Weeknight Favorite Recipes
Lipton Onion Soup Mix Copycat Recipe
A homemade version of this popular pantry staple is easy and economical to make for convenient use whenever needed. A single recipe makes 4½ “packets.” Homemade versions of store-bought staples can be really useful. Sometimes, the DIY version is healthier, cheaper, and/or allows you to swap out off-limits ingredients. Most times, they taste better…
Sheet Pan Dinner: Roasted Chicken, Potatoes and Artichokes
Quick to prep and family friendly, this all-in-one meal is a weeknight gift that relies on pantry staples. The optional quinoa recipe pairs well, but a simple side salad will also round out the meal. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a break from cooking would suit many of us just fine.…
Baked Denver Omelet
Similar to a frittata, this baked omelet can be mixed in one bowl and requires no sautéing prior to baking. It’s a super speedy meal that is perfect with your favorite deli ham or leftover baked ham. There’s a special appeal to a recipe that mixes up in a single bowl. Who isn’t thrilled at…
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Protein-rich beans replace the cream in this flavorful soup, creating exceptional texture and staying power. Just before Thanksgiving, my older son endured the displeasure of jaw surgery. To eliminate additional procedures down the road, he had his wisdom teeth pulled, too. Lucky boy. In the week or so that followed, pureed or very soft…
Pancakes in a Jar
The following recipe may be used as a gift but also as your go-to biscuit mix. Economical to make, it tastes fresher than store-bought, too. When presenting as a gift, a small container of maple syrup makes a fitting accompaniment. Who doesn’t love to start a weekend morning with a tall stack of pancakes? In…
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is easy to make at home with just two ingredients. The following how-to offers helpful details on which beans and liquor to use and how to store for practical use and gifting. Every year, I tell myself that I’m going to do my Christmas shopping early—and wrap the gifts too. In September,…
Roasted Root Veggie Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
The easy vinaigrette is key to memorable flavor in this endlessly adaptable, jewel-toned salad. A favorite protein makes it a complete meal. Think of all the people you see regularly, but only in passing. People with whom you may exchange friendly banter but never have the time to really know. Maybe it’s your faithful…
Cottage Casserole with a Kick
This all-in-one meal is as satisfying as it is easy! The ingredients mix up in a single bowl and may be prepared a day in advance. On a busy weeknight, meals that can be mixed up in one bowl or prepared in advance are especially helpful. This savory, protein-rich baked egg dish…
Overnight Buckwheat Groats — a crunchy, delicious option to oats
If you happen to be a fan of the ever-versatile, no-cook overnight oatmeal, you must try this novel twist. (And if you haven’t ventured into the easy breakfast world of overnight oats, I have several recipes for you!) For those who enjoy steel cut oats, buckwheat groats are quite similar in taste. In raw form,…
Cauliflower Fried Rice
If only a photo could convey flavor! At first glance, this hearty and healthy meal may not seem particularly fabulous. That said, I’ve served it many times for family and friends (and have even used it for several school cooking demonstrations), and it’s always a major crowdpleaser! As a child, cauliflower was…
Slow Cooker Spicy Mango Chicken Chili
A couple of Sundays ago, this recipe appeared in my weekly newspaper column. A few days later, I received an email from Jane from Mrs. Renfro’s salsa company thanking me for mentioning their product. As a thoughtful gesture, she offered to send me any four of their products. I truly love the flavor and ingredients…
Spooky Spaghetti Stuffed Peppers
A kid-friendly meal that adults love too. Carving the bell peppers can be part of the fun! It’s dinnertime. You have leftover spaghetti but not enough to feed the family. What to do? In mid-October, “spooky” spaghetti stuffed peppers are sure to delight. I saw this silly idea years ago but forgot about it as…
