Make-Ahead Recipes

Corn Dog Poppers (or Cornbread)

A bite-size twist on a perennial favorite that’s more cornbread than hot dog and is a fun accompaniment to soups, stews, and salads. (With standard muffin and square pan option too.) Somehow I got through my entire childhood and much of adulthood without ever eating a corn dog! For anyone who may be similarly in…

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Dinner

Looking for more simple but satisfying weeknight dinners? This family-friendly, one-pan meal brings all the great flavors of the traditional preparation with a fraction of the work. (Dare I say you may even like it better!)     Who can resist a satisfying, all-in-one meal? The convenience is undeniable and, in this case, the flavor replicates…

Matcha Smoothie

A deliciously filling meal replacement that’s loaded with superfoods and quality protein๏ผplus it’s perfectly sweet but the sugars are kept in check. You don’t need to like matcha to love this smoothie! 💚     You may THINK youโ€™re not a matcha fan, or perhaps youโ€™ve never tried it. (But stay with me!) This vibrantly green smoothie…

Budget Sushi Bowls (with canned tuna)

Eating well on a shoestring budget is easy with these flavor-packed bowls, which conveniently rely on canned tuna. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or packable lunch! ย 🍚🥢     Don’t you love it when an easy meal is greeted as though you slaved away for hours? In our house, this is that sort of…

Make-Ahead Savory Breakfast Bowls

Simple meal-prep is rewarded with wholesome, grab-and-go meals for the week, which can customized and topped to taste. Theyโ€™re equally satisfying as a packable lunch or easy dinner, too.   For the first time ever, my older son John has to fend for himself for every single meal โ€“ in a new city with no…

Tomato and Seared Garbanzo Salad

Garden fresh tomatoes meet the humble can of beans in this healthy, protein-rich salad. Two additional pantry items supply unparalleled flavor with ease.🍅     Schools may be back in session and pools may have closed for the year, but salad season hasnโ€™t officially ended! Besides, tomatoes are still at their prime๏ผI seem to pick…

Congo Bars

Congo Bars = the ultimate blondie! Perfectly chewy and so much easier to make than a batch of cookies, this foolproof recipe is a childhood favorite that has stood the test of time.    Readers occasionally ask me if I ever really mess up a recipe โ€“ and the answer is a definite โ€œYes!โ€ Earlier this…

Crustless Zucchini Pie

Similar to a quiche and loaded with veggies, Crustless Zucchini Pie can be served as a delightful meatless meal or a side dish to your favorite protein. (Leftovers improve with age!)   Have you ever had an โ€œImpossible Pie?โ€ The name refers to certain recipes that were printed on the back or side of the Bisquick…

Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta (and some riffs on the basic recipe)

This all-in-one meal is a versatile weeknight godsend! Once the water boils, the cooking time is a quick 9 minutes. (And there’s a spot-on gluten-free option for those who need it!)       Have you ever tried Martha Stewart’s one-pan pasta recipe? The all-in-one meal is a gift on a busy weeknight, for sure. Though…

Napa Sweet Corn Salad

An unexpected ingredient adds crisp crunch to a classic corn salad, and the easy vinaigrette pulls it all together. Perfect for summer and fall meals!       As mid-August rolls around, I still feel firmly planted in summer in many ways, but reminders of fall are increasingly frequent. Despite the still-present heat and humidity,…

Super Crunchy Oven Fried Drumsticks

Crispy, crunchy, and no fryer needed! Perfect for picnics, tailgating, kidsโ€™ parties, family dinners, packed lunches, and more. May be served warm, cold or room temperature๏ผand note the helpful advance prep tips.   There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crunchy piece of fried chicken. (As I type, my mouth is literally watering at the…

Green Goddess White Bean & Artichoke Dip (great as a sandwich spread, too)

Protein-rich and loaded with fresh flavor, this versatile dip tastes equally fabulous in a sandwich or wrap. Think of it as an easy alternative to hummus๏ผand don’t miss the short list of creative ways to enjoy it!       Inspiration for this recipe came from a Better Homes & Gardens magazine I was flipping through on a…

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