Feel free to mix up your vegetables in this delicious side dish. Use broccoli and cauliflower or carrots and peas instead of the squash and asparagus. You may also substitute yellow sweet peppers for the red if you wish. This will only give it a different color as both peppers have ...

This kid-friendly dinner is low in fat and chock full of essential nutrients.  You can substitute chicken breasts, turkey breast, or even salmon into this recipe if you prefer.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. pork tenderloin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 C honey
6 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
10 small new potatoes
4 carrots, ...

Raw seafood will give this dish a stronger flavor than pre-cooked seafood.  But if you’re running short on time, pre-cooked seafood will work just as well as raw, and will not ruin your meal.

Ingredients:

2 C rotini pasta
2/3 C water
1 tsp. olive oil
16 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb. sea scallops
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 small onion, diced
6 ...

These Nestled Eggs bake similar to a poached egg due to the “wells” formed inside the Dutch oven.  Use whole grain bread, sprouted grain bread, or bread with sunflower seeds to give this dish a little texture.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. ground cumin
6 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 red onion, sliced thin
1 orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
2 russet potatoes, cut ...

Dutch oven recipes are my go-to for a stay-at-home, wintry day (as many of you across the nation are still experiencing as well.)  So instead of making those steak & pepper kabobs that you were saving for a weekend barbeque, now’s your chance to turn them into satisfying comfort food. And at my house, steak is always comfort food.

If your ...

This homemade Apple Pear Crumb Pie is unbelievably good.  The walnuts can be left out, or pecans can be substituted in their place if you like. I personally prefer walnuts to complement the cranberries in this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 refrigerated pie crust, brought to room temperature
3/4 C sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
3 C tart apples, ...

These make a quick little breakfast sandwich that can be eaten on the run.  It packs in a lot of protein that’ll easily keep you going until lunchtime.

Ingredients:

1 (15.6 oz) box Cranberry Quick Bread mix
1 C water
2 Tbsp. canola oil
2 large eggs
3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1 banana, peeled and sliced

Directions:

Place the oven temperature on 375 and ...

Breakfast is a great time to spend together as a family and enjoying a special Valentine’s Day treat, and these Apple Cinnamon Fritters are perfect for that occasion. They also work well for a “breakfast in bed” treat. Serve with fresh strawberries and other fruits of your choice on the side.

Ingredients:

2 C + 1 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
1 large ...

These Chicken & Vegetable Egg Rolls make a great little appetizer to start out your evening.  Serve them with sweet and sour sauce on the side. 

Ingredients:

2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C chicken, cooked and chopped
1/4 C mushrooms, sliced
1/4 C celery, chopped fine
1 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. curry powder
8 egg roll wrappers

Directions:

Place the vegetable oil into a ...

These Mint Chocolate Bliss cookies truly are what they say: pure bliss. The recipe is a lot easier to make with an electric stand mixer. If you’re on the lookout for one, you can browse some really good deals here.

Ingredients:

1/2 C flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, ...

These Sweet Marshmallow Popcorn Lollipops are quick and easy to make, and they're a lot of fun to eat, too. Doesn't matter whether you're 6 or 60 -- these lollipops bring out the kid in everybody!

Ingredients:

7 cups popped corn
3 cups miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring
8 lollipops

Directions:

Measure popped corn into a large, buttered bowl. In top ...

I've found that when making this recipe, using real butter produces the best results. Not only does it taste better, but its consistency holds the dough together a lot easier.

Dough Ingredients:

1/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter

Icing Ingredients:

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon margarine, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pound powdered sugar
Pink or red ...

These Creamy Jello Heart Jigglers are a fun snack to bring to your kids' school party, work, or as a low-key dessert for Valentine's Day. Most packages of gelatin and instant pudding mix have sugar-free options if you're watching your sugar intake. And if you're looking for a more tropical way to mix things up, try using a cup of ...

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and these Chocolate Strawberries Gone CocoNuts work well as a special treat for everyone you want to make feel special and loved this holiday – spouses, kids, coworkers, neighbors… just not the family dog!  Any type of frosting can be used, such as chocolate or strawberry.  Use your imagination when it comes to the toppings.

...

To make removing and cutting the brownies easier, place the cooled brownies in the pan into the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden slightly.  Save any leftover brownie pieces left after cutting for ice cream topping. They will stay fresh in a freezer container for up to 1 month.

...

Any flavor of bagels will work with this recipe.  If you are having trouble finding cinnamon bagels, you can use regular white or whole grain bagels.

Cut the bagels in bite size pieces before toasting.  Coat the bagels with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Toast in a 375-degree oven in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 10 ...

This is a great little snack for your guests to enjoy all evening long.  Not sure what to do with the left over taco seasoning you have?  Sprinkle it over popcorn and place it on the snack table next to the Taco Trail Mix for another delicious snack. 

Ingredients:...

The kids will love being able to pop these little treats right into their mouths.  If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container.  Slip them in the microwave and warm for about 30 seconds.  Serve them as a breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (10.2 ...

If pepperoni is not the favorite pizza topping at your house, try using cooked Italian sausage, ham, or even extra cheese.  Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, or olives can also be added to the filling mix.  Try black olives, onions, and a three-cheese blend if you’re a Saints fan, or blue-dyed mushrooms, ...

These little wraps will be the hit of the party, and they’re great for kids, too.  Serve with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.  If you like a little more spice, use taco seasoning mix instead of the ranch dressing mix and serve with salsa for dipping.

Ingredients:

1 C sour cream
1 C mayonnaise
2 (1 oz.) envelopes dry ...

These roll ups can be made the night before the big party.  Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Any type of thin sliced meat can be used such as turkey, chicken, or roast beef.

Ingredients:

8 slices white bread
2 (2.5 oz) packages cooked ham, sliced thin
8 (1 oz.) sticks string cheese
1 C honey ...

Any type of cheese can work in these little Grilled Cheese Dippers. Try combinations of cheddar, Muenster, mozzarella, or Swiss for kids that don’t like spicy foods, and add a slice of Pepper Jack cheese if they do. 

Ingredients:

8 tsp. margarine, softened
8 slices whole wheat bread
4 slices American cheese
4 ...

Serve these mini pizzas with salsa on the side.  To save time, use leftover chicken breast cut into bite size pieces. Frozen chicken won’t work; it’s best to let the chicken thaw completely before cooking.

Ingredients:

2 (9 oz.) packages southwestern-cooked chicken breast strips
2 (11.5 oz.) cans refrigerated cornbread twists
1 (8 oz.) package Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Directions:...

This dip tastes great all by itself, but kids prefer to use it as a dip for other types of fruit. Slice apples, pears, and oranges and add some grapes on toothpicks for them to enjoy with their dip. Or, if you prefer the sweet & salty combo, try this dip ...

You can use deli ham, chicken, or turkey in these tasty bites.  The kids will love them because of the sweet pickles, but if you have children who like a little “bite,” dill pickles may be used instead.  Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce or ketchup and mustard.

Ingredients:

12 Tbsp. cheese spread with bacon
8 slices deli roast beef
24 ...

The ingredients for making these subs are endless.  Use different types of meat, cheeses, and toppings.  Dijon or yellow mustard, honey mustard dressing, or mayonnaise can also be used in place of the Italian dressing.  Your guests and even the kids will love them no matter what ingredients you add.

...

Excited for the Super Bowl in a couple weeks? Whether you watch the game for the teams, the commercials, or the excuse to hang out with your friends Doritos and Budweiser, it’s always a cause for celebration. So over the next week or so, here are some family-friendly appetizer ideas that are sure to whet your appetite. Everyone needs to ...

This soup does wonders on a cold winter day. Before making it, though, you’ll want to make sure your blender is big enough to handle the task.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. canola oil
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 potato, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/4 C ...

These Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Muffins are some of the lightest muffins ever made.  With the cinnamon and sugar mixture as a topping, these muffins please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

1/4 C canola oil
1/2 C sugar
Egg substitute equal to 1 egg or 2 egg whites
1 1/2 C cake ...

Moms deserve to treat themselves, too, and this pizza is the perfect way to enjoy a lazy Saturday afternoon. All you'll have to do is peel and core the Granny Smiths, and from there, the rest is easy as apple pie.

Ingredients:

1 (12 in.) prepared pizza dough crust
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. garlic, minced
2 C fresh spinach, coarsely ...

These Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins work just as well for a morning pick-me-up as they do for an after-school snack idea. They freeze extremely well, too, so make a double batch and freeze for up to 3 months. When your banana-chocolate cravings kick in, just place one in the microwave and ...

This German-inspired recipe for Smoked Sausage & Apples is easy to get and easy to make, especially during the wintertime when grocery sales for sausage and apples are aplenty. Also, try adding a small amount of honey mustard to the top of each serving for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

3 Golden Delicious apples, ...

This is just a basic muffin recipe.  You can anything you like to make these your own special muffins, such as fresh or frozen berries, baking chips, nuts, or even finely chopped vegetables.  All muffins will be mixed together the same way -- just add your specifications once the batter is completely mixed.  Bake as directed in this recipe.  ...

If you are serving this dish to adults, brandy can be substituted for the apple juice to give this dish a different, yet warmer, flavor.  When adding the sugar mixture to the egg white, only add 1 Tbsp. and stir in quickly to prevent the egg white from cooking. 

Ingredients:

2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and halved
1/2 ...

Any type of ground meat will work well with this recipe, including ground pork.  2 (10 oz.) pkgs. of frozen spinach may be used in place of the fresh spinach, but fresh spinach just tastes better.  If you choose frozen, add it to the meat mixture before mixing instead of adding ...

Use any type of white fish such as tilapia or flounder in this chowder.  You can also use shrimp or crabs instead of the clams, and for a heartier dish, add a can of corn kernels.  Any type of milk can be used including whole, 2%, skim, or even almond milk ...

Baking French toast in the oven takes less time because all the pieces of toast can be cooked at once.  The combination of orange juice and cardamom gives this French toast a special taste everyone will enjoy. Experiment with other spices too, if you like.

Ingredients:

1/3 C orange juice
1 tsp. orange ...

There are many variations to this recipe.  Instead of using regular milk, use coconut milk, and substitute red pepper flakes for the cayenne pepper.  Instead of adding rice, use an extra-sweet potato or sliced white potato.  You can also add tiny shrimp along with the chicken for an extra addition. And ...

Just because you’re making the switch to using whole grains in your diet doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your favorite foods. These Honey Pecan Whole Wheat Waffles taste delicious, and you probably won’t even notice that they’re better for you than straight Bisquick. Add some cinnamon-spiced peaches with a ...

Chili comes in many shapes and sizes, and this version is like no other.  It has a thick stew-like consistency that is hearty as well as delicious. You can use any type of bean from chili beans to kidney beans when making this dish for your family to try.

Ingredients:

...

This quick and easy pancake can be made with peaches instead of plums if you prefer. Either way, it tastes better when you sprinkle the pancake with a little powered sugar just before serving. The recipe calls for an oven-safe skillet, so if you’re not sure if yours will hold up ...

These flapjacks are not only sweet but also filled with spices.  They make breakfast a special event, and taste delicious with either maple syrup or apple jelly.  Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Ingredients:

2 C flour
1 C sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
2 eggs
1 ...

Here's an easy recipe to add to your "Kitchen Day" prep work. All it takes is a little veggie chopping work, then sitting back and letting your stockpot do the rest of the work. If you want to serve your chili immediately, just add the cans of chili beans and thicken with cornstarch if you prefer, then serve.

Ingredients: ...

Adding fiber to your diet can’t be encouraged enough. With this Vanilla Custard Smoothie, you can add a pinch of finely ground flaxmeal into the mix, or choose a high-fiber granola bar to sprinkle on top. For an additional change of pace taste-wise, add 1/3 C of fresh blackberries to the blender and blend until the mixture reaches the texture ...

Here’s another tasty, homestyle recipe for “kitchen day.” It freezes well and holds its moisture and flavor well when stored. If you don’t want to store your meatloaf in the freezer before baking it, adjust the cooking time by 30-45 minutes depending on your oven.

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 C milk
1/2 C white bread crumbs, soft
3 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ...

Milk contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid.  If the milk forms a skin in the pan, go ahead and add it to the blender instead of skimming it off.  The milk skin contains valuable nutrients and will mix in just fine with the other ingredients. 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. fine oatmeal
1 C milk
1/4 C raisins
1 small ripe banana
1 tsp. ...

This recipe for Ham & Parmesan Manicotti is great for your designated “kitchen day.” It doesn’t take that long to prepare, and it’ll stay cool in the fridge while you’re off preparing your next big meal. Your meals will freeze for a couple of months, and you only had to spend one day in the kitchen getting them ready. Now ...

This Homemade Berry Banana Smoothie will help you tackle two New Year's resolutions at once:  eating healthier, and spending less money at your favorite breakfast stop. Fresh or frozen blueberries may be used in this smoothie.  Frozen blueberries have almost the same amount of nutrients and antioxidants as fresh blueberries, making this breakfast smoothie a treat all year round.  Adjust the ...

One step that you don’t want to cut corners on is steaming the potatoes before placing them on the grill.  This will ensure that the potatoes are cooked thoroughly.  Other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or squash may be added to this recipe if you like.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
3 Tbsp. olive ...

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is: eating healthy. But you don’t necessarily have to skip out on your favorite foods to do so. These make a great appetizer or a side dish with burritos or tacos.  Any type of chili pepper will work as long as they are large enough to stuff.  Peppers such as Italian, Cubanelles, ...