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One of my most prized possessions is a small notebook of Grandma’s recipes. It contains the comfort foods of my Midwestern childhood and has inspired recipes here like Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff and Stuffed Mushrooms. Today’s Instant Pot pot roast and potatoes and carrots is directly based on my Grandma’s recipe. This easy pot roast recipe doesn’t require any browning.The gravy is made from the roast’s own cooking juices.It’s savory, luscious, and the gravy makes the already juicy beef all the more scrumptious....

As much as I love to cook and bake (especially One Bowl Brownies), bringing food to parties—particularly parties where I’m meeting people for the first time—completely stresses me. When people hear that I’m a food blogger, I assume their expectation is that a beam of heavenly light will shine from above upon their first bite. It’s the sort of pressure that causes me to speak unnaturally loud when introducing myself, forget the name of my own blog, or even overbake my most perfect and foolproof batch of Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies....

These southwest-inspired, black-bean-stuffed sweet potatoes are as easy, healthy, and delicious as recipes come. While I strive to make every recipe on this site reasonably simple to make and as appetizing as possible, these Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are especially appealing, even for someone who might not be used to eating a healthy diet. Whether you are looking to start a healthy-eating routine for the first time, on a post-holiday detox, or an old pro at this whole “healthy eating” biz, these savory stuffed sweet potatoes have something to offer....

I don’t even mean that as a fantasy. This is one of the top chili recipes I’ve ever made (second only to my Blue Ribbon Chili from The Well Plated Cookbook — pick up a copy if you haven’t yet; you need it in your life!). Don’t take this statement lightly. I have made a lot of chili. I adore chili because it’s intrinsically comforting and warming. The flavors unfold further with every spoonful....

To all of my readers who are last-minute gift shoppers and procrastinating date-night planners, this wine-infused chocolate recipe is for you! It’s also for anyone who loves chocolate and wine…so I think that pretty much covers everyone and anyone, right?! (For bourbon-lovers, these boozy Bourbon Balls are for you.) Indulgent, velvety smooth, and decadently dark, these red wine truffles are an easy (yet impressive) homemade gift idea for loved ones in your life....

A freshly made strawberry mojito is one of my favorite cocktail recipes, especially in the summer (this Jalapeño Margarita is a close second). No matter who I’m with or where I am, when I have a mojito in my hand (or a Skinny Margarita), I can’t help but smile with the confidence knowing that bright, sunny times have arrived. Made with fresh ripe strawberries, a handful of refreshing mint, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite white rum, better grab a pitcher because, after one sip, these ice-cold strawberry mojitos will become your official drink of the summer....

Of all the dishes on our Friendsgiving menu, gravy is the only one that I truly dreaded cooking. Roast turkey? No biggie. But standing over a hot stove to fuss over gravy that may or may not thicken, after I’ve already gone to the work to make said turkey? No thank you. And then…I made this easy turkey gravy and everything changed. The secret to good gravy is to use plenty of flour and really take your time stirring and cooking it in butter before whisking in the drippings and stock....

The world holds two kinds of people: those who walk around with healthy snacks like today’s vegan protein bars (and Trail Mix Granola Bars) tucked into their bags at all times, and those with snack envy (and hanger). You know which group I’m in! After years of spending too much money on pricey store-bought protein bars, I decided to start making my own. Today’s vegan protein bars have been my loyal snack partner ever since (right alongside these easy Peanut Butter Protein Bars)....

No matter the weather, burritos give me carefree vacation feels, because they remind me of trips to California, where Mission burritos (named for the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco where they originated) reign supreme. Plus, while I do love a good ol’ Chipotle Burrito Bowl, there is something about wrapping everything up in a big tortilla that makes a meal more fun. This easy vegetarian burrito recipe is ready in 30 minutes and needs only one big skillet to prepare....

Classic chocolate mousse is persnickety. It requires a careful series of properly executed steps. Ingredients must begin at certain temperatures, egg yolks tempered, double boilers employed, and egg whites whipped to peaks of perfection. Needless to say, my first attempt at making chocolate mousse was an utter disaster. Word to the wise, it turns out classic chocolate mousse is not the best dessert to make when you are in a hurry and your mixer is broken....

If you are in the market for a ridiculously healthy banana oatmeal cookies recipe that still tastes fabulous, look no further. This is the one! I first made these healthy oatmeal cookies a few years ago. They’ve since become one of the dessert recipes that I make most often for Ben and myself (along with these Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies). They are sweet enough for dessert (like this Banana Cake) but wholesome enough to qualify as a more exciting afternoon snack (I love my Healthy Banana Bread, but sometimes I need something more sweet)....

It cost less than $15—I’ve spent that much on cheese without thinking twice about it. Why oh why did I wait so long to bring this simple, special treat into my life? Silly though it may sound, pulling these beautiful berry parfait yogurt popsicles from their molds filled me with the pure joy of childhood summers spent running through the sprinklers and riding bikes to our neighborhood shaved ice stand....

Yet, that is exactly what happened the moment I took a bite of this quinoa and broccoli salad with almonds (and this Quinoa Chickpea Salad). That is just not normal. Then again, this Broccoli Quinoa Salad, complete with crunchy almonds and a creamy lemon yogurt dressing, isn’t normal either. It’s exceptional. Audible yumming, kitchen happy dance, hallelujah exceptional. Why I Love This Broccoli Quinoa Salad Every element of this Broccoli Quinoa Salad works together to create a dish with elevated and bewitching layers of flavor and texture....

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts that are roasted at a high temperature with olive oil, salt, pepper, along with a bit of garlic and Parmesan if you like, these Brussels sprouts chips flirt with the line between healthy vegetable side and addictive, salty snack. The leaves of Brussels sprouts are edible and quite possibly the most delicious part. This recipe was inspired by the Brussels sprouts chips appetizer at one of our favorite local restaurants, a spot we’ve been missing a lot lately....

These pancakes combine buckwheat flour, pumpkin, maple syrup, and a cozy lineup of fall spices. The result is light and fluffy pancakes that, in the words of my neighbor, “taste like pumpkin pie.” (So do these Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes!) The prep here is also outrageously easy even if you haven’t finished your coffee yet, because the batter is made entirely in a blender. A blender is one of my favorite techniques for tender pancakes, especially those that use whole grains (the Every Day Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes in my cookbook and these Oatmeal Pancakes use the same trick)....

The South, but it draws me in every time I visit. Maybe it’s the charming accent? The more relaxed pace of life? The abundance of high-quality fried chicken (try this Air Fryer Fried Chicken Breast for similar vibes), cheese straws, and Sweet Potato Pie? And oh yes, it is Southern cuisine. While I can’t pretend to be an expert at the real deal, I enjoy taking classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits and adding my own healthy twists and preparation shortcuts to make them attainable for the average home cook....

This healthy chicken and biscuits casserole is so rich and satisfying, Ina Garten and Paula Deen would both approve. (Even though I didn’t make this an easy chicken and biscuits with cream of chicken soup.) My Healthy Chicken Pot Pie and Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie were the inspiration recipes for the creamy chicken-and-biscuits casserole filling. I took a few shortcuts in today’s version (ahem, frozen veggies) to make it even quicker and easier too!...

Not only is this crock pot granola the easiest granola recipe I’ve ever made, it’s healthy, won’t require you to turn on the oven, and it feeds a crowd…or in my case, one very enthusiastic granola eater. This slow cooker granola can last several weeks in the pantry and even longer in the freezer, so even if you are making granola for a small household, it’s worth filling the crock pot....

Whether by design or default, whenever I attend a backyard barbecue, it always seems to be the men who rush to the grill (fixins for Grilled Pork Chops in tow) and the women who handle the accompanying sides/desserts (ahem, Grilled Corn Salad). Even at home, whenever we grill, Ben insists on being the one to “man” the flame. I rarely disagree, since it’s the one occasion he cooks (unless it’s this Balsamic Glazed Salmon)....

A quick bread recipe (meaning not a yeast bread) made with flour, buttermilk, and (depending upon who you ask), currants and/or caraway seeds, it’s ideal for toasting, smearing with jam (or Slow Cooker Apple Butter), and dunking in a big bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew. Irish soda bread tastes mild and lightly buttery, similar to a fluffy biscuit (like these Drop Biscuits) or Savory Scones with Bacon Cheddar and Chive....