Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie
My daughter, Grace, has mastered the art of the culinary "second act." She brilliantly transforms leftover roast beef and mashed potatoes into a Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie - and while the purists might call it a Cottage Pie because of the beef, in our house, it’s simply a family classic. Her addition of sharp cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes creates a tangy, golden crust that ties the whole dish together.
By - Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Miso Mac and Cheese
Elevate your Mac and Cheese with this Creamy Miso Mac. This dish balances the sharp Cheddar with the subtle sweetness of white miso, creating a deep, umami-rich flavor. Finished with a crunch of toasted panko, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. The result is delicious!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chicken Fajita Rice Bake
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bake is a make-ahead, low-effort, high-reward dinner for busy nights. Juicy chicken thighs, beans, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, onions, and brown rice with melty Monterey Jack cheese is the answer to your what to have for dinner dilemma. It’s hearty, healthy-ish, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip
If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer for your next gathering, look no further. This Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip is a sophisticated, high-flavor upgrade to the classic holiday block of cream cheese. By swapping basic cream cheese for the velvety, herb-flecked richness of Boursin, you transform a simple snack into a gourmet centerpiece in under two minutes. A shower of crushed smoked almonds provides a salty, roasted depth that ties it all together.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Kielbasa Cabbage Stew
This Kielbasa Cabbage Stew is simple, savory, and satisfying. It’s the perfect easy-to-make meal to take the chill off a cold day. Since it comes together in just one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a bowl of pure comfort. Serve it with a thick slice of crusty bread.
Cheesy French Onion Baked Potatoes
For me, almost every satisfying, savory creation that leaves my kitchen is founded on a great onion. If I’m ever unsure of what to prepare for dinner, I always reach for an onion first.
The good news is that turning an onion into a wonderfully comforting and delicious dinner is straightforward. All it takes is a little butter, a fluffy baked potato, and some time (both the clock time and the herby kind—thyme!).
This recipe perfectly illustrates that point. The French Onion Baked Potato takes the most beloved elements of the classic French onion soup—namely, the sweet caramelized onions and the rich, melted Gruyère cheese—and places them right onto a warm, tender baked potato.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites
My friend Jenny made these Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites. They are absolutely delicious. The recipe calls for frozen puff pastry, but she used phyllo dough. The ultra-thin layers of phyllo create a crackling sound and feel when bitten, providing a spectacular contrast to the creamy, soft texture of the melted brie. This is a great addition to your holiday party appetizers.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: Makes 24
Russian Pickled Mushrooms
I left my husband alone in the kitchen with some mushrooms, which reminded him of Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, the character of Behemoth the cat is famously shown spearing a pickled mushroom with a fork while holding a glass of vodka. This scene features Russian pickled mushrooms, known as Marinovannymi Gribami, a traditional and popular snack in Russia. These pickles are highly versatile: serve them as a simple appetizer with crackers or rye bread, and with chilled vodka.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 12 Servings
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
Fresh Cranberry Salsa: The perfect easy holiday appetizer! This salsa delivers a bright, bold flavor profile that is tart, sweet, and spicy. For the best taste, prepare it the night before and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Serve it classically with tortilla chips or crackers, or pour it over a block of cream cheese for a creamy, tangy holiday dip.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings - makes about 2 cups
Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage
I know there are lots of “Marry Me” recipes out there, but the base of these recipes happens to be really good. I need to use up some Italian sausage, so I made this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage. It carries the signature creamy, flavor-packed base of the original, but the hearty sausage and comforting broth make it a complete, cold-weather meal.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
