Cranberry-Avocado Salad with Candied Spiced Almonds and Sweet White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cranberry-Avocado Salad with Candied Spiced Almonds and Sweet White Balsamic VinaigretteINGREDIENTS: For the dressing: ⅓ cup sugar 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds 1 ½ tablespoons sesame seeds ½ teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons dried mustard 1 tablespoon minced sweet onion ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup white balsamic vinegar ⅓ cup vegetable oii ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil For the salad: 12 ounces baby spinach, arugula, field greens 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and dried, leaves removed whole from stems 2 medium avocados, peeled and halved ¾ cup dried cranberries ¾ cup Candied Spiced Almonds DIRECTIONS: 1. For the...

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Chicken & Fruit Salad Recipe

Chicken & Fruit Salad RecipeINGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 3 tablespoons fruit-flavored vinegar 4 teaspoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper, to taste 8 cups mixed salad greens 2 cups sliced cooked chicken breast 2 cups chopped melon, such as cantaloupe and/or honeydew 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese DIRECTIONS: Whisk sour cream, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup of the dressing in a small bowl. Add the mixed greens to the large bowl and toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates and top with chicken,...

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Indian Chicken and Cauliflower Pilaf

Indian Chicken and Cauliflower PilafINGREDIENTS: (serves 4) 2 tablespoons Alfa One rice bran oil 350g diced chicken breast fillets 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped 1 1/2 cups basmati rice 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 1/4 cups chicken stock 350g cauliflower, cut into small florets 1 cup frozen peas 1/3 cup roasted cashews 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves Plain Greek-style yoghurt, to serve DIRECTIONS: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a bowl. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to pan. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add rice and turmeric....

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Steak Gorgonzola

Steak GorgonzolaINGREDIENTS: Makes 6 2 1/2lbs boneless beef top sirloin steaks 1 ½ cups Italian dressing 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1lb linguini pasta 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) 4 cups alfredo sauce ½ cup green onion (chopped) 3 tablespoon gorgonzola cheese (crumbled) 2 tablespoons gorgonzola cheese (crumbled, for sprinkling) 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) fresh Italian parsley (chopped) DIRECTIONS: Step 1: In a large bowl or sealable zip-lock bag combine Italian dressing, rosemary, and lemon juice. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best...

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Teriyaki Turkey Burgers With Grilled Sesame Pineapple

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers With Grilled Sesame PineappleINGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 TBSP olive oil 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 medium onion, diced 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt and pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 TBSP teriyaki sauce 1 tsp grated fresh ginger root 1 TBSP sesame oil, divided 2 TBSP Montreal steak seasoning 2 lbs lean ground turkey (I used one pound 99% fat free ground turkey breast and one pound 93/7 ground turkey) 8 pineapple rings (fresh or canned) Teriyaki basting and glazing sauce (I used Kikkoman) Whole grain hamburger buns Lettuce leaves DIRECTIONS: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat....

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Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup INGREDIENTS: 1-1 1/2 - 2 ounce envelope white sauce mix 4 cups water 1-14 ounce can vegetable broth 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1- 7 or 8 ounce package dried cheese tortellini (about 2 cups) 1-12 ounce can evaporated milk 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves or torn spinach Ground black pepper (optional) Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Place dry white sauce mix in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Gradually add the water...

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Seared Salmon with Braised Broccoli

Seared Salmon with Braised Broccoli INGREDIENTS: 1 1/4 pounds wild Alaskan salmon fillet, skinned (see Tip) and cut into 4 portions 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried, divided 1 teaspoon salt, divided 2 heads broccoli (1-1 1/2 pounds), trimmed 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 small onion, diced 3 tablespoons raisins 2 tablespoons pine nuts 1/2 cup water DIRECTIONS: Season salmon with half the rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon salt at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour before cooking. Cut the broccoli into florets with 2-inch-long stalks. Remove the tough outer layer of the stalk with a vegetable peeler. Cut the...

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Gordon’s Melon With Tequila & Lime

Gordon’s Melon With Tequila & LimeINGREDIENTS: 1 honeydew melon, preferably chilled 2-3 tbsp cold tequila Finely grated zest of 1/2 lime, plus extra to serve Juice of 1/2 lime 2-3 tbsp runny honey Tiny pinch of fine sea salt Few mint sprigs (leaves only), chopped DIRECTIONS: Step 1: Halve the melon and remove the seeds with a spoon. Using a melon baller, scoop the flesh into neat balls and place in a large bowl. Step 2: Mix the tequila, lime zest and juice, honey and salt together in a small pitcher. Taste and add a little more honey if dressing is too sour. Pour over the melon balls, toss gently to mix and chill for at least...

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Stuffed Taco Potatoes

Stuffed Taco PotatoesINGREDIENTS: 4 large russet potatoes 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and at room temperature 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature 1/2 cup half and half, warmed 1 packet taco seasoning I cup cooked shredded chicken (optional) 1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese Any of the following for garnish: guacamole, sour cream, chopped scallions, salsa, chopped jalapenos, crush tortilla chips, ground red pepper, fresh lime wedges DIRECTIONS: 1. Scrub potatoes well, pierce a few times with a fork and bake until soft, either approximately 10 minutes in the microwave or one hour in a 350 degree oven. Cool for 10 minutes. 2. Cut...

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Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Soup

Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar SoupINGREDIENTS: 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets 2 tablespoons oil salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped 3 cups vegetable broth 1 1/2 cups aged white cheddar, shredded 1 cup milk or cream salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Toss the cauliflower florets in the oil along with the salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast the cauliflower in a preheated 400F oven until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion...

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Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with Salted Caramel FrostingINGREDIENTS: makes 20-24 cupcakes 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix 1 small box Jello Chocolate Fudge instant pudding mix 4 eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup milk 1 cup sour cream Salted Caramel Frosting (recipe below) Pretzel Twists (optional) DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cupcake pans with liners. Set aside. Using a stand or hand held electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scoop the batter evenly into cupcake liners. I got 20 cupcakes using 1/4 cup measuring cup to spoon...

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No-Bake Blueberry Almond Oat Bars

No-Bake Blueberry Almond Oat BarsINGREDIENTS: Makes 16 bars 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup whole raw almonds scant 1/4 tsp Kosher salt 1 lightly packed cup pitted soft Medjool dates (about 10 large) 1/4 cup melted coconut oil 1 10-ounce jar all-fruit blueberry jam, such as St. Dalfour 1/2 tsp almond extract, or more to taste DIRECTIONS: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper going both ways. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, process oats, almonds, and salt until finely ground. Add in the pitted dates and pulse until crumbly. Add in the melted coconut oil and process until the mixture comes together. The mixture...

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Mushroom, Onion, and Spinach Tart

Mushroom, Onion, and Spinach TartINGREDIENTS: 1 cup white Kamut flour (or all-purpose) 1/4 cup Earth Balance buttery stick 1/4 tsp sea salt 4-4.5 tbsp almond milk 2.5-3 cups mushrooms, sliced 1 large onion, sliced 1 garlic clove, minced 1.5 cups packed spinach 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Goat Cheeze: 1/2 cup macadamia nut butter, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, black pepper, sea salt, to taste DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a tart pan or alternatively you can simply roll out the dough, trim, and place on parchment on a baking sheet. To assemble the dough: In a stand mixer with a dough hook (or by hand), mix the flour, salt, butter, and...

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Caramel Apple Sticky Buns

Caramel Apple Sticky BunsINGREDIENTS:FOR THE ROLLS:2 cups Whole Milk 1-1/4 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Canola Oil 1 package (2 1/4 Teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast 4-1/2 cups Flour, Divided 2 teaspoons Salt 1/2 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder 3/4 cups Melted Butter 4 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon   FOR THE CARAMEL TOPPING:1 stick Salted Butter 1-1/2 cup Packed Brown Sugar 1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Corn Syrup 2 Tablespoons Cream 2 Tablespoons Apply Brandy Or Apple Juice (optional) 1 whole Granny Smith Apple, Peeled And Finely Diced DIRECTIONS: To make the dough: Heat milk, oil, and 1/2 cup sugar until warm (do not...

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Sausage and Broccoli Carbonara

Sausage and Broccoli CarbonaraINGREDIENTS: 1.0 tbsp olive oil 8 chipolatas , meet squeezed out and rolled into balls 3 eggs 50.0g Parmesan , grated, plus extra to serve (optional) 300.0g spaghetti 1 head broccoli , broken into small florets 2 garlic cloves , crushed DIRECTIONS: In a large pan, heat the oil and cook the sausageballs until golden, moving them around in the pan frequently. Meanwhile, mix together the eggs, cheese and some seasoning with a fork in a jug. Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Add the broccoli for the final 3 mins, then drain, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Add the garlic to the sausageballs and cook...

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Pasta Salad With Seared Herb Garlic Dressing, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Buffalo Mozzarella

Pasta Salad With Seared Herb Garlic Dressing, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Buffalo Mozzarella INGREDIENTS: -1 cup of cooked pasta -1 thinly sliced cucumber (I use a vegetable slicer) -1 thinly sliced carrot -1 finely chopped green bell pepper -1 finely chopped red bell pepper -1 finely chopped yellow bell pepper Dressing: -1/2 cup of coriander -1/2 cup of parsley -1 garlic clove -Salt and pepper -Pinch of chili flakes (optional) -1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts -A handful of pulled apart buffalo mozzarella -1/2 a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar DIRECTIONS: Make the dressing by pulsing the dressing...

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Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Chicken

Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed ChickenINGREDIENTS: 6 chicken breasts Marinade (recipe below) 16 oz. mushrooms A few cloves of minced garlic 1 small white onion, sliced Salt and pepper An 8 oz. block of swiss cheese, sliced up A sprig of fresh tarragon (optional) DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 375º. Prepare the marinade and set aside 1/2 cup for later. Throw the chicken in a bag with the rest of the marinade and let it soak for about 20 minutes white you saute the mushrooms. To saute the mushrooms, turn the burner on medium-high and add the onion, garlic, and a little bit of olive oil. You might want to do it in batches because if you get too many...

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Blueberry Chocolate Rolls

Blueberry Chocolate RollsINGREDIENTS: Dough 1 (2 1/4 tsp) package active dry yeast 3/4 cup milk, warmed up 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tbsp), softened and cut into pieces 1 tsp salt Filling 1/4 cup sugar 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1 cup blueberries Topping chocolate syrup (optional) DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl add warm milk, sugar and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes until it bubbles up. In the bowl of your mixer, add the flour, cornstarch, and salt and mix so that it’s all incorporated. To...

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Grilled Chicken Fruit Salad

Grilled Chicken Fruit SaladINGREDIENTS: 6 cups spinach & arugula salad greens 1/3 cup raspberries 1/3 cup blackberries 1/3 cup blueberries 1/3 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup walnuts 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon water 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 tablespoons sugar 3 limes, freshly squeezed 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground mustard 1/4 small red onion 1/3 cup light olive oil 1 tablespoon poppyseeds 2 tablespoons mayonnaise DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, toss together salad and berries. Set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the walnuts, brown sugar, water, garlic salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium...

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Savory Spinach Bites

Savory Spinach BitesINGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup) 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove) 2 10-ounces packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 8-ounce bag of herbed seasoned stuffing mix 6 large eggs 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. 3. Add onion and cook until the onions are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes or so. 4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. 5.  In...

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Thai Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Thai Spring Rolls with Spicy Peanut Sauce INGREDIENTS: 1 8oz. package tempeh, sliced into 8 long strips 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp. sesame oil, divided 1 drop chili oil (optional) 1/4 tsp. sriracha 2 oz. vermicelli rice noodles 1/2 cucumber, sliced into long thin strips 1 cup romaine lettuce 1/2 cup fresh basil 1 large carrot (or 4 baby carrots), sliced into long thin strips 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into long thin strips 1 tsp. rice vinegar 8 rice papers water Spicy Peanut Sauce 2 tbsp. natural peanut butter 2 tbsp. coconut milk 1 tbsp. sesame oil 1 tbsp. soy sauce 1/4 tsp. chili flakes 1 drop of chili oil DIRECTIONS: In a bowl, combine...

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Strawberry-Avocado Quinoa Salad (Vegan)

Strawberry-Avocado Quinoa Salad (Vegan)INGREDIENTS: 2 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled 1 can black beans, well drained 1/2 small Vidalia onion, finely diced 3 avocados, peeled with innards diced and skins saved 12-14 small strawberries, washed and sliced 3 fresh ears of corn, kernels sliced from the cob juice and zest of 3 limes 3 tablespoons agave 1/2 cup fresh cilantro salt to taste DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, diced onion, avocado pieces, and strawberry slices. Stir together and toss with corn. In a blender, combine the lime juice, agave, and cilantro. Blend together. Toss over salad and stir gently until coated....

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Crab Filled Crescent Wontons

Crab Filled Crescent WontonsINGREDIENTS: 1-8 oz. tube crescent roll dough 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup mayonnaise 3/4 cup cooked crabmeat, chopped 2 green onions, chopped 1/8- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 375°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough on work surface. Pinch seams to seal and roll with a rolling pin to create an even rectangle. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows to make 24 squares. In small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, crabmeat, onion, and red pepper. Salt and pepper to taste. Divide crab mixture evenly among the squares, dropping it by spoonfulls that are...

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Linguine With Pesto, Chicken and Spring Vegetables

Linguine With Pesto, Chicken and Spring VegetablesINGREDIENTS: 6  ounces whole-wheat linguine 2  tablespoons pine nuts 3  tablespoons olive oil 1  garlic clove, roughly chopped Pinch of salt plus additional for seasoning 1 1/2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1/2 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) shredded Parmesan 2  tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces Freshly ground black pepper 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped 1  cup canned or jarred quartered artichoke hearts, drained 1/3 cup white wine 6  ounces asparagus, ends trimmed,...

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Beer Steamed Mussels with Parmesan Croutons

Beer Steamed Mussels with Parmesan Croutons INGREDIENTS: 4 generous slices country-style bread cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon 2/3 cup crème fraîche 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon whole grain brown mustard 3 tablespoons butter 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 5 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded 3 cups diced seeded tomatoes (about 4 large) 1 cup chopped green onions (about 4) 1 12-ounce bottle beer DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine bread cubes,...

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Curried Sweet Potato and Spinach Over Quinoa

Curried Sweet Potato and Spinach Over QuinoaINGREDIENTS:1 cup red quinoa 4 medium sweet potatoes 1 large red onion, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil [they used ghee, and I wished I would have] Large handful [or two!] of spinach, roughly chopped 1 cup vegetable broth 1/4 cup currants 1 clove of garlic, minced fresh ginger, grated 1/4 cup curry powder 1 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 475º. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1″ cubes. Leave that skin on! Toss them with a little bit  of olive oil and salt and arrange on a baking sheet lined with a silpat [or parchment/aluminum foil or don't.It's not me doing the dishes!] Rinse and strain the quinoa...

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Orange Glazed Salmon Salad

Orange Glazed Salmon Salad INGREDIENTS: FOR THE SALMON 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil 1 tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar Juice and Zest of half an Orange 4 Fresh Skinless Salmon Fillets Olive Oil for pan FOR THE SALAD 1 pkg. Mixed Salad Greens 1/2 cup sliced Purple Cabbage 1/2 cup Carrot Matchsticks Reserved Salmon Marinade Sesame Seeds, for garnish DIRECTIONS: In a small dish; whisk together soy sauce, sesame seed oil, dark brown sugar, zest and juice until sugar dissolves. Pour half of the marinade/ glaze over top of the salmon fillets and set remaining glaze aside. Toss the salmon until nicely coated and let marinate for 15-20...

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Strawberry Buttermilk Pancakes

Strawberry Buttermilk Pancakes INGREDIENTS: 2 cups All Purpose Flour 2 tablespoons Vanilla Sugar 1 teaspoon Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt 2 cups Buttermilk 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt {heaping} 2 whole Eggs 3 tablespoons Melted Butter {cooled but not solidified} 1 cup Chopped Fresh Strawberries Grapeseed or Coconut Oil for griddle DIRECTIONS: Preheat your griddle to 350 degrees and wipe with a little grapeseed oil or coconut oil. In a large bowl; sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside. In a different bowl; whisk together the buttermilk, Greek yogurt, eggs and butter. Pour the wet ingredients...

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