Easier Meals

Got leftovers? You can take those holiday roasts and easily transform them into quesadillas for a quick dinner or easy lunch.  Anne talks through how to make them, along with a lazy way to make caramelized onions in case your leftover roast didn't have any (or enough) cooked alongside it. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat/Col...

Eggs are an Easter tradition for a lot of people, and it's easy to end up with more hard cooked ones than your family usually eats. Anne talks through how to turn them into avocado deviled eggs with a few simple ingredients, because deviled eggs always seem to disappear. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're grocery shopping here's what you'll need: Cold: 6 eggs, 3 tbsp Greek yogurt,...

Anne talks through how to make the Costco Beef and Sausage Frozen Lasagna in your oven, convection oven (or air fryer), and the microwave.  Get additional tips on reheating and storage for minimal dishes, and how to keep the sauce from being runny. The written instructions are linked above, and for this episode the only ingredient is the frozen lasagna.

This episode features a recipe developed by Kathy Berget from Beyond The Chicken Coop . Marinating chicken thighs in italian dressing is a super easy and budget friendly meal, even if you don't have Italian dressing from the store handy- Kathy has a simple homemade recipe that you likely have everything for already.  Anne talks through making it for the first time along with how to bake it if your...

This 5 ingredient shortcut bruschetta pizza starts with store bought dough and jarred bruschetta topping for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Anne talks through how to make it step by step. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list, here's what you'll need: Refrigerated: 1 lb pizza dough, 4 oz mozzarella pearls (or other fresh mozzarella) Inside aisles: 5 oz jar...

This lent-friendly one-pot lemon garlic pasta is meatless as is, and pairs well with just about any seafood. Anne walks through how to make it in both the instant pot as well as on the stove top. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Inside aisles: 8 oz dry pasta Produce: 1 lemon, 4 cloves garlic Cold: 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup parmesan...

There's a special place in my heart for dump & go crock pot meals, especially ones with pretty minimal prep.  This curry and sausage dish uses store bought curry sauce to keep the ingredients list nice and short.  Anne talks through how to make it for your family for an easy weeknight dinner. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat...

This episode features a recipe developed by Lauren LeBlanc from Lauren From Scratch . Lauren is a Louisiana native, so when it comes to cajun flavor, she knows how to make it- but for those of us with kids (or our own) low heat tolerance, her cajun blackened shrimp is light on heat without being light on flavor. Anne talks through how to make this quick protein along with a few great ways to easil...

One of the greatest ways to speed up dinner is to use leftover meat from another meal.  This pasta dish uses leftover steak, but it's pretty flexible on what protein you use- and honestly would be a good meatless Monday dish as well without it. Anne talks through preparing our sauce while the pasta cooks for a satisfying meal that's actually ready in under 30 minutes. The full printable recipe is...

There are some days where dinner looks more like grazing on a variety of food with friends, be it an actual holiday, or the Super Bowl.  Those days are perfect for sharing hearty, satisfying appetizers like these copycat Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms .  Anne talks through how to make them and what else you can add if you don't need them to be quite so restaurant inspired. The printable reci...

This episode features a recipe developed by Megan Porta from Pip and Ebby . Winter is a time for cozy meals that are still easy to make- Megan's Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a one-pot dish that you can walk away from for most of the cook time.  Anne talks through how to make it along with a few ways to take advantage of the meal's flexibility. The full printable recipe is linked above,...

When you think of steak and peppers, odds are good you think of a dish that uses soy sauce.  This is an italian style version that leans on italian seasoning and diced tomatoes instead.  Most importantly, it's delicious AND easy- this is a dump and go style crock pot meal.  Anne talks through how to make it, as well as ways to prep it ahead and how to use your instant pot instead if you're short o...

The best thing about refrigerated cinnamon dough is how easy and fast you can make cinnamon rolls with store bought dough. The second best thing is how fun and simple it is to dress them up a bit.  Anne talks through this 3 ingredient Oreo cinnamon roll recipe that adds oreos and heavy cream to your standard canned dough. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery...

You've probably heard of the baked feta pasta dish that went viral in 2021, and it was popular for a reason: it's super easy and tasty.  This Mediterranean take adds balsamic and green olives, which gives it a deeper flavor and isn't quite as tomato-heavy. Anne talks through how to make it and what substitutions you can use if you aren't a fan of olives or feta. The printable recipe is linked abov...

You're on the way home and don't feel like cooking, but takeout isn't a great idea either. Boxed mac and cheese or spaghetti with jarred sauce would do, but combined with doing dishes after still feels like more than you're up for. Been there? Same. Luckily once you have the ratios it's easy to make pasta in one pot- and if you have an instant pot you can walk away while it cooks too! The detailed...

Maybe you had ham, maybe you had turkey, maybe roast beef.  Any are good in these 3-4 ingredient quick crescent roll sandwiches .   The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting your grocery list together, here's what you'll need: 1 package crescent rolls (8 count) 8 oz leftover (or deli) meat 3-4 slices mild cheese Mustard or something you like for dipping

If you've been to Costco, you've probably seen the Salmon Milano in the take 'n bake section.  While their already prepped version is delicious and super convienient, it's also incredibly easy to recreate yourself.  Anne talks through making this copycat version with just 4 ingredients, including how to avoid overcooking it. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting your grocery...

Is there anything better than a one pot dinner?  Probably, but when meal planning for the week it's hard to beat simple dinners that don't make a bunch of dirty dishes.  This baked feta chicken does just that- potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and chicken in one skillet with feta cheese so you don't need to make anything else to go with it.  Anne talks through this recipe step by step, along with...

Caprese is often thought of as a summery meal, and if you have fresh garden tomatoes, it absolutely is. But with the red and green of Christmas colors, this caprese ravioli may belong on your December menu too! Anne talks through this easy pasta dish, where the longest step is waiting for the water to boil. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting your grocery list together, her...

Does the idea of smelling banana bread baking for an hour make you hangry?  Anne and her littles are with you- which is why this banana bread recipe is in muffin form.  Anne chats through this recipe as well as three different ways to soften butter a little faster to speed up your prep time and get to eating faster. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting your grocery list toge...

Got leftover tri tip (or another steak cut)?  Time for sandwiches!  Tri-tip sandwiches are a real treat for lunch, and a delicious dinner option as well.  Anne talks through the linked recipe as it's written, as well as other substitution ideas you can opt for as you look into your fridge. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting together a grocery list, here's what you'll need...

Cookies?  For Breakfast?  These deceptively healthy "cookies" are a great option when littles are asking for sweets, which always seems to be more often during the holiday baking season.  Anne talks through how to make them and why she usually skips the chocolate chips often seen in this style of cookie. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting together your grocery list, here's...

This week we are breaking out the crock pots!  And not a lot else, today Anne talks through a 3 ingredient dinner that's made with just ribs, an all in one seasoning, and your favorite sauce.  We also chat about some tips for browning your meat.  Here is the full printable recipe for 3 Ingredient Ribs , but if you're putting together your grocery list here's what you'll need: Pork back ribs, Old B...

This episode features a recipe developed by Melissa Williams from Persnickety Plates . This Halloween, Anne talks through making Melissa's breakfast pizza that makes a great way to mix up breakfast or enjoy breakfast for dinner. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Dairy/Cold: Two 8 oz packages crescent rolls/sheets, 6 eggs, 8 o...

In this episode Anne reviews what Sous Vide is and how to get started with it. Beginning sous vide cooks will love how juicy and tender any steak comes out with this method. Tri-tip is an often glossed over steak cut that shines in the value department. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting together your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: a 2-3 lb tri-tip steak...