Italian Meat(Less) Balls

Growing up, I was never a fan of meatballs. While my friends in elementary school all eagerly anticipated the cafeteria’s “spaghetti & meatball day” each week, I always opted for the peanut butter and jelly “brown bag” instead. I didn’t like ground beef, and I certainly didn’t like marinara sauce. In fact, I didn’t even try a meatball until I was a waitress in college. I was a border-line vegetarian at this point, but the chef insisted that I try his grandmother’s recipe....

December 17, 2025 · 5 min · 960 words · Joyce Osborn

Matcha Chia Pudding

If you love chia pudding as much as I do, I think you’ll love this new flavor combination. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the earthy flavor of matcha, while also meeting your daily fiber goals. (Just one serving of this pudding packs 11 grams of fiber!) I’ve been making this chia seed pudding on repeat for an energizing breakfast. After several trials, I’ve learned that you need to add more flavor than you might expect....

December 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1185 words · Sara Gullett

Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a healthy dinner idea that’s loaded with flavor. Featuring black beans and diced tomatoes, it’s easy to assemble, and is a delicious alternative to other spaghetti squash recipes . Why You’ll Love It It tastes amazing . Spaghetti squash can taste a little bland on its own, but when you add in spices like cumin, garlic, and salt, it becomes a dish you’ll crave....

December 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1412 words · Kenneth Caras

Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

Have you ever tried cooking eggs in a muffin pan only to find that they shrivel and shrink after they are done cooking? Me too. That’s why I spent weeks trying to figure out how to avoid it. (And I did! Whew.) The key lies in the cooking method, primarily in how you arrange your pan before placing it in the oven. It’s such a simple fix! If you love the egg bites from Starbucks, you are going to love this easy copycat recipe....

December 16, 2025 · 9 min · 1772 words · Catherine Warren

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Legs

Every time I bake chicken drumsticks, my family gets excited. I’m pretty sure I could serve these for Thanksgiving without anyone missing the turkey. (Or the longer bake time.) I’ve been testing how to bake chicken legs for the past few months to make sure I could share the best baking method possible. At first, I thought I preferred them baked directly on parchment paper, but after a few more attempts, I’ve decided that a wire rack improves things even more....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1197 words · Dione Philbrick

Easy Lentil Bolognese (Vegan!)

Lentil Bolognese is a hearty vegetarian pasta sauce, made with protein-packed lentils . I love how filling and flavorful this sauce is, using easy pantry ingredients. Which Lentils Work Best for Bolognese? I use green lentils in this recipe, because they hold their shape when cooked. (They also work the best for making a lentil salad .) Brown or black lentils should work similarly, if you need to make a swap....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1144 words · Thelma Young

Healthy Peanut Butter Eggs

These healthy peanut butter eggs taste like Reese’s eggs but have a shorter ingredient list and extra protein in each bite. They are naturally gluten-free and easy to make! Ingredients You’ll Need The peanut butter filling is made with 4 simple ingredients: peanut butter, maple syrup, collagen (for added protein), and salt. If you don’t want to use collagen, check out the substitution ideas I’ve tested with almond and coconut flour....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1240 words · James Maxey

How To Make Apple Butter From Scratch

If the idea of making apple butter from scratch sounds intimidating, I hope that after reading this post, you’ll realize how easy it is to prepare. (Like I did!) Similar to making homemade applesauce , all you have to do is add some spice and let the apples cook down to sweet perfection. Using a slow cooker makes this process easy because you don’t have to worry about constantly stirring or burning the apples as they cook....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1126 words · Thomas Carr

Instant Pot Lentils (In 9 Minutes!)

Instant Pot lentils are an easy way to add plant-based protein to any meal, and most varieties cook in just 9 minutes or less. Below you’ll learn how to cook red, green, brown, and black lentils in your pressure cooker for perfect results every time. How to Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot To cook lentils in the Instant Pot, you’ll simply combine dry lentils and water. Then all you have to do is secure the lid, move the steam release valve to the “sealing” position (don’t forget this, or your pot won’t seal!...

December 16, 2025 · 9 min · 1772 words · Kristi Alvarez

Instant Pot Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

If you can’t tell, the Instant Pot has become one of my favorite kitchen helpers. I love how I can toss a few ingredients inside, seal the lid, and walk away, knowing that I’ll come back to a perfectly cooked dish. In the case of these Make-Ahead Detox Quinoa Breakfast Bowls, the quinoa doesn’t necessarily cook any faster than if you were to cook it on the stovetop, but the preparation is a breeze!...

December 16, 2025 · 4 min · 852 words · Inocencia Maki

Mediterranean Salad Jars

Mediterranean Salad Jars are the perfect meal prep lunch that you can grab on the go. Prepare several jars at once for an easier week ahead, or serve it as a satisfying salad right away. This Mediterranean salad recipe is easy to customize with your favorite protein and veggies. Use white beans or chickpeas to make it more filling, or try adding cooked quinoa, which is a complete source of plant-based protein....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1152 words · Tammy Adams

Pumpkin Chia Pudding

When you have a leftover can of pumpkin to use up, this pumpkin chia pudding recipe is the perfect way to put it to good use. It tastes like pumpkin pie, but with extra fiber in each bite! If you’re not already familiar with chia pudding , it’s an easy make-ahead breakfast that you can stir together in about 5 minutes. Let it chill in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to eat for....

December 16, 2025 · 5 min · 1041 words · Gaston Mendoza

Sweet Potato & Quinoa Mason Jar Salads

These Mason Jar Salads are an easy make-ahead meal, topped with hearty roasted sweet potatoes and protein-rich quinoa. They make a convenient packed lunch for the week, or a fast weeknight dinner! I don’t know about you, but I find it challenging to eat cold salads when the weather cools down. Sometimes I’ll reach for warmer comfort foods, like this Sweet Potato Noodle Casserole or Instant Pot Vegetarian Bolognese , but I don’t want to avoid leafy green salads all winter long....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1074 words · Juana Caldwell

Vegan & Paleo Strawberry Cream Pie

This Vegan Strawberry Cream Pie was inspired by a pie I enjoyed in childhood– one made with a box of strawberry Jello and a tub of Cool Whip! I loved that creamy strawberry pie so much I could eat the whole thing myself, if my family and friends didn’t beat me to it. This homemade variation tastes remarkably similar to the original version I remember, but it’s made with fresh strawberries, creamy coconut milk, and pure maple syrup for a healthier alternative....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1073 words · Araceli Jackson

Vegan Caesar Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad is just as comforting and delicious as the traditional version, only it’s made without cheese, eggs, or anchovies. You won’t believe how easy it is! Why You’ll Love It It tastes amazing. This vegan Caesar salad dressing has all the flavor you love, and it’s made with simple ingredients, like cashews and lemon juice. It’s easy to prepare. Just toss the dressing ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1097 words · Ethel Peel

Vegan Pumpkin Tarts (Gluten

These Vegan Pumpkin Tarts are an easy and delicious dessert, made without eggs or dairy. You can whip up the filling in no time, without turning on your oven! Why You’ll Love these Pumpkin Tarts This healthy dessert comes together in just about 20 minutes of effort, and then they will chill to perfection in your freezer. Keep in mind these vegan tarts won’t have the exact same texture as a tradtional pumpkin pie....

December 16, 2025 · 6 min · 1106 words · Phillip Gonzalez

6 Things To Know Before Using Henna Hair Dye

If you’re considering using henna hair dye as an all-natural alternative to traditional hair dye you’d use in a professional salon, there are a few things you should know before getting started. The first time I used it, I hadn’t done my research and regretted it! I’m sharing these tips so that YOU won’t make the same mistakes I did. Here’s what I think you should know. 1. Is Henna Good For Your Hair?...

December 15, 2025 · 4 min · 852 words · Sharon Grandy

Almond Flour Pizza Crust

This almond flour pizza dough is my favorite grain-free recipe for a fast weeknight meal. It’s inspired by one of my favorite box mixes (from Simple Mills) and comes together just as quickly. I originally tested this recipe as an egg-free and vegan crust, which is available below. However, I also wanted to offer an alternative with an egg, in case you prefer more protein or less starch. Either way, it’s a flavorful pizza crust that’s easy to pick up with your hands, just like the traditional version!...

December 15, 2025 · 6 min · 1212 words · Annemarie Ridge

Chinese Chicken Salad

The first time I ever tasted a Chinese Chicken Salad was at a California Pizza Kitchen restaurant in Los Angeles. (That restaurant inspired my Roasted Vegetable Salad , too.) It was jaw-droppingly delicious, with a sweet, gingery dressing. Since we no longer have that restaurant in our area, I’ve been determined to make a copycat recipe so we can enjoy it anytime. My first few attempts weren’t worth repeating, but I’ve finally figured out a delicious dressing—and this one doesn’t contain excess oil or refined sugar....

December 15, 2025 · 6 min · 1206 words · Debra Horta

Dairy

Dairy-free mashed Potatoes can taste just as delicious as the kind made with butter! This popular Thanksgiving side dish has all the flavor you love minus the dairy. This is the perfect side dish for serving a dairy-free guest at Thanksgiving. We make these every year because we have a dairy-free family member, and everyone else can never tell the difference! No complicated ingredients are required, so these come together just as quickly as traditional mashers....

December 15, 2025 · 7 min · 1490 words · Karen Laxson