Recipes

A few days ago, a good friend texted me asking for a chicken lasagna recipe. I had to laugh because... I didn't have one! Traditional lasagna is always tomato-based in our house, but she wanted something with chicken and a white sauce. The catch? My husband is not an Alfredo fan at all—he finds it too rich and garlicky. So, I set out to find a version that uses a lighter, homemade creamy white sauce instead of jarred Alfredo. The result? This warmly comforting, cheesy chicken

Today is another chilly and windy day in central Minnesota, making it an ideal time to restock my pantry. On today's agenda is preparing Italian seasoning mix. I ran out a few weeks back, but only recently needed it. I had to get creative with a recipe, which worked out, but I prefer not to improvise for other dishes again. Preparing pantry mixes is quick and easy, and I feel much more confident knowing their ingredients and how long they've been stored. Here is what you will

Recently, my workplace held a Chili and Soup contest. Honestly, I hadn't planned on participating because I'm not competitive in that way. I believe if my family enjoys what I cook, that's reward and recognition enough. However, when I learned there weren't many entries, I decided to contribute a crockpot of chili to the lineup. I wasn't focused on "winning"; I just wanted to ensure there was more variety, so the "table wouldn't be empty," so to speak. Years ago I was introdu

The title sounds repetitive, I know, but there really isn't another name to call these muffins. While preparing my breakfast for work the other morning, I realized I needed to add English muffins to the shopping list. Then, I recalled having recently made a fantastic English muffin bread and considered whether I could make muffins instead of bread. This became today's project, and they turned out wonderfully! This bread recipe is very straightforward, requiring only one rise

There's nothing quite like a Minnesota blizzard to make you appreciate the simple joys of a warm kitchen. As I write this on December 28, 2025, we're in the midst of a classic winter storm here in Central Minnesota—snow falling heavily, winds gusting up to 20+ mph, and temperatures struggling to climb out of the teens. It's the kind of day where venturing outside feels like a bad idea, but staying in with a bubbling pot of chili? Pure perfection. Blizzards in Minnesota aren't

A few months back, I decided to learn how to mill my own flour at home. After extensive research, I discovered that one essential ingredient needed to make bread with my home-milled flour was "vital wheat gluten." Luckily, I managed to find it at the Amish market I visit a few times a year. Some bread recipes aren't suitable for home-milled whole wheat flour, making bread flour essential. Bread flour is a high-protein wheat flour (usually 12–14% protein) intended to enhance g

I've lost track of the number of dry ranch mix recipes I've experimented with. I once even tried a recipe that included crushed saltine crackers, which was unusual and resulted in an undesirable texture when combined with the wet ingredients. Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons parsley flakes 2 teaspoons dill weed 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion flakes 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Directions: Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Then, move t

This is undoubtedly the simplest dip mix recipe I've ever encountered. I've often mentioned that we tend to "over complicate" certain dishes. Sometimes, simplicity is key, particularly when it comes to convenience and saving time. Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon dried chives 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon paprika Instructions: Thoroughly combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Move the mixture to an airtight container, label it, date it, and k

I have been creating my own seasoning packets for quite a while. I realized that my recipes taste significantly better when I use homemade ingredients, and I can also manage the sodium content. This is the recipe I use to make homemade seasoned salt. Ingredients: 1 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp ground white pepper 2 tbsp garlic powder 2 tbsp onion powder 2 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp dry mustard powder 2 tbsp celery seed 1/2 tbsp salt (optional for a salt-free recipe) I am fortunate an

I have an amazing friend whom I absolutely adore. She's fantastic, but she has trouble making gravy, or at least that's what she tells me. We recently had a phone conversation, and she was absolutely giddy. When I inquired about the reason, she shared that she had prepared a meal and made brown gravy to accompany it. Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but laugh. Then, she said, "ok, so it was a package mix, but I still made gravy". This inspired me to create a

A coworker requested that I assemble a gift basket for a silent auction, and I needed some seasoning packets for it. I've been wanting to create a fajita seasoning for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity to finally do it. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt (optional) Instructions: Mix all ingredients well, put into an airtight container and store for up

For some, winter is just hitting its stride, while for others, it seems to be endlessly lingering. In any case, a comforting cup of creamy warm coffee can be just what you need. Personally, I've been relishing the variety of flavored coffees I've stocked in my pantry this year. This Salted Caramel flavor is so good, it really hits the spot on a cold and snowy day. Ingredients   3/4 cup instant coffee granules 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup dry milk powder or nondairy cre

Some recipes simply exude warmth and comfort, and creamy chicken and rice casserole is a perfect example. It's a dish that evokes memories of family meals, potlucks, and cozy evenings when you crave something hearty yet uncomplicated. Featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce all baked beneath a layer of melted cheese, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food magic. It’s a one-pan wonder—easy to prep, easy to clean up. The flavors are familiar and crowd-

If you’re looking for a quick, quirky little snack that’s equal parts salty, creamy, and crunchy, let me introduce you to pickle wraps. They’re the kind of recipe that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen—just three simple things: cream cheese, baby dill pickles, and Buddig corned beef lunch meat. It’s the perfect bite for game day, holiday trays, or those moments when you just want something fun to munch on. They’re ridiculously easy (we’re talking minutes,

If you're craving the bold flavors of tacos but want something warm, cheesy, and baked in the oven, a layered taco bake is the ideal dish to serve. Imagine it as a comforting casserole that layers all your favorite taco ingredients—seasoned beef, beans, tortillas, gooey cheese, and zesty toppings—into one satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to bring to a potluck or family gathering. The beauty of this recipe is its ad

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef 1 jar (32 oz.) marinara sauce 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper, to taste 1 package (20-25 oz.) ravioli, fresh or frozen (about 30 ravioli) 15 oz. cottage cheese 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 2 eggs Instructions: Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. (If you plan to serve same day) In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef. Dra

I've been creating my own seasonings for several years. Although I don't use Italian seasoning every day, it's convenient to have available. Below is the recipe I follow and the steps to prepare it. Ingredients 3 tablespoons Oregano 3 tablespoons Basil 2 tablespoons Marjoram 2 tablespoons Thyme 1 tablespoon Rosemary (finely crushed or ground) 1 tablespoon Garlic powder 1 teaspoon Onion powder 1 tablespoon dried Parsley 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Having time to prepare meals in advance can transform your weeknight dinners. If you're like me and work full time, life really starts after your workday is over. There's always something to take care of, whether it's laundry, cleaning, or other tasks. I typically choose containers that can accommodate two servings because I don't like having leftovers for a whole week. However, I was thinking of a friend when I made this freezer meal; she also has a busy household with lots

Until now, I never stocked this ingredient. I didn't realize I needed vegetable bouillon until I was preparing a homemade cream of mushroom soup pantry mix. I'm confident I'll discover many uses for it, such as when making veggie beef soup and similar dishes. I genuinely enjoy creating my own pantry mixes because I am aware of their ingredients and how long they've been stored. It's crucial for me to ensure that I'm not adding excessive salt or other preservatives to my food.

I've come across numerous imitation and replica recipes for homemade cream of mushroom soup, but when I tried this particular one, I genuinely enjoyed it. It’s packed with flavor, and I appreciate being able to adjust the salt to my liking. By drying the mushrooms myself, I saved a significant amount of money. I love having this pantry staple available for casseroles and various other meals. Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF version) 1/