Cottage Full of Love

Author: Taylor Fuller

Homemade Breakfast Sausage
This savory, sweet, and hearty Homemade Breakfast Sausage is great for any breakfast! With a combination of pork, sage, and maple syrup, this pork sausage is delicious. It’s a perfect recipe to turn into patties and also for breakfast sandwiches.

This ground version is great for a breakfast bake, made into breakfast burritos, breakfast bowls, or even breakfast quesadillas.

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Why make Homemade Breakfast Sausage?

This recipe came about from my husband. Every time I would attempt to bring home some pre-made sausage he wouldn’t be able to stand the gristle and little hard pieces that always seem to be found in packaged pork.

Although frustration would hit me after making a whole meal he was no longer interested in eating, I also understood not wanting to eat meat with little pieces of ick in it. Hence, trying to branch out and try something new!

..branch out and try something new!

Plain ground sausage available in your local grocery store’s meat department is amazing. it’s smooth and ground to perfection! No more gristle! No more weird little icky hard pieces ruining a meal!

Add all your own seasonings and BAM! Homemade Breakfast Sausage! Plus, being able to tell the family or your guests, “It’s made with homemade sausage,” always feels really good!

Ingredients
- Ground Pork
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Rubbed Sage
- Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Maple Syrup
The list of ingredients might seem long, but I am willing to bet you have most of these items in your pantry. I didn’t always keep Thyme, Oregano, and Parsley around. Now that I do, it has opened a whole new world of flavors and recipes!

You’ll notice I used freeze-dried herbs; if you are using ground herbs, just reduce the amount a little bit. Same with the rubbed sage, it’s a little fluffier than ground, so if using ground, just be light-handed with it.

If these are things you don’t normally have around, pick them up. I bet they will open you up to adding a little to dishes you never knew needed it!

All the ingredients can be adjusted to your liking. There have been times when I left out the Maple Syrup just due to the dish I was preparing.

Make this recipe your own, and have fun with it!

Instructions for Homemade Pork Sausage

This recipe is super simple! Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl and then cook! Also don’t skimp on the maple syrup, it adds a moisture to the sausage that makes it so much better!

The frying pan sitting in my Amazon cart! Just in case you’re in need of a new one, it has great reviews and isn’t crazy overpriced!

The only tip I have to share about this easy recipe is to dirty that extra bowl to mix together before cooking.

I know so many of us chefs are tempted to just toss the meat into a pan and season on top, then mix in the pan to save the dish. I have done this recipe both ways many times, and it is very worth it to mix before cooking. It helps the flavors meld together for this homemade breakfast sausage.

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Homemade Breakfast Sausage

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This Homemade Breakfast Sausage is so easy and delicious, this savory dish is full of seasonings and a dash of maple syrup to give it that sweetness that goes along with any breakfast meal. Feel free to turn this recipe into patties for Breakfast Burgers! Just make sure to cook on low heat, this process really does help all the flavors cook into the pork.
Author: Taylor Fuller
Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Pork

1 tbsp Thyme

1 tsp Parsley

1 tsp Rubbed Sage

1 1/2 tsp Oregano

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Italian Seasoning

Spinkle of Paprika

2 tbsp Maple Syrup

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Instructions

Place Ground Pork in bowl big enough to mix

Combine all ingredients with raw pork

Heat medium sized skillet on medium/low heat

Cook pork, breaking meat into small pieces while cooking

Cook until pork is done, about 15 mins

Enjoy!
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August 26, 2022
Chile Relleno Souffle
A piece of this Chile Relleno Souffle will impress any person luckily enough to snag it before it’s gone!

This unique recipe is a masterpiece brought into my life by my wonderful mother-in-law. It was the dish she always made for someone’s birthday or a special evening.

This dish pairs best with some beans, Spanish Rice, a side salad or some Elote. I am so excited to share this recipe with you.

What is Souffle?

A souffle is made with a creamy base, usually made with cream or cheese and topped with a fluffy and puffy egg white mixture that has been beaten to stiff peaks.

The souffle came from France in the 18th century. It can be sweet or savory. This Chile Relleno Souffle is savory and creamy with a delicious puffy egg topping.

Importance of Cheese

This dish contains fresh Cheddar and Monterey Jack, these two cheeses create such a perfect pair with the chiles. Of course feel free to experiment with different cheeses.

The only thing I must insist on is using fresh cheese, not pre-sliced. Pre-cut cheese doesn’t melt as well and usually contains other ingredients. Slice your own, and you won’t regret it.

You’ll want to slice your 2 lbs of cheese into about 1-inch squares. Try to make all the pieces the same size, it makes assembly so much easier. (I’m terrible about that and pieces are always wonky sizes haha!)

Pepper prep

The Chile Relleno Souffle also calls for Fire Roasted Whole Green Chiles, the “Fire Roasted” adds such great flavor.

This is the can I purchase. I always buy 2 and use most of them. Click to purchase.

When prepping these for the recipe, open both cans, turn the sink on, and slice them down on one side with your finger, exposing the middle. Give them a little rinse and remove any seeds, then lay them flat on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Other Ingredients for Chili Relleno Souffle

A few eggs, separated so we can stiffen the whites and blend in a couple tablespoons of flour.

Then we’ll take yolks and whip them with a little evaporated milk.

We’ll also need one can of tomato sauce to drizzle on top. Delicious!

Layers of Chile Relleno

The layers of cheese and peppers are what make this Chile Relleno. Traditionally, Chile Relleno is a pepper stuffed with cheese, sometimes fried covered in batter, and always tossed into a tomato sauce. We’re gonna layer peppers with cheese and top with swirls of tomato sauce *chefs kiss*.

Once you cut your 2 blocks of cheese into squares (hopefully keeping them uniform the same size) it’s time to layer! The layer of peppers goes on the bottom and idk about you, but I like a nice FULL layer of peppers for good flavor. Don’t worry; these peppers aren’t spicy.

After your first layer of peppers, it’s time to checkerboard your cheese! I added this picture above so you can see how I put it together. Keep going til you have 3 layers of peppers and cheese!

Souffle Topping

For the fancy souffle topping, you’ll separate your eggs.

3 egg yolks into 1 bowl and 3 egg whites into another bowl.

The egg whites need to be blended (if you don’t own a hand blender just whip it, whip it good) until they form nice stiff peaks. Once the peaks are holding stiff, you can add your 2 tablespoons of flour and just blend til mixed.

In the bowl with the egg yolks, just blend til smooth, then slowly add your can of evaporated milk and blend til light and fluffy.

Once you have both bowls mixed, you can slowly add your egg yolk mixture into your egg white mixture til fully mixed, try not to overmix.

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Chili Relleno Souffle

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This cheesy, melty, savory souffle is perfect for any taste buds, kids and adults alike. While the prep can take some time I promise it is all worth it. This dish is great for a family night with a side or beans and spanish rice
Author: Taylor Fuller

Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Yield: 12 pieces 1x

Category: Family Dinners

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients

Scale

1lb block Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1lb block Monterey Jack Cheese

2 cans of 27oz Whole Green Chiles

3 whole Eggs

2 tbsp All Purpose Flour

5 oz or 2/3 cup Evaporated Milk

15 oz (1 can) Tomato Sauce

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Instructions

To prep the peppers, lay out some paper towels or a clean (non-fuzzy) kitchen towel. Under a running sink slice down the side of the pepper to open it and give it a quick rinse to get rid of the seeds then lay flat to dry.

Slice cheese into 1-inch squares about 1/4-inch thick. Each block should make about 50 squares. Do your best to make them all around the same size. Then set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

Now it’s time to construct our dish! First, 1 layer of peppers laying flat followed by a checkerboard of the 2 cheese flavors. Repeat to make 3 layers of each, ending on a top layer of cheese. Set aside.

Souffle topping time!

Separate your egg white and egg yolks. Blend your egg whites til you have stiff peaks.

Then add the 2 tablespoons of flour and blend. Set aside.

To egg yolks, in separate bowl, slowly blend in 1 can of Evaporated milk and beat til lightly fluffy and well mixed.

Slowly add egg yolk mixture to egg white mixture until smooth. Do not over mix.

Pour and spread egg mixture on top of pepper and cheese dish, spread to cover whole top.

Slowly pour tomato sauce in circular motion over-top the egg mixture (I like to put mine in a zip-lock and cut a small corner to pour for even circle design)

Bake uncovered for 1 hour (60 mins)

Allow to cool for 10-15 mins to prevent soupy-ness

Enjoy!!
Notes

Pouring the tomatoes..if your don’t want to use a plastic bag you can puncture 1 small hole and 1 slightly larger hole on opposite sides of the top of the can for easy drizzle..otherwise just put into a mixing bowl with an easy pour spout.

The cool time is very important or it will all be soupy and not hold together properly.

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August 6, 2022
Easy Spanish Rice – 4 Ingredients
This kid friendly, simple, Easy Spanish Rice recipe is sure to satisfy everyone! This rice doesn’t require cutting onions or garlic or peppers it is SO EASY. It’s the kind of side you can just toss together and have ready in 25 mins. This easy Spanish rice will be enjoyed by all because it is so simple yet so full of flavor!

Spanish Rice Vs. Mexican Rice

Alright…so maybe you clicked on this recipe and thought…’this is Mexican rice.’ After a lot of research..I think you’re right. BUT my mother, who created this simple recipe, changed an Easy Spanish Rice recipe into this easier recipe so I’m calling it Spanish! haha..Here’s the difference if you’re curious!

Spanish Rice Mexican Rice
Doesn’t fluff/Clumpier Medium Grain
Long Grain Softer
Made with Saffron Fluffier

Meal Ideas

This Easy Spanish Rice goes well with anything but my top recommendations are Tacos, Easy Homemade Chicken Enchiladas – 6 Ingredients, chicken burritos, chili relleno souffle, or Tostadas. Something I really love is a good bean & cheese burrito with Spanish rice! MMM! The great thing about this recipe is it is very kid friendly because there isn’t a bunch of stuff in it so maybe just this rice with a little side of chicken for the kiddos! Leftovers heated with a little cheddar cheese and black pepper on top are always sure to make for a great snack! Whatever you do with it, it’ll taste great.

Cooking tips

Ingredients: The butter and oil is totally interchangeable! Use whatever you have on hand, the rice tastes great either way. Any brand of Garlic Salt or Tomato sauce is great also. I have also used Jasmine Rice in place of the usual long grain rice, it was delicious. Just use what you have on hand.

Cooking Utensil: I have always used a sauce pan for this recipe. Last time I made this in front of my mother-in-law she said “you’re not gonna use a pan?” The dumbfounded look on my face was probably pretty funny! This is just the way I have always done it and you know..don’t fix what ain’t broke!

Heat: Once your sauce pan is hot add your oil/butter. Once your oil/butter is hot add your rice. Let the rice brown for a bit, your rice will be start to smell good and pieces will turn brown. When it looks like the photo above you’re about ready to add the water, garlic salt and tomatoes. Once those ingredients are added just put a lid on and walk away. I’m telling you…this is SUCH Easy Spanish Rice! YUM!
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Easy Spanish Rice – 4 Ingredients

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This Easy Spanish Rice is great for kids and adults alike! This simple 4 ingredient recipe is GREAT to help feed a crowd! Even though it is simple it is still so very delicious. All you need
Author: Taylor Fuller

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: about 4–6 side dish servings 1x

Category: Easy Side Dishes

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients

Scale

1 cup White Rice

2 tbsp Butter or Cooking Oil (I used avocado oil this time)

1 tbsp Garlic Salt

4 oz (1/2 cup) Tomato Sauce

2 cups Water

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Instructions

Heat medium sized sauce pan over medium heat. Add oil and heat til shinny and hot.

Add Rice and heat til browning.

When grains of rice are browning add water, garlic salt & tomato sauce . stir well and cover.

Boil on low for 20 mins (don’t lift lid)

Enjoy the smell of the cooking rice, delicious.

Once done give it a quick fluff and enjoy!
Notes

Use whatever white rice you have, Jasmine rice is SO good in this recipe!

Both butter or oil is great in this recipe!

Top with a little black pepper and cheddar cheese for extra spectacular flavor!
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July 22, 2022
Easy Chicken Enchiladas – 6 Ingredients
These easy chicken enchiladas are a show-stopper! This meal will make a great family dinner or just dinner with some amazing leftovers! Switch out the chicken for beef, add onions or fresh garlic, and adjust cheeses to your liking; this recipe is so versatile!

These easy chicken enchiladas are tried and true.

This recipe has been there for me since I moved out on my own at 18. Every time we were having company, this was my go-to recipe, along with my Easy Spanish Rice and some good ol’ pinto beans. It is so easy, but people can’t eat it without the “ooo”‘s and the “ahhh”‘s.

Make sure to try these with this Easy Spanish Rice as a side dish next to these Easy Chicken Enchiladas that only consist of 4 simple ingredients!

Alternatively, this Chile Relleno Souffle is delicious for something a little different. Layers of peppers and cheese topped with a fluffy souffle topping.

Protein

I wanna share my not-so-secret secret with you…get a Costco rotisserie chicken (or from anywhere else, but lets face it, Costco’s is the best). They are delicious, and it makes this recipe that much easier.

I usually try to shred my chicken the day before and put it in a container in the fridge. Feel free to buy pre-shredded chicken or roast up some. Of course you can also change out chicken for ground beef or pork, or even some shredded beef would be delicious!

Maybe you’re not a big meat eater..just toss some veggies in place of the meat. Whatever your palette desires, or whatever you have in your fridge, will be just fine in these easy chicken enchiladas!

Flour or Corn?

So..lets talk tortillas..traditional enchiladas are made with corn tortillas. I have made this recipe with corn tortillas, probably more than I have made it with flour.

The reason I went with flour for this recipe is just personal preference; they are softer and have a more..buttery texture. Delicious. Feel free to do what you want.

Also, side note, if using corn tortillas, I would recommend frying them in a bit of oil just til they start to cook, quickly remove them, then proceed as directed.

…they are softer and have a more..buttery texture.

Cheese

Any cheese will do! I went with simple cheddar for the sake of making it easy, and it tastes great with just that.

A mix of cheeses will always take it up a notch thou. If I had had some Monterey Jack on hand, I would have used that also in these chicken enchiladas.

The only suggestion I really have about cheese is..if you can..shred it yourself. Shredding it yourself allows the cheese to melt so much nicer and gives these easy chicken enchiladas such a fresh taste. In a pinch, of course, you can use pre-shredded but I have to highly recommend taking the extra time to freshly shred it.

Don’t forget all the fixin’s!

Can I add…to these enchiladas?

The answer to the end of this question is yes. Add it! If you like onions, bell peppers, or garlic, throw them in a pan to saute a bit and add it to your protein.

If you want to add some veggies, do it! If you’re trying to sneak some veggies in, zucchini is a really good one cause it’s so flavorless.

Also, feel free to omit the Diced Green Chilies if that’s not your thing. The beauty of these easy chicken enchiladas is how they can be tailored to fit almost all taste buds!

The Ingredients:

Cheddar cheese, Enchilada sauce, Diced green chilies, black olives, chicken and tortillas. So simple!

Need more dinner inspo?? Check out these other dinner recipes!

Spinach and Mushroom Noodles with Chicken

Dutch Oven Minestrone Soup

Easy Pesto Lasagna

Chicken Fried Rice
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas – 6 Simple Ingredients

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These easy chicken enchiladas will impress anyone you’re making it for! While it is full of flavor it is not full of tons of ingredients. This recipe will make 12 full sized flour enchiladas, you will need TWO 9×13 dishes. Are you ready to make an easy and delicious dish?? Lets get started!
Author: Taylor Fuller

Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 12 Enchiladas 1x

Category: Easy Meals

Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients

Scale

1lb Shredded chicken breast (about 2 breasts)

12 Flour tortillas

1 28oz can Red Enchilada (I use La Victoria)

1 4oz can Diced Green Chiles

4–5 cups of shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 6oz can Whole Black Olives chopped or 3.8oz can sliced Black Olives

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Make sure all of your ingredients are prepped. Chicken is shredded. Cheese is grated.

Warm tortillas in pan on stove top just a bit. They should be warmed but not crispy.

Now the fun part..time to assemble. Start by putting a thin but well covered layer of sauce at the bottom of BOTH of your 9×13 dishes.

For each tortilla we will want to have a coating of sauce on it. I usually just toss each tortilla in the saucy mess in the dish, cover the tortilla then make my enchilada.

Put a small amount of chicken…maybe 1/4 cup of chicken, 1-2 tablespoons of cheese and a teaspoon of diced chilis into a sauce soaked tortilla. (Don’t overstuff)

Roll that up and repeat. You should be able to make 12 evenly portioned enchiladas, 6 in each dish. With plenty of cheese leftover.

Once they are all done cover them with any remaining sauce and all the remaining cheese. Then top these beauties with the whole can of olives.

With any leftover sauce pour it along the edges as the sauce is what keeps them from sticking to the pan so you want them to be nice and moist.

Cover and bake for 25 mins. Remove cover and bake for an additional 20 mins to get that golden brown cheese on top.
Notes

These portions all work perfectly for me but I do like to keep an extra can of sauce on hand and some extra cheese just in case I’m a little heavy handed on the cheese while rolling them up.

These should end with a decent amount of sauce at the bottom and on the sides because there isn’t anything worse than spending time making a beautiful dish and then it all burns on the bottom.

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July 21, 2022