You can use this black raspberry jam for more than just toast. How about for topping a melty brie grilled cheese?
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 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.
jump to the recipes
Black Raspberry Jam
Venison Sausage And Seasoning Mix
This sausage recipe cuts the venison with ground pork to keep the flavor rich without being too gamey, and throws in a flavorful seasoning mix for a little extra...
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Playdough
Looking for a fun rainy-day project with the kids? With this homemade version of playdough you can create your own colorful crafts and art pieces.
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
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
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
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
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
Blueberry Jelly
Made with blueberries, water, sugar, liquid fruit pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
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
Gingerbread House
Building a gingerbread house with the whole family is a great way to create lasting memories. The recipe provides very detailed instructions on every step.
Method: oven
Time: over 5 hours
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
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
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
Wild Mountain Huckleberry Preserves
Made with fresh huckleberries, lime, sugar
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Borax For Ants
Have a problem with ants? Try this easy recipe to keep them at bay.
Time: under 30 minutes
Concord Grape Jelly
Made with concord grapes, water, sugar, pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Chunky Peach Preserves
Made with freestone peaches, water, sugar, lemon juice
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Mocha Creamer
This mocha creamer recipe offers a no-fuss way to enjoy flavored coffee without the need for store-bought options.
Time: under 30 minutes
Green Tomato Jelly
Who knew unripe tomatoes could taste this good? Green Tomato Jelly with a raspberry twist. Boil, blend, jar. Done.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Creamy Flavored Coffee Sweetener
This simple recipe nails the ratio of skim milk with the sweet stuff for a satisfying coffee creamer that can be modified to whatever seasonal flavor desires strike...
Time: under 30 minutes
Clay Body Wrap
Clay body wraps are one of the most popular types of body treatments. They help to remove toxins from the body, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Dutch Apple Pie Filling For Canning
Have delicious apple pie filling on hand any time you have the urge to bake. Homemade is so much better than store bought. Don't have a canner? You can freeze the...
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
Loquat Jelly
Curious about loquats and what you can do with them? This jelly is a fantastic introduction to their delicious potential.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Heart-Shaped Cake
Made with small candies or colored sprinkles, red food coloring, powdered sugar, cake mix, milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, Cool Whip
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 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
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
Vanilla Chai Tea Mix
Made with vanilla extract, teabags, black pepper, fresh ginger root, cloves, cardamom, water, loose Darjeeling tea, cinnamon stick
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 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
Bulghur Wheat
Bulgar wheat is a particularly versatile grain. Use it to thicken up soups and stews, turn salads into satisfying meals, or top it with veggies for a healthy grain bowl.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Jalea de Chile Verde (Green Chile Jelly)
Made with green food coloring, green chilies, sugar, cider vinegar, cheesecloth, liquid pectin
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
A Berry Purple Smoothie
Made with crushed pineapple, blueberries or blackberries, ice cubes, fruit-flavored low-fat yogurt
Time: under 30 minutes
English Cucumber And Ginger Conserve
Made with English cucumbers, sugar, ginger root
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
Candy canes aren't just a pretty garnish for mugs of cocoa made with this instant mix, they also provide a sweet minty flavor that's perfect for holiday season.
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
Flower Ice Cubes
Edible flowers can be found in the produce section of most large grocery stores these days and are specifically labeled as being for culinary uses.
Time: 2-5 hours
Creme Fraiche
Creme fraiche is shockingly easy to make at home. Impossibly creamy soups, velvety scrambled eggs, and other previously out-of-reach recipes are all up for grabs now.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Peach Yogurt Coffee Cake
Made with butter extract, vanilla extract, coconut extract, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, all-purpose flour
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Coleman's Cold and Cough Juice
'Tis the season for... getting sick. This home remedy will soothe your cough or sore throat, and warm you up.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Apple Pecan Skillet Pancakes
These loaded apple and pecan cinnamon pancakes are what dreams are made of. Well, if your dreams are breakfast related (and after a couple of these flapjacks, they probably...
Method: stovetop, oven
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
Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Making homemade sun-dried tomatoes is a fantastic way to preserve the best tomatoes of the summer and use them for pizzas, pastas, and salads for months to come.
Method: oven
Time: over 5 hours
Chai Tea Concentrate
Made with sweetened condensed milk, cardamom, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg
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
Raspberry Jam (No Pectin Version)
Raspberry jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on a variety of items, from toast to scones. What many people don't know is that this jam can be...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Cherry Christmas Jam
Get ready to jar up some joy with this cherry Christmas jam. It's a sweet, tangy, and utterly festive addition to your holiday table or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Magic Reindeer Food
Let the kids mix together oatmeal, sugar, and colored sugar crystals and sprinkle it on the ground outside to help the reindeer guide Santa's sleigh to your house.
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 Weed Killer
This home remedy of vinegar, salt and regular dish soap kills weeds just as effectively, without all the nasty stuff.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
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
Summer Bird Suet Cakes
Made with cornmeal, lard, peanut butter, sugar, whole wheat flour, oatmeal
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Change this recipe up by substituting maple syrup for the honey. Delicious!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
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.






































































