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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.

Creative Ways to Use Canning Jars in the Kitchen

Diane — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:37:11 +0000

Creative Ways to Use Canning Jars in the Kitchen isn’t just about storage, it’s about making everyday cooking, organizing, and serving feel a little more thoughtful and fun.

If you’ve ever wondered about ways to use canning jars, you’re about to see just how versatile these simple glass staples can be.

From prepping meals ahead of time to serving drinks, storing leftovers, or even creating eye-catching displays, canning jars have become a go-to item in modern kitchens. They’re practical, affordable, and surprisingly stylish, making them perfect for anyone who loves both function and a little creativity in their space.

I’m sure at one time or another you’ve had a canning jar. Pasta sauce is a great example of a canned item that is readily purchased. Whether you can save glass jars to put items in, or see jars and wonder why someone would want to use them in such a way, is the discussion today.

Party to Pantry: Creative Ways to Use Canning Jars

One of my favorite sizes of canning jar is the 16oz wide mouth, it’s the jar I grab for almost everything, but trust me, I have all sizes. Often I’ll need larger jars, but I do find the 16 oz jar to be useful.

While I don’t really prefer the regular, more narrow-opening size lids, items other than drinks don’t come out of the jar easily. And if you like freezing items, it’s not recommended to freeze in regular-mouth jars. I do have some, but I really love the wide mouth jars so much more.

Whipped Iced Coffee in 24 oz tall canning jars, these are perfect for iced coffee and mixing items such as sauces with an immersion blender.

Glass jars store items so well, from flour to sugar, and so much more. Check out my post on How to Make Brown Sugar.

Keep entertaining simple with glass jars, place all your dips, condiments, and other items like pickles and olives in glass jars… grab some spoons and you’re all set iwth a simple and pretty collection so guests can easily see and get to the items.

And for parties, these small glass jars for walkable salads! Salad Dippers.

How to toast coconut… it’ll stay fresh in a jar for months! Perfect on ice cream and topping baked goods. Be sure to give this cake a try, it’s a fun toasted coconut cake.

Looking for a quick entertaining dessert, give this fun grilled cake a try… no baking needed, just purchase, grill, and add a simple sauce. Grilled Cake.

I love these 8-oz jars

They are the perfect size for so many items. I love using them for butter on the counter. They are great for desserts like chocolate mousse.

While I’ve used many butter dishes, but I always return to using an 8oz jar, and I love these Leak Proof lids, I can keep the butter on the counter with no issues and if you have to put it in the fridge, don’t worry, put it in the microwave on defrost setting for 20-30 seconds or so to soften it without melting it.

Rich and delicious 4-ingredient chocolate mousse recipe; it’s light and fluffy and smooth all at the same time. It just melts in your mouth!

Blueberry Margaritas– the color is gorgeous, and these are so tasty. Be sure to check out my Blueberry Basil Lemonade Recipe, too.

Be sure to watch this fun video of me making the blueberry margaritas and more!

Fill jars with water instead of buying bottled water for emergencies (if you are a traditional “canner”… you may have an abundance of jars. I have many, all sizes too. I’m just obsessed with canning jars and have been for years!

Do you have a favorite way to use canning jars, let me know in the comments. I love finding new ways to use them.

Match any decor with this quick, easy tissue holder. Use any color or style with this fun tip. Cut a piece of fabric or paper, and have it be the size of the jar lid, or make it larger, and in a square to have over the edge of the glass, as I did, and use pinking shears for a cute edge.

I love custard. It’s been a favorite since I was a kid.

While I’m sharing favorites, this is a wonderful cake with vanilla pastry cream.

Old Fashioned Egg Cream- Chocolate Soda Classic fizzy chocolate drink
Instant Pot Pinto Beans Tender flavorful homemade beans
Marinated Caprese Fresh marinated tomato salad
Apple Sangria Fruity refreshing wine cocktail
Key Lime Pie in Jars Tangy creamy mini desserts
Jar Pasta Salads Easy portable pasta meals

Be sure to check out my post on driving with food. Lots of good tips and items I use, so everything arrives as it should. I’ve made many mistakes over the years and cringe when I arrive and something isn’t the same as when I put it in the car.

Paloma Cocktail Bright citrus tequila cocktail
Raspberry Syrup for drinks and more… Sweet fruity drink topping
Chicken Noodle Soup Cozy comforting classic soup
Gravy Recipe Smooth savory homemade gravy
Wet Walnuts Zesty creamy herb sauce
Cilantro Lime Sauce Creamy tangy salad dressing

Quick, Easy Creamy Caesar Dressing Recipe Creamy tangy salad dressing
Meal Prep Jar Salads Fresh make-ahead lunches
Homemade Mayonnaise Creamy fresh sandwich spread
Restaurant Salsa Fresh bold tomato salsa
To-Go Snacks- cottage cheese, cucumber, tomatoes S+P
Coloring Eggs Fun festive egg decorating

Lemonade Recipe Bright refreshing citrus drink
Pickled Jalapenos Spicy tangy pepper slices
Lemon Wine Brown Butter Sauce Rich buttery citrus sauce
Lemon Saffron Salad Dressing Bright aromatic salad dressing
Easy Instant Chocolate Mousse from scratch Quick rich chocolate dessert
Green Olive Dip Savory briny appetizer dip

Overnight Oats with Berries Easy wholesome breakfast jar
Green Chicken Chili Hearty creamy chicken chili
Thai Peanut Sauce Creamy sweet savory sauce
Rosemary Candied Walnuts Sweet herby crunchy nuts
Fig Jam Sweet, rich fruit spread
Sangria Fruity chilled wine punch

More recipe favorites in jars:

Blueberry Basil Lemonade Fresh, fruity herbal lemonade
Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Sweet spicy pepper spread
Pumpkin No Bake Cheesecake Creamy spiced pumpkin dessert
Quick Pickled Vegetables Crisp, tangy veggie mix
Pickled Turnips Bright, crunchy pickled bites
Banana Bread Pudding Warm comforting baked dessert

I use glass jars for drinks, salads, salad dressing, spices, overnight oats, yogurt/granola, stack cake/frosting making parfaits, storing herbs with water on the bottom in the fridge, storing dry foods, flour, sugar, rice, oats, and such.

I store meal prep items, especially around Thanksgiving, so I can see everything. One of my favorite sauces is my Cilantro lime sauce, I often triple the recipe. And if you like it slightly spicier add in a jalapeno or two.

Glass canning jars are great for marinated mushrooms and my quick pickles.

Actually… I store cilantro in the fridge in a 2-cup wide-mouth glass jar by adding an inch of water to a jar and place cut cilantro into the jar. I then cover it with a plastic bag to keep it moist and fresh in the fridge, it’ll keep for weeks. Just change the water each week.

Green onions and herbs fit nicely in these jars. And if you cut off the green onions, they will grow back if you leave them out on the counter. (not at a rapid pace, but they do grow back)

More kitchen Items I LOVE

And if you want tips on Driving with Food, check this out.

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce– Rich, chocolaty, and delicious, and lots of recipe uses for it…

Hot Fudge Cake: A fun option you must see.
Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes: Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy frosting, hot fudge, and all the classic sundae toppings in an easy handheld treat.
Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake: A rich dark chocolate cake with deep cocoa flavor that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
Hot Fudge Sundae Cookies: Soft, chewy chocolate cookies loaded with hot fudge flavor and finished with classic ice cream sundae-inspired toppings. And they look like ice cream cones… super cute!
Brownie Ice Cream Cake: Layers of fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream come together for an irresistible frozen dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.
S’more Sundae: A fun twist on the campfire favorite with toasted marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, and ice cream layered into an easy, decadent sundae.

Don’t miss making some of the cutest pies ever… out of jar lids.

Desserts in jars are super cute and they make all sorts of really unique lids for jars now, cute flower-looking tops you can put a straw in, like with this peach lemonade.

Drinks are not only fun but portable, bring your own or make a bunch and have them ready when going to a party or neighbors, as the lids are easily interchangeable- from Leak Proof lids, then swap lids so you can use a straw. Color-coded lids are helpful to keep track of whose drink it is- writing names on top can help too.

This Lavender Lemonade is perfect for any occasion or invite.

If you’re making juice or cocktails, this juicer topper is convenient, especially if you need it on the go.

Jar Salads are great for meal prep and to bring anywhere!

I love these wood lids. I haven’t tried them yet, have you? I’d love to hear how well they work.

Put Your Canning Jars to Good Use

As you can see, I just love jars… and canning jars are so durable. They really stand the test of time and are perfect for projects too. I keep a 4 oz jar in the kitchen cabinet of the paint for our cabinets, and if I see a chip or a spot that needs touching up, I just grab a tiny brush and fix it. I wish I had done this for each paint color we’ve used in our house.

How Durable are Canning Jars:

Canning jars are strong and do not break easily, even when dropped. The thick glass is meant to withstand pressure and temperatures, both hot and cold. But don’t pour hot liquid into a “cold” jar from the fridge or freezer, as the shock will break the jar immediately… trust me on this!

Freezing in canning jars should have 1-2 inches below the top for straight jars. Try to avoid freezing with jars that “taper in,” but leave at least 1-2 inches below the “shoulder” if you are using jars that taper in. And it’s not recommended that you freeze in quart jars. (But I have without problems).

Don’t put ice and a cold drink into a jar and then set it down on 100°+ hot patio cement either… the bottom can split, and when you pick up the top part of the glass, the bottom will look like a coaster! Again, trust me on this. I make all the mistakes so you don’t have to .

Other than those mishaps I mentioned, Glass canning jars are really great for so many items.

And if you love canning jars, here are a couple of fun items Everyting tases better in a canning jar t-shirt and this fun dish towel!

The post Creative Ways to Use Canning Jars in the Kitchen first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make S’mores 12 Different Ways

Diane — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:18:15 +0000

S’mores recipes to get your fix, no campfire required. From ice cream to cake and so much more. The summertime favorite gets an update, let’s take a look at How to Make S’mores 12 Different Ways!

These recipes go beyond the campfire: 12 creative s’mores recipes to try.

There’s nothing like the classic combo of toasted marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crisp graham cracker. But who says you need a campfire to enjoy it?

Mini S’more Pies– beyond cute, fun to make, and over-the-top-delicious!

This roundup pulls together every way to turn that flavor into a full dessert: bars, cake, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, and even s’mores mini pies.

Whether you’re planning a backyard hangout or just have a marshmallow craving on a random Tuesday, there’s a recipe here for you.

Campfire flavors without the campfire, which makes these s’mores perfect all year!

S’mores 12 Different Ways… lots of fun ideas to make everyone’s favorite so many ways!

Mini S’more Pies– Glorious chocolate ganache is in the middle of a yummy graham cracker crust and topped with a giant toasty marshmallow.
S’more Sundae– Ice cream, hot fudge topped with warm toasted marshmallows and some chocolate bars and graham crackers tucked in for a really fun treat!
Peanut Butter S’more Bars– Picture this… a peanut butter blondie with a creamy chocolate filling topped with golden toasted s’mores
S’more Cupcakes– These are irresistible, delicious chocolate cupcakes with a graham cracker bottom and a big toasted marshmallow on top.
Grilled S’more Brownie– A fun brownie made on the grill in a skillet. Can be at the campsite, or pop it in the oven.
S’more Cookies– Not only cute but equally delicious. Those little Teddy Grahams and mini marshmallows add to the cuteness factor!

S’mores Recipes That Aren’t Just for Summer

Rich chocolate, gooey toasted marshmallow, buttery graham crackers, and the nostalgic flavor of a campfire (even if you don’t use an open flame) all wrapped into these irresistible desserts.

S’mores with Marshmallow Frosting– super fun make-ahead s’mores are made with graham crackers and a creamy marshmallow frosting dipped in chocolate
S’more Peanut Butter Bars– those golden puffy marshmallows toast under the broiler in a few minutes and WOW they taste delicious.
S’more Cake– Single layer chocolate cake with toasted Italian meringue frosting for the perfect anytime cake!
S’more Cobbler– One dish and it’s warm and toasty!
Peanut Butter S’more Bites– Peanut butter cookie cup filled with all the s’more deliciousness.
S’more Toffee- a fun toffee recipe you’ll make all year long!

S’more Cupcakes– Bake the cupcakes, they have a graham cracker crust on the bottom… then toast the marshmallow on top. Do this ahead of time or right before serving, toasting them only takes a couple minutes!

And if you’d like to try homemade Honey Graham Cookies, give this recipe a try!

If you love all that toasted marshmallow deliciousness, these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are bound to win your heart!

Tips for S’mores Success

Toasting indoors: A kitchen torch gives the most control, but a broiler works well too, just watch closely… as marshmallows go from golden to burnt fast.
Chocolate choice: Milk chocolate is classic, but semisweet or dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and graham cracker beautifully. These are my favorite chocoalte chips!
Make-ahead: Bars, brownies, and cookies can be made a day ahead; anything with fresh-toasted marshmallow topping is best assembled or finished just before serving.

As we’re reaching the end of the list of S’mores 12 Different Ways these cupcakes are super fun!

S’more Coconut Cupcakes

Save this roundup for your next cookout, potluck, or lazy weekend baking session there’s a s’mores recipe here for every craving.

Looking for more summer inspired recipes…

The post How to Make S’mores 12 Different Ways first appeared on Created by Diane.

Budget Meals, Simple and Satisfying

Diane — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:31:38 +0000

Grocery prices are on the rise, there is no better time to add Budget Meals that are simple and satisfying to your menu. You’ll find my top 10 budget-friendly meals, easy to make, minimal ingredients, and they don’t take long at all to make. Plus, these meals cost about $5 for 4 servings.

If you’ve ever stood in the grocery store wondering how your total climbed so high so fast, you’re not alone. Feeding a family or even just yourself can feel overwhelming right now, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or flavor.

These meals are built around simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand, making them practical for real life. They’re the kind of recipes that stretch your budget, fill your table, and still bring that satisfying, homemade feeling everyone craves at the end of the day.

These recipes prove that eating well doesn’t have to mean spending more. With a little creativity and a focus on simple, affordable ingredients, you can put together meals that are comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly without stretching your budget.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to keep grocery costs in check, these dishes make it easy to serve satisfying meals while keeping things practical, approachable, and delicious.

G rilled Mozzarella Cheese
Golden, buttery bread stuffed with melty mozzarella and fresh tomatoes with a balsamic drizzle for the ultimate gooey comfort sandwich that’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly budget-friendly.

Mushroom Soup
A rich and earthy mushroom soup with deep flavor, made with simple ingredients for a cozy bowl that feels gourmet without the cost. (if you prefer black beans to mushrooms I have a great thick black bean soup recipe for you to try)

Potato Latkes
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these classic potato latkes are made with just a handful of ingredients and deliver big flavor on a small budget. (A fun instant pot potato item turns into a meal quickly with my quick easy meat and potato recipe)

French Bread Pizza
Crispy French bread topped with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a fast, fun, and affordable pizza night at home.

Mexican Fried Rice
Savory fried rice is delicious tossed with some frozen peas and carrots, or add in leftover chicken or a can of black beans. The simple seasonings offer a hearty, one-pan meal that stretches beautifully.

Zucchini Noodles
Light and fresh zucchini noodles tossed with simple seasonings, sauce, and cheese for a great, low-cost meal that’s quick to make and full of flavor.

Irish Potato Soup
A creamy, comforting potato soup, made from humble ingredients that turn into a warm and satisfying meal with a bright citrus flavor.

French Toast
Soft slices of bread soaked in an egg mixture and cooked until golden, creating a comforting, budget-friendly breakfast or dinner option. Add some syrup or powdered sugar to sweeten the meal.

Egg Drop Soup
A silky, soothing soup with delicate ribbons of egg in a flavorful Asian flavored broth, ready in minutes and made with just a few ingredients.

Creamy Zucchini Soup
Smooth and velvety zucchini soup with a mild, fresh flavor, blended into a comforting bowl that’s both affordable and delicious.

Need some more ideas:

Have you missed seeing my other recipes?

Be sure to sign up for my emails here, so you won’t miss any more!

The post Budget Meals, Simple and Satisfying first appeared on Created by Diane.

Easy Banana Pudding Cake with Cake Mix (No Cool Whip)

Diane — Fri, 29 May 2026 04:18:59 +0000

Southern banana pudding meets easy cake mix magic in this rich and creamy Banana Pudding Layer Cake. Offering Quick shortcuts with homemade flavor.

Made with soft vanilla cake layers, classic banana pudding filling, and fresh bananas, this nostalgic Southern dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, and anytime you want a show-stopping cake that feels both comforting and celebratory.

If you love traditional Southern banana pudding but want something a little more special for a celebration, this banana pudding cake recipe is exactly what you need.

Starting with a doctored cake mix keeps things simple and foolproof, while the creamy pudding filling and sliced bananas give every bite that classic homemade banana pudding flavor everyone loves.

And no Cool Whip (which is an enormous plus, I don’t like Cool Whip, I think it tastes greasy).

This easy banana pudding layer cake combines the best parts of two favorite desserts. The moist vanilla cake layers soak up just enough creamy filling to create a soft, rich texture without becoming heavy.

Fresh bananas tucked between the layers add authentic banana pudding flavor, while the beautiful layered presentation makes it worthy of all gatherings.

One of the best things about this Southern banana pudding cake is how approachable it is to make. Using a cake mix shortcut means you can spend less time baking and more time creating those luscious pudding layers that make this dessert unforgettable.

It tastes like an old-fashioned homemade dessert, but comes together with easy ingredients. If you want to make the extremely simple no-bake banana pudding, simply layer the filling onto Nilla wafers, using them for 3 layers.

Alternatives to cake or Nilla wafers, you can use graham crackers, Pepperidge Farms Chessmen shortbread cookies, Lorna Doone, Dublin Shortbead, Golden Oreos, lady fingers, or Biscoff cookies. Use Nutter Butters for a fun peanut butter flavor.

Serve this banana pudding cake chilled for the ultimate creamy texture and flavor. Garnish with vanilla wafers, whipped topping, or extra banana slices for a bakery-style finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic banana pudding or simply looking for an easy Southern cake recipe that stands out from the ordinary, this layered banana pudding cake is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Now, if you’re more of a traditionalist, you’ll just place Nilla Wafers on the bottom of the pan, then add some banana cream, then add another layer of nilla wafers and bananas, then the last layer of banana cream, and top with bananas.

More Banana Desserts You’ll Love

If you love classic Southern banana pudding flavors, there are so many other delicious banana desserts to try, too. From cozy banana breads to rich cakes and bakery-style treats, bananas make some of the best old-fashioned desserts.

Looking for a completely different Banana Cake… check out this celebration-worthy, Banana Layer Cake.

If you have ripe bananas sitting on the counter, my classic Banana Bread is always a reader favorite and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

Don’t miss this Banana Cake, so simple you can make it in a cast iron skillet, and the quick, easy trick to this recipe is to use Pancake Mix, perfect for a quick camping recipe.

Banana Crumb Muffins these are the muffin recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Be sure to use my Pan Release so the pieces of cake come out easily!

And don’t miss making these Banana Maple Oatmeal Cookies

Easy Banana Pudding Cake with Cake Mix (No Cool Whip)

Rich and Creamy Banana Pudding makes this recipe perfect, and while it can be used with nilla wafers, this easy cake version is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword banana, cake, pudding

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

chill time 1

Total Time 2

Servings servings

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1 15.25oz box Duncan Hines White Cake Mix
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
4 large whole eggs you can use only egg whites if you prefer
1/2 cup melted butter which is 4 oz
1 cup sour cream, or plain greek yogurt which is 8 oz
2 tablespoons oil, I use avocado oil
2 teaspoons banana extract
2 teaspoons vanila extract

Pudding Filling

2 cups whole milk
1 3.4oz pkg Instant banana pudding mix use vanilla pudding and 2 teaspoons banana extract if you can't find it
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups heavy cream Whippped until medium to stiff peaks form

Additional Ingredients

4 large yellow bananas no brown spots
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for dusting on top

Instructions

Begin by making the banana pudding, so it can be placed in the fridge to chill.
In a medium bowl, combine the banana pudding mix along with the milk, whisk until thick and creamy. Place it in the fridge, and chill. It will be thick and set up as thick pudding. I use a stainless container, so it sets up quickly.
In a medium-sized bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla on high until stiff peaks form.
On low, drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk so it combines evenly.
Next, you'll slowly and carefully fold the pudding into the whipped cream mixture, Place the pudding mixture on top, slowly slice down the middle of the bowl with a spatula, then give the mixture a flip. Don't stir or mix quickly, as that will deflate the light fluffiness of the whipped cream and deflate the filling. Continue folding the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until everything is folded together.
Cover the filling with plastic wrap so it is placed directly onto the mixture. Place it in the fridge so it thickens while you make the cake.

Making the cake

In a large bowl of a mixer, place the cake mix, add in the flour, sugar, eggs, butter, along with the sour cream, oil, vanilla, and banana extracts.
Begin on a low speed, raising to a medium speed mix for 1 minute, then mix on medium high for 30 more seconds to a minute, all the ingredients should be well combined and smooth.
Place the batter in a 13×9 pan that is prepared with a pan release cream or spray. So the cake will be able to remove easily.
Bake the cake for 40-50 minutes for a metal pan, it'll take longer, 50-60 minutes for a ceramic pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. It's a thick cake, you'll be slicing it in half once it cools.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing. Alternatively, you can cut the cake into cubes and place the pieces in a trifle bowl, with the filling, or layer the pieces back into the rectangular pan for a simple serving idea.
Once the cake is cooled, turn it out on a cooling rack and slice it into 2 even slices. Creating 2 layers, they will be about 13×9 by 1". Using a long serrated knife gives a great result. It's not a huge problem if it's not perfectly even or even breaks into a couple of pieces; you can just press it into the pan when you add the filling (to glue it together).

Assemble the cake

Place 1 layer back into the baking pan. Then add 1/2 of the pudding mixture and spread it evenly over the cake. Peel and slice the 2 banans into even slices about 1/4" thick. Add sliced from 2 bananas. Add the second layer of cake and the remaining pudding filling. Slice the remaining 2 bananas on top, then sprinkle the edges of the cake with cinnamon using a fine sieve or strainer.
Place the cake in the fridge for at least half an hour, or overnight. Slice and serve! It's best when it is hilled and sets up nicely. you can spoon the cake out or slice it if you want more even-looking pieces, or spoon it into bowls.
If you are planning to serve this cake the next day, slice the bananas for the top closer to serving to ensure they don't turn brown, or place the bananas just "under" the pudding filling, and then smooth some of the mixture over the bananas and sprinkle with cinnamon. Both options are great, I love the look of the bananas on top, but both options will look nice.

Notes

This filling is made the same if you’re looking for a more traditional banana pudding with Nilla Wafers. You’ll use 1 box of Nilla wafers and place some on the bottom of the pan, layer the filling, then more Nilla wafers, more filling, and then lastly top with Nilla wafers, then dust with cinnamon.

Alternatively, you can use graham crackers, Pepperidge Farms Chessmen shortbread cookies, Lorna Doone, Golden Oreos, lady fingers, or Biscoff cookies. Use Nutter Butters for a fun peanut butter flavor.

The post Easy Banana Pudding Cake with Cake Mix (No Cool Whip) first appeared on Created by Diane.

The Best Southern Cornbread Muffins with Jiffy Mix

Diane — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:06:52 +0000

Forget dry, gritty cornbread, these cornbread muffins are tender, light, and completely delicious! These really are the best southern cornbread muffins, and they are made with Jiffy mix, making them simplified and perfect for last-minute baking, camping, with no fuss.

Golden, fluffy, and just the right amount of cozy, these cornbread muffins are the kind you can’t stop at one.

They’ve got that perfect balance of buttery richness and a hint of sweetness that makes them impossible to resist.

Whether you’re pairing them with chili, serving them at a backyard dinner, or sneaking one straight from the pan, you’re going to want every last crumb.

Keep scrolling because the little tips and tricks ahead are what take these from “good” to absolutely unforgettable!

Options:

It’s always great to have options.

Depending on how many muffins you’d like, this recipe can be easily doubled.

1 recipe 6 muffins, doubled for 12 muffins.

I love that this recipe is simple, has minimal ingredients, and can be multiplied easily.

I have TWO versions I make for moist, fluffy cornbread. If you don’t have or want to use canned creamed corn, sour cream is another great option, and add frozen corn if you’d like corn pieces.

A great alternative to aerosol baking sprays with all the mess is this simple Pan Release.

And this is a great Muffin Pan!

Baking Southern Cornbread

Baking muffins and leaving every other space empty gives space for even heating of muffins, and allows the muffins to rise and dome high.

When all the portions of the muffin pan are full, and the batter is cool or cold, it takes time to heat and rise. With more space, it heats more quickly, providing more rise.

Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pan, serve warm with your favorite topping… butter, honey butter, maple butter, jalapeno jelly, cream cheese, or mix honey and sour cream.

What else can you add to the cornbread batter… to make the flavor over the top, add cinnamon, maple or maple extract, honey, diced jalapeno, smoked paprika, or some shredded cheese.

If you like them sweet, go right ahead and add sugar or brown sugar to the batter.

While we were RVing through Louisiana this past winter, I whipped up a classic shrimp boil and knew right away this cornbread was the perfect side to go with it!

This is my number one item I bake when camping. I serve it all the time, so many options! I often make this great Pumpkin Muffin version!

Cornbread is a must with soup, stew, chili, and to have them for breakfast, snack, and pop some in the freezer for a rainy day!

Serve cornbread muffins with

Love corn? Give this super tasty Corn Soup a try!

And more corn recipes to try:

You’ll find my favorite items here.

The Best Southern Cornbread Muffins with Jiffy Mix

Simple, moist, delicious cornbread muffin recipe

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword corn, cornbread

Prep Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings muffins

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1 box jiffy cornbread mix
1/2 can (14.75oz) creamed corn approximately 1 cup (I typically freeze the other portion to use another time)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Option to use sour cream

1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup frozen corn
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°
Prepare every other cup in the muffin pan with a pan release or baking spray/cream. Alternatively, you can line them with cupcake liners.
If you're looking for cornbread with portion will fit in an 8×8 pan.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined.
You will be placing the batter in the prepared cups. About 1/4 cup goes into each muffin cup, divide it evenly.
Bake at 450° for 15 mintues, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite topping.
This recipe easily doubles for 12 muffins.

The post The Best Southern Cornbread Muffins with Jiffy Mix first appeared on Created by Diane.

How to Make Homemade Croutons, Wontons, and Tortilla Chips

Diane — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:08:22 +0000

Making crispy fun toppings for salads, soups, and more in minutes! If you’re looking to add a little crunch and a lot of flavor to your meals, homemade croutons, wontons, and tortilla chips are the way to go!

They’re quick, easy, and way more fun (and tastier!) than store bought. Whether you’re topping a fresh salad, dunking into a bowl of soup, or layering your next taco night or tortilla soup, these homemade favorites will take your everyday dishes to the next level.

Homemade Croutons – Perfect for tossing into Caesar salads, garden salads, or even serving as a crunchy topping for soup. Just cube up some day-old bread, drizzle with olive oil and seasoning, and bake until golden. The smell alone will make you hungry! A perfect item to munch on when your snack cabinet is empty.

Crispy Wontons – Fry or bake them, and you’ll have the ultimate soup topper or party snack. They’re light, airy, and perfectly crunchy. Dip them in sauce, float them in chicken soup, or crumble them over an Asian-inspired salad. (don’t forget you’ll be able to bake or fry them)

Tortilla Chips – Nothing beats a warm tortilla chips, perfect for dipping into Salsa, Guacamole, and serving with this Taco Dip. (Flour or corn tortillas!)

Toasting tortilla chips on the blackstone, they won’t be as crispy as frying, but these flour tortilla chips are great for dipping into hummus, goat cheese dip, and go great with this fig jam dip.

One of my favorite recipes to make with tortillas is these tortilla “empanadas.” I make them with beef and cheese, and often add black beans and sweet potatoes with taco seasoning, they’re so yummy! The possibilities are endless, and it’s a super-easy shortcut recipe. Other flavor options are chicken and spinach, ham and cheese, and pork with salsa verde.

The best part?

All three are ready in minutes and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and spices. Think garlic and parmesan croutons, sesame wontons, or tortillas flavored with herbs or cinnamon sugar. Once you start making these at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them pre-packaged.

So grab some pantry staples, turn on your oven or skillet, and get ready to crunch, munch, and enjoy homemade croutons, wontons, and tortillas. These little bites of joy will make your salads, soups, and dinners a whole lot more exciting!

There are three ways to cook them: bake, fry, or air fry. You choose what method you’d like and whip up some yumminess in minutes.

I often make croutons for salads and get asked, what brand are these, they are way better than the ones I buy… so funny. It’s because they are homemade!

And be sure to check out my BEST TIP for toasting bread, old bread, stale bread, just so-so bread…. this tip is GENIUS <<< no matter what kind of bread, old, stale, frozen… you need to try this.

For recipes on making bread, look here, here, and here… and make some of this if you have extra bread!

Speaking of wontons and tortillas- you have to try these.

Tortilla Empanadas– one of my favorite go-to quick, easy meals my family devours!
Southwest Chicken– wontons or eggrolls, use Asian wrappers or flour tortillas, make them big or small!
Wonton wrappers make the cutest appetizers, these are a must make.

and more fun with eggrolls…

While most restaurants deep fry croutons, wontons, and tortillas. I wanted to share how to make great-tasting items without the need to fry them, If you don’t want to… fried is always yummy, but baked is great too.

Another option is to use an air frier… so you can easily have those crunchy, delicious items you crave for lots of meals.

Caesar Pasta Salad

Flour tortillas… fried, so yummy with hummus and guacamole, not as great with salsa as it’s so wet, but that’s what corn tortillas are for, right?

When I’m cooking dinner, I often cut up a flour tortilla and heat it up for someone to snack on, and often dip it in hummus!

Great items to serve with fried flour tortillas:

More items to make with tortillas:

And one of my favorite snacks that are fried is these Fried Tortellini. I make them on cold winter afternoons, when we have dinner parties. They are super easy and only take minutes to make, and everyone is impressed. You can also use refrigerated ravioli (both large and mini work well).

And if you have some hot oil… no better time to make some funnel cake from scratch, or quick and easy funnel cake using pancake mix. honestly if I’m going to fry things in oil, I often make a small funnel first. I rarely go to fairs, and funnel cake is irresistible!

Give this chocolate funnel cake a try!

Now, if you’d like some more fried yumminess, put these on your must make list. Fried Oreos, Rosette Cookies,

And if you want the yummiest pork wontons, skip the take-out and make them!

I think potatoes are underrated, and if you do too, make these potato pancakes/latkes. These are a crowd pleaser. I typically use 5 lbs of potatoes, but you can make any amount you’d like!

And if potatoes are your thing, here are some more great potato recipes:

Crispy Baked French Fries

Use wonton wrappers to make wonton cups… and fill them with all sorts of yummy fillings, from artichoke dip, to crab rangoon filling, shrimp, and so much more!

If you like how-to posts… I have more. Check out some fun how-to items here.

And once you make those chips, you’ll need something to dip them into…

Chips and Salsa or Pico De Gallo– Crunchy chips paired with fresh, bright salsa or pico for a classic crowd pleaser.
Green Olive Dip– Creamy and savory with a salty olive bite that keeps everyone coming back.
Goat Cheese Crostini– Toasty crostini topped with creamy goat cheese for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Cottage Cheese Taco Dip– Creamy, protein-packed dip with bold taco flavors and a fresh finish.
Pizza Dip– All the flavors of your favorite pizza baked into a warm, cheesy dip.
Crab Rangoon Dip– Creamy crab dip with a hint of sweetness inspired by the classic appetizer.
Texas Egg Rolls with Jalapeno Pepper Jelly- Crispy egg rolls filled with bold Texas-style flavors, dipped in sweet and spicy jalapeño pepper jelly that is also delicious poured over whipped goat cheese or cream cheese.

I often crisp up some flour tortillas I’ve sprayed with oil on the black stone for a snack while I’m cooking, dip them in a little hummus, so I can keep the rest of the food on the grill and not have all of it eaten by the time I’m done cooking. Also, I fill tacos and crisp them up before being filled, and once they are filled, if needed. It helps to melt the cheese a bit if cheese is added.

How to Make Homemade Croutons, Wontons, and Tortilla Chips

turning bread into croutons, wonton wrappers into cups or strips, and tortillas into chips in just a few easy steps

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword appetizer, bread, snack

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Notes

Choose what you’ll be making.

Bread for croutons, any style bread will work, fresh, stale, ot frozen. If it’s fresh, cut it into 1″ pieces and place it on a baking sheet, and dry it out in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes, toss to get the other side exposed, and bake another 5 minutes. About 10 minutes total.

For wontons, purchase wonton wrappers, big or small, and cut them into the desired shape. I typically buy the small square wrappers and slice them into strips.

Tortillas, corn or flour, can be cut into strips, triangles, or any shape you’d like with a cookie cutter.

For frying: preheat 2 inches of neutral oil (I use avocado oil) in a saucepan to 350°. Place the item you’re frying and cook about 3 mintues tossing it so it coats oil on all sides and gets evenly cripsy. A slotted metal spoon or tongs work well. Drain on paper towels and salt if desired.

Oven Baked: Toss the items you’ll be baking with a little oil, or use oil in a sprayer… so it’s lightly coated, add garlic or other seasonings (or cinnamon sugar) and bake in a preheated 400° oven for 5 minutes, or until desired crispiness. Croutons usually take 10 minutes as they are thicker than any “strips”.

Air fryer: Spray or coat the desired items with some oil and air fry. Alternatively, don’t use any oil if desired. I like a little oil; it gives them all a nicer crunch. 350° 5-10 minutes.

The flavor possibilities are endless. Add the flavors you like, or keep it simple with a seasoning salt, lemon pepper, dry ranch flavor, or something out of your spice cabinet you love.

The items baked will likely be a bit chewier than fried, but it’s great to have a quick option to frying and to add a punch of fun to what your serving!

The post How to Make Homemade Croutons, Wontons, and Tortilla Chips first appeared on Created by Diane.

The Best Banana Buttermilk Scones You’ll Ever Bake

Diane — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 23:58:00 +0000

Banana Buttermilk Scones are tender, golden, and flavorful. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime.

These Banana and Buttermilk Scones are just one more reason to buy more bananas! Think banana bread in scone form!

Made with ripe bananas and tangy buttermilk, they bake up soft inside with a golden crust.

This banana scones recipe is great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, (or midnight snack) they’re delicious on their own or served with butter, honey, or jam. Add some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re looking to “dessert” it up!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Buttermilk Scones

Soft, bakery-style texture
Banana flavor shines through
Quick to make with simple ingredients
Freezer-friendly for an easy grab-and-go breakfast

How to make banana scones, buttermilk scones:

Use ripe yellow bananas for the best texture and flavor. Brown soft bananas will likely give a mushier scone interior.

The Best Banana Buttermilk Scones You’ll Ever Bake. Bananas are a staple item and great to have on hand.

Grating cold butter for scones gives a great lift to the scones, the butter blends in nicely while creating pockets of air when the scones are baked!

For a light, fluffy texture, use ripe bananas but not “brown/black overripe bananas, the super soft, mushy texture will result in mushy scones, the same thing happens with banana bread.

Enjoy this delicious banana layer cake, it’s wonderful!

Banana Maple Oatmeal Cookies are really calling your name. These are a must-make!

And one more amazing banana recipe, these Banana Crumb Muffins, oh these are the real deal

If you love baked goods with that cozy banana bread flavor, you’re going to fall in love with these Banana Buttermilk Scones. They’re tender, lightly sweet, and have a wonderful texture thanks to the buttermilk.

Tips for Perfect Banana Scones

Use cold butter- this helps create flaky layers.
Grate the cold butter
Don’t overmix- stir just until the dough comes together.
Slice bananas so the center of the scone isn’t mushy.
Brush with buttermilk before baking- it gives them a golden, crisp top.
Add-ins welcome! Try mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a touch of cinnamon.
Fruit scones tend to get sticky if you overmix or if they get warm, add flour as needed.

Give some of these Banana Recipes a try, everything from cakes to cookies, pies, and banana bread too!

If you’ve got a couple ripe bananas waiting to be used, skip the banana bread this time and bake up a batch of these delightful scones. Soft, buttery, and full of banana flavor — they’re sure to become a favorite!

If you’re looking for more recipes to use buttermilk with, give some of these a try!

Banana Buttermilk Scones

Banana and Buttermilk Scones are soft, golden, and flavorful—like banana bread in scone form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword banana, scone

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 28

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour or bread flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, grated
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 ripe bananas, chopped (not mashed) I used yellow bananas; brown bananas will give a mushier more wet scone.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, if desired

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°
In the bowl of a mixer, place the flour and brown sugar, mix to combine.
Add in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix again to combine those ingredients.
Add the cold grated butter and mix to combine on low to medium speed.
Place the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon if using it.
Add in the sliced banana, and mix on low, just until the banana incorperates.
When the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, stop mixing.
Turn the dough out onto your work surface, floured or on plastic wrap, and roll out 1 inch thick with a rolling pin. Cut into desired shape and size. 6-8 large scones, or many smaller scones.
I make the dough into a ball, then roll it into a dish shape and cut it with a sharp knife (not wiggling it- so the scones don't twist), then gently lift them with a spatula.
Place the scones on a parchment lined baking sheet, brush the tops of the scones with buttermilk.
Bake at 400° for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow scones to cool for 5 minutes, serve warm or cooled. Slice and add butter, jam, or honey.

The post The Best Banana Buttermilk Scones You’ll Ever Bake first appeared on Created by Diane.

Meal Prep Made Easy -Part 1

Diane — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 20:49:20 +0000

Meal prepping has become more than a trend. It’s a simple lifestyle shift that helps you eat healthier, save money, and make weeknight meals effortless. There are many ways to meal prep, take a look.

Let’s jump right into it.

We’ll talk about the meals and how to prep them so meal time is easier for you. There are many ways to meal prep. I’m going to share the two methods I use most.

The first method is prepping all your ingredients, then each day it’ll take about 10 minutes to fix up meals based on the ingredients you prepared.
The second method is making individual meals, placing them in containers to have complete meals ready to eat, just heat and eat.

When beginning to plan things out, I suggest thinking about the foods you like to eat most.

Specifically, what meals do you make that your family loves: is it lasagna, or Greek style beef kabobs, or lemon garlic chicken.

Calculate how many servings you are looking to have prepped.

When you open the fridge/freezer, what do you wish was in there… breakfast items, snacks, as well as meals.

One of the most popular meals in my home is Mexican food (oh, how I love tacos, so I’ve found making taco bowls is always a good idea). I make them often… and with different protein options.

The next most popular item is. Pasta and Meat Sauce! It’s always a winner. And so many options on flavor, I’ll have to work on a post to share all the varieties I make.

I have a post on Cooking Chicken for the week all at once, which you may find helpful to prep out lots of chicken.

The list goes on… there are many favorites, some seasonal that find their way into rotation, like this pumpkin alfredo or chicken pineapple kabobs.

Everyone’s list may look different. I’ll give you recipes and options to make it work for you.

And… no, you won’t be eating the same meals each night. Unless you choose to.

Make a list of what you’d like to have for the week. Similar items will help make it easier to prep.

Such as a hot pasta meal for dinners and for lunches, cold pasta salad, chicken for dinner, and make extra to make chicken salad, or to put on salads, for instance.

Increase variety as you get the timing down to a minimum, and work on multitasking the prep. This will help reduce stress if you’re new to meal prep.

If you’ve never prepped or batch cooked, maybe start small … with 3 days of food, so it’s not overwhelming, to ensure success.

Do it your way, create a routine, or be flexible and wing it. I’m giving you ideas, what works for me, recipes, and plans, mix it up any way you’d like. Your own meal prep has changed how it looked over time, as life has changed, so has my meal prep.

Decide on what you will put the food in. What containers will stack well to fit in your fridge and freezer? Being prepared will help it go smoothly.

Easy Instant Pot shredded chicken how-to and recipes– fast and tasty.
Slow Cooker chicken, low and slow!
How and why I cook chicken for the week at once
Rotisserie chicken, a simple shortcut to getting meals on the table fast, with 30 options

I’ve set up a week of meals if you need ideas, recipes. Feel free to swap out recipes with your own, too.

And if you need some fun, sweet item, make these warm cinnamon apples. They taste like apple pie and take about 15 minutes to make. Grab some ice cream, and wow everyone! This is a great item to bring to a party, too. Simple and delicious, and no one can resist it! And make plenty, they’re great on pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt!

And I typically make hard-boiled eggs to have on hand.

Meal Prep Example: This week, meal prep will look like cooking all the proteins one day, 1lb ground beef, 3 lbs chicken breast, 1 lb turkey meatballs, and cutting up all vegetables. Prep the Carbs: 2 lbs pasta, 2 cups rice. Prep the Italian chopped salad with dressing on the side to add before serving, or prep the chicken salad and hard boiled eggs.

The day of eating each meal:

Day 1– heat the sauce, add cooked beef, heat the pasta, toss everything together, add vegetables, and serve. Place all items in containers. meal plan you’ll prep ground beef, ground chicken, and chicken.
Day 2-Make the alfredo sauce, heat chicken and pasta, toss in the sauce. Add vegetables and serve.
Day 3-Sauté the vegetables, add chicken, make the sauce, and add it. Serve over rice.
Day 4- Make mashed potatoes, fresh or try these, a can of cranberry sauce, make or buy gravy, heat meatballs, add a vegetable, and serve.
Day 5– Prepare the French bread pizza, serve with a salad

>>> Lots of options, if you don’t care for a meal I mention, swap it out for one you prefer.

Option 2 on that same list: Prep out meals, fridge or freeze them. Write on freezer tape, post-it notes, or write with chalk markers to label containers.

Prep the proteins, pasta, rice, and potatoes, cut all the vegetables, and make each meal. I like to choose three meals from the list and double two of them. Once everything is cooked, portion the meals into individual containers. Some go in the fridge, and some in the freezer.

Building a freezer stash adds variety and makes life easier for lunches or busy nights. There are always a few meals you’ll eat again and again. Those are the best ones to freeze.

When you need something quick, you’ll have a meal ready to heat and eat. Midweek, you can prep a couple of fresh meals if needed or add more to the freezer as time allows. A little multitasking helps you get more done in less time.

This is Part 1 of my meal prep series. I have many planned…

I tried to break this up into a series you will hopefully try, that you won’t be exhausted reading, and find a way to make it work for you.

Leave any questions in the comments.

Smart Meal Prep: Neutral proteins = endless flavor options

I find prepping the proteins without a specific flavor always added at the time of cooking allows you to create flexibility. Add the flavor before you heat the protein so it’s not plain. Add seasoning, or the sauce, and reheat the protein. As it heats, it will absorb the flavors.

Let’s Talk SALT:

You should definitely salt your chicken before cooking it for meal prep. Salting chicken before cooking improves its flavor and tenderness, and it also helps to retain moisture.

This is especially important for meal prep, since you want your chicken to stay fresh and full of flavor for several days. I like using coarse kosher salt because it’s easy to pinch, adds great taste, and coats both sides of the chicken breast evenly. Salt promotes a drier surface for better browning.

Do you have to eat the same meals day after day?

No. Once you figure out how to prep enough food, place some in the freezer. Then you can mix up what you’re eating by having a variety.

Maybe you don’t want to freeze meals, that’s ok. You’ll have food in the fridge. If you make a pound of pasta for 2 people, you can make 2 different sauces, so it’s not the same taste all week. Keeping it simple with the same protein, then add a different vegetable.

How many days will my meal-prepped food last in the fridge?

Sometimes that will depend on the items you make. Certain foods last longer than others. As I’m sure you know, when you have items leftover and how long before they are no longer good.

I find that the majority of the meals I make can last 5 days in the fridge. If on day 2, 3, or 4, I think I won’t get to them all by day 5, I put them in the freezer. Once frozen, if thawed, I eat them within 24 hours, ensuring they are at their best.

For the best food safety recommendations, it’s recommended not to let the food cool off to room temperature before storing. Seal containers, place in fridge.

I’ve been meal prepping for as long as I can remember. I first started by planning and prepping my lunches so I didn’t have to do it each day. I’d make something for the week and eat it each day for lunch. The next week would be something different.

In later years, I’d make all my kids’ sandwiches for the week on one day, put them in the fridge, and prep out snacks for them, so it kept the mornings less stressful.

How long does meal prep take?

Great question! I typically plan out 2 hours. I get as much as I can accomplished. I’ve been doing it for many years. I write everything down I’ll be doing, and see how to batch cook items to save time. It goes quicker as you get better at multi tasking! How long will it take you, that will all depend on how organized you are. Writing it all down will help. PRINT THIS to help.

Give me about 2 hours and I can have everything prepped, cooked, cleaned up, and tucked away—way quicker than making dinner from scratch every single night!

And who wouldn’t like a piece of cake, single slices freeze well

More reasons I like to have cooked chicken on hand or in the freezer. Need more meal options:

Chicken Caesar Salad with Chicken– A classic Caesar salad topped with juicy seasoned chicken and crisp romaine with homemade creamy Caesar dressing.
Green Chicken Chili– A hearty, flavor-packed chili made with tender chicken, mild green chiles, and real comfort in every bowl.
Chicken Lo Mein– Savory noodles tossed with stir-fried chicken and vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Chicken Fried Rice– A quick, satisfying dish of golden rice stir-fried with chicken, eggs, and veggies for an easy meal any night.

To keep everything organized…

Click here to print this meal prep organizer. It will help you gather your ideas, make a to-do list, and plan what you’ll be cooking and eating for the week.

As a reminder, don’t forget to sign up for my emails, so you don’t miss the next part of this series, and be alerted to my latest recipe. I often send 1 email a week, and you may get 2 around holidays.

Did you know email is the best way to stay in touch… it helps me send you my newest recipes, and remind you of seasonal favorites, as well as it’s the fastest way for you to get a response from me. Just reply to any email and it’ll land in my inbox!

Feel free to share this post with anyone you think may enjoy it.

Thanks for making it all the way to the end!

The post Meal Prep Made Easy -Part 1 first appeared on Created by Diane.

The Best Cinnamon Sugar Mix – Simple Recipe to Keep on Hand

Diane — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 06:23:43 +0000

A jar of cinnamon sugar is one of those little kitchen treasures that instantly makes everything taste better. It’s sweet, a little spicy, and so simple to mix — just sugar and cinnamon in the perfect ratio.

Cinnamon Sugar, it sounds so simple… and it is!

But let me give you some really delicious reasons why you need it.

I keep a jar tucked in my kitchen cabinet.

It’s so convenient. I do tie a red ribbon on it so no one confuses it with a similar jar (that has happened in the past, which is why the ribbon has been on it for many years).

Keep a jar on hand, and you can sprinkle it on everything from toast to cookies, coffee, or even popcorn.

Whether you’re adding a cozy touch to breakfast or giving desserts a little sparkle, cinnamon sugar is a must-have flavor booster you’ll reach for again and again.

Grab a jar, an empty salt shaker, spice jar, or something similar in size.

Next, you’ll need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Choose the best-tasting cinnamon. I like the cinnamon from Costco, it smells amazing and has a nice, strong flavor. If you’re cinnamon is less fragrant, add more.

Mix it together, then place it in a jar. Use a funnel or a piece of waxed paper to make a funnel so there is less mess.

Make a small amount or a large portion of cinnamon sugar. Adjust the cinnamon if you’d like more (I like the cinnamon from Costco, it has a nice, strong flavor).

More uses for cinnamon sugar:

It can be as simple as a slice of toast with butter, topped with cinnamon sugar.

Or how about a tortilla…

Cinnamon Sugar Chips:

If you’re looking for a fun twist on chips, take some flour tortillas, cut them into triangles, then spray them with oil, lay them out in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Then shake on the cinnamon and sugar on both sides of the tortillas. Then place them in a 400° oven and bake them until crisp. You can turn them over with tongs to be sure each side is crisp.

Cinnamon Chips are great with ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, diced fruit salsa, a fun option to dip into yogurt, or just eat them as a quick snack!

Some fun items to put cinnamon sugar on are:

yogurt
oatmeal
Pancakes
French Toast
Saltines and Milk (you have to read this post to find out all about this interesting combination.
sprinkle over ice cream
on an apple pie crust before baking
toast with butter
give your popcorn a sweet kick
bagel with cream cheese

And these Cinnamon Apples are amazing!

More great recipes using this cinnamon sugar combination:

Add a tablespoon of this cinnamon sugar to 6-8 tablespoons of softened butter, make a great butter to slather on all sorts of baked goods!

Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon sugar is a winning combination for so many uses.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword cinnamon

Prep Time 2

Total Time 2

Author Diane Schmidt – createdbydiane.com

Ingredients

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Add more or less, according to taste.

Instructions

You can easily multiply the cinnamon sugar for how much you'd like. Select a jar for the amount you'll be making, having a shaker top is extremely helpful.
In a bowl mix the cinnamon and sugar until blended.
Use a funnel or fold a piece of waxed paper to pour the mixture into the jar.

The post The Best Cinnamon Sugar Mix – Simple Recipe to Keep on Hand first appeared on Created by Diane.