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
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
Half-And-Half Substitute
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
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
Chicken Spice Coating Mix
Spiced, breaded chicken isn't just for frying anymore. You can still get a crispy coating with oven-baked breasts or drumsticks, and the spices in this recipe gives a nice...
Time: under 30 minutes
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
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
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
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
Homemade Bratwurst
Making your own bratwurst at home is a great way to get the exact flavor and ingredients you want. Simply grind up the meat and fat, mix in some spices, stuff the casings, and cook!
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
Christmas Fragrance
Get into the holiday spirit with this simple recipe. Simmer cloves, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg in water on the stove for a wonderful scent that will fill the house.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 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
Hot Spiced Orange Drink
This delicious and easy-to-make hot spiced orange drink is perfect for cold winter days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful beverage in minutes.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
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
Blue Raspberry Jam
If you're looking to brighten up your mornings, this blue raspberry jam is the way to go. It's fruity, sweet, and perfect for spreading happiness on toast.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
Easy Italian Casserole
Made with ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, mushroom stems, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Vanilla Mango Jam
This jam is made without pectin and plays up the sweetness of the mango with vanilla extract.
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
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
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Frosting Mix
Skip the packaged mixes, they are overpriced! Make your frosting mix so your kids will always have it on hand when they feel like baking in their Easy-Bake Oven.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Impossible Lasagne Pie
Impossibly delicious? Impossible to resist? Any way you slice it, it's very possible that this lasagna-inspired dish could become of your favorites.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Coconut Hair Treatment
Want soft, manageable, frizz-free hair? Try this simple homemade conditioning blend.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Old Fashioned Homemade Almond Paste
Almond paste is easier than you think to make yourself. Who knew that ground up almonds and sugar could be so delicious? If you bake, you'll find yourself using it...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Frozen Peaches
Keep nearly fresh-like peaches in the freezer for pies and other desserts, any time of the year. Adding baby aspirin to the peaches helps them retain their color.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
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
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
DIY Fabric Softener
Get soft towels, blankets, and clothes with this homemade fabric softener. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent.
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
Freezer Frosting
Add a sweet finish to your desserts with this frosting recipe, a creamy, versatile topping that can be prepared in advance and stored for in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Time: under 30 minutes
Instant Cream Sauce Mix
Make ahead and use as needed. This cream sauce mix works great in a pinch for topping vegetables, seafood, or anywhere you need a white sauce.
Time: under 30 minutes
Dog Biscuit Mix In A Jar
This dog biscuit mix in a jar is a great way to show a furry friend how much you care. This mix makes it easy to whip up a batch of delicious, healthy dog biscuits.
Time: under 30 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix In A Jar
Made with sugar, brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, salt, raisins
Time: under 30 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
Lauren's Peanut Butter
Indulge in a homemade peanut butter recipe, a smooth and creamy creation with a perfect balance of nutty flavor and sweetness. Ideal for spreading on toast or using in your...
Time: under 30 minutes
How To Make Rice
Once you understand the ratio of water to rice you'll be a pro at cooking rice. If you use a different kind of rice (other than long grain) you may have to adjust the ratio and/or...
Method: stovetop
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
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
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket With Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these pigs in a blanket use breakfast sausage links instead of hot dogs.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Seasoned Parmesan Croutons
Take a boring salad and dress it up with some delicious crispy croutons, flavored with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Gluten-Free Biscuit or Baking Mix
Forget the gluten but not the flavor. This biscuit mix is here to prove that you can still indulge in your favorites without a hitch.
Time: under 30 minutes
Crescent Joes
Crescent rolls baked with sloppy Joe filling make a great lunch, appetizer, or late night snack food.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Quick And Easy Peach Freezer Jam
Made with fruit pectin, water, fresh peaches, sugar, lemon juice
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Homemade Bath Paint For Kids
Make bath time a colorful adventure with homemade bath paint. Using just liquid soap and food coloring, this fun and washable paint brings creative play to the tub.
Time: under 30 minutes
Magic Muck
Are you looking for an easy sensory activity for your kids? Magic muck is the perfect solution! This slime-like substance is safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for kids of all ages.
Time: under 30 minutes
Cocktail Wraps
Quick and easy appetizers made with miniature smoked cocktail hot dogs and refrigerated crescent roll dough.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Basic Homemade Skin Toner
A refreshing homemade skin toner. Great for dry, normal, or sensitive skin. Tailor it to your needs with different essential oils.
Time: over 5 hours
Grilled Honey Barbecue Root Beer Wings
You'll be a superstar at your next party with these wings. Root beer, liquid smoke, and ginger combine for a unique marinade and sauce that gives these wings an...
Method: stovetop, outdoor grill
Time: over 5 hours
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
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Cake Mix
Keep this Easy-Bake Oven chocolate cake mix on hand so the kids can whip up their own chocolate cakes anytime they like. Just add water and bake!
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Anti-Aging Face Mask
Heavy cream, banana...nope, not a dessert recipe. This creamy anti-aging face mask with vitamin E will have your skin looking younger and smoother. And maybe craving a banana.
Time: under 30 minutes
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
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.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.