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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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everyday cooking recipe finder

 
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 half-and-half substitute

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

recipe for zesty slow cooker dr. pepper ribs

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

recipe for cinnamon wassail

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


recipe for chicken spice coating mix

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

recipe for mango jam

Mango Jam

Made with pectin, mango, lemon juice, sugar

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

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recipe for red pepper jelly

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

recipe for mom's best hot cocoa mix

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

recipe for homemade soft scrub

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


recipe for homemade bratwurst

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

recipe for chocolate mint coffee creamer

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

recipe for christmas fragrance

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


recipe for blender peanut butter

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

recipe for hot spiced orange drink

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

recipe for peach tea mix

Peach Tea Mix

Made with sugar, instant tea mix, peach gelatin powder


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for green spinach noodles

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

recipe for jewelry cleaner

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

recipe for blue raspberry jam

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


recipe for make your own potpourri

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

recipe for easy italian casserole

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

recipe for vanilla mango jam

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


recipe for mini pepperoni rolls

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

recipe for basic cooked jerusalem artichoke

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

recipe for easy-bake oven chocolate frosting mix

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


recipe for homemade windshield-washer fluid

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

recipe for impossible lasagne pie

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

recipe for homemade coconut hair treatment

Homemade Coconut Hair Treatment

Want soft, manageable, frizz-free hair? Try this simple homemade conditioning blend.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for old fashioned homemade almond paste

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

recipe for pear preserves

Pear Preserves

Made with ground cinnamon, pears, water, sugar, lemons

Method:   stovetop
Time:  

recipe for frozen peaches

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


recipe for amaretto cocoa mix in a jar

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

recipe for colored sugar

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

recipe for basic homemade croutons

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


recipe for rhubarb-ginger jam

Rhubarb-Ginger Jam

Made with water, rhubarb, sugar, ginger

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for diy fabric softener

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

recipe for gourmet peanut butter

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


recipe for freezer frosting

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

recipe for instant cream sauce mix

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

recipe for dog biscuit mix in a jar

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


recipe for oatmeal raisin cookie mix in a jar

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

recipe for evaporated skim milk substitute

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

recipe for lauren's peanut butter

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


recipe for how to make rice

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

recipe for sweet mango lime jam

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

recipe for easy-bake oven white frosting mix

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


recipe for breakfast pigs in a blanket with honey mustard dipping sauce

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

recipe for seasoned parmesan croutons

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

recipe for gluten-free biscuit or baking mix

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


recipe for crescent joes

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

recipe for quick and easy peach freezer jam

Quick And Easy Peach Freezer Jam

Made with fruit pectin, water, fresh peaches, sugar, lemon juice

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for homemade bath paint for kids

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


recipe for magic muck

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

recipe for cocktail wraps

Cocktail Wraps

Quick and easy appetizers made with miniature smoked cocktail hot dogs and refrigerated crescent roll dough.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for basic homemade skin toner

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


recipe for grilled honey barbecue root beer wings

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

recipe for easy, homemade sneaker freshener

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

recipe for easy-bake oven chocolate cake mix

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


recipe for blackberry jam

Blackberry Jam

Made with sugar, blackberries, pectin

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for anti-aging face mask

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




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