Recipes

Okay, ready to make the *World's Best Lasagna*? This recipe, straight from John Chandler, is a reader favorite and trust me, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! We're talking layers of savory sausage and ground beef, fragrant basil, and a dreamy blend of *three* cheeses. Seriously, get ready to experience lasagna nirvana – you've got this!

Okay, get ready to wow everyone with this super simple and utterly delicious Strawberry Twinkie Dessert! Imagine layers of creamy, dreamy goodness with sweet strawberries nestled amongst fluffy Twinkies. Trust me, this recipe is so easy, anyone can make it, and it's always a crowd-pleaser – perfect for your next potluck or just a fun weekend treat. (Psst... I like to chill mine for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor!)

Craving pumpkin but not feeling a pie crust? I hear you! This recipe is a total game-changer – think of it as pumpkin pie's super easy, super delicious cousin. We're ditching the traditional pastry and using cake mix instead, which means you get all the warm, cozy pumpkin flavor with hardly any effort. Trust me, even if you're not a baker, you can totally nail this one!

Okay, honey, let me share Miss Betty's Super Quick Dinner Rolls – they're a lifesaver! With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up these warm, fluffy rolls in a flash, making them the perfect last-minute addition to any dinner. Trust me, your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen, and you'll have a secret smile knowing how easy they were! (Psst... I like to brush mine with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor!)

Want warm, fluffy dinner rolls on the table in a flash? These "Double Quick Dinner Rolls" are your answer! We're using a clever shortcut – instant potatoes and onion – to create incredibly light and flaky rolls with minimal effort. Baking them in muffin tins makes shaping a breeze and ensures they bake up perfectly every time. Trust me, you'll be amazed at how easy (and delicious!) these are.

Craving a taste of Korea? Let's make some Vegetarian Bibimbap! This vibrant dish is a twist on the classic, featuring warm, fluffy rice piled high with a rainbow of tender veggies and a perfectly fried egg on top. Don't worry if you've never made it before – it's easier than you think, and totally customizable to your favorite veggies! Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

Craving a cozy and effortless dinner? Let your slow cooker work its magic with this super simple vegetarian meal! Just toss together some veggie broth, cheesy tortellini, spinach, savory mushrooms, and a touch of cream cheese. Five hours later, you'll have a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness waiting for you - perfect for a busy weeknight (and feel free to add other veggies you love!).

Craving that irresistible crunch of perfectly fried chicken? Let's make it happen! This recipe walks you through the secrets to achieving golden-brown, crispy perfection on the outside, while keeping the chicken inside incredibly juicy and tender. Don't be intimidated – with a few simple tips, you'll be wowing everyone with your homemade fried chicken in no time! (Psst...a little patience is key for even cooking!)

Craving a pasta salad that's bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients? This American-Italian pasta salad is just the ticket! Imagine tender pasta tossed with crisp garden veggies, fragrant Italian parsley, and savory Genoa salami, all brought together by a creamy Italian dressing. Trust me, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so easy to customize with your favorite veggies – get ready for pasta salad perfection!

IngredientsFor the Pizza Dough (or use 1 lb store-bought dough):1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour1 tsp instant yeast1 tsp sugar½ tsp salt½ cup (120ml) warm water1 tbsp olive oilFor the Pizza Toppings:½ cup (120ml) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)6 oz (170g) low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded30-40 slices of pepperoni2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)Optional: ½ tsp dried oregano, red pepper flakes for servingInstructionsStep 1: Make the DoughCombine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.Add Wet Ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn it to coat, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.(If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for bringing it to room temperature.)Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare PanPlace a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in your oven and preheat it to 475°F (245°C). It's crucial to get your cooking surface very hot for a crispy crust.Step 3: Shape the DoughPunch Down: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.Roll Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.Transfer: Carefully transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easy to move the pizza onto the hot stone or pan.Step 4: Assemble the PizzaSauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer over the cheese. You can place some pepperoni under the cheese for a "cup-and-char" effect, where the pepperoni curls up and gets crispy.Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and dried oregano (if using). Brush the exposed crust with a little olive oil to help it brown beautifully.Step 5: Bake the PizzaCarefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly spotted.For an extra crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.Step 6: ServeRemove the pizza from the oven and let it cool on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly.Slice and serve immediately. Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who like extra heat.Chef's Tips:Don't Use Cold Dough: Always bring your dough to room temperature for easy stretching.Don't Over-sauce: Too much sauce will make the crust soggy.Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as well.Get Creative: Feel free to add other toppings like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives along with the pepperoni.Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza

Ingredients:500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced2 tbsp soy sauce1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)1 tbsp cornstarch2 tbsp vegetable oil1 onion, sliced1 bell pepper, sliced1 carrot, thinly sliced2 cups broccoli florets2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp fresh ginger, grated2–3 tbsp soy sauce (for stir-frying)1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)Instructions:Marinate chicken slices in 2 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch for 10–15 minutes.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.Add chicken and stir-fry until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 more minute.Return chicken to the pan, add remaining soy sauce (and oyster sauce if using). Stir well to coat.Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.Tip:Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the guacamole surface to prevent browning if not serving right away.

Ingredients:1 large head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces1/2 cup croutons1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shavedFor the dressing:1 egg yolk (or 2 tbsp mayonnaise as a substitute)2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but traditional)1 garlic clove, minced1 tsp Dijon mustard2 tbsp lemon juice1/3 cup olive oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteInstructions:In a bowl, whisk together egg yolk (or mayonnaise), anchovies, garlic, mustard, and lemon juice.Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.In a large salad bowl, toss romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.Add croutons and Parmesan shavings. Toss gently.Serve immediately as a starter or side dish.Tip: For extra flavor, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.