Red Beans and Rice is a comfort food and a favorite in our house! We cook this all in one pot and while we have the rice going in the rice cooker. This is a meal you can have on the table in less than 15 minutes. I don't often freezer cook, but red beans and rice is a great example of a meal that you could freezer prep and get it made even faster. When I get peppers and onions in our produce co-op basket, I automatically come home and slice and freeze them. When a recipe calls for them,
One of my favorite meals growing up was classic tomato soup and grilled cheese (let's be honest...it still is). It's warm and comforting and the mix of the crispy-edged grilled cheese and smooth soup is a perfect combination. This homemade version of tomato soup is super easy. Add the ingredients to a slow cooker and you'll have soup in a few hours. Tip: to make your grilled cheese extra special, spread mayo on the outside of the bread before you put it in the hot pan. It'll crisp up the edges and give it an extra buttery texture. See more
This saffron-infused Seafood Paella is loaded with mussels, clams, and shrimp. Cook it on the grill for best flavor. It serves a crowd and would be so much fun for your next cookout!
As the oldest of eight girls growing up on the farm, I began cooking at an early age! This soup—which I first had at my sister's house—brings me compliments no matter where I serve it. —Elienore Myhre, Balaton, Minnesota Skip links
“I can put this hearty dish together, make a salad and have supper on the table in 30 minutes flat. It's one of my favorite hurry-up meals-whether making it from scratch or taking the sauce out of the freezer.” Shirley Klinner - Medford, Wisconsin Skip links
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas Skip links
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter...and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota Skip links
Create your own zippy taco seasoning for spicing up Mexican dishes. It's handy and less expensive than buying envelopes of prepared mix from the store. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana Skip links
For big parties, I make glazed meatballs and deliver them in the slow cooker. That way they’re spicy, sweet and ready to eat. —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida Skip links
When my husband and I barbecue with friends, we always bring these, and everyone loves them. They're a favorite accompaniment to almost anything we cook on the grill.—Autumn McNamara, Keego Harbor, Michigan Skip links
Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies—I grew up in Stockton, California, where there's an annual festival to celebrate it. I like it best stir-fried.—Carolyn Sutter, Orangevale, California Skip links
This has always been a favorite dish of our Sisters who work in a hospital. When we get back to the convent, it's a quick and easy recipe we've used for years. Served with Italian bread and a tossed salad, it makes an excellent meal. Skip links
“I made up this recipe after trying something similar at a restaurant. My husband thinks my version is better, and he often requests it for a filling breakfast or supper.” Julie Tucker - Columbus, Nebraska Skip links
I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio Skip links
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York Skip links
