Tag: #EasyandQuick

Posted in #Recipes

Sweet Potato Salad

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Move over salad greens! In this recipe, the beloved sweet potato takes center stage as the base for this sweet potato salad. Not to be confused with a mayo-centric potato salad, the sweet potatoes in this salad get tossed with a slightly punchy shallot vinaigrette and accented with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbles of feta yielding a salad that’s packed with flavor and texture.

The key to getting the most flavor into the salad lies in the way the sweet potatoes are cooked. Here, cubes of sweet potatoes are roasted until fork tender and lightly browned in spots, bringing out their natural sweetness. Halfway through roasting, some of the dressing for the salad is added to the potatoes. When cooked onto the sweet potatoes, its bright flavor mellows and becomes particularly savory, adding another layer of flavor as well helping to yield a tender, silky texture. Serve it alongside simple prepared proteins like seared fish or roasted chicken. 

Why You’ll Love It

  • Loaded with flavor and texture. Thanks to cubes of tender sweet potatoes, chewy dried cranberries,salty feta, crunchy toasted nuts, and a shallot-y sherry vinaigrette, this salad has it all. 
  • The dressing can be made ahead of time. Make it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. 

Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Salad

  • Sweet potatoes: Because they’re cut into cubes, the size of the whole sweet potato doesn’t matter as long as you have 2 pounds total. 
  • Dried cranberries: As well as a nice pop of color, they provide welcome texture and a sweet-tangy flavor that contrasts well against the sweet potatoes. 
  • Crumbled feta: Provides a salty, tangy pop.
  • Shallot: Provides a quiet allium flavor in the dressing that doesn’t completely overpower the sweet potato. 
  • Sherry vinegar: As opposed to other vinegars, it contributes a more mellow tang in the dressing. 

The Kitchn

Posted in #Recipes

38 Sneaky Ways to Eat More Vegetables

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Trick your kids (and yourself!) into eating more veggies by incorporating them into your favorite meals. These recipes are sneaky good at disguising good-for-you ingredients.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

14 Recipes for Food to Eat When Power Is Out

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Just like that, a storm has hit. But the family still needs to eat! Planning in advance will ensure that there’s plenty of food to eat when the power is out. First, stock up on nonperishable goods like dried fruit, nuts and canned food. If you know a storm is coming, prepare some (again, nonperishable) snacks in advance, like energy bars or even homemade beef jerky, and fill the pantry with staples like oatmeal.

During a power outage, stay away from the fridge and freezer—keeping the door closed will help maintain the cooler temperature and keep food from spoiling. Instead, plan to make meals that use only shelf-stable ingredients.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

44 Pasta Recipes for Nearly Every Pasta Shape

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

There’s nothing like noodles to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feasting on impressive baked pasta recipes like lasagna or stuffed shells, or enjoying a bowl of saucy tortellini, every shape of pasta satisfies. These go-to pasta recipes prove that you don’t need to have a lot of time on your hands to whip up a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired meal.

Round out your carb-heavy entree with spaghetti side dishes (they go with ziti, penne and ravioli too) and some crusty Italian bread. If you’re feeling ambitious and have the time to spare, homemade fresh pasta is well worth the effort.

Taste of Home

Quick and Simple Dinner Ideas in One Pot

Satisfy your craving for a home-cooked meal—without making a sinkful of dirty dishes.

  • Simple, Perfect Chili
  • Creamy Skillet Chicken
  • One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • Chicken Pot Pie

Dinner, with Less Mess

There’s no denying that the least exciting part of cooking is cleaning up the mess afterwards. Whether you tackle a good, old-fashioned Sunday supper or a simple weeknight meal, it feels like the dirty pots, pans and plates always pile up fast. That’s where these one-pot wonders come in. Grab your favorite casserole dish to make a dump dinner, break out the cast-iron skillet and whip up rustic chicken and dumplings or turn to your Instant Pot for shrimp scampi in just 20 minutes; whatever you decide, you’ll find that these recipes are wonderfully delicious—and make cleanup a breeze. Take this American version of goulash, for example. It features hearty pasta and plenty of aromatic spices (including paprika as a nod to the traditional Hungarian dish) for a comforting and complete meal that can be made entirely in your Dutch oven. What could be easier?

Food Network

Posted in Book Reviews

Dry Mix Magic (Sizzling Sauces & Condiments Book 1)

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Dry Mix Magic is your go-to guide for building a pantry that works as hard as you do. Say goodbye to overpriced store packets and hello to homemade convenience—fluffy breakfast blends, cozy drink mixes, crowd-pleasing dips, savory soup bases, flavorful rubs, and more. With simple ingredients, smart storage tips, and step-by-step directions, you’ll create shelf-stable mixes that taste like real food, not factory formulas.

Whether you’re prepping for holiday baking season, stocking up for fall comfort cooking, planning winter warm-ups, refreshing your pantry for spring meal prep, or making thoughtful homemade food gifts, this book shows you how to craft reliable mixes that save money, save time, and upgrade every meal.

Inside you’ll find:

Easy recipes made with everyday pantry staples

Make-ahead blends for breakfasts, beverages, dips, dinners & desserts

Tips for long-term storage, gifting, and mix-and-match flavor boosts

Kid-tested, family-approved recipes with no preservatives or mystery ingredients

Clear labels, batch sizes, and add-ins for every mix

Perfect for busy home cooks, budget-friendly families, pantry preppers, and anyone who wants smarter shortcuts without sacrificing flavor.

Bring convenience back where it belongs—your kitchen.

Posted in #Recipes

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Keep this easy chicken Alfredo casserole recipe on hand when you need a simple dish that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time. This is a “dump and bake” casserole recipe that uses a single baking dish.

Stir together the pasta, pre-made Alfredo sauce, broth, leftover chicken, cheese and seasonings. Bake for about 30 minutes and serve with salad, or see our variations for an option to include veggies in the bake. You will have dinner on the table in record time, with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Penne pasta: Combine uncooked pasta with the sauce and the broth and bake in the oven until tender.
  • Alfredo sauce: Use two jars (15 oz each) of your favorite prepared Alfredo sauce.
  • Chicken broth: Store-bought or homemade chicken broth, along with the Alfredo sauce, provides enough liquid for the pasta to cook right in the oven.
  • Cooked chicken: Cubed chicken breast adds a lean protein to this easy casserole.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds plenty of savory flavor.
  • Cheese: Combine parmesan and mozzarella cheese to get the best of both cheesy worlds. Parmesan has lots of flavor and mild mozzarella melts beautifully.
  • Parsley: Minced parsley is a simple way to add a dash of vibrant green and some brightness to this rich and creamy casserole.

Taste of Home

Posted in Book Reviews

Much Loved Mediterranean Casseroles Cookbook

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Budget-Friendly and Comforting One Pot Recipes Anyone Can Make: Delicious and Cheap Meals Made With Everyday Ingredients

Mediterranean Casseroles Made Simple

From the author of several bestselling cookbooks, busy mom and fitness enthusiast, Alissa Noel Grey, comes a great new collection of delicious, easy to make family recipes that will make you healthier, happier and more energetic than ever.

Inspired by the flavors of Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and beyond, this cookbook features heathy casserole recipes that are as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just need quick family meals you can count on, these recipes are made with easy-to-find ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.

Inside you’ll find:
✅ Casserole recipes that are budget-friendly and use everyday ingredients already in your pantry
✅ Step-by-step instructions for stress-free cooking, even on busy weeknights
✅ Naturally balanced recipes rooted in the Mediterranean diet – heart-healthy, fiber-rich, and full of good fats
✅ Family-approved favorites perfect for sharing around the table

If you’re craving a return to flavorful, nourishing meals that feel like home – without spending hours in the kitchen – this cookbook will become a much-loved staple in your home!

A conversation with my youngest daughter the other day prompted a search for cookbooks for 2 that promoted the Mediterrean Diet. I prefer to make casseroles to give me leftovers to be reheated another day. This book combines both of these desires!

Posted in #Recipes

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This hamburger potato casserole recipe creates a potato crust with layers of seasoned ground beef and corn underneath a melty topping of cheese, offering a delicious twist on cottage pie. I have fond memories of classic cottage pie, a dish I’d never seen or heard of until I moved from New York City to rural Vermont. There, in the cafeteria at our tiny elementary school, I had my first taste of the savory pie alongside freshly made maple baked beans.

Unlike a classic cottage pie recipe, this hamburger and potato casserole features the layers in reverse. A crust of thinly sliced potatoes is topped with ground beef, corn, and a creamy combination of creamy celery soup, milk and cheddar. The resulting hamburger casserole with potatoes is fantastic for cozy cool-weather dinners, potluck parties and small, casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Potatoes: Starchy russet potatoes are the best type of potato for a dish with a crispy ‘tater crust. Creamy all-purpose Yukon Gold potatoes also crisp up nicely. Waxy red-skinned potatoes wouldn’t be a first choice but can be used in a pinch.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter works for this hamburger casserole with potatoes recipe.
  • Seasonings: Our hamburger and potato casserole recipe keeps seasonings simple with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Check our recipe variations for ideas about how to spice up the recipe.
  • Ground beef: You can use any type of ground beef, such as lean ground sirloin or ground chuck. If you have access to freshly ground beef from a butcher’s shop or a farmers market, that will likely be the most flavorful option.
  • Frozen corn: Frozen corn preserves the deliciously sweet taste of corn year-round. However, if fresh corn happens to be in season when you make hamburger potato casserole, cut the kernels off the cob and throw them in.
  • Cream of celery soup: A casserole classic, cream of celery soup adds richness to hamburger casserole with potatoes. Not into celery? Swap in the creamy condensed soup of your choice.
  • Milk: The hamburger and potato casserole recipe calls for 2% milk, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
  • Chopped onion: We typically use white or yellow onions for this dish, but red onions are a great option to add a pop of color.
  • Cheddar cheese: Zingy cheddar cheese perks up the flavor of hamburger casserole with potatoes. If you enjoy bold cheese, don’t be afraid to go with extra-sharp cheddar.
  • Parsley: A smattering of minced parsley adds a bit of color and fresh flavor. Feel free to omit it if you don’t have any kicking around.

Taste of Home

Posted in #Recipes

51 Smoothie Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Hunger

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

It’s tempting to think that making a smoothie is just throwing a bunch of ingredients into a blender. But, ask anyone who has ever had a chunky, icy or otherwise less-than-perfect sip and they’ll tell you there’s a real art to making a smoothie. Done right, smoothies boast a flavorful punch and an indulgent creaminess. Better yet, they can easily be health-ified—making them the perfect wholesome breakfast or lunch. You just need to know how to boost them with protein or other nourishing add-ins. That’s where these recipes come in.

You’ll find a myriad of options, perfect for every diet and preference (plus a few that are just downright delicious and worthy of being a midday snack or dessert). Each one is formulated to give you the perfect texture and flavor with just the push of a button. One of our favorites? You can never go wrong with a classic; strawberries and banana work together to give your drink just the right amount of sweetness and tang—and a rich, velvety consistency.

Food Network