Lasagna Soup

So comforting on cold nights. I also like Natasha's Lasagna recipe — it's fairly similar to Stouffer's.

Avocado Tuna Salad

So easy and so fresh! But definitely need bread or something else because I never feel completely full after eating this.

Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce

My go-to pasta sauce. I add a few cloves of minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and cooked italian sausage and simmer until the sauce has completely thickened. Sometimes I'll throw in diced carrots, diced zucchini, and spinach at the end.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

I always double the sauce (but am sure that's just my preference)! I like to use heavy cream instead of milk. I like to call this "adult-version of mushroom chicken". My coworkers would always ask "what's for lunch?" every time I'd heat this up and eat at my desk.

Stuffed Peppers

I add lots of extra veggies (carrots, mushrooms, spinach—whatever I have on hand). I used Rotel diced tomatoes and chiles if I don't have tomatoes on hand. I used leftover white rice, and I like to bake this like a casserole rather than as stuffed peppers.

Turkey Taco Skillet

I use spinach and ground chicken (if I don't have turkey on-hand). I eat this as nacho filling instead of taco filling. I top with extra squeezed lime, sour cream, and sliced avocados and extra cheese.

Green Curry Halibut

Instead of fish, I add cooked diced chicken, I use the green curry paste from the Asian store (I use the measurement suggested by the container). I omit the basil and jalepeno. I like to use frozen organic sweet corn from Trader Joe's and throw in diced potatoes and carrots.

Parmesan Crusted Ranch Mayo Chicken

I like to use chicken breast and cut through the middle so it's thinner. This one is an easy go-to because chicken and parmesan wedges are my kitchen staples. I'll pair with rice and green veggies (I like garlicky sautéed broccoli).

Chicken Pot Pie Stromboli

I made this with boiled chicken. Rather than using frozen carrots, I added fresh carrots. Note: don't overfill your pie. My bestie did, and it looked like a complete explosion.

Jalapeno Popper Spread

I love to eat this with Fritos Scoops!

Furikake Chex Mix

I personally prefer this without the fritos (a bit too salty) and with extra bugles.

Thai Toast

I don't actually follow the measurements. I omit the shrimp, double the pork, add lots of fresh cracked black pepper, a bit extra fish sauce, green onions, and cilantro. I typically make this when I have leftover French Bread from Safeway and extra ground pork after cooking torta. I like to make a cucumber dip for this if I have the ingredients on hand.

Avocado Tuna Salad

I like to double the dressing just in case. I tend to add a touch more salt to this recipe.

Perfect Instant Ramen

I like to use the original Sapporo Ichiban, and instead of sliced cheese, I use whatever cheese I have (usually shredded cheddar). I like to add furikake seasoning instead of scallions.

Twice-Baked Potatoes

Only good fresh. Reminds me of the Stouffer's Twice Baked Potato that I'd eat as an after-school snack in middle school.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

These are great for parties. I like to make it with cream cheese instead of goat cheese.

Thai French Toast

I'll use leftover bread (usually French bread). If you want something savory, this is great with a medium egg, a drizzle chili oil, and buttermilk fried chicken!

Gordon Ramsay Scrambled Eggs

Jon told me about this one! I dont keep crème fraîche or chives on hand, so I use heavy cream and cracked pepper instead. I love this on toast... and if you have garlicky bread crumbs, that's a great topping for this too!

Bacon Egg Cups

This is always a hit, but I like it with mostly pre-cooked bacon.

Migas

I wanted a quick recipe for leftover corn torillas and came across this. I don't add all the toppings listed on this link or follow the measurements. I just wing it. lol If I had fresh avo, I'd love to add it on the side. This morning, I ate it with plain toast.

Salted Peanut Butter Cookies

My new favorite! I omit the salt topping and freezing before baking. I use less sugar and my usual cookie scoop instead of the larger one.

Halfway to Heaven Peanut Butter Cookies

Less sugar! I leave some without the filling because my mom doesn't like the filling.

Peanut Butter Blondies

I like this with less sugar and baked just a tad longer for slightly crispier edges. I always double the recipe.

Treats Truck Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

My mom and I first discovered the Treats Truck when we were vacationing in NYC. For a while, we'd even special ordered their cookies to be shipped from NYC to Hawaii! I love these with the PB & Strawberry Jam filling—but these cookies are also delicious without the filling. One time, I had baked these and they were super crumbly. I used it as a topping with a dollop of jam on vanilla ice cream and it was soooooooo good.

Golden Krispies

I reduce marshmallows and omit mixing in extra 'mallows at the end. The brown butter and golden graham modifications are everrrrrrything.

Scottish Shortbread

So buttery! I like it with less sugar (do NOT use granulated sugar in place of powdered sugar). I sometimes double the almond extract.

Fresh Strawberry Cake

I like this with less sugar and if I have blueberries, I'll add that too! When I use heavy cream instead of milk. it gave it more of a pound cake texture. Yum!

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

If you use refrigerated pie crust, get a good one like Marie Callender's.

Simple Blueberry Basque Cheesecake

I really like the filling. I used less sugar and I want to try this recipe with a buttery graham cracker crust instead of the pastry puff. Also, parchment paper is a must!

Ritz Cookies

I make this as is. Sometimes I double the recipe. (If I have low-sodium crackers, I make sure to add salt or use salted butter—both of which I usually avoid when baking.)

Dole Whip

I only make this with pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and ice cream.

Foccacia Bread

Best fresh! Share this with nearby friends & neighbors. Don't skimp on salt or olive oil. The corners are my favorite!

Banana Banana Bread

My go-to with lots of bananas on hand ripening quicker than I can eat it. If you want the recipe, just text me!

Almond Croissants

Use quality croissants or else it's lame. (I like Starbucks or Costco croissants.) Best enjoyed freshly baked.

Mississippi Roast (Crock Pot)

I trim any fat off of the chuck roast first. Then I sear all sides on the stove before I add to the crock pot. Gravy mix or pot roast mix is good too if you don't have any au jus mix. I like to throw in extra pepperoncinis as well as a tbsp of the juice. I cook on low for 6 hours. If the sauce is a bit saltier than your liking, don't shred all the beef (leave them as bigger chunks).

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

This isn't the recipe I first discovered spaghetti squash, but it's damn near close. The only difference is adding cooked italian sausage or ground beef to the tomato sauce. Also, adding a quick drizzle of olive oil to the cooked squash as well as mixing in a half cup of parm is a must.

Crack Chicken and Rice Casserole

I add about 2 cups of extra veggies of whatever I have on-hand (typically zucchini, mushrooms, extra carrots). Also, I trim some chicken and boil it and set aside some finely diced carrots for the Coopster.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

I like to half the soup recipe (less pearl onions, more potatoes, omit the ham, low-sodium broth is a must!). And I always double the pie crust recipe.

One Pan Cheesy Taco Skillet

Do not skimp on the cheese and make sure you mix it in. I like to half the recipe or else I have leftovers for days. Think Hamburger Helper—lol!

Buttermilk Fried Tenders

I use chicken breast cut into small strips. Use less salt and add red pepper flakes to the breading.

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini

Super easy. I use plain bread crumbs or panko or crushed crackers — whatever I have on hand.

Japanese Style Crispy Pork (Katsu)

I use less ginger. LOVE the cucumber side.

Bikkuri Hamburger

I omitted the nutmeg since I'm not a fan of it. I like this with a medium egg on top. I think it would be great with crispy french fried onions on top as well. Think loco moco patty!

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

I add cooked chicken and sautéed mushrooms.

Lottie & Doof Mac and Cheese

I like this with a less onion, a bit more garlic, bacon, and red pepper flakes! I've never tried this with mascarpone, only cream cheese.