Cooking Quest]
Black Beans, Tomato & Spinach Quiche [Mashup Mom]
Broccoli, Spinach & Artichoke Frittata [The Forked Spoon]
Broccoli Rabe And Smoked Mozzarella Frittata [Just a Little Bit of Bacon]
Courgette & Sun-dried Tomato Frittata [Neil’s Healthy Meals]
Crustless Asparagus Quiche with Cottage Cheese [The Conscience Dietitian]
Easy Goat Cheese & Sun-dried Tomato Frittata [Our Happy Mess]
Frittata with Corn, Cheddar and Spinach [Umami Girl]
Kale & Feta Frittata [Plating Pixels]
Pepper & Gruyere Frittata [My Life Cookbook]

Persian Herb Quiche | Kookoo Sabzi [Family Spice]
Roasted Asparagus Red Pepper Frittata [Divalicious Recipes]
Savory Broccoli Frittata with Shiitake Mushrooms [Umami Girl]
Spanish Tortilla [Caroline’s Cooking]
Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla de Espanola) aka Spanish Baked Omelette [A Clean Bake]
Spicy Zucchini Frittata [A Life Made Simple]
Spinach & Artichoke Frittata [Inside the Rustic Kitchen]
Spinach & Asparagus Frittata [Coffee with Us 3]
Spinach & Zucchini Frittata [Persnickety Plates]
Spinach Frittata with Garlic Scapes [Upstate Ramblings]

Spring Tortilla de Patata [Nourish]
Strawberry Soufflé Omelet with Caramelized Almonds [The Good Hearted Woman]
Sun-dried Tomato & Sweet Potato Frittata [Whole New Mom]
Sweet Potato & Baby Spinach Frittata [Sidewalk Shoes]
Sweet Potato Frittata [Coffee with Us 3]
Sweet Potato Frittata with Asparagus [Veggie Desserts]
Sweet Potato Frittata with Spinach & Feta [Peas & Crayons]
Tomato, Kale & Goat Cheese Breakfast Frittata [Hot Pan Kitchen]
Tomato Spinach Frittata [Coffee with Us 3]
Tomato Spinach Frittata [Upstate Ramblings]
Tortilla de Patatas [Pandemonium Noshery]
Tri-colored Pepper & Leek Frittata [Fearless Dining]
Whole30 Scalloped Potato Frittata [I Heart Umami]
Zucchini, Dill & Feta Frittata [Divalicious Recipes]

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of The Good Hearted Woman. ❤ Be sure to Pin and Print this recipe!

Swiss Chews {Flourless Chocolate Crinkle Cookies}

December 6 By Renée ♥ 23 Comments

Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (or Swiss Chews as Mom always called them) are crispy on the outside, fudgy on the inside, and perfect for the holidays!

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.

~ Charles Schultz

Crispy on the outside, fudgy on the inside, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are amazingly simple to make, and taste absolutely decadent: (I also have it on good authority that they are one of Santa’s favorite treats!)

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

Back when I was small, every year around the first of December my mom would get together with her friend Betty and bake. Betty would always come up with a few new cookie ideas for them to try, but no matter what else they baked, the holy trinity of Christmas cookies at our house was Joe Froggers (a spicy, rum-infused molasses cookie), Chocolate Thumbprints, and Swiss Chews, more commonly known as Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

I always knew my mother’s chocolate crinkle cookies were better than anyone else’s, but for a long time, I didn’t know why. I guess I just supposed everyone thinks their mother’s cookies are the best.

It wasn’t until I started comparing chocolate crinkle cookies recipes that I figured out what made Mom’s cookies so unique. Unlike most recipes, Mom’s cookie recipe didn’t require any flour. It uses ground walnuts for structure instead – making these little sweethearts completely gluten-free. (You’re welcome, my gluten-free friends.)

Swiss Chews {Flourless Chocolate Crinkle Cookies} | The Good Hearted Woman

Chocolate Crinkle Cookie dough balls, rolled and ready for the oven

5 from 1 vote

Swiss Chews {Flourless Chocolate Crinkle Cookies}

Crispy on the outside, fudgy on the inside, and perfect for the holidays!

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Refrigeration Time2 hrs

Total Time40 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: Yummy

Servings:

Calories: 58kcal

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder optional
1 tsp kosher salt
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
3 eggs separated
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling prepared dough in

Instructions

Preheat oven to 340° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or Silpat mat.

Cookie Dough Prep

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks slightly. Set aside.
In a food processor, pulse walnuts until they resemble cracked wheat. [Be careful - if you let them go too long, you'll have walnut butter!] Measure walnuts after chopping. Set aside.
Melt chocolate in a glass bowl in the microwave for 40 seconds at a time, stirring after each cycle, until chocolate is completely melted. Allow to cool slightly.
Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks. To the beaten egg whites, gradually add brown sugar mixture and then vanilla, beating until thick. Gently fold in walnuts and beaten egg yolks.
Fold the melted chocolate chocolate into the whipped egg-white mixture.
Refrigerate dough for at least 3 hours, or overnight. [DO NOT attempt to make cookies until the dough is cold!]

Forming Cookies

Form 1" balls of dough using a small cookie scoop or spoon. (About 2 teaspoons per cookie.) A small cookie scoop works perfect for this.
Pour 1/2-3/4 cup powdered sugar into a shallow bowl or plate. Rolls cookie dough balls in powdered sugar. Place cookie balls on prepared cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. (You do not need to press the cookie balls down.)
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. (If you make your cookies larger, you may need to bake them for an addition 2-3 minutes.) Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Notes

Walnuts should be chopped very fine, but not beyond recognition - about the same consistency as cracked wheat.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

Swiss Chews are free of added fats. No oil. No butter. (Trust me on this: they don’t need it.) Which brings me to this little extra holiday bonus: these deliciously fudgy bites of heaven have only about 58 calories per cookie! Can you believe it‽ Now you have no excuse: go make a batch or three today!

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of The Good Hearted Woman. ❤ Be sure to Pin and Print this recipe!

P.S. I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup. Check it out for more great Christmas recipes!

How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes}

July 31 By Renée ♥ 13 Comments

Knowing how to pick a watermelon that is perfectly ripe isn’t a magic trick. Just remember: girls are sweeter, size matters, and your Mama was probably right.

“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.”

~ Mark Twain

The picture above is one of my all time favorites. It was taken on a sweltering July night in the summer of 1995, in my Uncle Russel’s backyard in Maryville, Missouri. The little girl on the left looking straight into the camera grew up to be a dedicated, compassionate teacher, and her sister is now a talented photographer with a gift for capturing light. This image recalls one of my fondest memories from their childhood, and the second best watermelon I’ve ever eaten in my life.

The best watermelon I’ve ever eaten was on the shores of Spirit Lake in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, a few years before she blew her top. It was the first of my “coming-of-age” summers, and I still remember the boy I was sitting with. (His name was Shawn, and he was beautiful.)

Coincidentally, the third best watermelon I’ve ever eaten was, like the second, grown and eaten in Missouri… and even as I type that, it occurs to me that my summer memories are as entwined with the feels and flavors of ripe watermelon as a field of vines.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

Perfectly Ripe: How to Pick a Watermelon

It seems like everyone has a trick or idea about how to pick a watermelon. Some are based in science, while others are wisdom passed down from our grandmas.

The tips that follow have proven themselves over time to be reliable. However, no matter how many tricks you learn for how to pick a watermelon that is perfectly ripe, there will always be a little mystery and magic involved – that’s one of the things that makes a perfect watermelon so special!

Follow these tips for how to pick a watermelon, and – with a little luck – you’ll soon be making your next watermelon memory!

How to Pick a Watermelon: Seven Proven Tips

1. Check the “Field Spot.”

The yellow spot, known as the field spot, is the place where the watermelon rested on the ground as it was growing. The yellower the spot, the riper the melon. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot. If the field spot is white or very pale yellow, choose another melon.

2. Look for “Webbing.”

When you see weblike brown spots on the watermelon, it means that bees touched the pollinating parts of the flower many times. The more pollination, the sweeter the fruit.

3. Avoid bumps & blemishes.

Other than webbing, note any lumps, dents, soft spots, or other irregularities. If the watermelon you’re considering is covered with blemishes or bumps, choose another.

4. Girls are sweeter.

Did you know that there are male and female watermelons? Male watermelons are more elongated, usually bigger, and can have a flat, watery flavor. Female watermelons are usually rounder and sweeter.

5. Size matters.

Don’t go for the biggest or smallest melon in a group: try to choose an average sized melon that feels heavy for its size. A ripe watermelon will feel heavier than one that is less ripe. (I use this trick for choosing oranges, too.)

6. Check the tail.

If your melon still has its tail, check to be sure it has dried up. If it’s still green, it means the watermelon was picked too early. Similarly, the surface of the melon will turn from shiny to dull and the rind will noticeably harden when the melon is ripe.

7. Thump it!

Your Mama knew what she was doing! Go ahead and give it a good knuckle-thump, and then take note of how it sounds. You want to hear a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull, the fruit likely isn’t quite ripe.

Now that you’ve picked out your perfect watermelon, here are 101 things you can do with it!

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder is a rich bowl of comforting decadence; each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the delicate, smoky salmon and allow it to shine.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Ingredient Notes: What You Need to Know

1. Hot Smoked Salmon [The Star!]

Scroll down past the recipe card to learn more about the different types of cured and smoked salmon, what works best for this recipe, and where to find the best smoked salmon ever. (Hint: It’s in Oregon!)

2. Leeks

3. Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes (Why you need three varieties for this chowder)

4. Fresh Tarragon

5. Grated Carrots

6. Heavy Cream vs. Everything Else

Creamy Smoked Salmon Chowder

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup. Check it out for more great recipes!

Types of Cured Salmon (and which kind works best for this recipe)

For best results, use hot smoked salmon for this recipe!

Smoked Salmon

Brine-Cured Salmon {Delicious for brunch, but not for chowder!}

Where to Get the Best Smoked Salmon Ever!

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The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy, plus 37 great ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Buddha Bowl = Bliss Bowl = Glow Bowl = Hippie Bowl = Power Bowl = Glory Bowl = Nourish Bowl = Big Bowl of Awesome

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

How to Make a Buddha Bowl

We’d love it if you’d share your favorite Bowl ideas in the comments below!

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A treasured family recipe, Mary’s “Sticky Popcorn“ is the best soft caramel corn recipe ever! It is everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn; and despite its nickname, it’s not sticky at all!

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

By the time you get to be about 80, you can say anything you want to, because no matter what you say, people either think you’re wise or you’re crazy.

How to Make Homemade Soft Caramel Corn {Step-by-Step}

For ingredients and amounts, please refer to the recipe card below.

How-to Video ↓↓↓

Step-by-Step Directions

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

So just how good is this caramel corn, anyway?

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Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds combines Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic for a delicate crunch and rich, nutty depth in this light and easy spaghetti squash recipe.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Roast Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Nutrition

How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

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These delicious Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars will give them something hearty and healthy to start their day – no matter how fast they have to run for the bus!

7:54 a.m. – The typical time that our little Princess rolls her fanny out of bed to get ready for school.

8:03 a.m. – The time that the bus rolls up at the corner to carry the aforementioned Princess off to school. (It used to be 6:50 a.m.: things are better now.)

Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional Breakfast Bar Add-ins

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses (Muhammara) is a versatile, savory-sweet dip that is delicious spread on pita, as a dip for veggies, or sauce for kabobs. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and… AMAZING!

Muhammara (Red Pepper & Walnut Dip with Pomegranate Molasses)

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Roast Vegetables

Toast Walnuts

Prep Spices

Put it all together!

Notes

Ingredient Notes:

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Easy and economical, this beautiful layered taco salad is deliciously satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser!

Scroll down past the recipe card to learn more about the different types of cured and smoked salmon, what works best for this recipe, and where to find the best smoked salmon ever.
(Hint: It’s in Oregon!)

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

**For best results, use hot smoked salmon for this recipe!**

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

A treasured family recipe, **Mary’s “Sticky Popcorn“** is the best soft caramel corn recipe ever! It is everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn; and despite its nickname, it’s not sticky at all!

How to Make Homemade Soft Caramel Corn
{Step-by-Step}

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!