The Perfect Vanilla Cupcake

Ah, vanilla. Some people think it’s boring. I think it’s a classic. You really can’t go wrong—I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who didn’t like the flavor vanilla. Every time I make these cupcakes, they’re a hit. In fact, I just made a batch for my housemate’s birthday, and I am eating one as a I write this article. With the cream cheese frosting recipe listed below, they are delectable. Yum!

The Perfect Vanilla Cupcake Ingredients

1 1/4 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup sour cream

Find the full recipe here.

The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

This might be an unpopular opinion, since buttercream frosting is the universal favorite in the baking world, but I always opt for a cream cheese frosting. I just think buttercream is too sweet, and the addition of the cream cheese adds creaminess, depth, and flavor. This recipe isn’t too heavy on the cream cheese, so it’s quite neutral, unlike your typical cream cheese frosting that is traditionally only paired with carrot and red velvet cake. I would highly suggest switching over to this frosting forever.

The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

8 oz. cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Find the full recipe here.

Summery Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes

These are my all-time favorite cupcakes. I can’t even remember how many times I have made them. With the above vanilla recipes as a base, the raspberry flavor is light but delicious. Since raspberry season is late August, they’re perfect for summer. Also, they’re pink, and so cute! I used to make these in huge batches to bring to my choir. I was known in high school as being the cupcake baker, and let me tell you, it really makes people like you! These are certain to be a crowd-pleaser.

Summery Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes Ingredients

For the cake:

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup oil

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup sour cream

(not included in the original recipe, but I like to add some raspberry flavoring for an extra berry punch)

For the frosting:

3/4 cup butter

8 oz. cream cheese

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 tables fresh raspberry puree

(not included in the original recipe, but I like to add some raspberry flavoring for an extra berry punch)

Find the full recipe here.

Autumnal Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Like it or not, summer is going by fast. Really fast. We’re already making plans for returning to school, and with school comes fall. I’m not mad about it though—fall is my absolute favorite season. The leaves, the candles, the chill in the air, and yes, all the pumpkin flavored goodies. These are the most perfect fall treat, with a spice-filled cake and a maple twist on my favorite cream cheese frosting. I used to make these for my cross country team in high school. It would take me hours because there were over 60 girls on my team—but it was soooo worth it. There are pecans in the original recipe, but I usually omit them for personal preference.

Autumnal Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Find the full recipe here.

For the frosting:

1/2 cup butter

8 oz. cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon heavy cream

Find the full recipe here.

If you enjoy baking, sweet treats, creativity, or all of the above, I highly suggest getting in the kitchen and making one of these delicious cupcake recipes. You can also experiment and mix and match, and the vanilla recipes are great bases to add flavorings of your choice. Happy baking!

The post Story of a Cupcake: 3 Great Cupcake Recipes appeared first on GirlSpring.

Check out more delicious and healthy recipes these recipe sites: Ambitious Kitchen & Allrecipes

And don’t forget to see our Girl Spring comfort food recipes!

The post 5 Things to Bake for When You’re Bored appeared first on GirlSpring.

When you’re going through your teenage years and finding yourself, one of the biggest things for you to do is explore your interests. Even if you have certain things that you loved as a child, as you grow, your interests often change. With that, you may find that you want to try new things and discover new passions. At the same time, you may be in a rush to get to college or build your future. Sometimes, this can allow you to combine different interests. One of these can often be cooking! We all need to learn to cook at some point in our lives, but we can also develop a deep love for it. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Try New Foods

One of the best places to start here is to try out new foods. It can be sampling new ingredients or trying completely new cuisines. Either way, it’s one of the easiest ways for you to be able to sample foods and start off on your culinary exploration. If you have ever been a bit picky with your food before, this is also another way to branch out a little bit.

2. Find Recipes That Excite You

You can also look to have fun with the different recipes you try. Because this is the thing about cooking, it can be so diverse. If you have always wanted to try different foods or dishes, this is when you can do it. It’s all about exploring the different recipes from around the world and seeing which excites you the most. That way, you get to shake up the way you explore with food.

3. Use Fun Ingredients

Another thing you can do is look to play around with fun and exciting ingredients. Of course, you may need to get your parents’ help with sourcing some of this. But it also gives you something to explore together. You can try out truffles or order fresh giant lobsters online and create new dishes. Sometimes, cooking can feel boring when you’re used to doing the same things. So, branching out a bit can be fun.

4. Learn With People You Love

With this in mind, you can look to cook more with the people you love. If one of your parents or grandparents loves to cook, this can become such a great experience for you to do together. It may even be an auntie or even family friend. And, if you know any chefs, even better! It’s all about learning from other people and sharing your love of food and cooking together.

5. Practice Makes Perfect!

Finally, it’s important for you to remember that practice always makes perfect. Even if you get started with cooking and you don’t find it to be the easiest thing on earth to do, that can change. As with most things in life, you need to put the work in. So, even if your first recipe doesn’t turn out the way you’d like it to, it doesn’t mean that the next one won’t! Here, it’s all about making sure that you are able to keep trying, experimenting, and giving yourself the chance to practice until things turn out the way you want them to.

The post 5 Ways to Fall in Love With Cooking appeared first on GirlSpring.

Mastering the art of icing is essential to creating a cake that tastes heavenly and looks picture-perfect. Once your cake is out of your enameled cast iron cookware and cooling, you’ll have many options for icing and decorating. Learn all about them in this guide. 

Types of Icing

There are a few popular options for icing a birthday cake. Buttercream is a classic favorite due to its creamy texture and versatility. Fondant is known for its smooth finish and is ideal for elaborate designs. Cream cheese is generally less stable than the first two but offers a tangy twist to your cake. 

Each type has unique characteristics, so it’s important to select the one that best suits your flavor preferences and cake design. When choosing the icing, consider the flavor profile of your cake and the design you have in mind. Taste matters as much as appearance, so make sure the icing complements the cake flavor rather than overpowering it.

Preparing Your Cake for Icing

Before you even begin icing, you must ensure your cake is prepped and ready for the magic. Here’s how you can get your cake in tip-top shape for the artistic touch of icing:

Cooling the Cake

Allow your freshly baked cake to cool completely before attempting to ice it. Warm cakes can cause the icing to melt or slide off, resulting in a messy disaster. Give your cake ample time to cool down to room temperature to ensure a smooth icing process.

Leveling and Trimming

To create a stable foundation for your icing, consider leveling the top of your cake to remove any domed or uneven surfaces. A quick trim here and there can make all the difference in achieving a well-balanced and professional-looking cake.

Crumb Coating

Before you start the final icing layer, apply a thin crumb coating of icing to seal in any loose crumbs and create a smooth base for the final layer. This step ensures a clean and polished finish when you add the main icing layer later on.

Apply a Thin Base Layer

Start by applying a thin layer of icing as your base coat. This layer doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s meant to lock in the crumbs and create a smooth surface for the final layer. Use a palette knife to spread the icing evenly across the cake, ensuring a consistent thickness.

Achieving Smooth Surfaces

To achieve that flawless, professional look, use a bench scraper or offset spatula to smooth out the icing. Work your way around the cake, gently removing any excess icing and creating clean, straight edges. Keep a steady hand and take your time — patience is key to achieving a smooth finish.

Decorating Techniques

Once you have your base layer down, it’s time to get creative with decorating techniques. Let your imagination run wild and pipe intricate designs with a frosting bag or work with fondant for sculptural elements. Experiment with different patterns, shapes, and colors to elevate your cake to a work of art.

Troubleshooting Common Icing Mistakes

Even seasoned bakers encounter mishaps when it comes to icing cakes. Here are some common issues you might face and how to troubleshoot them like a pro:

Cracks and Air Bubbles

If you notice cracks or air bubbles in your icing, it may be due to air trapped within it. To prevent this, gently tap the cake on the counter after icing to release air pockets. For cracks, use a small offset spatula to smooth them out before the icing sets.

Runny Icing

Runny icing can be a nightmare to work with, but there are simple steps you can take to keep it from affecting your cake. If your icing is too thin, try adding a bit more powdered sugar or chilling it for a few minutes to thicken it up. If all else fails, you can always opt for a quick crumb coat and let it set before adding a thicker layer of icing.

Uneven Surfaces

Uneven surfaces on your cake can make the icing process challenging. To tackle this issue, consider using a cake leveler to ensure an even top before applying the icing. If you still encounter bumps or uneven patches, gently smooth them out with an offset spatula or bench scraper.

Mastering the Art of Properly Icing Birthday Cakes

Mastering the art of properly icing a birthday cake is a delightful step that requires a blend of technique, creativity, and patience. By understanding the basics of icing, preparing your cake meticulously, and perfecting your icing techniques, you can create stunning, delicious, and visually captivating cakes.

The post How Do You Properly Ice a Birthday Cake? appeared first on GirlSpring.

Image by Kim Dufresne on Unsplash

Healthy Eating Habits Among Teens

Nutrition is an important factor during the teenage years. Teens and their parents often think about what to eat, and for good reason. During the teenage years, teens go through periods of rapid growth. Teens are also learning to become more and more independent. The physical and mental growth of adolescence requires a good foundation of nutritional knowledge and habits. Healthy eating habits among teens is absolutely essential.

Nutritional Requirements

The second biggest growth spurt occurs during adolescence. Most girls will complete their growth between the ages of 16 and 18. Most boys finish growing between the ages of 18 and 20. An average girl grows 3.3 – 3.5 inches and gains 21 pounds. While an average boy grows 3.7 – 4.2 inches and gains 34 pounds. Men and women will develop more lean body mass. Lean body mass includes muscles, bones, and organs.

A teenager’s appetite increases as he or she grows. Physical activity increases a teenager’s caloric needs. This estimated calorie intake chart can give you an idea of ​​how many calories teenagers need to grow properly based on their age and activity level.

Teenagers also require healthy sources of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Focusing on unprocessed or minimally processed foods gives teens the nutrients they need to grow. This can be achieved by ordering healthy goods from a family-friendly meal delivery like Ideal Nutrition or cooking healthy meals on your own at home.

It is important to choose high-fiber carbohydrate options such as whole grains, starchy and non-starchy vegetables, and fruits. Teens should get 1.5 to 2 servings of fruit per day and there should be 2-3 servings of vegetables per day. If a teen adds a fruit and a vegetable on their plate at their lunch and dinner, they will get the essential amount of fruits and veggies.

Fat is a substantial nutrient for brain health and hormonal balance. Plant-based fats should make up the majority of a teenager’s fat intake. Plant-based fats include foods such as extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, olives, avocado, nuts, nut butter, and seeds. Plant-based fats are rich in unsaturated fats that protect the heart from heart disease. Not all plant-based fats are healthy. Some oils, such as soybean, corn, and cottonseed are high in omega-6 fatty acids and increase inflammation in the body.

Animal fat from high-fat red meat, bacon, sausage, and conventional full-fat dairy products should be lowered. These goods are associated with an increased risk of heart disease as well as inflammation. Animal fats from organic butter, organic eggs, and cold-water fish (ideally wild-caught) bring more omega-3 fatty acids. They guard against heart disease and reduce inflammation.

Protein is important for increasing lean mass, especially muscle. There is plenty of protein in animal and plant sources such as chicken/turkey, lean meats, eggs, dairy, fish, nuts/seeds, and legumes/beans. Teenagers generally get enough protein through their diets and do not need protein supplements for adequate growth.

Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and magnesium are four micronutrients that are very important for adolescent growth and long-term health. During adolescence, the body experiences bone growth. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium is 1,300 mg per day for adolescents.

Good sources of calcium are:

• Milk products
• Calcium-fortified nut and seed milk (almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
• Low-sugar breakfast cereals fortified with calcium
• Canned salmon and canned sardines
• Steamed vegetables such as kale and bok choy

It is quite possible to get enough calcium without consuming dairy products. Getting the recommended amount of calcium during adolescence protects against diseases later in life. Vitamin D is also substantial for proper bone growth. It allows calcium to enter the bones. Vitamin D regulates more than 200 genes. It plays a role in preventing cancer, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for teens is 600 IU. The very best source of vitamin D is sunlight, although many teens don’t get enough sun exposure to get adequate vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about testing to see if you have a vitamin D deficiency.

Magnesium also plays a paramount role in bone, muscle, and nerve function. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 360 mg per day for women aged from 14 to 18. For boys ages 14 to 18, it is 410 mg per day.

Teen girls are at a higher risk for iron deficiency due to the onset of menstruation. Iron’s job is to transport and store oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, impair immune function, and affect academic and athletic performance.

The top-notch sources of iron are called heme sources. These are animal products such as beef, dark meat turkey, and canned light tuna. Non-heme iron sources such as white beans, fortified cereals, and spinach are not as easily absorbed by the body. Mixing iron-rich foods with foods rich in vitamin C (like citrus fruits, kiwi, peppers) will boost iron absorption.

Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Often, busy schedules result in more “fast” foods like shelf-stable snacks and restaurant food. Such foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. Fast food is low in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins & minerals that support teen growth. So, how can teens and their families balance nutrition with other priorities?

Have a Meal Schedule

Skipping meals is the number-one cause of not getting the right amount of nutrients. This may also result in eating or drinking too many low-nutrient, high-sugar snacks later in the day due to a lack of hunger. Having healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack foods available will give teens the confidence they need to eat meals appropriately throughout the day.

Incorporate Vegetables

Just like adults, children, and adolescents need to eat fruits, vegetables, and greens and base their meals on fresh or minimally processed foods for various reasons. Firstly, they are rich in water, which contributes to proper hydration. They are also an important source of a wide variety of vitamins (C, A, and group B) and minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.). All of them are essential during the growth stage since they intervene in neuronal development and the immune system, improve vision, contribute to achieving optimal bone mineralization and/or are powerful antioxidants.

On the other hand, they are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. The first acts as a prebiotic for the intestinal flora, improving it and reducing the probability of suffering from digestive disorders such as flatulence, and the other reduces intestinal transit time, preventing constipation.

Get Your Teens Involved in Grocery Shopping and Meal Preparation

Giving teens the responsibility of choosing and preparing meals allows them to eat well with goods they enjoy. Talking to teens about food preferences gets everyone talking about dining in a non-threatening way. This also prevents a discussion about healthy foods from turning into a lecture.

Drink Water as Your Main Beverage

Teens are surrounded by sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and beverages from cafeterias, gas stations, and fast food restaurants. Try to limit sugary drinks to no more than three 12-ounce servings per week. 100% milk and juice contain natural sugar and should be limited to 12 ounces per day. The main drink during the day should be water. Flavor water by putting a slice of citrus or cucumber in the glass and choosing flavored sparkling waters without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The post The Importance of Healthy Eating Habits Among Teens appeared first on GirlSpring.

1. Turkey Oreo Balls– These chocolate Oreo Turkeys are the perfect quick and easy sweet treat. This recipe is made with the beloved Oreo cookies. These treats are sure to be a crowd pleaser for the kids, but also for the adults! This is not only a treat- it’s almost like a sweet craft where you have to perfectly assemble a chocolate cookie dessert into a Turkey.       
2. Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Bark–  If you are looking for something still chocolatey and delicious, but less time consuming, this dessert will be just right for you. This chocolate bark has various sweet and savory toppings. Toppings are customizable based on your favorite treats and sweets. It’s the perfect table snack that everyone can munch on and enjoy throughout the day. 
3. Chocolate Strawberry Turkey Treat– This is the perfect treat that you could do to occupy not only yourself, but also any younger siblings or little hands that want to help out. This treat consists of a strawberry dipped in chocolate that will turn out to be the shape of a turkey. This recipe is slightly healthier for you and it’s also quick and easy with few ingredients!
4. S’mores Pie–  This s’mores pie is the perfect show stopping dessert. Many are familiar with apple pies and even butterscotch pies. But a s’more’s pie is not only delicious, but it will be unlike anything else on the Thanksgiving dessert table. This is a step up and requires some past experience. But if you are willing to take your baking game to the next level, this is a perfect dessert for you!
5. Pumpkin Pie Sugar Cookies– Last but not least, these sugar cookies are in the shape of a pumpkin pie. Although not a showstopper, these sugar cookies are classic and timeless. They are bound to please the youngest of the family members to the oldest. It would also make a great family activity to decorate them together. 

The post Thanksgiving Treats appeared first on GirlSpring.

Peruvian Ceviche: A seafood dish accompanied by Sweet Potato, Corn, and Lettuce trimmings

Serves 4

Ceviche ingredients:

1 lbs White Fish Filets (preferably Tilapia)  

1 ½ Tablespoon of Salt

½ Teaspoon of Pepper

½ Teaspoon Ajinomoto (optional)

¾ lb. Limes (about 3-4)

1 Teaspoon Ginger (peeled and chopped finely)

1 Garlic Clove (peeled and chopped finely)

1 Tablespoon of Cilantro (chopped extremely finely-make sure to only use and cut leaves)

2 tablespoons of Celery (chopped finely)

1 Orange

¼ Teaspoon Cumin

1 Red Onion

2 Sweet Potatoes (optional)

1 Ear of Peruvian Corn (or any sweet corn)

4 leaves of Lettuce

Instructions:

1. Squeeze juice out of all limes into a medium sized bowl. Strain juice twice and set aside. 
2. Wash fish fillets and cut into small cubes- length of each cube should be about half the length of your finger. 
3. Place all fish cubes in bowl of lime juice and make sure fish is completely covered by juice. 
4. Stir in ginger, celery, pepper, and ajinomoto. 
5. Cover bowl and let sit for approx. 45 minutes

As the fish “cooks”:

1. Peel and cut red onion into thin, long slices. Rinse and then submerge into a bowl of water. Let sit.
2. Squeeze orange juice into a small bowl.

*If adding sweet potato, place a pot on the stove and boil water. Peel sweet potatoes and boil for approx. 10-12 minutes. Cut sweet potato into round slices right before plating.

Once 45 minutes have passed:

1. Mix in salt and add more for taste (if needed).
2. Pour and stir in orange juice.
3. Strain red onion and mix into a bowl along with cilantro. 

Immediately before plating, stir Ceviche slowly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Plate sweet potato and lettuce (make sure to rinse beforehand), and follow with placing Ceviche directly on top of lettuce leaf. Serve with corn and enjoy!

The post A painting of a plate: Peruvian Ceviche appeared first on GirlSpring.

Baking Ideas to Fall For

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything: Let’s start with the undeniable star of the season: pumpkin! Pumpkin spice is a beloved flavor that dominates everything from lattes to desserts. You can’t go wrong with classic pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin spice muffins. So, why not get adventurous and try pumpkin spice donuts or pumpkin cheesecake? The options are endless, and the warm, aromatic spices will fill your kitchen with autumnal bliss.
2. Apple Delights: Secondly, Autumn wouldn’t be complete without apples, and they make for amazing baked treats. Try making a classic apple pie or something a little different like apple crisp or apple cider donuts. If you’re feeling ambitious, take on the challenge of creating a stunning apple roses tart. The sweet and tangy flavor of apples perfectly complements the cool October air.
3. Spooky Cookies: Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with spooky cookies? Get creative with sugar cookies, cut them into Halloween-themed shapes, and decorate with vibrant royal icing. Ghosts, pumpkins, witches hats, and black cats are always popular choices. You can also make spider web designs using melted chocolate or black icing. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
4. Caramel Creations: Caramel is a quintessential autumn flavor. How about whipping up a batch of homemade caramel apples or caramel stuffed brownies? If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, you can make salted caramel chocolate chip cookies. The gooey, buttery goodness of caramel is an October must.
5. Cozy Breads: With cooler weather settling in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Try making a rustic, no-knead Artisan Bread or a comforting Cinnamon Swirl Bread. For a savory twist, consider a Rosemary and Olive Focaccia. Serve these warm with a pat of butter or alongside a steaming bowl of soup.
6. Nutty Delights: Lastly, autumn nuts; like pecans,walnuts, and chestnuts, are in season during October, making them perfect for baking. Pecan pie is a classic choice, but you can also make a batch of walnut and date bars or chocolate pecan cookies. These treats are not only delicious but also packed with the rich, earthy flavors of fall.

Sweet and Spooky Delights

October baking is a delightful way to celebrate the changing seasons and the approaching holiday of Halloween. Therefore, whether you’re crafting charming pumpkin spice creations, embracing the warmth of caramel, or experimenting with spooky cookie designs, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let your creativity shine as you whip up these Fall baking ideas. Your taste buds will thank you and your home will be filled with the inviting scents of autumn. Happy baking!

Check out the link here from Girl Spring contributor Aarvi’s fall drinks to go with all these baked goodies!

The post Sweet and Spooky: Baking Ideas to Fall For appeared first on GirlSpring.

#1 –  Crispy, Spicy, Garlic Potatoes 

If you love fries like me, but aren’t satisfied with your cafeteria’s frozen ones, I have your back. These oven-baked potatoes are perfect for you if you love spice. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 Potatoes 
• 10 tsp oil 
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp salt 
• ½ tsp pepper 
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley 
• ½ tsp paprika powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 356℉
2. Rinse potatoes.
3. Peel skin.
4. Cut the top, bottom, & side of a potato to make a cuboid.
5. Cut slices of about 1 centimeter thick. 
6. Optional: Lay 1 slice down & mark horizontal lines with your knife. Flip & cut diagonal lines. Do not cut all the way down, just ¾ deep. This makes slits in the potato for the seasoning to seep in. 
7. Boil for 4 minutes on high. 
8. Strain the water & lay out each potato on a sheet of tinfoil placed onto a baking pan. 
9. Seasoning: Whisk oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, paprika, cayenne pepper, & garlic powder. 
10. Dip a pastry brush into seasoning mixture & coat each potato slice evenly. 
11. Bake in the oven at 356° for 40 minutes or until appear golden brown. 
12. When the 20-minute mark hits, carefully open the oven & sprinkle parmesan (or your favorite cheese) &  bake until done. 
13. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes. 

Tips: 

• Be careful not to oversaturate the potatoes with the seasoning. 
• Avoid cutting the potatoes thin, I did that once & they were drenched in seasoning. 

Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@yashodhas_eats/video/6939147432374619398?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

#2 Teriyaki Ramen

Are you looking for flavorful and saucy ramen for lunch? Here it is! If you’re on TikTok a lot, you’ve probably come across this deliciousness. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 Instant Ramen bag (my favorite: https://www.target.com/p/sapporo-ichiban-shio-ramen-noodle-soup-18oz-5ct/-/A-52396719#lnk=sametab)
• 1 tsp butter 
• 3 tsp soy sauce (add more if desired) 
• 1 tsp brown sugar 
• 1 egg
• Favorite Toppings: Red chili pepper flakes, Everything but the Bagel seasoning 

Directions: 

1. Boil ramen noodles, drain, & put aside. 
2. Prepare the sauce. In a pan on low-medium heat, add butter.
3. Once the butter is half melted, add garlic & soy sauce & stir. 
4. Next, add brown sugar. 
5. Once everything is well combined, add the ramen noodles. 
6. If you’d like, add 1 egg. 
7. Turn off heat & sprinkle anything you would like on top! 

Credit: https://iamafoodblog.com/tiktok-ramen/ 

#3: Honey Butter Corn: 

This is a super easy way to make your corn more exciting. You can eat this cold, perfect for school lunch. So, if you like honey and love corn, stick around! 

Ingredients:  

• 2 tbsp butter 
• 2 tbsp honey 
• 1 bag frozen corn (16oz)
• 6 tbsp cream cheese 
• ¼ tsp salt & pepper 

Directions: 

1. Sautee 1 bag of frozen corn & put aside. 
2. Warm up your skillet on low to medium heat.
3. Add the butter. Once melted, add the honey. 
4. Give it a stir & then add the corn.
5. Cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir here & there. 
6. Add in the cream cheese in chunks & salt & pepper. Combine. 
7. Cook until done ( (3-5 min.) Remember to stir.

Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/808044358146407536/

#4: No-Bake Energy Balls 

These energy balls are the easiest recipe ever and taste incredible. Not only are they a perfect snack throughout school, but they’re amazing for grabbing something before you head out the door. Plus, it includes chocolate. Who doesn’t love that? 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats 
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup almond butter/peanut butter 
• ½ cup ground flaxseed 
• ½ cup chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: any seeds of your choice, I like chopped almonds & chia seeds 

Directions: 

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Scoop with a tablespoon or ice cream scoop & roll into balls. 
3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes & done! 

Tips: 

• If the mix is too dry, add more honey/maple syrup. 
• If the mix is not holding together, put it in the fridge for 25 minutes to harden.

Credit: https://downshiftology.com/recipes/no-bake-energy-balls/

#5: The Best Chicken Salad 

I love this recipe because you can pair it with anything: stuffed peppers, in a sandwich, dipped in crackers or chips, the list goes on. Bonus: you can store this in the fridge for up to 5 days!

Ingredients: 

• ½ large chicken breast 
• ¼ cup chopped celery 
• ¼ cup red grapes cut in fourths 
• 1 tbsp mixed nuts (chopped if desired)
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ c mayonnaise 
• ¼ tsp garlic salt 

Directions: 

1. Prepare your chicken by either boiling, or buying precooked at a grocery store, however you want to cook it. Then, chop or shred it. 
2. Chop celery & grapes to both individually = ¼ cup. 
3. Chop lettuce to =  a cup. 
4. Chop nuts to = 1 tablespoon. 
5. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, garlic salt, mayonnaise, & mustard. 
6. Then, add the rest of the ingredients & enjoy. 

Credit: https://www.nourishnutritionblog.com/easiest-chicken-salad/

That’s a wrap! I hope you give some of these a try this school year. Let me know in the comments which recipe was your favorite! Good luck!

Check out more recipes from GirlSpring contributors!

The post 5 Easy and Yummy Back to School Lunch Ideas appeared first on GirlSpring.

Recipe #1
1 bag of Popcorn
1 bag of white chocolate chips
1 pot

Directions:
Pop the Popcorn
Melt the white chocolate chips over the stove. Make sure to keep stirring it, to keep it from burning.
Add the popcorn to the melted chocolate chips
Put in the freezer and let it freeze for 45 minutes. Once frozen, take out and enjoy!!

Recipe #2
Watermelon or watermelon chunks
1 lime
Water
Glass

Directions:
Mash up the watermelon and pour the watermelon juice into a glass
Squeeze the lime into the water
Pour over ice cubes and enjoy!
It makes a yummy and pretty way to make sure you are getting your H20 in!

The post 2 Fun and Easy Summer Recipes by Ashley Mosley appeared first on GirlSpring.