Don’t Miss a Thing!

Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes in your inbox!

Lynsey Lou's

Enjoying Life One Bite at a Time!

Quick and Easy

Frosted Pink Lemonade

by Leave a Comment

Happy (official) first day of summer!

Not that it hasn’t felt like summer for, oh, the past three or four weeks.  I’m not sure about where you are, but here in good ol’ Arkansas we went from pleasant spring days to deep summer heat over night.  For those of you that love a nice steam in the sauna just zip over to Arkansas real quick and stand outside and you’ll be set!

Our temps are in the 90’s but the heat index is registering about 105 so I’m loving recipes that are easy, low or no heat needed and ones that help us cool off.

So, to kick off the first day of summer I’ve got a super simple recipe that is perfect for cooling down and beating that summer heat that is upon us.  Frosted pink lemonade.

Lemonade is a quintessential summer beverage.  A tall glass of sweet, cold, tart lemonade truly is hard to beat on a hot day.  Could it get any better?

Well….I have to say yes.

How?

Well, by added a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to it, blending it up and dropping a straw into it.  Hello cool and refreshing and so long hot and sweltering.

Two ingredients are all you need to make this delicious and refreshing treat.  Pink lemonade and vanilla ice cream.  Pop in in the blender, blend and enjoy!  Keep this recipe in your back pocket for a fun and cool treat throughout the summer months!

Frosted Pink Lemonade

Ingredients:


2-3 Large scoops vanilla ice cream
1 Cup pink lemonade homemade or store bought

Directions:

Place ice cream and lemonade in blender, blend on low until incorporated.  Transfer to cup and enjoy!

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Avocado Jalapeno Chicken Toastadas

by Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and #SoapBoxInfluence.  A huge thanks to Kendal King Group and Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy Campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.

So how many of you grilled out over the weekend?  And, how many of you have leftovers sitting in your refrigerator right now?

If you could see through the computer, you would see that I’m over here frantically waiving my hands in the air.  This past weekend we broke out the smoker for the first time this year and loaded it up with ribs, wings and tons of chicken thighs.  When we smoke meat I make sure we have enough to eat immediately and to last us a few days and this time was no exception.

I love when we can get 2 to 3 different meals utilizing one key ingredient and that’s exactly what I’ve done here.  Over the weekend I whipped up another batch of my avocado jalapeno hummus (which took no time thanks to Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy packets) for us to snack on while we were playing in the pool and enjoying some of the nice weather and I ended up having a little bit left.

So yesterday, we took it easy, stayed in doors out of the rain and had some family time.  For supper I decided to utilize some of our leftovers and whip up an easy, Mexican inspired dish utilizing some of my leftover hummus and chicken.

The end result was a delicious avocado jalapeno chicken tostada.  It came together extremely quickly, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal and it utilized ingredients that I already had on hand, and typically keep stocked. 

I heated some flour tortillas over my gas burners on the stovetop, you could always toss them under the broiler for a few seconds if you don’t have gas burners.  Then I layered on some of my hummus, topped with sliced chicken, sprinkled with cheese, cilantro and topped with a dollop of sour cream.  It was delicious, filling, bursting with flavor and didn’t weigh us down. 

This would pair perfectly with your favorite salsa, cheese dip and guacamole.  Perfect for a quick meal or a fiesta.  Whip up some margaritas and enjoy!

Avocado Jalapeno Chicken Toastadas


Ingredients:


Flour or corn tortillas
1 Recipe for avocado jalapeno hummus
2 Chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

For assembling-
1 Tomato, chopped
Cilantro, chopped
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Pico de gallo

Directions:


Toast tortillas over gas stove top burners until lightly charred.  If you don’t have a gas top stove, place on a baking sheet and place under the broiler and broil on each side for about 30-45 seconds, until lightly toasted.

Place tortillas on plates and spread desired amount of hummus over them.  Top with sliced chicken breasts and desired toppings.  Enjoy.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Hard Cherry Lemonade

by Leave a Comment

I’ve had 3 bottles of cherry ginger beer sitting on my shelf for several months.  Every time I walk past them I hear them screaming at me, “uuuuuse meeee”.  And for the past few months I’ve ignored their plea. 

…..Until now.

I finally had enough time to devote a little thought to write a recipe that utilized the amazingness that is this ginger beer.  And just in time for the warmer weather and Memorial Day. 

This has to be one of the simplest cocktails I’ve ever made.  I mean, it comes together in under 5 minutes and is pure perfection. 

For those of you that are new, you must know that I’m obsessed with ginger beer and all it’s awesomeness.  It’s light, refreshing, crispy, with a hint of spice.  It’s perfect in mules, in fact, that’s how I was first introduced to it.  But it’s also great in mojitos and to brighten up several other cocktails.  And the other day, well, I used it to make a hard lemonade.

I came across this cherry version of one of my favorite beverages in the super market a few months ago.  It’s got all the flavors and characteristics I love about ginger beer but with a subtle cherry undertone.  This ginger beer is amazing and the perfect thing to add to lemonade.

So, when the temps dipped and the humidity subsided I whipped up this hard cherry lemonade.  Oh-mah-goodness, it was love at first sip. 

Fresh, tart lemon juice, crispy, slightly spicy, cherry ginger beer, a splash of rum and a sprig of mint come together in this perfectly delicious and refreshing hard lemonade.  This is one of those drinks that comes together in no time, but would be easy to multiply to make a big batch making it easy for serving a crowd. 

This hard lemonade is summer in a glass.  Refreshing, bright, fizzy and pretty. 

Hard Cherry Lemonade


Ingredients:

1/2 Medium-large lemon, cut in quarters
2 Tsp sugar
4 Oz rum
1 bottle cherry ginger beer
Ice
Mint, optional
Maraschino cherries
Directions:

Place 2 lemon wedges in 2 glasses.  Muddle to release the juices.  Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to each glass, stir to combine.  Divide rum between two glasses and mix.  Fill each glass with ice, fill with ginger beer, stir to mix.  Garnish with a lemon wedge, cherry and sprig of mint if desired.
Serve.
Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Dill Pickle Dip

by Leave a Comment

Pickles. 

Oh goodness, how I love them.  And the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, my little man is pickle obsessed too.  Salty, sweet, sour; it doesn’t matter we’re a fan of them all. 

Fried dill pickles are on of my all time favorite foods.  I mean, seriously, what’s not to love about them?  Tart, tangy, crunchy pickles coated in a salty, crispy batter and dipped in cool ranch.  I love those things.

But, during the summer months, the last thing any of us really want to do is stand over a huge pot of bubbling oil in the 100 degree temps frying anything.  Soooo…what’s a fried pickle lover to do?  Whip up a dip that will hit all those notes without all that work.

This dill pickle dip is just the ticket.

A mix of tangy cream cheese, rich Greek yogurts and creamy mayonnaise is whipped together and then seasoned with garlic, dill weed, a splash of dill pickle juice and diced dill pickles.  This stuff is amazing.  Cool, creamy, and crunchy.  Swipe a crispy, salty potato chip through it and you’ve got the perfect balance of flavors. 

This dip comes together in no time at all and is incredibly addicting.  It could also double as a spread for a burger.  It can be thrown together right before your cookout or made ahead of time and the flavors are given a chance to develop and enhance.  I think it’s safe to say I’ve found one of my go to dips for the summer season.

Dill Pickle Dip


Ingredients:

4 Oz Greek yogurt cream cheese
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
1/4 Cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 Tsp garlic powder
1/2 Tsp dry dill week
2 Tbsp dill pickle juice
1/4-1/3 Cup diced dill pickles
Directions:

Place cream cheese in a bowl and beat on high until smooth.  Add the mayonnaise and yogurt and mix until combined.  Add the garlic powder, dill week, and dill pickle juice and mix.  Once all ingredients are incorporated, add the diced pickles and fold in. 
Place in a serving dish, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Jalapeno Avocado Hummus

by Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and #SoapBoxInfluence.  A huge thanks to Kendal King Group and Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy Campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.

How do you get your daily veggie intake?

Salad?  Juice?  Roasted?

Well, while I’m a fan of all of those and then some, I love to get my vegetables via an amazing, flavorful, delicious dip!  It gives me that sense of indulging without totally tossing good eating habits out the window.

This jalapeno avocado hummus is one of my new favorite ways to really indulge and get my vegetables all at once.  Plus, I don’t feel bad after having a hefty helping for my afternoon snack.  This hummus has it all; smooth, creamy, buttery, tart, bright, a hint of heat which can totally be adjusted according to taste, and it’s refreshing. 

It’s perfect on a crispy carrot, crunchy broccoli, sweet peppers and even sugar snap peas.  You can also pair with your favorite pita chip or cracker.  Aside from being a delicious dip, it’s also perfect on wraps, sandwiches and even tostadas.

This hummus screams summer!  So whip up a batch, grab some vegetables, pour a glass of wine and head out on the back patio to enjoy the summer evenings!

Jalapeno Avocado Hummus


Ingredients:

1 (15oz) Can Bush’s garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 Packet classic flavor Bush’s Hummus Made Easy
2 Avocados, halved, seeded and skin removed
Juice of 1 large lime
1 Clove garlic
1 Medium jalapeno, sliced in half and seeds removed (leave seeds if you prefer more spicy)
3/4 Cup cilantro
Pinch salt
Olive oil
Directions:

Place all ingredients but olive oil in the food processor and process until ingredients are smooth.  Taste, adjust seasonings, and stream in olive oil until desired consistency is achieved.
Serve.
Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Guaca-Mmus

by Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and #SoapBoxInfluence.  A huge thanks to Kendal King Group and Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy Campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s no news to any of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time that I’m obsessed with Mexican food.  Give me a big basket of chips, a bowl of cold salsa, some guacamole and cheese dip and I’ll be perfectly content.  I am one of those people that could eat Mexican every. single. day. and never get tired of it.

Lately, my like for hummus has quickly grown into an obsession.  I don’t know how many batches of hummus I’ve bade over the past few weeks.  But I can tell you it’s been A LOT.  And my love for the stuff is just continuing to grow.

So what’s a girl to do when she’s caught smack dap in the middle of craving two of her favorite dips?  Well, fuse the two and make guaca-mmus!  Or guacamole hummus if you just want a basic, run of the mill name.  But, since this is not your average, run of the mill, dip, guaca-mmus is fun and so much more fitting!

This is a delicious, fusion of hummus and guacamole and it couldn’t be easier to make.  Thanks to Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy all you need is a classic flavor packet, a can of garbanzo beans and your favorite ingredients for your signature guacamole.  My favorite guacamole consists of buttery avocado, tons of tart lime juice, sweet red onion, spicy jalapeno, juicy tomatoes, tons of cilantro and garlic. 

This dip, just like guacamole and hummus comes together very quickly.  Simply toss the flavor packet, beans, avocado, garlic powder and lime juice in the food processor and let it go to town.  Since I like my guacamole with chunks of veggies throughout, I opted to stir in chunks of tomato, red onions and jalapenos to make it very similar to my classic guacamole.

My friends, this dip is nothing short of life changing.  It’s a creamy base we all know from hummus with chunks of fresh veggies in each bite.  This truly is a fusion made in heaven.  This dip is great for a snack or quick appetizer or served along side your favorite Mexican food. 

Guaca-Mmus


Ingredients:

1 Can Bush’s garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 Packet Hummus Made Easy classic flavor
1 Ripe avocado, halved and seed and skin removed
Juice of a large lime (or 2 small limes)
3/4 Cup cilantro, loosely packed
1 Tsp garlic powder
1/4 Cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
1/3 Cup chopped tomatoes
Directions:
Place beans, flavor packet, avocado, lime juice, cilantro and garlic powder in the food processor and process until smooth.  If the mixture is still a little too thick for your liking, add a little more lime juice or olive oil and process to incorporate.
Transfer to a bowl and add the red onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes and gently stir to combine.  Serve with vegetables or your favorite chips (I love it with the hint of lime chips).
Recipe source: A Lynsey original

Cool Ranch Hummus

by Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and #SoapBoxInfluence.  A huge thanks to Kendal King Group and Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy Campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Cool Ranch Doritos are one of my weaknesses.  It’s one of those things that takes complete and utter will power to not finish off the entire bag in one sitting.  This isn’t a shocking revelation considering I’m a huge lover of any and all things ranch.  And well, sprinkling it on a chip is just ingenious. 

It truly is hard to beat a handful of crispy, salty, ranch loaded Doritos.


But, there is one thing that comes close.  Cool ranch hummus.  This stuff is a cinch to throw together (especially thanks to Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy) and just as addicting as those delicious crispy chips.  It can be made in advance and chilled which really allows the flavors to develop, but it can also be made and served immediately.

It’s delicious with your favorite pita chips, vegetables, potato chips or even some ranch or sour cream and onion flavored chips. 

Cool Ranch Hummus



Ingredients:


1 Can Bush’s garbanzo beans
1 Packet class Hummus Made Easy
1 1/2 – 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
1/2 Tsp dry dill
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Olive oil

Directions:


Place all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth.  Taste, adjust seasonings if needed.  Stream in olive oil until desired consistency is achieved.  Serve or place in an airtight container and chill until ready to serve.

Recipe source: A Lynsey Original

Hummus {Made Easy}

by Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Women Bloggers, LLC and #SoapBoxInfluence.  A huge thanks to Kendal King Group and Bush’s #HummusMadeEasy Campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Hummus is one of my favorite go-to’s.  It’s perfect for a snack, side, and as a spread just to name a few.  I always have the makings for hummus on hand and it comes together fairly quickly, making it great to whip up when last minute guests pop in.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any easier, Bush’s (yes, the makers of those infamous baked beans) introduced #HummusMadeEasy.  These are flavor packets filled with seasonings needed to make hummus. 

Making hummus just got as easy as 1-2-3.  Simply grab a can of Bush’s beans, a package of #HummusMadeEasy and whip out that food process and viola.  You’ve got hummus in a matter of seconds. 

Now, those great peeps over at Bush’s didn’t stop with just one flavor packet, they have generously given us 3, delicious different flavors options.  Original which is loaded with lots of lemon juice and garlic, southwest which includes red bell peppers, lime juice, garlic, tomato paste, cilantro and onion, and roasted red pepper which is infused with roasted red bell pepper, sea salt, lemon juice, sweet paprika and garlic. 

These three flavors are delicious on their own, add a can of beans, puree and start eating immediately.  But, you can also use these packets and flavors as a base and build on them to create a taste all your own. 

So what are you waiting for?  Whip up a batch of Bush’s Hummus Made Easy and grab some veggies, your favorite pita chips or some tortillas and start snacking!

Hummus {Made Easy}


Ingredients:

1 Packet of Bush’s classic hummus made easy
1 Can Bush’s garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
Olive oil, optional
Directions:

Place seasoning packet and beans in a food processor and puree until a smooth consistency is achieved.  If the hummus is too thick for your taste, stream in olive oil until desired consistency is achieved. 
Serve.

Lime Strawberry Shortcake

by Leave a Comment

Homemade lime strawberry shortcake is so easy, uses a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly. Fluffy and subtly sweet drop biscuits create a beautiful foundation for a mound of fluffy, sweet strawberries and a simple and fluffy homemade whipped cream. A truly perfect summer dessert.

Lime strawberry shortcake

Y’all, the weather is getting warmer and I’m so excited. ย You know why? ย Because that means it’s garden weather and that means lots of fresh fruits and veggies right at my fingertips!!! ย 

I’m a sucker for strawberries. Those sweet, juicy berries call my name whenever I peruse the produce section. And you know you’ve picked a winner when you get home, rinse one off, taste it and it tastes like it has been sprinkled in sugar.

Lime Strawberry Shortcake

I think I could eat my weight ( and then some) in strawberries. Which is a dangerous thing since ours are thriving right now and are just a few steps away in our garden.

Since we seem to be surrounded with an abundance of strawberries, the only answer is to make numerous strawberry goodies! Like strawberry shortcake.

Lime Strawberry Shortcake

A dessert that is so simple yet so delicious.

Strawberry shortcake is a simple dessert that packs a lot of flavor and one that truly highlights the delicious, sweet strawberry.

This particular recipe uses a simple, sweet drop biscuit that receives a sprinkle of raw sugar before being baked. The the perfect amount of fluffy, sweet dough with just a slight crunch of sugar.

Lime Strawberry Shortcake

After baking, the biscuit is sliced in half, topped with a generous serving of strawberries and finished with a big spoonful of fresh whipped cream. A simple, yet extraordinary dessert!

Lime strawberry shortcake

Lime Strawberry Shortcake

Yield: 6 Shortcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Homemade strawberry shortcake is so easy, uses a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly. Fluffy and subtly sweet drop biscuits create a beautiful foundation for a mound of fluffy, sweet strawberries and a simple and fluffy homemade whipped cream. A truly perfect summer dessert.

Ingredients

Biscuits-

  • 2 Cups flour
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 Tsp salt
  • 1/4 Cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 Cup milk
  • Zest of a lime
  • 1 Tbsp sugar in the raw, for topping

Berries:

  • 3 Cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar

Whipped cream:

  • 1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • Pinch of lime zest

Instructions

For the biscuits:

  1. Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. Add the butter, using hands or a pastry blender cut the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs are formed.*
  4. Add the zest and milk and stir until just combined.
  5. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least an inch between each. Sprinkle with sugar in the raw.
  6. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

For the strawberries:

  1. While the biscuits are baking, slice the strawberries and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and toss to coat.
  2. Cover and place in the refrigerator.

For the whipped cream:

  1. Pour the whipping cream in a large bowl, beat on high until mixture begins to thicken. Add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
  2. Add lime zest and fold to incorporate.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To assemble:

  1. Slice the biscuits in half.
  2. Spoon some of the berries and their juices on the bottom half of the biscuit. Top with a spoonful of lime whipped cream. Set the top half of the biscuit on the whipped cream and serve.

Notes

*Do not overwork the batter. If there are chunks of butter visible that is perfectly fine. That will yield a flakier biscuit.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 396Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 468mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 3gSugar: 19gProtein: 7g

Nutrition is gathered and calculated based on the ingredients used by Nutritionix. Nutrition can vary for a recipe based on numerous factors such as precision of the measurements, brands of products, freshness of ingredients or the source of the nutritional data.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @lynseylous on Instagram and hashtag it #lynseylous

© All text and images (C) Lynsey Lou's
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts
Some of my favorite products for this recipe:
This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small portion of revenue, at no additional charge to you, if you purchase something through one of the provided links. Thank you!

Pineapple Cheesecake Lush

by Leave a Comment

Everyone needs a few desserts in their repertoire that can be thrown together in an instant yet taste amazing and are pretty enough to impress those guests that walked through the door unexpectedly.  I’ve got a handful, but am always on the lookout for more.  And this dessert, yeah, it’s one of those that I will definitely keep in my back pocket.

Have you ever had a pineapple lush cake?  It’s simply a cake that is layered with the most amazing, light and airy pineapple filling.  It’s one of those desserts that’s impressive but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.

Let’s focus on the filling for a second.


Because, let’s face it.  When you get right down to it, it’s the filling that is truly the star of the dessert.  Just like the frosting is the star of the cupcake, the pineapple filling truly takes the cake in this dessert.

So I decided to forgo the cake and whip up a dessert starring the filling of that infamous dessert.  This is probably one of the easiest desserts EVER.  I’m serious.  Five ingredients and about five minutes is all it takes to whip up this lush.  And it requires simple ingredients that I typically always have on hand and you probably do too.

Instant pudding is mixed into Greek yogurt, followed by the pineapple pieces.  Then whipped cream is folded in, which it truly what makes this dessert.  The whipped cream lightens things up and gives it that airiness we’re so accustomed to in the classic lush cake filling.

This dessert is light, packed full of flavor, can easily be doubled and made ahead of time.  It’s ideal for a refreshing dessert as the weather starts to warm up.  Giving you that little something sweet after a great meal without weighing you down.

This is perfect spooned into a small glass or tiny mason jar, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a cherry.  This would also be ideal on a slice of pound cake or angel food cake, making an almost deconstructed lush cake.

Pineapple Cheesecake Lush

Ingredients:

1 Cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 Box instant cheesecake flavored pudding*
1 1/2 Cups whipped cream, plus more for garnish
1/2 Cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
Maraschino cherries

Directions:


Combine pineapple, pudding mix, and yogurt and mix until combined.  Gently fold in the whipped cream.  Divide among 4 small cups or small mason jars.  Top with whipped cream and cherries, if desired.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original

*Use any flavor of pudding, just make sure it is instant
*Sugar free pudding and whipped cream work perfectly fine in this recipe
*Regular or Greek yogurt can used

→←