Mascarpone is similar to the cream cheese we buy at the store but it has a more velvety texture and a rich, sweet flavor.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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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Homemade Mascarpone
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
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
Rhubarb Freezer Jam
The classic combo of rhubarb and strawberry in a chunky freezer jam. Perfect on toast, english muffins, pancakes, etc.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Amaretto Cocoa Mix in a Jar
This make-ahead mix is sensational packed into mason jars for cute gift baskets. Next time you're sitting around a fire, it'll be the perfect treat to have on hand.
Time: under 30 minutes
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
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
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
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
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
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
Gourmet Reindeer Poop
Made with nuts, butter, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, peanut butter, oatmeal
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Bread Machine Mix
Made with salt, sugar, bread machine yeast, dry milk, bread flour, wheat flour, water or milk, oil, butter or shortening
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Fresh Peach Jam in the Microwave
This easy recipe combines fresh, ripe peaches, zesty lemon juice, and pectin to create a sweet and tangy peach jam.
Method: microwave
Time: 30-60 minutes
Ginger Orange Marmalade
Made with sugar, ground ginger, Seville oranges, lemons, water, crystallized ginger
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
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Baked tortilla chips are a fun experiment and a healthier alternative to the store-bought fried variety.
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
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
Soft Cat Treats
Fluffy will love these homemade, cheesy cat treats. Bonus: they freeze well.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Self-Rising Cornmeal
A simple way to make your own self-rising cornmeal - just replace 1 tablespoon with baking powder!
Time: under 30 minutes
Onion Loaf
Looking for a unique way to use those extra onions? This onion loaf combines sliced onions, milk, and pancake mix for an interesting twist.
Method: oven, deep fryer
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
Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with semisweet chocolate chips, butter or margarine, brown sugar, egg, baking mix, nuts
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Root Beer Pie
A must for root beer lovers. Pecans make a great pairing with the root beer flavor, and the brown sugar-sweetened filling is a bit like pecan pie.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
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 Hot Cocoa Mix
Warm up quickly when you keep a batch of this homemade hot cocoa mix on hand.
Time: under 30 minutes
Lowfat Baking Mix
Here's a baking mix that will trim down those calories but pump up your culinary creativity. Perfect for those who love dessert but don't love the guilt.
Time: under 30 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix In A Jar
Perfect for busy lives, this oatmeal raisin cookie mix allows you to enjoy freshly baked cookies with little effort, leaving you then spare time to conquer your next...
Time: under 30 minutes
Make Your Own Potpourri
Using dried flower petals, a blend of spices, essential oils, and a hint of brandy, this homemade potpourri fills your space with a delightful aroma.
Time: over 5 hours
Lavender Spray To Help You Relax
Dive into the world of essential oils. Lavender oil is a great one, just mix it with water in a spray bottle and voila! You have a wonderfully fragrant, relaxing...
Time: 2-5 hours
Julia Child's Lobster
Learn how to cook lobster from the master! Julia shares her methods for both boiling and steaming fresh lobster to perfection.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Jell-O Finger Paint
A fun and edible finger paint. Good for craft projects, can be made in a variety of colors, and it smells great.
Time: under 30 minutes
Flower Drying Formula
Want to keep those beautiful flowers around a little longer? Use this homemade drying formula to preserve them for years.
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Soft Scrub
Just two or three ingredients are all you need for a cheap, natural, and high-quality cleaning product.
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy, Homemade Sneaker Freshener
Getting rid of the stench from stinky shoes isn't easy. You need something that will absorb the odor, not just mask it. This homemade remedy does just that.
Time: under 30 minutes
Fancy Covered Meatballs
A beefy version of pigs in a blanket. Savory meatballs are wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown. Makes a great appetizer.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
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
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
Carpet Spot Cleaner
A homemade carpet spot cleaner recipe is an easy and affordable way to get your carpets looking new again. Made with just 3 simple ingredients that you may already have in your...
Time: under 30 minutes
Colored Sugar
This colored sugar is so easy to make, and has so much potential for amazing desserts. Just a few drops of food coloring and you can beautifully decorate cakes, cookies and other...
Time: under 30 minutes
Spiced Tomato Jam With Powdered Pectin
A spiced tomato jam using ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices. Great for canning and preserving seasonal flavors. Add to sandwiches or serve with cheese for a...
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
Cinnamon And Spice Flavored Creamer
This powdered creamer is easy peasy. Just add sugar, spice, and everything nice. Perfect holiday-spiced java every time.
Time: under 30 minutes
Buttermilk Pancake Mix
Made with vegetable oil, egg, salt, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, all-purpose flour, buttermilk powder
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Minced Pastry Twists
Made with milk, vanilla, refrigerated crescent rolls, mincemeat, pecans, powdered sugar
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pancakes
Put these pancakes on your weekend brunch menu and your family will thank you!
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Mom's Best Hot Cocoa Mix
Mom always comes through with the hot cocoa, and you'd better believe she has her recipe down. Just a few basic ingredients for the richest possible mug of warmth.
Time: under 30 minutes
Japanese Plum Jelly
If you can get your hands on some ripe Japanese satsuma plums, take advantage and make some jelly. Nothing complicated, just a sweet, pectin-thickened jelly to make some exceptional...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Maple Pork Sausage
The sweet maple flavor pairs perfectly with the savory pork in this homemade sausage. Serve it with pancakes, eggs, French toast or use it in other recipes calling for breakfast...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Gourmet Peanut Butter
Looking to jazz up your peanut butter? This spread is delicious on a sandwich, bagels, stuffed in celery, or of course, just eaten from a spoon.
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
Easy-Bake Oven White Frosting Mix
No need to open a can of frosting when you only need a little for a Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven baked treat. Keep this make-ahead mix on hand to use as needed.
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork With Root Beer Barbecue Sauce
Root beer isn't just for floats anymore. This pulled pork recipe uses root beer twice: once to tenderize and again in a tangy sauce.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Avocado Hand Mask
A simple two ingredient moisturizing mask for your hands or feet.
Time: under 30 minutes
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
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.






































































