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Quick Meal Preparation Tips: Simplify Your Dinners and Save Time!
Hello, lovely readers of Life’s Little Sweets! Are you often faced with the challenge of preparing dinner after a long day at work or dealing with a busy schedule? Worry not! We’ll explore twelve fantastic quick meal preparation tips that will make cooking a breeze and allow you to savor delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how to simplify your dinners and save precious time!
Table of contents
- Quick Meal Preparation Tips: Simplify Your Dinners and Save Time!
- What are the barriers for people to make a homemade meal?
- Quick Meal Preparation Tips
- 1. Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Cooking
- 2. Prep in Advance: Chop, Dice, and Slice
- 3. Embrace One-Pot Wonder Meals
- 4. Make Use of Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets
- 5. Cook in Batches and Freeze
- 6. Opt for Pre-Marinated and Pre-Cooked Ingredients
- 7. Clean as You Go
- 9. Utilize the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Web Story
- Related Posts
- Final Thoughts
- Latest Posts
- Recipes from Our Blog
What are the barriers for people to make a homemade meal?
First off, it’s really important to understand the root of the problem – what are those barriers for people in making a homemade meal? We’ve all been there at some point, for one reason or another, myself included!
Several barriers can discourage people from making homemade meals. These obstacles can vary from individual to individual and may include:
- Lack of Time: One of the most common barriers is a busy lifestyle. Many people have demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments that leave little time for cooking.
- Convenience of Processed Foods: Pre-packaged and fast food options are readily available and require minimal preparation. This convenience can tempt people to opt for these easy solutions instead of cooking from scratch.
- Cooking Skills and Knowledge: Some individuals may lack confidence in their cooking abilities or feel intimidated by the thought of preparing a meal from scratch. Limited knowledge of culinary techniques and recipes can be a barrier.
- Cost: In some cases, homemade meals can be more expensive than processed or fast food options, especially when considering the cost of fresh ingredients. This cost factor may discourage people from cooking at home.
- Access to Fresh Ingredients: Depending on the location, access to fresh and affordable ingredients may be limited, making it challenging to prepare homemade meals regularly.
- Fatigue: After a long day at work or dealing with other responsibilities, people may feel too tired or exhausted to cook, leading them to opt for simpler meal options.
- Perception of Time-Consuming: Some individuals believe that cooking at home requires too much time and effort, leading them to choose quicker alternatives.
- Cultural and Social Influences: Cultural norms, family traditions, and social pressures can play a role in shaping food choices. If cooking is not considered a significant part of one’s culture or social circle, people may be less inclined to prioritize homemade meals.
- Lack of Kitchen Equipment: A poorly equipped kitchen with limited cooking tools can hinder the preparation of homemade meals.
- Single Living: Individuals living alone might feel less motivated to cook for themselves and may rely on takeout or ready-made meals.
Addressing these barriers often involves finding practical solutions, such as planning meals in advance, learning simple cooking techniques, and exploring budget-friendly recipes. Additionally, raising awareness about the benefits of homemade meals, both in terms of health and satisfaction, can help encourage more people to embrace cooking at home.
Quick Meal Preparation Tips
1. Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Cooking
One of the best ways to streamline your meal preparation is to plan ahead. Take some time during the weekend to create a meal plan for the upcoming week. Jot down the recipes you want to try and make a shopping list with all the necessary ingredients. This simple step will prevent last-minute grocery runs and ensure you have everything on hand to create your favorite dishes effortlessly.
2. Prep in Advance: Chop, Dice, and Slice
Save yourself time and effort on busy weeknights by prepping ingredients in advance. Spend a little time on a Sunday afternoon to chop, dice, and slice vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Having prepped veggies ready to go will significantly speed up your cooking process and eliminate mid-week prep stress.
3. Embrace One-Pot Wonder Meals
One-pot meals are a lifesaver when it comes to quick and easy dinners. From comforting soups to hearty stews and flavorful pasta dishes, these recipes allow you to cook your entire meal in a single pot or pan. Not only does this mean fewer dishes to wash, but it also cuts down on cooking time, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
4. Make Use of Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets
Invest in time-saving kitchen gadgets to make meal preparation a breeze. A food processor can quickly chop vegetables, a mandoline slicer can help create uniform slices, and a garlic press can save you from the tedious task of mincing garlic. These gadgets are worth their weight in gold when it comes to saving time in the kitchen.
5. Cook in Batches and Freeze
Cooking in batches is a smart strategy for busy individuals or families. When preparing your favorite soups, stews, or casseroles, make extra portions and freeze them in individual containers. On hectic days, all you need to do is thaw and reheat for a wholesome homemade dinner without the fuss.
6. Opt for Pre-Marinated and Pre-Cooked Ingredients
Take advantage of pre-marinated and pre-cooked ingredients available at your local grocery store. Rotisserie chicken, pre-marinated tofu, or pre-cooked shrimp can serve as excellent time savers for a quick and protein-packed dinner. Simply add them to your favorite dishes, and dinner will be ready in no time.
7. Clean as You Go
Avoid spending a significant amount of time on post-cooking cleanup by cleaning as you go. While waiting for your dish to simmer or bake, wash utensils, cutting boards, and other cooking equipment. Not only will this keep your kitchen tidy, but it will also make the after-dinner cleanup a breeze.
8. Plan One-Pot Pasta Meals
One-pot pasta dishes are another time-saving option. Instead of boiling pasta in a separate pot, cook it in the same pot with the sauce and other ingredients. This technique infuses the pasta with flavors, reduces cooking time, and minimizes dishwashing.
9. Utilize the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Invest in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot to make cooking even more effortless. These appliances allow you to set it and forget it, and they’re perfect for preparing tender and flavorful meals with minimal effort.
10. Keep Your Kitchen Organized
A well-organized kitchen is essential for quick meal preparation. Keep frequently used tools and ingredients within easy reach, and consider using clear storage containers to identify ingredients quickly.
11. Choose Simple and Quick Recipes
Opt for recipes that are simple and quick to make. Look for dishes with fewer ingredients and shorter cooking times. There are plenty of delicious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen.
12. Stock Up on Essential Ingredients
Always keep your pantry stocked with essential ingredients like pasta, rice, canned beans, sauces, and spices. Having these basics on hand allows you to whip up a meal even when you have limited fresh ingredients.
Web Story
Related Posts
Final Thoughts
With these twelve quick meal preparation tips in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying stress-free dinners without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply want to spend less time in the kitchen, these time-saving techniques will simplify your cooking routine and grant you more quality time with loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Recipes from Our Blog
Quick Meal Preparation Tips: Recipes
Here's a list of recipes from our blog that would make great make-ahead (or with some preparation) for your next dinner or meal!
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a savory, delicious and complete dinner allowing you to get your dose of vegetables. Filled with your favorite meat, in this case, lean ground turkey, they also have peppers, onions and grated cheese. This low-carb dinner is a great way to use up all that garden zucchini!
Oven Roasted Beets
Oven Roasted Beets are a delicious Fall favorite and a great side dish for dinner or enjoyed over a salad. (vegan, gluten-free)
Homemade Zucchini Fritters
Homemade Zucchini Fritters are a great, tasty way to use up Summer zucchini. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or lunch!ย
Curry Zucchini
Curry Zucchini is a delicious way to change up the way you serve up zucchini; try this savory, sauteed zucchini side dish when the zucchini is abundant this season. vegan, gluten-free
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
This Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps recipe has Romaine lettuce and my basic, Tuna Salad Recipe! (gluten-free)
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad is fragrant and full of garden-fresh flavors. The dressing is a simple extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
Egg Salad Recipe
This Egg Salad Recipe is perfect for having at Summer holidays, gatherings, or any time of the year. You can also make this standby Egg Salad Recipe for a delicious, protein-packed, quick lunch. (only 6 required ingredients, makes 4 servings)
Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs
Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs is an herb-garden-inspired recipe that has Winter savory & rosemary sprigs and fresh sage leaves with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and optional garlic.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi is surprisingly easy to put together. There are only 3-4 required ingredients and you can add some fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley for serving. Try this simple, homemade dish for your next meal! (dairy-free, vegetarian)
Stove Top Grilled Eggplant
Stove Top Grilled Eggplant is savory and easy to make with a stove-top grill pan. This is a simple, minimally seasoned way to make eggplant for dinner, lunch, or any meal.
Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are a cheesy funeral potatoes casserole recipe that feeds all your cravings. Perfect for any nights dinner, special occasions and any gathering with hungry stomachs.
Tuna Salad Recipe
This Tuna Salad Recipe is an easy, basic salad recipe, perfect for Summer or any time of year. Whip it up for a quick bite to eat or make it for your next gathering!
Salmon Tacos
These Salmon Tacos have homemade fresh salsa and a cilantro avocado sauce which will thrill your taste buds. This delicious and satisfying recipe is perfect for game day or a family dinner!
Sheet Pan Lemon Tarragon Salmon Dinner
This Sheet Pan Lemon Tarragon Salmon Dinner has savory roasted green beans and cauliflower. This easy-to-clean-up recipe has minimal preparation, tons of flavor, and cooks in only 30 minutes! (2-4 servings)
Hamburger Vegetable Soup
This Hamburger Vegetable Soup is hearty and flavorful and warms you from head to toe. And with so many veggie combinations available, itโs totally customizable to your tastes!
Slow Cooker Texas Style Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Texas Style Pulled Pork makes a delicious and savory dinner using pork shoulder with a blend of spices and condiments. serves a crowd.
Boiled Butter Corn
Boiled Butter Corn is sweet, savory and a true sign of Summer! Enjoy this classic way to enjoy corn at any Summer gathering. Cooks in 5 minutes!
Corn Soufflรฉ
If there were a non-traditional dessert you could eat right along with a meal, this Corn Soufflรฉ would be it. It's creamy and sweet and uses corn three ways; fresh corn right off the cob, creamed corn, and cornmeal. Corn Soufflรฉ is the perfect side dish for a cookout, weeknight dinner, or holiday meal. Little nuggets of onion and sweet red bell pepper give it even more fresh-from-the-garden flavors.
Carrot Pumpkin Soup
This Carrot Pumpkin Soup is savory, warm, and soothing with Fall flavors. Try this healthy soup for dinner tonight! Vegan option.
Strawberry Salad Recipe
This Strawberry Salad Recipe has fresh strawberries, baby spinach, arugula, chopped pecans, feta with a light lemon vinaigrette dressing. It is garnished with blueberries, sliced ripe avocado and optional chicken. Enjoy it in the Summer months or year round!
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
A straightforward and delicious one-pot chili mac and cheese that's sure to feed a large family. Best of all, it can be made in one pot!
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe has only 5 minutes of preparation and ready in about 1 hour. It is an easy and delicious side dish to have for dinner with cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and maple syrup to make it aromatic and delicious for Fall and beyond. (w/ dairy-free option)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Cold Pasta Salad
This chicken bacon ranch cold pasta salad is loaded with everything you love and is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for a savory meal in a bowl.
Grilled Cheesy Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
Celebrate Fiesta Friday with these delicious grilled cheesy chicken fajita quesadillas. They are cooked to perfection and loaded with chicken and pepper jack cheese!
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
This Homemade Mashed Potatoes recipe uses a 5-pound bag of white potatoes, milk, butter salt, and pepper. With only 5-ingredients, they are so simple to make and a classic, savory, side dish to any meal.
Lemon Rosemary Salmon
Lemon Rosemary Salmon is a bright, simple, savory and delicious Salmon recipe. (serves 4-6)
Easy Guacamole
This Easy Guacamole is fresh and a perfect recipe for Spring and Summer. A simple recipe with red onions, freshly chopped tomatoes, and a spritz of lime, enjoy it for any gathering, game day, or a quick snack for yourself!
Peach Cobbler Recipe
This Peach Cobbler Recipe has fresh, ripe peaches with a crisp, biscuit on top. Itโs wonderful on itโs own or served with vanilla ice cream!
Sautรฉed Bok Choy
Sautรฉed Bok Choy is a delicious, savory, side recipe that goes great over rice and is a wonderful accompaniment to fish or meat. Bok Choy, also called, Chinese Cabbage, is a delicious vegetable that is a great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and iron.
Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
This Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying one-dish casserole that feeds a crowd. It includes an option to swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt (serves 12).
Fresh Herb Baked Salmon
Fresh Herb Baked Salmon is a great way to utilize fresh garden herbs and make salmon in a simple and delicious way. (4-5 servings, gluten-free)
Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Bake
This savory and satisfying Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Bake has sausage, hash browns, cheese, and eggs. It's perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering! (12 slices).
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is an easy recipe that can be the basis for many recipes, like tacos, on top of salads, in chili, sandwiches and more. Itโs lean, a great source of protein and only requires only 6 required ingredients.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic Irish-American family dinner popular to serve on St. Patrickโs Day. This savory, delicious, and complete meal is cooked in a Dutch Oven on the stovetop with corned beef brisket, baby red potatoes, green cabbage wedges, and carrots.
Baked Dijon Lemon Caper Salmon Dinner
This Baked Dijon Lemon Caper Salmon Dinner is flavorful as it is delicious. Salmon lovers can rejoice with Dijon, lemon, and caper flavor infused into melt-in-your mouth fillets of salmon. Served with roasted dill red potatoes and green beans, this dinner is sure to be a new family favorite!
Pan-Fried Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Pan-Fried Bacon Brussels Sprouts is a delicious, savory side dish that needs to make an appearance on your dinner table!
Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole
This Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole is made from scratch without the use of canned soup. It's creamy, comforting and a delicious, one-dish dinner, sure to be a family favorite!
Stir-Fried Ginger Garlic Broccoli
Stir-Fried Ginger Garlic Broccoli is delicious served with rice and drizzled with soy sauce. We added this simple veggie dish to our meatless Monday repertoire. (Vegan)
Vegetarian Lasagna
This Vegetarian Lasagna is packed with vegetables including sauteed baby spinach and Crimini (Baby Bella) mushrooms, grated zucchini, and topped with Italian parsley. It also has ricotta and mozzarella cheese with oregano which adds to its delicious flavor. Feed a crowd and feed your family with this hearty dish!
Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
If you donโt think you like sweet pickles, give these homemade Sweet Refrigerator Pickles a try. Theyโre great for a quick crunchy snack and excellent on top of hot dogs fresh off the grill. Toasted bun. A little mustard. Is your mouth watering yet?
Roasted Green Beans
Roasted Green Beans are the easy, savory and perfect side to go with your dinner! (vegan)
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
This Spicy Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect side to go with any dinner. It is savory and flavorful and only takes 30 minutes to make!
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
These Roasted Rosemary Potatoes are a savory, aromatic, and delicious side dish to go with your meal or have over a fresh salad. Vegan option
Tuna Melts
These Tuna Melts are perfect for a quick lunch or savory snack. It uses my Tuna Salad and No-Knead Bread recipes. (1-2 servings)
Sesame Chicken
Does the price of Chinese takeout get you down? Try making your very own Sesame Chicken at home! It may take a little more time than driving to the nearest Chinese restaurant, but this labor of love is totally worth it!
Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes
Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes are savory, full of flavor, and a favorite on the Holiday table. Enjoy these creamy, butter-infused, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes at your meal! Keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
Homemade Turkey Soup
This nourishing Homemade Turkey Soup recipe can be made with leftovers from a Turkey dinner. You can make the broth from turkey leftovers, just add some veggies and turkey meat and you are all set for a delicious and savory soup!
Garlic Herb Eye of the Round Roast
This Garlic Herb Eye of the Round Roast is a savory, flavorful, and meaty main dish for the dinner table. This roast is seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and garlic, onions, and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Easy to make for a weeknight or holiday dinner alike. (gluten-free)
How to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker
Do you know How to Make Rice in a Rice Cooker? Making rice this way is easy, less messy, and frees up the stovetop for cooking other food while preparing your meal.
Instant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinner
This Instant Pot Chicken Carrots Brown Rice Dinner is a savory, hearty and healthy meal. Made with boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), garlic, sliced carrots, and brown rice with simple seasonings and optional celery.
Caprese Pizza
This Caprese Pizza is topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, sliced mozzarella and drizzled with an olive oil-balsamic dressing. Make this homemade pizza for a bistro dinner at home! (makes 2 individual pizzas or 1 large pizza)
Pan-Fried Tomatoes
Pan-Fried Tomatoes are a tasty side dish to go with dinner, you can have them over a salad or with crackers and cheese for an appetizer. (vegan, gluten-free)
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Puff Pastry Tart
This Tomato Basil Mozzarella Puff Pastry Tart recipe is an easy, Summer-y, and savory meal to make. No pizza dough making required! Serves 1-2 people.
Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Rice
Homemade Beef and Broccoli over Brown Rice is a savory, stir-fry dish that has thin-cut strips of lean, flank steak, crisp, bite-size, broccoli florets, a savory, garlic-infused brown sauce over steaming hot, brown rice. Make this popular Chinese-American cuisine take-out dish at home!
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Chili
This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Chiliย is the perfect bowl of Winter comfort food. This recipe can be made quick and easy in your instant pot. Make this warm and savory chili in advanced to have for the week. It is sweet from the sweet potatoes and comforting from the chicken. They are paired together perfectly to satisfy! Add any additional topping of your choice to top it off.
Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn
Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Cornย is the easiest side dish you could possibly have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday gatherings, or any dinner. All you need is frozen corn, unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. This side dish is also a kid-friendly favorite recipe!ย
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casseroleย is a classic, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Holiday side dish staple recipe. This Green Bean Casserole recipe is a vegetarian-based recipe, using tender, French-cut green beans, and a homemade, herb-infused, cream of mushroom sauce (no canned soup here!). The casserole is topped off withย crispy onions, try making this classic American cuisine side dish recipe for your next potluck, holiday dinner, or family gathering! (1 recipe makes 9ร13-inch casserole, 10-12 servings, vegetarian)
Slow Cooker Recipes Collection
Slow Cooker Recipes Collection-ย This recipe collection is all slow cooker recipes on the blog, that we love! Slow cooker recipes are perfect for a night that you have the time to cook, but just don't feel like cooking.
Salad Recipes Collection
This Salad Recipes Collectionย has a list of all of our savory salad recipes on the blog. I love making salad and to share because it is quick, easy, and can be very healthy. Try out any of these recipes for a meal or as a side.
Healthy Recipes Collection
Healthy Recipes Collection- This recipe collection has all of our favorite healthy recipes on the blog. Healthy eating should never be a burden, so we are here to help. All of these recipes have ingredients that promote a healthy diet. Don't worry though, they are all still as tasty as anything else.ย
Chicken Recipes Collection
Chicken Recipes Collection- Chicken is great hearty meat that can be used in all different types of cuisine. This collection features some of our favorite recipes such as Sesame Chicken, Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, and Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Chili. All of these are perfect for any meal of the day!
Instant Pot Recipes Collection
Instant Pot Recipes Collection- Instant pots are great because they work as a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sautรฉ/browning pan, and warming pot...all in one appliance! These recipes are great for a hearty and satisfying dinner or lunch.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Thisย Tuna Noodle Casseroleย is made-from-scratch (no canned soup!), it has buttery Light โn Fluffyยฎ Extra Wide Egg Noodles (12 oz), fresh vegetables like onions, garlic, celery, and peas and seasoned with dill, lemon, fresh Italian parsley salt, and pepper. This Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food!
Zucchini Recipes Collection
Here we have our Zucchini Recipes Collection! These recipes can be used as main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and appetizers. Zucchini is a tasty and healthy ingredient that works perfectly in these recipes.
Salmon Foil Packets
This healthyย Salmon Foil Packetsย recipe has moist, delicious salmon filets, French-cut green beans, mixed grape tomatoes, sliced onions, garlic, Italian parsley, and whole red baby potatoes. All the ingredients are contained in the foil packets and baked in the oven for 25 minutes. This makes an easy, satisfying meal. Serves 2.
Broccoli Garlic Onion Chicken Crust Pizza
Broccoli Garlic Onion Chicken Crust Pizzaย is a savory, low carb pizza, packed with protein-rich chicken and cheese and topped with red pizza sauce, broccoli, onions, garlic and Parmesan cheese. Every bite will leave you feeling satisfied. Keto, Paleo, Low carb, Gluten-Free
Everything Bagel Seasoned Avocado Toast
Everything Bagel Seasoned Avocado Toastย makes a healthy and delicious breakfast and snack. Itโs salty, tasty, satisfying โ and SO easy to make.
Fish Tacos
These easy,ย Fish Tacosย have bakedย Alaskan Cod,ย avocado,ย and aย homemade Cilantro Lime Cole Slaw. You can top them with your favorite toppings likeย cheeseย (regular or vegan cheese),ย taco sauce,ย and fresh, choppedย cilantro. a great meal to have during Lent or year-round!
Meal Prep Recipes Collection
Meal Prep Recipes Collection- All of these recipes are freezer-friendly, so all you will have to do is reheat/defrost and enjoy! Included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Also included are kid-friendly snacks and treats.ย
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squashย is theย bestย way to makeย Spaghetti Squash, cooks up fast in yourย Instant Potย pressure cooker and always comes out perfectly tender and delicious. gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, Whole30, Paleo
Wacky Cake
Wacky Cakeย is a vintage, Great-Depression era, from scratch, a recipe that makes a dense, incredibly moist chocolate cakeย without the use of eggs, butter, or milk! This delicious cake recipe is topped withย vanilla frostingย andย sprinklesย to make a perfectly sweet snacking cake that can also be used for special occasions. It makes a wonderfulย Science/STEM activityย to do with kids as well as aย great history lesson. vegetarian
Food Processor Pizza Dough
This Food Processor Pizza Dough comes together in a snap in your kitchen food processor. This is an easy, basic pizza dough that makes enough for 3 (12-inch) pizzas - a great recipe for meal prep!
Salmon Burgers
These Salmon Burgers are savory, easy to make with simple pantry ingredients like canned salmon, Panko bread crumbs, garlic, herbs, and oil. You can have them on bread, buns, or just on their own and/or with Sriracha Mayonnaise.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookiesย are easy to make with peanut butter, an egg, and sugar. They are flour-free and make the most delicious, classic, chewy peanut butter cookies. Enjoy them as is or drizzled with chocolate.
Gnocchi
Thisย Gnocchiย recipe is a โfrom scratchโ recipe using potatoes, flour, egg and salt. Itโs simple, easy and so delicious, especially mixed with your favorite sauce and topped with fresh chopped herbs.ย
Carrot Ribbon Salad
Carrot Ribbon Saladย is easy to make with your vegetable peeler. It has a simple, bright,ย lemon vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy this simple appetizer or side with your lunch or dinner meal.
Carrot Cucumber Ribbon Mixed Greens Salad
Carrot Cucumber Ribbon Mixed Greens Saladย has organic mixed salad greens, fresh garden herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley, shredded carrots, thin sliced onion and cucumber ribbons. Enjoy this fresh, herb-y Summer salad with your favorite salad dressings!
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Pepita Pesto
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Pepita Pestoย is the perfect dish to celebrate the fall season. It is a simple, yet thoughtful dish to create and share with friends and family. The pepita pesto adds an extra pop of pumpkin and nuttiness that pairs perfectly with this pasta.
Dill Dijon Garlic Baked Salmon
Dill Dijon Garlic Baked Salmonย is tender and flavorful, simply prepared, and takes only 15 minutes to make! Make this healthy Salmon dish for lunch or dinner. Makes 2-4 servings.
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Tenders
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Tendersย are bright, zesty, and easy to prepare; they only require 30 minutes of marinating time and bake in 20 minutes!
Bagel with Honey Peanut Butter and Walnuts
This Bagel with Honey, Peanut Butter, and Walnuts (with optional chocolate chip morsels!) will satisfy your snack craving or have it as a sweet and slightly salty taste combination for breakfast! (vegetarian, makes 1 serving)
Fried Green Tomatoes
These Fried Green Tomatoes have a crunchy, panko bread crumb coating with tuxedo sesame seeds.
How to Roast Eggplant
This How to Roast Eggplant (Oven-Roasted Eggplant Slices) recipe tutorial is one of the most simple ways to cook eggplant. Enjoy them as-is with a dipping sauce (I include a soy sauce ketchup sauce recipe) or use them in another recipe!
Turkey Meatballs
These Turkey Meatballs are a simplified meatball recipe, ideal for busy people who want something delicious for dinner but donโt want an over-complicated meatball recipe. You can serve it with pasta and your favorite sauce or use them in another recipe. Makes 15 meatballs.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Making a whole chicken in your Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to meal prep a chicken. You can use the chicken meat for 1 big recipe or several recipes over the course of a week. You can also strain and save the cooking water to make a broth to use in soups or to make a gravy.
Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs
These Gluten-Free Turkey Meatballs are a simplified meatball recipe, ideal for busy people who want something delicious and satisfying for dinner but donโt want an over-complicated meatball recipe. This recipe uses oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs, yielding a juicy and delicious recipe โ you wonโt miss the bread crumbs! You can serve it with pasta and your favorite sauce or use them in another recipe. Makes 15 meatballs.
Grape Jelly Meatballs
This Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe has a secret ingredient to add to the flavor of the sauce. This recipe is a large amount which is perfect for a game day, a party, or a holiday gathering.
Instant Pot Congee
Instant Pot Congee is classic congee made easily right in one of our favorite kitchen appliances, the Instant Pot! This easy-to-make rice soup has a chicken (or vegetable) broth base and is served with fresh toppings, like chopped ginger & scallions, shredded Iceberg lettuce, fine salt, and white pepper.
Frozen Stuffed Dates
Frozen Stuffed Dates are a healthy alternative to store-bought candy that you can make right at home with simple pantry ingredients like sunflower seed butter (or peanut butter or your favorite nut butter), dipped into a chocolate-coconut oil mixture and sprinkled with coconut flakes and ground cinnamon.
Grilled Peaches
This Grilled Peaches recipe is an easy-to-make dessert recipe that is perfect for the peach season when juicy, ripe peaches are plentiful. We use white peaches for this recipe but you can use yellow peaches as well. You can serve the grilled peaches plain or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or regular cream. (makes 8 servings)
Beet Salad
This Beet Salad recipe has beets cooked in an Instant Pot, then chilled and includes dill, feta cheese, sliced onions and a homemade, olive oil-lemony vinaigrette dressing.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
This Heirloom Tomato Salad has fresh, ripe, heirloom, in-season tomatoes, a homemade sesame-soy rice vinaigrette dressing, and fresh, Thai basil. (makes 4 servings, recipe video included)
Stir Fry Lettuce
Stir Fry Lettuce is a simple, unexpected, cost-effective, vegetarian dish that can be made year-round with readily available Iceberg lettuce. It has fresh Iceberg lettuce, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, garlic, 5-spice powder, and soy sauce. When the Iceberg lettuce is cooked this way, it is crisp to the bite, juicy, and flavorful with these Asian-inspired seasonings. Serve it over rice, noodles, ramen soup, or as a part of another recipe.
Grilled Cauliflower
Grilled Cauliflower (Grilled Cauliflower Steaks) is an easy-to-make recipe with just a few ingredients. All you need is fresh cauliflower, regular olive oil, fine salt, and any additional seasoning you want! (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Air Fryer Broccoli
Air Fryer Broccoli takes only 6 minutes and required only salt, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper. You can further customize it any way you want with your favorite seasonings. It makes an easy side dish for any dinner or the perfect veggie side dish for a holiday/family gathering.
Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage Steaks are an easy vegetable side dish, that is savory, delicious, and budget-friendly! They go along with a number of different foods making them a versatile accompaniment to any dinner. (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, & video tutorial included)
Kielbasa and Cabbage
This kielbasa and cabbage recipe is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any time of year. With its hearty and savory flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare and economical too. From its Eastern European roots to its popularity in the Northeastern United States, this recipe has a rich history and is enjoyed worldwide. Try it out and savor the warm and comforting flavors of kielbasa and cabbage!
Salmon Avocado Matzo Toast
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Salmon Avocado Matzo Toast. This tantalizing recipe brings together the richness of smoked salmon, the creaminess of mashed avocado, and the satisfying crunch of matzo bread. With a touch of fresh lemon juice, red onion, and dill, this dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Elevate your brunch experience with this delightful fusion and delight your taste buds with every bite.
Air Fryer Salmon
Master the art of delicious and crispy Air Fryer Salmon with this foolproof recipe! Brushed with a flavorful mix of olive oil, lemon zest, and spices, each fillet cooks to perfection in the air fryer. Enjoy the delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and moist, tender flesh, making it a perfectly healthy dinner option. Savor the goodness of this simple yet impressive dish that's sure to become a family favorite!
- First published: 7/21/2023
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