Diane | Created by Diane

The Best Breakfast for Dinner Recipes: Easy Brinner Ideas

Diane — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:04:19 +0000

Who says breakfast is only for the morning? Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite ways to get an easy, comforting meal on the table. Brinner is the fun dinner.

Brinner Collection:

Full of eggs, bacon, potatoes, French toast, and all those breakfast favorites somehow taste even better when you’re eating them for dinner. I have some fun items with a breakfast twist that I can’t wait for you to try.

And breakfast for dinner doesn’t have to mean making a stack of pancakes. There are plenty of hearty options that feel like a complete meal, from breakfast pizza loaded with scrambled eggs and bacon to enchiladas filled with eggs and cheese.

If you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that the whole family will enjoy, try one of these breakfast inspired recipes for Brinner!

Let’s make Brinner!

Scrambled Egg Pizza is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s delicious. A pizza crust topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and all the breakfast flavors you love. It’s an easy way to turn breakfast favorites into a fun dinner.

Eggs Benedict Enchiladas– Take the flavors of Eggs Benedict and turn them into enchiladas. Eggs, Canadian bacon, and creamy hollandaise come together in a fun twist that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast for dinner.
Avocado Corn Cakes– These Avocado Corn Cakes make a delicious meatless breakfast for dinner. Crispy corn cakes topped with creamy avocado make a simple meal feel a little more special.
Stuffed French Toast– If you like French toast, you’ll love Stuffed French Toast. It’s sweet, comforting, and makes breakfast for dinner feel like a treat.
Squash and Eggs – is a simple combination that makes a surprisingly satisfying dinner. It’s a great way to use fresh squash and turn a few basic ingredients into something delicious.
French Fries and Scrambled Eggs – is one of those meals that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Crispy fries with soft scrambled eggs make an easy, filling meal when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.

Serve it with fresh fruit, bacon, or sausage to make a complete meal.

More Breakfast for Dinner Ideas (Brinner)

If you’re looking for even more ways to make breakfast for dinner, here are a few more ideas to add to your menu.

Cauliflower Fried Rice – is a great option when you want something savory and satisfying with plenty of vegetables.
Baked Huevos Rancheros – brings eggs, tortillas, beans, and a flavorful tomato sauce together for a dinner that’s anything but boring.
Scrambled Egg Fried Rice – is an easy way to turn leftover rice and eggs into a quick dinner.
Pizza Omelet: pepperoni – is for anyone who thinks pizza belongs at every meal. It’s essentially the flavors of a pepperoni pizza tucked into an omelet, and it’s a fun change from the usual breakfast routine.
Spaghetti and Eggs – is one of those simple, comforting meals that proves eggs aren’t just for breakfast. Add an egg to a bowl of spaghetti, and you’ve got an easy meal that’s a little unexpected and really delicious.
Cheesy Bacon Potatoes – take just 5 minutes to make and are loaded with cheesy, bacon-y goodness. Add eggs made just how you like them, and you’ve got an easy dinner with very little effort.

Can you believe these potatoes can be ready in 5 minutes? They are a perfect hearty side dish to any Brinner!

Enjoy Breakfast All Day Long!

Breakfast for dinner is easy, flexible, and a great way to use ingredients you already have in the refrigerator. So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, skip the usual dinner recipes and make breakfast instead.

And there are so many more ways to make breakfast for dinner. You don’t have to stick with traditional breakfast recipes. Think of it as a chance to make whatever sounds good!

And that’s one of the best things about breakfast for dinner: eggs give you so many options. Make them scrambled, fried, poached, soft-boiled, hard-boiled, or however you like them. Add bacon, sausage, spam, pork roll, potatoes, vegetables, cheese, toast, tortillas, or whatever you happen to have on hand.

Hearty and Healthy!

And don’t miss one of my all-time favorite baked egg dishes. Refried Beans and Eggs… It’s a must-make.

My husband has a group of friends and they all go road bike riding on the weekends. It’s been a running recipe I make for this if they come by after and are starving and want to sit and chat while they enjoy a Guinness! This Refried beans and Eggs is so simple to put together in minutes and a great reason to have canned beans on hand, along with eggs.

Brinner can be a hearty breakfast pizza, a plate of eggs and fries, a quick bowl of cheesy potatoes, or even spaghetti with an egg on top. There really are no rules, and that’s what makes it so much fun.

Asparagus Hollandaise is a great side dish for brinner to serve with these items.

A bowl of fresh fruit will always get devoured, and if you’re serving Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast, don’t forget some Whipped Cream.

Looking for a fun savory French toast option? This is it!

If you need a cast iron skillet, I love this one, it’s lighter in weight, making it perfect!

You’ll find more delicious options on my Brunch Post.

And you’ve go to try these Cornbread Pancakes! They are perfect for Brinner!

And one last thing…

What to put on top of toast.

These quick and easy toast ideas take just minutes to put together and are perfect when you need something fast, filling, and delicious.

From simple toppings to more creative combinations, toast is an easy meal any time of day.

Deviled Eggs are always a great idea for breakfast, brinner, and anytime snacking!

Add a side of fruit!

Cut fruit or buy a fruit platter, adding berries or cherries and a delicious fruit dip makes it a reason to celebrate! You’ll find the recipe for this sweet cream cheese fruit dip here.

If you need a fun drink… serve mimosas, these Strawberry Lemonade Mimosas or Apple Sangria are great options!

Looking for a fun DESSERT…

Rice Pudding

1 Hour Strawberry Shortcake. it’s fantastic!

Buttermilk Cake with a Blackberry Glaze– that color is a show stopped and the cake is tender and irresistible.

Easy Skillet Carrot Cake Recipe– this is one of my all time favorites, I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve made it!

Oh and one last recipe…

Buttermilk Biscuits, these are light and flaky and so delicious! Make extra and have breakfast sandwiches the next day too.

Lastly: If you need more items to make for breakfast, don’t rule any of these non traditional items!

More Breakfast Favorites:

Spaghetti and Eggs
Scrambled Egg Pizza
Portabella Mushroom and Eggs
Apple Cheddar Scones
Ham, Egg, Cheese Cups
Avocado Corn Cakes
Pizza Omelet
Pancake Mix Biscuits and Turkey Gravy
Toast Overload– OMG so many toast options, don’t miss it

Now you’re all set with fun options for breakfast and dinner!

The post The Best Breakfast for Dinner Recipes: Easy Brinner Ideas first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Glaze Icing, Quickly and Easily!

Diane — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:40:31 +0000

If you need a quick and easy icing for cookies, cakes, donuts, or other baked treats, this simple glaze icing is a great recipe to have on hand. Made with just powdered sugar and water, it comes together in minutes and can easily be customized with your favorite flavor and color.

How to Make Glaze Icing

If you need a quick and easy icing for cookies, cakes, donuts, or other baked treats, this simple glaze icing is a great recipe to have on hand. It takes just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes. Plus, you can easily change the flavor, color, and consistency to suit whatever you’re making.

This powdered sugar glaze is especially handy when you want an icing that looks pretty without the fuss of a complicated frosting. Add vanilla extract for a classic flavor, almond extract for something a little more bakery-style, or lemon extract for a fresh citrus flavor. You can even add food coloring to create just about any color you need.

Concentrated gel colors work best. Start with a drop and add more as needed. White food coloring will make the colors more opaque. Without white coloring, the colors will be more translucent (think glaze icing on a donut).

Elevate the flavor and color of you’re desserts

Add a splash of vanilla, almond, lemon, or another favorite extract, then tint it with food coloring for the exact look you want.

For a smooth, shinier glaze that sets beautifully and has a slightly softer chew to it, you can also add a little corn syrup.

Best of all, you can make it as thick or thin as you need, making this an easy go-to icing for decorating just about anything.

Soft pink is one of my favorite colors!

Why You’ll Love This Glaze Icing

There are plenty of reasons to keep this simple glaze recipe in your recipe box.

It’s easy. You only need a few basic ingredients.

It’s quick. The glaze can be mixed together in just a few minutes.

It’s customizable. Change the flavor, color, and thickness depending on what you’re making.

It’s versatile. Use it on cookies, brownies, donuts, muffins, scones, breads, cakes, and more.

It looks great. A simple glaze adds a pretty finished touch to baked goods without covering them completely.

Ingredients

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is the base of this glaze. Because it is finely ground, it dissolves easily and creates a smooth icing.

Water

A small amount of water thins the powdered sugar to create the glaze. Add it gradually because it is much easier to thin the icing than to thicken it again.

Flavoring

Vanilla extract is my go-to for a simple glaze, but there are plenty of other fun options.

Orange extract great for holiday cookies and chocolate desserts.
Peppermint extract makes a fun Christmas glaze
Coconut extract for that yummy comfort flavor

When selecting flavors use good quality flavors, some cheap versions taste like medicine

Food Coloring

Food coloring is completely optional, but it’s an easy way to make this glaze fit the occasion. Use a few drops for a soft color or add more until you get the shade you want.

Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is optional, but adding a small amount can give the glaze a smoother, shinier finish. It can also help the icing set with a nice appearance.

How to Make Glaze Icing

First, add the powdered sugar to a bowl.

Next, add a small amount of water and stir until smooth. Start with less liquid than you think you need. You can always add more.

Then, add your favorite extract and stir well.

If you’re making colored icing, add food coloring a little at a time until you reach the color you want.

For a shinier glaze, add a small amount of corn syrup and mix until incorporated.

Finally, check the consistency before using it. If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of water. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

I do prefer using metal bowls (as I can’t tell you how many ceramic bowls I slid off the counter while whisking the icing over the years)

How Thick Should Glaze Icing Be?

The consistency depends on what you’re making.

For drizzling, you’ll want a thinner glaze that easily runs from a spoon or whisk.
For dipping cookies or donuts, make the glaze a little thicker so it coats the surface without running off completely.
For decorating or outlining, you’ll want a thicker icing that holds its shape.

The best part is that you can adjust it as you go. Add powdered sugar to thicken it or a tiny amount of water to thin it.

How to Flavor Glaze Icing

This is where you can have a little fun with the recipe. Mix in the extract, start with a small amount, mix well… taste it, then add more,

How to Color Glaze Icing

Once you have your glaze mixed, divide it into small bowls if you’re making several colors.

Add food coloring a drop at a time and stir well between additions. Remember that the color can become more noticeable as it sits, so it’s better to start with a small amount.

For pastel colors, use just a tiny amount of food coloring. Dip a toothpick into the color then add it to the icing and mix it well and let it sit, colors deepen as time passes.

For brighter colors, continue adding food coloring until you get the shade you’re looking for.

For dark colors like red and black, mix it the day before, place plastic wrap directly over the icing, touching it so no air gets in, to make it hard and let it rest. The next day, mix it up, and the colors will be deeper.

Don’t add too much food coloring to start off, you don’t need to color everyone’s tongues like grocery store frosting.

Recipes I use Glaze Icing

How to Use Glaze Icing

There are so many ways to use this simple icing.

For cookies, you can spread the glaze with a small spatula, silicone brush, dip the tops directly into the icing, or drizzle it over the cookies or scones with a whisk a spoon.

For cakes and breads, let the baked good cool completely before adding the glaze. Otherwise, the icing can melt and disappear into the cake.

Tips for Making the Best Glaze

Add the liquid slowly. This is probably the most important tip. Powdered sugar can go from thick to too thin very quickly.

Sift the powdered sugar if needed. If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sifting it first will help you get a smoother glaze.

Taste before adding more flavoring. Extracts can be strong, especially almond and peppermint, so a little goes a long way.

Keep the glaze covered. Powdered sugar icing can begin to form a crust if it sits uncovered.

Adjust the consistency as needed. Don’t worry if your first mix isn’t perfect. A little more powdered sugar or a few drops of water will fix it.

Let your baked goods cool first. Glaze works best when it is applied to completely cooled baked goods.

Can I Make Glaze Icing Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can make the glaze ahead of time and keep it covered at room temperature for a short period.

Before using it, stir well. If it has thickened, add a few drops of water until it reaches the consistency you need.

If you’ve divided the icing into several colors, keep each bowl covered so the surface doesn’t dry out. Place plastic wrap touching the icing so it does not harden.

How Long Does Glaze Icing Take to Set?

The amount of time depends on how thick the glaze is and how much you apply. A thin drizzle will set faster than a thick coating.

For best results, allow glazed cookies or baked goods to sit uncovered until the surface feels dry before stacking or storing them. Don’t touch it with your finger, use a toothpick!

Can I use milk instead of water?

Do not use milk, it will give certain colors a white streak (trust me on this) plus you don’t want to use dairy and not refrigerate the. Most desserts we’ve discussed with glaze icing do not need refrigeration. For best results use water.

Can I use lemon juice?

Yes. Lemon juice is a great option when you want a lemon glaze. You can replace some or all of the water with lemon juice, depending on how strong you want the flavor.

Why is my glaze too thin?

Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you want. Mix well and allow the water to soak into and absorb the powdered sugar.

Why is my glaze too thick?

Add water a few drops at a time and stir well. A little liquid goes a long way. Fill a water bottle or spray bottle with water to add a drop at a time.

Can I make white glaze icing?

Absolutely. The basic recipe makes a naturally white glaze. For the whitest icing, use clear vanilla extract instead of regular vanilla, if desired. And add some white food coloring if you want it opaque and bright white.

Simple Glaze Icing

This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Keep powdered sugar and your favorite extract on hand and you’ll always have a quick icing ready for cookies, cakes, muffins, and other treats.

It’s simple, versatile, and easy to customize. Plus, once you know how to adjust the consistency, you can make the glaze exactly how you need it for whatever you’re baking.

How to Make Glaze Icing

the perfecet icing for donuts, cookies muffins, and creates a thin coating on top of cakes, great for bundt cakes, scones and more.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword glaze icing, icing

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

2 cups Powdered sugar add more as needed to thicken icing
2 tablespoons water add more as needed to thin icing
1/4 teaspoon extract flavor vanilla, almond, lemon, orange, mint
2 teaspoons corn syrup
1 drop gel food coloring

Instructions

In a bowl with whisk or spatula add powdered sugar and water and stir to combine
Next, add water, stirring until smooth.
Then, add favorite extract and mix well.
Add food coloring and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
For a shiny finish, add corn syrup and mix well.
Finally, adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar or water as needed.
Use immediately or cover until ready to use. Place plastic wrap directly over the icing, touching it so no air gets in. When you're ready to use it stir, and it's ready.

Notes

Often I start with a thinner 5 second icing for drizzling. In the icing bowl, I drag a spatula through tit and ini 5 seconds you can no longer see the line.
For piping cookies I use a 10 second outline and a thinner consistency to flood.
TEST the icing on a piece of wax paper and see if it spread further then you’d like add more powdered sugar, if it’s too thick and water.

The post How to Make Glaze Icing, Quickly and Easily! first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Chocolate Ganache

Diane — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:16:21 +0000

This rich, creamy, delicious chocolate sauce makes almost any dessert feel extra special. Best of all, you only need chocolate and cream to make chocolate ganache, and once you learn how easy it is, you’ll find plenty of reasons to keep a batch on hand.

What is chocolate ganache?

Chocolate ganache is a mixture of chocolate and heavy cream. The ratio of chocolate to cream determines how thick or thin the ganache will be.

More cream creates a thinner sauce that is perfect for pouring and drizzling. More chocolate creates a thicker ganache that can be used as a frosting or filling.

Create different textures:

The best part is you can make it warm and pourable, firm and pipeable, scoopable, moldable, and whipped.

Pour it over cakes, brownies, ice cream, or cheesecake.

Let it cool and thicken for a spreadable frosting.

Chill it to whip it into frosting.

Best of all, the beauty of ganache is how simple it is. There is no complicated technique or long list of ingredients. The key is using good-quality chocolate and heating the heavy cream just until it is hot, then letting the chocolate melt into it.

Chocolate with warmed heavy cream… let it sit a few minutes, then whisk smooth.

Whipped into a Frosting, the perfect item to fill cookies, pastries, and cakes.

Want more to make with it? Add cream cheese… oh yeah, it’s yummy! It’s an incredible frosting or filling.

Now turn it into a silky smooth and creamy lighter frosting with the addition of cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature, or there will be lumps. This is decadent and lighter in color and super creamy.

It has a shiny look and silky smooth richness that is undeniably gorgeous.

Ways to use chocolate ganache

Truffles: Chill ganache until it’s firm and able to be scooped, roll into balls, and coat in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate.
Dipped Treats: Dip fresh strawberries, banana slices, pretzels, or marshmallows into warm ganache.
Filled Pastries: Pipe smooth ganache into cream puffs, or use it to fill cookies and macarons.
Dessert Sauce: Thin out warm ganache with a little extra cream or milk to drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
Hot Chocolate: Stir a spoonful directly into hot milk for a rich chocolate drink.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter are a winning combo. Bake up a fresh batch of Peanut Butter Cut Out Cookies to dip into the ganache, then top with chopped peanuts.

Thick but still pipeable, it doesn’t matter what shape cookie you’re making, ganache is thick and rich and can be piped to make sandwich cookies.

Once you see how easy this is, you’ll want to put ganache with so many things.

I love heart cookies… these filled spritz cookies are perfect, and chocolate ganache and butter cookies are a dynamic duo!

Can I make chocolate ganache using chocolate chips?

Yes, you can. I use 60% Ghirardelli chocolate chips with no issues, but some chocolate chips won’t melt easily; they are made not to melt easily, so try a small batch before using all your chocolate chips to be sure you love the result.
Use chocolate bars, blocks, or callets to make chocolate ganache if you have trouble with chips because lots of chips have emulsifiers in them, which keep them from melting at low temperatures.
If you use chocolate chips to make your ganache, the cream will need to be very hot in order to melt the chocolate chips.

Mini S’more Pies

Tips for making ganache

Use chocolate that you enjoy eating. Since there are only a couple of ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate really comes through.

Don’t boil the cream. You want it hot enough to melt the chocolate, but bringing it to a full boil can affect the texture.

The key is to let the chocolate and cream sit together for a few minutes before stirring. This gives the chocolate time to soften and makes it easier to create a smooth ganache.

Hot Fudge Cupcakes

If your ganache is too thick, stir in a little warm cream until you reach the consistency you want. If it is too thin, allow it to cool for a while, and it will thicken as it sits.

Chocolate ganache is one of those simple recipes worth keeping in your kitchen basics collection.

Chocolate Chip Pancake Bundt Cake

Once you make it, you’ll find plenty of desserts that are even better with a little chocolate ganache poured, drizzled, spread, or dipped on top.

How to Make Chocolate Ganache

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1/3 cup heavy cream *use more cream if you want it thinner
1/2 cup chocolate chips I used 60% cacao Ghirardelli chips

Instructions

This portion worked well to slather on the cake when it was still soft and at room temperature, before it set up firm.
In the note area below, there are additional proportions that can be used for frosting, truffles, and filling for cookies.
Heat the heavy cream until it's hot (not boiling).
Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Pour the heated cream over the top of the chocolate and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Then begin to slowly mix or whisk the cream and softened chocolate together until thick and silky smooth.

Notes

1:2: one part chocolate, 2 parts cream. Example 4 ounces chocolate, 8 ounces cream for pourable glaze.

1:1 ratio of dark chocolate to cream. Example: 8 ounces of chocolate blended with 8 ounces of heavy whipping cream. This ganache can be used as a filling for cookies and cakes and whipped into frosting

2:1 ratio of dark chocolate to cream
Example: 8 ounces chocolate to 4 ounces heavy whipping cream. This thick, fudge-like ganache is what you will use to make truffles and firm piping that will not spread between cookies

The post How to Make Chocolate Ganache first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Strawberry Sauce

Diane — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:57:00 +0000

If you have fresh strawberries, you can turn them into a delicious strawberry sauce in just a few minutes. This easy homemade sauce is sweet, fruity, and perfect for spooning over pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, ice cream, or your favorite dessert.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and tastes so much better than store-bought sauce. Best of all, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for an easy topping whenever you need it.

Strawberry sauce is also a great way to use fresh strawberries when you have more than you know what to do with. The berries cook down into a thick, glossy sauce with plenty of little pieces of strawberry throughout. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator, so it’s ready whenever you need a quick dessert topping.

Once you make this easy homemade strawberry sauce, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it. And honestly, grabbing a spoon and eating a little straight from the jar is perfectly acceptable too!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sauce

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
• Ready in about 10 minutes
• Great for breakfast or dessert
• Can be made ahead of time
• Easy to adjust to your preferred sweetness and thickness

Tips for Making Strawberry Sauce

Use fresh or frozen strawberries. Fresh strawberries are wonderful when they are in season, but frozen strawberries work just as well. There is no need to thaw frozen berries first.
Cut the strawberries into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the strawberries as they cook.
Don’t skip the lemon juice. A little lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and keeps the sauce from tasting overly sweet.
Adjust the thickness. The cornstarch thickens the sauce as it cooks. If you want a thinner sauce, use a little less cornstarch. For a thicker sauce, add a little more.
Remember that it thickens as it cools. The sauce may look slightly thinner while it is hot. Once refrigerated, it will become thicker. Make it as thick or thin as you like.
Taste before serving. Strawberries can vary quite a bit in sweetness. If your berries are very tart, you may want to add a little more sugar.
For a smoother sauce, blend it. Once the sauce has cooled slightly, use an immersion blender or regular blender to make it smooth.
Looking for a chunkier sauce, leave the berries alone. Simply stir occasionally while they cook and gently mash a few of the strawberries with the back of a spoon.

How to Use Strawberry Sauce

There are so many ways to use this homemade sauce. Spoon it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, cheesecake, ice cream, pound cake, or strawberry shortcake. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for an easy breakfast.

It is especially good served warm over vanilla ice cream. The warm strawberry sauce melts into the ice cream and creates a simple dessert that tastes much more special than the amount of effort it takes to make it.

How to Store Strawberry Sauce

Allow the strawberry sauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It is great to make ahead, so you can have it ready for breakfast or dessert.

You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

A Simple Homemade Topping

Once you see how easy it is to make strawberry sauce, you may find yourself making it often. It is a simple way to turn everyday foods into something special, and you can easily adjust the texture and sweetness to suit whatever you are serving.

Fresh strawberries, a little sugar, lemon juice, and a few minutes on the stove are all you need for a homemade topping that is hard to resist.

The fruit does rise to the top, so there is more sauce underneath, be sure to grab more sauce. Use a ladle style spoon

Ingredients

strawberries (fresh or frozen, tops cut off)
granulated sugar
lemon juice
cornstarch
vanilla extract
water

Instructions

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Cannoli Dip– Charcuterie with strawberries
Strawberry Lemonade Mimosa
1 hour Strawberry Shortcake
Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie

I just love how cute strawberry items are, this strawberry tote is just too cute!

And I could see these strawberry towels tucked into a basket with jars of overnight oats to bring to a morning appointment or meeting.

How to Make Strawberry Sauce

easy strawberry sauce recipe for pancakes and other breakfast items, along with desserts like ice cream and shortcake

Course sauce

Cuisine American

Keyword fruit

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

2 cups strawberries, 1 pint
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablspoon lemon juice, 1/2 a lemon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a 2-quart saucepan or frying pan combine strawberries and sugar.
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and vanilla
Pour that mixture over the berries and stir to combine
Heat over medium heat until it simmers, the berries soften and juices are released creating the sauce.
Add more water if you'd like a thinner sauce, or if the berries are not juice, more dry and you need more sauce, add up to a cup of water. If you add more water than that, add some more sugar and cornstarch.
Remove from heat, allow to cool 10 minutes.
Pour it into a glass canning jar or similar.
Serve or store in the fridge up to a month.
Reheat before serving for best flavor.

The post How to Make Strawberry Sauce first appeared on Created by Diane.

Ground Beef, Black Bean, and Sweet Potato Tortilla Pockets

Diane — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:07:56 +0000

Looking for something a little different to make with ground beef? These Ground Beef, Black Bean, and Sweet Potato Tortilla Pockets are an easy way to turn a few simple ingredients into a meal that feels a little more special than the usual taco night.

If you’re looking for a fun twist on taco night, these crispy tortilla empanadas with ground beef, sweet potato, and black beans are about to become a favorite. Made with simple ingredients and pan-fried to golden perfection, they have that irresistible crunch on the outside with a warm, flavorful filling inside.

What to make with ground beef:

That is a common question when dinner time rolls around, there are so many great options. Here are some of my favorites.

My new favorite recipe with Ground Beef is packed with black beans and sweet potatoes!

Think of them as a homemade hot pocket meets taco, easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or casual gatherings.

The filling is made with seasoned ground beef, tender sweet potato, and black beans, then tucked inside flour tortillas and cooked until the outside is golden and crisp. They’re hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.

They only take a few minutes to fill the tortillas, and use a mixture of flour and water in a “glue” consistency for the edges to stick together.

I love recipes like this because you don’t need a lot of ground beef to make a satisfying meal. The sweet potato and black beans add plenty of filling texture, and the combination works so well with the seasoned beef. They’re also a great way to use up that one sweet potato sitting in the pantry!

A great way to use ground beef

If you’re wondering what to make with ground beef, these tortilla pockets are a fun change from burgers, tacos, or the usual skillet recipes. The filling can be made ahead of time, and once everything is assembled, the pockets cook quickly.

You can also adjust the filling to suit what you have available. Add a little more black bean, use leftover roasted sweet potato, swap in ground turkey or chicken, or add some shredded cheese for an extra cheesy filling.

You can season any ground meat variety using my taco seasoning recipe. It’s perfectly flavored and not too spicy. I use it a lot for many of my Mexican recipes, such as my Taco Baked Ziti or taco chicken.

Make the filling your own

One of the best things about these tortilla pockets is how flexible they are. You can change the filling depending on what you have in the refrigerator.

Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced jalapeños for some heat, corn for a little sweetness, or leftover cooked vegetables or some fresh spinach leaves. You can even make them with ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or sausage instead of beef.

Besides this post, you won’t want to miss my post “pound of ground” recipes for so many ideas using ground meat.

So many options to make these use ground meat, or the diced meat of your choice. These have chicken in them, so you can make them often and give them a different protein to mix up the flavors.

Vegetarian options:

Use mushrooms instead of meat
Diced cauliflower can be added
Or fill them with Potato and Poblano peppers like in these tacos for a fun flavor combination.

What to serve with tortilla pockets

These are filling enough to serve on their own, but I like adding a couple of easy sides to make a complete meal.

These tortilla pockets are basically the homemade version of a Hot Pocket, only better. You get a thin, crispy tortilla wrapped around a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and sweet potato, so every bite has a little bit of everything

Just like the Hot Pockets you can buy in the freezer section of the grocery store. You can make these in popular flavors like pepperoni pizza, ham and cheese, and Philly cheesesteak. The flavor options are endless, so have fun and make a filling everyone will love.

They go really well with Mexican Rice, Pan Roasted Corn, or some Elote.

You can also serve them with your favorite taco toppings.

red salsa and salsa verde
guacamole
pickled jalapeños
sour cream
avocado
squeeze of fresh lime
And don’t forget about Cilantro lime Sauce

Why you’ll want to make these

These Ground Beef, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tortilla Pockets are the kind of meal that checks a lot of boxes. They’re easy, filling, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. They’re also portable, which makes them great for lunch, casual dinners, or feeding hungry people without making a complicated meal.

And because the filling ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, this is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need an easy ground beef dinner and more budget friendly meals.

What to Make with Ground Beef: Easy Sweet Potato Hand Pies

These Ground Beef, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tortilla Pockets are an easy way to turn a few simple ingredients into a meal that feels a little more special than the usual taco night.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword black bean, ground beef

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

12 8" flour tortillas (any size will work, adjust how much ingredients you add)
1 ground beef
1 medium sweet potato, diced
1 15oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

flour + water to "glue" the tortillas together

3/4 cup flour
3-6 tablespoons water, add more flour or water to get a sticky thick consistency

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.
Place the diced sweet potato into a microwave safe bowl and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Add the sweet potato and black beans to the skillet and stir to heat and combine
Add taco seasoning to the water mixed with cornstarch, and mix into the skillet to create a sauce over on mixture.
Have the tortillas ready (if they were cold, warm in the microwave for 20 seconds so they are soft and won't crack. Room temperature works best; you do not want them warm, or they will stretch too much.
Mix the flour and water.
With a spoon, spread a tablespoon of the flour mixture around the outer edge of the tortilla
Place 1/3-1/2 cup filling into the center of each tortilla.
Press the edges of the tortilla together and pinch so they stick together well, go over the edges twice to be sure they are sealed.
Heat a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat and brown both sides of each tortilla. You can fill the pan with as many as will fit. Cook in batches until they are all cooked.

The post Ground Beef, Black Bean, and Sweet Potato Tortilla Pockets first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Simple Kale Caesar Salad, Dressing, and Croutons

Diane — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:03:12 +0000

This kale Caesar salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic Caesar we all love. The kale holds up beautifully to the creamy Caesar dressing, while crunchy croutons and cheese add just the right amount of texture and flavor. It’s easy enough for a quick lunch, but delicious enough to serve alongside dinner too.

I’m all about quick and easy, and this recipe is both.

Can we all agree that homemade dressing always tastes better than store-bought?

The only thing better is when someone else makes it!

With minimal ingredients, this is bound to become your new favorite!

Add some grilled chicken and make it a nice lunch or dinner on a warm day.

I’m all about fresh, toasted croutons and simple salad dressings.

If you’re looking for a simple side salad that feels a little more special, this kale Caesar salad is always a great choice.

The homemade dressing is packed with fresh lemon, garlic, Romano cheese, and just enough anchovy to give it that classic Caesar flavor.

Tossed with crisp kale and crunchy homemade croutons, it’s a salad that’s hearty enough to stand up to grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or your favorite pasta dishes.

Ingredients for Simple Caesar Dressing

Fresh Lemon Juice
Garlic (minced or paste)
Anchovies (another option: finely mince green olives)
Dijon Mustard
1 egg yolk
Romano Cheese, grated (another option: Parmesan Cheese)
Avocado/Olive Oil
Worcestershire Sauce
Coarse Salt
Coarse Black Pepper

You’ll also need

Chopped Kale or Baby Kale
And bread for croutons, it’s the best reason to keep the ends of bread, or bread that has gone stale, hidden in your fridge or freezer so you can make fresh croutons anytime you’d like.

One of the things I love most about using kale is that it holds up well after being dressed.

Unlike delicate greens that can wilt quickly, kale stays fresh and crisp, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. If you prefer a slightly more tender texture, massage the kale with a small drizzle of oil before adding the dressing.

The homemade croutons add the perfect crunch and are an easy way to use up leftover bread. Combined with the creamy Caesar dressing and plenty of grated Romano cheese, every bite is loaded with flavor. This simple salad proves that a few fresh ingredients can create something truly delicious.

This is the kind of side salad that can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, and pasta dishes. The bold Caesar flavors complement simple proteins without overpowering them.

If you’re serving guests, don’t be surprised when everyone wants to have seconds.

The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, Romano cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons makes this salad simple, classic, and always a favorite.

More great salad recipes

Don’t miss these Salad Dressing Recipes

How to make Simple Kale Caesar Salad, Dressing, and Croutons

Quick and easy Caesar Dressing surrounds this Kale Salad. One of the things I love most about using kale is that it holds up well after being dressed.

Course Salad, sauce

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Salad, Salad Dressing, sauce

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic (or paste)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worsteshire sauce
1/2-1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 egg yolk
1/3-1/2 cup avocado oil, or olive oil
1/4 cup fresh grated Romano Cheese or Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add lemon juice, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, egg yolk, and whisk to combine.
Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking quickly until the dressing thickens.
Whisk in cheese, salt, and pepper until it's completely combined.
For kale salad, massage the leaves, then dress the lettuce with the dressing and place it in the fridge for about 10 minutes, then add additional cheese and croutons and serve. Add grilled chicken for a delicious high-protein salad.
The dressing can be made ahead of time, or overnight too.

The post How to Make Simple Kale Caesar Salad, Dressing, and Croutons first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Rice

Diane — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:14:14 +0000

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Rice that is so flavorful, you may never look at rice the same way again. The buttery garlic aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, and this easy rice is the perfect side for so many meals.

If you’re looking for an easy way to turn plain rice into something a little more special, this Sun-Dried Tomato Rice is a new favorite around here. Jasmine rice cooks with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a little salt, then gets finished with butter and black pepper for a simple side dish that has so much flavor.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the rice, while the garlic and oregano give it that Mediterranean inspired taste without making the recipe complicated.

Best of all, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or chicken meatballs for a meal that feels like you put in much more effort than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Rice

There are plenty of ways to make rice, but adding a few flavorful ingredients while it cooks makes such a difference.

First, the sun dried tomatoes add flavor as the rice cooks. The garlic and oregano season everything from the beginning, so the rice isn’t bland underneath.

Then, once the rice is cooked, butter is stirred in while the rice is hot. That little finishing step gives the rice a richer flavor and makes the texture especially nice.

Finally, a little freshly ground black pepper brings everything together.

It’s simple, but the combination works so well.

What You Need

Jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a naturally fragrant flavor and cooks up beautifully for this recipe.
Sun dried tomatoes: Use sun dried tomatoes packed in oil. The tomatoes and some of their flavorful oil add a lot of flavor to the rice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the rice a savory base.
Oregano: Dried oregano is an easy way to add Mediterranean flavor.
Salt: Adds seasoning to the rice as it cooks.
Butter: Stirred in after cooking for a rich, flavorful finish.
Black pepper: Add it at the end to taste.
Water: The rice cooks with water and the sun-dried tomatoes.

What to Serve With Sun Dried Tomato Rice

This rice is especially good with chicken.

I love serving it with chicken meatballs because the rice adds a flavorful side without competing with the main dish.

It also works well with:

Roasted Sour Cream Chicken
Roasted chicken (roast one or pick up a rotisserie chicken)
Cast Iron chicken breasts
Mediterranean chicken thighs
Lemon Pepper chicken
Grilled vegetables

You could also make this part of an easy Mediterranean inspired dinner with chicken, vegetables, and this rice on the side.

I put in whole garlic, instead of sliced or minced. I wanted the sun-dried tomato to be the star of this dish and while I still wanted that delicious garlic flavor I didn’t want the garlic to be the first thing you tasted. Adding whole garlic was perfect.

Tips for Making the Best Sun Dried Tomato Rice

Use jasmine rice. The fragrant flavor of jasmine rice works particularly well with the sun dried tomatoes and oregano.

Don’t skip the butter. Adding it after the rice cooks gives the finished rice a richer flavor and silky texture.

Let the rice rest. A few minutes of resting time helps the rice finish steaming and makes it easier to fluff.

Taste before serving. Depending on the sun-dried tomatoes you use, you may want to add a little more salt or black pepper at the end.

Use the flavorful oil. If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, that oil has plenty of flavor. Include some of it with the tomatoes when adding them to the rice. Or heat some oil with the sun-dried tomatoes so the flavor permeates the oil.

A New Favorite Rice Recipe

I love recipes like this because they don’t require a long list of ingredients to make dinner taste homemade.

Plain jasmine rice becomes something completely different with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. Then the butter and black pepper finish it off.

The best part is how versatile it is. Make a batch for a weeknight chicken dinner, add it to a meal prep container, or serve it when you want an easy side dish that has more personality than plain rice.

Once you try this version, you may find yourself looking for excuses to make it again.

How to cook chicken for the week, make as much or as little as you need. Multiply this rice recipe for more servings.

This dish is also great with chicken meatballs

This sun dried tomato rice recipe makes great leftovers and freezes well too.

I love how rice cooks in a Dutch oven, and it stays warm for a long time, making it easy to prep out the meal and still have time to maybe go outside and grill the chicken if needed, but it can be cooked in a grill pan on the stove or baked in the oven as well, so many options.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Rice

This rice is so flavorful, you may never look at rice the same way again. The buttery garlic aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, and this easy rice is the perfect side for so many meals.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword garlic, rice

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

rest time 5

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

2 cups jasmine rice
2 teaspoons oil I use avocado oil
3 cups water
1/4-1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, diced I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil, or add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to them and microwave for 20 seconds to flavor the oil and release more flavor from sun-dried tomatoes.
1-2 whole garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt I use coarse kosher salt. I prefer the taste over table salt.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
garnish with fresh oregano leaves

Instructions

In a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, add the oil and rice to the pan and stir to combine. Heat and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the rice begins turning white.
Add water, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt.
Bring to a simmer, then turn on low heat, and cover with a lid.
Set a timer for 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Place butter on top, add the lid for 5 more minutes.
Add black pepper and oregano garnish
This rice is great served with grilled or cooked chicken. It would be great with chicken meatballs as well.

Notes

If using a different variety of rice, use the rice-to-water portions on the package.

The post How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Rice first appeared on Created by Diane.

Easy Banana Mousse in Cups

Diane — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 15:09:59 +0000

This No-Bake Easy Banana Mousse in Cups, using banana pudding mix. It’s fun, and you can make it 30 minutes ahead or the day before, perfect for parties, camping, and summer gatherings.

These easy Banana Pudding Cups are creamy, fluffy, and perfect for summer gatherings.

Made with heavy cream, milk, instant banana pudding mix, bananas, and mini Nilla Wafers, they’re a simple no-bake dessert everyone loves.

The pudding mixture is whipped with heavy cream until thick and mousse-like, creating a rich and airy texture that’s lighter than traditional pudding.

Topped with homemade whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and cookies, these individual dessert cups are perfect for parties, cookouts, camping trips, beach days, family gatherings, and potlucks.

Best of all, they can be made ahead, making entertaining easy.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Banana Pudding Mousse Cups

No baking required
Easy to make ahead
Perfect individual servings
Light, fluffy mousse-like texture
Great for parties and picnics
Easy to customize

Ingredients

Heavy cream
Milk
Instant banana pudding mix
Fresh bananas
Mini Nilla Wafers

For the whipped cream topping:

Heavy cream
optional powdered sugar
Optional vanilla extract

How to Make Banana Pudding Cups

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, and instant banana pudding mix.

Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it thickens. The heavy cream whips as you mix, creating a rich banana mousse that’s thicker and fluffier than regular pudding.

In a separate bowl, whip additional heavy cream until medium-firm peaks form for the topping. Add powdered sugar and vanilla if desired. I use them.

Layer cookies, the banana pudding/mousse into dessert cups. Add mini Nilla Wafers and banana slices, then top with whipped cream and an additional cookie.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Cups

Use very cold heavy cream for the fluffiest texture.
Assemble the cups several hours ahead for easy serving.
Add the final cookie garnish shortly before serving if you want it crisp.
Mini Nilla Wafers fit perfectly into individual dessert cups.
For extra banana flavor, add additional banana slices between layers.

Make Ahead Instructions

These cups are excellent for making ahead. Prepare them the day before your party and keep them refrigerated until serving.

The cookies will soften slightly as they sit, giving them that classic banana pudding texture many people love.

No Fresh Bananas?

No problem.

The banana pudding mix adds plenty of banana flavor on its own. If you don’t have fresh bananas available, simply leave them out and enjoy the creamy banana mousse with cookies and whipped cream. Additionally, you can add banana extract to the whipped cream for more banana flavor.

Gluten Free Option

To make these gluten free, simply skip the cookies. Add some gluten free vanilla cookies.

Layer the banana mousse with fresh banana slices without cookies. Add more bananas in the layers if desired.

For a little crunch, top with banana chips just before serving.

Chocolate chips are another great item to add to these. Mini chips are great for mini desserts!

Easy Make Ahead Banana Pudding Cups

Perfect For…

Summer parties
Cookouts and BBQs
Beach days
Camping trips
Birthday parties
Potlucks
Family gatherings
Holiday dessert tables

These Banana Pudding Cups are the kind of easy dessert everyone reaches for first. Creamy banana mousse, fluffy whipped cream, fresh bananas, and cookies make every bite irresistible.

I use these cups, they are perfect for quick, easy desserts like this. Put them in the fridge, use a basket or bin for the fridge, or in the cooler when taking them to-go!

More Banana Recipes:

Just like with Southern banana pudding, the cookies absorb some moisture as the pudding sets up and become soft like cake, making it easy to scoop and giving texture to the dessert.

We have spent quite a few weeks this year in the South, and they love their banana pudding, so I thought I’d come up with some other options!

Let’s Make Quick Easy Banana Mousse in Cups

Thickly whipped up banana pudding tastes like a mousse. Perfect individual cups are great for single-serve dessert, portion control, no-bake, great party, camping, and perfect for beach days.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword banana, dessert, pudding

Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1 5 oz pkg package instant banana pudding mix, or vanilla pudding mix
2 cups heavy whipping cream (additional for topping) divided 1 cup for pudding, 1 cup for topping
1 cup milk I use whole milk
1 11 oz. box, mini Nilla wafers cookies
2 bananas, additional bananas can be added

Whipped cream topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions

In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer, beat heavy cream, milk, and banana pudding mix, starting on low, increasing to high until everything is whipped up smooth and fluffy. About 2-3 minutes.
Place each serving in a 5 oz cup. Add 3 cookies to the bottom of the cups, add 2-3 tablespoons of pudding, then repeat. (add additional bananas in each layer if desired)
Add a few slices of fresh sliced bananas pieces.
For whipped cream: In another medium bowl (or wash and rinse the bowl with cold water so the cream whips easily), add 1 cup heavy cream, and add the vanilla, and powdered sugar. Whip on high until medium peaks form.
Top each dessert with whipped cream, top with 1 more cookie.
Place in fridge for 30 minutes to overnight. If preparing the day ahead, place lids on top and refrigerate.

The post Easy Banana Mousse in Cups first appeared on Created by Diane.

Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Peach Dipping Sauce

Diane — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:26:46 +0000

Fresh peach season is the perfect time to make a batch, especially if you can get your hands on sweet, juicy peaches, if not, use peach jam. This is sweet and spicy (adjust for your liking), and it’s the perfect dipping sauce for chicken.

The peaches cook down, and the pectin thickens this sauce. It has just enough sweetness to complement savory dishes without overpowering them, and just enough texture to hold onto what you’re dipping into it.

The bourbon adds a rich caramel flavor, while the jalapeño brings a gentle kick that keeps everyone coming back for another dip.

Because the sauce contains bourbon, note that it’s simmered long enough for much of the alcohol to cook off while leaving behind the rich caramel and oak flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet peaches and spicy jalapeños.

What to put this Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Peach Dipping Sauce on…

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the sweetness of ripe peaches blended with brown sugar, a hint of smoky bourbon, savory spices, and just enough jalapeño to wake up your taste buds. The result is a silky smooth sauce that’s sweet first, followed by a little warmth and a rich finish.

What options are there instead of using bourbon?

While bourbon will give this recipe its delicious flavor, vanilla extract, a bit of apple cider vinegar, or add some maple syrup to enhance the flavor of this sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with fresh peaches
Sweet with a touch of heat
Perfect for dipping or glazing
Ready in about 30 minutes
Great for grilling season
Easy to customize the spice level
Delicious served warm or chilled

What Does It Taste Like?

As the peaches cook with a combination of sugar, the sauce will thicken. It will thicken as it cools. The pectin in the peaches will magically make this sauce thick with a nice texture that will cling to the foods you dip into it.

Looking to make it tangier? Add lemon juice

Want it spicier? Add more jalapeño, or some hot sauce

Add garlic for the garlic lover in all of us

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh peaches
Brown sugar
Jalapeño
Bourbon
Taco seasoning

You’ll heat the mixture and press it through a fine strainer. Scrape the bottom of the strainer to gather the pulp, that will thicken the sauce but in a smoother texture than if you just cooked and served it.

Sweet, Smoky, and Perfect for Summer

This Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Peach Dipping Sauce brings together everything we love about summer cooking. It’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile enough for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts.

Keep a jar in the refrigerator, and you’ll always have an easy way to elevate grilled meats, appetizers, and sandwiches with a burst of fresh peach flavor.

Pour this sauce when it’s warm over cooked chicken and rice for a fun meal.

Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Peach Dipping Sauce

Fresh peach season is the perfect time to make a batch, especially if you can get your hands on sweet, juicy peaches, if not, use peach jam.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword sauce

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings cups

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1 large peach or 2 small peaches, remove pit and dice, Alternatively, you can use 1-1.5 cups peach jam
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons diced jalapenos
1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning or a citrus, chili-style garlic seasoning like Spanglish Asadero All-Purpose seasoning
2 tablespoons Bourbon

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat on medium until it comes to a simmer.
Turn to medium-low temperature and simmer for 15 minues, ti iwill thincken, add a few drops of water if it becomes too thick. Turn the temperature down so it doesn't get too thick. Add in a tablespoon of water to get to a thick but pourable consistency.
Strain the sauce with a fine strainer over a bowl, pressing everything out of the strainer. Scrape the bottom of the strainer. Mix everything smoothly and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serve with crispy chicken, grillled chicken,

The post Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Peach Dipping Sauce first appeared on Created by Diane.

The Ultimate Back to School Recipe Guide: Breakfast to Dinner

Diane — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 05:32:17 +0000

The Ultimate Back to School Recipe Guide: Breakfast to Dinner. Whether you have kids or grandkids heading back to class, or simply notice the extra traffic near the schools. Maybe you’ve been browsing the colorful school supplies in the stores, or simply find yourself feeling nostalgic, it’s a season that brings back memories. Back to school season has a way of showing up everywhere.

You may find yourself craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or want some quick, easy meals when this time of year rolls around!

It also means busy mornings, packed lunches, hungry afternoons, and the daily question of, “What’s for dinner?”

The good news is that feeding your family doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning goes a long way, and having a collection of dependable recipes makes the entire week run more smoothly.

This collection is filled with easy breakfasts, lunches, after school snacks, simple dinners, and meal prep ideas that help busy families get through the school year with less stress and more delicious meals.

The Ultimate Back to School Recipe Guide: Breakfast to Dinner will help you make a plan, find some new recipes, and set out a plan to make it a bit easier.

Before You Start Planning Meals

Forget trying to create the “perfect” menu. Instead, think about the foods your family actually enjoys eating.

Write down everyone’s favorites. Keep the list handy when meal planning. If your child only wants a peanut butter and jelly sandwich today, that’s okay. A lunch they’ll actually eat is always better than one that comes home untouched.

If vegetables are a struggle, keep offering them in different ways without making them a battle. Tastes change, and kids often surprise you.

One of the easiest tricks? Don’t fill the pantry with junk food. When healthier choices are the easiest options to grab, they’re much more likely to become new favorites.

Easy Back to School Breakfasts

School mornings are busy, so breakfast needs to be quick. These recipes can be made ahead, grabbed on the way out the door, or prepared in just a few minutes.

The 5-Minute Breakfasts That Save Chaotic Mornings

Toast Overload
Spaghetti and Eggs
Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Potatoes
Saltines and Milk (A nostalgic favorite)

Lunch Box Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat

One of the biggest searches every school year is “Lunch Box Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat,” and for good reason. Parents don’t want to spend time packing lunches that come right back home.

These recipes travel well and are family favorites.

Bean and Cheese Burritos (freezer-friendly)
Apple Cheddar Quesadillas (great warm or cold)
Caprese Grilled Cheese (kicked up Grilled Cheese)
Easy Tortilla Empanadas (freezer friendly)
French Bread Pizza (my kids favorite)
BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad (cold lunch favorite)
Cottage Cheese Taco Dip with Fresh Veggies

Don’t forget to check out my collection of budget-friendly meals for even more affordable family favorites.

Cold Pasta Salads: pack these for lunches with a cold pack, or use a thermos, and don’t forget a fork

for older kids:

And don’t miss seeing this super California Roll Bowl

If sandwiches are the items you’ll be making for lunches, see what side items your kids will devour and add them. I used to make all the week’s sandwiches at the beginning of the week. It simplified mornings, and there was always food ready to eat in the fridge!

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Afternoon Snacks Everyone Looks Forward To

Having a few ready-to-go snacks makes the afternoon much easier before homework, sports, and activities begin.

Try these favorites:

If you have the time before pick-up time, get something ready, and when everyone rushes in the house with all the stories of the day and homework, you’ll all have something to eat right away!

Everyone is obsessed with air fryers

You Must Try These 12 Air Fryer Recipes

Let’s continue with The Ultimate Back to School Recipe Guide: Breakfast to Dinner.

Easy Weeknight Dinners

After a full day of school, work, practices, and homework, dinner needs to come together without a lot of effort.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.

Don’t underestimate the power of sandwiches, either. Grilled cheese, chicken salad, meatball sandwiches, French dip, pulled chicken, or turkey melts often become the easiest dinners of the week. Keep a running list of your family’s favorites for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

What to make with a Pound of Ground (beef, turkey, chicken, sausage)

Meal Prep Once, Eat All Week

Cook Chicken Once for the Week-Cook a large batch of chicken early in the week, then turn it into several different meals.

You’ll spend one afternoon cooking and save yourself time all week long.

Don’t miss my post on Meal Prep here.

Remember, meal prep can look any way you’d like it to be, it’s to help you make mealtime easier. Prep items and keep them separate to whip up easy meals in minutes, or prep out individual meals, fridge or freeze them so there is food at the ready when you want them.

Make This School Year Easier

Whether you’re packing lunches every morning, feeding hungry teenagers after sports, helping grandkids after school, or simply looking for dependable family meals, these recipes are here to make busy weekdays easier.

And if you need some High Protein Meals check these out!

With a little planning and a handful of recipes your family actually enjoys, school days become a whole lot less stressful and a lot more delicious.

Make Meal Planning Easy for the Whole Family

Meal planning doesn’t have to feel like another chore. A little planning at the beginning of the week can save time, reduce stress, and answer that daily question of, “What’s for dinner?”

Build a weekly menu around your family’s favorites while also leaving room to try something new. Print this meal planner, maybe it’s a different vegetable, a new recipe, or a fun lunch idea that someone wants to give a chance. Keeping a list of meals everyone enjoys makes grocery shopping easier, meal prep faster, and busy weeknights much less stressful.

One of my favorite posts is all the varieties of Meatballs here.

Over time, you’ll create a personalized collection of family favorites that takes the guesswork out of planning meals.

Simply pull out your planner each week, mix in a few tried and true recipes, add something new if you’d like, and enjoy spending less time wondering what to cook and more time enjoying meals together, especially at back-to-school time!

Back to school time reminds me of this post I wrote, it’s about relationship advice and comfort food and how a good meal can help on difficult days!

One plan. Less stress. More family favorites.

And this meal remains my family’s go-to, with leftovers everyone wants.

One more thing…

If you’d like to help your kids or any family who may be picky (at any age) expand the foods they eat and have fun exploring real, wholesome foods, this wonderful activity book by my friend René of We Eat Simple is a fantastic resource. It’s filled with engaging activities that encourage kids to discover, taste, and enjoy new foods in a fun, pressure-free way.

The post The Ultimate Back to School Recipe Guide: Breakfast to Dinner first appeared on Created by Diane.