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Snickerdoodle Cake

A snickerdoodle warm from the oven is like a comforting hug in cookie form. With its slightly tangy flavor; soft, chewy and tender texture; and sweet cinnamon coating, the cookie couldn’t be cozier. This snickerdoodle cake recipe takes everything you love about a snickerdoodle cookie and transforms it into a moist and delicious three-layer cake.

Each layer features a cinnamon-sugar swirl to re-create the sweet snickerdoodle flavor. To complement the cookie’s slightly tangy taste, a cream cheese frosting flavored with cinnamon and vanilla tops the cake. Whip up this recipe when you need a cake for a special occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a baby shower or to celebrate successfully making it through another week.

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cake

  • Butter: Softened butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the cake.
  • Canola oil: Using a neutral cooking oil, such as canola, adds extra moisture to the cake.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar gets its signature flavor and color from the addition of molasses. You can use either light or dark brown sugar in this recipe, but dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor.
  • Eggs: You’ll use whole eggs and additional egg yolks in the cake batter. Separate eggs when they’re cold, but use room-temperature eggs for baking.
  • Sour cream: Sour cream adds moisture and a slightly tangy flavor to the cake.
  • Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds complexity to the cake’s flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Flour contributes to the cake’s structure and light crumb. To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour baking blend.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder is the primary leavener that helps the cake rise. Test your baking powder for freshness before using it.
  • Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Cinnamon swirl: Sugar and ground cinnamon are combined to swirl throughout the cake.
  • Cream cheese frosting: The cake gets covered in a tangy and sweet frosting made with cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar.

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16 Puff Pastry Desserts That’ll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

There’s something seriously irresistible about the way puff pastry transforms in the oven, with its buttery layers rising into crisp, golden sheets that shatter at the lightest touch. Its aroma alone signals that something special is happening, and that’s exactly why puff pastry tends to be one of the first ingredients I grab when making easy Christmas desserts. These puff pastry desserts are simple yet luxurious, whether filled with fruit, laden with whipped cream or crunchy from caramelized sugar.

This collection of baked puff pastry sweets offers plenty of versatility, allowing you to change the fruits, spreads or toppings to fit the occasion. The recipes all work with store-bought or homemade puff pastry. If you’re new to puff pastry, no worries. We have plenty of tips for working with and storing puff pastry to get you started. These desserts don’t just look beautiful, they also deliver the texture, flavor and ease that bakers reach for again and again.

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Slow-Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

For many families, rotisserie chickens are a grocery store staple that makes it easy to assemble well-rounded meals in a snap. That said, very few Americans have access to a rotisserie, a rotating roaster that bastes the meat in its own drippings as it turns.

To make a chicken with the same sticky skin and tenderness at home, we employ the help of a slow cooker. The long cooking time in the appliance’s steady warmth softens the meat to an almost silky texture. You won’t get the same crispy edges as a rotisserie chicken, but adding a robust seasoning blend both under the chicken skin and on top of it ensures a juicy roast with a great backbone of sweet and savory flavor. And don’t skip the carrots and onions slow-cooked in the chicken drippings until they’re meltingly tender—they’re the best!

Serve your slow-cooker rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and peas for a classic roast dinner, then shred the leftover chicken to make any number of other rotisserie chicken recipes.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Rotisserie Chicken

  • Seasoning blend: Besides carving the meat at the end, the most time-intensive part of this slow-cooker rotisserie chicken recipe is measuring out the elements of the sweet and savory spice blend. The mixture is a comprehensive blend that starts with a base of seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. Paprika helps burnish the chicken an amber color, while the addition of brown sugar helps the chicken to brown. A little lemon-pepper seasoning balances the sweet and smoky flavors with a tart edge.
  • Chicken: The star of this recipe is, of course, a whole, bone-in chicken rubbed with spices and slow-cooked to juicy tenderness in the steady heat of a slow cooker. Aim to buy a broiler or fryer chicken that weighs about 4 pounds. Larger than that, and you may have trouble fitting the bird into the slow cooker without crowding it. Make sure to remove any giblets from the cavity of your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
  • Carrots and onions: Chopped vegetables line the bottom of the slow cooker and cook to nearly melting tenderness in the chicken drippings.
  • Cornstarch: Tossing the vegetables in a little cornstarch helps thicken the chicken drippings slightly into a velvety pouring texture.

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The Best Breakfast Recipes of 2025

Our editors sifted through hundreds of recipes to find this year’s best breakfast recipes. From savory scrambles to irresistibly fluffy pancakes, these top-rated breakfast ideas will make you look forward to your morning meal.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to baking, I love making mashups of different treats, such as s’mores cookies or Oreo brownies. There are so many delicious crossover desserts, and for cheesecake lovers looking for a sweet breakfast, strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new favorite.

The rolls are made with yeasted dough, just as in a classic cinnamon roll recipe. However, instead of a traditional cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re dressed up with strawberry jam and chopped fresh strawberries for bright and fruity flavor. For the cheesecake component, we spread a dreamy cream cheese glaze over the top and serve the cinnamon rolls warm. They’re the perfect addition to a special occasion brunch spread or lovely for a cozy Sunday morning at home.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

  • Milk: Milk provides a base of rich flavor and moisture for the dough in this recipe. It should be warmed to a range of 105° to 115°F to help activate the yeast. Milk that’s too hot can potentially kill the yeast.
  • Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast during activation. It helps the yeast to release carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. Sugar also adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough.
  • Yeast: Active dry yeast is an important ingredient in yeast bread recipes. Once activated in a mixture of warm milk and sugar, the yeast is ready to get to work to help the dough rise.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure for these strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls. There’s no need to use a different type of flour, like bread flour, for this recipe.
  • Egg: One large egg helps bind the dough while providing rich flavor and texture. It’s best to use room-temperature eggs for baking because they’re easier to incorporate.
  • Butter: Butter adds flavor and plays a role in the tender texture of these rolls. Take your egg and butter out of the refrigerator at the same time so both reach room temperature.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of both the dough and the cream cheese glaze spread on top of these strawberry cheesecake rolls.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt goes a long way in balancing the flavor in the dough.
  • Strawberry jam: Instead of a traditional butter and cinnamon-sugar filling, this strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls recipe makes use of strawberry jam in the center. Choose your favorite brand of strawberry jam. If the jar is in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature so it’s easier to spread.
  • Fresh strawberries: For a pop of fresh fruit in every bite, use chopped strawberries in the filling as well. Be sure to wash your berries and let them dry ahead of time.
  • Cinnamon: While these rolls don’t have as much cinnamon as traditional cinnamon roll recipes, a small amount enhances the flavor of the strawberry filling.
  • Cream cheese: Cinnamon rolls are the perfect canvas for a delicious cream cheese glaze. For the smoothest glaze, be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature ahead of time.
  • Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar provides structure to thicken the glaze while adding a touch of sweetness.

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Church Supper Hot Dish

Although I grew up in the Midwest, I didn’t hear the phrase “hot dish” until I moved to Northern Wisconsin. This Upper Midwest staple is commonly served at potlucks and church gatherings, where the usual instructions are “bring a hot dish to share.” This church supper hot dish recipe is a classic combination of ground beef, starchy potatoes, chopped vegetables and canned cream of mushroom soup. Crispy chow mein noodles ensure each bite has a toothsome crunch.

What is a church supper hot dish?

Midwesterners love a hot dish, but what’s not to love? It’s a classic budget-friendly potluck recipe that combines meat, potatoes, vegetables and canned soup. The casserole has endless variations: Some contain beef or chicken, the vegetables can be anything (green beans and peas are popular), and the topping is often Tater Tots.

Hot dishes have been around for generations—the first published recipe was in a 1930s-era cookbook—and today these recipes are still a great way to use up leftovers, inexpensive cuts of meat, frozen vegetables and pantry staples like condensed soup. Regardless of what’s on the inside or on top, hearty and filling hot dish recipes are always a popular sight at potluck gatherings.

Church Supper Hot Dish Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for this recipe; 80/20 or 90/10 blends are ideal for this hot dish.
  • Vegetables: This hot dish combines peeled and sliced potatoes with finely chopped celery, carrots, green peppers and onions.
  • Butter: Sauteing the veggies in butter adds a rich and buttery flavor to the hot dish.
  • Water: The veggies are simmered in water to help them soften.
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple at the base of many casseroles and other comfort food recipes.
  • Chow mein noodles: Chow mein noodles are used as the base of the casserole and provide a crunchy topping. For this recipe, use the chow mein noodles in a can.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Adding cheese is always a good idea. For the best flavor and meltability, shred the cheese yourself. However, packaged shredded cheddar will totally work.

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Swiss Mushroom Chicken

hicken breast dinners sometimes get a bad rap. Boneless, skinless chicken can sometimes come out dry, and, quite frankly, it can be boring. That’s not the case with Swiss mushroom chicken. With its combination of breaded chicken breasts, sauteed mushrooms, ham, and melted cheese, this chicken recipe is essentially a simplified version of chicken cordon bleu. Instead of stuffing and rolling the chicken breast, you layer the ingredients on top of it. A quick stop under the broiler after pan-frying the chicken ensures that the Swiss cheese melts perfectly. This versatile recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but its flavors also make it a standout choice for serving on a special occasion.

Swiss Mushroom Chicken Ingredients

Overhead shot of ingredients, raw chicken breasts, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, ham, egg, and crushed crackers arranged on a light wooden surface.
ALLISON CEBULLA FOR TASTE OF HOME
  • Chicken breast: You will need four boneless, skinless chicken breast halves for this recipe. They should be about 4 ounces each.
  • Egg: A beaten egg adheres the cracker breading to the chicken.
  • Cracker breading: Crushed butter-flavored crackers and salt are combined to make a simple breading for the chicken.
  • Fresh mushrooms: Cooked mushrooms become an umami-rich topping for the chicken.
  • Butter: The other thing that makes those mushrooms taste so good? Butter. Use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe—whatever you have on hand is fine.
  • Deli ham: For an extra savory flavor, each piece of chicken is topped with a slice of deli ham. You could also use thinly sliced hard salami if you prefer.
  • Swiss cheese: To take this dish over the top, a slice of Swiss cheese melts over the ham- and mushroom-covered chicken, adding a creamy flavor to each savory bite.

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66 Low-Calorie Recipes for High-Stress Days

Don’t make a bad day worse by binging on junk food. These low calorie recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert are ready in 30 minutes or less.

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Posted in Kitchen Tips

The 10 Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples You Should Always Have on Hand

Grocery shopping can be expensive. Who among us doesn’t know the feeling of coming home, looking at your bill, emptying the bags, and immediately thinking, “Did I even buy something to make for dinner?”

A simple way to cut down on your grocery bill is to keep your pantry stocked with inexpensive, essential items that can mix and match with any number of foods for endless meals.

Cheap doesn’t mean flavorless or flavor-free. No, this list of budget-friendly pantry essentials is designed to pack plenty of flavor and nutrition into everything it helps make. Stocking these wallet-friendly essentials will save you money, and it will also help you be a more agile cook, one that’s ready to adapt at a moment’s notice instead of going out for expensive takeout. Check out our list of must-have, budget-friendly pantry items and how you can use them in everyday meals.

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Chicken Florentine Casserole

This chicken Florentine casserole is a paradox: it’s cozy, creamy and comforting, but also somehow bright and fresh. It’s inspired by a classic recipe that’s so popular, you’ve probably eaten it without knowing its name.

Florentine sauce might refer to the Italian city of Florence in its name, but it’s actually a French creation. At its simplest, Florentine is a creamy white sauce with spinach, often served with a protein like chicken, fish (like tilapia Florentine) or eggs (for classic eggs Florentine). Variations on classic chicken Florentine abound. This one is a simplified pasta casserole version, which calls for low-key pantry staples (elbow pasta, condensed soup). It’s like mac and cheese meets Florentine with its golden, toasty bread crumb crust. Make this on any busy weeknight—even the kids will eat it up.

Chicken Florentine Casserole Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: Noodles are a natural pairing with the thick, creamy Florentine-inspired sauce. We like elbow macaroni, which are naturally bite-sized.
  • Shredded cooked chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken, whether grilled or rotisserie. You can quickly shred chicken with forks or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer.
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Plenty of our favorite casserole recipes start with condensed soup. It delivers tons of flavor, and all you need to do is open a can.
  • Swiss cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese dissolves into the sauce, giving it a rich texture.
  • Frozen creamed spinach: Frozen vegetables are convenient and still full of flavor. Frozen creamed spinach adds extra richness, but you can use plain frozen spinach instead; just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
  • Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient in the sauce is mayonnaise, which adds a distinct tangy flavor to balance the rich cheese and soup.
  • Fresh basil: Don’t use dried basil if you can help it. Fresh basil packs a bold flavor punch that the dried stuff just can’t match. To quickly mince basil, roll the leaves, slice them into strips, then finely chop them.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, dried thyme and pepper build up the flavor.
  • Seasoned bread crumbs: Looking for an easy way to add spice? Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs over the top of the casserole to form a bronzed, crispy crust.
  • Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the casserole to help the top brown.

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