on Jun 06, 2016, Updated Aug 27, 2021 29 Comments To me, there is nothing like the flavor you can get from a homemade salad dressing. For years, I just grabbed bottles from the grocery store (and still do every once in a while), but once I started making and keeping homemade salad dressings it was amazing how much fresher my salads tasted! And it doesn’t stop with salads either!...

on Aug 11, 2017, Updated Sep 06, 2023 28 Comments This marinara sauce is one of those recipes I repeatedly turn to. I love making it with fresh tomatoes from the garden when they are in season or using canned tomatoes when I need to use pantry staple ingredients. It comes together quickly and then simmers for a rich, luxurious marinara sauce that my whole family loves. It is delicious served with my easy homemade meatballs, layered in my lasagna, and spooned over chicken parmesan....

How to Make Espresso Rubbed Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Step #1: Remove the steaks from cold storage and let them come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the espresso powder, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Rub the room-temperature steaks with the spice mixture and set aside for 10-15 minutes. You’re probably wondering about the espresso rub, aren’t you? Well, it’s magic. The espresso steak rub tenderizes the meat and adds a robust and earthy flavor to the steak....

on Jul 10, 2015, Updated Jul 13, 2021 3 Comments During the summer, I love to pull out a few favorite no-bake dessert recipes that I know everyone loves without me having to worry about heating up my kitchen. With temperatures staying in the 90’s and the heat index soaring well over a hundred, much less that humidity we are famous for here in Georgia, it is a good idea to keep an arsenal of ideas....

on Apr 21, 2014, Updated Sep 07, 2023 7 Comments Making homemade fruit leather makes a great way to use excess fruit while providing nutritious snacks that everyone just loves. In just a few simple steps, you have your own fruit leather than you can then make into homemade fruit roll-ups that I loved so much when I was a kid. There was just nothing like pulling that sweet treat away from the parchment paper for a snack in the afternoons after school or during lunch from my lunchbox....

How to Make Greek Salsa Bites Step #1: To make the Greek salsa, whisk together the tablespoon of olive oil with the lemon juice, salt, and parsley in a medium bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives, and toss well. Gently fold in the feta cheese. Set aside. Tzatziki Sauce is delicious on its own, but I like lots of texture in my food, so I decided to get a little crazy and top these little babies with chunky Greek-style “salsa....

How to Make Szechuan Chicken Step #1: In a medium bowl, toss together the chicken, 1 tbsp. of the hoisin sauce, and 1 tbsp. of the cornstarch. Set aside. One of my favorite sources of inspiration for healthy recipes is Cooking Light Magazine. I was so excited when I found out they had just released a whole book of healthy international recipes. The book is called Cooking Light Global Kitchen, and I already ordered myself a copy....

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Step #4: Carefully remove the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl from the stand and use the lid to cover the bowl. Step #2: With the Stand Mixer turned off, pour in the milk and cream. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and cinnamon. Step #3: Preheat the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl to 160°F (71°C) and turn the Stand Mixer speed to “stir.” Allow the Stand Mixer’s whisk attachment to continue stirring the mixture until the temperature reaches 120°F (49°C)....

on Apr 11, 2023, Updated May 01, 2023 6 Comments Learn how to cook the best Southern Grits recipe. Cooked correctly, grits really only require a little butter and seasonings to be just right. They are perfect alongside eggs and bacon for breakfast or with blackened shrimp for dinner. I also love to make them as a baked cheese grits casserole for an easy breakfast or side dish! What are Grits?...

on Mar 26, 2023, Updated Aug 03, 2023 2 Comments Looking for more easy one-pan dinner ideas? I think you’ll love my Chicken Cacciatore, Swedish Meatballs, and One Pot Penne Pasta. This Jambalaya recipe has been a favorite in my family for too many years to count! My recipe comes together quickly and is ready and on the table in 30 minutes for a busy weeknight or easy weekend favorite recipe....

It kind of makes me nuts that whenever I want to make creme brulee, I’m deterred by the idea of having to eat 4 servings by myself. You see, nearly every recipe out there makes four servings, and the husband won’t really eat sweets. Which means that I’m stuck eating all of the desserts in our house. This may not seem like such a bad thing, but I really hate to exercise so I try to avoid eating four servings of dessert over the course of two days (whenever possible)....

on Jun 12, 2014, Updated Jul 05, 2023 23 Comments I love the sweet and tart flavor combination that this lemon sugar gives whatever you add it to. It’s really a simple trick that my Mama would do in the summer to the rim of lemonade glasses for parties or make a larger portion to sweeten her lemonade even. It takes all of a few seconds to mix together, but creates such an impressive little touch!...

on Nov 13, 2013, Updated Aug 31, 2023 8 Comments I adore fried ravioli. As in I seriously love, love, love them. Too much, in fact. So, I decided to lighten up my favorite fried ravioli recipe so that I wouldn’t feel nearly as guilty when I dig into them. They are perfect for serving as an appetizer for tailgating or when friends come over for a party. They also make a delicious side dish for serving alongside a big bowl of tomato soup or even for the kids for lunch....

on Jan 03, 2016, Updated Sep 07, 2023 196 Comments My family loves a good quiche recipe. But I must say, this mini quiche recipe is my favorite. With a simple fluffy egg mixture nestled in my flaky, buttery pie crust made into miniature individual-size quiche servings, the deliciousness is over the top! It’s also perfect for satisfying a variety of tastes. Sometimes, my son prefers just the most basic, while my husband loves quiche filled to the brim with veggies and meats, like this bacon and mushroom quiche....

on Jun 16, 2015, Updated Oct 20, 2021 16 Comments It is no secret that my guys love camping. This summer, they have two week-long trips planned to be one with nature while I’ll be here at home being one with electricity. Don’t get me wrong, I think camping is awesome, wondrous, adventuresome, and any other adjective that you can throw in there that means good things. But, for me, personally, my form of camping is in the motorhome....

How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta Step #1: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the kale and toss to coat. Add ½ cup of water along with the Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and I’m inclined to agree. This time of year, I find myself with a lot of leftovers, yet I never have any trouble finishing off the leftover turkey....

How to Make Raspberry Cobbler Desserts with fruit added in are definitely some of my favorite. They are light and fresh and have the natural sweetness from the fruits used. For more fruit desserts you have to try my Apple Strudel, Easy Farmhouse Fruit Cobbler, and French Apple Cake. Vanilla Extract – A classic baking ingredient that adds a warm rich flavor and enhances the sweetness of the overall dish. For a full list of ingredients and amounts see the recipe card below....

How to Make Scotch Pancakes Step #1: Sift together the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Historically, these pancakes were made on a griddle pan or “girdle” in Scottish terminology. There was an incident where Queen Elizabeth II shared her own recipe for drop scones with U.S. President Eisenhower. After his visit to Balmoral Castle in 1959, the Queen sent him a letter that included her personal recipe for these pancakes....

on Aug 25, 2017, Updated Nov 11, 2021 7 Comments One of my family’s favorite dishes is my Grilled Caprese Chicken. We’ve been making it for years and years and it is definitely one my go-to recipes throughout the warmer months. But, I have to tell you, I love this easy skillet version just as much! It comes together in a snap and includes ingredients that I generally have on hand – the same that are used in my grilled version, just prepared in the skillet instead!...

on Oct 16, 2019, Updated Mar 19, 2024 12 Comments Looking for more easy ground beef recipes? I think you’ll love my Chili, Spaghetti, and Stuffed Peppers. Why You’ll Love This Recipe If you love lasagna like my family does – you are going to love this quick and easy Skillet Lasagna recipe! It’s a great weeknight recipe that’s so perfect for busy days. It’s hearty, delicious and satisfying so pasta fans will love it – yet it is on the table in 30 minutes and made all in one pan!...