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
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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Japanese Plum Jelly
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
7-Up Lemon Pound Cake
Made with lemon extract, butter, flour, sugar, eggs, 7-Up
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
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
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
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
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
Caribbean Tea Mix
This tea mix is the perfect way to enjoy the tropical flavors of the Caribbean. It's a delicious blend of sweet tea, pineapple, and orange with a hint of coconut extract.
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Cool Whip
Cool Whip is a unique non-dairy whipped topping that is used in many recipes. You can make your own version with just a few shelf-stable ingredients.
Time: 30-60 minutes
Spiced Rhubarb Jam
Made with ground cardamom, cinnamon stick, rhubarb, sugar, water, ginger root
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Evaporated Skim Milk Substitute
As long as you've got the ratio right, you'll never need to run out to the store for evaporated milk again. One less thing to clutter your pantry.
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
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
Old Fashioned Grape Jelly
When life gives you concord grapes, make grape jelly! This jelly is perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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
Freezer Alfredo Sauce
This make-ahead recipe comes in handy on busy days.
Method: stovetop
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
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
Homemade Maraschino Cherries
Is there a more classic look than a bright red maraschino cherry garnishing a hot-fudge sundae? Make the cherries en masse at home so you can top off sundaes and garnish...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
One Pan Banana Bread
Is there anything better than freshly baked banana bread? A great way to use up those ripe bananas in this Bisquick-based recipe.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 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
Ginger Orange Marmalade
Made with sugar, ground ginger, Seville oranges, lemons, water, crystallized ginger
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Cola Basted Ham
Ham and cola are all you need for a sweet and surprisingly subtly flavored roast, so ditch the long recipes and just grab a can of Coke.
Method: oven
Time: over 5 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
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
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
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
Gingerbread Coffee Mix
Mixing spices, powdered coffee creamer, and instant coffee together makes an all-in-one instant gingerbread coffee.
Time: under 30 minutes
Sweet Mango Lime Jam
A tasty hint of lime is what spices up this recipe. Simple to make too.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Make-Ahead Lasagna Rolls
Change up your lasagna routine. Not only does this twist on traditional lasagna turn them into pasta roll-ups, it can also be made ahead of time and frozen.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
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
Soft Cat Treats
Fluffy will love these homemade, cheesy cat treats. Bonus: they freeze well.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 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
30 Minute Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
For a delicious, fun, and surprisingly easy kitchen project, fresh mozzarella is hard to beat. It's perfect for salads, melty grilled cheeses, and caprese appetizers.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
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
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
Blueberry Marmalade
Made with orange, lemon, water, baking soda, fresh blueberries, liquid fruit pectin, sugar
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Cinnamon Pancake Mix in a Jar
Made with salt, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder
Time: under 30 minutes
Malted Hot Cocoa Mix
Make-ahead mixes like this are so convenient. Whether you're setting up camp outdoors or just settling in for a chilly night at home, a spectacular homemade "just add...
Time: under 30 minutes
Pancake Mix in a Bag
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of dry pancake mix that can be stored for weeks and used whenever you crave fluffy and delicious pancakes.
Time: under 30 minutes
Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer
Make your own pumpkin pie coffee. The ground ginger in there really sends it over the edge. You can take this stuff with you wherever you need a holiday-flavored cup of joe....
Time: under 30 minutes
Half-And-Half Substitute
Half-and-half is basically milk with a higher fat content. So it's easy to make your own substitute by upping the fat content of regular milk.
Time: under 30 minutes
Blueberry Jelly
Made with blueberries, water, sugar, liquid fruit pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Green Spinach Noodles
This simple homemade pasta is packed with flavor and vitamins. Goes great topped with a cream-based sauce like Alfredo or cut the strips small and use in a soup.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Butter Biscuits
These simple biscuits are extra buttery with chilled butter mixed into the batter and melted butter brushed on top after baking.
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
15 Minute Chicken Parmesan Risotto
Tender chicken serves as hidden treasure amongst the creamy rice with pops of peas. This can be served as a side item or a main course.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Farm Stand Peach Jam
Made with butter, sugar, peaches, lemon juice, powdered fruit pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
Apricot Jalapeno Jelly
Made with jalapeno peppers, red bell pepper, cider vinegar, sugar, dried apricots, liquid pectin, red food coloring
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Colored Sand
You could buy colored sand for fun arts and crafts projects, but why buy it when you can make it yourself? All you need is sand and tempera paints.
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
Yogurt Chiffon Mini-Tarts
Made with fruit-flavored yogurt, water, gelatin, cream cheese, vanilla wafers
Time: 2-5 hours
Bottled Apple Juice Jelly
Who knew apple juice could dress up so nicely? This apple juice jelly recipe turns your everyday juice into a gourmet treat that's perfect for toast, desserts, or just a...
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Mini Pepperoni Rolls
These make great finger food for parties or just as a snack. Slices of pepperoni and cheese are rolled up inside crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown and the cheese is...
Method: oven
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
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
This flavorful gravy made from roasted turkey wings can be made up to a week in advance (longer if you freeze the gravy). Perfect time saver over the holidays.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Chunky Peach Preserves
Made with freestone peaches, water, sugar, lemon juice
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
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.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.






































































