Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Photo source:  Mom On Timeout

"Shrimp pasta recipes are one of our favorites that we turn to during busy weeks. Not only do they come together quickly, they taste amazing! This Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a tried and true recipe that combines succulent, tender shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that is simply irresistible. Quick, satisfying, and easy to make this easy shrimp recipe has an incredibly blend of flavors and textures. A terrific way to ensure you get more “timeout” to enjoy with your friends and family.

You’re going to love the blend of delightful East Asian flavors and comforting Italian pasta – it’s sure to be a new favorite!"  Comment from Mom On Timeout

As much as I love shrimp pasta, I have never had the bang bang version.  Looking forward to trying this recipe out.

Click here to go to the Mom On Timeout recipe page.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

 

Photo source:  The Food Network

"Filled with ricotta and tender chicken-thigh meat, these stuffed shells are the best vessel for our beloved—and ultra-creamy—alfredo sauce yet!"  Comment from The Food Network

These stuffed shells look delicious!

Click here to go to The Food Network recipe page.

Lobster Ravioli Bake

 

Photo source:  All Recipes

"This lobster ravioli bake is rich, creamy, and cheesy, and could not be easier, thanks to store bought lobster ravioli and lobster bisque."  Comment from All Recipes

Love the simplicity of this recipe which includes some of my favorite things.  Quick, easy and delicious is a winner for me.  Can't wait to try this one!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.

Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole

 

Photo source:  Paula Deen

"Rich and creamy is the perfect description for this shrimp and rice casserole. This easy recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup, onions, bell pepper, medium shrimp, wild rice and cheddar cheese."  Comment from Paula Deen

Love Paula Deen recipes and shrimp is my favorite.  This casserole sounds delicious and I must try it. 

Click here to go to the Paula Deen recipe page.

Glazed Donuts

 

https://www.momontimeout.com/glazed-donuts-recipe/

Honey Bun Cake

 

Photo source:  Taste of Home

"If you’re a fan of the classic honey bun, then this honey bun cake recipe is sure to be a hit! Imagine a moist cake with a sweet vanilla glaze and a cinnamon sugar layer—perfect for brunches, holidays, or whenever you crave something comforting and delicious. This version includes applesauce, adding a delightful twist that enhances the flavor and texture. Let’s dive into this easy honey bun cake recipe that’s a crowd-pleasing dessert!"  Comment from Taste of Home

If this cake is anything like a honey bun, I want some!

Click here to go to the Taste of Home recipe page.

To Peel Potatoes Ahead of Time, Use This Trick Your Grandmother Knew

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart.com

"As much as we adore eating potatoes every which way, from mashed and scalloped to fried and roasted, peeling spuds can be labor-intensive (especially when you're entertaining a crowd). So, can you peel potatoes ahead of time? The answer is yes (yay) but of course, you need to know what to do with those precious pieces after they've been under the knife—and before cooking time starts. We caught up with a food safety expert and a chef to get the expert-approved method—and it's one your grandmother probably used."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

When I cook, I like to do it in different tasks.  It always starts with prepping the vegetables and setting them aside for the next cooking session.  But the exception is always potatoes.  After reading this article, I don't have to make them an exception.

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article.

Quick and Easy Pizza Dough, PIZZA & Gina's Garlic Bread UPDATED

 

Recipe source: The Recipe Rebel

"You’ll need instant yeast, all-purpose flour, sugar, spices, and oil, as well as a large mixing bowl. No need for a stand mixer!"  Comment from The Recipe Rebel

It is easier than you think.  I have been making bread from scratch since I was a teenager learning from my nana.  Just be organized and set aside some time to get it down.  Treat it like fun because it can be.  The results are delicious.  

My favorite is my nana's garlic bread that was made like a thick pizza dough drizzled with olive oil and sliced garlic spread throughout the dough topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheese.  That is it except to bake it. 
 

Click here to go to the Recipe Rebel recipe page which includes different pizza variations.

How To Make Pizza At Home by Crazy For Crust

Pizza Recipes from Sip and Feast

Raspberry Cake

 

Photo source:  Taste of Home

"There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet and tart flavors in this raspberry cake. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake is moist, flavorful and topped with a luscious raspberry frosting that makes it irresistible. This recipe is sure to become a favorite whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just because. You’ll love how quickly this cake comes together with its easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps."  Comment from Taste of Home

That raspberry cake is so pretty!  I'm sure it is delicious since they include raspberries.  Love that it is made with a cake mix, making it quick and easy.  Love semi-homemade!

Click here to to to the Taste of Home recipe page.

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

 

Photo source:  NoBiggie.net

"We’re making Homemade Nutter Butters…sure you can pick up a package of these favorite peanut butter cookies at the store, but are they soft and warm from your oven? I didn’t think so. See, now you have to make them! The peanut butter frosting is so simple to mix up, and warning…you might want to eat it all with a spoon, but hold the urge and make these cutest ever little Nutter Butter cookies."  Comment:  NoBiggie.net

Kami of NoBiggie.net has the recipe to one of my all time favorite cookies!!  Nutter Butter Cookies had to be on my mom's grocery list every time she went shopping.  Nutter Butter Cookies and Oreos with milk was breakfast for the longest time.  I love them so much!  Gotta make them for sure :)

Click here to go to the NoBiggie.net recipe page.

Ways to Use Canned Crescent Rolls

 

Need shortcuts for a busy day?  Click here!

https://www.realmomkitchen.com/italian-crescent-casserole/

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2025/10/raspberry-cream-danish.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2025/10/13-ways-to-use-crescent-roll-dough.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2016/07/italian-crescent-pie.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2016/06/cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-crescent.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/07/chocolate-cheesecake-bars.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/06/italian-layer-bake.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/05/chicken-broccoli-au-gratin.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/04/crescent-chile-rellenos.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/03/bacon-cheeseburger-calzones.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/01/chicken-pot-pie-cupcakes.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2013/12/cherry-cream-cheese-coffee-cake.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2013/11/crescent-chicken-squares.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/fiesta-chicken-taco-cups.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2012/03/cheesy-chicken-bundles.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/enchilada-crescents.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/beef-n-cheese-crescent-pie.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/italian-crescent-casserole.html

https://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/almond-danish-swirls.html

https://mariasmixingbowl.com/thanksgiving-leftover-crescent-rolls/

https://www.plainchicken.com/canned-biscuit-recipes/

Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

 

Photo source:  The Recipe Girl

"A classic Southern dish you can make at home in minutes, Cheesy Shrimp and Grits is a creamy, comforting bowl of happy. Cheesy grits are topped with a healthy helping of tender shrimp swimming in a slightly spicy cream sauce that will keep you digging in for more."  Comment from The Recipe Girl

Shrimp and Grits is one of those meals that I love and want many different versions to try.  This one looks like a winner!

Click here to go to The Recipe Girl recipe page.

Mexican Rice

Photo source:  Sabor Mexicana

As much as I love texmex meals and going to mexican restaurants that always include a meal with mexican rice, I'm surprised that I still have not tried making it at home. 

 
I'll let you know what I think of a recipe as soon as I make it. One thing for sure, I will add a variety of peppers, especially poblano peppers which are my favorite.

Here are mexican rice recipes I find interesting:

Mexican Rice from The Food Network

Mexican Rice from Delish

Mexican Rice from Once Upon A Chef

Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice from Favorite Family Recipes

Authentic Mexican Rice from Sabor Mexicana

All Recipes - many Mexican Rice recipes

MORE TO COME!

Gina's Cooking Concepts . . . Cheap Meals 101

This is more of a cooking concept and what I try to have in the kitchen pantry than an actual recipe.

In my personal every day cooking, if I'm not following a specific recipe, I literally throw a meal together based on what is in my refrigerator and what I'm hungry for. Even in days when money is not a concern, I still cook "cheap" because I hate to waste anything.

It is said that poor people are fat people . . . such is the case with my style of cooking, which usually includes rice, pasta, potatoes or Campbell's "cream of something soup".

Bisquick is my secret to awesome biscuits and pancakes. I must come up with a recipe for both a Bisquick type of baking mix and a "cream of soup" recipe to make cooking even cheaper.

While it is important to pay attention to the type of food you are eating, what is equally or more important is to eat in moderation.

There are other "must haves" for my pantry . . .

One of my greatest cooking secrets is using the mind boggling variety of salad dressing on the market. Cheap, expensive, healthy, not healthy, low fat, no fat . . .

My favorite salad dressings for cooking are . . . italian dressing, vinegar and oil combinations and my favorite for an oriental flavor is something called Asian Sesame with Ginger and Soy. Check out the salad dressing section of your grocery store . . . I stock up when they go on "buy one get one free" sales.

An assortment of cheeses . . . mozarella, cheddar and parmesean . . . always have them on hand.

Pasta sauces in a jar . . . red and white . . . they come in an assortment of flavors . . . stock up when they go on "buy one get one free" sales.

Dry or canned beans . . . whatever you love. Different varieties of beans and rice are among my favorite meals.

Veggies . . . I always have potatoes, onion, pepper assortment and LOTS OF GARLIC. Tomato is also great to have on hand, but you can do without it. When I can afford it, fresh mushrooms are a must . . . I love them in almost everything.

Meat is optional . . .

I buy eggs two dozen at a time . . .

Although I am not necessarily a vegetarian, I could easily adapt to that lifestyle. I rarely eat beef. I stock up on frozen chicken tenderloins . . . fast, cheap and easy. When whole chickens are on sale . . . go for it . . . super bargain . . . even cheaper.


An example of a thrown together fast and easy "cheap" meal: 

Start a pot of white rice or pasta . . .

Saute onions, pepper and garlic until almost caramelized . . . throw in chicken, fish or pork and cook until browned. (If using shrimp . . . wait until the last 4 minutes of cooking to add to the mix)

Add salad dressing of your choice . . . between the juice of the onions, pepper and salad dressing, this is your sauce . . . put in as much salad dressing to make the consistency you like.

Cook around 10 minutes or enough for the flavors to blend . . . you must taste as you cook . . . that is half the fun!

Voila . . . cheap, fast, easy and delicious meal . . . let the stove do the work. I find that the longer you cook a meal, the better it tastes as the flavors blend. Usually I get it started, turn down on a lower heat and let it cook down, sometimes for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

I don't use anything but stainless steel cookware . . . it works for my style of cooking and it does make a difference.

There are various combinations of type of meat and spices that I use . . . I'll try to come up with specific recipes.

Otherwise . . . don't be afraid to experiment . . . if it turns out bad, either have a salad or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or call for a pizza delivery . . . depending on how your money situation is. :)

If you use ingredients that you naturally enjoy anyway, you can't go wrong.

Orange Dreamsicle Salad

 

Photo source:  The Domestic Spoon

"Do you remember getting an orange creamsicle from the ice cream truck or enjoying a frozen treat by the pool? This orange jello salad is going to bring all those memories back."  Comment from The Domestic Spoon

Yes, I remember waiting for the ice cream truck so I could get my orange creamsicle that I loved so much.  I must try this dessert.

Click here to go to The Domestic Spoon recipe page.

Easy Bake Taco Casserole

 

Photo source:  Sweetly Splendid

"Taco casserole’s been in my dinner rotation long enough for me to know exactly where it can go wrong. It’s usually with bland beef, soggy layers, or so many shortcuts that it loses all its charm. I built mine to avoid every one of those pitfalls. The seasoning is bold, the tortillas hold their structure, and the flavors melt together in the oven just right. It’s simple, yes, but the kind of simple that still earns compliments every time it hits the table."  Comment from Sweetly Splendid

Love this taco that doesn't fall apart!  I love tacos, but they are not fun to eat.  This casserole sounds and looks delicious.

Click here to go to the Sweetly Splendid recipe page.

Classic Marinara Sauce

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

This Classic Marinara Sauce Will Beat Store-Bought

"Skip the jarred sauces. Your pasta deserves better. This classic homemade marinara sauce comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples you probably already have. Rich, flavorful, and versatile, it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or even a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Bonus: it’s kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and will make your weeknight dinners, date nights, or last-minute meal prep feel like you actually have your life together, even if your laundry pile says otherwise."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

This is one of the greatest cooking tricks ever.  I can have a delicious plate of spaghetti and italian sausage on the table in 30 minutes using Mary's method of doctoring up jarred pasta sauce.  I only make sauce from scratch when I have time to spend cooking the sauce for hours.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate recipe page to learn one of the greatest cooking tricks ever.

Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

 

Photo source:  Best Cookie Recipes

"Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate cookie, only to be greeted by a creamy, peanut buttery surprise. Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies are a decadent dream come true. The rich, chewy chocolate exterior perfectly complements the sweet, salty peanut butter center, creating a flavor explosion that will satisfy your cravings. It's like a peanut butter cup and a chocolate chip cookie had a love child!"  Comment from Rebecca of Best Cookie Recipes

Sounds like a decadent dream come true for sure.  I must try these sinfully delicious cookies.

Click here to go to the Best Cookie Recipes recipe page.

Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants

 

Photo source:  Devour Dinner

"I first made this recipe, Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants or Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls years and years ago when my now 25 year old son was little.  Now this recipe has reached more than 2 million viewers and growing daily.

Cream Cheese Chicken stuffed in a flakey Pillsbury Croissant has become a stable recipe in our home. It's tried tested and true. There are many Pillsbury crescent roll recipes with chicken but trust me, this one is the BEST."  Comment from Rebecca of Devour Dinner

Look at that photo!  This recipe looks delicious with cream cheese and it is easy with the use of my favorite Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and a rotisserie chicken.  It is a winner before I even have a chance to taste it.

Click here to go to the Devour Dinner recipe page.

Best Lemon Desserts

 

Photo source:  The Recipe Rebel

"In this list, there are over 30 lemon-packed desserts to choose from, from creamy lemon cheesecakes to cakey lemon doughnuts and fluffy lemon cupcakes!

These desserts are perfect for whipping up on a warm summer day, bringing to potlucks or parties, or whenever you want a taste of sunshine."  Comment from The Recipe Rebel

Love this collection of lemon desserts.  Citrus desserts are among my favorites.  Ashley has outdone herself!

Click here to go to The Recipe Rebel recipe page if you love lemon desserts too.

More lemon desserts:

The First Year - Lemon Recipes