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Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

These are the basics, the simple meals, the make ahead recipes. Everyday cooking for every one.

These are the recipes you sometimes forget even are available. Like, making homemade cleansers and beauty products. Or, convenience items like croutons or coffee creamer. While so easy to buy, they are also easy to make.

Also check out our "make ahead" section for recipe-saving ingredient substitutes.



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Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the everyday cooking section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   everyday cooking
recipe for homemade mouthwash

Homemade Mouthwash

Apple cider vinegar and water are all you need for this all-natural mouthwash. Takes a couple tries to get used to it, but it's very effective.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for jello play dough

Jello Play Dough

Looking for a rainy day craft project with the kids? Try making this homemade playdough made from flavored gelatin powder, flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and water.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for shepherd's cheddar pie

Shepherd's Cheddar Pie

It's amazing how quickly a shepherd's pie can come together with a few choice shortcuts.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for weight watchers diet cola chicken

Weight Watchers Diet Cola Chicken

Cutting down on sugar and fat doesn't mean you have to miss out on BBQ. Lean chicken is cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce making it perfect on buns, in tortillas, or on its...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for make your own hummingbird nectar

Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar

This hummingbird nectar is easy and inexpensive to make. You'll end up with a sweet, syrupy nectar that will attract these beautiful birds to your yard or garden.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

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recipe for make your own baby powder

Make Your Own Baby Powder

Make your own gentle baby powder with ingredients you control instead of one loaded with harsh chemicals.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade hot cocoa mix

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Warm up quickly when you keep a batch of this homemade hot cocoa mix on hand.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for 7-up lemon pound cake

7-Up Lemon Pound Cake

Made with lemon extract, butter, flour, sugar, eggs, 7-Up

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for cheese sausage balls

Cheese Sausage Balls

These scrumptious sausage bites could not be easier. Sausage, cheese, and baking mix all kneaded together and baked - perfect for dipping in all sorts of your favorite sauces as an...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for coca-cola burgers

Coca-Cola Burgers

Cola and French dressing are used both in the burger patties and as a tangy spread on the grilled buns. The sweet and tangy flavor brings your burgers to a new level.

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for gluten-free baking mix

Gluten-Free Baking Mix

This baking mix is perfect for people who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease (or who are just avoiding gluten).


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for diy wood floor cleaner

DIY Wood Floor Cleaner

Wood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be difficult to clean. This natural wood floor cleaner is perfect for keeping your floors clean and polished...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for microwave croutons

Microwave Croutons

Microwave croutons might just be the kitchen hack you've been waiting for. Your salads will thank you.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for creamy potato soup mix

Creamy Potato Soup Mix

Made with seasoned salt, ground turmeric, instant mashed potato flakes, powdered milk, chicken bouillon granules, dried minced onion, dried parsley, white pepper, dried thyme


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for au jus (brown stock)

Au Jus (Brown Stock)

This rich brown stock can be used as a soup base, or in any recipe calling for beef broth or stock.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for sugar-free vanilla coffee creamer

Sugar-Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer

You can still make a sweet, creamy cup of Joe without the added sugar. This pre-mixed blend with a touch of vanilla is a great option to have on hand.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for pie crust mix

Pie Crust Mix

Save some prep time with this pie crust mix. Flour, salt, and shortening are mixed together ahead of time (and can be frozen) to help make your pie baking a breeze.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for venison sausage and seasoning mix

Venison Sausage And Seasoning Mix

This sausage recipe cuts the venison with ground pork to keep the flavor rich without being too gamey, and throws in a flavorful seasoning mix for a little extra...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade sour cream

Homemade Sour Cream

This recipe takes a couple of days to "sour" so it won't work for a sour cream emergency but it's a great way to make your own sour cream to have on hand (it will last 3...


Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for slow cooker coca cola braised ham

Slow Cooker Coca Cola Braised Ham

Out-of-this-world ham with just the right touch of sweetness from slowly cooking in the coca cola sauce.

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for toaster oven or air fryer chunky croutons

Toaster Oven or Air Fryer Chunky Croutons

Why are you still out there buying croutons? Bread brushed with oil and dusted with smoked paprika bakes into crunchy, salad-improving croutons faster than you...

Method:   air fryer, roaster oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for easy and quick homemade whipped cream

Easy And Quick Homemade Whipped Cream

Want sweetened whipped cream with an extra special touch? (hint: it's vanilla!) Try this recipe for a delicious dessert topping that can be made in minutes.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for bisquick chocolate chip cookies

Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies

Made with semisweet chocolate chips, butter or margarine, brown sugar, egg, baking mix, nuts

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for impossible pumpkin pie

Impossible Pumpkin Pie

A crustless pumpkin pie made with pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, butter, eggs, sugar, Bisquick, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for homemade confectioner's (powdered) sugar

Homemade Confectioner's (Powdered) Sugar

Need powdered sugar but don't have any? Make your own with just two ingredients.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade dishwasher detergent

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

The cost of store-bought dishwasher detergents can really add up, especially if you need a large quantity to keep your dishes clean and sparkling.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for mint ice cubes

Mint Ice Cubes

These minty ice cubes are perfect in iced tea or cocktails. They add a little color to the drink and release a light fresh mint flavor as they melt.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for yogurt pancakes

Yogurt Pancakes

Adding yogurt to the batter is a brilliant way to get moist pancakes every time. Top them off with fresh, matching fruit and you're in fruity flapjack heaven.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for car washing soap

Car Washing Soap

The best part about this soap is that it's gentle enough for even the most delicate paint job, but tough enough to handle the toughest grime. So go ahead and give it a try - your car...


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for homemade hand lotion

Homemade Hand Lotion

This homemade hand lotion recipe is perfect for those with sensitive skin. The lotion is unscented, but you can add your favorite essential oil to give it a pleasant scent.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for pedialyte-type drink

Pedialyte-Type Drink

When little ones are under the weather, sometimes all they need is a little Pedialyte-type drink. This magic elixir can help them feel better in no time!


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for concord grape jelly

Concord Grape Jelly

Made with concord grapes, water, sugar, pectin

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for heloise's flavored coffee mixes

Heloise's Flavored Coffee Mixes

Looking for a fun and easy way to spice up your morning cup of joe? Try one of these flavored coffee mixes. You can mix and match the flavors to create your own custom...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for egg substitute

Egg Substitute

This make-ahead egg substitute is reduced calorie and protein packed. It even has a yellow eggy color from a little turmeric added to the mix.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for dr. pepper texas chocolate cake

Dr. Pepper Texas Chocolate Cake

Made with baking soda, Dr. Pepper, chocolate chips, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, shortening, butter

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for callus remover

Callus Remover

Save that spa money! A pumice stone and a simple solution of baking soda and sea salt are all you need for a naturally effective method of callous removal.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for basic roux

Basic Roux

Roux is a key ingredient in many classic French dishes and sauces like etouffee and bechamel. Roux is simply equal parts flour and fat that are cooked together.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for cheesy garlic croutons

Cheesy Garlic Croutons

These crisp croutons are perfect for topping a salad or bowl of soup. They are made by tossing French bread cubes with melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese before...

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for overnight strawberry preserves

Overnight Strawberry Preserves

Letting the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice flavors meld overnight not only improves the flavor but it makes the canning process less exhausting.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for self-rising cornmeal

Self-Rising Cornmeal

A simple way to make your own self-rising cornmeal - just replace 1 tablespoon with baking powder!


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade honey-peanut butter

Homemade Honey-Peanut Butter

Homemade peanut butter is so much better than store-bought varieties. Fresher taste, less unnecessary additives, and the bonus satisfaction of making something from...


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for for the birds scrap pie

For the Birds Scrap Pie

Use up some leftovers and feed the birds at the same time. The feed can be put in a feeder or sprinkled on the ground.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for flower ice cubes

Flower Ice Cubes

Edible flowers can be found in the produce section of most large grocery stores these days and are specifically labeled as being for culinary uses.


Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for an apple a day dog treat

An Apple a Day Dog Treat

Imagine the wagging tails as you whip up these delightful apple-infused dog treats. With just a few simple ingredients, your furry friend will be eating like royalty.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for pepperoni

Pepperoni

Made with garlic powder, anise seeds, ground beef, salt, liquid smoke, black pepper, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for beefy taco seasoning mix

Beefy Taco Seasoning Mix

This is a great substitute for the packaged taco seasoning you buy at the store. This version has extra "beefy" flavor. Use anytime you need a little Mexican flavor...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for loquat jelly

Loquat Jelly

Curious about loquats and what you can do with them? This jelly is a fantastic introduction to their delicious potential.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for almost maple syrup

Almost Maple Syrup

This almost maple syrup is still way closer than most store-bought syrups. It's made with actual sugar instead of corn syrup.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for green tomato jelly

Green Tomato Jelly

Who knew unripe tomatoes could taste this good? Green Tomato Jelly with a raspberry twist. Boil, blend, jar. Done.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for slow cooker coca-cola barbecued chicken

Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Barbecued Chicken

This sweet and tangy cola sauced chicken can be slow cooked in a crock pot or oven-baked.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for easy-bake oven lemon or white cake mix

Easy-Bake Oven Lemon or White Cake Mix

An easy make-ahead mix for the Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven for kids. You can use other drink mix powder for even more flavor variations.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker cola spareribs

Slow Cooker Cola Spareribs

These spareribs are slow cooked until they are wonderfully tender. The glaze is a mixture of ketchup and cola which gives them a tang with a hint of sweetness.

Method:   outdoor grill, crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for farm stand peach jam

Farm Stand Peach Jam

Made with butter, sugar, peaches, lemon juice, powdered fruit pectin

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for low-fat heavy cream substitute

Low-Fat Heavy Cream Substitute

A perfect low fat cream substitute for soups, sauces, and baked dishes.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade baby bath

Homemade Baby Bath

Make a soothing baby bath with gentle ingredients like buttermilk. Give your baby a comforting, homemade bath they'll love.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade cake mix

Homemade Cake Mix

Pre-portioned cake mix can be a lifesaver when you want to whip up an effortless dessert. Once you've got this mix ready you just need eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for creme fraiche

Creme Fraiche

Creme fraiche is shockingly easy to make at home. Impossibly creamy soups, velvety scrambled eggs, and other previously out-of-reach recipes are all up for grabs now.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for dog cookies

Dog Cookies

Easy dog cookies that your dog will love! Make them even more fun by using bone, dog, or cat cookie cutters.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes




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