Family Friendly

Welcome to my recipe index where I share my families most favorite meals. Most of these recipes are just so darn tasty that I have repeated them enough times that I discovered where to cut corners, making convenient substitutions that allow me to get dinner served in less than an hour and some in under 30 minutes.

Mar 26, 20213 min read

Monte Cristo Sandwich

Who remembers the Monte Cristo Sandwich at Bennigans? It was layers of deli meat, battered and deep-fried, then served with raspberry jam...

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Jan 4, 20211 min read

Spaghetti Squash in the Pressure Cooker

I have been a hold out on spaghetti squash, and wouldn't even consider it as an alternative to pasta. What was I thinking? 2020 was an...

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Dec 19, 20203 min read

Zuppa Toscana Lightened Up

If you are searching for a comforting soup that is light on calories and fat, I've altered Zuppa Toscana, a fan favorite, to make it...

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Dec 16, 20202 min read

Spiced Nuts

Once we are back to hosting parties and shindigs in our homes, put this make-ahead Spiced Nuts recipe on your menu. It feels special, and...

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Sep 26, 20203 min read

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Pan Sauce, Roasted Fennel-Apple Salad

We have loved our local Austin Eastciders Honey Cider this summer, and as we move into Fall, I wanted to find a way to cook with it....

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Sep 20, 20202 min read

Crunchy Beer-Battered Fish

Fish and chips, anyone? How about crunchy fish tacos? Oh, now I have your attention! This may be a simple and straightforward recipe, but...

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Sep 19, 20203 min read

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Preparing enchiladas can be a labor-intensive effort, but it doesn't have to be. This recipe streamlines the process.

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Aug 21, 20202 min read

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

Does anyone else love Tex-Mex as much as I do? I could eat it breakfast, lunch, and dinner and never tire of the flavors! To be honest,...

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Dec 5, 20191 min read

Ham Ball

When I married Jim I became a part of the Begley family and have been introduced to many new traditions as well as food items they grew...

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Dec 5, 20192 min read

Egg Noodles and Pork

We can file this recipe under "too simple to possibly be good," and that is precisely what I love about it. My entire family gobbled it...

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Oct 14, 20193 min read

Winter Beef Stew

This Winter Beef Stew is far superior to any beef stew I have ever had. The chunks of beef are braised with red wine, balsamic vinegar,...

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Oct 14, 20191 min read

Mac and Cheese

This is my kids favorite Mac and Cheese, and for good reason. I use shells because they serve as little cups that hold creamy cheese in...

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Oct 11, 20192 min read

Taco Soup

A friend of mine recently asked me for this recipe, and I was reminded that I had not posted it to this web site yet. Shame! Since it's a...

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Oct 4, 20192 min read

Oatmeal Jam Bars

My close friends know I do not like fruit in my dessert. While you may think this is crazy talk, I have met several people who agree with...

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Sep 23, 20194 min read

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

It may be triple digits in Texas, but the calendar claims it is officially Fall. While I have to wait to incorporate scarves into my...

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Aug 18, 20191 min read

Easy Black Bean Soup

Sometimes recipes are developed over time, after many failures and "close, but not there yet" attempts. I made this Black Bean Soup to...

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Aug 7, 20191 min read

Brownie in a Mug

Years ago I discovered this simple recipe online for a fudge brownie microwaved in a mug. Yes, microwaved ya'll. It is perfectly rich and...

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Aug 7, 20191 min read

Cookies for Two

Don't tell my kiddos but sometimes after Jim and I put them to bed I whip up a small dessert for the two of us to share. This small-batch...

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Jul 12, 20192 min read

Chocolate Chip Cast Iron Skillet Cookie

Have you ever dug into a warm ooey gooey chocolate chip skillet cookie? It is heaven! This is an easy recipe for that restaurant-style...

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Mar 29, 20193 min read

Home Run Beef & Broccoli

I had a friend tell me how annoying it was when I post boastful pictures of Bryce willingly eating broccoli on social media. My son loves...

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