If there’s one thing that could make eating pizza any better, it’s this.

In our family, we eat pizza a lot. Like, at least once a week, and some times even more.

Eating pizza is normally a wonderful, beautiful experience, but when you add in this delicious garlic butter dipping sauce, oh my goodness. It’s heaven.

You can’t go wrong adding butter or garlic to anything, and this dip is an easy and fast side for pizza that really makes a big difference. It’s good for dipping the crust in, and I also like to dip my actual pizza in it.

The best part is that this recipe isn’t runny or greasy like some butter sauces I’ve tried. So, you’re welcome, because basically I just upped your pizza game.

Yield: 1/2 cup sauce

Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This garlic butter dipping sauce is the perfect dip or side for your pizza party! It's not greasy and not too garlicky like some dips. Tastes just like Dominos garlic butter sauce and it only takes three ingredients!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan on medium.
   
2. Spoon off the foam that you get on top. That's where the greasiness comes from.
   
3. Stir in garlic powder and salt until dissolved.
   
4. Remove from heat to a small dish and enjoy! You now have the perfect dipping sauce to complement your pizza!
   

I don’t make this as often as I should, but when I do, I get lots of compliments and requests for more. Even my kids like it!

Thanks to this phenomenal garlic butter dipping sauce, pizza night has never been better! Try it once and you’ll be hooked!

This post was originally published on January 12th, 2016.

The post Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce appeared first on Life With My Littles.

After my husband and I got married, we spent our first Thanksgiving with his family. His mom made the most amazing sweet potato dish that I just thought was the bomb.

Last year we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving at his mom’s house and we were again lucky enough to be blessed with her delicious yams. I tried to find the recipe when she was at work the next day, but alas, I could not. So I manned up a few weeks ago and just asked her to send it and of course she did.

One of the best parts of this recipe (besides the obvious deliciousness of it) is that it’s super easy. If you’re busy with other things in your kitchen, your husband or kids could probably even make it all by themselves. That’s how easy it is!

Now yams are basically a vegetable, so I’m going to go ahead and say that this recipe is pretty much healthy (haha). And even though I’m not a huge coconut fan, it is by far one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes. It’s almost a dessert because it’s so sweet, gooey, and delicious, but I’m going to call it a side so you can still have several pieces of pie afterwards!

Yield: 8x8" pan

Coconut Yams

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

These coconut yams are the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner! It's such an easy recipe (your kids could even help!) and it's almost like a dessert! If you're looking for a yummy sweet potato recipe for Thanksgiving, this is it!

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Ingredients

• 2 (29 oz) cans yams, drained
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 eggs, lightly scrambled
• 1 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 6 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

1. Combine yams, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, and eggs in an 8x8" baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine coconut, brown sugar, lour, and butter.
3. Sprinkle over yam mixture.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

The post Coconut Yams appeared first on Life With My Littles.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Before living in Idaho, I was a ketchup girl.

I loved the tomato red color and the sweet little zing it added to my fries.

When we moved to Idaho last year, my Idahoan husband persuaded me to try fry sauce. I’m not sure if fry sauce originated in Utah or Idaho (I’m inclined to vote Idaho), but either way, I haven’t found it outside of those two states. Anyway, it is a divine addition to any snack that might require a dip. I fell in love very fast.

And lucky for me, so did my kids. My son is a huge fan of dipping anything he can, and I am a huge fan of him eating things that require dipping (because they usually involve protein or vegetables). Since we moved down here to Texas two months ago, I decided to come up with my own version of that delicious, salmon-colored dip to complement all of our snacking needs.

My husband was convinced that it was just a ketchup and mayo mix, but I knew there was something else in there that gives fry sauce a little extra kick. After a little experimenting and trying various recipes, I figured it out. Pickle juice and onion powder. Weird, right? I know it sounds that way, but it’s actually perfect.

And this recipe is super easy to make, too, so you’re basically winning by throwing this together for your kids!

First, mix 1 cup mayo and 2/3 cup ketchup.

Add in 2 tablespoons of pickle juice.

And to finish it off, mix in 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder.

And voila! You have the most delicious homemade fry sauce with only four ingredients, perfect for letting your kids dip to their heart’s content.

It seriously is an incredible homemade version, and I love having this whole container on hand whenever we need to dip anything.

Yield: 1 bottle

{Ad} Fry Sauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This homemade fry sauce recipe is amazing! A perfect replica of fry sauce from Utah and Idaho. Only four ingredients, and you won't believe what the secret ingredient is!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayo
• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp pickle juice
• 3/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Mix together mayo and ketchup
2. Mix in pickle juice
3. Mix in onion powder
4. Enjoy! Refrigerate any leftovers

You’re welcome, mamas! And happy playing!

The post Fry Sauce appeared first on Life With My Littles.

This post is sponsored by Albertson’s.

Anyone else just LOVE unique snacks? I get so bored sometimes with the snacks my kids eat. Pretzels, cheese sticks, yogurt. Bleh.

Luckily I came across this recipe for Cream Cheese and Mango Salsa RITZwiches and oh man, they have eased my snacking woes! They are also the perfect party snack and with summer quickly approaching (how is it already the middle of April?), you’re going to want to add these to your backyard barbecue recipe book.

The combination of fresh mango salsa, rich cream cheese, and salty, buttery RITZ crackers is amazing! It’s love at first bite. The perfect, easy snack for any time of the day!

I think may favorite part of these is the Albertsons’ Signature Farms Fresh Made Mango Salsa. The flavor is so good, not too strong, and compliments the cream cheese and crunchy, buttery crackers so well! Way to go, Albertons, am I right?!

But the best part is that they are super easy to make. You only need three ingredients and five minutes!

Yield: 8 servings

Cream Cheese and Mango Salsa RITZwiches

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

These easy and fast Cream Cheese and Mango Salsa RITZwiches are the perfect snacking solution for your next party! Get ready to be complimented!

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Ingredients

• 32 RITZ crackers
• 1/3 cup cream cheese spread
• 1/4 cup Albertsons’ Signature Farms Fresh Made Mango Salsa

Instructions

1. Spread 16 RITZ crackers with cream cheese spread.
2. Top with Albertsons’ Signature Farms Fresh Made Mango Salsa.
3. Cover with remaining crackers to make sandwiches.

I love that these are delicious, but I also love that they are so quick and easy. RITZ believes that living a rich life doesn’t come as a result of the size of a bank account, but from shared moments, relationships, and interactions you have with those who matter most. And when your recipes are quick and easy, you get to spend more time out of the kitchen with your family!

What would you add to your RITZwich? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Cream Cheese and Mango Salsa RITZwiches appeared first on Life With My Littles.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

It’s no secret that I am a huge carb fan. If it involves pasta or bread, you can bet I’m on board.

And one of my favorite side dishes for any Italian meal is bruschetta. But I’m not talking about your standard, plain bruschetta. I’m talking about crisp, fresh, tomato and cheese bruschetta on top of bakery fresh sourdough bread.

This recipe is super easy and doesn’t take a lot of work to throw together, so it’s one of my favorites. And I’m sure it will quickly become one of yours.

I recently discovered California Goldminer Sourdough Bread, and it has seriously upped my bruschetta game. My dad used to always request sourdough bread from the store, so I’ve always been a fan.

It’s the perfect base for my fresh tomato bruschetta, and it even comes as a sandwich loaf so there’s less work for you!

First, lay 6 slices of sourdough bread out on a baking sheet covered in foil.

Broil on high for 3 minutes to achieve that toasty, warm base that is the star of this recipe.

Next, mix 5 seeded, chopped, and dry roma tomatoes, 9 fresh chopped basil leaves, 1/2 tsp. minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil.

Spoon the mixture evenly onto each slice, and sprinkle each slice with 1 tsp. fresh parmesan.

And voila! You have a delicious, fresh, and unforgettable bruschetta that is the perfect side dish for any Italian meal. Even just the smell of it makes my mouth water.

Yield: 6 servings

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This fresh tomato bruschetta recipe is made on freshly baked sourdough bread and is topped with a tomato basil mix and Parmesan cheese! It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for any Italian meal! And it’s DELICIOUS!

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Ingredients

• 6 slices California Goldminer Sourdough Bread
• 5 roma tomatoes
• 9 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil.
• 6 tsp. fresh parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Lay out 6 slices of California Goldminer Sourdough Bread on a cookie sheet covered in foil.
2. Broil on high for 3 minutes.
3. Mix 5 seeded, chopped, and dry roma tomatoes, 9 fresh chopped basil leaves, 1/2 tsp. minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly onto each slice, and sprinkle each slice with 1 tsp. fresh parmesan.

What is your favorite thing to make with sourdough bread? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Fresh Tomato Bruschetta appeared first on Life With My Littles.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Is anyone else completely excited for summer? I love getting together with family and friends for backyard barbecues, and I can’t wait to do it a lot now that we live close to the Mister’s family!

One thing I’ve never been particularly fond of is pasta salad. I’m not a big egg fan, and the ones you buy from the store always gross me out. So when I saw that Hidden Valley Ranch just came out with a new Avocado flavor, I knew I had to get creative and come up with a delicious pasta salad recipe I could bring to family barbecues this summer!

This recipe is so simple, and it only takes 20 minutes to make. I used fresh basil from my basil plant I got for Mother’s Day, and then bought the rest of the ingredients.

The first thing you have to do is boil your noodles. I love using cavatappi noodles because I think they hold sauces well, but you could use bowtie or elbow macaroni, too.

While the noodles were cooking, I sliced my tomatoes, diced my avocados, and chopped my basil leaves.

After the pasta was done, I drained it, and tossed it in a bowl with the Hidden Valley Ranch Avocado.

Next, add your tomatoes and avocados.

Now add in the basil.

Squeeze the lime over your bowl and mix everything together!

And voila! You now have a delicious bowl of Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad that is perfect for any backyard barbecue.

Yield: 6 servings

Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious and unique recipe that is perfect as a side dish for your summer barbecue or even a quick dinner!

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Ingredients

• 10 oz. cavatappi noodles
• 3/4 c. Hidden Valley Avocado Ranch Dressing
• 3/4 c. halved grape tomatoes
• 1 c. diced avocados (about 1 1/2 avocados)
• 3 chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 lime, squeezed

Instructions

1. Cook cavatappi noodles until done. Drain.
2. While pasta is cooking, chop tomatoes, avocados, and basil.
3. Combine Hidden Valley Avocado Ranch Dressing with cavatappi noodles.
4. Add in tomatoes and avocados.
5. Add in fresh basil.
6. Squeeze 1/2 lime over the pasta.
7. Combine and serve cold or hot.

The post Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad appeared first on Life With My Littles.

Something you need to know about me is that I love guacamole. I don’t just like it, I love it. So when I first tasted this guacamole, I knew it was a winner. I first found the recipe on Oprah’s website, and after a few changes, this is still my go-to guacamole recipe.

Honestly, I think sometimes it is why we get invited to parties. Recently, our friends have taken to adding it to their burgers, and I usually have to make a double batch so there’s enough to go around. Since I have changed a few things over the years, I thought I would share it with everyone! Plus, it’s the perfect Super Bowl side!

Okay, so I really do think this is the best guacamole you will ever make. I am not lying when I don’t even know how many times I have been asked for this recipe. And it comes out perfect every time! You really will love it!

I mean really, how can you not want to try that? To make this guacamole, first mash four avocados in a medium-sized bowl.

Next, chop 1/2 c. red onion.  Remove the seeds from one serrano pepper, and cut it in half, and half again. Then finely chop the pepper so the pieces are small. Wash a bunch of cilantro, remove the leaves, and chop the leaves up into tiny pieces. You will need 2 Tbsp. of finely chopped cilantro. Add in the minced garlic, salt, and lime juice, and mix it all up!!

Yield: 4 servings

The Best Guacamole You Will Ever Make

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Seriously the best guacamole recipe ever. I think it's the reason we get invited to parties! And it's so easy!

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Ingredients

• 4 ripe Hass avocados
• 1/2 c. chopped red onion
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
• 1 finely chopped serrano pepper
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 heaping tsp. minced garlic (seriously, overflowing please)
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions

1. Mash up the avocados. You can make it more chunky or more smooth. It just depends on what you like.
2. Add the next five ingredients and mix well.
3. Add the lime juice and mix well again.
4. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can all blend together.
5. Serve with tortilla chips, on salads and burritos, on burgers, or with quesadillas. It's really good on almost anything.

I hope you get a chance to try out this amazing guacamole! It really is my favorite guacamole recipe ever, and definitely one of the recipes the Mister brags about the most! Enjoy!

The post The Best Guacamole You Will Ever Make {aka Why We Get Invited to Parties} appeared first on Life With My Littles.