In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas

A Delicious Hummus Hack

If you read about how I came up with the idea to launch my podcast, Happiest Hour, then you know I’ve been influenced by my favorite online influencer, Landyn Hutchinson (better known as Living with Landyn).

Last year sometime, Landyn shared a recipe for hummus she tried at a restaurant on the west coast. It just elevates the regular ol’ hummus dip from a package by mixing in some fresh herbs, cheese and a little kick (to taste).

I’ve adapted this idea into my own favorite hummus dip. I consider it a hack, since you use store bought hummus and just give it a little extra pizzaz. Give it a try, then whip up some frozen watermelon margaritas from Ep. 10 of the podcast (recipe below), and join my conversation with hit songwriter, Kirsti Manna!

If you read about how I came up with the idea to launch my podcast, Happiest Hour, then you know I’ve been influenced by my favorite online influencer, Landyn Hutchinson (better known as Living with Landyn).

Last year sometime, Landyn shared a recipe for hummus she tried at a restaurant on the west coast. It just elevates the regular ol’ hummus dip from a package by mixing in some fresh herbs, cheese and a little kick (to taste).

I’ve adapted this idea into my own favorite hummus dip. I consider it a hack, since you use store bought hummus and just give it a little extra pizzaz. Give it a try, then whip up some frozen watermelon margaritas from Ep. 10 of the podcast (recipe below), and join my conversation with hit songwriter, Kirsti Manna!

 

Try the Cocktail…

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

 

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My guest in Ep. 10, Kirsti Manna, brought in the most amazing frozen watermelon margarita recipe to pair with her episode. Try it here!

 

Catch the episode!

 

Ep. 10 - Staying Inspired with Kirsti Manna


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In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas

Becky Knowles' Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar Sandwich (from Jay Knowles)

My guest on Ep. 09 of Happiest Hour, Jay Knowles, said to me: “How ‘bout I make the peanut butter and brown sugar sandwiches the way I remember incorrectly that my mom used to make.” That’s Jay’s sense of humor for ya! Eye ball this nostalgic after-school snack and enjoy the sweet and sticky memories. Read on for Jay’s recipe!

My guest on Ep. 09 of Happiest Hour, Jay Knowles, said to me: “How ‘bout I make the peanut butter and brown sugar sandwiches the way I remember incorrectly that my mom used to make.” That’s Jay’s sense of humor for ya!

Eye ball this nostalgic after-school snack and enjoy the sweet and sticky memories. Read on for Jay’s recipe!

 

Try the Drink…

Clever Coffee

 

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My guest in Ep. 09, Jay Knowles, teaches us the secret to making the best cup of coffee… ever. Click here for the recipe!

 

Catch the episode!

 

Ep. 09 - The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles


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In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas

S'mores Dip

No campfire needed! This quick S’mores Dip recipe could not be easier. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake!

Over Christmas break, my family met dear friends in Breckenridge for a joint family ski vacation. I made this dessert dip after dinner one night at the house and it was a HUGE hit! I mean, if a snow ski trip doesn’t make you think “S’mores,” I don’t know what will.

The best part, you don’t need a campfire to get your chocolate and marshmallow fix. This quick dessert recipe could not be easier. Just pour a few ingredients into a skillet, bake and you’re done!

I originally found a recipe similar to this on Pinterest years ago, but I’ve tweaked it slightly for a gooey, delicious treat every time.

 

Try the Drink…

Iced French Toast Latte

 

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My guest in Ep. 08, Risa Binder, brought over this yummy French Toast Latte. It’s dairy free (although you can make it with any milk you’d like), and can be served cold or hot. We made an iced version and it was so delicious! The spicy cinnamon and creamy oat milk mixed with slightest sweetness from honey. Yes please. Get yourself this decadent drink here!

 

Catch the episode!

 

Ep. 08 - Living with Purpose with Risa Binder


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In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas

Mary Helen's Shrimp Dip

This is a dish Mary Helen is known for in her family and friend group. And I am SO glad she chose to share it with us because, if you make this for your family, you’re going to be famous for it, too. If you like shellfish and spicy food, this super quick and easy side dish is out-of-this-world good!

A note on spicy: Mary Helen likes this dish with a kick. I’m glad about that because I absolutely love horseradish. So, here’s the thing: most prepared horseradish cream sauces won’t have a really good kick. To make this dish really shine, it’s important to use a high quality horseradish.

Mary Helen is a fan of Silver Spring Foods, which you can generally find at Publix, Kroger and possibly other grocery stores, or Atomic (find online).

Full transparency, my grocery store didn’t have these brands, so I did end up getting a prepared horseradish cream sauce by Boar’s Head, and even Mary Helen was impressed! We were surprised. It had a KICK!

This dish is versatile for holidays and celebrations all throughout the year. Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a red plate for Christmas, silver platter for New Years, or choose your favorite dish for a birthday. The green onions and lemon peel bring beautiful color to the presentation. This shrimp dish is a crowd pleaser in both taste and looks.

Bonappetite!

 

Try the Drink…

French 75 Cocktail

 

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My guest in Ep. 05, Mary Helen Yarbrough, brought over this classic cocktail recipe, which pairs beautifully with the shrimp dip you just made! She also shared a few insider secrets about how to make the best drinks. It’s all waiting for you here!

 

Catch the episode!

 

Ep. 05 - Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life with Mary Helen Yarbrough


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In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas In the Kitchen Lauren Lucas

Cowboy Caviar

My college besties, Kelly and Kelsey, and I used to make this dip all the time when we had an off-campus apartment. So, when Ashley from The Wildcards recommended something similar to pair with our podcast episode, I was super excited!

I’ll be honest, I eyeball everything in this recipe. Just sprinkle the herbs and spices to your taste. You can’t mess this up.

We didn’t add heat with jalapeno, but you certainly can if you like a little kick. Or use a can of Rotel instead of tomatoes.

I’m telling ya, once you start eating this dip with tortilla chips, you won’t be able to stop! It’s so good and couldn’t be easier to make. This dish is the perfect idea for a potluck or holiday party. Just dump it all together and go!

 

Try the Drink…

Merry Margarita

 

My guest in Ep. 03, The Wildcards and I made this delicious craft cocktail together. This variation of a margarita is the perfect idea for the holidays and pairs well with the Cowboy Caviar dip! Grab the recipe here!

 

Catch the episode!

 

Ep. 03 - Jumping in the Driver’s Seat with The Wildcards

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