I love serving meatballs as an appetizer, snack, main meal or of course with any type of pasta. These can be made ahead which makes them especially great for larger crowds. I prefer to bake my meatballs, which I feel makes them a bit more healthy and a lot more easy to clean up, with […]
Talking Turkey….What Kind, How Much, How To & More….
Ever wonder what the turkey labels really mean? And is fresh better than frozen? Organic healthier than not? Should you spend the extra dollar amount on a natural turkey?
Spooky Eggs & How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
I make deviled eggs for any and every get-together we have. They are inexpensive and easy to make and you can add different ingredients to change things up.
Batty Cheese Balls
These homemade cheese ball bats are so easy to make and are a perfect appetizer for Halloween entertaining. I used my favorite cheese ball recipe for these but you can use your own recipe if you prefer. Because I make these when I entertain, I make a big batch which can feed up to 20 people […]
Today On FOX21 News…How to Freeze Summer Herbs & Veggies (AND Lots of Recipes!)
Make Your Own Frozen Veggies…Saves Money &Time…And Tastes Great! EASY SKILLET CORN Ready in 10 minutes Serves 4 for approx. $2.50 INGREDIENTS – 2 tablespoons butter 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups frozen corn pinch of paprika salt and pepper to taste (I sometimes add a bit of chopped jalapeno or slice […]
Father’s Day Dinner – Today on FOX21 News
Today Lauren McDonald, FOX21 News Morning Reporter, joined me in the kitchen and around the grill to whip up a delicious, easy and affordable meal perfect for Father’s Day. Here are the recipes… Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer Crack Dip SPICY GRILLED CORN ON THE COB When I was telling Trig and Ashley […]
Crack Dip
I’ve been making this dip for years and I guarantee you there won’t be any leftovers! The recipe takes about 10 minutes to pull together and requires only 6 ingredients. In the past I could whip this up for about $5 to $6 but that was with me shopping sale prices and visiting a couple […]
Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer
This refreshing cocktail is the perfect drink on a warm summer day and something different your dad might enjoy on Father’s Day. I actually found this recipe on one of my favorite sites (epicurious.com) and was pleased with how easy, affordable, and delicious it was. The recipe calls for store bought or homemade lemonade. We […]
Today on FOX21…Fun & Affordable St. Patrick’s Day Food, Drinks, & Crafts
Joining me in the kitchen today is my favorite morning news reporter, FOX21 Lauren McDonald. We’re whipping up everything you need for a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Drinks, food, table decor and more. All on a budget, simple, and delicious. And if you’re looking for last-minute green anything, from clothes to dishes, check out […]
Irish Cottage Pie – Feeds 4 for About $10
This is such an easy and affordable dish for a fun Saint Patrick’s day meal, or any night of the week. And all of the ingredients are things you typically have on hand or are easily found at the grocery store. You can keep this gluten free by using gluten free Worcestershire sauce and broth. […]
Cucumber Lime Basil Sparkling Spritzer
With touches of green (lime, basil, cucumber) this sparkling wine drink is perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s light, refreshing, and super simple. This would also be delicious on a warm summer day. CUCUMBER LIME BASIL SPARKLING SPRITZER Makes 1 serving for approximately $2.35 INGREDIENTS – 1 lime, juiced 4 basil leaves 4 cucumber slices […]
Mint Chocolate Chip Popcorn
I think anything green can be served on St. Patrick’s Day, including this minty chocolate chip popcorn. Super easy and just fun! MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP POPCORN Ingredients: 4 cups popped popcorn 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons butter 1/8 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon mint extract few drops of green food color 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate […]
Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE SLIDERS Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 20 minutes Serves: 8 for $ INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 head cabbage, cut into small wedges 1 bottle Guinness (or any beer, I use gluten free beer) 8 ciabatta rolls (I used GF) […]
Creme Brulee – Perfect for Valentine’s Day & Super Easy
I have been using this Creme Brulee recipe for over 20 years. It is so delicious that I quite honestly have never tried another recipe because this comes out perfect each and every time. Creme Brulee is actually easier to make than you think. It requires no special skills and it’s also very affordable. […]
Easy Super Bowl Day Snack
So excited that FOX21 News Morning Reporter, Lauren McDonald, is joining me in the kitchen again this morning. It should be lots of fun as we whip up lots of great recipes just in time for Super Bowl. Here’s what we’re cooking… PEPPERONI PIZZA POPCORN Pepperoni Pizza Popcorn BEST EVER FRIES Serves 8 for […]
Last Minute Game Day Food & Decoration Ideas….On The Cheap
Having friends and family over for Super Bowl Sunday can be fun but expensive. If you’ve got guests coming and still need to pick up items, here’s a few easy ways to save money….. 1. Make Your Own Party Trays – Party trays are convenient to pick up but can cost up to twice […]
Buffalo Chicken Dip – So Good You Won’t Miss the Wings
Buffalo chicken dip has been a hugely popular recipe to serve on Super Bowl Sunday for several years now. You get the great flavor of chicken wings without the mess and if you serve it with healthy options like celery and carrots, you might not feel quite so “guilty.” Last year I made and shared […]
Feed Your Family of 4 for $15 or Less – Two Complete Meals
Love the mornings when FOX21 Morning Reporter, Lauren McDonald, joins me in the kitchen as she does today. We’re cooking up two complete meals for a family of 4 for less than $15. The first meal is super healthy, quick, and full of flavor. It’s also vegan, gluten free and very versatile, which can help […]
Homemade Vegetable Soup – Hearty, Healthy, Delicious & Cheap!
When it’s chilly outside I want nothing more than a bowl of hearty soup that’s going to warm me up from the inside. I have lots of favorite soup recipes that I make time after time, including quite a few versions of vegetable soup but I wanted something new to try. I typically […]
Poultry…To Rinse or Not?
I am a freak when it comes to safely handling raw poultry. I wear disposable gloves, bleach all surfaces the raw poultry might have touched, including spaces a splatter of juice might have reached, and bleach the sink after I pour any raw juices down the drain. I’m also extremely cautious with utensils and […]