Cooking from Scratch
Welcome to the Cooking from Scratch category—your home base for making wholesome, homemade meals with simple ingredients. Whether you're baking bread, simmering soups, or learning the basics of scratch cooking, these recipes and tips will help you cook confidently and nourish your family naturally.
-
Easy Penne Pasta Bake Recipe with Mozzarella and Marinara
A delicious twist on the classic mostaccioli, this Easy Penne Pasta Bake is just as comforting with its delicious cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce! You can call it mostaccioli, baked ziti, or penne pasta bake; this classic recipe is versatile and customizable with whatever kind of noodles you have. If you’re in the mood for more cozy, satisfying meals,…
-
Quick Taco Bake with Doritos
This Quick Taco Bake with Doritos is a weeknight lifesaver and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It layers seasoned ground beef, creamy filling, shredded cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a comfort food casserole that disappears fast. Anything taco-flavored is a hit in our house—especially when I use my Homemade Taco Seasoning to give it a flavorful, from-scratch boost. I don’t know about you,…
-
18 Unique Homemade Mason Jar Gift Ideas with Recipes
Looking for creative Homemade Mason Jar Gift Ideas? These simple and thoughtful gifts are perfect for any occasion. From sweet treats to meals, there’s a homemade jar for everyone on your gift list. Grab your favorite recipes and surprise your friends and family with it. I’ve included FAQs and tips at the bottom of the page as well as a…
-
Oatmeal Cookies Mason Jar Gift Recipe with a Printable Tag
An Oatmeal Cookie Mason Jar Gift is the ideal DIY present for any occasion, from birthdays to Christmas. These easy-to-make cookie gifts are so much fun; your friends and family will love them. Grab some jars and your cookie ingredients and get busy making some cookies. If you want more Homemade Mason Jar Gifts, check out my list of 18 unique…
-
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe for all Your Taco Tuesdays
This easy taco seasoning recipe is one of my favorite ways to keep our meals simple, flavorful, and clean. Making homemade seasonings is such an easy win, no weird additives, no preservatives, just real ingredients I already have in the pantry. With all the hidden junk in store-bought packets, I’d rather take five minutes and mix up a blend I…
-
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend: The Perfect Fall Flavor
Homemade Pumpkin Spice is a staple when it comes to fall flavors. Having your own recipe in your back pocket is a great way to personalize your fall baking and drink recipes. My family’s favorite pumpkin spice recipe is my Pumpkin Pie with a Pecan Crumble Top. It combines a traditional pumpkin pie with a crunchy pecan crumble that tastes…
-
How to Make Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble Top
Pumpkin pie is a nostalgic dessert for many people. With Thanksgiving coming up next week, it’s the perfect time to share my Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crumble Top recipe! This pie has a crunchy twist on a classic recipe. The pecans add texture and flavor contrast. Make it with canned or freshly roasted pumpkin, and there’s no need for evaporated…
-
How to Roast a Pumpkin-It’s Easier than You Think
There’s something special about roasting your own pumpkins in the fall! Sure, it takes a little longer than buying pumpkin puree but it’s totally worth it to buy local or use a pumpkin that you grew! My pumpkin plants didn’t do very well this year so I bought a few from a local farmer. I roasted two sugar pumpkins and…
-
6 Fall Recipes You’ll Love This Season
Autumn is such a special time in the kitchen. Here in Northern Illinois, it is starting to get pretty chilly and there’s nothing better than the savory smells of one of these Fall Recipes circling the house. Whether it’s comfort casseroles or easy crockpot soups, I know you’ll love this roundup of fall recipes. Leave a comment to let us…
-
Easy Raspberry Crumble: A Delightful Dessert for Every Occasion
Raspberry crumble is an easy and delicious recipe you can enjoy fresh during raspberry season or any time of year with store-bought or frozen raspberries. Use whatever kind of raspberries you have on hand; my favorite is black raspberries. If you’ve been around our blog for a little while, you’ll know I’m a little obsessed with my crumble recipe, and…
