Rustic Recipes for Autumn

The weather is starting to cool down, and the leaves are changing color. It's the perfect time to start thinking about fall cooking. Rustic recipes are all about using simple, seasonal ingredients to create hearty, flavorful dishes. They're the perfect way to warm up on a cold day and celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest. I have gathered some of my favorites to share with you. From stews, to galettes, there is something on this list for everyone. Be sure to click thru the links to visit the recipes at their original source.

Photo Credit: Various Sources.

Fresh Tomato Galette by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen

Rustic Lamb Stew by Spend with Pennies

Mum’s Beef Stew by Kelly Neil

Rich and Rustic Mashed Potatoes by Sense and Edibility

Irish Vegetable Soup  by Cook at Home Mom

Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet by Bitz n Giggles

Italian Minestrone Soup by Cucciharella 

Creamy Stewed Potatoes  by Broke Bank Vegan

Authentic Coq Au Vin with Rooster by The Peasants Daughter

French Hunter Chicken by 24 Bite

Oxtail Ragu by The Pasta Project

Beef Roast by Sungrown Kitchen

Meat Pie by The Gunny Sack

Dutch Oven Pot Roast by The Healthy Epicurean

Cacio e Pepe by Centsless Meals

If you are planning to make some rustic family style food this fall here are some tips:

Here are some tips for making great rustic food: Use simple, fresh ingredients. Rustic food is all about using the best ingredients you can find. This means using fresh, seasonal produce, and high-quality meats and cheeses.

You can stock up on ingredients and save cash by checking out these BJ’s Wholesale Membership Deals. After grabbing your groceries at BJ's you will be ready to hop into the kitchen to start making the best rustic food.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Rustic food is all about letting your personality shine through. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Don't overcook your food. Rustic food should be cooked until it's just tender, but still has a bit of a bite to it. Overcooked food will be dry and bland.

Let your food rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Use rustic cooking methods. Rustic food is often cooked using traditional methods, such as roasting, grilling, and braising. These methods help to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Present your food simply. Rustic food doesn't need a lot of fussy presentation. A simple, rustic platter is all you need to showcase your delicious food.

Which of these recipes do you think your family would most enjoy? I want to make the Irish veggie soup asap.

While you are here you might also like to check out some of my favorite recipes.

3 Ingredient Fool Proof Biscuits

Butter Garlic Glazed Carrots

7 Luscious Lemonade Recipes

Summer is near, so the time to stock up on lemonade fixings is now! I have 7 Luscious Lemonade Recipes to inspire your summertime sipping!

Pin this to your drink board for later!

There is nothing like a glass of lemonade on a hot day. I found 7 awesome recipes that I can't wait to try. I think you are going to love these too. From the traditional twist of a strawberry version that promises to be easy to an unforgettable Lavender punch that tickles the taste buds in style.  I can't wait to hear which of these recipes you want to try first!

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade
Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade
Easy Strawberry Lemonade
Sparkling Pineapple Lemonade
Lavender Lemonade Punch
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Blueberry Lemonade Punch

Making homemade lemonade is super easy to do! I have a few tips to help you make the best ever lemonade at home!

1. 5 or 6 lemons will yield 1 cup of juice.
2. Select lemons that are bright yellow and firm.
3. Washing lemons after purchase will keep them fresher longer.
4. Room temperature lemons will yield more juice than a cold lemon.
5. Simple syrup is much easier for making lemonade than dissolving sugar.

Have you ever made a special lemonade recipe? I would love to hear about it to inspire my summer sipping!

We have a cute lemonade craft for kids that goes perfectly with homemade lemonade!

You might want to check out these homemade soda ideas.

 Don't miss these infused water recipes!

Unique Potato Salad Recipes

 Summer potlucks and cook outs aren't complete until you bring out the potato salad! It is the required side for burgers, hot dogs, brats and friends! If you want to up your game and bring a potato salad that everyone will talk about long after the last bite has been devoured, then you are in the right place. I gathered 15  favorite potato salads to share with you. These recipes are unique and totally tasty.

You might want to check out a few other recipes while you are here. Some of my favorites include Golden Graham Cookies.  Sour Apple Margaritas are perfect with potato salad and all of the fixins for a BBQ.

Cesar Potato Salad by Sam Cooks Kindness

Warm Austrian Potato Salad by Cooking Gorgeous

Ranch Potato Salad by Spend with Pennies

Sweet Potato Salad by Plant Based Budget

Mashed Potato Salad by Feeding Your Fam

Instant Pot Potato Salad by Pressure Cooker Recipe

Vegan Southern Potato Salad by Strength and Sunshine

Eggless Potato Salad by Sugar and Snappeas

Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad by My Therapist Cooks

Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Centsless Meals

German Potato Salad by Like Mother Like Daughter

Classic Potato Salad with Eggs by Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Greek Lemon Potato Salad by The View From Great Island

Roasted Garlic Potato Salad by This Noshtalgic Life

German Dill Potato Salad by Served From Scratch

I hope you find plenty of opportunities to whip up one of these unique potato salads this summer. You might want to save this post to reference later.

Find more recipes here:

Best Dinner Rolls

Cherry Berry Pie

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

8 Superb Salsa Recipes

Salsa is super yummy, no matter how you serve it. Let's discover 8 new awesome recipes that are topping my must make list this summer! I am sure you will notice a few you can't wait to try too!

You will want to pin this collection so you can come back to it when your garden is producing tons of fresh tomatoes!


If you like salsa, you are in the perfect place! I have rounded up 8 salsa recipes I am dying to try and I know you are going to like a few of these too! From tropical flavors to simple recipes sourced from the garden, this list contains some amazing options!


Avocado Salsa
Black Bean Salsa
Cranberry Salsa
Mexican Corn Salsa
Slow Cooker Salsa
Pineapple Salsa
Strawberry Salsa
Summer Salsa

Making fresh salsa at home is really easy. I have a few tips for you that will take your homemade salsa to the next level of deliciousness!

1. Raw veggies offer a gorgeous color to your salsa. 
2. Cooked veggies offer deeper flavors.
3. Herbs can be mixed and matched to meet your preferences or come up with interesting new combinations!
4. You can swamp tomatoes for fruits that are in season for decadent results! Think peaches, pineapple, mangoes and so on.
5. You can freeze salsa to enjoy later!
6. Canning homemade salsa is also a great way to savor the flavor of summer for months to come.

Which of these recipes will you try first? If you have a favorite salsa recipe I would love to hear about it in a comment! If you have a tip for making awesome salsa at home, please share it with me!

You might also like this Mango Salsa recipe!

Awesome Soft Pretzel Recipes

If you like soft pretzels you will want to check out these awesome pretzel recipes! These are so easy to make and are all as yummy as the next!

Little known fact, once upon a time I spent a summer rolling pretzels at a flea market. It was a long time ago but I still think about how lucky I was to eat nothing short of 100 pretzels that summer! I loved them plain, with and without salt. I loved them with dips, garlic butter and in bun form for a one of a kind sandwich!

I have been in the mood to make pretzels for a while now, so I started rounding up some recipes I knew I wanted to try with the kids. I wonder if I can still twist them up like a pro?

Easy Soft Pretzel Bites by High Heels and Grills
Vegan Homemade Pretzels by Nerdy Mama
Semi Homemade Pretzel Bites by Juggling Act Mama
Cheddar Garlic Pretzels by Layers of Happiness
Garlic and Cheddar Soft Pretzels by Palatable Pastimes
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites by Somewhat Simple
Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites by Little Dairy on the Prairie
Soft Pretzel Footballs by Hungry Happenings

You can find all of my recipes here

My family has been loving this creamy carrot soup recipe

11 Fantastic Frito Recipes

If you like Fritos you are going to LOVE these 11 Fantastic Frito Recipes. From salads to casseroles, this collection has some amazing ways to add Frito corn chips to your table!

Fritos are a classic snack; they are crispy, crunchy and actually pretty yummy for how simple they are. My son LOVES when I add a bag of Fritos to his lunch and I started looking for ways that I could get him to try something new if it was made with a favorite snack.

I found these 11 Fantastic Frito recipes and I know you are going to wanna try a few of these too! I thin the Chili Cheese Frito Skillet looks awesome!

Frito Salad by My Craftily Ever After
Frito Corn Dog Muffins by Palatable Pastimes
Frito Bean Salad by Southern Plate
One Pot Frito Casserole by Clarks Condensed
Frito Chili Pie by Nerdy Mama
Frito Taco Casserole by Park Ranger John
Frito Sonic Chili Cheese Wrap by Copykat
Chili Cheese Frito Skillet by Thrifty Jinxy
Homemade BBQ Fritos by Palatable Pastimes
Frito Corn Salad by Spend with Pennies
Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

If you are hungry for more check out all of my recipes here.

Everyone loves these Coconut Rice Krispie Treats.

12 Cheesecake Recipes to Make for Christmas

Cheesecake is one of those things in life that should be savored and shared. I think it is always one of my favorite options at the dessert table. I found 12 Cheesecake Recipes to Make for Christmas that are perfect for sharing and celebrating this holiday season!

I have found 12 incredible cheesecake recipes to make this Christmas and I know you are going to find a few on this list that you can't wait to try! From Peppermint varieties to Pecan Pie Cheesecake, this list has something for everyone on it!

No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

Eggnog Cheesecake

Candy Cane Cheesecake with a Sugar Cookie Crust

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls

Raspberry Cheesecake Shooters

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Gingerbread Pumpkin Cheesecake

Santa Hat Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Pie

Which of these sounds like the cheesecake of your dreams?

You can find more awesome recipes here

These Christmas tree inspired snacks are sure to be a hit with the kids!
My family is crazy for these fun Christmas treat ideas.

If you have a favorite cheesecake recipe, please do tell me all about it!

12 Homemade Soda Recipes

Spring is near and I am ready to get outside, work in my yard and of course, entertain friends with style! This year I am skipping the ordinary bottled drinks in favor of one of a kind indulgences with these soda recipes you can make at home!

These all promise to be incredible. From Cranberry Soda to Pink Italian Cream Sodas, there is something on this list for everyone. I love that the ingredients are all simple and you know what you are serving to your loved ones.

 Homemade Pomegranate Soda by 52 Kitchen Adventures
Cranberry Sodas by Ginger Casa
Ginger Lime Soda by Tastes of Lizzy T
Homemade Cream Soda by Shaken Together Life
Strawberry Soda Syrup by Ginger Casa
DIY Italian Cream Soda by Dukes and Duchesses
Raspberry Italian Cream Soda by Housewife Eclectic
Pink Italian Cream Soda by Creative Southern Home
Homemade Orange Soda by What Rose Knows
Meyer Lemon Blueberry Soda by Chicken Scratch NY
Homemade Strawberry Soda by Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Blood Orange Soda by 52 Kitchen Adventures

Which of these homemade soda recipes will you try first? I think the Italian Cream Sodas all sound awesome and I love oranges so I would want to make myself the Blood Orange Soda or Homemade Orange Soda first!

Here are some of my favorite homemade soda syrup recipes:

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup

Mulberry Lime Soda

Strawberry Peach Soda 

Blueberry Lime Soda

I love to serve floats to friends. You might want to check out a few of my favorite float recipes.

Strawberry Shortcake Floats
Chocolate Cherry Floats
Strawberry Cheesecake Floats
Chocolate Cherry 7 Up Floats
Blackberry Cheesecake Floats

Holiday Breakfast Recipes: Start Your Day off Right

 The holidays are a time for family, friends, and good food. And what better way to start your day off right than with a delicious holiday breakfast?

Here are a few of our favorite holiday breakfast recipes:

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole by Dish In the Kitchen

Buffalo Chicken Crescent Rolls by Julie’s Eats and Treats 

Easy Breakfast Bake by Where is My Spoon

Chicken Pot Pie Buns by Dancing Through the Rain

Taco Crescent Ring by Frugal Fun Times

Sausage and Egg Crescents by Viral Recipes

Ham, Cheese and Broccoli Crescents by xoxo Bella 

Jalapeno Popper Crescent Cups by Spend with Pennies

Meatball Bites by Knife and Paddles

Ham and Cheese Crescent Ring by Feast for a Fraction

Crab and Cream Cheese Cups by Centsless Meals

Gyro Pockets by 365 Days of Baking

Chicken Crescents by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons 

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares by Grits and Gouda

Cream Cheese Veggie Pizza by I Heart Vegetables

These are just a few of the many delicious holiday breakfast recipes out there. So next time you're looking for a way to start your day off right, reach for one of these recipes and enjoy!

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect holiday breakfast:

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ingredients will give your breakfast a bright and flavorful taste.
• Don't be afraid to get creative. There are endless possibilities when it comes to holiday breakfasts, so have fun and experiment with different flavors and combinations.
• Garnish your breakfast with festive toppings. A little bit of garnish can go a long way in making your breakfast look and taste more festive.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to make a delicious holiday breakfast that everyone will love. Here are some additional tips for making Christmas breakfast a breeze:

• Plan ahead. The night before Christmas, take some time to gather your ingredients and prepare any necessary dishes. This will save you time in the morning and help you relax and enjoy your breakfast with your family and friends.
• Delegate tasks. If you have children, get them involved in the preparation of Christmas breakfast. This is a great way to start their day off on the right foot and teach them about the importance of family and tradition.
• Don't forget the coffee! Coffee is a must-have for any Christmas breakfast. Make sure to have plenty on hand for everyone to enjoy.

With a little planning and preparation, Christmas breakfast can be a delicious and festive way to start your holiday. So gather your family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and make some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Check out these easy recipe ideas:

Unique Nachos

3 Ingredient Biscuits

Snickerdoodle Cake

Chinese Chicken 10 Yummy Ways

I can't resist Chinese take-out! I mean, who can? It is so easy to place an order and swing by to pick it up after a long day when you don't really feel like cooking. The thing is, Chinese take out can add up pretty quickly! Luckily for my family, I found 10 scrumptious recipes for Chinese Chicken at home, so we can have that take-out taste at a fraction of the cost and with minimal efforts!

Orange Chicken Tofu Bowl
Lighter General Tao's Chicken
Peanut Butter Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Asian BBQ Wings
Shoyu Chicken
Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Chicken Fried Rice
Sesame Ginger Chicken
Copycat PF Changs Lettuce Wraps

Which of these recipes do you want to try first? Peanut Butter Chicken is a go to dinner at my house on long days when something amazing is needed for dinner. I can't wait to try the Shoyu Chicken recipe, maybe this week!

You won't want to miss this collection of Lo Mein Recipes.

Find more chicken recipes here: 
20 Chicken Recipes You Won't Want to Miss
Cracker Crumb Chicken Nuggets

Healthier Easter Treats

Spring has sprung, Easter bells are ringing, and the urge to indulge in treats is undeniably strong! But this year, ditch the sugar crash and say hello to healthy Easter delights that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.

Forget the guilt of hollow bunnies and pastel-colored overload. This collection of healthy Easter treats is all about celebrating with vibrant flavors, guilt-free indulgence, and a touch of creativity.

Whether you're hosting a festive brunch, crafting adorable snacks for the little ones, or simply craving a nibble with your morning coffee, we've got you covered. Dive into our collection of recipes and discover a whole new world of Easter treats that are kind to your body and soul. Let's hop on the path to healthier (and infinitely tastier) Easter celebrations!

So grab your apron, gather your fresh ingredients, and get ready to whip up some treats that are as good for you as they are for your taste buds. Happy and healthy Easter baking! 

Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipe, and while you are there, pin the post for future holidays.

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Sugar Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

This sugar cookie recipe is allergy friendly and made with healthier ingredients to make a perfect Easter snack to share.

Prosciutto Wrapped Dates by Jam Jar Kitchen

Give your guests a well rounded easter snack that has the perfect ratio of meat to stuffed dates. These are elegant but so easy.

Gluten Free Cheese Straws by Kit’s Kitchen

This gluten free cheese straw recipe makes for the ultimate spring snack. These are so good that you might want to double the batch so everyone can grab another!

Banana Carrot Muffins by Garlic Salt and Lime

This muffin recipe is perfect for a healthy Easter snack. Not even the infamous bunny will be able to resist grabbing one of these!

Funfetti Protein Bites by Best Served Vegan

This recipe is sweet, tasty and packed with protein! If you love funfetti cake, then this recipe is going to be a favorite easy snack idea.

Bunny Rolls by Amanda’s Cookin’

Skip the sweet candies and cakes and opt for a simple yet so cute bread with these bunny style rolls. I imagine you aren’t going to be able to resist these!

Eggless Carrot Cake by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

This carrot cake has no eggs in it, and is so tasty. You can consider this cake to be health food considering it has carrots, nuts and applesauce in it.

Grapefruit Bars by A Paige of Positivity

These bars are bright, fruity and so tasty. Adding grapefruit to baked goods is such a tasty idea for an Easter snack to share.

Easter Fruit Tray by Recipes from a Pantry

Offer fresh fruits on Easter Sunday for a healthier spread that doesn’t lack sweetness! This fruit tray will appeal to everyone!

Easter Snack Mix by Cincyshopper

This snack mix has candy in it sure, but the cereal has so many vitamins and minerals, and fiber, that this makes for a healthier offering!

Carrot Cake Bunny Tails by xoxo Bella

These bunny tails are perfectly portioned for a light snack. With nuts, carrots and coconut to help fill you up, you can enjoy this easter snack without the guilt.

Homemade Banana Pudding by Maplewood Road

This simple snack is perfect for after Easter dinner. It is fruity, creamy and the entire family will love digging into this goodie!

Hummingbird Muffins by A Grateful Meal

These hummingbird muffins make for such a tasty snack option. Pop these in a lunchbox, or grab one after work for a sweet pick me up that tastes like a spring dream.

Cottage Cheese Cheesecake by Hurry the Food Up

This cheesecake is unique and so much healthier! I know you are going to love the way this turns out for a spring snack.

 

While you are here check out some of my favorite recipes:

Chocolate covered cherry cookies

No bake cheesecake recipes

Homemade play dough recipes

Tips To Make Cooking Less Of A Chore And More Enjoyable

 Cooking can be a chore. It's often seen as something that needs to be done rather than something that is enjoyed. This doesn't have to be the case, though! With the right tips, cooking can be an enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to make cooking less of a chore and more enjoyable:

Photo by Anna Shvets

1) Make It A Social Event

Cooking can be a solitary activity, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, cooking together can be a lot of fun, and it's also a great way to bond with loved ones. All you need is some ingredients, a few pots and pans, and some friends or family members. Cooking together is a great way to spend time together and create something delicious simultaneously.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking together. First, it's essential to have a plan. It's helpful to decide who will do what ahead of time so that everyone knows their role and there is no confusion in the kitchen. It's also important to be organized. Make sure all of the ingredients are gathered before you start cooking and that everyone knows where everything is. This will help the cooking process go smoothly and efficiently.

Once you have a plan and are organized, it's time to start cooking! One person can be in charge of chopping vegetables while another stirs the pot. Or, everyone can pitch in and help with different tasks. It's up to you! The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

2) Try New Recipes

One of the best ways to make cooking more enjoyable is to try new recipes. This way, you can explore different flavors and ingredients and find new dishes that you love. A few key things to keep in mind when trying new recipes include.

It's essential to read the recipe thoroughly before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients and the steps involved so that you can be prepared. It's also helpful to have all of the ingredients on hand before you start cooking. This way, you won't have to stop in the middle of cooking to run to the store for something.

Another thing to keep in mind when trying new recipes is that it's okay to make substitutions. If you don't have an ingredient that the recipe calls for, feel free to substitute something else. For example, if you are trying out grilled lobster by overthefirecooking.com but don't have any fresh lemons, you could use lemon juice from a bottle. Just be creative and experiment! This is a great way to make a recipe your own and to experiment with different flavors.

3) Make It A Relaxing Experience

Cooking doesn't have to be a stressful experience. In fact, it can be quite relaxing! If you find yourself getting stressed out while cooking, try to take a few deep breaths and focus on the task at hand. One way to make cooking more relaxing is to create a playlist of calming music to listen to while you cook. You could also light some candles or diffusers with soothing scents like lavender or chamomile.

Another way to make cooking more relaxing is to set the mood in your kitchen. If you have a cluttered and chaotic kitchen, it will be harder to relax while you cook. So before you start cooking, tidy up your kitchen and create a calm and inviting space. This will help you feel more relaxed while you cook and make the experience more enjoyable.

4) Take Your Time

One of the best ways to make cooking more enjoyable is to take your time. This way, you can savor the experience and enjoy the process. So, instead of rushing through your meal, take your time to smell the aromas, taste the flavors, and appreciate the finished product.

Suppose you get impatient while cooking; try focusing on the task. Instead of thinking about everything else you have to do that day, focus on the present moment and savor the experience. This way, you'll be more likely to enjoy your meal and create lasting memories. By doing this cooking can be a fun and relaxing experience instead of a chore.

You can do a few key things to make cooking more enjoyable. First, it's essential to be organized and to have a plan. Second, try new recipes and be open to experimenting with different flavors. Third, make it a relaxing experience by setting the mood and taking your time. By following these tips, you'll be sure to enjoy your next cooking experience.