Author name: Lauren Allen

Swedish Meatballs

A bowl of homemade Swedish Meatballs made from pantry ingredients and tastes better than Ikea or any restaurant!The best Swedish Meatballs are made from scratch with a savory beef and pork blend, simmered in a creamy homemade gravy. This is a classic comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor to the kitchen! How to make Swedish Meatballs: Form and Cook Meatballs: Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, sautéed onion, allspice, nutmeg,…

Done in 30: 9 Easy, Fast Summer Dinners to Beat the Heat

Pesto Tortellini is cheesy, herby, and perfect for a quick dinner that feels like comfort food.Quick, satisfying summer recipes for when it’s too hot to cook. When the summer sun is blazing, spending hours over a hot stove is the last thing anyone wants to do. These easy, fast summer dinners come together in 30 minutes or less and still feel fresh, filling, and full of flavor. Each recipe is…

These 9 Filling Salads are Main Dish Worthy

Perfect for meal prep or busy family dinners, this Asian chicken salad brings protein, crunch, and bright citrus flavor to the table.Filling salads that make a complete meal. Looking for salads that don’t feel like a side dish? These hearty, flavor-packed recipes are satisfying enough to stand on their own. Each of these filling salads are loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients to keep you full and happy. They’re perfect for prepping ahead for a…

Chocolate Banana Bread

Moist chocolate banana bread baked in a loaf pan and sliced on parchment paper to reveal gooey melted chocolate chips inside.I’m convinced this delicious, moist and rich Chocolate Banana Bread is the best way to use overripe bananas. Packed with deep chocolate flavor and melty chocolate chips, it’s an easy one-bowl recipe the whole family will love. How to make Chocolate Banana Bread: Make Batter: Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl (I love to…

7 Blueberry Recipes That Scream Summer

This easy blueberry coffee cake is soft, packed with fresh berries, and topped with a buttery streusel, perfect for brunch or a make-ahead treat.Sweet, simple recipes that let blueberries shine. As soon as blueberries show up at the farmer’s market, it’s time to start baking. That sweet smell in the kitchen signals slower mornings, sunny days, and all the simple joys of the season. These 7 blueberry recipes are fresh, easy, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for…

9 Back to School Breakfasts Your Kids Will Actually Eat

Easy Pitaya Bowls are made in the blender in just 5 minutes and is flavorful and refreshing and topped with granola, coconut, and fresh fruit. It's any picky eaters favorite!Quick, delicious back to school breakfasts to keep school mornings stress-free and your kids happily fueled. Mornings can be hectic, but back to school breakfast doesn’t have to be a struggle. When you’re trying to get everyone out the door on time, a quick and filling meal helps everything run smoother. There are sweet and…

10 Potluck Recipes That Disappear First (and Everyone Asks for the Recipe)

This loaded baked potato salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish, topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.There’s nothing better than coming home with an empty dish! These ten crowd-favorite potluck recipes are the kind that disappear fast, and have everyone asking- “Who made this?” They’re easy to prep, travel well, and always bring big flavor. From creamy dips and fresh, vibrant salads to sweet treats kids (and grown-ups) go crazy for,…

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A basket of crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries served with a side of ketchup for dipping.Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are the best way to get those crispy, golden, and totally addictive fries you want—ready in just 20 minutes with zero deep-frying mess. How to make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Prep and season: Peel the sweet potatoes and trim the ends. Slice them lengthwise into ¼ to ½-inch thick…

Prep Now, Thank Yourself Later: 8 Freezer-Friendly Meals You’ll Love

Homemade breakfast burritos are the best prep-ahead breakfast that can be frozen and reheated to take on the go!Freezer-friendly meals are one of the best ways to simplify your cooking routine! Freezer-friendly meals can be a game changer for busy families, offering all of the comfort of a home-cooked dish with none of the last-minute prep or cleanup. With the right meals on hand, it’s easy to serve something warm and satisfying any…

Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a large serving bowl, ready to serve.I’m obsessed with this fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe; it tastes even better than it looks and is my favorite for summer dinner, side dish or a backyard BBQ. How to make Orzo Pasta Salad: Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl. Cook pasta according to package instructions then drain well and let cool.…

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls

A Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl with juicy chicken, creamy charred corn, and topped with avocado and a slice of lime with a creamy sauce drizzled on top.These Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls are bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, featuring juicy seasoned chicken, charred corn, and a creamy tajín-lime sauce. They’re quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a fresh and satisfying weeknight dinner. How to make Street Corn Chicken Bowls: Make Sauce and Cook Chicken: Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.…

Rice Krispie Treats

The best rice krispie treats recipe on a piece of parchment paper and cut into squares.These homemade Rice Krispie Treats are thick, chewy, and packed with gooey marshmallow flavor. It’s everything you love about the classic treat, but made even better! They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion! How to make Rice Krispie Treats: Prep and Melt: Measure cereal and 2 cups mini marshmallows in a large bowl. Lightly…

5 Easy Summertime Treats That’ll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

A piece of an easy Ice Cream Cake recipe served on a plate, the perfect summer dessert for potlucks or parties.Cool, no-fuss desserts perfect for hot days. Summer is in full swing, and the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the oven. When it’s hot outside, quick and easy desserts that don’t heat up the kitchen are a must. These frozen treats are just the thing. From icy drinks to creamy cakes,…

Energy Balls

No bake Energy Balls made with pantry staples and served on a plate.No-bake Energy Balls are the ultimate no-bake snack I always have the ingredients for and great for meal prep or on-the-go fuel. How to make Energy Balls: Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until well incorporated. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before forming into…

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

The best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches golden and crunchy and cut in half to show the melted center.This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe makes the BEST grilled cheese with the perfect texture, and it only takes 10 minutes to make. How to make Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer: Assemble Sandwiches: Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees. Butter one side of a slice of bread and top inside with cheese. Top…

Mango Salsa

A bowl of homemade Mango Salsa with all of the ingredients diced and mixed in a large bowl.Our fresh Mango Salsa recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a must-have topping or dip for everything from tacos to grilled chicken. How to make Mango Salsa (in two steps): Dice Ingredients: With a sharp knife, follow my tutorial for how to cut a mango then dice the…

California Roll Sushi

A homemade California Roll served in a group of 8 on a rectangle blue serving plate.Let me show you how to make California Roll sushi recipe from home, with simple ingredients, the most authentic way! This is the easiest sushi recipe, made with sushi rice, crab, avocado, and cucumber. How to make a California Roll: Make Sushi Rice and prep sushi Mat: Follow my recipe for the best sushi rice,…

Healthy Muffins

A plate stacked with Healthy Muffins with oats, blueberries, honey, and wholesome ingredients ready to enjoy.This easy Healthy Muffins recipe is made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, oats, and honey for a naturally sweet, moist muffin while still having the best texture! These are muffins you can feel great about serving your family! How to make Healthy Muffins: Make Batter: Combine milk, olive oil, Greek yogurt, honey, egg, and…

10 Slow Cooker Recipes That Practically Make Themselves

A serving of slow cooker lasagna being scooped out of a black crockpot with a large spoon, showing layers of noodles, sauce, and melted cheese.Family-friendly recipes that keep the oven off and the stress low. When summer days are busy and the kitchen feels too hot to handle, my slow cooker becomes the ultimate dinner sidekick. These recipes are perfect for warm-weather cooking; just add your ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner is served. 1. Slow Cooker…

Sushi Rice

The best Sushi Rice recipe in a wooden bowl with a wooden rice paddle, ready to be used in sushi rolls or bowls.This authentic sushi rice recipe is so easy to make from home and perfect for making sushi rolls, poke bowls, sushi burritos, and more. How to make Sushi Rice: Wash and Cook Rice: Pour rice into a fine mesh strainer then rinse under the water in a circular motion, while gently massaging it with your…

Zucchini Brownies

Fudgy Zucchini Brownies made from scratch, served on a plate, ready to enjoy.Zucchini Brownies are the ultimate way to use up summer squash, creating ultra-moist, fudgy brownies that no one will guess are packed with veggies. Enjoy them plain or top with a rich cream cheese frosting. Grating Zucchini Tips: How to make Zucchini Brownies: Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the oil and…

5 Easy No-Bake Desserts to Beat the Heat (and the Oven!)

A slice of Peanut Butter Pie on a white plate, ready to enjoy.When it’s too hot to bake—or you’re short on time—you need a go-to list of crowd-pleasing, no-fuss desserts. These no-bake treats are our family favorites, hand-picked for when the oven’s off-limits but dessert is non-negotiable. Whether you’re prepping ahead or just looking for something fun and foolproof, these recipes are quick to make and always…

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Easy Instant Pot Corn on the Cob brushed with butter and sprinkled with parsley, ready to serve.This easy Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy perfectly tender corn every time. It takes just minutes to make! How to make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob: Arrange and Cook: Add a trivet rack to the pot along with 1 cup of water. Add husked…

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