Author name: Lauren Allen

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

A bowl of the best Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with cheesy tortellini noodles and spinach in a bold and flavorful sauce.I love the flavors in this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, with cheesy tortellini in every bite. It’s easy and delicious. How to make Roasted Red Pepper Pasta: Make Sauce: Place red bell pepper halves skin-side-up on a foil lined baking sheet and press them flat with your hand. Roast under the broiler on HIGH for…

Mashed Potatoes

This easy Mashed Potatoes recipe will steal the show at dinner! They are better than the restaurant - light, fluffy, and perfect!This easy Mashed Potatoes recipe will take your homemade mashed potatoes from average to fantastic! How to make perfect Mashed Potatoes: Prep Potatoes: Peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on, if you prefer), and cut them in half. Cook & Steam: Add potatoes to a pot with about 4 inches of water. Cover and…

7 Healthy Meals You’ll Want to Try This Week

Healthy meals that make weeknight cooking easy and delicious. Healthy meals don’t have to be time-consuming or bland. These five recipes are easy to prep, quick to cook, and packed with fresh, satisfying flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, with simple ingredients and flexible options to fit your routine. Eating well has never been easier.…

Bran Muffins

The best Bran Muffins are moist and absolutely delicious! They are high in fiber and freezer-friendly, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.These really are the BEST moist and healthy Bran Muffin that are naturally high in fiber, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes. How to make Bran Muffins: Make Batter: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin. Soak raisins in hot water for 10 minutes (to hydrate/plump them) then drain. Mix…

Grilled Ham and Cheese

The best Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich has ham and melted cheese with crispy golden bread. It's an easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy!This easy Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich recipe is crispy, melty, and an easy, family-friendly meal you can throw together in minutes, perfect for lunch or dinner. How to make Grilled Ham and Cheese: Assemble Sandwich: Make the honey mustard sauce by stirring all ingredients until smooth (can be made ahead and refrigerated). Optional: Spread…

8 Filling After School Snacks to Keep Everyone Happy Until Dinner

After school snacks so good, they’ll forget to ask “What’s for Dinner?” After school can be a tricky time – everyone’s hungry, but it’s not quite dinner. I’ve been there too, trying to find snacks that keep kids full without spoiling their appetite. These after school snacks are quick, filling, and easy to prep. And…

10 Cookie Recipes That Disappear Faster Than I Can Bake Them

Snickerdoodle cookies are an easy, timeless recipe that’s perfect for everyday baking or holiday cookie exchanges.Easy cookie recipes that taste like they came from a bakery. There’s nothing like a fresh batch of cookies – warm from the oven, soft in the middle, and ready to eat. They never last long once they hit the cooling rack. This roundup includes nine cookie recipes that are always a hit. Chocolate chip,…

12 Brunch Recipes That Make Weekends Feel Extra Special

Brunch recipes that blend sweet indulgence with savory comfort for the perfect weekend table. If you want to elevate your weekend meals, brunch is a fun and easy place to start. A few good recipes can turn an ordinary morning into something worth lingering over. This collection of brunch recipes includes everything you need for…

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry is a comforting, hearty meal you can feel good about that is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and still high in protein.The best Chickpea Curry recipe and it’s made in one-pot, with tons of flavor from hearty chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. How to make Chickpea Curry: Caramelize Onions: Cook onions in oil over medium-high heat until softened. Lower heat, add a pinch of baking soda, and cook stirring occasionally until deeply caramelized, about 10…

12 Must-Try Side Dish Recipes That Make Any Meal Better

Easy and healthy side dish recipes you’ll want to make again and again. A great meal is not just about the main dish. Side dish recipes bring extra flavor, color, and nutrition to the table. Serving a mix of healthy and tasty sides helps make any meal more balanced and satisfying. This list includes 12…

12 Italian Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat

These stuffed shells are a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing pasta bake perfect for busy nights or entertaining.Irresistible Italian-inspired recipes perfect for weeknights, parties, and everything in between. Italian recipes can be both quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions. With simple prep and big flavor, these Italian-inspired dishes are perfect for feeding the family on a Tuesday night or hosting friends for dinner. This collection brings together…

Instant Pot Spaghetti

The best Instant Pot Spaghetti has a homemade meat sauce and cooks the noodles perfectly! It's the easiest weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes!This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is the easiest one-pot meal ready in less than 30 minutes! Add everything to the pot and the pasta cooks right in the homemade flavorful meat sauce. How to make Instant Pot Spaghetti: Cook Meat & Assemble: Brown the meat in the Instant Pot on sauté, drain grease, and stir…

17 Special Occasion Cakes That Make You Look Like a Pro (Without the Stress)

Make any celebration unforgettable with these special occasion cakes. Baking for a special occasion should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I’ve tested and relied on these special occasion cakes for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings, and they’ve never let me down. Each one is approachable and impressive, with flavors that always get people asking for the…

Chicken Caesar Wraps

The best Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap with juicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and a delicious dressing.Our Chicken Caesar Wrap recipe is everything you love about a classic Caesar salad, wrapped up in a soft tortilla for a quick, satisfying lunch or light dinner. How to make a Chicken Caesar Wrap: Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing.…

The Best Muffins to Freeze for Easy, On-the-Go Breakfasts

The best muffins to freeze for quick, easy breakfasts that taste freshly baked every time. Mornings get busy fast, and having a stash of ready-to-go breakfasts can make all the difference. These 13 recipes are the best muffins to freeze. They are simple to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for quick meals or snacks when time…

Banana Oat Muffins

A plate of healthy Banana Oat Muffins ready to be enjoyed.This easy Banana Oat Muffins recipe is a wholesome, kid‑approved breakfast or snack made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, applesauce, and Greek yogurt. How to make Banana Oat Muffins: Combine: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar,…

Gazpacho

A classic Gazpacho recipe is the most refreshing drink or soup of Summer! The flavorful vegetables really shine and it's so easy to make in the blender in just a few minutes!This refreshing Gazpacho recipe is made from ripe summer vegetables blended into a chilled, smooth soup that’s perfect for hot days. It’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavor! How to make Gazpacho: Prep Ingredients: Break the bread into small pieces, drizzle with ¼ cup water plus a splash of olive oil and let…

12 Easy Canning Recipes That Make the Most of Summer Fruit

Blackberry Jam is so easy to make and perfect for canning to enjoy all year round.These easy canning recipes celebrate the best of summer fruit with tried-and-true jams and jellies you’ll want to make again and again – plus free printable labels to make them gift-ready. Canning might seem intimidating at first, but it’s much simpler than you think and the results are so worth it. These easy canning recipes…

What To Do With Leftover Rice

10 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rice and Simplify Your Meal Prep. Leftover rice is the perfect shortcut to quick, cozy, and flavorful meals. I love to use my rice cooker or Instant Pot to make a bunch of rice up ahead of time. Below are some of my favorite ways to turn that extra…

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders served in a basket with dipping sauce.One of our family favorites is this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe that’s crispy, easy to make, and ready in minutes without the mess of deep frying. How to make Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer: Prep Chicken: Marinate chicken tenders in pickle juice for 30 minutes. In one bowl, whisk together milk and egg.…

12 Homemade Pizza Recipes That’ll Make You Ditch Delivery

Skip the takeout, these from-scratch pizza recipes are fun, flavorful, and freezer-friendly. Once you’ve learned how to make homemade pizza dough, the fun really starts. Whether it’s family night, a casual dinner party, or just a weekend craving, these pizza recipes are made from scratch and tested to perfection. For true pizza lovers or at-home…

Boba Smoothie

This easy Boba Smoothie recipe has a flavorful and tropical smoothie combined with popping boba bubbles. It's sweet, satisfying, and the perfect drink!This easy Boba Smoothie recipe blends lemonade, frozen strawberries, and mango then poured over bursting boba pearls. It’s kid-friendly, fun to sip, and easy to customize! How to make Boba Smoothies: Blend and Assemble: Pour ¼ cup boba into each cup. In a blender, add lemonade or tea and frozen fruit and blend until smooth.…

Zucchini Recipe Ideas That Make the Most of Your Summer Harvest

This zucchini cake is a moist, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make in a 9x13 pan for any gathering.10 sweet and savory zucchini recipe ideas to help you use up your garden harvest. Zucchini is one of those magical ingredients that works just as well in sweet treats as it does in hearty dinners. If your garden is producing more than you know what to do with, you’re in the right place. You’ll…

What to Cook on Your Blackstone Griddle Tonight

10 Flavor-packed recipes that make the most of your flat top Blackstone Griddle. At our house, the Blackstone Griddle has become a weeknight lifesaver, especially in the summer when I’d rather not turn on the oven. The flat top heats quickly, handles everything from protein to veggies in one go, and makes cleanup simple. Here…

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