A great make-ahead recipe. Simply fill the sliced bread with a garlic butter spread and freeze until you are ready to bake it.
Method: oven
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
Freezer Garlic Bread
Make Ahead and Freeze Oven Meatballs
Make ahead today for a last minute dinner idea later or keep on hand to use in another recipe.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Spiced Tomato Jam With Powdered Pectin
Made with pectin, sugar, tomatoes, lemon rind, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, lemon juice
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
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
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
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
Rhubarb and Fig Jam
Much maligned rhubarb rarely gets the love it deserves, but one spoonful of this rhubarb and fig jam will change your mind on the vegetable for good.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
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
Sweet Or Sour Cherry Jam
This cherry jam can go either way: sweet or sour! Step up the sugar to fruit ratio for a sweet jam that's perfect on baked goods.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
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
Quick And Easy Peach Freezer Jam
Made with fruit pectin, water, fresh peaches, sugar, lemon juice
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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
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
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
Au Jus (Brown Stock)
This rich brown stock can be used as a soup base, or in any recipe calling for beef broth or stock.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 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
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
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
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Change this recipe up by substituting maple syrup for the honey. Delicious!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Make-Your-Own OxiClean
OxiClean is a popular household cleaner that can be used for a variety of purposes. You can buy it at the store, or you can make your own at home!
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Coconut Hair Treatment
Want soft, manageable, frizz-free hair? Try this simple homemade conditioning blend.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Confectioner's (Powdered) Sugar
Need powdered sugar but don't have any? Make your own with just two ingredients.
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
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
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
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
Indian Cheese - Paneer & Channa
Make your own paneer or channa for all sorts of Indian recipes. All you need is milk, buttermilk and a bit of patience.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 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
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
English Cucumber And Ginger Conserve
Made with English cucumbers, sugar, ginger root
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
For the Birds Scrap Pie
Use up some leftovers and feed the birds at the same time. The feed can be put in a feeder or sprinkled on the ground.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Homemade Baby Bath
Make a soothing baby bath with gentle ingredients like buttermilk. Give your baby a comforting, homemade bath they'll love.
Time: under 30 minutes
Black Raspberry Jam
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
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
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
Slow Cooker Infused Bath Oil
Homemade infused bath oils are a luxurious and soothing way to pamper yourself after a long day. Simply add them to warm bath water for a relaxing experience.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Lemon Lavender Splash
Use this mixture of lemon and lavender to freshen the air or fabrics (test surfaces before using). Makes your home (or car) smell like spring!
Time: over 5 hours
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
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
Homemade Honey-Peanut Butter
Homemade peanut butter is so much better than store-bought varieties. Fresher taste, less unnecessary additives, and the bonus satisfaction of making something from...
Time: under 30 minutes
Flower Petal Jelly
Edible flowers add beauty to all kinds of foods including this lightly sweet jelly. Make sure to only use known edible flowers and wash them well before using.
Method: stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
Ranking #1 in nearly every "favorite cookie" poll, the chocolate chip cookie is pretty much the go-to cookie of choice for both kids and grownups alike.
Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.






































































