Homemade Tortellini Pasta

Homemade Tortellini Pasta is much easier to make than you think!

We love to make these around holiday time or special birthdays.

Making them from scratch is super easy and taste so much better than store-bought.

Topped with sauce then baked is another nice change to just a bowl of pasta with sauce.

These taste great even with Alfredo Sauce or Vodka Sauce and easily can be changed to another new pasta recipe.

We love making homemade pasta like this one in the fall and winter months, you may also like to try our Homemade Ravioli and Homemade Gnocchi recipes.

Scroll down to my step by step instructions on how to make homemade tortellini below.

Shortbread Magic Cookie Bars

Oh my goodness the many names this cookie bar has started with magic cookie bars.


They're also known as 7 layer cookies, chocolate coconut cookie bars, and hello dolly bars.


The usual crust from the 1960s is made with graham crackers, I changed it up a bit making a shortbread buttery crust instead.


Everyone raved about how the crust melts in your mouth with that delicious crunch then smothered with creamy condensed milk almost mounds bar topping.


My family isn't big on adding nuts however you can add them and honestly if you do, toast them first they make a huge difference.


Cookie bars are so much easier to make than mixing cookie dough and making individual ones, these are all in one pan, cooled cut and viola done in 25 minutes.


If you love coconut great but these are so versatile you can add many other additions and omit whatever you're not fond of right?


We love easy recipes like this one, you may remember these simple delights Dark Chocolate Cake Mix Cake Banana Cake Mix Cake or my 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake.


Scroll down to the recipe card for this delicious cookie bar and it's printable, read my other suggestions I have to make these different each time.

Baked Vegetable Fritters

If you're looking for low carb delicious vegetables that taste like it's fried, these are absolutely delicious and healthier alternative baked.

These are baked however you can air fry or pan fry them as well, I like to keep the calories down.

The one I made today is a combination of vegetables but you can use any of your favorite vegetables I will give you a list below that works perfectly.

These taste great plain served hot or cold so great for packing for school lunches or work lunches especially when you're counting carbs.

We love these with a medley of our favorite shredded vegetables together and they even taste great in a low carb wrap with a little salsa on top.

Vegetable fritters go great as a side dish with any meal.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable and read all the suggestions I have to make these different each time.

Lamb Burgers with Spinach Tzatziki Sauce

If you're looking for a great-tasting lamb patty/burger with homemade delicious tzatziki sauce , this recipe will be the last you need to look for.

I added a few other spice ingredients to this ground lamb to make the best-tasting lamb burger you'll ever taste and it's so easy to mix up in no time.

Using ground lamb with an array of seasonings makes such a difference in flavor and it's never gamey.
Fresh minced garlic, fresh herbs, coriander, and a splash of white wine and olive oil to cook them in make these juicy lamb burgers a win for any lamb lover.

No matter which cooking method you use, the burgers stay flavorful with lots of juice and deliciousness in every bite.

Also, try a little of our fabulous spinach tzatziki sauce also featured with this dish, and use any leftovers with our Homemade Pita Bread for dipping it in later it's truly scrumptious.

We love burgers and you may also want to try my Garlic Parmesan Burgers, Provolone Alfredo Burgers, or our Chili Cheese Dog Burgers all family favorites!

There are some tips and suggestions to follow that will help when adding spices to taste, I always like to cook just a little piece to adjust the seasonings to my taste.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable recipe.

Oven Fried Chicken

Delicious Oven Fried Chicken is so crispy everyone thinks it's deep-fried on the stovetop!


This is one of those quick and easy recipes that we make often because after you eat it this way the family will ask for it again and again!


It's a healthier version and I promise it really tastes fried!


This is so much easy than standing there frying each piece in oil and a lot less to clean up!


This oven-fried chicken is so crunchy and flavorful it's hard to believe it wasn't deep-fried.


We love baked chicken and you may also like to try our Baked Chicken Tomato and Zucchini Casserole or Baked Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.


Making this oven-fried is a healthier version than using all that oil and easier than standing over a hot stove, super simple using a cookie sheet and baking it!


If you just scroll all the way down to the bottom you will find this recipe on a printable recipe card and do take a look at a few tips I provided in this post.

Simple Burgundy Chicken Stew

Nothing warms up the house better than cooking up a nice pot of stew.

I love beef too but decided chicken was going to be the main meat in our dish this evening. The wine is up to you, Burgundy is old school and that's what we always used for years

As soon as fall hits, this is the first recipe I can't wait to make.

A little chill in the air always makes me want a nice old-fashioned stew, and this one really hits the spot if you need an "Easy No-Knead Bread" recipe try mine to go along with this stew.

We love all kinds of stews and you may also like our Mississippi London Broil Pot Roast is one of our all-time favorites!

I usually make this stew at the end of summer when zucchini is in abundance and the weather cools down.

This is a very hearty stew that everyone loves.

Oven Smoked Chicken Breasts

Don't worry about grilling outside, these oven smoked chicken breasts are off the charts delicious and done indoors in your oven!

I love smoked chicken and during those rainy days or colder winter months, I still want that smokey grilled flavor on my chicken, and this recipe is the best alternative.

The chicken is lightly seasoned, seared on both sides in a little apple juice.

Then finished in the oven with some liquid smoked, some freshly chopped herbs, and baked to perfection.

If you love the taste of smoked foods this is an easy chicken recipe everyone raves about.

We love fall side dishes you may find some of the ones you in my roundup of Holiday Side Dishes and 30 Delicious Appetizers Recipes.

There are some tips and suggestions to follow so read those also before starting the recipe that will help to make it even more super simple to get that outdoor flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable recipe.

Amaretto Pumpkin Cheesecake

If you love fall flavors then this Amaretto Pumpkin Cheesecake is going to be your new favorite dessert to make especially around the holidays.

This decadent cheesecake is creamy and has a fluffy smooth texture that really becomes an addicting taste.

Did you ever taste a little, then a little more, and still had to keep tasting it to identify all the flavors because it's so delicious and unique? That's what I found myself doing with this cheesecake dessert.

The pecan crust, cinnamon, Amaretto, and pumpkin spice flavors just are a sensational blend of flavors.

The first time I made this cheesecake wasn't a holiday and it was such a big hit, I decided it had to be saved for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I even made it for a New Year's Party!

If you have a nut allergy just substitute pumpkin seeds, I've had to do that when bringing it a party and not knowing every guest to be safe.


Pumpkin season is always my favorite and I always keep freshly roasted pumpkin on hand along with pecans in the freezer (it keeps them fresher all year long).


If you love pumpkin season as much as we do and have no time to bake you need to try my

4 ingredient pumpkin cake or instead of pumpkin pie, try these easy oatmeal pumpkin spice bars they're fabulous!


The Italian twist of Amaretto just compliments this pumpkin delightful cheesecake and goes great with espresso or our Homemade Amaretto Liqueur.


Scroll down to get this yummy recipe and do tell me your thoughts when you make this one! We love it!

Savory Butternut Squash Casserole

Fall shouts the time to make this savory Butternut Squash Casserole, I just this love side dish for the holiday table.

Butternut squash is so versatile, you can cook it in so many different ways.

Topped with sharp cheddar cheese the casserole is a big hit from the plain boiled squash and a nice change from the sweeter casserole dishes.

If you love butternut squash this is an easy recipe everyone raves about.

We love fall side dishes and you may also like to try my roundup of Holiday Side Dishes and 30 Delicious Appetizers Recipes.

There are some tips and suggestions to follow so read those also before starting the recipe especially for Cutting Up Butternut Squash Easily!

Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable butternut squash casserole recipe.

Chicken Parmesano Pasta Fagioli

This is a spin-off of the classic Italian Pasta Fazool (fagioli) with the addition of chicken and loaded with cheese.

The old-fashioned classic is a staple on most Italian tables and very popular in Italian American homes for a quick inexpensive weeknight meal.

Our family is also a big fan of the American dish Chicken Parmesan, and this bowl of fagioli gives you the best of both worlds.

The chicken is fork-tender with a blend of Italian spices in a rich delicious sauce.

To finalize the dish it's topped with mozzarella cheese, a blend of Pecorino and Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.

Served with a nice warm loaf of crunchy garlic bread, this meal is complete.

This version of pasta of fagioli is a nice change and so versatile as you can add any boneless cubed meats you prefer for a hearty dish.

The cheese and chicken added is a gourmet version of the tried and true old-fashioned pasta fagioli (pronounced fazool!)

Scroll down to the recipe card to print this off.

Banana Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Soft Banana Chocolate Chip Biscotti is a wonderful addition to the biscotti family of cookie collections!

The cookies are softer than the Original Anisette Biscotti grandma always made growing up.

These banana cookies although twice baked do not stay super hard like the regular style biscotti but they are crunchy on the outside and soft inside with a big bold banana flavor.

They have a hint of cinnamon in them which is optional and the chocolate chips with the drizzle just turn the ordinary cookie into a gourmet treat.

What better way to use up those ripe bananas than making a delicious cookie that is just perfect with a cold glass of milk?

If you love banana recipes you may also like to try my Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, Banana Streusel Bars, and of course Old Fashioned Banana Pudding, all our favorites!

For this easy step-by-step recipe just scroll down to the recipe card to print this off.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

If you never try another Pumpkin Cheesecake bar, this will be your go-to last dessert recipe you will try.


These scrumptious cheesecake bars are the best ever!


If you're a pumpkin pie lover and dislike baking, these will amaze you how deliciously easy they are!


I think the biggest flavor comes from the decadent smooth filling that tastes just like a pie but so simple and no fussy rolling necessary!


These are perfect to take along treat to a dinner party or any home get together, the perfect fall dessert.


Psst, don't tell anyone but they're semi-homemade because no one can tell these start off with a doctored cake mix.


If you love pumpkin try my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's perfect with these little pumpkin squares!



Scroll down and print this easy cheesecake recipe that everyone will go nuts over!

Broccoli and Cheese Cornbread

This broccoli and cheese cornbread is the perfect soft vegetable bread to serve with any kind of meal.



It's loaded with cheeses that compliment the broccoli perfectly.



If you're making any kind of Ham Cabbage and Potato Soup, Italian Stew,  One Pan Casserole, or Chili, this tastes fabulous alongside those comfort meals.



This easy to make homemade cornbread is a winner for outdoor picnics and barbecues too.



It's addicting. It's one of the most delicious pieces of bread I have ever made.



Check out the suggestions and additions you can add if you're not a broccoli fan, substitute another item.



Just scroll down for my printable delicious recipe.

Vodka Sauce Recipe

If you are a fan of Penne alla Vodka, this Vodka sauce is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make!


The Italian American sauce is a smooth tomato sauce, vodka, typical Italian herbs, and heavy cream (which gives the sauce its creamy orange color).


The shocking part of this dish for me was that there was no taste of vodka at all but it tastes fantastic and really unique in flavor.


It clings perfectly to any pasta of choice your family prefers and looks like you took all day to prepare this when it takes a matter of minutes!


This sauce is perfect for entertaining the family or having a special dinner.


Our favorite pasta with this sauce is Homemade Gnocchi.


The options below will give you ideas on additions to the sauce to change it up every time adding a few types of meat.


If you love this pasta sauce do try our Traditional Sunday Italian Sauce or Marinara Sauce, both are fantastic on pasta!


Scroll down to the bottom of to print off this simple recipe.

Hot Crab Dip

This is the perfect party dip for any seafood lover and the easiest Hot Crab Dip ever but guess what, I have several meat substitutions for all my allergy or seafood folks who can't eat it!


Just go straight to my substitution suggestions right here on this post for alternative ingredients.


Large chunks of lump crab meat and a delicious cheesy blend of melted heaven that will be gone in a second when served.


This dip is always asked for and we just love serving it for all our get-togethers.


If you never tried a hot crab dip before you're in for a real treat and I have several suggestions for you to serve this dip with.


From vegetables to delicious Tuscan Garlic Bread and any kinds of crackers, this is sure to be a big hit anytime you make it.


We also love some additions that I will give you the suggestions to try.


Dips are always the best foods for game days and holidays and we love making them.


You may also like our BLT Dip, Buffalo Potato Dip,  Tuscan Bean Dip, and Artichoke Spinach Dip, all family favorites here.


This is so quick and simple to make and a perfect addition to your dip recipe collection.


Just scroll down to my printable recipe card for this easy recipe.

Easy Red Raspberry Scones

These Easy Red Raspberry Scones are the absolute best scones to make if you're a scone lover like our family!



Why? Because they are all in one pan, no cutting no rolling the dough.



The dough is made with simple pantry ingredients and simply spread in a baking pan, cooled, iced, and cut.



The results are fabulous and these can be made in less than 30 minutes.



If you're not a baker, and you love the taste of freshly baked scones, these are fabulous.



My family ate this first batch all in one day and they really taste great even without icing.



Don't take my word, try them and I can't wait to hear how you love this simplified way to make this famous style biscuit!



We love simple recipes like this one maybe you tried my Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake Recipe or my Chocolate Skillet Cookie Recipe those two are other favorites and both divine.



Scroll down to get my tips and printable recipe card.

Vintage Chocolate Mayonnaise Two Versions

Here are two easy recipes for a delicious vintage Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake.


The first recipe is all made from scratch and a moist delicious a little more time-consuming fabulous old recipe of mom's.


The second is a great recipe for busy dessert lovers who want a great taste and fast so we adapted the recipe using a devil's food cake mix.


Both recipes are fantastic and the milk chocolate frosting is the icing on the cake for sure, it's totally scrumptious.


Now with newer cooking abilities in our ranges, I have given you the instructions for convection oven baking and regular conventional baking methods below and in the recipe card.


If you want a moist delicious chocolate cake, this is it, look no further, it's the best chocolate cake recipe on the planet, at least for all the chocolate cake lovers in our family!


Check out the printable recipe card for this vintage old recipe that will make you literally lick the beaters, just like we did as kids!


If you love chocolate cake, do try our Chocolate Skillet Cookie and our Chocolate Zucchini Bread, those are two more favorites in our recipe collection.

Cutting and Roasting Butternut Squash Tips

One of the easiest ways I ever tried cutting Butternut Squash is by using this method.


Roasted squash is great in soups, salads and so much more as a side dish with any meals!


The whole squash is only around 60 calories to eat and low in calories.


The best part it's so much healthier to roast and easier than cutting in cubes and boiling it!


We have also bought several kinds of squash, prepared it this way, and froze it in the freezer bags mashed or cubed and it stays perfect all winter.


If you love squash, try my copycat recipe for Panera Bread Butternut Squash Soup, Butternut Squash Casseriole or my Butternut Squash Salad.


Scroll down to get the printable recipe card and save these instructions.

Simple Marinara Sauce

Growing up in Central New York, dad always planted a huge garden and our Simple Marinara Sauce with our homegrown fresh tomatoes was plentiful.


Grandma would even pour this over her freshly made Polenta or use it during the week poured over Zucchini Rollatini or in her Eggplant Casserole.


There was never any meat added to the sauce, it was just a basic simple all tomato sauce that smelled fabulous while simmering however occasionally she would use it to top Chicken Parmesano.


The fresh garlic and basil made it heavenly as you walked through the door.


If you want a simple homemade sauce made with the freshest plum tomatoes from the farmer's market or homegrown tomatoes, this is the best recipe to use them up with.


We literally had bushels of them and back then and used a handheld stainless steel mill to crush the tomatoes.


Now with modern technology, we can save some time using a food processor (I still use the old-fashioned mill).


Seriously one of my favorite Italian sauces as it's perfect for stews, soups, topping, Homemade Pasta Noodles, making Italian Merlot Chili, or even Italian Ricotta Spinach Dumplings.


Marinara is rich in plum tomatoes and made much quicker than Traditional  Sunday Meat Sauce.


Dad made this sauce often and the smell was so fragrant with that fresh garlic sizzling in oil when you walked into the kitchen.


Scroll to the bottom for this simple marinara printable recipe.

Grilled Steak with Chianti Butter

Grilled Steak with Chianti Butter is a scrumptious gourmet-style Italian flavored steak made indoors or on the barbecue grill.


Mom used to make this back in the 1960s in Central Utica New York, indoors all year long in a cast-iron skillet or broiled.


We didn't have great weather all year round but she would always come up with an indoor barbecue idea all winter long when we couldn't use the charcoal grill we had.


Back then we money was tight and she would turn inexpensive cuts of meats into a banquet of flavors.


You can use any of your favorite piece of beef you prefer, we have made this with ribeye, T-bone, porterhouse, they are all spectacular in flavor.


The recipe is simple you will need a good Chianti red wine and several herbs and spices.


If you love steak this will one to keep in your recipe collection.


We also love other stovetop steaks mom made, Italian Sauce Steak, Steak Marsala, and Salisbury Steak all favorites as a kid and now.


Scroll down to my step by step easy instructions for this printable recipe.

Country Style Baked or Fried Apples

Country Style Sliced Baked or Our Copycat Version for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the absolute best side dish for any meal.

These are so popular in the South on just about every menu.

You will mostly find them skillet-fried in butter with sugar and cinnamon.

I have two versions for you to try, one baked in the oven and the other fried.

They're both spectacular in flavors and super easy to make.

Serve them with delicious pork chops, pulled pork, or any outdoor barbecued meats, these are always gobbled up first so make a double batch!

The recipe is easy enough for even the kids to make and I always get the best compliments.

These apples can also be served on as a side with breakfast, lunch box treats for school or even a fancy dinner party.

They go great with anything from ham dinners or pancakes for breakfast.

You may want to try our Country Fried Chicken or my Best Fried Pork Chop recipe with these delicious apple slices.

Just scroll down to the printable recipe card for both styles to try out.

Texas Sheet Cake Recipe Vanilla or Chocolate

Here are two favorite homemade from scratch Texas Sheet cake recipes one in Vanilla, the other in Chocolate, plus a bonus recipe for those wanting to use a doctored cake mix.

We love making this scratch cake to take to outdoor picnics or large barbecue get-togethers.

It's made in a jelly roll pan, frosted and cut into squares that will feed a large crowd.

This cake is a big hit no matter when I make it and seems to be the most asked for any functions including birthday parties!

The cake is super simple to make and I even give you an option to make Texas Sheet Cake in any flavor with a doctored cake mix.

Of course, you can decorate these simple cakes with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or any kind of candies you like.

The cake tastes great just the way it is, dusted with powdered sugar with whipped cream or the traditional homemade frosting.

All recipes are below for you to choose from.

Just scroll down to the printable recipe card to check out these great recipes and pick the one you prefer.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

These Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers are perfect for the classic lovers of Chicken Parmesan with our all-in-one pan meal all stuffed inside these delicious peppers.

We love using cooked rice and chicken in our recipe from a previous meal that repurposes leftovers perfectly.

You may like the traditional style  Mom's Style Stuffed Peppers version which is the traditional classic with meat and rice.

Through the years we have found the flavor of the pepper makes a nice vessel for chili or taco fillings, sloppy joe and so many other classic meals to eliminate any kind of bread with the meal.

Below you will find several suggestions and substitutions for the rice to make a new filling every time using this basic recipe as a guideline.

The chicken parmesan style is a winner in our home and you can even use premade frozen breaded chicken to save time.

If you love stuffed peppers which is such an easy casserole you may also love my Best Americana talian Loved Family Recipe collection.

Take a look at this easy recipe and it's printable just scroll to the bottom, but do check out my tips and other suggestions also.

Patriotic No-Bake Trifle

Here is the easiest no-bake Patriotic Trifle dessert ever and so pretty!


This layered cake can be all homemade or super simple by gathering store-bought ingredients.


The dessert is a showstopper centerpiece for any Patriotic event and will wow your guests.


Not to mention, it can be made in less than 15 minutes.


Layered cake, cream, and berries finished and topped off with a pretty design will have everyone thinking you fussed all day to make!


Of course, you can make Homemade Scratch Angel Food Cake, Pound Cake, or your own favorite cake recipe and make this all your own by getting creative.


Pick your favorite colorful fruits to build this dessert and make it the talk or the party or event.


Scroll down and check out my tips and suggestions and print off my ideas on my recipe card.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These Baked Apple Cider Donuts just shout fall and perfect for the Halloween holiday.

If you love donuts, these are a healthier alternative than fried.

These cake-like donuts are full of fresh fall chopped apples and apple cider, easy to make in minutes.

They taste great plain or frosted to any Holiday theme.

We made them all decked out for Halloween fun for our trick or treaters to try.

I love apple recipes and we even make our own Apple Cider fresh from scratch along with a tasty Simple Apple Cake and delicious Apple Air Fried Hand Pies that we love.

Check out this easy fun recipe below and the tips to get started on making these delicious fall dessert donuts.