Author: Reluctant Retiree

Living in FL and enjoying life.
Posted in Curated Recipes

Cabbage Steaks

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

When you just can’t stand the thought of another boring salad, cabbage comes to the rescue! No, we’re not talking about coleslaw; we’re talking about transforming raw cabbage into something completely new and different. Roasting breathes new life into this brassica vegetable, bringing out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and adding complex flavors and textures. The result is a veggie that’s tender yet crisp, sweet yet savory, wholesome yet indulgent.

Learning how to make cabbage steaks will absolutely change your veggie game—for the better. These crispy roasted cabbage slices taste similar to roasted Brussels sprouts but with a less pronounced cruciferous flavor. Cabbage’s flavor is mild. It is also less bitter. This makes it a great introduction to vegetables for picky eaters. These cabbage steaks are a delicious and affordable side dish or a hearty addition to vegetarian dinners.

How to Cut Cabbage for Cabbage Steaks

To create perfect cabbage slices, remove the cabbage’s outer leaves. Rinse the cabbage and pat it dry. Cut off the very bottom of the stem (the cabbage’s root) to help it stand straight on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick rounds. I find it’s easiest to start at one end of the cabbage and move to the other. Some find it easier to start in the middle and work outward. Either way, take your time and concentrate on slicing down in a straight line.

Ingredients for Cabbage Steaks

  • Cabbage: We tested this recipe with green cabbage, but red cabbage works just as well. You could use a Chinese cabbage (aka napa cabbage), but the steaks won’t hold together as firmly. No matter which variety you choose, the cabbage should have crisp, unblemished leaves and feel firm to the touch. Compare the head to the other cabbages at the store, and choose the one that feels heavy for its size.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil helps the steaks brown and caramelize in the hot oven. You could substitute another type of cooking oil. However, we like the flavor of an olive oil brand with a bright, grassy flavor. You could use melted butter instead, if you’re not worried about keeping the recipe vegan.
  • Seasoning blend: Any of your favorite herbs and seasonings will work for this cabbage steak recipe. I love combining salt, garlic powder, parsley, basil, onion powder, and ground pepper. This creates a savory, herby flavor.

Taste of Home

Posted in Cookbooks

Taste of Home: Casseroles

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

377 Dishes for Families, Potlucks & Parties

Casserole, hot dish, meal-in-one…no matter what you call it, these comforting sensations have been family favorites for years. With this hearty collection, today’s cooks can always find the perfect casserole, including:

  • Weekend Breakfast Bake
  • Cinnamon Raisin Strata
  • Biscuit Pizza Bake
  • Crunchy Turkey Casserole
  • Mexican Chicken Bake
  • Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Ham
  • Smoked Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes
  • Seafood ‘n’ Shells Casserole
  • Coconut Carrot Casserole
  • Mostaccioli Bake

Whether baking a bubbling sensation on a busy weeknight, creating a heartwarming entree for a dinner party or planning a satisfying contribution for a potluck event, the ideal one-dish specialty is always on hand with Taste of Home Casseroles!

find the book

Posted in Curated Recipes

Ground Beef Taco Dip

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Few foods say “party” as much as a good dip. It’s always the first thing emptied from a holiday potluck table. It’s also the centerpiece of any self-respecting spread of game-day food. This taco dip with meat is one of our most popular (and addictive) dip recipes for good reason.

Ground beef taco dip is packed with flavor yet super simple to make, thanks to a few handy ingredients. Packets of store-bought taco seasoning add spice. A mix of sour cream and cream cheese (low-fat if you like) builds a super-smooth base. And a top layer of fresh vegetables creates a dash of crunch.

Ground beef recipes like this one are useful when you have little time. They are perfect for feeding a lot of mouths. In less than 30 minutes, everyone can dunk tortilla chips, veggies or crackers into this delightful dip. Just watch how fast it disappears!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Taco Dip

  • Ground beef: Savory ground beef makes a flavorful, hearty base for this rich beef taco dip. If you prefer, use lean ground beef, such as 80% lean, which is lower in calories and saturated fat.
  • Taco seasoning: Any of the best taco seasoning brands will give this dip plenty of flavor with little effort. You can also use homemade taco seasoning, which allows you to adjust the level of spiciness.
  • Sour cream: Sour cream serves several functions in this dip. Its tanginess brightens the heavier ingredients, while its thin, creamy texture lightens the thicker cream cheese base. This recipe uses nonfat sour cream since the added fat isn’t essential to the flavor or texture. Use whatever kind you like.
  • Cream cheese: As with many cream cheese dip recipes, cream cheese adds flavor and a smooth texture to this dip. Go ahead and use low-fat or even nonfat cream cheese if you prefer.
  • Cheddar: Shredded cheddar cheese makes a colorful and tasty addition to this dip. For more flavor, try sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack or our Test Kitchen’s pick for the best shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Toppings: An assortment of fresh toppings adds texture and color to the dip dish. We suggest lettuce, tomatoes, green bell peppers and olives, but you can use (or omit) any topping that suits your taste (find more specific suggestions below).
Posted in Curated Recipe Lists

34 Protein-Packed Salad Recipes to Fuel Your Day

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

These protein-packed salad recipes are full of lean meats, whole grains, and fresh vegetables. They make it easy to add healthy, high-protein bowls to your meal plan.

If you consider salad rabbit food, these protein-packed salad recipes will change your mind. These high-protein bowls are more than just a meal to carry you from lunch to dinner. They prevent you from dipping into the snack drawer. They are filled with colorful vegetables, lean meats, seafood, pasta, eggs, and flavorful dressings. These ingredients ensure they taste as good as they look. Each recipe in this collection has at least 20 grams of protein per serving. This helps to fuel your day without weighing you down.

Far from boring or one-note, these high-protein quick and easy salads prove that healthy eating isn’t a compromise. One has all the elements of a cheeseburger. Another tastes like taco night. Both offer the same satisfaction as your favorite easy and healthy 30-minute dinners. There are salads you can quickly toss together to take to work, and elegant, arranged ones, pretty enough for company.

These bowls are easy to customize for dietary needs. For a celiac-friendly meal, choose gluten-free salad dressings and replace croutons with toasted seeds, nuts or crispy corn tortilla strips. Set out dishes of the ingredients for a mix-and-match salad bar. Everyone can make their bowl exactly how they like it. Fresh herbs or a squeeze of citrus can quickly brighten a salad if it needs a little oomph. With salads this satisfying, hitting your protein goals has never been so easy and delicious.

Taste of Home

Posted in Curated Recipe Lists

28 Hearty St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Ideas

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy these St. Patrick’s Day breakfast ideas! This collection of festive, hearty recipes is a perfect way to kick off your celebration.

On St. Patrick’s Day, start the day with a cheerful, festive (and perhaps green) breakfast. A hearty breakfast is the best way to kick-start a day like this because there are many ways to celebrate. While some St. Patrick’s Day parties are tame and focus on party food and St. Patrick’s Day desserts, others can get … well, a little rowdy with Irish beers or St. Patrick’s Day shots.

No matter how you plan to celebrate, you can’t go wrong with a hearty St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. There is no need to wait until dinner to start celebrating! Our favorite St. Patrick’s Day breakfast ideas are made with Irish ingredients like potatoes, cabbage and corned beef. Of course, we’ve also included holiday favorites like soda bread, Irish coffee and green foods so you won’t miss out on the day’s festive nature.

Taste of Home

Posted in Cookbooks

The Complete Irish Cookbook

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

 Easy & Traditional Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day, Family Gatherings & Hearty Home Cooking (Easter & Spring Cookbooks)

Discover the Comfort and Tradition of Irish Cooking.

The Complete Irish Cookbook brings together easy, authentic recipes inspired by Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or preparing a warm family dinner, this cookbook makes traditional Irish cooking approachable and delicious.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Authentic Irish Recipes : Traditional dishes inspired by Ireland’s culinary heritage.
  • Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrate with festive, comforting meals.
  • Hearty Family Favorites: Stews, pies, breads, and pub-style classics.
  • Easy & Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and approachable instructions.
  • A Meaningful Gift: Ideal for heritage cooks and comfort food lovers.

From everyday comfort food to holiday celebrations, The Complete Irish Cookbook brings warmth, tradition, and bold flavor to every meal.

✨ Cook with tradition. Gather with joy.