Don't Miss These Delicious Recipies

I love cooking. It is one of those things that I can do just for me. When the kids were really little cooking became such a chore that I just felt like I didn't have time for. But now that they are a little more self sufficient, I am able to handle more than just frozen chicken nuggets. 

I am so excited to share what I make with you. 

Perfect Sugar Cookies

I made these as my wedding favor 10 years ago and there wasn't a single cookie left. I was actually bummed cause I made extra to be sure I could take some on the honeymoon.  

@sandboxacademy I would like this to be my legacy. Pudding mix in sugar cookie dough makes for perfect cookies every time. #perfectsugarcookies #perfectcookingeverytime #cookiehacks #bakinghackoffheday #simplecookierecipe #easycookierecipes #tennesseemom #knoxvillemom #elementarymom ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

 This is my newest favorite comfort food. It is soo good. 

@sandboxacademy Get your pink back - the campaign from @lindseygurk is all about feeling like yourself again after having babies. I love the concept. When started getting back in the kitchen and really cooking again, i knew i was starting to feel like myself again. This recipe is my new favorite and it is sun-dried tomato chicken and orzo from @halfbakedharvest #getyourpinkback #momof2kids #elementarymom #knoxvillemom #familydinnerideas #cookingwithkids❤️ ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

Greek Chicken Gyros

I am a HUGE sucker for Greek food. I love all things salty. 

This is the perfect combo of creamy, salty, and light. I prep this for lunches all the time.  

@sandboxacademy Greek Chicken Gyros🥙 - this meal needs a permanent home on my page. These greek chicken gyros are my favorite meal. They are filling, flavorful, and ALMOST like going to Cava. My kids eat it deconstructed which i consider a win. #familyfriendlymeals #familydinnerchallenge #dinnerwithkiddies #greekchickengyros #healthydinnerecipe ♬ No One Else On Earth - Wynonna Judd

This is my recipe which is why I can share it here. If I am ever using someone else's recipe I will link to their website so they get proper credit.

Greek Chicken 

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt & Pepper

Marinade for 1 hour or overnight

 

Tzatzi

• 2 cucumbers grated (1/2 cup)
• 1 container Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic minced
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Mix everything together well

 

Cucumber Tomato Salad

• 3 cucumbers diced
• 1 tomato diced
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt & Pepper

Mix everything together well

 Spagetata

 

@sandboxacademy Rita @cucinaparlemo this pasta dish is AMAZING! Perfect dinner for the whole family. #kidfriendlydinners #pastadinners #pastafordinner #cookwithme #familydinneridea #momofelementrykids #nonasetheticmom #dinnervlog ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

 

Puppy Chow

The debate is do you call it Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies? A few people on IG and TT told me they call it trash or my favorite snowman's poop. 

This is straight from the chex cereal box or website 

@sandboxacademy Puppy chow or muddy buddies? This sweet treat is a childhood favorite for me I love the peanut butter and chocolate combo with the crunchy snack from the chex #muddybuddiesrecipe #sweetsnackideas #childhoodfoodchallenge #childhoodfood #momover30tiktok #nostalgicsnacks #momofelementrykids #momofyoungkids #tennesseemoms #kidsdesserts ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

 

Biscuits and Gravy 

Biscuits and gravy is Eric's favorite childhood food. His mom taught me and I failed multiple times so I told him that she will just have to make it for him. Then she passed away 8 years ago. 

This year for his birthday Eric asked me to try and figure it out. How the heck do you say no to that. 

 

@sandboxacademy Hang out with me as I attempt and semi-fail to make my husband’s favorite meal biscuits and gravy using a bacon gravy. #sundaymorningbreakfast #sundaymorningmomvlog #nonasetheticmom #husbandsfavoritemeal #familybreakfast #biscuitsandgravyrecipe #sundaybreakfast #giftsformyhusband #nonasethetic #momofyoungkids ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

 I got a okay from Eric on the first attempt. It was edible but I know I made some big mistakes I shared on Tik Tok and 800K views later there was a lot of advice and opinions. 

@sandboxacademy I failed on the gravy again 😩 But i have an even better idea of what to do next time Tuesday i am cooking it until i get it right. Just being honest #justbeinghonest #sundaymorningbreakfast #sundaymorningmomvlog #nonasetheticmom #husbandsfavoritemeal #familybreakfast #biscuitsandgravyrecipe #sundaybreakfast #giftsformyhusband #nonasethetic #momofyoungkids ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

 I tried again the following Sunday using all the advice on Tik Tok and it got worse. 🤣🙈

@sandboxacademy Replying to @demitri_h09 finally got his mama’s biscuits and gravy recipe right! #biscuitsandgravy #staysthomewife #knoxvillemoms #childhoodfavorite #southerncookin #homecookingrecipes #husbandsfavoritemeal #homemakersoftiktok #homemakerlifestyle ♬ original sound - Emily | mom talk + activities

 One Tuesday I cleared my schedule and bought enough indergients to make 100 batches if thats what it took. It only took 3. So here is the recipe, I am well aware that seasoned pros and true Southerners are going to find this recipe ridiculous, that's okay with me. This is what worked in my house. 💕💕

Biscuits and Gravy

• Bacon
• Flour
• Milk
• Canola Oil
• Salt
• Pepper

1. Fry the bacon in pan 
2. Half way through cooking all your bacon, pour the grease into a measuring cup. I had almost 1/2 cup of bacon grease and it topped it off with canola oil to be exactly 1/2 cup
3. Continue to fry bacon in your pan
4. In a new pan add your grease and add flour 1 tbsp at a time
5. I added 8 tbsp of flour (1/2 cup). SUPER IMPORTANT - add 1 tbsp at a time and whisk it in well for longer than you think. This allows to flour taste to be cooked out AND allows you to see if you really need the full amount of flour
6. Cook it to a rou
7. Add milk. I did not measure this at all
8. Add salt and lots of pepper. This is where I had Eric come in and taste so he could decide how much pepper he wanted. 

I hope these recipes serve you well. Let me know if you have any favorites to share.