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Strawberry Sauce

May 6, 2026 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

This easy strawberry sauce is naturally sweet with no sugar added and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for everyday meals and works well on pancakes, waffles, French toast, or peanut butter toast.

Yield: 6 servings

Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups strawberries, sliced, halved, or whole (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (12-ounce) can apple juice concentrate
  • 1½ cups water, divided
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch

Instructions

    1. In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, apple juice concentrate, and 1 cup of the water. Stir to mix.
    2. Place the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
    3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. While the mixture is simmering, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of water in a small bowl or cup until dissolved.
    5. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
    6. Stir the cornstarch mixture again to make sure it is smooth, then slowly pour it into the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly.
    7. Return the pan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
    8. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
    9. Serve the strawberry sauce warm or chilled.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, mash some of the strawberries or blend part of the mixture using an immersion blender.
  • Try this Strawberry Sauce over toast with peanut butter for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack.
  • It’s also great on pancakes, French toast, waffles, and more.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

© Karen Breyer

Easy Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

January 8, 2026 by Karen Breyer Leave a Comment

This easy creamy garlic potato soup is simple, comforting, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. It’s a smooth, cozy soup that’s perfect for a quiet dinner at home or anytime you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

This recipe is budget-friendly and made using instant potato flakes to keep things simple. It’s a great option for beginner cooks or anyone who enjoys easy, homemade meals with rich flavor and minimal prep.

Below you’ll find the full recipe, along with a step-by-step video showing exactly how I make it. The video includes helpful tips and visual cues to make sure your soup turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

If you’re looking for a comforting soup that’s easy to customize, this one is a favorite.

Easy Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

Creamy garlic potato soup in a bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1½ cups plain instant potato flakes
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (use vegan butter if preferred)
  • 2–3 tablespoons dried chives (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low simmer.
    2. Slowly whisk in the instant potato flakes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
    3. Once the mixture is hot and smooth, stir in the milk and butter.
    4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep the texture creamy.
    5. Stir in dried chives and adjust seasoning to taste. Add more milk if the soup is too thick.
    6. Continue cooking until heated through. Serve.

Notes

This soup works well as a main dish or a side.
Pair it with bread, salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.
For a richer soup, stir in a little extra butter or milk.
You can easily double the recipe to serve more.
Leftovers reheat well and make a great quick meal.

© Karen Breyer

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