Meals Under 30 Minutes

Cranberry Mimosas

Quick, festive, and colorful, this twist on the traditional mimosa is an easy choice for holiday breakfasts and brunches throughout the year.    A merry looking drink that offers easy prep and broad appeal, my family has given this drink a variety of names over the years. Christmas and holiday mimosas are the more straightforward…

Cracker Toffee

Easy to make and quick to disappear, this family-favorite treat is salty, sweet, crispy, buttery, and chocolatey. A variety of optional toppings ramp up the flavor and seasonal appeal!   Old recipes have a way of bringing back special memories. And when those old recipes are also very good recipes, they seem to create new memories!…

Crispy Potato Peels

Instead of tossing the peels when preparing potatoes for mashing, save them. They make a fun snack that’s crisp and flavorful–and nothing goes to waste!     The first time I roasted what were essentially the mashed potato scraps, I did it as an experiment and had low expectations. Little did I know the crispy…

The Rachel Sandwich (Grilled or Baked)

Sandwiches for dinner are truly a treat thanks to this crunchy, saucy twist on the classic Reuben. Use Thanksgiving leftovers or your favorite deli turkey for an easy meal any time of year. Two methods of preparation mean you can easily serve one person or a crowd.    For those who grew up watching the…

Magic Six Layer Bars (only 6 ingredients!)

This crowd-pleaser comes together in a snap and is perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and holiday cookie platters. Six simple ingredients never tasted so good. See recipe notes for excellent gluten-free adjustment.   One of my all-time favorite cookies is my grandmother’s recipe for six layer bars–six simple ingredients, layered in a pan, and…

One Pan Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

One pan. Three basic ingredients. Endless ways to mix it up. This quick and easy meal pulls out all the shortcuts for a well-rounded meal the whole family will enjoy!  Stir-fries are great for so many reasons. Theyโ€™re quick to whip up, full of contrasting flavors, and an excellent way to load up on crisp,…

Spider Cider

The name may be catchy but the flavor really delivers in this crowd-pleasing Halloween cocktail that you’ll want to enjoy throughout the fall and winter. Easy to mix one cocktail or a pitcher!   It seems the older I get, the more I enjoy playing with my food! Holidays, of course, provide an abundance of…

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Delicata Squash (air fryer or oven method)

Warm spices add seasonal appeal to this easy side dish that quickly cooks to golden perfection in the oven or air fryer. Feel free to mix things up with a different variety of winter squash (or sweet potatoes) and a short list of optional toppings if inclined. If you’ve never tried delicata squash, you may…

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Capture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups.   Filling protein and fiber. Satiating fats. Warm spices. And pumpkin!  These bite-size gems are packed with staying power and seasonal flavor, and a big batch comes together easily thanks…

Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers

A flavor-packed appetizer that can also be served as a tasty side dish, these 3-ingredient bites are quick to assemble and bake to golden, cheesy perfection. An optional fourth ingredient offers a spicy-sweet variation! Jalapeรฑo poppers have long been a party favorite. But what if you could make a quicker, easier, every-bit-as-tasty popper with mild…

Baked Ham & Cheese Bunwiches

The classic ham sandwich is redefined with two kinds of cheese, a flavorful spread, and a quick trip to the oven. Toasty bunwiches are easy to make ahead and party perfect!   Over the course of two decades and three houses, these toasty sandwiches appeared at many of our game day parties and casual get-togethers.…

Loaded Hummus Toast

Don’t feel like cooking? “Assembled” meals solve that problem. Hummus toast happens to be one of the easiest, plus it’s filling, flavorful, and loaded with options!    People occasionally ask me if I ever get sick of cooking. The answer is an unequivocal yes! There’s also a difference between cooking because you have the time…

Get recipes delivered straight to your inbox.