Homemade PuddingThis is a great way to use up milk. I made it chocolate by adding 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder to the sugar/cornstarch/egg mixture. I like this recipe because it doesn't have a lot of sugar in it. I topped mine with shredded coconut.

 

Crockpot Peanut DropsChocolate and peanuts in a cup. Great for gifts!

 

Almond Flour Chocolate Beet CakeThis recipe doesn't use white flour while adding delicious beets to your dessert, but you'll never know it! A tasty dessert for kids or those watching their carbs but still needing a good dessert. Try it!

 

Banana Peanut Butter SmoothieThis is a great way to use up overripe bananas. It makes a quick and easy breakfast. I added some chia seeds to feel fuller longer. Feel free to add other ingredients.

 

Chorizo MuffinsI want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes. Chorizo gives the muffins a special taste. The chorizo muffins can be cooked, according to your tastes, with spicy or not spicy chorizo. It is ideal as an aperitif or as a main course, accompanied by a green salad. It's very delicious, especially when the muffins are still a little warm.

 

E-Z Refrigerator BeetsThis simple recipe makes great use of all the beets from the garden and provides lots of great vitamins (like IRON!) too!

 

Poulet au Pastis (Chicken with Anise Liqueur)Once again, here is a recipe from the south east of France. I know this one is going to be complex to make for non French, but it has two important culinary elements from my region:

 

Rolled Stuffed MeatloafI read a similar recipe on Facebook, of course, I tweaked it a lot with all the fixings I love to use. I made this easy for myself, by using quick easy shortcuts.

 

Fruit and Cream TrifleI love making trifles for any occasions. You can make them anyway you really want to. This one I made is all fruit and cream and vanilla wafers. It is delightful for the summertime!

 

Edible Tea CupsThis was a fun dessert to serve at a tea party themed bridal shower I hosted for my daughter-in-law last spring.

 

Simple Zucchini SoupI recently purchased this Instant Ace Plus Multi-Use Cooking & Beverage Blender. This blender is truly a timesaver/lifesaver. All you need to do is chop and measure the ingredients and in less than 15 minutes you have hot soup to immediately serve!

 

Homemade Hot PocketsI got a package of crescent rounds for free, and I also had leftover meatloaf, green beans, onions and sauce. I was very pleased with how these came out. The combinations are endless. This recipe will also work with crescent rolls.

 

Parmesan Yellow SquashWe have enjoyed the yellow squash from our garden this year. Although, there are many ways to prepare squash, this is one of my favorite. It's quick and easy and so good.

 

Wonderful Avocado ToastIf you are like me and get overwhelmed with cooking, then this breakfast is perfect for you! It's simple, it's quick, it tastes great, and the best thing is that it's healthy for you too! The avocado has good nutritional benefits for the heart, and much more.

 

Ratatouille KabobsI recently saw a recipe using a combination of squashes, zucchini, summer squash and eggplant and gave it my own twist! It is vegetarian and came out yummy and it was so easy!

 

Gluten Free Chicken Pot PieChicken pot pie is one of our favorites and even though it is gluten free, the family devours it with me and they enjoy it as well as I do. It is also good left over and heated for another meal.

 

Gluten Free Cream of Chicken SoupMany recipes call for cream of chicken soup, however, if you are allergic to gluten, you have to watch what you use. All I have seen contain wheat. I make my own. I prepare it first when making recipes that call for cream soup. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and cook.

 

Copycat Good Seasons Italian Dressing MixWhy buy this when you probably have all the ingredients already? I left out the last ingredient, the 2 Tbsp. of salt.

 

Avocado PearHere is a receipt with only (for 2 persons) an avocado, a pear, a little bit of peppercorns and vinegar. Pepper and vinegar have to be a bit sophisticated, like pink or green or black pepper, raspberry vinegar or balsamic vinegar for example.

 

Flourless Banana Cookies (GF)I keep bananas on hand and sometimes they get too ripe for us to enjoy. I don't throw them out. I either freeze them to use later or make these delicious cookies that are gluten free. They make a great snack especially when you are craving sweets or chocolate.

 

Moldovan Placinte with Three FillingsI want to share with you a recipe for a dish that I think many of you will hear for the first time, perhaps as well as about the homeland of this recipe. Placinte (in singular Placinta) is the traditional dish of Moldova (officially the Republic of Moldova). The word placinta comes from Latin placenta, which means "cake", from the Greek plakount - "flat cake". Placinte are really very tasty, especially when they are still warm.

 

Osso BucoOsso buco (hollowed bone) is a simple and very tasty dish of Italian cuisine. This dish originated from the Lombardy region in the 19th century (for those who don't know, that's the time when the traditional recipes in France and Italy were defined). Today it is known and appreciated not only throughout Italy, but all over the world.

 

Yellow Zucchini Squash and Shrimp SoupIt is yellow zucchini squash season. We harvested them from our backyard! This is an easy and refreshing soup with minimal ingredients and pairs great with rice.

 

Instant Pot Lemongrass Chicken (Ga Kho Sa)This is one of my family's favorite recipes. The meat comes out tender and fragrant. As a note, I use heaping tablespoon measurements for the garlic, shallots and lemongrass. My husband loves chicken with bones and my kids like boneless so I do half and half for this recipe. If you don't add bones, I would add a tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken broth.

 

Grandma's Cheats CheesecakeYou just need a shop bought vanilla cheesecake, 2 bananas, maple syrup, and enough sugar to make some toffee.

 

Sour Cream Cornbread (Gluten Free)I have had this recipe for years. It calls for Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. I made it often until I became allergic to gluten. Jiffy Mix became a no-no and I stopped making it.

 

Quick Fruit CakeThis is a real summer treat that is made very quickly. It will take you about 20 minutes to prepare it. It contains only a few ingredients, is not baked and is great if you have surprise guests who want to serve something sweet.

 

Charcuterie Grazing TableMy dining room table was set with pedestal, cutting boards, marble slabs and other dishes to complete the Charcuterie Grazing table for Christmas Eve. I prepared cornbread dressing muffins in mini-pans (using paper liners). A stewed chicken provided the broth for the cornbread dressing muffins.

 

Ham, Egg and Cheese BakeThis is made the night before and refrigerated, so all you have to do is bake it. I halved the recipe and baked it in an 8 by 8 inch dish. This recipe freezes well. It is very filling!

 

Coq au Vin (Rooster in Red Wine)Coq au vin is a real star of traditional French recipes, known internationally as one of the best examples of French gastronomy. This dish combines two symbols of France - rooster and wine!

 

Fluffy Banana Choco Chip PancakeHere's a simple recipe you can even teach your kids to do it for themselves. This doesn't necessarily need measuring since our leavening agents baking soda and baking powder are absent in this recipe. These two are ingredients you have to put correctly into your batter or else you'll have a weird tasting pancake. The other ingredients, they can be estimated so it's safe for your children to participate this activity but still teach them the right estimate and proper procedure to get good results.

 

Ripe Avocado Salad DressingI got a deal on some very ripe avocados at my grocer and decided to make an easy sauce to use on noodles or as a salad dressing. You just mix them all in a blender and refrigerate until use so there are really no steps but measuring them into the appliance! Delish and healthy too! Check it out!

 

Marshmallow Fluff FrostingThis is a nice fluffy frosting with just a hint of vanilla. It is like a cheater Italian merengue frosting.

 

Make Cake Pops From Leftover Cake (April Fools)I got this great idea after my kid's birthday party when I noticed all the half-eaten cake left on all the kids' plates. I thought to myself, "What a waste!" So I came up with this tip, you can make cake pops from those leftovers! I know what you are thinking right now, I am a genius, right? Why have I never thought of this before? This way you can make some little cake pops and your kids will be so excited.

 

Stuffed Chicken BreastThis recipe takes chicken up to a new level. It has a wonderful stuffing of mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions, and swiss cheese.

 

Velouté de Potimarron et MorteauI am French and I really love to cook simple but delicious dishes. This recipe is about Velouté de Potimarron et Morteau. Most this dish would most likely translated as Pumpkin Soup with smoked sausage from Morteau, but in French we do not call it soup, namely velouté because of its special creamy texture.

 

Chicken and Dressing Gluten FreeI was diagnosed with Celiac in 2009 and could not enjoy eating chicken and dressing with my family until recently when our grocery store started carrying a gluten free stuffing mix. I have prepared it several times and love it. My family likes it too. I have experimented and this is my recipe.

 

Pickled Spicy PeppersThere are many recipes for pickled peppers. This recipe is different in that as a result, hot peppers will never lose their shape, and canned jars can be stored without a refrigerator.

 

Grilled Portland DipThis is my recreation of a sandwich served at a local chain, McMenamins. They have been operating in the Pacific Northwest for many years. Their sandwich is similar to a French dip, but with turkey instead of beef. It also has sauteed onions and mushrooms and is served with au jus.

 

Piquant Four Seasons PizzaFour seasons pizza is my favorite pizza. This is an internationally known Italian pizza (Pizza Quattro Stagione). The four toppings represent the four seasons of the year, dividing the pizza into 4 equal quarters. Several fillings in one pizza, in my opinion this is a brilliant idea! But since I like spicy food, so I decided to try making this pizza with hot peppers.

 

Fresh Cranberry MuffinsAnother low-sugar recipe that tastes great. The recipe says you get 8 muffins, but I got 12.

 

Healthy Cinnamon Apple MuffinsI like low sugar recipes, and I always post my successes. This has an optional cinnamon sugar topping, which will post but did not use to save calories.

 

Lentil SoupA healthy soup that freezes well and is just perfect for the cold weather we have been having. I made mine in my Instant Pot. It can also be simmered on the stovetop for at least an hour or made in a crockpot for 4-6 hours on high.

 

Sheet Pan Dijon-Roasted Chicken ThighsThis is an easy, healthy and flavorful dish to make. Broccoli and chicken thighs were on sale this week as well.

 

Boston Pork ButtI learned this easy method of cooking the Boston Butt from my daughter. The meat comes out tender and juicy and it is so good. I chilled the broth and removed the fat and made gravy. This cut of meat is also delicious with barbeque sauce on it.

 

Honey Garlic ChickenThis is so delicious and fast. I did add the sesame seeds, and also added a few drops of sesame oil at the end of cooking.

 

Applesauce Crazy CakeA crazy or wacky cake is missing a traditional ingredient. This one has no eggs, so it is good for those times when eggs are expensive, you ran out of eggs, need to watch your cholesterol or there is an allergy.

 

Cracker Barrel CarrotsWhen we eat out at Cracker Barrel, I get carrots. They are so good and I wanted to know how to prepare them. I found a recipe and tried it. It calls for 2 pounds of baby carrots but I cut the recipe in half and only prepare 1 pound when I cook them. This is not Cracker Barrel's recipe but it sure does taste pretty close and it's good.

 

Roasted CabbageSome in our family do not like steamed cabbage but they love roasted cabbage. This has become one of our favorite vegetables. Since the weather is cold, I really enjoy cooking in the oven as it helps to heat the house.

 

Roasted ChickenWe love roasted chicken. This is a simple recipe for roasting a chicken in the oven. While roasting the chicken, put some baking potatoes in the oven and plan on a pot of string beans and you will have a yummy meal. This chicken is tender and juicy and good left over for 2-3 days.

 

Lemon Cream Basil Pasta with ChickenThis recipe is not only fast, easy, but flavorful! I love cooking with lemon. It is a great flavor enhancer! I find it is a great healthy choice! You use less salt, natural flavors. Lemon is fantastic on fresh vegetables too! You don't need butter if you use lemon! My favorite is broccoli with lemon!

 

Homemade Glumpkies' (Stuffed Cabbage)This old recipe is one we grew up on. My mom made these and they bring back such fond yummy memories!

 

Rosemary Roasted Chicken with PotatoesAn easy recipe, delicious and healthy recipe.

 

Sausage Rigatoni StewThis is a recipe a dear friend shared with me, I thought it was the most flavorful delicious dish I have ever tasted! I just made it twice in a week. Just so I could share it with all my family! They all flipped!

 

Bean SoupMy husband, who says he hates bean soup, loved this, so that is saying something! This makes a big pot, so there is plenty to freeze and enjoy for future meals.

 

Toad in the HoleA fun breakfast for kids to make and eat.

 

Chocolate Chip Bar CookiesI got this recipe many years ago at my baby shower. Someone always asks for the recipe. Instead of chocolate chips, you can use butternut chips, peanut butter chips, chocolate covered peanuts or raisins, or plain raisins. Coconut and nuts may also be added.

 

Easy ChiliThis was put together in a few minutes and tasted really good. It freezes well, too. If you have the time, simmer the chili for an hour or more. I put some shredded cheddar cheese in mine.

 

Vegan Lentil MeatloafIf you are a former meatloaf fan from the past, try this Vegan Lentil loaf Recipe because it's over the top delicious!

 

Make Ahead Raised WafflesThese are light, fluffy and tender. Because the batter is made the evening before, it saves time in the morning. They freeze well.

 

Ginger Snaps (Gluten Free)I love ginger snaps and took an old recipe for ginger cookies and made it gluten free by using gluten free flour. Since I was experimenting, I cut the original recipe in half and it made 89 cookies which is a plenty for me. This is my version.

 

Lemon Blueberry Sheet PancakesDelicious and much less messy than making on the stovetop. These freeze well and reheat in 90 seconds from frozen.

 

New Year's Quarantine Style PastaThis year has brought us so much hustle because of the pandemic. But that won't stop us from celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve. Even if we are unable to go out and shop, we have received a pack of ingredients which I will turn into a special meal.

 

15 Minute Beef StroganoffPrecooking ground beef and freezing it saves time when preparing this tasty meal.

 

Spaghetti ChickenThis is a recipe shared with me from a friend I used to babysit for over thirty-five years ago.

 

Blender PopoversA quick roll to serve with salad!

 

Cinnamon Fruit DipI substituted plain yogurt for the sour cream and 1/2 packet of Splenda Naturals for the sugar. I added 1/2 chopped, unpeeled apple. This is a healthy snack, with lots of variety.

 

Cheese BallMy cheese ball only cost me $2.50 to make compared to $4.99 at the store which is also half the size!

 

Clam ChowderOur family's Christmas Eve tradition for over sixty years.

 

Basic Bosch Bread RecipeThe only way to make homemade bread is using a Bosch--at least that's my family secret!

 

Seven Layer Cookie BarsUsing this basic recipe, you have the freedom to use different layers of sweets to build this cookie bar.

 

Air Fry Rotisserie Cornish HenThis is a great recipe if you're busy and want a delicious meal with the help of an air fryer. Have a rotisserie cornish hen ready in 35-40 minutes! This is my first time but you can actually fit 2 hens (but I tried 1 to see how it would turn out) and it's a hit!

 

Holiday TrifleIf you are a little "pied out" by Christmas, having eaten your fill of pies since Thanksgiving, here's a nice recipe that uses the flavors of the season. And it's kinda festive looking. And it's flexible and not too fussy. Read on for my recipe for holiday trifle!

 

Basic FudgeUsing this basic never-fail fudge recipe, I like to make up my own combinations of fudge. This time I made a chocolate/butterscotch/cashew fudge.

 

Raw Broccoli SaladThis is a favorite of mine and I have been making it for years.

 

Spaghetti PieA family favorite and a cross between lasagne and spaghetti.

 

Blueberry SconesDo you enjoy scones? Try making these delicious and fresh blueberry scones from home! They are much cheaper making from scratch than buying from the bakery too.

 

ToffeeA family tradition at Christmas.

 

Rotel DipI call this "Balm in Gilead" dip.

 

Corned Beef and CabbageMade in an Instant Pot and just as good as the old way!

 

Cranberry Apple Banana BreadUsing applesauce in this bread to make it more moist since I used half whole wheat flour and half white flour.

 

Hudspudt/ColcannonA combination of two favorite comfort foods from two different ethnicities; Holland and Ireland.

 

Caramel Apple Sweet RollsThis was a recipe printed on a Christmas napkin that I thought would be good to try out. It was a good way to use up some frozen apple slices that I had in my freezer.

 

Orange Pineapple FluffThis is an old recipe that we have enjoyed for years. It is so simple and easy to make, it takes just a few minutes to put together and get it into the refrigerator to chill. It can be served as a salad or dessert.

 

Basic Quiche RecipeI use this basic quiche recipe and then add various ingredients to it to make a variety of different quiches.

 

Coconut Pandan Sticky RiceThis is my Vietnamese inspired Coconut Pandan Sticky Rice with layered mung beans. This is a sticky rice dessert - you can serve warm or eat at room temperature. The toppings are optional - mung beans and sesame.

 

Creamy Pork ChopsDelicious pork chop main dish on mashed potatoes.

 

Salmon Sauteed TomatoesThis is a great and simple salmon meal you can make especially if you enjoy sauce over your rice. Or, you could also dip the sauce with bread instead.

 

Hungarian GoulashThis is a recipe from my sister that my family has enjoyed for years. Her husband was in the Air Force and they travelled to many foreign places. She picked up this recipe in Germany.

 

Peanut Butter Pie FudgeThis is one delicious but time consuming fudge that I would only make occasionally!

 

French ToastOkay so this is such a perfect thing to make. It's affordable, quick, and just what I like in the morning!! So I hope you enjoy this as much as I do:) On with the recipe!

 

Cucumber and Shrimp SoupHere is a simple, lightweight and refreshing soup you can make. This soup pairs great with a side of rice and requires a few simple ingredients only.

 

Homemade Hot Chocolate MixThis hot cocoa is chocolaty with a hint of cinnamon. Not only is making your own hot cocoa mix delicious, but it can make a great gift for the holidays. My friend is a chef and he had to make special hot chocolate mixes each year for the hotel attached to the restaurant he worked at. We based this recipe on one of his favorites. This is also quite inexpensive.

 

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese SoupI love cream soups. This combination was great. I used broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and cheese! It was the best. I had never made it before. I just made it as I went along.

 

Best Refried Beans (Instant Pot)We got tons of pinto beans from food boxes, so I decided to find a really good Instant Pot refried beans recipe and make up a big batch.

 

Cheesy Garlic BreadJust a good way to dress up some French bread instead of the same old same old garlic bread!