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Gina Gibson

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Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bites (High Protein Mozzarella Bites)
Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bites (High Protein Mozzarella Bites)
Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple Glaze
Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple Glaze
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sausage Pasta
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sausage Pasta
Cinnamon Scones
Cinnamon Scones
Crispy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with High-Protein Burger Sauce
Crispy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with High-Protein Burger Sauce
Apple Olive Oil Cake
Apple Olive Oil Cake
Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi
Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi
Pumpkin Brookies (Brownie Cookie Bars)
Pumpkin Brookies (Brownie Cookie Bars)
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MOST RECENT

  • Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bites (High Protein Mozzarella Bites)

    If your kids love mozzarella sticks, these cheese-stuffed chicken bites are about to become a new favorite in your house. They have everything we love about classic mozzarella sticks โ€” crispy coating, gooey melted cheese โ€” but theyโ€™re wrapped in seasoned ground chicken and air fried until golden. […]

    Continue Reading Cheese Stuffed Chicken Bites (High Protein Mozzarella Bites)Continue

  • Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple Glaze

    Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple Glaze

    If you love bakery-style coffee cakes, this butter pecan loaf is for you. Itโ€™s rich without being heavy, slightly dense in that perfect coffee-cake way, and packed with nutty brown butter flavor. The toasted pecans, cinnamon streusel, and maple glaze make every slice feel like something youโ€™d grab […]

    Continue Reading Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple GlazeContinue

Hello, I’m Gina

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I love cooking and sharing easier, healthier recipes for families and individuals. You’ll also see tidbits of mom life and lifestyle. Hope you enjoy your visit to the site!

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What to Make for Dinner

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sausage Pasta

February 2, 2026

Crispy Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with High-Protein Burger Sauce

November 19, 2025

Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi

October 29, 2025

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Galette

October 6, 2025

Sweet Treats

Butter Pecan Coffee Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Maple Glaze

February 15, 2026

Pumpkin Brookies (Brownie Cookie Bars)

October 12, 2025

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

September 28, 2025
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If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken sa If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken salad. 

Itโ€™s creamy, crunchy, loaded with dill pickle flavor, and packed with protein thanks to Greek yogurt and shredded chicken. I also add celery for crunch and a little pickled jalapeรฑo for a subtle kick.

This is one of those recipes I keep in the fridge for easy lunches, wraps, or just scooped up with crackers.

Comment โ€œrecipeโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it to your DMs. Keep tagging so I can see when you make it!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups finely shredded cooked chicken breast๏ฟฝยฝ cup plain Greek yogurt๏ฟฝ2 tbsp โ€“ ยผ cup mayonnaise (optional)๏ฟฝยผ cup diced dill pickles๏ฟฝ2 tbsp pickle juice๏ฟฝยผ cup diced celery๏ฟฝ2 tbsp finely diced red onion๏ฟฝ1โ€“2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeรฑos๏ฟฝ2 tsp fresh dill๏ฟฝยฝ tsp garlic powder๏ฟฝยฝ tsp onion powder๏ฟฝsalt & pepper to taste

Tip: pulse the chicken in a food processor for the best texture.
This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner th This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner that just hits the spot. Itโ€™s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor โ€” but I added a healthier twist by blending in sautรฉed carrots, celery, and onion for extra nutrients.

The veggies melt right into the broth so even picky eaters wonโ€™t notice. My boys absolutely loved this one, and I love that itโ€™s made with @seasonalsips Chicken Bone Broth for an extra boost of protein and flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
ยฝ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta)
16 oz Seasonal Steps Chicken Bone Broth
ยฝโ€“ยพ cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1โ€“2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sautรฉ for 7โ€“8 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Transfer the vegetables to a blender with about ยพ cup of the bone broth. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and add the remaining bone broth and ยฝ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the pastina and cook 5โ€“6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender. Add a little more water if it becomes too thick.

Stir in Parmesan and and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. 

We also like this served with some chicken cutlets.
Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, and melty cheddar all in one skillet. Itโ€™s cozy, filling, and satisfying. 

I love a freezer shortcut, and frozen pierogi absolutely deliver here. Boil then crisp them up, add some browned beef and onions, finish with cheeseโ€ฆnow itโ€™s a full dinner with a protein boost. 

1 lb ground beef
1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogi (potato + cheese)
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt + pepper
Optional: sour cream + green onions for serving

Sautรฉ sliced onions in oil or butter until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook the pierogi according to package directions, then pan-fry in butter until crispy.
Add pierogi and onions back to the skillet with the beef.
Sprinkle cheddar over the top and cover for a few minutes until melted.
Serve with sour cream and green onions if you like.
These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco ni These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco night and my family absolutely loves them.

Theyโ€™re slightly crispy on the outside, meaty and cheesy in the middle, and come together with just a few simple ingredients. I arrange them in a skillet like a circle so everyone can just grab one.

Easy, fun, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
3 burrito-size tortillas (I use Mission Carb Balance) 
1 lb ground beef
1 packet Taco seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Optional: sour cream or queso
Guacamole and sour cream for serving

Cook the ground beef in a skillet and season with taco seasoning.
Cut the tortillas in half. Lay out the tortillas and place taco meat in the center in a triangle shape.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. You can also add a little sour cream or queso to the tortilla before the meat if you like.
Fold the left side of the tortilla in, then the right side, forming a triangle pocket.
Place the taco pockets into an oven-safe skillet, arranging them in a circle.
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Or cheese of choice. 
Bake at 350ยฐF for about 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Serve with hot sauce, guacamole, and sour cream.
If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to t If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to try these cheese stuffed chicken bites.

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and wrapped in seasoned chicken so theyโ€™re packed with protein. My boys love these in their school lunches. I warm them in the morning, wrap them in foil, and tuck them into their lunchboxes.

Comment RECIPE and Iโ€™ll send it straight to your DMs.
Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Mini street taco Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos

Mini street taco tortillas (or Mission low-carb), thin smashed ground chicken, and a simple Caesar salad on top. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and fresh from the salad.

We top ours with chopped Caesar salad, crispy bacon, and sometimes avocado. So good.

Mini street taco flour tortillas or @missionfoodsus low-carb tortillas
1 lb ground chicken
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
2 oz ground chicken per taco
Caesar salad
Cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
Avocado, diced (optional)

How to 
Season the ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread about 2 oz of ground chicken thinly onto each tortilla.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
Place the tortilla meat-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, pressing lightly so it stays flat.
Flip and cook another 2โ€“3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Top with chopped Caesar salad, bacon, and avocado.
If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken sa If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken salad. 

Itโ€™s creamy, crunchy, loaded with dill pickle flavor, and packed with protein thanks to Greek yogurt and shredded chicken. I also add celery for crunch and a little pickled jalapeรฑo for a subtle kick.

This is one of those recipes I keep in the fridge for easy lunches, wraps, or just scooped up with crackers.

Comment โ€œrecipeโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it to your DMs. Keep tagging so I can see when you make it!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups finely shredded cooked chicken breast๏ฟฝยฝ cup plain Greek yogurt๏ฟฝ2 tbsp โ€“ ยผ cup mayonnaise (optional)๏ฟฝยผ cup diced dill pickles๏ฟฝ2 tbsp pickle juice๏ฟฝยผ cup diced celery๏ฟฝ2 tbsp finely diced red onion๏ฟฝ1โ€“2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeรฑos๏ฟฝ2 tsp fresh dill๏ฟฝยฝ tsp garlic powder๏ฟฝยฝ tsp onion powder๏ฟฝsalt & pepper to taste

Tip: pulse the chicken in a food processor for the best texture.
This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner th This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner that just hits the spot. Itโ€™s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor โ€” but I added a healthier twist by blending in sautรฉed carrots, celery, and onion for extra nutrients.

The veggies melt right into the broth so even picky eaters wonโ€™t notice. My boys absolutely loved this one, and I love that itโ€™s made with @seasonalsips Chicken Bone Broth for an extra boost of protein and flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
ยฝ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta)
16 oz Seasonal Steps Chicken Bone Broth
ยฝโ€“ยพ cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1โ€“2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sautรฉ for 7โ€“8 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Transfer the vegetables to a blender with about ยพ cup of the bone broth. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and add the remaining bone broth and ยฝ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the pastina and cook 5โ€“6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender. Add a little more water if it becomes too thick.

Stir in Parmesan and and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. 

We also like this served with some chicken cutlets.
Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, and melty cheddar all in one skillet. Itโ€™s cozy, filling, and satisfying. 

I love a freezer shortcut, and frozen pierogi absolutely deliver here. Boil then crisp them up, add some browned beef and onions, finish with cheeseโ€ฆnow itโ€™s a full dinner with a protein boost. 

1 lb ground beef
1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogi (potato + cheese)
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt + pepper
Optional: sour cream + green onions for serving

Sautรฉ sliced onions in oil or butter until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook the pierogi according to package directions, then pan-fry in butter until crispy.
Add pierogi and onions back to the skillet with the beef.
Sprinkle cheddar over the top and cover for a few minutes until melted.
Serve with sour cream and green onions if you like.
These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco ni These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco night and my family absolutely loves them.

Theyโ€™re slightly crispy on the outside, meaty and cheesy in the middle, and come together with just a few simple ingredients. I arrange them in a skillet like a circle so everyone can just grab one.

Easy, fun, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
3 burrito-size tortillas (I use Mission Carb Balance) 
1 lb ground beef
1 packet Taco seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Optional: sour cream or queso
Guacamole and sour cream for serving

Cook the ground beef in a skillet and season with taco seasoning.
Cut the tortillas in half. Lay out the tortillas and place taco meat in the center in a triangle shape.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. You can also add a little sour cream or queso to the tortilla before the meat if you like.
Fold the left side of the tortilla in, then the right side, forming a triangle pocket.
Place the taco pockets into an oven-safe skillet, arranging them in a circle.
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Or cheese of choice. 
Bake at 350ยฐF for about 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Serve with hot sauce, guacamole, and sour cream.
If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to t If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to try these cheese stuffed chicken bites.

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and wrapped in seasoned chicken so theyโ€™re packed with protein. My boys love these in their school lunches. I warm them in the morning, wrap them in foil, and tuck them into their lunchboxes.

Comment RECIPE and Iโ€™ll send it straight to your DMs.
Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Mini street taco Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos

Mini street taco tortillas (or Mission low-carb), thin smashed ground chicken, and a simple Caesar salad on top. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and fresh from the salad.

We top ours with chopped Caesar salad, crispy bacon, and sometimes avocado. So good.

Mini street taco flour tortillas or @missionfoodsus low-carb tortillas
1 lb ground chicken
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
2 oz ground chicken per taco
Caesar salad
Cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
Avocado, diced (optional)

How to 
Season the ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread about 2 oz of ground chicken thinly onto each tortilla.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
Place the tortilla meat-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, pressing lightly so it stays flat.
Flip and cook another 2โ€“3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Top with chopped Caesar salad, bacon, and avocado.
If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken sa If you love picklesโ€ฆ you will LOVE this chicken salad. 

Itโ€™s creamy, crunchy, loaded with dill pickle flavor, and packed with protein thanks to Greek yogurt and shredded chicken. I also add celery for crunch and a little pickled jalapeรฑo for a subtle kick.

This is one of those recipes I keep in the fridge for easy lunches, wraps, or just scooped up with crackers.

Comment โ€œrecipeโ€ and Iโ€™ll send it to your DMs. Keep tagging so I can see when you make it!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups finely shredded cooked chicken breast๏ฟฝยฝ cup plain Greek yogurt๏ฟฝ2 tbsp โ€“ ยผ cup mayonnaise (optional)๏ฟฝยผ cup diced dill pickles๏ฟฝ2 tbsp pickle juice๏ฟฝยผ cup diced celery๏ฟฝ2 tbsp finely diced red onion๏ฟฝ1โ€“2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeรฑos๏ฟฝ2 tsp fresh dill๏ฟฝยฝ tsp garlic powder๏ฟฝยฝ tsp onion powder๏ฟฝsalt & pepper to taste

Tip: pulse the chicken in a food processor for the best texture.
This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner th This cozy bone broth pastina is a simple dinner that just hits the spot. Itโ€™s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor โ€” but I added a healthier twist by blending in sautรฉed carrots, celery, and onion for extra nutrients.

The veggies melt right into the broth so even picky eaters wonโ€™t notice. My boys absolutely loved this one, and I love that itโ€™s made with @seasonalsips Chicken Bone Broth for an extra boost of protein and flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
ยฝ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 cup pastina (or other tiny pasta)
16 oz Seasonal Steps Chicken Bone Broth
ยฝโ€“ยพ cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1โ€“2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sautรฉ for 7โ€“8 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Transfer the vegetables to a blender with about ยพ cup of the bone broth. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and add the remaining bone broth and ยฝ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the pastina and cook 5โ€“6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender. Add a little more water if it becomes too thick.

Stir in Parmesan and and cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. 

We also like this served with some chicken cutlets.
Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, Crispy pierogi, savory ground beef, sweet onions, and melty cheddar all in one skillet. Itโ€™s cozy, filling, and satisfying. 

I love a freezer shortcut, and frozen pierogi absolutely deliver here. Boil then crisp them up, add some browned beef and onions, finish with cheeseโ€ฆnow itโ€™s a full dinner with a protein boost. 

1 lb ground beef
1 (16 oz) bag frozen pierogi (potato + cheese)
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt + pepper
Optional: sour cream + green onions for serving

Sautรฉ sliced onions in oil or butter until soft and golden. Remove and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook the pierogi according to package directions, then pan-fry in butter until crispy.
Add pierogi and onions back to the skillet with the beef.
Sprinkle cheddar over the top and cover for a few minutes until melted.
Serve with sour cream and green onions if you like.
These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco ni These taco pockets are such a fun twist on taco night and my family absolutely loves them.

Theyโ€™re slightly crispy on the outside, meaty and cheesy in the middle, and come together with just a few simple ingredients. I arrange them in a skillet like a circle so everyone can just grab one.

Easy, fun, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
3 burrito-size tortillas (I use Mission Carb Balance) 
1 lb ground beef
1 packet Taco seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Optional: sour cream or queso
Guacamole and sour cream for serving

Cook the ground beef in a skillet and season with taco seasoning.
Cut the tortillas in half. Lay out the tortillas and place taco meat in the center in a triangle shape.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. You can also add a little sour cream or queso to the tortilla before the meat if you like.
Fold the left side of the tortilla in, then the right side, forming a triangle pocket.
Place the taco pockets into an oven-safe skillet, arranging them in a circle.
Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Or cheese of choice. 
Bake at 350ยฐF for about 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Serve with hot sauce, guacamole, and sour cream.
If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to t If your kids love mozzarella sticks, you need to try these cheese stuffed chicken bites.

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and wrapped in seasoned chicken so theyโ€™re packed with protein. My boys love these in their school lunches. I warm them in the morning, wrap them in foil, and tuck them into their lunchboxes.

Comment RECIPE and Iโ€™ll send it straight to your DMs.
Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Mini street taco Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos

Mini street taco tortillas (or Mission low-carb), thin smashed ground chicken, and a simple Caesar salad on top. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and fresh from the salad.

We top ours with chopped Caesar salad, crispy bacon, and sometimes avocado. So good.

Mini street taco flour tortillas or @missionfoodsus low-carb tortillas
1 lb ground chicken
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
2 oz ground chicken per taco
Caesar salad
Cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
Avocado, diced (optional)

How to 
Season the ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread about 2 oz of ground chicken thinly onto each tortilla.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
Place the tortilla meat-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, pressing lightly so it stays flat.
Flip and cook another 2โ€“3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Top with chopped Caesar salad, bacon, and avocado.

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