Elegant enough for a fancy occasion and fast enough to serve any night of the week, this scallop recipe might become your new favorite way to eat seafood.

Restaurant quality scallops are easier to make at home than you ever thought! Each bite of these scallops has a light and almost-sweet flavor, highlighted by the caramelized crust on the outside.

Pan Seared Scallops

Similar to an oyster or a clam but even more tender with a hint of sweet flavor, fresh scallops are irresistible when cooked the right way. Pan searing is by far my favorite way to enjoy scallops.

For years, I only ate scallops at restaurants. Since scallops are more costly than shrimp and most other seafood I cook, I was nervous about wasting my investment by cooking them poorly at home.

When I finally set aside my fear, I couldn’t believe how easy and quick it was to cook seared scallops! My whole family loves scallops now.

Whether you enjoy indulging in scallops when you go to a restaurant or you’ve never tried them before, I know you’re going to love this easy recipe.

A restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen. Served for a romantic date night or a family meal, these seared scallops are sure to impress!

How to Clean Scallops

Nowhere near as finicky as lobster or crab, scallops are easy enough for even a beginner cook. You can even get them prepared and ready to cook at any grocery store with a seafood counter.

I love that there’s no de-tailing or bone removal involved and virtually no prep time. The only prep for the scallops is actually optional. Check over the scallops as you’re handling them and remove the little side-muscle if you find any still attached.

This muscle looks like a little tag of tissue on the side of the scallop. It feels tougher than the rest of the scallop and will be a bit tough and chewy when cooked. It’s just fine if you leave it on (and sometimes it’s already been removed), some people are bothered by it and many others are not.

Just rinse the scallops under cool running water and pat them dry. I place them on a paper towel-lined plate or small sheet pan after rinsing them and th

Crock Pot Copycat Cafe Rio Chicken [+ Video]

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Cafe Rio at home with this easy and flavorful crockpot Cafe Rio chicken recipe. We’ve included a step-by-step video instructions for a perfect copycat dish!

This chicken dinner recipe tastes just like Cafe Rio’s recipe for shredded chicken. It’s a great dinner idea to take to someone who may need a family friendly meal. It is delicious served with cilantro lime rice and topped with creamy tomatillo cilantro ranch dressing. Use it for a salad, tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or a chicken taco salad. It’s so versatile!

Ok, so if you live in Utah there are probably 3 Mexican fast food chains that you try to copy their chicken or pork. (Mostly the sweet pork, but I’ll do that one later.) This copycat Cafe Rio Chicken recipe is seriously so good and if you don’t want to do a salad then turn it into a burrito!!

This chicken is one of those life saver crock pot (slow cooker) recipes. Kinda like this regular Crock Pot Chicken. I love that you can throw everything together in less than 5 minutes, let it cook all day and then feel like a hero as you serve it to your family. The only thing you really need to watch out for is how darn much the recipe makes.

Scale that sucker back! It’s too much chicken for just our little family! However, that usually means it’s a great opportunity to invite someone over or to surprise a neighbor with dinner. And I’m definitely all about that. It also freezes well to save for another night!

Ingredients for Cafe Rio Chicken

You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious chicken recipe! And you literally toss it all in the slow cooker let it cook. Here is the ingredients list:

• Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing: I know this is super specific but it’s just the right flavor for this recipe. Avoid the fat free dressing.
• Cumin: adds flavor
• Chili Powder: adds flavor and a little heat
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Chicken Breasts: boneless skinless chicken
• Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing: easy to make and so delicious
• Cilantro Lime Rice: the perfect complimenting flavors to this chicken

The measurements a

The Easiest Wassail Recipe [+Video]

This traditional Wassail recipe has been handed down for generations! It’s one of the most comforting easy holiday drinks. It’s a delicious nonalcoholic warm cider drink with the cozy flavors of orange and apple with cinnamon and spices!

I don’t think there’s a single wassail recipe worth it out there except for my mom’s! It is so delicious. We excitedly make it as soon as it gets cold–and it’s a must when you’re sick. Nothing feels better on a scratchy throat than warm wassail. Yum!

And because we aren’t the biggest fans of cold weather, warm drinks are a definite must. Cade and the girls love hot cocoa and toast, I still have yet to try it as the soggy bread weirds me out for sure. I always stick to this dreamy wassail!

What is Wassail?

Wassail is the cozy version of apple cider.  Our recipe is made with cloves, apples, cinnamon, lemon, orange, ginger, and nutmeg and is a nonalcoholic wassail recipe. Scroll down to discover our secret ingredient! There’s one we didn’t mention!

It’s pretty flexible so feel free to add different amounts of juice or substitute other kinds that you like better. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients for Homemade Wassail

How many fruit juices can you put in a hot wassail recipe? We are out to set a record because it’s so dang good…including that secret ingredient I mentioned above! Here is all the ingredients you will need to make this irresistible holiday beverage:

• Water: the base of the wassail
• Sugar: I often cut this down or leave it out since there is a lot of sugar in fruit juice.
• Cinnamon Sticks: adds flavor
• Allspice: adds flavor
• Cloves: adds flavor
• Crystallized Ginger: adds flavor, you can also use a 1/2 inch chunk fresh ginger or a 1/2-1 tsp powdered ginger
• Unsweetened Apple Juice: grab a bottle at the grocery store
• Pineapple Juice: the secret ingredient, man it adds such a delicious flavor
• Unsweetened Orange Juice: you can squeeze your own orange juice or buy bottled unsweetened oj
• Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed is preferred

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Watch How Homemade Wassail is Made…

Welcome to the weekend, my friends! There’s a chill in the air today and I shivered while getting into the car before yoga this morning. The sun is shining though and it is making me grin. I am so ready for fall and winter. Bring on all the cozy sweatshirts and fuzzy socks, please.

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Are you looking for the perfect pork roast recipe? Roasted all day, left falling apart, and tender enough to cut with a fork; this Italian Pork Roast might just become your favorite pork roast with the first bite.

Fluffy potatoes with crisp, roasted edges are seasoned to perfection with just rosemary, salt, and pepper in these Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.

Oven-roasted cabbage with balsamic and roasted onions has become a bit of a crazy obsession for me. Try it and you will understand.

Rich sausage, hearty potatoes, and tender, earthy green beans come together in this incredibly flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty, comforting family dinner or just need a hassle-free meal option, this crockpot dinner delivers every time.

I’ve heard from so many of you this week after you’ve made this homemade Blueberry Pie Filling! It really does taste so much better than store-bought. And best of all, it’s super easy to make. Use it to top pies, cheesecakes, pancakes, or waffles – it’s delicious on ice cream too.

You won’t find a more decadent, amazing brownie than these rich, fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting. They are chocolate and peanut butter perfection. Rich, dense, chocolate brownies topped with fluffy, whipped, peanut butter frosting, what’s not to love? These brownies are downright dangerous.

Pumpkin has a smooth creamy texture when combined with heavy cream to create a luscious, rich, Pumpkin Ice Cream that is perfect for any occasion this holiday season.

What I’m CRAVING: Dark Chocolate Oreos – thanks a lot, Lynne. 

My FAVORITE THING this week is this v-neck tank top. If you were near me today, you’d hear me cheering with joy over finally finding a top I enjoy wearing for yoga practice. I don’t know why this has been

Protein No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites

Boost your energy levels with these delicious and nutritious protein no bake chocolate energy bites, packed with protein to keep you going throughout the day. Perfect for a quick and easy snack on the go!

These no bake chocolate protein bites save me during those afternoon crashes when you’re wanting a a treat but need a healthy snack!

I am the biggest snacker ever. I’ve said it a gazillion times on the blog and Cade can totally vouch for me, (in fact he’s totally the same way). It’s why we’ve posted so many snack recipes like Aussie Bites, our favorite granola, sweet and salty caramel chocolate banana trail mix, protein monster bites or out copycat Kudos bars. Snacking actually is not a bad habit like some may assume. It’s good to keep your metabolism going and your hunger at bay by frequently eating small amounts.

So many skip a meal or snacks trying to lose weight and all they are doing is telling their bodies to hold onto every calorie possible because your body knows you’re going to make it wait to eat. The only hard part is deciding what to eat. These protein no bake oatmeal energy bites are one of our solutions.

Protein No Bake Chocolate Energy Bites

A long time ago my cute friend, Ali posted these awesome energy bites that went completely wild on Pinterest. Everyone loves them! They are a great little snack and you don’t have to feel guilty as if you’d baked up some mozzarella sticks or something. Wait, did she just throw mozzarella sticks out there as a snack? Pretty much. But don’t worry, I’ve given up that Jr. High habit.  Although now that we are talking about them, gosh dang that sounds good!

Ok, focus, girl, focus.

What are Energy Bites or Balls?

These are little balls with extra protein, and a little dose of calories that your body needs to keep you going during the day. Most are made with a nut butter like almond or peanut butter, oats and whatever flavors you desire. Ours are made with protein powder in addition to the other things.

Ingredients for Protein Chocolate Protein Bites

A healthy snack is just 6 ingredients away! Here is everything that you will need:

• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: don’t use quick oats because they don’t hold up well
• Almond Butter: substitute with peanut butter or any other nut butter
• Honey: adds natural swe