Why bake with shortening when you can use butter instead? Years ago, I learned that butter can be substituted for shortening if you omit 1 tablespoon of liquid for every half cup of shortening the recipe calls for. For example, the original recipe from an old cookbook calls for 1 cup shortening and 2 tablespoons milk. To make an accurate substitution, omit both tablespoons of milk, and use 1 cup (2 sticks) butter instead. Viola! These are the moistest on the inside, crispiest on the outside, buttery, cinnamon-y cookies you will ever put in your mouth. Enjoy!! Snickerdoodles (Made with

We drink this smoothie once a week. It's delicious, refreshing, and an incredible immune booster. I'll prove it. Blueberries: antioxidants, Ginger: anti-inflammatory, Bananas: Potassium; Spinach: antioxidants; Kefir: probiotics. Did I mention it is delicious? I have a supply of to-go cups and cute straws in my storage room just so I can make this smoothie for friends and neighbors who are sick or just need a boost so they know I love them. I dare you to try it. And then make one for your neighbor. ENJOY! And, take my word for it, you want to drink this one with

This stuff is so good it won first prize at our neighborhood chili cook-off in 2013. True Story. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese 3 cups elbow macaroni pasta (dry)1/3 cup yellow onion (minced)3 Tablespoons butter1/3 cup flour3 cups milk2 1/4 cups cheese1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper1 1/2 teaspoon salt Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to the directions on the package.Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the onions in the butter until tender and transluscent.Mix in the flour to form a paste. Pour in half of the milk and whisk until well combined

One Sunday in 2021, I started out making our family's favorite chicken dish, Cranberry Chicken. Unfortunately, we were out of the main ingredient for the sauce--Catalina Dressing. With a little searching and improvising, I have come up with a dynamite recipe for making the stuff from scratch. I have made Cranberry Chicken with this homemade Catalina dressing 4 times now and I don't think I will ever go back to buying the bottle. It takes just a blender and 5 minutes of total prep to whip up. Enjoy! Homemade Catalina Dressing super quick to make with no questionable ingredients 1/2

January 20, 2007--the day I was introduced to chicken pillows AND also the day Neil asked me to marry him. Now, we try to make the same meal he "made" for me on our engagement anniversary. Unfortuately, we forget almost every January 20th, so we end up making this meal on Valentine's Day. The pillows he made for me were made out of a Pillsburry pastry can, but mine are made with my whole wheat pizza dough. Both versions are amazing. Serve these with a rice pilaf, Red Jello with whipped cream, and steamed carrots and you get the legendary

My husband requests this cake every year for his birthday. Two years ago, I made a rookie mistake and substituted half the butter for flaxseed and cut some of the sugar out. That was not the rookie mistake, though. The cake turned out just as moist and delicious as ever. The rookie mistake was telling him that I messed with the recipe. He had no idea until I said something! Lesson learned. Here is the original recipe--the way his momma always made it for him as a kid. (But if you are interested in learning how I made my substitutions,

Sometimes, the kids just need a snazzy tool to motivate them to cook for themselves. That is exactly what my Hamilton Beach Sandwich Maker (aff. link) does for my kids. As long as I keep the right ingredients on hand, the kids take care of their breakfasts (and sometimes lunches, too). Thank you to my dear friend, Louise, for introducing me to this little beauty. Hot Breakfast Sandwiches Quick and Easy breakfast 6 English Muffins (Whole Wheat)6 large eggs6 slices Canadian bacon6 slices cheddar cheese Slice the English muffin and place the bottom half in the bottom ring of the

I'll describe this as a Westernized version of a Caribbean salad. With its big chunks of mangoes, avocadoes, grapes and chicken, this is a crowd-pleaser at Summer barbecues. Enjoy! Mango Lime Pasta Salad creamy pasta salad with Carribean flare 12 ounces farfalle pasta2 large mangos (ripe, see notes)2 large avocados (ripe but firm)2 cups celery (chopped)2 cups red grapes (sliced)2 cups rotisserie chicken (cubed)3/4 cup green onions (chopped)1/2 cup toasted almonds (chopped)Creamy Lime Dressing1 1/4 cups mayonnaise (full fat)1/4 cup apple cider vinegar1/4 cup lime juice2 Tablespoons honey2 Tablespoons dried terragon1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper Boil pasta according to package

Caulifower is not my kids favorite vegetable. However, they will scarf down a whole head of it in this deliciously creamy soup. Even in the dead of Summer, my kids enjoyed this! Serve with garlic toast and a green salad to round it out. Enjoy! Cauliflower and Potato Chowder Creamy chowder full of vegetables 2 Tablespoons butter1 cup red onions (chopped)2 cloves garlic (minced)3/4 cup bacon (cooked, 6 strips)1 head cauliflower (chopped)3 cups potatoes (cubed)5 cups chicken broth1 cup half and half1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium-high heat.

These savory waffles are a really quick fix for busy mornings. I love sending the kids off with a well-rounded meal to start their day, and this one fits the bill. I like to serve these waffles with salsa and a hearty smoothie. My toddler eats them best cut in long strips so he can dip them in catsup. Enjoy! Savory Egg and Cheese Hashbrown Waffles quick fix for a hearty breakfast 3 medium Russett potatoes (cooked and shredded, 3 cups)9 large eggs2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)1/2 cup green onions (chopped)1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon peppersalsa (for serving) Preheat waffle