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

Frosting and Icing Recipes UPDATED

 

Photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

FROSTING

Almond Buttercream Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Coconut Pecan Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Cream Cheese Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Sour Cream Frosting from Better Homes and Gardens

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Devour Dinner 

Peanut Butter Ganache from The Domestic Spoon

ICING

Chocolate Glaze (best for Cakes, Cookies, Donuts) from Better Homes and Gardens

Chocolate Powdered Sugar Glaze (Easy) from Better Homes and Gardens

Powdered Sugar Icing from Better Homes and Gardens

Royal Icing from Better Homes and Gardens

MORE TO COME

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

 

https://therecipecritic.com/lemon-garlic-parmesan-shrimp-pasta/

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe

 

Photo Source:  Sip And Feast

"There’s nothing more nostalgic than a Sloppy Joe! These messy but oh-so-delicious sandwiches are filled with ground meat that’s sautéed with onions and peppers in a tangy sauce and are just as much fun to eat as they are to make!"  Comment from Sip And Feast

Sloppy Joes do take me back in time and now I want one.

Click here to go to the Sip And Feast recipe page.

Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake

 

Photo source:  Plain Chicken

"Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake Recipe – all the cozy cinnamon-sugar goodness of your favorite cookie baked into a soft, tender cake! Cake mix, vanilla pudding, eggs, butter, sour cream, cinnamon, water, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Great for holidays, brunch, potlucks, or an anytime treat. A simple, comforting cake everyone will love!"  Comment from Plain Chicken

This cake looks and sounds delicious.  Love that it is semi-homemade starting off with a cake mix, making it quick and easy.

Click here to go to the Plain Chicken recipe page.

Skillet Rosemary Chicken

Photo source: Antonis Achilleos for The Food Network

"Split chicken breasts cook beautifully alongside potatoes and cremini mushrooms in this deliciously simple skillet dinner. Browning the breasts first on the stovetop makes for crispy skin, while a final roast in the oven cooks them evenly for the juiciest results. Rosemary sprigs and lemon halves roasted alongside the chicken and vegetables add depth of flavor and irresistible aroma."  Comment from The Food Network

Chicken . . . so versatile . . . yet the question always remains . . .

What to do with chicken that is new and appealing?

It is during these "bored of food" times that I have found some of my favorite recipes. Looks like this time my search for new recipes has a real winner.

The compliment of rosemary with chicken has always produced delicious results with my roast chicken that I stuff with rosemary, lemons, onion and garlic. The simplicity of cooking these simple ingredients in a skillet sounds like a great idea to use with the bagged frozen chicken tenderloins (skinless and boneless) that I love to use since they require no cleaning and I don't like chicken skin.

My spin on this recipe will be to make it stir-fry style,

with the chicken tenderloins cut into bite sized pieces,

served over white rice.

Click here to go to the Food Network recipe page.

Brown Sugar Chili Chicken

Photo source:  Domestic Fits

This post was originally posted in 2014

Ever since The Captain and I made the Bourbon Chicken several times and absolutely love it, I have been on a quest for chicken recipes that include brown sugar.  This one seems to be a very quick and delicious chicken entree. 

I'm not sold on the sauce with goat cheese though . . . I may try it with just sour cream and roasted red pepper.   However, The Captain just informed me that I must try it with the goat cheese!   hmmmmm . . .

We never got around to trying this recipe, but it does sound delicious.

This recipe was originally posted on Domestic Fits, but the recipe no longer appears on the website.  Please check out their excellent blog for more recipes.

Ingredients

2 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp onion powder

2 tsp dried minced garlic

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp black pepper

2 tbs olive oil

8 chicken legs or wings

For the sauce . . .

1/3 cup roasted red pepper, chopped

2 oz goat cheese

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbs sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 425.

In a plastic bag, or a bowl,  combine the first 7 ingredients. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub to coat. Add the chicken to the bag (or bowl) and toss or shake bag until well coated. 

Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, turn the chicken over, and continue to bake until cooked through, about 10-15 additional minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken). 

In a food processor, add the roasted red pepper, goat cheese, salt and sour cream, process until well combined.  

Country Scalloped Potatoes

Photo source:  Campbells.com

"Ever wondered what makes a dish authentically “country?” Think hearty, comforting, and beautifully simple- that’s what our Country Scalloped Potatoes embody. Imagine a baking dish brimming with slices of potatoes, onions, and ham, all melded together in creamy, cheesy goodness.  The combination of cream of celery soup and chicken gravy works to highlight the homestyle flavors (and if you would rather use cream of chicken soup instead, that's fine, too)! Embrace the country charm and dive into this family favorite that’s perfectly adaptable and easy to customize- not to mention a great use of leftover ham!"  Comment from Campbells.com

This is one of my favorite Campbell Soup recipes!

Click here to go to the Campbells.com recipe page.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Calzones

O.M.G. I want one now!!

Chicken and broccoli are two of the ingredients I love on a white pizza and here they are in a very delicious looking calzone!

These would be awesome for lunch, great appetizers for a party and can probably be frozen for a convenient and quick meal . . . did I mention this is a very economical meal?  It's a great recipe to use up leftovers too! 

The photo and the recipe are from one of my new food blog discoveries, Bev Cooks . . . go to Bev's website for more photos detailing the making of these little treasures :))

Click here to go to the Bev Cooks recipe page.

Easy Philly Cheesesteak

 

Photo source:  Sip and Feast

"If ever there was an iconic sandwich, it’s the Philly Cheesesteak! Thinly sliced steak is seared with onions and cheese and piled high on a soft hoagie roll. One bite and you will be hooked – especially when you see how easy it is to make!"  Comment from Sip and Feast

As much as I spend on Door Dash for Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, I need to try this recipe so I can make them at home!  Sometimes I order several a week.

Click here to go to the Sip and Feast recipe page.