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

• Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
• Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad
• Chinese Chicken Salad
• Taco Salad

Don’t miss these Salad Dressing Recipes

• Lemon Saffron Salad Dressing
• Quick Creamy Caesar Dressing
• Green Goddess Dressing

Print

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 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 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.

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.

• Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Ham Egg and Cheese Breakfast Cups
• Blueberry Muffins
• Banana Bread
• Hard Boiled Eggs

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

• Tuna Pasta Salad (no mayo)
• Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
• BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

for older kids:

• Pesto Zucchini Pasta Salad
• Broccoli Pasta Salad
• Feta Basil Balsamic Pasta Salad
• Caesar Pasta Salad

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:

• Pizza in Minutes
• Bean and Cheese Burritos
• Veggie Cream Cheese Dip
• Dumplings the Easy Way
• Creamy Hard Boiled Egg Dip
• Apple Cheddar Quesadillas
• Caprese Grilled Cheese
• Egg Salad Spring Rolls
• Cottage Cheese Taco Dip
• Salad Dippers
• Avocado Caprese
• Roast Beef Stackers
• Chocolate Apple Bark

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.

• Chicken Pot Pie
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Green Chicken Chili
• Ground Beef Chili
• Chicken Lettuce Wrap Bowls
• Beer Battered Chicken
• Beef with Snow Peas

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.

• Chicken Lo Mein
• BBQ Chicken Pasta
• Fried rice
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Southwest Chicken
• Chicken Mexican Fried Rice
• Chicken Alfredo 
• Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
• Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

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.

#1 Bread and Butter (a personal favorite)

Never underestimate how much people like one of the simplest items you can put together in minutes.

There’s something special about being greeted with a basket of warm bread and butter. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, making everyone eager for that first bite before the main course even arrives. It’s a simple touch that instantly makes a meal feel welcoming and memorable.

While classic butter is always delicious, flavored butters make fresh bread even more irresistible. A creamy cinnamon sugar butter adds just the right touch of sweetness, while honey butter melts into every warm slice with rich, comforting flavor.

If you prefer something savory, try a jalapeño butter with a little kick, roasted garlic butter, or a blend of fresh herbs. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and a wonderful way to turn an ordinary loaf of bread into something guests will remember long after the meal is over.

I love cornbread, and whipped honey butter is the perfect topping!

Fresh baked, store-bought, any type of bread, rolls, sliced, baguette… and butter, go with European if you want to kick it up, Kerry Irish Butter comes in a spreadable tub for on-the-go ease. Mix in some fresh herbs (and garlic) for a tasty appetizer.

A simple Butter Board could bring a smile to anyone!

Don’t miss this post on how to perfectly toast bread, this is great if you happen fresh bread to crisp the outside, has some lack luster bread and need to make it taste wonderful. Have frozen bread, this will bring it back to that fresh baked yumminess.

Homemade Bread

• 2 loaves of bread and homemade butter
• Aritsan Bread and Compound Flavored Butters
• French Bread
• More Artisan Bread Options
• Jalapeno Butter
• Another great “quick bread” option is Irish Soda Bread
  
  Banana bread is wonderful alternative too.
  
  And a fun Crostini option is this Caprese Crostini

#2. Cheese and Crackers

Mix a variety of cheeses, from creamy and mild to sharp and aged, with buttery crackers, crisp artisan crisps, or rustic crostini so guests can create their perfect bite.

A round of brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese paired with crackers is always welcome. And on top, add some…

• Fig Jam– Check out this Fig Jam Dip!
• jalapeño jelly
• pineapple jam

Or your favorite preserves for an easy appetizer everyone will enjoy.

#3. Something to Sip

Bring a bottle of wine, sparkling cider, lemonade, flavored syrup, sparkling water, or ingredients for a fun mocktail.

A bottle of cranberry juice and a few fresh limes can instantly elevate a gathering. Add tequila to make these.

4. A Sweet Treat

My motto? Life is short, eat dessert first!

• Cookies
• pie
• cake
• brownies
• toffee
• candied nuts, and more no-bake desserts

A box of chocolates is always a crowd pleaser.

Sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying. Warm cinnamon apples come together in minutes, and they are perfect over vanilla ice cream… It tastes like warm apple pie!

If you need a last-minute option, stop by a bakery and grab something you love.

5. A Simple Side Dish

For BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, and Friendsgiving, celebrations, and parties, offer to bring a side dish.

• Mac and Cheese
• pasta salad
• potato salad
• stuffing
• potato casserole
• sweet potato casserole
• deviled eggs

Another summer side dish must serve item is baked beans, for cookouts, BBQ’s and fun with sandwichces too.

6. Fresh Fruit

A bowl of seasonal fruit is beautiful. Choose apples any time and especially in the fall, pomegranates, clementines, persimmons in the winter, and strawberries and cherries in the spring.

Stone fruit and watermelon in summer to fall, buy a fruit platter, add in some fresh berries or cherries, or buy fruit and cut it yourself. Here you’ll find the recipes for the fruit dip, what a fun, easy treat.

Make a platter of chocolate covered fuit for any occasion!

7. Flowers (Ready to Display)

Flowers make a wonderful host gift, but don’t hand your host a bouquet that needs trimming and arranging.

Instead, place them in a vase, jar, or pitcher before you arrive (or buy them already arranged) so they can simply set them down and enjoy them.

Desserts that look like flowers, poppies, rose cookies, and pink rose cupcakes

A plant or fresh herbs are other really wonderful options. A basil plant looks and smells great on the kitchen counter. And fresh basil is the key to this simple pasta salad.

8. Ice Cream or Donuts

Sometimes the unexpected gifts are the most memorable.

A box of donuts, ice cream sandwiches, or chocolate-covered ice cream bars can instantly turn an ordinary gathering into a celebration.

Grab a container of ice cream, or make some homemade ice cream with my easy no-churn ice cream recipes.

Don’t underestimate grabbing something you love from a bakery, or the bakery section of a store, maybe a childhood favorite, or just something you haven’t had in a while.

9. A Thoughtful Non-Food Gift

When someone opens their home and invites you over, it’s always nice to arrive with a small token of appreciation.

While food gifts are often the first thing that comes to mind, non-food gifts can be just as thoughtful and are often enjoyed long after the night is over.

From flowers and herbs to kitchen essentials and cozy home accents, these simple gifts are easy to find, budget-friendly, and perfect for showing your gratitude.

A great item is a dish towel, just wrap it in a ribbon or twine and say thank you for the invite. Plain dishtowels, Plaid style dishtowels, any color, Buy in bulk, find your signature gift item, or with fun sayings. How about a fun candle.

Kitchen towels, a fancy salt, even smoked salt, specialty tea, or fresh herbs make great host gifts.

Think about what feels like a small luxury to you. Chances are, it will feel special to someone else, too.

An item typically available at every grocery, dollar-style store, or Amazon has them ready whenever an invite comes along. Pretty paper products, like colorful paper napkins or plates, they have lots of fun items and design options, some have fun sayings, others are seasonally themed.

10. Bring Their Favorite

The more you know about the host, the easier this becomes.

Love coffee? Bring a bag of local coffee beans. If they are a coffee lover, bring them a cup of their favorite, chances are, they’ve been go-go-go all day, and it will be just what they need.

Know they love chocolate? Bring their favorite candy.

Something everyone may love is a bottle of avocado oil or olive oil.

When in doubt… bring something you genuinely enjoy yourself. Make it or buy it. Maybe it’ll become their favorite, too.

shop my favorites here

One Final Tip

Ask, How can I help?

Sometimes they might need you to pick up ice or lemons. I recall having a party years ago, and as you know, it can get very busy. I ran out of paper towels. Are you thinking, how does that happen?! They sell them in packs of 12 at big box stores, but it did! And a friend texted she was on her way over, and I said, I hope you have a roll of paper towels, I ran out… luckily she did…the day was saved!

There was no way I was heading to the store minutes before everyone arrived, and yes, paper towels are a must in my book when you have a party! But you might need something else. It’s always nice when someone lets you know they’re on their way, just in case a last minute need comes up.

And even a simple thank you note, when you arrive. Thanking them for opening their home to you, for thinking of them, and taking the time to make this day possible. Witih all the planning and preparing, But mostly being thought of is a gift within itself.

And one more thing…

This really fun, simple dessert is the Cannoli Dip. Make it or buy it, I’ve seen some options like this at Trader Joe’s, they sell the dip, just add the dippers. Costco sometimes has it, and so do grocery stores.

The best host gifts don’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful enough to let your host know how much you appreciate their hospitality.

And if you’re looking for the cute pink frosted cake I’m holding in the featured photo at the beginning, I’ve shared the recipe here.

Let’s recap my top 10:

• Bread and Butter
• Cheese and Crackers
• Something to Sip
• A Sweet Treat
• A Simple Side Dish
• Fresh Fruit
• Flowers, herbs, or plants
• Ice Cream or Donuts
• A Thoughtful Non-Food Gift
• Bring Their Favorite

No matter what you bring, the thought behind it is what people remember most. A warm loaf of bread, a favorite dessert, fresh flowers, or a handwritten note are all simple ways to say, “Thank you for having me.” The best host gifts don’t have to be expensive. They just need to come from the heart.

The post What to Bring When You’re Invited Over: 10 Easy Host Recipe and Gift Ideas first appeared on Created by Diane.

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.

Grilled 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:

• Bean and Cheese Burritos
• Jalapeno Pesto over Pasta
• Caesar Pasta Salad
• Italian Sub Chopped Salad
• Pink Pasta Sauce

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.

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

• Green Chicken Chili
• Favorite Chili, Baked Beans, and Ribs
• Baked Refried Beans and Eggs
• Sausage Rice and Beans
• Black Bean Soup
• Broccoli White Bean Soup
• Pumpkin Sausage Soup
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Taco Salad
• Taco Marinated Chicken
• Chili Verde

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

And more corn recipes to try:

• Elote Mexican Corn
• Scalloped Cornbread
• Pan Roasted Corn
• Mexican Corn Pasta Salad
• Corn Bread Pudding
• Cornbread “Tamale” Bites
• Cornbread Pancakes

You’ll find my favorite items here.

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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 minutes minutes

15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 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.

Looking for easy, flavorful, and satisfying high-protein meals? This collection of recipes delivers everything from hearty soups and cheesy bakes to fresh salads and bold international favorites. Perfect for meal prep, staying fuller longer, or supporting fitness goals, each dish packs big flavor without sacrificing nutrition.

All of these recipes provide at least 20% of their calories from protein. If you want an extra boost, simply increase the protein portion—doubling chicken, meat, or other protein ingredients is an easy way to tailor each meal to your needs.

While some options are naturally low carb, they’re all high in protein, averaging around 20 grams per serving. These versatile recipes make it simple to enjoy satisfying, protein-packed meals your whole family will love.

Over 30 recipes… you’ll have plenty to serve all month long. I can’t wait to hear which recipes you’ll choose to make on repeat!

• Chicken Lettuce Wraps Fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor, these wraps are a lighter but satisfying meal.
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Juicy chicken meatballs baked in marinara and topped with melty cheese for a fun twist on a classic.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs Tender chicken thighs roasted with zesty lemon and garlic for a simple, flavorful dinner.
• Chili A hearty, comforting bowl of beans, meat, and spices simmered to perfection.
• Banh mi Meatballs Vietnamese-inspired meatballs with bold flavors, perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls.
• Chicken Pineapple Kabobs Sweet and savory skewers with juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple from the grill.

• Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Juicy steak topped with bright, herby chimichurri for a bold, flavorful finish.
• Pickle Chicken Tangy, juicy chicken marinated in pickle brine for a fun twist on a classic.
• Greek Chicken Meatballs Tender meatballs seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, perfect with tzatziki or salad.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup A hearty, zesty soup loaded with chicken, veggies, spices, and crunchy tortilla strips.
• Honey Sesame Chicken Meatballs Sweet, savory, and sticky meatballs with a sesame glaze, everyone will love.
• Sheet Pan Sour Cream Chicken Creamy, tangy chicken baked on one pan with veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.

While these are definitely low-carb recipes, they also fall into the high-protein category, delivering approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, making them ideal for anyone following a low-carb, high-protein diet.

Why are high-protein meals desirable:

They help build and repair muscle, keep you fuller longer, boost metabolism, help with weight loss, and to maintain your ideal weight. Help balance your hormones, help prevent overeating, strengthen your immune system, and keep your hair and nails looking great!

• Skillet Chicken Curry This creamy, flavorful skillet chicken curry comes together quickly with tender chicken, warm spices, and a rich sauce.
• Chicken Satay Meatballs All the irresistible flavors of classic chicken satay — in bite-sized form! These juicy, spiced meatballs are served with a creamy peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling.
• Stuffed Peppers Colorful bell peppers are filled with a hearty mix, then baked until tender.
• Pork and Clams A Portuguese-inspired classic that pairs tender pork with briny clams in a garlicky, wine-infused sauce. It’s a comforting coastal dish bursting with bold flavor and rustic charm.
• Sausage Peppers Onions This classic combination of Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions is a crowd-pleaser.
• Szechuan Chicken and Vegetables A vibrant stir-fry loaded with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold Szechuan-style sauce that’s savory and a little spicy (adjust the spice more or less or remove if you don’t like it spicy).

• Chicken Pizza Crust A low-carb, high-protein pizza base made from chicken, ready to load with your favorite toppings.
• Greek Non-Kabob… yummy Greek steak! Juicy, marinated Greek-style steak without the skewer, bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
• Greek Chicken Tender, herb-marinated chicken cooked to perfection with classic Greek seasonings.
• Green Chicken Chili A zesty, hearty chili made with chicken, green chiles, and warm spices for a comforting kick.
• Chicken Satay in Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled chicken skewers served with a rich, creamy Thai peanut dipping sauce.
• Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad: Fresh, light, and flavorful, featuring grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled in balsamic.

• Baked Ziti (add twice as much meat to make it protein loaded!) A hearty baked pasta dish with extra meat for double the flavor and a serious protein boost.
• Stuffed Pork Chops Thick, juicy pork chops filled with savory stuffing and baked to perfection.
• Chicken Kebat Tender chicken in a delicious sauce with mint, along with vegetables to round out the meal, serve over rice.
• Refried Beans and Eggs A simple, satisfying combo of creamy beans and perfectly cooked eggs, great any time of day.
• BBQ chicken French Bread Pizza Crispy French bread piled high with tangy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and fresh toppings.
• Chicken Enchiladas in Green Sauce Rolled tortillas filled with chicken and smothered in zesty green sauce and gooey cheese.

• Italian chicken sandwich Juicy, flavorful chicken layered with Italian seasonings, melty cheese, and fresh toppings on a crusty roll for the ultimate sandwich.
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs All the cheesy, saucy goodness of chicken parmesan, rolled into tender bite-sized meatballs.
• Italian Wedding Soup A cozy classic with tender meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta in a savory broth.
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup (add chicken for higher protein) Creamy, cheesy, and comforting with broccoli and cheddar, plus chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
• Maple Bacon Bourbon Chicken Legs Sweet, smoky, and savory chicken legs glazed with maple syrup, crispy bacon, and a splash of bourbon.
• Pork Chops Wine Sauce Juicy pork chops simmered in a rich, silky wine sauce for an elegant yet easy dinner.

With so many delicious ways to pack in protein, it’s easy to keep your meals exciting and satisfying. From hearty soups and cozy baked dishes to fresh salads and bold international flavors, these recipes prove that high-protein eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Try mixing and matching a few throughout the week to stay full, fueled, and inspired in the kitchen.

The post Easy High Protein Recipes You’ll Love first appeared on Created by Diane.

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…

• Corned Beef and Cabbage Eggrolls
• Texas Egg Rolls
• Salmon Egg Rolls
• Avocado Chipotle Egg Rolls

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.

• Tortilla Soup
• Caesar Salad
• Pumpkin Sausage Soup
• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
• Mushroom Soup
• Tomato Bisque
• Broccoli Cheese Soup

• 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:

• Goat Cheese Guacamole
• Crab Rangoon Dip

More items to make with tortillas:

• Air Fryer Tortillas and more Air Fryer Recipes!
• Grilled Cinnamon Apple à la Mode Tacos

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.

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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.

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.

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.

If you’ve ever dreamed of dining al fresco on a breezy Greek island, these recipes bring that sun-soaked flavor home—no passport required. From herb-marinated chicken to tangy whipped feta and zesty cucumber salads, this lineup of Greek-inspired dishes delivers big flavor with fresh, simple ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard feast or just craving something light and vibrant, these recipes will transport you straight to the Aegean coast.

At the heart of it all is Mediterranean Marinated Chicken, bursting with lemon, garlic, and herbs—it’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or roasting.

Pair it withGreek No Mayo Potato Salad, a lighter take on a classic, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and plenty of fresh herbs.

For a creamy, salty twist, Whipped Feta Cheese makes an irresistible dip or spread you’ll want to slather on everything.

To round out your meal, try Greek Spiral Cucumber Salad, full of crunch, tang, and color, or the ever-popular Greek Pasta Salad, which blends chewy noodles with olives, tomatoes, and feta in a bright vinaigrette.

And don’t miss Greek Chicken a simple, go-to dish with classic seasoning that never goes out of style. These recipes are all about balance, freshness, and that unmistakable Mediterranean magic.

Bring the taste of Greece to your kitchen with fresh, wholesome recipes inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.

• Mediterranean Marinated Chicken Tender chicken marinated in a bold blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It’s the kind of marinade that does all the heavy lifting for you—just grill, roast, or pan-sear and enjoy.
• Greek No Mayo Potato Salad A fresh and herby potato salad with no mayo in sight—just olive oil, lemon, red onion, and plenty of dill. Light, bright, and perfect, served warm or chilled.
• Whipped Feta Cheese Creamy, salty, and slightly tangy, this whipped feta dip is blended until smooth and dreamy. Serve with pita chips, veggies, or spread it onto sandwiches.
• Greek Spiral Cucumber Salad Cool, crisp cucumbers (spiralized for fun!) tossed with red onion, olives, and a punchy lemon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect refreshing side
• Greek Chicken An easy, everyday Greek-style chicken recipe seasoned with oregano, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Delicious on its own or chopped into salads, wraps, and bowls.
• Greek Pasta Salad A colorful mix of pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or make-ahead lunches.

• Greek Charcuterie A stunning and snackable spread with olives, cheeses, pita, veggies, dips, and more. This Mediterranean-style board is perfect for entertaining—or just making any night feel a little more fabulous.
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Comforting and bright, this soup combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a splash of lemon in a silky broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with a Greek twist.
• Pickled Turnips These bright pink beauties are tangy, crunchy, and eye-catching. A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, they add a punch of flavor and color to sandwiches, salads, or snack boards.
• Greek Chicken Salad and Tomato Dressing A bold and fresh salad topped with juicy Greek-style chicken and dressed with a tangy homemade tomato vinaigrette. It’s a complete meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
• Greek Non Kabob- All the juicy, herby flavor of traditional Greek kabobs—without the skewers! This no-fuss recipe features perfectly seasoned chicken (or meat) that’s pan-cooked or baked, making it a quicker and easier way to enjoy that same grilled taste any day of the week.
• Greek Chicken Meatballs Juicy, oven-baked meatballs loaded with Mediterranean flavor—oregano, garlic, lemon, and feta. Serve them over rice, in pitas, or with a side of tzatziki for dipping.

Quinoa Tabbouleh A protein-packed twist on the classic, this quinoa-based tabbouleh is full of parsley, mint, tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil. Light, herby, and endlessly versatile.

I’m always on the lookout for Greek Style foods, kabobs, and falafel- (Trader Joe’s has some great prepared falafel in the freezer section). Another great sauce to make is this Green Goddess Dressing!

And oh, do I have some hummus recipes for you:

• Roasted Beet Hummus– the color alone will win you over
• White Bean Hummus
• Cauliflower Hummus for a vegetable option, and this pretty green cauliflower and spinach hummus
• How to make hummus

So grab some essentials and you’ll be enjoying some tasty items in no time!

I like that Trader Joe’s has frozen Falafel, so quick and easy to heat and serve

And my favorite falafel mix is Tarazi Falafel Mix, which is great mixed as directed on the package, or I like adding in a pound of ground chicken and make meatballs for a great high protein falafel. I find it at my local grocery store, I linked it so you can see the package. Perfect for on top of salads, in a pita, or to add to a fun Greek style charcuterie!

The post Greek Inspired Recipes- Made Simple with Bold Mediterranean Taste first appeared on Created by Diane.

So many ideas roll around this time of year!

from savory to sweet, I have a fun line up for you.

Starting with…

• Roast Beef Stackers– Tender roast beef layered on crackers with horseradish for an easy, hearty bite.
• Salad Dippers– A walking salad making it perfect for a party.
• Pork Wontons– Golden and crispy wontons filled with seasoned pork and packed with flavor.
• Cannoli Dip– Sweet, creamy ricotta style dip with classic cannoli flavor, perfect for dipping cookies or fruit.
• Chicken Meatballs– Juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs that are easy to grab and always a crowd favorite.
• Whisky Fudge– Rich, smooth fudge with a subtle whisky kick for a grown-up sweet treat.
• Fried Tortellini– Crispy fried tortellini with a cheesy center, ideal for dipping and snacking.
• Toffee– Buttery, crunchy toffee with a deep caramel flavor that melts in your mouth.

What will be eating, drinking, and snacking on…

And don’t think mimosa’s are just for brunch this strawberry lemonade mimosa is perfect!

Add some booze to this fun and simple whipped coffee and let the party roll all the way past midnight!

Blackberry Bourbon Smash, fun and fruity!

And my personal favorite Bourbon drink… A Kentucky Dirty!

Keep it simple with some easy dip recipes:

• 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.

Serve this in a hot skillet, and everyone can dive in with a fork, or serve it over pasta for a fun dinner. This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is OUTSTANDING!

The post New Year’s Eve Appetizers and Sweets first appeared on Created by Diane.