Monday, February 23, 2026

Honey Garlic Chicken - Many Versions


Photo source:  Stephanie O'Dea


There is nothing like the aroma of a meal cooking in the crock pot.  In my working days, I walked in the door from a hard day's work to the smell of a delicious meal ready to eat.  Be instantly de-stressed!  

How about the combination of honey and garlic?  It is one of my favorite appetizers when I order Chinese takeout.  This chicken dish would be perfect with rice, steamed broccoli and a salad with rolls.

This year, I'm focusing on frugal cooking . . . lots of chicken. Another focus that goes along with frugal cooking is freezer cooking.  This meal would be perfect for two meals for two people . . . freeze half to enjoy another day later in the month! I love having a great selection of meals ready to go in the freezer for those busy or lazy days.



VERSION 1

Stephanie O'Dea, New York Times best selling author, features "A Year of Slow Cooking" on her website . . . click here for many more delicious recipes, along with so much more, like an awesome store! 



VERSION 2


Photo source:  Mom On Timeout

"This delicious Honey Garlic Chicken recipe will make you want to stay in instead of ordering takeout! Sweet, savory, sticky and with just the right amount of spice, this Honey Chicken recipe is the perfect way to top off a bowl of steamed rice or vegetables."  Comment from Mom On Timeout

Click here to go to the Mom On Timeout recipe page.  Check out the rest of the website . . . Trish has some awesome recipes listed!



VERSION 3


Photo source:  Mama Loves Food


"Easier than take-out! Our easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe made in the crockpot or instant pot is simple, delicious, and only five ingredients!"  Comment from Mama Loves Food

Click here to go to Mama Loves Food recipe page.
 

VERSION 4



Photo source: Taste of Home

"This easy recipe for slow-cooker honey garlic chicken features boneless, skinless chicken thighs simmered to tender perfection in a sticky, sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce."  Comment from Taste of Home

Click here to go the Taste of Home recipe page.






Slow Cooker Ribs - Many Versions

 


Photo source:  Southern Living

Pork ribs are one of my favorite things and I have not tried making them in the slow cooker.  I would love to try this method, so I was happy to find three versions and will post more if I find them.   We should always strive to find the best recipe and/or method to make our favorite foods.  More to come!



VERSION 1

"Slow 
cooker ribs are fork-tender and meaty. A quick, homemade spice mix adds a smokiness that replicates the flavor the pork would get if it were in fact cooked on a grill. A bed of sliced onions perfumes the ribs nicely with a subtle onion flavor, while also keeping them moist during the long cook. Finally, BBQ sauce adds a slight sweetness and a little heat thanks to strong black pepper flavors."  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.



VERSION 2



Photo source:  Taste of Home

"You don’t need to know anything about cooking to make delicious spare ribs at home. Simply put all the ingredients in this recipe into a slow cooker, set the heat to low, and in 5 to 6 hours, dinner is served."  Comment from Taste of Home

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




VERSION 3

Photo source:  Southern Living

Slow Cooker Barbecue Spareribs

"You don’t have to babysit a smoker all day to enjoy great ribs, thanks to this recipe. Here, meaty St. Louis-style ribs get a double layer of flavor from dry rub and barbecue sauce before being layered in a slow cooker and left to cook gently for three to six hours while you go about your life doing fun things."  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.


Sunday, February 22, 2026

Crispy Potato Galette

 
                                                             Photo source:  Southern Living


"A potato galette combines the crispiness of a potato chip with the creaminess of mashed potatoes and will be a hit when served alongside a green vegetable, such as green bean casserole or a green salad. Leftovers, if there are any, reheat well. Pair with sausage or ham for breakfast or serve with a tossed salad for lunch.

Learn how to make a potato galette, and impress your family with this fantastic side dish at your next dinner."  Comment from Southern Living

This recipe is like potato overload that I love!!  I'll make a meal of it . . . no meats or sides needed!  Yes, a definite winner!

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.



Super Crispy Smashed Potatoes

 


Photo source:  Southern Living

"Technically a side dish, these smashed potatoes will get snapped up if you serve them at a party. You can leave keep it simple and season with salt and pepper, or add a sprinkle of herbs. If you want to go all out, add a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese."  Comment from Southern Living

WOW looks like a chunky potato chip.  Just give me the whole plate and I will have it as a meal.  A definite winner!

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.






Fried Mashed Potato Balls

 


Photo source:  Southern Living

"If you love mashed potatoes at dinnertime, just wait until you see them transformed into a poppable appetizer. Full of Cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives, these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside balls will delight everyone who eats them."  Comment from Southern Living

Another use for leftover mashed potatoes!  Love to find these kind of recipes.  Excellent appetizer.

Click here to go to the Southern Living recipe page.




Chicken Milanese

 


Photo source:  All Recipe

"I made this Chicken Milanese after I couldn't find a recipe that would work with pasta. It's crispy, quick to make, and delicious!"  Comment from All Recipes

Just like my nana used to make.  Memories of my childhood!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.







Crunchy French Onion Chicken

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"Awesome crunchy baked French onion chicken that goes well with any side dish. It's quick and easy too!"  Comment from All Recipes

Any dish that includes those crunchy french fried onions has got to be good.

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.






Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"This Buffalo chicken tater tot casserole tastes just like a Buffalo chicken dip, but better! The tater tots make this a filling dish and eliminate the need for a side—great for a Superbowl party."  Comment from All Recipes

Love the tater tot casseroles.  There are various recipes listed on this blog since I'd love to have a good variety of them.  This recipe sounds like a winner!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.




Savory Chicken Cobbler

                                                                  Photo source:  All Recipes

"This viral TikTok chicken cobbler made with Red Lobster biscuit mix is incredibly easy to put together. We love this recipe from Matthew Bounds, aka @yourbarefootneighbor. Try it yourself to find out what everyone's raving about!"  Comment from All Recipes

This recipe is going to the top of my must try list.  I already love chicken and biscuits type meals and the addition of Red Lobster biscuit mix is genius.  Can't wait to try it!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.



Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole


Photo source:  All Recipes

"This cheesy chicken broccoli casserole is sure to hit the spot when you are craving something creamy and comforting with very little prep on a busy weeknight. Eat as-is or serve over rice."  Comment from All Recipes

There are many variations of chicken broccoli dishes because I love the combination.  They all look good to me!  Check them out!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.




Air Fryer Whole Chicken

 


Photo source:  Natasha's Kitchen

"This Air Fryer Whole Chicken changed my life. This method yields perfectly seasoned chicken with crispy skin and the juiciest breast meat. It’s way easier and faster than baking a chicken in the oven."  Comment from Natasha's Kitchen

I love making a whole chicken and am happy to have an air fryer recipe!

Click here to go to Natasha's Kitchen recipe page.



Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

 


Photo source:  Natasha's Kitchen

"We never get tired of Oven-Roasted potatoes. But sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the evening for preheating and roasting in the oven. It’s nights like these when the air fryer is my best friend. These air fryer-roasted potatoes are on the table in just 20 minutes and they turn out just as crispy and satisfying."  Comment from Natasha's Kitchen

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but the next time I make potatoes, this is the method I will use since I love my air fryer.  I usually cut the time of cooking potatoes by cutting them up and placing in the microwave for about 8 minutes.  Then use whatever method to make them crispy.  I will try this first since I don't want to wait even 20 minutes.  Update on the way!

Click here to go to Natasha's Kitchen recipe page.




Best Way to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"If you’ve ever boiled eggs, then you’ve had the pleasure of peeling them. Sometimes the process goes well, but other times the shell feels like it’s superglued to the egg. It can be a frustrating experience, which is why many cooking and peeling methods exist that proclaim they’re the best. But which one actually works? We chose three popular methods and found a clear winner."  Comment from All Recipes

That is my question every time I'm peeling my hard boiled eggs and feel like I'm fighting a fight I will never win.  Maybe this article holds the secret?

Click here to go to the All Recipes article to hopefully find the secret.






Turtle Cookies

 


Photo source:  The First Year Blog

"These insanely delicious turtle cookies start with a chocolate batter and are loaded with caramel pieces, pecans, and chocolate chips."  Comment from The First Year Blog

I'm ready for insanely delicious and they really look like they are.  A chocoholic's dream!  

Click here to go to The First Year Blog recipe page.





Oatmeal Coconut Cookies

 


Photo source:  Taste of Home

"Can’t decide between a soft cookie or a crispy one? No problem here. For a cookie that’s soft and chewy, yet crisp and airy, this is the recipe. These oatmeal coconut cookies are like a cross between macaroons and sugar cookies. They feature crispy, golden edges and soft, chewy centers."  Comment from Taste of Home

I can't remember the last time I had an oatmeal cookie, and it is one of my favorites.  But adding the coconut is very interesting and I would love to try it.

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



Strawberry Lemonade Cake

 


Photo source:  Tastes of Lizzy T

"Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Cake gets a flavor burst from real strawberries and lemon zest. You’ll love the fresh lemon glaze on top!

Nothing is more gorgeous than a beautiful bundt cake. This strawberry lemonade cake is no exception! It is a deliciously moist, sweet and tangy dessert. Whether you have fresh garden strawberries or purchase some at the store, this will quickly become a favorite way to celebrate spring and summer."  Comment from Tastes of Lizzy T

Julie of Tastes of Lizzy T also says that a Strawberry Lemonade Cake "tastes like sunshine."  That almost leads me to making a grocery list so I can make this!  I am ready for a cake that is moist, sweet, tangy and delicious.  Since I am on a sugar free diet, those times I venture away from that, I want something super special.  This one sounds like a winner!

Click here to go to the Tastes of Lizzy T recipe page.



Coconut Cake

 


Photo source:  Front Porch Life Magazine

"This old-fashioned 3-Day Coconut Cake is absolutely delicious. It’s made with a mix and just a few more ingredients, and it’s super simple. The hardest part is waiting three days to eat it!"  Comment from Front Porch Life Magazine

All I can say is "WOW". . . that photo leaves a taste of the cake in my mind and is driving me crazy!  Yes, I love coconut cake.  I am so happy to have found a semi-homemade version of one of my favorite cakes.

Click here to go to the Front Porch Life Magazine recipe page.





Saturday, February 21, 2026

Jiffy Mix Recipes

 


Photo source:  Plain Chicken

"Discover the magic of Jiffy Mix with our mouthwatering recipes! From savory classics like Beef Tamale Casserole and Chicken Cornbread Casserole to creative delights like Taco Cornbread Muffins and Super Moist Mayonnaise Cornbread, our collection has something for everyone. Easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with Jiffy Mix!"  Comment from Plain Chicken

Love Jiffy Mix, use it all the time in various recipes and love to have more!  Check them out!

Click here to go to the Plain Chicken recipe page.




Loaded Blondies

 


Photo source:  Recipe Girl

"These super delicious blondies are loaded with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and walnuts. If one of those ingredients doesn’t sound good to you, leave it out or substitute with something else. But I think they are perfect as the recipe is written!"  Comment from Recipe Girl

They look delicious!!  I have never had a blondie, but now I want one.

Click here to go to the Recipe Girl recipe page.




Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

 


Photo source:  All Recipes

"Looking for a hearty rice dish with a kick? This authentic Louisiana red beans and rice is a budget-friendly recipe with incredible Cajun flavor. Andouille sausage joins garden-fresh vegetables, zesty spices, and long grain rice in this deliciously down-home recipe. Learn all about this boldly savory dish, including tips on choosing the best beans and what to serve alongside it."  Comment from All Recipes

I want to try this recipe, but I'm not sure about the Andouille sausage.  Sausage is something I am very picky about.  Maybe I could substitute with Italian sausage.  Everything else sounds delicious.

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.