Category: Home Kitchen

If you invite me to your cookout and I see you’re serving this BBQ Grilled Tofu, please break it to me gently that I can’t live with you forever… because I’ll try! Tofu is so versatile, but I personally feel like extra firm tofu is always the way to go. The texture is consistent and…

When my dad comes to visit us here in Tennessee, I know I must be armed and ready with a menu that can please the pickiest eater in the world—him! That’s where this Traditional Chicken Salad recipe comes in handy. It’s creamy and tangy, and the tender pulled-apart chicken gives it the best texture. My…

Consider this Tomato Relish your new go-to “I have so many tomatoes, I don’t know what to do with them!” recipe. It’s tangy, sweet, slightly spicy, and PACKED with fresh flavors. Basically, it’s everything store-bought relish wishes it could be. I’ve kept the recipe super simple (no rest time or canning here!), meaning it’s quick…

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Vegetables make the BEST fast food, corn in particular! You can eat corn raw, grilled, boiled, steamed, or even microwaved. But the only thing better than plain ol’ corn has to be this Street Corn Salad! It’s slathered in a tangy, creamy, spicy dressing and chock-full…

To me, it’s officially summertime the first time I smell fresh-cut grass AND someone grilling. As a devoted veggie lover, I don’t crave the typical BBQ meats, but I do crave this charred, smokey, and down-right delicious GRILLED CABBAGE! With a chili garlic glaze and crispy Parmesan crust, my recipe transforms this budget-friendly veggie into…

I’ve enjoyed sharing my favorite zucchini recipes this month, but I couldn’t leave out these super tasty Zucchini Fritters! These zucchini fritters have been a favorite of mine for years. They’re made with simple ingredients and they’re quick & easy to whip up. Plus who can resist those crispy brown edges and tender inside. And…

A cool, creamy, and refreshing sauce that tastes good on just about anything…well hello my favorite Tzatziki sauce recipe! Tzatziki sauce has been a favorite of mine for many years. It’s so fresh and tastes great on lots of things including grilled meats, sandwiches and wraps, veggies and more! This week I served it as…

Sweet Corn Risotto is a Summertime treat that shouldn’t be missed. Summer corn flavors infuse this entire dish when you use every scrap while cooking! Corn cobs that would normally be discarded bring extra sweetness and earthy flavor to this risotto, making each bite taste like pure farm-to-table bliss. And don’t even get me started…

There is no summertime meal that cannot be improved with a heaping side of perfectly Grilled Vegetables! These grilled veggies take very little prep time, and they’re the best option on fridge clean out day (which makes my busy life 100x easier and saves me money!). I’ve perfected grilling all kinds of vegetables including peppers,…

I love a healthy salad with tons of texture, and this Barley Salad recipe is a fresh and juicy flavor bomb! I combined the bold Mediterranean flavors of tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese with high-fiber pearled barley for a rich and filling salad. Tossed in a tangy and herbaceous dressing, this salad is the…

I love recipes that seem fancy but are surprisingly easy to make like these stuffed Zucchini Boats! They’re one of my favorite ways to use up all of the zucchini that I purchase from the store or the local farmers market during the summertime. It’s the perfect weeknight recipe for meat and veggie lovers and…

I am passionate about salads in all forms, and this Watermelon and Feta Salad is no different! Fresh in-season watermelon is so sweet and juicy, and crumbled feta cheese is so wonderfully salty. I drizzled this summery, fruity salad with a tangy vinegar dressing to make the flavors really pop. This flavorful salad is always…

Chilled soup?! No way! To this reaction, I say, “Yes way!” If you haven’t tried gazpacho yet, this vibrant, savory-sweet Watermelon Gazpacho is a great place to start. I love the more common tomato gazpacho, but this watermelon gazpacho is super special and celebratory of my favorite season… Summer. What Is Gazpacho? Gazpacho is a…

No barbecue or cookout is complete without a steaming pot of sweet and tangy baked beans… and the fact that there’s no bacon in these beans means everyone can enjoy them, regardless of dietary restrictions. These Stovetop Baked Beans are super-fast to whip up and taste great. I hope, like us, you already have all…

Nothing says summer to me quite like fresh, juicy Grilled Corn on the Cob. I have great memories as a child of horseback riding along a local cornfield and trying to pick a cob as I rode by. Back then, I would peel and eat it right there on horseback. But now, I find it…

I’m no scientist, but I’m sure there must be data about the gravitational pull at cookouts that brings everyone to the hot plate of juicy BBQ chicken breasts, sizzling and saucy straight from the grill. My grilled BBQ chicken is always the first protein to disappear! I’ve compiled all the best tips and tricks for…

Summer is here and one of my favorite fruits to buy during this season are fresh strawberries. This is the time when they’re ripe, juicy, super sweet, and perfect to incorporate into recipes like this homemade Strawberry Sheet Cake! This strawberry cake is fluffy, moist, and made with fresh pureed strawberries that have been reduced…

I absolutely love making my crispy fried green tomatoes with a tangy buttermilk batter. I spent hours testing different versions until I found the perfect recipe. The crispy batter fried onto each slice creates a perfectly crunchy crust. The inside is juicy and the ultimate bite of Summer. These tomatoes are a standout dish that…

Salmon is a real treat, but with a little bit of planning, I have found it can be enjoyed any time of year! Nice cuts of salmon are available fresh and/or frozen pretty much everywhere these days, making this Grilled Salmon recipe one that is great to have in your back pocket, especially during Summer….

Summer is strawberry season, and you better believe I am always out picking farm-fresh strawberries the first day the U-pick farms open. My favorite thing to do with strawberries (besides eat them by the handful) is make these chewy strawberry cookies. They’re tender, sweet, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. These cookies are the real…

We’ve got the grill fired up here at Budget Bytes and that means it’s officially summertime, baby! And what better way to kick off grilling season than with a juicy, flavorful Turkey Burger? I know the combination of soy sauce, panko, and parmesan might sound strange, but it’s the magical combination that put these turkey…

During grilling season, I make this Grilled Chicken for my family at least once a week. It’s one of those simple recipes that works for even the pickiest eaters! I brine large chicken breasts, then coat them in a sweet and savory spice rub to create the juiciest grilled chicken you’ve ever tasted! Everyone at…

We have now entered grilling season and whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill or using an indoor grill like we did, there is one food that’s always a crowd pleaser and that’s grilled homemade hamburgers! Juicy burgers made with a simple seasoning mix, topped with cheese and crisp veggies are always my go-to at…

When I’m looking for a snack, I want it to be wholesome. These Homemade Granola Bars are delicious and free of all the junk and preservatives you can’t pronounce on most boxes of affordable store-bought granola bars. Instead, I loaded mine with quick rolled oats, Medjool dates, peanut butter, walnuts, and chocolate chips. They still…

Oh, Caprese Salad… let me count the ways! Nothing screams summer to me more than perfectly ripe, juicy, colorful tomatoes, and this fresh and flavorful Caprese salad is loaded with them! Creamy mozzarella cheese and sweet and spicy basil round out this easy salad, and I drizzled it with some balsamic glaze to bring it…

Pasta, veggies, and an addictively creamy sauce? Say no more! I’m all about quick one-pot weeknight meals these days; juggling work, a toddler, and a barnyard full of animals to care for (I see you, busy moms!). This Tuscan Orzo recipe gets the job done! Made in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this big-batch…

This budget-friendly protein-packed tofu is begging to be the center of attention at your dinner table. If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, or you’ve been on the tofu train for a long time, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great. I toss extra firm tofu in a simple…

Listen, I am hard on myself when it comes to food waste. It’s up there on my top 10 list of pet peeves, right next to the car being left on empty. My solution? When life hands you overripe bananas about to meet their doom, make this sweet, creamy, budget-friendly Banana Cake instead! This Banana…

I’m on a roll with these air fryer recipes y’all! And since I loved how well my air fryer chicken nuggets turned out, I wanted to try some air fryer chicken tenders next. This time I combined panko and regular breadcrumbs for the perfect texture and I used chicken breast tenderloins to make things super…

When I opened my former restaurant, AVO, in Nashville, I knew this Kimchi Spring Roll appetizer would make it onto the menu. Not only did it make it onto the menu (and it’s still on the menu with a new chef at the helm and under new ownership!) but it was our best-selling item. The…

There’s nothing I crave more on a hot summer day than a refreshing scoop of sorbet. It’s lighter and more refreshing than ice cream, so I never feel too full after eating it, and it’s so fast and easy to whip up! Made with simple and budget-friendly ingredients– frozen fruit, maple syrup, and lemon juice–…

Friends, this is the pasta salad recipe that I grew up on! A simple mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and pasta, all tossed together in a zesty and tangy Italian dressing. It’s a classic! And it was always everyone’s favorite side dish at summer BBQs and cookouts! It’s fresh, vibrant, and it definitely feeds…

My Red White and Blue Salad is Summer in a bowl. Christmas and Thanksgiving are great holidays, but I’m a summer gal through and through. There’s just something magical about the smell of sunscreen and fresh cut grass mingling with drool-worthy scents wafting from the grill. Are you with me? Now, all you need is…

Springtime is salad season, and boy, do I have the perfect hearty salad for you! Niçoise salad is protein-packed, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep and will keep you full all week long. I love the mixture of textures and flavors in this salad, and while it takes a bit of work to…

This Air Fryer Asparagus might be the easiest recipe I’ve ever developed, and you know what? I’m not mad about it! Sometimes the simplest method truly is the best, and this crispy asparagus is proof of that. It takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and it’ll change the way you think about…

Did you know you can freeze avocados? This information was life-changing when I opened my former restaurant, AVO, in Nashville back in 2015; we used frozen avocado in our signature drink, the Avocado Margarita and let me tell you, freezing ripe avocados saved us a bunch of dough! Now, I buy ripe avocados any time…

I love any dish where I can sneak in some kale without complaints from the haters; there’s just something so fun about sneaking them in and hearing the good ol’, “I usually hate kale, but this is SO good!” These Buffalo beans and greens pack in a whole lot of nutrition and flavor on a…

It’s nearly grilling season, and I need a reliable side dish to bring to parties, family reunions, and barbecues. This broccoli salad is the perfect creamy, crunchy, rich, and flavorful side to go with any meal. It has a great balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and the texture is unbeatable. It’s a fact that…

Listen, I love Taco Tuesday as much as the next gal, but Taco Salads are really where it’s at. I have always said that salad is the ultimate “fast food”, and I’m sticking to it. Think about it, they’re quick, easy, and almost always require very little cooking. When you want a little extra somethin’…

With the sun working overtime during these hot summer months, I’ve got tacos on my mind (and tortillas in my fridge) 24/7. I love how balanced and fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine can be, and these tostadas are no exception! Crispy tortillas are piled high with mashed pinto beans, salsa, veggies, and cheese for a different spin…

I have a major weakness for Southwestern flavors, and this Santa Fe salad is the ultimate combination. It’s loaded with tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy black beans. I love it tossed in our creamy avocado dressing. It’s a great hearty entrée-sized salad that’ll keep you full for hours. If you are plant-baseed, this…

In my opinion, a bright and refreshing soup is the perfect way to welcome spring, and this vegan Mediterranean Lentil Soup is the perfect comforting meal for the rainy days to come. A rich and flavorful broth loaded with veggies, lentils, and kale will fill you up for pennies and is a great recipe for…

Potatoes, or “spuds” as my Irish brother-in-law affectionately calls them, are truly a favorite for just about everyone. Potatoes can be cooked 1,000 ways and they always steal the show! These air fryer potatoes are proof of that. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, they’re like mini baked potatoes. They are seriously…

We’re in love with stuffed bell peppers here at the Budget Bytes kitchen, so I decided to make a new variation just so I could have an excuse to eat stuffed bell peppers again. These Chorizo Stuffed Bell Peppers are full of super flavorful Mexican chorizo, hearty rice, and a rich sauce, then topped with…

When I think of comfort food, I always think of chicken parmesan. It’s everything I want in a cozy meal– crispy, saucy chicken topped with melty cheese! This one-pan chicken parmesan recipe is so easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Served over spaghetti and topped with a healthy dose of parmesan cheese,…

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that most dips can also double as an amazing pasta sauce, and this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a great example. I took all of the creamy, tangy, spicy goodness of buffalo chicken dip and made it into a deliciously cheesy one-pot pasta. So gather around all of…

We’re all guilty of ordering Chinese takeout on a desperate night. But with this Chicken Fried Rice recipe, you won’t have to resort to that any longer! Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too. Easily stretch leftover rice and a single chicken breast into a budget-friendly…

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful pork recipe, these Air Fryer Pork Chops are it! Coated in a sweet and savory spice blend and cooked to crispy perfection, this air fryer pork chops recipe is a far cry from the leathery chops you may have experienced in the past. We’re raiding the pantry…

I know it’s still spring, but the days are getting warmer, the sun is starting to shine, and I am ready for summer and all of its cold, fruity drinks. And let me tell you, this Orange Julius is going to be the drink of the summer for me. It only takes a few minutes…

These hot and cold spring days have me feeling all kinds of confused about what to make for dinner. One day it’s warm and sunny, and the next it feels like winter all over again. But no matter the mood, I feel like soup is always the right answer, and this Ham and Potato Soup…

Carrot cake is one of those recipes where some people love it and others strongly dislike it. Well today, these Carrot Cake Muffins deserve to be in a class of their own. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist with all the wonderful flavors of carrot cake, but in a convenient, easy to share muffin size….

Today we’re sharing our favorite Easy Dessert Recipes that are perfect for holidays, parties, family gatherings, or as a simple weeknight dinner treat. We’ve included several no-bake desserts, freezer-friendly desserts, and easy desserts that require just a few ingredients. Easy desserts that are made with simple pantry ingredients are always a win in our book!…

Making an impressive main dish is hard work, so we’re partial to simple sides that pack a punch with little effort. This sauteed asparagus is crunchy, flavorful, and delightfully easy to make. All you need is a bunch of asparagus, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s almost too easy! Here’s what you’ll need to make…

When the holidays roll around (Hello, Easter!), there’s nothing my family craves more than a sweet and savory baked ham. I know what you’re thinking, ham is expensive. But this baked ham recipe is proof that a typically expensive meat can be budget-friendly. By using a boneless ham, we don’t waste a single dollar on…

Lately I’ve been loving how easy it is to cook vegetables in the air fryer. Just prep, season, and air fry. It’s almost too easy. And carrots are a great inexpensive vegetable to cook any time of the year. Plus, they last a long time in the fridge…WIN! We have lots of roasted carrots recipes…

Creamy Parmesan risotto is comfort food at its finest! Warm, rich, and cheesy, this dish is a perennial favorite. It’s loaded with belly-filling Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese to keep you full and satisfied for under $10. What could be better?! What is Parmesan Risotto? Risotto is a magical dish created by slow-cooking starchy rice…

If you’ve never made a homemade Caesar salad, then you might be surprised by just how easy it is to whip up. Our version includes fresh homemade croutons and a rich and tangy homemade Caesar salad dressing. The simplicity of a Caesar salad is unmatched. It’s simple enough to make during the week and pairs…

I love taking classic recipes and adapting them to be budget-friendly, and chicken Marsala is my latest endeavor. This Chicken Marsala recipe is so rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it didn’t come from your favorite Italian restaurant. Your family will be begging for this easy dinner recipe on repeat because it’s just that good!…

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this creamy, cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this potato casserole recipe is comfort food at its best. The crunchy, cheesy topping is a little sweet, a lot savory, and makes this the perfect side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. What is Potato Casserole? Diced…

Fried cabbage is an incredibly underrated side dish, IMHO. It’s cheap, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, and it goes with everything. Plus, cabbage is one of my favorite budget ingredients because it’s so filling and nutritious, and you really don’t need a lot to make it taste great. This Fried Cabbage recipe…

Easy and inexpensive side dishes like these Glazed Carrots are my go-to during busy weeknights. They’re super simple to make, they have the perfect amount of sweetness, and they pair well with so many different meals. They’re not only great for weeknight dinners, but they’re also perfect for special occasions and holidays like Easter and…

Every now and then you come across one of those recipes that just leaves you speechless. Well, today I’m introducing you to one of those recipes. This Creamy Garlic Chicken is so delicious, so flavorful, and so easy to make for a quick weeknight meal! It starts with tender, pan-seared chicken breasts that are then…

I know it’s super easy just to open up a jar of store-bought marinara sauce and pour it over your pasta, and sometimes that’s all the energy we have (no shame), but hear me out. This easy marinara sauce recipe is surprisingly simple, super inexpensive, and you get to control the ingredients (great for those…

I’m all about the creamy soups during the cold winter months, and this incredibly creamy Mushroom Soup is one of the best. This mushroom soup recipe is so easy to make and is as cozy as it gets. You’ll want to serve this soup with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up every drop…

I really love french fries, but deep frying can be such a hassle. On busy weeknights when I’m craving a crispy side, I make these Air Fryer French Fries, and all my troubles just melt away! Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic and onion powder, and salt, these fries pack a punch and are mess-free!…

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but doesn’t actually take a ton of effort. It can be pricey if ordering at a restaurant, but we have developed a budget conscious recipe that can be made at home. With some simple technique and a little bit of patience, you can…

Quick and easy soups made with canned beans have become my favorite go-to easy meal when I’m too tired to cook and too broke to eat out. I’ve made several variations of this soup over the years, including the viral Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup, but this week I made a Mediterranean-inspired Lemony Chickpea Soup….

In case you haven’t noticed, we love avocados over here at Budget Bytes. They’re creamy, extremely versatile, and they taste great in avocado salad recipes, avocado dressings, on avocado toast, and of course in guacamole! You’ll often catch us adding avocados on top of breakfast skillets, taco bowls, nachos, and rice bowls. So today we’re…

Bacon is my go-to protein of choice for breakfast on the weekends or during the week when I have a little extra time in the mornings. And I love how easy it is to cook Air Fryer Bacon. It’s a lot quicker than cooking bacon in the oven and everything is contained in the air…

When it’s game day, there’s no food I crave more than spicy, saucy Buffalo Wings! I always thought they’d be such a pain to make, but baking them in the oven makes the process so easy. This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of…

I’ve lived in the south most of my life and we eat grits all the time, so I thought I knew what polenta was all about. But let me just tell you, this Creamy Polenta is on a whole other level. from the instant grits I was used to. While both grits and polenta are…

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a splurge, look no further! Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s ready to eat in just one hour. This one-pan chicken cacciatore recipe is savory and succulent thanks to juicy chicken thighs, budget-friendly canned tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and briny capers. It’s a real weeknight…

Every now and then I get a taste for something sweet and decadent like homemade cookies, brownies, or carrot cake from my favorite restaurant. But buying pre-made desserts from a store or restaurant can be so expensive. Today, I have a much better option for you! Say hello to these rich, chewy, and buttery Blondies!…

You certainly don’t have to be a vegetarian to fall in love with these Tofu Recipes. Tofu is a naturally budget-friendly and versatile source of protein that can be combined with numerous flavors. Today we’re sharing 15 delicious, easy, and budget friendly tofu recipes that we’re sure will be loved by vegetarians and carnivores alike!…

We’re taking the stress out of worrying about “what’s for dinner” this week and making this quick and easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe. It includes lots of chicken, tons of veggies, and THEE best sweet and savory stir fry sauce! It’s also perfect for using up vegetables that you already have on hand in your…

I’m a soup lover, through and through. I eat soup when it’s cold outside, when it’s hot outside, and anytime between. So you may have noticed that we have a million soup recipes on Budget Bytes. So I wanted to filter out the best of the best, so you can make sure not to miss…

So you grew up on Hamburger Helper, but now you’re an adult and have a more ✨refined✨ palate (read: sarcasm). Well, this One Pot Chili Mac recipe is your grown-up “I actually know how to cook now” substitute! And don’t worry, it’s almost just as easy as the boxed mix. Promise. It’s rich, hearty, cheesy,…

It’s that time of year when we all try to get back into the groove of daily life, make a fresh fresh start, and rebuild good habits after the chaos of the holidays. Meal prepping has always been one of the things that really helps me save time, stay on budget, and keep overwhelm to…

We are still in the middle of soup season and if you’re looking for a new soup recipe to make this month, then friend you’re in luck! Today we’re making Chicken Enchilada Soup! It’s made with tender chicken breast and lots of bold flavors. Dare I say, it might just be your new favorite soup…

I’m sure by now we all know that the air fryer makes life just a little bit easier, so if you’re looking for a simple way to cook chicken breasts, then you can’t miss with this easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe. I happen to love chicken breasts and I cook them quite often, so…

If you’ve ever been to Chipotle, you know how good cilantro lime rice is and just how much flavor it can add to a meal. Luckily, it’s super easy and budget-friendly to make at home, too, so you take any meal to the next level just by switching out your plain white rice for this…

Caramelized onions are one of my favorite flavors EVER, so even though you can make a quick French Onion Dip made with just a packet of onion soup mix and sour cream, you know I’m going to try to make it from scratch instead! And this homemade French Onion Dip recipe is surprisingly easy! It…

Let me start by saying, we have a deep love for Italian sausage. It’s one of our favorite meats to cook with because it’s already packed full of herbs and spices, so it adds a ton of flavor to any dish! Not only does it taste great, but it also works well in several recipes…

When I don’t have time to make a big breakfast, one of my favorite ways to start the day has always been with a quick smoothie. They’re refreshing, satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for a simple breakfast or a sweet midday snack! I’ve been making smoothies for quite some time and one smoothie that…

It’s that time of year again! At the end of every year, I like to round up my favorite recipes that we published throughout the year to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of the best. So get your bookmark tool ready because you’re going to want to save ALL of these…

If you love spicy and you love cheesy, you’ll definitely love Jalapeño Poppers! This cute little appetizer recipe has New Year’s Eve written all over it, and it’s perfectly easy and delicious for football games as well. …Or, if you’re just as obsessed with them as I am, they’re also great for a regular Monday…

It’s the countdown to the New Year and we have several tasty New Year’s Eve appetizers to help you celebrate in style! Whether you’re hosting a big party and feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a low-key night in your cozy pajamas, you’ll definitely enjoy these easy and budget-friendly New Year’s Eve recipes. From cheesy…

Our Easy Homemade Cornbread, which is like the classic Jiffy cornbread mix, has been a reader favorite on Budget Bytes for years, but I was craving a richer, more decadent cornbread to go with my Black-Eyed Peas this year. So, I crafted this super rich cornbread that is less on the sweet side and full…

It may be tradition to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day, but I’m here to say that you need to be making these delicious and budget-friendly beans year-round! This big ol’ pot of peas is hearty, delicious, freezer-friendly, and about as budget-friendly as it gets. So try them out this New Year’s Day and…

If there’s something you can never have too much of it’s definitely party snacks! These buttery Ranch Oyster Crackers are coated in melted butter, and seasoned with ranch seasoning and a small amount of red pepper flakes for just a little kick. My mom actually makes a similar recipe with regular saltine crackers, but I…

Roasting is my preferred method of cooking this time of year because it’s easy and hands-off, plus it creates the most scrumptious caramelized flavors and super tender and juicy meat. Not to mention, it will help keep your kitchen warm and cozy. 😏 This recipe for Roasted Chicken and Vegetables combines budget-friendly bone-in chicken thighs…

It’s Christmas cookie season!! This is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season and we wouldn’t dare let you miss out on it! Baking cookies with your family and friends definitely gets you in the holiday spirit, and there’s just so many easy and fun ones to choose from. And if you’re…

You know those candied pecans they sell from kiosks in shopping malls this time of year? The ones that beckon you from yards away with their buttery, nutty aroma? Well, I’m about to show you how to make them at home with just a few ingredients. They’re the perfect holiday snack for parties or as…

Fast and easy meals are the only thing helping me survive this time of year (…or any time of year for that matter), and this super quick and creamy pasta with peas and ham was a total winner for me. It’s inspired by a classic Italian dish, Pasta alla Papalina, and follows my favorite “formula”…

It wouldn’t be Christmastime without cookies, and these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are one of the best. Their fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is to die for and the powdered sugar coating really gives them that snowy, wintry feel. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are an absolute must on any Christmas cookie platter! What Are Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Like? I…

Spice up your weekend breakfast with this easy one-skillet Sweet Potato Hash. Made with a simple combination of sweet potatoes, breakfast sausage, peppers, and onions, it includes the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and hearty ingredients. Breakfast potato hash happens to be one of my favorite meals to order at a local brunch…

It’s time for our last gift guide of the year, gifts for foodies under $100! This is a list of bigger ticket items including some really nice practical tools and equipment that will last a lifetime, if not generations, and items that are likely to have been on someone’s want list all year long. So…

Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party this year or plan to spend the chilly evenings of December cozy at home, this easy Christmas Punch recipe will put you in a festive mood. This apple-cranberry-ginger drink can be made in a large batch to share with friends, or you can mix it up one glass…

Chicken noodle soup is great and all, but have you tried Italian Wedding Soup?? This classic soup shares a lot of the same cozy ingredients as chicken noodle soup, but with one huge advantage: tender and flavorful homemade meatballs! The meatballs are packed with herbs and spices that flavor the soup and make this Italian…

You know those foods you grew up thinking you didn’t like even though you never actually tried them? Yeah, well Brussels sprouts was one of those vegetables that I just assumed I didn’t like until I was in my 30’s. But once I finally tried Roasted Brussels Sprouts, there was no turning back. Now I…

If you’re looking for an easy addition to your Christmas cookie platters, or maybe just a quick way to get your chocolate fix, you’ve got to try this easy homemade chocolate fudge recipe. It’s seriously easy, only takes a few minutes, and makes the most deliciously rich melt-in-your-mouth fudge. And you won’t need a candy…

One of the best ways to reduce food costs is to reduce food waste, and my favorite way to do this is to cook freezer-friendly recipes. Being able to stash my leftovers in the freezer means not having to eat the same thing for five days in a row and I love being able to…