Make-Ahead Recipes
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, Iโve 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 wantโthe common cold. Thereโs no joy to be found in the common cold, and Iโve 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…
Stretch-a-Can-of-Tuna Salad
Loaded with filling protein and fiber-rich veggies, this remake on the classic recipe is economical, nutritious, and completely delicious! Cabbage and tuna may not seem like kindred spirits, but when mixed together in a simple salad, the results are decidedly delicious. ย What’s more, every crisp forkful delivers filling protein, nutrient-rich veggies, and satisfying flavor. ย What’s…
Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal
The warm, spiced flavors of the classic muffin find their way into a satisfying baked oatmeal for a nourishing, make-ahead way to start your day! In October of 2015, Kim asked via email if I happened to have a recipe for morning glory baked oatmeal. Kim mentioned that her brother had purchased something similar…
Overnight Oats Breakfast Cookie
This unconventional recipe is essentially overnight oats in cookie form and can be adapted to create different flavors and add protein and various mix-ins. If you’re a fan of overnight oats like I am, chances are good you’re going to fall in love with this clever spin on the traditional method of preparation. ย I cannot…
Denver Mug Omelet
This super-speedy, protein-rich meal can be customized to taste and enjoyed any time of day! A few days before my older son John was heading off to college and we were checking off the remaining items on his packing list, my laptop started acting finicky. He still needed a new pair of sneakers…
Basic Kale Salad with Options
“Eat more vegetables” is frequently heard advice, and green, leafy varieties are usually ranked at the tippy top of the good-for-you list. Getting the recommended daily servings, however, tends to be far easier said than done, so I have a few tricks to help me get there. Adding a cup of baby spinach to any…
Elisabeth’s Granola Bark
Granola bark is a cross between a thin, crunchy granola bar and those big clusters of loose granola that everyone digs for. Lightly sweet, it’s loaded with healthy whole grains and protein-rich nuts and seeds. School is back in session, so the lunch-packing factory is once again open for business. Given the amount of…
