Make-Ahead Recipes
Pasta with Sausage and Shortcut Broccoli Pesto
Thanks to a somewhat unconventional method of preparation, a generous serving of broccoli goes almost undetected in this filling, flavorful meal that is ready in about 20 minutes. “Try it. You’ll like it.” These words sound a lot like the famous line in the decades-old Life cereal commercial in which Mikey, clearly a picky…
Crunch Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
Store the base mix in the fridge for crisp, wholesome salads at the ready. For a satisfying, complete meal, simply top with a favorite protein. I recently read a magazine article that proposed tossing the kale from your refrigerator, forgoing roasted Brussels sprouts at your favorite restaurant, and sliding your avocado toast into the…
Roasted Feta with Honey
A dear friend called this delicious appetizer easy but “showy,” and it’s a perfect description! As the New Year approaches, it’s natural to ponder our hopes and dreams and to consider the multitude of resolutions we could make (and possibly break) in the months ahead. It’s also a good time to look back…
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Lightly sweet and tender with delightfully crispy edges, this mouthwatering baked French toast can be prepared in advance with basic ingredients. It’s special enough for holiday breakfasts and brunches but easy enough for any given Saturday or Sunday. Warm fires, sweet cookies, festive packages, and lots of holiday cheer with family and friends—this is…
Spinach & Artichoke Egg Casserole
In the last week alone, I’ve received quite a few reader requests for more low-carb, protein-rich meals. It seems we’re all in the same boat–and that boat has an endless supply of sugary cookies, creamy dips, and salty snack mixes. Tis the season! So I decided to take inspiration from a party staple–cheesy, gooey, baked…
Easy Hand & Body Sugar Scrub
This customizable, boutique-worthy scrub is effective, economical, and smells good enough to eat. It also makes a thoughtful gift that can be made in minutes! Dry, cracked, or otherwise flaky skin isn’t the most exciting topic of conversation, although I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who deals with it. But guess what?…
Shortcut Beef Vegetable Soup
Everything for this hearty soup can be kept in your pantry or freezer for a speedy, well-rounded meal whenever needed. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent hours rolling dough for homemade dog biscuits, decorating gingerbread houses, and figuring out how to make homemade lotion. These activities are all lots of fun, but none will…
Leftover Mashed Potato Bake
Leftover mashed potatoes can be given new life with a few basic ingredients. You can even top them like a stuffed potato if you like. Whether you’re baking pies and stuffing the turkey right now or hitting the highway en route to family and friends, chances are you’re rather busy and not thinking of adding…
Homemade Cold Remedy
The holidays are full of family, friends, and good cheer. All the fun and festivities, however, seem to go hand-in-hand with a present none of us want—the common cold. There’s no joy to be found in the common cold, and I’ve long been intrigued by any home remedy that claims to alleviate its symptoms. Several…
Sparkling Cranberries
Two ingredients come together with ease for a stunning holiday dessert decoration or cheese plate garnish. The leftover syrup is delicious in cocktails, mocktails, and lemonade! What holiday spread wouldn’t be perked up by something colorful and sparkly? These sweet-tart jewels are simple to make and can be used to decorate cakes and pies,…
Roasted Veggie & Wild Rice Salad
Roasted vegetables, wild rice, and hearty greens form the base of this colorful salad that comes to life with a flavor-packed vinaigrette. Healthy, filling, and great for meal prep! Entertaining family and friends is supposed to be fun, but it can also be somewhat stressful. Planning, shopping for, and preparing a big meal can…
Healthy Pumpkin Snack Cake (Gluten- & Grain-Free)
Decadent enough for dessert yet healthy enough for breakfast, this easy-to-make treat is sure to become a family favorite. The natural sweetness and tender crumb of this quick-prep treat make it a true family favorite around here. Though I originally created it as a healthy snack or dessert option, its wholesome qualities soon made…
