Alex & Sonja: The Energetic Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the inventive talents and food enthusiasts behind the renowned website, A Couple Cooks. This energetic pair has been sharing their love for cooking and healthy eating since 2010, when they initially started their blog to motivate others with straightforward, seasonal recipes.

As creators of two celebrated cookbooks, Alex and Sonja have positioned themselves as reliable voices in the realm of home cooking. Their adventure began as busy parents looking to harmonize their passion for food with the responsibilities of family life. Throughout the years, they have honed the skill of crafting delightful, approachable meals that appeal to both adults and children.

A Couple Cooks is more than simply a recipe blog; it is a tribute to the joy of cooking together as a couple. Alex and Sonja’s cooperative approach is clear in every facet of their work, from the creation of original recipes to the breathtaking photography that accompanies each dish. Their website provides a wealth of culinary inspiration, featuring thousands of recipes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients.

In addition to recipes, Alex and Sonja offer precious cooking tips and meal planning suggestions, simplifying the process for families to enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals. Their content is not just family-friendly but also tested by their own children, guaranteeing that each dish is both approved by kids and satisfying for adults.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have nurtured a lively community of food enthusiasts who share their passion for cooking and eating well. Their commitment to fostering a love for food and family shines through in every post, making them a cherished resource for home cooks globally.

Whether you are an experienced chef or a new cook, Alex and Sonja’s inviting style and contagious enthusiasm for cooking will motivate you to relish the joy of preparing meals at home. With their support, you’ll uncover the pleasure of creating tasty dishes that unite people, one recipe at a time.

Lentil enthusiasts, these lentil burgers are just for you! These robust meat-free burgers are crafted with recognizable and nutritious ingredients, in contrast to many commercially available alternatives today. While my Favorite Veggie Burgers remain my primary choice, these lentil burgers take a close second.

These burgers are seasoned with shredded carrot, fresh cilantro or parsley, onion and garlic, along with spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Including two eggs is optional (leave them out for vegan burgers), but they add moisture and create a lighter texture.

The recipe is easily prepared in the food processor. Similar to my veggie burgers, these lentil burgers are at their best when baked in the oven, offering a more convenient and less complicated approach than frying them in a skillet. They emerge beautifully golden and firm enough to maintain their form within a bun.

## Serving Suggestions for Lentil Burgers

These burgers are best enjoyed with strongly flavored toppings, such as an herbed avocado sauce and pickles. Alternatively, you might serve these burgers sans bread, perhaps on a green salad or atop cooked brown rice, farro, or quinoa, accompanied by some of the topping suggestions below. Keep any leftover burgers in the freezer for a quick protein and fiber-rich addition to future meals.

– Buns or bread of your choice, like hamburger buns, English muffins, or flatbread. Toast them lightly for added texture.
– Sauce options include guacamole, avocado pesto, avocado dip, green goddess tahini dip, ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard.
– Greens like crisp lettuce, arugula, or spinach.
– Add some crunch with dill pickles, quick-pickled red onions, or thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers.
– Ripe tomato slices, but only when tomatoes are in season!

## Tips for Lentils

This recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of regular greenish-brown lentils. You can prepare them yourself or use canned lentils or pre-steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s. Whichever cooking method you choose, be sure to spread them out on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture before use. If you have any leftover lentils, consider adding them to a green salad this week.

## Additional Hearty Meatless Main Dishes

Here are a few more recipes featuring beans and lentils that you might enjoy:

Please share how your lentil burgers turn out in the comments! I love hearing from you and hope this recipe becomes a new favorite for you.

## Lentil Vegetable Burgers

These meat-free lentil burgers are hearty, flavorful, and maintain their shape effectively. They come together effortlessly in the food processor. Bake them to a golden finish, and freeze the remaining burgers for later use. The recipe makes 8 veggie burgers.

### Ingredients

#### Lentil Burgers

– 2 1/2 cups cooked greenish-brown lentils
– 1/2 onion, halved
– 2 cloves garlic
– 2 eggs (optional for vegan)
– 1 cup oats
– A handful of fresh cilantro or parsley
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 grated carrot

#### Suggestions for Assembling Burgers

– 8 buns of your choice (hamburger buns, English muffins, or flatbread), toasted
– Sauce: Guacamole, Avocado Pesto, Avocado Dip, Green Goddess Tahini Dip, ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard
– Greens: Lettuce, arugula, or spinach
– To add crunch: Dill pickles, quick-pickled red onions, or thinly sliced radishes or cucumbers
– Sliced tomato

### Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Rinse the lentils thoroughly in a colander, then measure out 2 ½ cups and spread them on a lint-free tea towel or paper towels to dry (if you have any extras, save them for later).
3. To make the burgers: Slice the halved onion into several pieces before adding the onion and garlic cloves to the food processor. Pulse until the onions are coarsely chopped, but no more.
4. Add to the food processor: the dried lentils, eggs, oats, handful of herbs (optional), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Process until the blend resembles chunky hummus (be cautious here). Stir in the grated carrot manually.
5. To form the burgers: Divide the lentil mix into 8 equal portions, using about ½ cup for each. Shape them into patties about 1-inch thick. (If your mixture is too wet to shape, mix in a couple of tablespoons of your choice of flour, or more if necessary.)
6. Generously brush oil on both sides of each patty and arrange them on

**Lasagna Preparation and Storage Tips**

Lasagna is a cherished dish that features layers of pasta, cheese, sauce, and various fillings, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. When making lasagna, there are various tips and techniques that can improve the cooking process and ensure the dish is as flavorful as possible.

**Using Fresh Lasagna Noodles**

One benefit of utilizing fresh lasagna noodles is that they do not necessitate boiling before putting the lasagna together. This can save you time and streamline the preparation process. Fresh noodles are generally more delicate and absorb the flavors of the sauce more efficiently, resulting in a more robust taste.

**Make-Ahead Ideas**

1. **Boil Ingredients Ahead of Time**: If you’re using ingredients like butternut squash, consider boiling them beforehand. Once boiled, you can refrigerate the squash until you’re ready to put together and bake the lasagna. Likewise, if you choose dried noodles, boil them ahead of time, lightly coat them with olive oil to avoid sticking, and store them in the fridge.

2. **Assemble the Entire Lasagna**: For ease, you can put together the whole lasagna before baking and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to blend, improving the overall taste. When you’re ready to bake, lengthen the cooking time as necessary to ensure the lasagna is heated thoroughly and the cheese is perfectly browned.

**Storage Information**

Properly storing lasagna is essential for preserving its quality and taste. Here are a few storage tips:

– **Refrigeration**: Keep leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure it is covered or placed in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

– **Freezing**: For extended storage, freezing is a fantastic choice. The most efficient method is to slice the lasagna into individual portions and freeze each serving in a separate container. This allows you to reheat only the quantity you need.

– **Reheating**: To reheat frozen lasagna, first thaw it in the refrigerator. Once defrosted, place the lasagna in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and reheat it in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until it is heated through.

By adhering to these preparation and storage suggestions, you can savor delicious lasagna with minimal effort, whether you’re enjoying it freshly made or reheating leftovers.

**Irresistible Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe for Any Gathering**

When it comes to party snacks, few offerings rival the beloved jalapeno popper dip. This creamy, zesty, and cheesy treat encapsulates the spirit of classic jalapeno poppers while providing the ease of a dip. Ideal for any occasion, this dish is guaranteed to delight your guests. Here’s how to create an irresistible jalapeno popper dip that will have everyone asking for seconds.

**Ingredients:**

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled, based on your spice tolerance)
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional, but strongly suggested)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Topping:**

– 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 tbsp melted butter

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Mix the Base Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. **Add the Cheeses and Flavorings:** Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced jalapenos, green onions, and crumbled bacon. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until thoroughly mixed.

4. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. **Make the Topping:** In another bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and toss until the crumbs are nicely coated.

6. **Top the Dip:** Evenly distribute the crumb mixture over the surface of the dip.

7. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling around the edges.

8. **Serve:** Let the dip cool slightly before serving. Pair it with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.

**Tips for Success:**

– **Adjust the Heat:** If you want a milder dip, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before dicing. For more heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or using spicier varieties of jalapenos.
– **Make Ahead:** This dip can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add the topping right before baking to keep it crispy.
– **Experiment with Cheeses:** Feel free to try various types of cheese, like pepper jack or Monterey jack, to enhance the flavor.

This jalapeno popper dip is not just easy to whip up but also a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Its creamy consistency, paired with the spicy kick of jalapenos and the savory crunch of the topping, makes it a striking dish at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day celebration, a family event, or a casual get-together, this dip is bound to impress. Savor the delightful flavors and observe as your guests return for more!

Everyone adores this pumpkin dip recipe that resembles pumpkin pie filling! It requires just 5 minutes to create this autumn favorite party snack.

Among all the pumpkin recipes I’ve prepared, this pumpkin dip is the one that receives the most enthusiastic feedback! People are amazed at how it mimics the taste of pumpkin pie. It takes only 5 minutes in a food processor or blender and has become my go-to option for autumn gatherings.

Scoop a fluffy dollop with an apple slice, and I assure you: you will instantly want to consume the whole bowl. (If you don’t, you might possess some kind of superhuman ability!) I enjoy making this for all the autumn activities: apple picking, Halloween celebrations, Thanksgiving, and beyond!

Ingredients in pumpkin pie dip

This pumpkin pie dip tastes like pumpkin pie filling: to be honest, I prefer it even more! It’s pure and bursting with flavor, with the ideal amount of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices.

I’ve often prepared it for friends and family, and everyone absolutely loves it. It’s perfect for a fall dinner after apple picking or visiting a pumpkin patch, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving get-togethers. All you need are these six ingredients:

– Cream cheese
– Pumpkin puree
– Powdered sugar
– Cinnamon
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Vanilla extract

Pro tips for delightfully fluffy dip

This pumpkin dip recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare! All you need is a food processor, although you can use other tools as well. Here are a few tips for making this easy dip recipe:

– Utilize a food processor or stand mixer. A large food processor is the best tool for the task. You can also try it in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer.
– Soften the cream cheese beforehand. You can let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften, but that often isn’t feasible. Here’s a tip: just microwave it for 5 seconds. Just don’t exceed that time, as you don’t want the cream cheese to melt!
– Blend and serve right away. Some pumpkin dip recipes require refrigeration, but why delay? Once you take a bite of this creamy, fluffy dip, you’ll want to enjoy it instantly.

Ways to serve pumpkin dip

What should you serve with this pumpkin pie dip? My favorite is apple slices, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. The best choices are autumn-favorite fruits, pretzels, and cookies. It’s ideal for any fall gathering as an appetizer, snack, or even dessert: plus, kids especially love it. Here are a few serving ideas:

– Fruit: Apple slices or pear slices. I prefer using Pink lady apples for that perfect sweet-tart crunch.
– Pretzels: To me, this creates a perfect salty-sweet combo.
– Cookies: Ginger cookies or vanilla wafer cookies are a great match.
– Graham crackers: It’s fun to break graham crackers into dippable rectangles.

Storing leftovers

This pumpkin dip recipe can be enjoyed right away, or you can prepare it in advance and store it before consumption. This recipe remains good for 5 days when refrigerated.

The dip tends to become firmer when cold, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimum results.

Dietary notes

This pumpkin pie dip recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For a vegan and dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese.

Pumpkin Dip (Tastes Like Pie!)

Everyone is fond of this pumpkin dip recipe that mimics pumpkin pie! Just 5 minutes is all you need to prepare this autumn favorite.

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8
Category: Dip
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Dip
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

– 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
– ¾ cup pumpkin puree
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. To soften the cream cheese, place it on a plate and microwave for 5 seconds on High power. (Alternatively, let the block of cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.)
2. In a food processor (or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or electric hand mixer), combine the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Blend until well mixed, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. It stores refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Other pumpkin recipes you might enjoy

This pumpkin pie dip recipe is one of our favorite pumpkin recipes during this season. But here are a few more we love to prepare: