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
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.
jump to the recipes
Weight Watchers Diet Cola Chicken
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
Instant Cappuccino Mix
Want a quick coffee fix without having to stand in line or making an entire pot of coffee? Keep this instant cappuccino mix on hand for a quick hot drink (or iced!)
Time: under 30 minutes
Sloppy Joe Freezer Mix
What is easier than sloppy joes? Sloppy joes made ahead of time. Freeze the saucy ground beef mixture, and when ready to cook just heat, and eat.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Soda Can Chicken
A twist on the famous beer can chicken. In this version, a whole chicken, rubbed in spices, cooks right on top of a half-full soda can and comes out perfectly moist.
Method: outdoor grill
Time: 2-5 hours
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
Bisquick Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
If you like sweet biscuits, you'll love these Bisquick cinnamon rolls with a sweet, powdered sugar glaze.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is one of the easier cheeses to make from scratch. All it requires are 2 ingredients and a little patience.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Mascarpone Substitute
Italian mascarpone cheese adds a richness to desserts and savory dishes alike, but it's not always on hand or easy to find in a pinch. Good news - you can mix ricotta and cream...
Time: under 30 minutes
Bow-Wow-Wow Dog Treats
Your dog will love you (even more) when you make these tasty peanut butter cookies for him! Made with honey, peanut butter, flour, egg, oil, baking soda, and oats.
Method: microwave, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Cake
This version of cola cake is different because it uses brown sugar instead of white sugar in the cake which makes the cake a little more moist.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
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
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
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
Broccoli Casserole
Classic family-style casserole. A can of mushroom soup cuts down on the ingredients and time involved so you can spend less time with the casserole and more time with the family...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
7-Up Lemon Pound Cake
Made with lemon extract, butter, flour, sugar, eggs, 7-Up
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with semisweet chocolate chips, butter or margarine, brown sugar, egg, baking mix, nuts
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Cinnamon Wassail
You can't go wrong with hot apple cider on a cold night, but this mulled wassail made with whole cloves and cinnamon takes it to a new level.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Concord Grape Jelly
Made with concord grapes, water, sugar, pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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
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
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
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
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
Homemade Windshield-Washer Fluid
Need to throw together a little wiper fluid in a pinch? Isopropyl alcohol and dish soap are all you need for a cheap, effective solution.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
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
Homemade Confectioner's (Powdered) Sugar
Need powdered sugar but don't have any? Make your own with just two ingredients.
Time: under 30 minutes
Basic Homemade Croutons
This recipe is a win-win. Use up your day old bread; get a crunchy salad topping to boot. Bread and butter is all you need for these crispy broiled croutons.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
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
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
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
Red Pepper Jelly
Made with red food coloring, liquid fruit pectin, red bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, white vinegar, sugar
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
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
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
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
Basic Cooked Jerusalem Artichoke
Also known as a sunchoke, this vegetable is a member of the sunflower family (and not related to the other kind of artichokes). It is nutty, sweet, and crunchy. They...
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Blender Peanut Butter
Making your own peanut butter is so easy, so much tastier than store bought, and limitless in customization options.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Zesty Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Ribs
Wouldn't you like to be a pepper too? Ribs cooked low and slow in the crockpot with Dr. Pepper are the tenderest and tastiest you'll ever try.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
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
Jewelry Cleaner
Sometimes a good cleaning makes a ring or necklace feel like a whole new piece. Ammonia, water, and dish soap are all you need for a home remedy to restore the shine.
Time: under 30 minutes
Chocolate Mint Coffee Creamer
A gourmet powdered coffee creamer like this mint chocolate blend is a brilliant thing to have on hand. Not only is it great for everyday use, but it's easy to bring on the...
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Ranking #1 in nearly every "favorite cookie" poll, the chocolate chip cookie is pretty much the go-to cookie of choice for both kids and grownups alike.
A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.






































































