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Black forest layered dessert is an easy to put together dessert that will feed a crowd. Since it uses instant pudding it takes no time to put together. It is creamy, cool, and refreshing. Take it to a potluck or family gathering and it is sure to be a hit.

Why This Black Forest Layered Dessert Recipe Works

• The oreo cookie crust gives it a crunchy texture from the crush cookies.
• Adding the cream cheese layer is like a no-bake cheesecake, the is creamy, fluffy, and rich.
• The cherry pie filling layer is cool and refreshing which balances out the cheesecake layer.

Recipe Ingredients

Oreo Cookies - The base for the dessert. It provides a firm foundation to hold all the soft and creamy layers. It also gives a crunch which helps to balance the smooth and creaminess.

Butter - Binds the cookie pieces together and lends its flavor.

Cream Cheese - The base for the no-bake cheesecake layer. It is soft and smooth and pairs well the whipped topping.

Powdered Sugar - Sweetens up the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract - Adds vanilla flavor the cheesecake layer.

Whipped Topping - lightens up the cream cheese layer making it a no-bake cheesecake.

Cherry Pie Filling - Provides a solid, smooth gelatin layer with delicious cherries that compliments the crunch crust and creamy cheesecake layer.

How to Make Black Forest Layered Dessert

Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a food processor add one row of cookies at a time and pulse until they are fine crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Repeat process two more times.

Melt butter and add to cookie crumbs stirring so that all crumbs are coated in butter.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Pour buttered crumbs in pan and press slightly for an even layer to cover the bottom of the pan and partially up the sides of the pan.

Bake for about 12 minutes until brown and fragrant. Place aside to cool completely.

Make the Pudding Layer

Place the packet of pudding mix in a medium size bowl.

Add milk and whisk.

Set aside to thicken.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

Take one block of softened cream cheese and add to a large bowl.

Add vanilla and one cup of powdered sugar at a time and combine with cream cheese until completely incorporated.

Add the rest of the powdered sugar and repeat the process.

Once the cream cheese and powdered sugar are fully combined add the whipped topping and fold together.

Assemble the Dessert

Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, and spread into an even layer reaching to the corners of the pan.

Pour the pudding over the cheesecake layer.

Pour the pie filling over the pudding layer and spread to the edges of the pan.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• A food processor makes easy work to crush the oreo cookies, ensuring all the crumbs are the same size.
• If you do not have a food processor you can use a zip lock bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them.
• Make sure all the crumbs are coated with the butter to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer to not bake the crust that is an option, just realize that it will not hold together like a baked crust will and it will be more loose.
• Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a couple hours. This will help it incorporate better with the powdered sugar and whipped topping ensuring a creamy layer.

How to Serve Black Forest Layered Dessert

After the dessert has setup in the refrigerator for a couple hours, cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!

How Long Does Black Forest Layered Dessert Last

Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.

Can one Freeze Black Forest Layered Dessert?

I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.

What if the Layers Blend Together?

If you choose not to bake the crust there is the possibility that some crumbs may get into the cheesecake layer. That's ok, just smooth it out best you can.

If the cheesecake layer is not thick and setup enough your pie filling may run into your cheesecake layer when layering. Again though, that's ok, just smooth out the best you can.

More Layered Dessert Recipes

Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert

Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Dessert

Pistachio Layered Dessert

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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An easy but decadent dessert that is sure to please a crowd. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Dessert would be great for Valentine's Day, during the summer, a special occasion, or just to have for dessert. It has a beautiful presentation due to all the pretty layers. Want to learn how to make a no-bake cheesecake layer that is packed full of flavor? Keep scrolling to check it out.

Why this chocolate covered strawberry layered dessert works

• The oreo cookie crust gives it a crunchy texture.
• Adding the cream cheese layer is like a no-bake cheesecake, the is creamy, fluffy, and rich.
• The strawberry pie filling layer is cool and refreshing which balances out all the creaminess.
• The chocolate pudding layer is chocolatey and delicious which adds to the creaminess of the cheesecake layer.

Recipe Ingredients

Oreo Cookies - The base for the dessert. It provides a firm foundation to hold all the soft and creamy layers. It also gives a crunch which helps to balance the smooth and creaminess.

Butter - Binds the cookie crumbs together and lends its flavor.

Instant Chocolate Puddiing Mix - Provides a solid, creamy pudding layer that compliments the crunch crust and creamy cheesecake layer.

Milk - Binds the instant pudding particles together creating a creamy pudding layer.

Cream Cheese - The base for the no-bake cheesecake layer. It is soft and smooth and pairs well the whipped topping.

Heavy Cream - Helps to lighten up the cream cheese layer. It also provides a delicious and fresh whip cream topping.

Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder - Provides all that wonderful strawberry flavor without compromising the texture.

Vanilla - Adds flavor to all the different layers.

Pink Food Coloring - Makes the strawberry cream cheese layer into a more vibrant pink color. This is completely optional.

Strawberry Pie Filling - Adds some coolness to cut through all the creaminess to balance out the dessert.

Powdered Sugar - Adds sweetness and structure to the cream cheese layer and the whip cream.

Fresh Strawberries - Add freshness and a pop of color to the top. This is optional.

Substitutions

• Any flavor or oreo cookies, shortbread cookies, or graham crackers can be substituted for the oreo cookies if you would like a different flavor.
• Homemade chocolate pudding can be substituted for the instant chocolate pudding if desired.
• For a short cut, store bought whipped topping can be substituted for the homemade whipped cream.
• The freeze dried strawberry powder can be omitted but it will not have the same strawberry flavor. Other ingredient ideas would include strawberry extract, strawberry jam, or strawberry jello powder. If using the last two, keep in mind that, it will affect the sweetness level, therefore, the amount of sugar added would need to be decreased.
• The pink food coloring can be omitted if desired.

How to make chocolate covered strawberry layered desert

Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Chop oreo cookies in a food processor until they are fine crumbs. 

Melt the stick of butter.  In a medium to large size bowl combine the cookie crumbs and butter and stir until all crumbs are coated with the butter. 

Place in a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Evenly distribute crumbs in the dish and press down.

Bake for 10 minutes.  Set aside to cool completely.

Make the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

In a large bowl, place the brick of softened cream cheese. 

Add the powdered sugar and strawberry powder and whisk together. 

Add the vanilla and slowly start adding the cream into the mixture whisking to incorporate. 

Once mixture is thoroughly combined add food coloring if you wish to achieve the color you want (I added 2 drops of pink food coloring).

Pour layer over the cooled cookie crust and spread into an even layer.  Set aside.

Make the Chocolate Pudding

In a medium to large size bowl add the package of instant chocolate pudding mix. 

Add the milk and stir, mixture will thicken.  Let set for about 5 minutes and stir again.

Once set and thick pour pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread into an even layer.  Set aside.

Make the Strawberry Pie Filling

Spread the two cans of strawberry pie filling over the chocolate pudding layer into an even layer.  Set aside.

Make the Whipped Cream

Place the heavy cream in a medium size bowl.  Add the powdered sugar and vanilla.  Beat until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Dessert

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9x13 pan.

Pour crumbs into pan and press down to form crust.

Spread cream cheese layer over the cooled crust.

Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the chocolate pudding.

Spread the whipped cream over the pie filling.

Place the sliced the strawberries in a heart shaped design on top of the dessert, if desired.

Place in the refrigerator for a couple hours to setup.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• A food processor makes easy work to crush the oreo cookies, ensuring all the crumbs are the same size.
• If you do not have a food processor you can use a zip lock bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them.
• Make sure all the crumbs are coated with the butter to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer to not bake the crust that is an option, just realize that it will not hold together like a baked crust will and it will be more loose.
• Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a couple hours. This will help it incorporate better with the powdered sugar ensuring a creamy layer.
• The pink food coloring is completely optional but can make the color more vibrant if you would like.
• In my picture I put the chocolate pudding layer over the strawberry pie filling but it created a mud slide effect so I would suggest putting the pie filling on top of the chocolate pudding.
• The strawberries on top are optional. I was going for a heart shape with them, you may try shingling them and then yours will probably look better than mine.

How to serve chocolate covered strawberry layered dessert

After the dessert has setup in the refrigerator for a couple hours, cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!

How long does chocoate covered strawberry layered dessert last

Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.

Can one freeze chocolate covered strawberry layered dessert

I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.

What if the layers blend together

If you choose not to bake the crust there is the possibility that some crumbs may get into the cream cheese layer. That's ok, just smooth it out best you can.

If the cream cheese layer is not thick and setup enough your pudding may run into your cheesecake layer when layering. And the same with the pie filling over the pudding. Again though, that's ok, just smooth out the best you can.

More layered dessert recipes

For more layered dessert recipes check out the following:

Pistachio Layered Dessert

Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert

Why this BBQ pork baked potatoes recipe works

• Hands-off cooking: The crockpot and oven do most of the work, you can put the pork on in the morning and come home to some tender, flavorful pork that's ready by dinner.
• Minimal Prep: Just a few quick and easy steps and a few ingredients are all you need for a good and filling meal.
• The potatoes are super easy to make and act as the base of the dish.
• Customizable: Add or change up any ingredients for ones that your family enjoys. Example: Switch the pork out for chicken breasts, leave off the cheese from the potatoes, top with coleslaw, etc.
• Budget-Friendly: These ingredients are low cost and will stretch to feed a crowd.
• Balanced and Filling: The potatoes provide a good base for the starch and the meat provides a tasty and flavorful source of protein. This meal is sure to fill you up .

Recipe Ingredients

Pork Shoulder aka Pork Butt is an inexpensive cut of meat. I usually buy a big enough (about 5 pounds for my family of 4) roast to feed my family twice. We use half for one meal and the other half we make something like these baked potatoes with to mix up the flavor profile.

Potatoes - Act as the base of the dish. These are really easy to make as the oven does most of the work for you. Putting the meat on top gives you your protein and starch, just add a veggie to round it out.

Steak Seasoning - I use Montreal steak seasoning but you can use whatever seasoning your family likes. This one has tons of flavor. Just don't go too heavy handed with it as it contains salt and so the BBQ sauce.

Olive Oil - It helps the potato skins to crisp up in the oven making for a fluffy inside and crispy outside.

BBQ Sauce - I like to use Sweet Baby Rays but you can use whatever sauce you like. It increases the flavor profile of the pork for that classic BBQ flavor.

Butter - It gives the potatoes a little flavor and makes them moist.

Colby Cheese - It adds another layer of flavor and some fat to help round out the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pork Shoulder - You can use a different cut of pork if you wish or even change it up using a completely different protein such as chicken breasts.

Baked Potatoes - You can switch this up if your family does not like baked potatoes. Mashed potatoes would also make for a delicious base for this dish but obviously would increase the hands-on prep time.

Steak Seasoning - You can use whatever blend of herbs and spices that your family likes. This is the standard seasoning that my family likes. You could use seasoned salt, BBQ seasoning, etc.

BBQ Sauce - I used Sweet Baby Rays because that is the one my family likes, use whatever brand that you prefer.

Butter - It is completely optional, it just adds a little flavor to the dish.

Colby Cheese - Use whatever cheese you enjoy. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or smoked Gouda pairs well with the BBQ sauce. If you don't like cheese then leave it off.

How to make BBQ Pork Baked Potatoes

Make the pork

I do my roast in the crockpot, if you rather do yours in the oven, feel free to do so.

Lightly spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. 

You can sear the roast on both sides if you wish before adding to the crockpot, I usually just place the pork shoulder roast directly in the crockpot.

Add one cup of water around the roast.

Sprinkle seasoning on roast and place lid on the crockpot.

Cook on low for about 6 hours or until the roast temps to 160° F and it falls apart.

In a large bowl shred the beef and add the one of cup of BBQ sauce.  Mix to coat meat well.

Make the potatoes

Thoroughly wash and clean the russet potatoes and dry them off well.  Poke a couple of holes on the potatoes (I usually use a sharp knife and poke it 2-3 times per side of the potato.).

Place potatoes on a sheet pan and drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and coat both sides. 

Sprinkle seasoning on potatoes.

Put them in the oven and bake for about 1 hour (baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes) or until the potatoes are soft and tender.

Set aside.

Assemble the dish

Slice on the potatoes and fluff the inside of the potatoes.

Add butter and let melt on the potatoes.

Sprinkle cheese on the potatoes (if you want your cheese completely melted, then place in the microwave for a minute.

Put the pork on top of the potato and add more BBQ sauce if desired.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Put the roast on in the crockpot about 6 hours before you are ready to eat. Test with a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked through to an internal temperature of 160° F.
• When the roast has an hour left put the potatoes in the oven so that everything is done at the same time.
• Add a vegetable to round of the meal, I usually do green beans but do whatever your family likes.

How long does the BBQ pork last

It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Use leftovers to make a BBQ pork sandwich or wrap.

Can one freeze the BBQ pork

Yes, leftovers can be stored in the freezer for about 3 months. This is a great way to make for an even easier meal in the future for when you don't have the time or energy to cook.

For more meaty recipes check out my Chicken Enchiladas. https://thefoodologistmom.com/chicken-enchiladas/

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Why this banana pudding layered dessert recipe works

• The layering effect in this dessert creates a well balanced texture and flavor profile.
• The vanilla wafer cookies absorb the moisture from the pudding and bananas which creates a cake like texture but not soggy as the fat in the cookies slows and controls the rate at which the liquid is absorbed.
• Adding the slices of bananas gives the dessert the fresh banana flavor for a more authentic taste versus using artificial flavoring. The fresh banana flavoring comes from isoamyl acetate, which is the molecule that is primarily responsible for the banana's true, natural flavor.
• The pudding contains modified starches that gelatinize when liquid is added. This provides stability in the dessert and help to moisten the cookies to that cake like texture.
• Adding crushed wafer cookies on top makes for a pretty presentation and a little extra crunch.

Recipe Ingredients

Vanilla wafer cookies - The base of the recipe that creates structure and an added crunch.

Instant banana pudding mix - Gives the dessert stability and creaminess.

Milk - Along with the pudding, creates that smooth creaminess.

Bananas - The star of the show. They lend lots of flavor for this classic dessert.

Whipped topping - Lightens up the pudding and ties the whole dessert together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Vanilla wafer cookies - You can substitute any type of cookies that you like. The vanilla wafers are the traditional method but you could use shortbread cookies, graham cracker, vanilla Oreos, etc.

Instant banana pudding mix - If you rather make your own pudding from scratch that would be delicious. You could also do a vanilla pudding to avoid the artificial banana flavoring.

Milk - I used 2% milk in the recipe. You could use 1% or skim to make it less fattening or whole milk to make it more creamy.

Whipped topping - To make the dessert less artificial in flavor, you could whip up your own whipped cream by using heavy cream and a little bit of powdered sugar. This would take it up to the next level.

How to make Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Make the pudding

Place the package of pudding and milk in a medium size bowl and whisk together. Let set for about five minutes.

Assemble the dessert

In a 8x8 inch pan, place a single layer of the wafer cookies.

Place half of the banana sliced on top of the wafer cookies.

Place half of the prepared pudding on top of the bananas.

Place another layer of bananas on top of the wafer cookies.

Place the remaining pudding on top of the bananas.

Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding.

Crush up some of the wafer cookies and sprinkle on top of the whipped topping.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• The cookies, pudding, and whipped topping can all be made from scratch if you prefer the homemade taste. Using the items from the store help to make this a quick and easy recipe.
• You can crush the cookies for the top using a food processor or just place in a zipper bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• Make this dessert a few hours before hand so that the cookies soften and all the flavors have a chance to blend together.
• For a prettier presentation you can make in a trifle dish.
• Top with your family's favorite toppings, example: caramel drizzle, maraschino cherries, etc.
• You can make this how ever many layers you like, you just might need to alter the amount of ingredients you use.

How to serve Banana Pudding Layered Dessert

Spoon into a dish, ensuring you have some of all the layers.

Top with your favorite toppings.

How long does Banana Pudding Layered Dessert last?

Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.

Can one Freeze Banana Pudding Layered Dessert?

I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.

More layered dessert recipes

For more layered dessert recipes. check out my pistachio layered dessert and my chocolate caramel layered dessert.

Pistachio Layered Dessert

Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert

Why this holiday roasted green bean recipe works

• Simple enough to make any night of the week.
• Just a few ingredients.
• Beautifully appealing to spruce up any holiday table.

Recipe Ingredients

Green Beans - The star of the show. Fresh green beans makes this elegant enough for the holiday meals. They are nutritious and are the star of the dish.

Mushrooms - They add an earthiness to the dish and lend a lot of flavor.

Tomatoes - They burst when roasting and all their juices flow throughout the dish lending lots of delicious flavor.

Garlic - Garlic is delicious in just about every form it comes in but when roasted it becomes caramelized and sweet, rounding out the flavor profile of the dish.

Olive oil - The olive oil is a healthier fat option and has more flavor when compared to other types of oils such as vegetable or canola. It lends a lot of flavor and coats everything well for even roasting.

Salt and pepper - Lend flavor to the dish.

Parmesan - The nutty flavor of the parmesan cheese rounds out the flavor profile of the dish.

How to make Holiday Roasted Green Beans

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

Lightly grease a sheet pan.

Place green beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and garlic on the sheet pan.

Drizzle olive oil over the top.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the green beans and mushrooms are roasted and tender and the tomatoes have burst open.

Serve with grated parmesan, if desired.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• To save time, you can use already cleaned and snapped fresh green beans.
• I like to use the medley tomatoes which have red, yellow, orange, and other tomatoes for the variation of colors and flavors, but you can add whichever small type of tomato you would like. Doing just red with the green beans would be beautiful for Christmas.
• Cremini mushroom will add more flavor than the white button mushrooms, but both work well in this dish.
• Chop your garlic into medium size pieces so that they can caramelize.
• Adding a little fresh parmesan cheese grated on top will take this dish over the top.

How to serve Holiday Roasted Green Beans

Serve with the grated parmesan cheese.

Serve warm and along side a protein and a starch for a well rounded meal.

How long do the Holiday Roasted Green Beans last?

If you have leftovers, they can stay in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

What if the veggies are still crunchy?

Place them back in the oven checking about every 5-7 minutes.

Can I add other veggies to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add some shredded carrots or butternut/scorn squash for another pop of color or cauliflower. Bell peppers sliced into strips would also be another good choice.

What other additions could I add to this dish?

• Pine nuts
• Shaved asiago cheese
• Shaved gruyere cheese
• Thyme for more earthiness
• Shallots

Use ingredients that your family enjoys!

More Vegetable Recipes

For more vegetable dishes check out my cucumber and tomato salad. https://thefoodologistmom.com/tomato-cucumber-salad/

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Why this buffalo chicken dip recipe work

• It has that classic buffalo wing flavor.
• The addition of cheese balances the spiciness nicely.
• A hearty dip that will fill you up.
• Super easy to make with only 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes to prep.

Recipe Ingredients

Cream cheese - Creates the base for the dip, providing structure.

Sour cream - Provides creaminess to the dip and helps to balance the heat from the wing sauce.

Chicken breasts - Low fat protein that helps to balance the fattier ingredients like the sour cream and cheese.

Buffalo wing sauce - Provides spiciness to the chicken for that classic buffalo wing taste.

Colby cheese - Helps to bind everything together and balance out the spiciness.

How to make buffalo chicken dip

Preheat the oven to 425° Fahrenheit.

Shred the chicken

Shred or dice two cooked chicken breasts into bite size pieces. If using rotisserie chicken like I did, remove the skin before shredding. Set chicken aside.

Make the base

Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Add sour cream and whisk together until smooth. Add the buffalo wing sauce and whisk again until smooth.

Assemble the dip

Add the diced/shredded chicken to the dip and one and a half cups of the cheese. Stir together. Place in a greased 8x8 inch square dish.

Top with remaining cheese.

Place in oven and cook for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese melted.

Serve with pita chips or chips of your choice.

Recipe notes and tips

• You can absolutely cook the chicken breasts yourself if you prefer to do so. Using a rotisserie chicken just helps to cut down the time on the preparation.
• If you forget to take the cream cheese ahead of time, just place it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften it.
• You can certainly adjust the amount of buffalo sauce used and/or the heat level of the sauce to your family's liking.
• Serve with your favorite chips. We like pita as they are sturdy enough to stand up to the hearty dip.

How to serve buffalo chicken dip

• Serve with pita chips, potato chips, or any chip to your liking.
• Best if served warm.
• Leftovers can be served the next day. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days, if it lasts that long.

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Are you looking for an easy breakfast option that will leave you filling full? Then look no further. This steak and egg burrito is hearty and will give you the fuel you need to start your day off right. With steak, eggs, cheese, and veggies, it combines all the food groups, add a bowl of fruit for a well rounded breakfast.

Why this steak and egg burrito recipe works

• Has two sources of protein from the steak and eggs (more if you include the cheese).
• Includes aromatics like onion and garlic to add lots of flavor.
• Very versatile, use ingredients that your family enjoys eating.
• Easy to eat on the go for busy weekday mornings.

Recipe Ingredients

Eggs - provides the base and structure for the burritos while being excellent source of protein

Half and half or milk - loosens up the eggs and makes them light and fluffy

Olive oil - provides the fat needed, in a healthy form, to cook the eggs, steak, and veggies

Butter - provides the fat needed, and lends flavor, to cook the eggs, steak, and veggies

Bell pepper - provides savory flavor to the burrito while adding vitamins and nutrition

Onion - provides savory flavor to the burrito while adding vitamins and nutrition

Salt - adds flavor to the burrito

Black Pepper - adds flavor to the burrito

Garlic powder - adds flavor to the burrito while adding vitamins and nutrition

Steak - provides protein needed to keep you full, also adds lots of flavor and nutrition

Cheese - adds lots of flavor while also being a source of fat and vitamins

How to make steak and egg burritos

Cook the steak

Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil to a nonstick skillet and preheat over medium-high heat.

Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and then place in the hot skillet. Breakfast cut of sirloin steak is usually a thin cut so it does not need to cook very long. Brown steak on both sides. Using a meat thermometer test the doneness of the steak to cook to your liking.

Place steak aside to rest while cooking the other ingredients. Once rested slice into small bite size pieces.

Cook the vegetables

Grease and preheat a medium skillet over medium high heat.

Dice pepper and onion and place in skillet. Cook until tender and the onion is translucent. Set aside.

Cook the eggs

In a large bowl crack the eggs, whisk together with milk/half and half, salt and pepper, put aside. 

Place butter in skillet over medium heat, once melted add eggs.  Stir continuously til eggs are cooked through, remove from heat.

Assemble the burritos

Place tortilla on flat surface, add chopped steak, eggs, cheese, pepper mixture, and cheese.  Fold in sides of the tortilla and roll into a burrito.  Serve with sour cream and salsa if desired.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Cook the pepper and onions while the steak is cooking.
• Wait until the steak has rested a few minutes to cook the eggs because they don't take long at all to cook.
• Do not walk away from the eggs as they may brown or burn.
• When cooking the eggs, push them to center of the pan and pull from the center, do this all around the pan so that they do not stick. This will keep them from drying out and they will stay nice and fluffy.
• Do not overcook. Eggs that look done in the pan will be overcooked on the plate. Take them off the heat just before they are done.

How to serve steak and egg burritos

• I like to cut the burritos in half to serve.
• You can wrap them in parchment paper or aluminum foil to eat on the go.
• Serve with sour cream and salsa, if desired.

How long do steak and egg burritos last

Burritos will last a couple of days in the refrigerator.

The burritos can be froze for up to 2-3 months. Just heat in the microwave for a minute or two.

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Pistachio layered dessert is an easy to put together dessert that will feed a crowd. Since it uses instant pudding it takes no time to put together. It is creamy, cool, and refreshing. Take it to a potluck or family gathering and it is sure to be a hit.

Why This Pistachio Layered Dessert Recipe Works

• The graham cracker crust gives it a crunchy texture from the crush graham crackers.
• Adding the cream cheese layer is like a no-bake cheesecake, the is creamy, fluffy, and rich.
• The pistachio pudding layer is cool and refreshing which balances out the cheesecake layer.

Recipe Ingredients

Graham Crackers - The base for the dessert. It provides a firm foundation to hold all the soft and creamy layers. It also gives a crunch which helps to balance the smooth and creaminess.

Butter - Binds the graham cracker pieces together and lends its flavor.

Cream Cheese - The base for the no-bake cheesecake layer. It is soft and smooth and pairs well the whipped topping.

Powdered Sugar - Sweetens up the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract - Adds vanilla flavor the cheesecake layer.

Whipped Topping - lightens up the cream cheese layer making it a no-bake cheesecake.

Milk - Binds the instant pudding particles together creating a creamy pudding layer.

Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix - Provides a solid, creamy pudding layer that compliments the crunch crust and creamy cheesecake layer.

How to Make Pistachio Layered Dessert

Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a food processor add one sleeve of graham crackers at a time and pulse until they are fine crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Repeat process two more times.

Melt butter and add to graham cracker crumbs stirring so that all crumbs are coated in butter.

Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Pour buttered crumbs in pan and press slightly for an even layer to cover the bottom of the pan and partially up the sides of the pan.

Bake for about 12 minutes until brown and fragrant. Place aside to cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

Take one block of softened cream cheese and add to a large bowl.

Add vanilla and one cup of powdered sugar at a time and combine with cream cheese until completely incorporated.

Add the rest of the powdered sugar and repeat the process.

Once the cream cheese and powdered sugar are fully combined add the whipped topping and fold together.

Make the Pudding

In a medium size bowl place the instant pudding mixes.

Add milk one cup at a time.

Whisk together for a couple minutes until it starts to thicken.

Let rest for a couple minutes (mixture will thicken up[on standing).

Assemble the Dessert

Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, and spread into an even layer reaching to the corners of the pan.

Pour the thickened pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread to the edges of the pan.

Once pudding is set, if desired, add more whipped topping on top, spreading evenly.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• A food processor makes easy work to crush the graham crackers, ensuring all the crumbs are the same size.
• If you do not have a food processor you can use a zip lock bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them.
• Make sure all the crumbs are coated with the butter to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer to not bake the crust that is an option, just realize that it will not hold together like a baked crust will and it will be more loose.
• Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a couple hours. This will help it incorporate better with the powdered sugar and whipped topping ensuring a creamy layer.

How to Serve Pistachio Layered Dessert

After the dessert has setup in the refrigerator for a couple hours, cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!

How Long Does Pistachio Layered Dessert Last

Typically the dessert will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But if your family is anything like mine it will get eaten before that.

Can one Freeze Pistachio Layered Dessert?

I would not recommend this. This will change the texture making it less than desirable.

What if the Layers Blend Together?

If you choose not to bake the crust there is the possibility that some crumbs may get into the cheesecake layer. That's ok, just smooth it out best you can.

If the cheesecake layer is not thick and setup enough your pudding may run into your cheesecake layer when layering. Again though, that's ok, just smooth out the best you can.

More Pistachio Desserts

For more pistachio desserts check out my pistachio white chip cookies. https://thefoodologistmom.com/pistachio-white-chip-cookies/

Apple bread was always a favorite of mine growing up. My grandma would make apple bread, pumpkin bread, and harvest bread, usually all on the same day and several times of each recipe. She would make them in small loaf size. I usually make the larger loaf size or they make for muffins. They are great for bake sales, holiday gifts, or just for sharing with friends and family.

My grandma always had a couple bushels of apples. You can multiply this recipe several times if you will be making a lot of them. For this recipe we will be doing a single recipe that makes 2 large loaves or 24 muffins.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farneheit.

Chop apples in food processor till small pieces, combine with sugar in a large bowl and allow to set for an hour. 

Stir apple and sugar mixture, then add eggs and oil and mix till well combined. 

Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl and gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet adding small amounts at a time and mixing after each addition just till combined.  Stir in nuts if desired. 

Grease loaf pans or muffin tins with cooking spray.  Pour batter into pans. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour for the large loaves, 20 - 25 minutes for muffins, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.