splash of chic

Curated chic for everyday life

Go To Side Dish Recipes

One of my favorite things to do is entertain family and friends. Obviously the past year has put a bit of a damper on that situation, but now that things are starting to open up I am so excited to cook for and with our family and friends.

I don’t know how you typically get recipes, whether it’s on pinterest or from a friend, but I love to source from friends and family. Sharing recipes has always been so fun because I like to take a recipe and create my spin on it based on what my palette tells me to do. To me cooking is a form of art, the smallest change can impact the entire dish. It keeps it interesting and you never know what you are going to get. Side dishes typically are where I add the most impact to our dinner parties.

I am really lucky to have a husband that loves to use his Big Green Egg and make all of these delicious smoked meats. Since a lot of our parties center around our smoked meats. My responsibility typically comes down to the side dishes. I have a few easy recipes that have become my go to’s when I want to keep it simple, but feed a group.

Feel free to take them and over time create your spin on things, and let me know what you do to them. I’m also adding in some of my favorite cookware that would be helpful to have for these recipes! (The pan is SOOOOO good)

My Favorite Side Dishes

Oven Roasted Broccoli (Paleo & AIP Friendly)

Serving Size (4)

Ingredients

  • 1 Head of Broccoli (Prefer Organic)
  • 1 Cup Coco Amino Acids
  • 1 Shallot Minced
  • 1 Onion Diced
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic Minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
  • 1/8 Cup Lemon Juice
  • 1/8 Cup Olive Oil (Love to play around with flavored olive oils here)

Directions

  1. Combine all seasoning (omit broccoli) and let marinate for a few hours (best if done over night)
  2. Preheat Oven to 425 Degrees Fahrenheit
  3. Cut the broccoli into florets and place into a bowl
  4. Once you have cut the broccoli into florets add the marinade to the same bowl and toss until broccoli is fully coated
  5. Pour broccoli onto baking sheet (with sides) and place in the oven
  6. Cook broccoli for approximately 15 minutes (please check broccoli frequently as some ovens cook hotter than others)

Warm Lemon Kale & Bacon Salad

Serving 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 Bag of Kale (Organic Preferred)
  • 1/4 Cup of Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Cup of Lemon Juice
  • 1/8 Cup Coco Aminos
  • 1 Shallot Minced
  • 1 Granny Smith Apple Diced
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Lemon Sliced
  • 1 Packet of Bacon Cooked & Crumbled

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients omitting the Kale, Bacon, & Apple for now

2. Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on stove top until heated through

3. Place Kale, Bacon, and Apple in a bowl

4. Once sauce is heated go ahead and pour over the Kale Mixture

5. Serve Immediately

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

This recipe is pretty special to me because as the original version came from an amazing cook that knows how to put a party together. It’s definitely changed over the years as I have made it more of my own. I wouldn’t say it’s a healthy recipe, but it is AMAZING.

Ingredients

  • 1 Block of Smoked Gouda Cheese
  • 1 Pint of Whipping Cream
  • 1 Stick of Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Worsheshire
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 2 Tablespoons of Texas Pete
  • 1 Shallot (Minced)
  • 4-6 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • Italian Bread Crumbs
  • Cavatappi Pasta (Cooked)
  • 9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Directions

  1. Shred entire block of cheese
  2. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
  3. Heat Butter over medium heat and toss in Garlic, Onions, and Shallots
  4. Once butter is melted go ahead and SLOWLY start to add in whipping cream whisking the entire time
  5. Aggressively & Continuously whisk until sauce thickens
  6. Once Whipping cream is thickening add in the gouda cheese and stir until completely melted
  7. Add in Smoked Paprika, Garlic & Onion Powder, Salt, Texas Pete, & Worsheshire
  8. Pour Ingredients into the Casserole Dish
  9. Top with the Italian Bread Crumb (Just a thin layer) across the top
  10. Go ahead and place in the oven and cook for 15-30 minutes (until bubbly)

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! XOXO Katie

Mint Julep Recipe

One of my favorite drinks for the spring and summer are Mint Julep’s! If you like bourbon and haven’t had one you are missing out big time. Not only is it a breeze to make, but it’s so refreshing on a hot summers day.

I am sharing the Mint Julep recipe my mom shared with me that is delicious, easy to make, and has minimal ingredients.

I try to keep my drinks as low calorie as possible so you will see me make sugar substitutions in a lot of my recipes for Stevia.

Mint Julep Ingredients

  • 3 Packs of Stevia
  • Mint Julep Cup or Jefferson Cup (You need a glass that will hold the cool in)
  • Crushed Ice
  • Bourbon (I prefer Bulleit or Woodford Reserve)
  • Mint
  • Muddler

Directions

  • Pour the Stevia packets in the bottom of the cup of choice
  • Tear off 10 leaves or enough to put a few layers at the bottom of the cup
  • Then put a few drops of filtered water at the bottom of the glass only the tiniest bit
  • Begin muddling the mint, stevia, and water together once you start to smell the mint and I usually wait until the water turns green from the leaves
  • Once the ingredients are muddle go ahead and pack the cup with crushed ice
  • Pour two shots over the crushed ice
  • Stir ingredients with long spoon
  • Once everything is combined, fill the glass back with crushed ice
  • Garnish with Mint

They are strong, so obviously drink responsibly!

XOXO, Katie

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Easter Dinner Recipes

We are having Easter Dinner for both of our families and some friends this weekend. We put together the menu for our Saturday night keeping in mind there will be 10 people for dinner and wanted to make it as simple as possible.

Easter Dinner Main Course:

Spiral Cut Ham (Pre-Cooked Recipe)

Directions:

  • Preheat Oven to 250 Degrees F
  • Place the ham flat or cut side down and bake uncovered.
  • While the ham is cooking go ahead and make the glaze with the below ingredients
  • Rule of thumb is 13-16 minutes per pound at the above temperature if it is a fully cooked spiral ham (check label to make sure). 
  • Once the internal temperature reaches 130-135 Degrees Fairenheit remove from oven
  • Brush the ham generously with the glaze (I brush and then pour the rest over so there is no waste)
  • Turn up the oven to 425 Degrees F, and caramelize for another 15 minutes.
  • Rest about 20 minutes before cutting and serving.

Glaze Ingredients:

  1. 1 Cup Honey
  2. 1/8 Cup Pineapple Juice
  3. 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  4. 2 Tablespoons of Dijon Mustard (This will cut the sweetness and add a tang)
  5. 1/3 Cup Melted Butter
  6. 1/4 Teaspoon of Cloves 
  7. 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder (2 tablespoons if using minced fresh garlic)

Directions for Glaze: 

  1. Combine Ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil and turn off stovetop

Side Dishes:

Brussel Sprout Salad with Bacon

Ingredients:

Salad

  • 1 Package of THICK cut bacon (the thicker the better)
  • 1 Bag of shaved Brussel Sprouts
  • Feta
  • Onion
  • Cherry Tomatos (halved)

Dressing

  • 1 Shallot (Minced)
  • 3/4 Cup Organic Lemon Juice
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1/4 C Balsamic
  • 1/4 C Italian Dressing

Directions:

  1. Cook Bacon to crisp and break up or chop into pieces
  2. Combine Salad ingredients in a large bowl set aside
  3. Take Dressing Ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes
  4. Pour dressing over salad mixture and serve immedately

Scalloped Potato’s

  • 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 garlic cloves of garlic minced
  • 2-3 lb Russet Potatoes sliced using a mandolin or cut to 1/8″ thick
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 1/2 cups gruyere cheese (grated)
  • 2 1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves 

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F
  • Sauce: Combine butter, cream and garlic and Mix until well combined.
  • Spread 1/3 of the potatoes in a baking dish, then pour over 1/3 of the Cream Mixture, shake with 1/3 of the salt, pepper and thyme. Sprinkle with 3/4 cups cheese.
  • Repeat for the 2nd and third layer, but skip the cheese on the second layer & third layer.
  • Cover & bake: Cover with lid or foil, and bake for 1 hr 15 min or until the potatoes in the middle are soft (use knife to test).
  • Remove foil, top with cheese. Bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly.

Dessert:

What else, but carrot cake?! I love the carrot cake from Southern Living below.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrot
  • 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 (3 1/2-ounce) can flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Buttermilk Glaze
  • Cream Cheese Frosting

Cake Directions:

Step 1 Line 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with wax paper; lightly grease and flour wax paper. Set pans aside.

Step 2 Stir together first 4 ingredients.

Step 3 Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrot and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into prepared cakepans.

Step 4 Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Buttermilk Glaze Directions:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup butter or margarine
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (take out 30 minute before)
  • 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (take out 30 minutes before)
  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Step 1

  • Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.

Sangria Recipe

For those that love and drink Sangria you know there are so many different types of Sangria from fuller body to light.This particular Sangria recipe is extremely light and smooth because the base is Rosé. It is the perfect summer recipe for those hot days where you want something refreshing for those outdoor barbecues or parties. This recipe needs to be served chilled or over ice. If you want to add a little bit of bubble or have more texture in the drink I would recommend a sparkling rosé.

Sangria Ingredients

  • 1 Bottle of Rosé (Preferably Oregan or a Pinot Noir Base) More on the drier than sweeter side)
  • 2 Cups of White Rum (I use Captain Morgans)
  • 2 Cups White Cranberry Juice
  • 1/2 Cup of Strawberries
  • 1/2 Cup of Blueberries
  • 1/2 Cup of Raspberries
  • 1/2 Cup of Blackberries

Sangria Recipe Directions

  • Pour 2 Cups of of white rum into a bowl
  • Combine all the berries and pour them into the white rum
  • Let white rum and berries marinate overnight for for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator
  • Once white rum and berry mixture has marinated combine with cranberry and Rose
  • Activate mint and add as a garnish

Pick up some fun glasses to enjoy your Sangria in!

Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

I shared an IGTV on @splashofchic of an easy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe. This is my go to during the work week when I’m rushing to get dinner on the table since it takes about 5-10 minutes to prep. It’s incredibly easy, clean and very tasty.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Head of Cauliflower or Bag of Pre-Cut Cauliflower
  • 1/4 C. Olive Oil
  • 1/4 C. Coco Amino Acids
  • 1 TBS. Organic Smoked Paprika
  • 1 TBS Organic Garlic Powder
  • 1 TBS Organic Onion Powder
  • 1 TBS Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1 TBS Chili Powder

Directions:

  1. Pour cut Cauliflower into bowl
  2. Cover Cauliflower with Olive Oil and Coco Amino Acids (Make sure it is thoroughly coated and if not add additional
  3. Add all dry ingredients to Cauliflower and mix together
  4. Turn Air fryer on to 400 for 18-20 minutes (Make sure to open air fryer halfway through to toss around Cauliflower to evenly cook (If you would like to cook in the oven, its 425 for 25-30 minutes)

Paleo Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 Stick (½ Cup) Organic Butter
  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas
  • 2 Large Organic Cage Free Eggs (For AIP Sub in Vital Proteins Gelatin)
  • 1 teaspoon Organic Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cups Tiger Nut Flour
  • 1/4 Can of Organic Puréed Pumpkin
  • 2 Tablespoons Whole Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 Cup of Organic Maple Syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Organic Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Organic Cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside. (I use coconut oil spray)
  • Add the stick of butter to a microwable safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute, or until melted.
  • Add the bananas and Pumpkin to the same bowl and mash together.
  • Add the vanilla extract, egg, and whipping cream to the bowl stir until thoroughly combined.
  • In a second bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together with a spatula until combined.
  • Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Stick (½ Cup) Butter
  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 Can of Puréed Pumpkin
  • 2 Tablespoons Whipping Cream
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside. (I use coconut oil spray)
  • Add the stick of butter to a microwable safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute, or until melted.
  • Add the bananas and Pumpkin to the same bowl and mash together.
  • Add the vanilla extract, egg, and whipping cream to the bowl stir until thoroughly combined.
  • In a second bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together with a spatula until combined.
  • Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.

Sweet Potato Chips

(Recipe Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 Sweet Potato

1 Tablespoon of Organic Cinnamon

1.5 TSP of Organic Smoked Paprika

1 Tablespoon of Salt

Using a Mandolin or a Knife slice up Sweet Potato into 1/8 Inch slices (They should be a little thicker than a standard potato chip.

In a bowl put sweet potato slices and then throw olive oil on just to coat. Then take all of your dry ingredients and mix them into the bowl to coat the potato slices.

Put the airfryer on 375 degrees for 8 minutes (make sure to place the ships in a single layer). If you put too many in at once it can make it hard for the chips to get the right crisp.

Paleo Chicken Fingers

Tonight Chloe & I made Paleo Chicken Fingers with Sweet Potato Chips, and it was sooo GOOD! I wanted to share the recipe below. I would recommend cooking the chips before the chicken! I made it up so let me know what you think.

Also, on the Cassava Flour I find that it is the best flour to try and “lightly” fry meats and vegetables. It has a great texture and holds up well. The flavor also doesn’t overwhelm the food. I went ahead and linked the spices and types of flour we use so I hope that helps. Enjoy!

Paleo Chicken Fingers Recipe

Paleo Chicken Fingers

Chicken Tenderloins (Must be organic and grass fed)

1 Cup Cassava Flour: Otto’s

1/2 Cup Coconut Flour: Great Value

2 TSP Organic Chili Powder: Simply Organic

2 TSP Organic Onion Powder: Simply Organic

2 TSP Organic Garlic Powder: Simply Organic

2 TSP Organic Smoked Paprika: Simply Organic

2 TSP Salt (I prefer pink Himalayan Salt)

1 Cage Free Egg

2 Tablespoons of Oil of choice (Avocado, Olive etc): Pompeo

Directions:

Combine all of the dry ingredients on a plate and mix together thoroughly

Put egg into a bowl and whisk

Take out Chicken and dip into egg and then dredge through the dry ingredients and set on separate plate.

Once you have repeated these steps with all of the chicken, go ahead and heat up your oil of choice and once it is hot start cooking the chicken. It should only take about 3 minutes per side. (Make sure chicken is thoroughly cooked before eating)

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