My mother, Shirley, was a pie master. She could mix up crust for a double-crust pie in a matter of seconds. It was always the same recipe: 2 cups all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (sugar if she was making a sweet pie); 2/3 cup Crisco; and 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water. Her’s was always perfect. Perfectly flavored, perfectly crimped, and perfectly browned. Mom didn’t make savory pies often, but this recipe was one of our favorites.

Richard and I love chicken wings. I mean, who doesn’t? Hot, crispy, juicy and slathered in your favorite hot sauce or dipped in any variety of dressings and sauces on-the-side, chicken wings are the perfect finger food. And Mimi’s Fried Chicken Wings deliver just that!

This dish is inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Steakhouse Pasta. It’s filled with flavor from tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach and a creamy, cheesy sauce perfect for pasta. Delicious and so satisfying!

This is such an easy, quick and economical meal! In 30 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table – no kidding. Mimi’s One-Skillet Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Cheesy Casserole is flavorful and satisfying.

Old Fashioned Cube Steak with Tomato Gravy is an old-timey dish inspired by Mom’s roast beef recipe minus the soup. I’m also paying homage to my Midwestern roots where hearty meals are a staple. A family favorite served with lots of mashed potatoes.

Mimi’s Split Pea Soup with Cornbread Croutons is an old-timey and satisfying bowl of steamy comfort. This recipe is a good way to use up leftover ham. Add chunks of russet and sweet potatoes and top off the bowl with crunchy cornbread croutons for a filling wintry meal.

Here’s another comfort food “oldie-but-goodie.” Hot and bubbly from the oven ground meat and vegetable casserole topped with a classic whipped potato crust that forms a nicely browned top layer. Mimi’s Shepherd’s Pie is made special by adding a can of creamed corn on top of the meat and vegetables and before the potato layer is slathered on. Warm and satisfying, indeed. YUM!

Spaghetti Squash and Cincy-Style Chili is the perfect pairing to create a warm, cozy meal. Squash is loaded with mild Cincy-style chili and cheese for the perfect comfort meal.

Bursting with fresh flavors from a summer garden, Pan-Seared Cod Filet with Tomatoes, Corn, and Basil-infused Israeli couscous will become a fabulous, flavorful favorite in your quick fix summer-time menu rotation. Delicious and so easy and quick to prepare!

Summertime Tomato, Avocado, Roasted Corn, Basil Pasta Salad is a salad bowl to behold! This salad is the perfect side or main dish for the height of summer’s flavorful bounty. In August, we can find all these ingredients readily available at the height of their freshness. This is what summer eating is all about, without a doubt!

We all need a quick and easy meal like this one in our arsenal. And everyone likely has a pantry and freezer with the ingredient staples on hand. Quick and Easy Crustless Taco Pie is not only delicious but gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly. And did I mention it’s kid-friendly, too? A win-win in my book of tricks.

Quick and light, Orange Shrimp with Broccoli and Garlic is perfect for an easy and informal dinner with a little citrus and spice. Yummy!

It’s that time of year! Cold, rainy, and windy here in Indiana. We’re expecting snow in a few days – Baked Gnocchi with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella is the perfect yummy bite. You’ll be all warm and cozy in no time, guaranteed. And it’s a very quick dish – 35-40 minutes.
Serve with a green salad and a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread. Heavenly!

This dish is inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Steakhouse Pasta. It’s filled with flavor from tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach and a creamy, cheesy sauce perfect for pasta. Delicious and so satisfying!

This is a fabulous, quick and easy side dish. Serve Cauliflower Cake with Pecorino and Basil as a side dish with any protein or on its own with a salad. Slices are fabulous warmed in the microwave the next day for lunch. Or reheat leftovers served with a big, fresh salad and warm crusty bread for another simple and satisfying meal.

Summertime Tomato, Avocado, Roasted Corn, Basil Pasta Salad is a salad bowl to behold! This salad is the perfect side or main dish for the height of summer’s flavorful bounty. In August, we can find all these ingredients readily available at the height of their freshness. This is what summer eating is all about, without a doubt!

Spicy Sweet Potato, Peanut & Kale Soup is a warm, rich, comfort seasoned with sweet curry and tumeric. And it’s thickened with peanut butter, not butter-flour-cream so it’s healthy, too! It’s gluten-free. This soup would be perfect to serve during the holidays.

We’ve been grilling since Memorial Day. Time for a switch. It doesn’t get any easier than this. Lemon Pasta is inexpensive to make, easy and quick to prepare, and is a delicious lemony, cheesy pasta delight. Lemon Pasta is a perfect main dish or as a side dish served alongside any lightly grilled protein.

Simple Chicken Curry – There’s nothing easier, with a palette changing array of spices. This is served with rice or rice noodles, and an array of sauteed vegetables. Put this in your recipe box for something different, quick, and satisfying.

Want a quick and easy dessert? Mimi’s Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are a perfect sweet bite that I whipped these up in no time for a Christmas open house last week. All store-bought ingredients and these tasty mini’s were ready in 30 minutes.

Would you describe yourself as a “chocoholic?” If the smell and taste of chocolate makes your heart skip a beat, these are the brownies for you!

I found this brilliant recipe for Apple Pie Cheesecake at Tasty in Kathryn Aubin’s feature 4 Pies to Bake With Your BFF. Just like any cheesecake, this takes some time to bake, but that’s it. The remainder of the process is easy, easy, easy. Seriously – a no-brainer easy.