With the Super Bowl Game right around the corner, I asked Mary Lagerborg, co-author of Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites, if she could share one of her make-ahead appetizers with all of us. Mary Beth said, "This has been a family favorite of ours for years – for any season. We enjoy them at Super Bowl time, or sitting on the patio in the summer." For more make-ahead tips, visit … [Read more...]

I've been on a Chinese food kick lately.  I bought it a few times in the last few weeks when I was too tired to cook.  It's one of those dinners that can please everyone and it's one of the few meals I can buy in my small rural town.  I wish I had a bunch of authentic tried and true Asian recipes to make for my family.  (So if you have any, send them my way!) Speaking of Chinese food...one … [Read more...]

Now that I'm back to teaching, I need some quick make-ahead meals like this one.  I love having a variety of frozen meals that I can pop into the oven after work!  This recipe is great for several reasons...it's delicious, easy to prepare, freezes well, and helps with portion control.  I told myself that one mini meat loaf is the perfect size portion for me, but I liked it so much, I ate two!  … [Read more...]

I love canning!  I wish I had more time to do it so my family and I could enjoy fresh food throughout the winter.  Even though I've canned jam, pickles, and salsa, I still have a lot to learn. If you're into canning or would like to learn more about it, there's a great Canning Week Blog Party going on this week!  Amy at  A Latte' with Ott, A and Jen from  From Mess Hall to Bistro are … [Read more...]

  If you're looking for a yummy way to use some of your endless supply of zucchini, look no further!  This quiche can easily be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.  Just cover and reheat in the oven or reheat a slice in the microwave and you're good to go!  If you'd like to eat this the same day that you make it, allow the quiche to cool 30 minutes before you slice … [Read more...]

With my recent review of Sherri Brooks Vinton's Cookbook Put 'em Up!, it got me thinking of my own jam recipes. My Mixed Berry Jam is good on anything!  I love the taste of the three different berries and the deep red color!  I just went blueberry and raspberry picking a few days ago so this was the perfect time to can my favorite jam.  Give this recipe a try.  You'll love it! … [Read more...]

Last week I sent this recipe out to my newsletter subscribers and forgot to post it on here as well.  This delicious "make-ahead" meal melts in your mouth!  If you want to impress someone that loves Italian food...give this a try! This recipe was part of Mommy's Kitchen Pot Luck Sunday.  Head over there for some great recipes! … [Read more...]

There are 2 great blogs that are giving away my cookbook Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms. Please visit these awesome blogs and enter to win! Hoosier Homemade Fab Find Foodie … [Read more...]

    My Mom has made this recipe for us several times and it's always a big hit at my house. Enjoy!     … [Read more...]

    Whenever I talk about make-ahead meals, I tell people about my #1 go-to recipe...Sloppy Joes. This recipe is in my cookbook and it's one of our favorites.  You can cook it and freeze it in different size portions to fit your family.  I have sent Matthew back to his dorm with frozen Sloppy Joes on many occasions, so he can have something other than cafeteria food once in a … [Read more...]

It is La Crosse season for Andrew so that means less time for me to prepare week night meals when we get home.  Let me set the scene...I get out of school at 3:30.  Andrew practices La Crosse until 5:00 or has a game.  Because we live 30 minutes from school, I usually do errands while he's practicing.   So when I get home, I need something quick to make for dinner.  That's where my make-ahead … [Read more...]