With a toddler in the house, I look for foods that are a snap to make. Loaded with beef, cheese and a flavorful rice mix, these enchiladas come together without a fuss. But they’re so good that guests think I spent hours in the kitchen. Ingredients 1 package (6.8 ounces) Spanish rice and pasta mix…

As a bread baker, I’m always experimenting with new flavor combinations. My mustard and Gruyere bread has become my all-time favorite for sandwiches. The bread elevates every sandwich to gourmet status. Ingredients 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°) 1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup canola oil 3 tablespoons…

I make this recipe every summer when peaches are ripe. Each year I improve the dessert with slight changes, and this version is the best one yet. Ingredients 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3 medium peaches, divided 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup sour…

My husband came home from a work meeting that had served pork with a spicy blueberry salsa. He was amazed at how tasty it was, so I came up with my own rendition without seeing or tasting what he had. It took several tries, but this is the delicious result. Ingredients 1-1/4 cups fresh or…

I love to have avocados on hand, but they sometimes get too ripe too fast. This avocado bread is a wonderful, unusual way to use them. It makes a delightful dessert served warm with chocolate or vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Ingredients 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1-1/4 cups sugar, divided 1 tablespoon baking…

I love southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how these stuffed peppers were born. Ingredients 8 poblano peppers 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 medium zucchini, chopped 1 small red onion, chopped 4 garlic…

This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 large egg 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2…

We enjoy this hearty, traditional meat pie year-round, but especially during hunting season. This is one recipe I’ll be sure to pass on to our seven children. Ingredients 1 cup shortening 1 cup boiling water 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt FILLING: 4 cups shredded peeled potatoes 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)…

Recipes that don’t tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. Ingredients 1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamon-raisin bread 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 8 large eggs 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1 cup canned…

My kids love to stuff spiral pasta inside bread for a clever dinner torte. We save the bread crusts to make garlicky croutons for salad. Ingredients 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta 1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 medium onion,…