Italian-Style Baked Rice and Meatball Casserole

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This Italian Rice Meatball Bake has been a family favorite for years. As a busy mom and teacher, I relied on recipes that were simple, satisfying, and quick to assemble—this one fit the bill perfectly. My kids would always get excited when they saw it on the dinner plan, and it remains one of those … Read more

What Is Cornstarch and How Is It Used in Cooking?

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By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On August 11, 2025 Cornstarch is a common pantry ingredient, but what exactly is it, is it gluten-free, is it healthy, and are there good substitutes? Below is a clear, practical guide to help you understand cornstarch and how to use it in everyday cooking and baking. Cornstarch is … Read more

Chickpea Tabbouleh Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Dressing

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Ready in about 10 minutes, this vegan mashed chickpea tabouleh salad is a fresh, protein-rich option for a quick meal or side. About the Recipe Quick and easy – ready in just 10 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and nut-free. High in protein and fiber. Enjoy alone as a light meal or side, or use it … Read more

Homemade Pasta from Scratch (No Pasta Machine Needed)

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Making homemade pasta without a machine is simple and satisfying. With just four ingredients you can have fresh pasta ready in under an hour. It’s a great weekend project and tastes far better than store-bought noodles. While I enjoy using a pasta attachment on my stand mixer and follow a detailed tutorial regularly, you don’t … Read more

Weekly Dinner Menu 81: Back-to-School Family Meal Ideas

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This week’s menu highlights easy back to school dinner ideas such as Chicken Tostadas, Slow Cooker BBQ Pizza, Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce, and more—meals designed to be quick, satisfying, and family-friendly. There’s only one more week of summer break here, and I have to admit I’m looking forward to it. While some parents dread … Read more

Copycat Cheesy Gordita Crunch Recipe You Can Make at Home

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My love for this taco runs deep — seasoned beef, a tangy special sauce, a crunchy taco shell hugged by a cheesy soft tortilla on the outside. I’m sharing a faithful copycat that delivers all the texture and flavor you crave without the late-night drive-thru. Table of Contents This recipe is… What is a Cheesy … Read more

Double Chocolate Biscotti Recipe: Crispy, Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

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These crunchy cookies are a twist on classic Italian biscotti. I used a chocolate dough as the base and folded in plenty of chocolate chips for an extra-rich flavor. Unlike traditional twice-baked biscotti, these are slightly more tender and may not be ideal for dunking. A touch of orange zest brightens the chocolate — omit … Read more

Homemade Sweet Fruit Rolls Recipe: Soft, Chewy Fruit Leather

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Soft, eggless Sweet Fruit Rolls filled with tutti frutti (candied dried papaya). Enjoy them plain or spread with jam and butter for a delightful snack. This recipe brings back childhood memories. Foods you grew up with always feel special — I recently learned to make peda from my nani (grandmother), a simple yet time-consuming sweet … Read more

Skier’s Breakfast Burrito — Beaumont Bakery Guide

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On my Salt Lake City breakfast tour I’m focusing mainly on newer spots, but there are a few places I’ve visited before that deserve inclusion. Beaumont is one of those—while it’s not brand new, it’s still relatively fresh to the valley and absolutely worth featuring. Today I picked up a breakfast burrito from Beaumont and … Read more

Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan Crisps

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Somewhere between crispy roast potatoes and buttery mash sits this irresistible tray of Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Tender inside with perfectly golden, crisp edges, they’re generously brushed with garlic butter so every bite is rich and satisfying. This side dish often outshines the main course and disappears first from the plate. The secret is technique: boiling … Read more