After the holidays, everything feels a little quieter. The schedule settles back in, and the fridge becomes a holding place for all the plans you meant to get to. A forgotten can of cranberry sauce—tucked behind leftovers from a week that got away from me—and it ended up becoming the base for this Sweet Chili…
Tag: leftovers
Sweet Chili Cranberry Salad Dressing
There’s a familiar calm that settles in after the holidays—the house is quieter, the fridge is a little too full, and you finally have a minute to breathe and take stock of what’s left. I was doing exactly that when I spotted an unopened can of cranberry sauce tucked behind a container I swore I…
Sweet Chili Cranberry Crockpot Meatballs
Some dishes stay in the holiday rotation because they remind us that good food can be simple and affordable. These Sweet Chili Cranberry Crockpot Meatballs are one of mine. I first made them on a December evening with family coming and going, a house that needed cleaning, and no desire for another store run. A…
Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Sides: Cranberry, Stuffing, and More
The smell of turkey slowly roasting, the sound of laughter drifting from the kitchen, the sight of a table overflowing with colorful, comforting dishes — Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses. But when grocery prices are higher than ever and oven space is at a premium, creating that dream holiday spread can feel overwhelming….
What to Make with Leftover Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin Cookies
It always starts with good intentions—maybe you were making pumpkin pancakes for brunch or stirring some into soup. You use what you need, stash the rest in the fridge, and tell yourself you’ll find a use for it. But days pass, and that little container slowly disappears into the back of the shelf—until it’s too…
What to Make with Leftover Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin Pie
It always starts the same way. I’m halfway through baking a batch of pumpkin muffins, measuring out the purée, when I realize—again—I’ve got half a can left. Not enough for another full recipe, but too much to throw away without a little guilt creeping in. So into the fridge it goes… where it sits until…
Asian Fusion Easy Spinach Dip with Pickled Onions
What if your favorite easy spinach dip got an Asian fusion makeover? Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic spinach dip infused with the savory umami of soy sauce, a touch of sweet hoisin, and a little kick from garlic and ginger. Now, add zingy pickled onions with a rice vinegar twist, and you’ve got…
Taco Cupcakes: Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Imagine biting into a taco but in the form of a fun, handheld cupcake. Sounds crazy, right? Believe me when I tell you—this twist on traditional tacos is not just adorable; it’s downright delicious. With a crispy, golden biscuit base and a savory, cheesy taco filling, these taco cupcakes are the perfect appetizer, snack, or…








