These simple Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops transform a can of soup into a rich, comforting skillet dinner. Tender pork chops are pan-seared, smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, and finished in the oven for a weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy. I’ve met many of the families and farmers who raise pigs and … Read more

This Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats is an effortless, make-ahead breakfast. Chia seeds, your choice of milk, fresh blueberries and bright lemon zest combine for a nutritious start to your day. Easily made vegan depending on the milk and sweetener you choose. With a blog named “lemons + zest,” adding lemon to recipes is a longtime … Read more

Sometimes you feel like a nut, right? If so, this Almond Joy Smoothie is for you — a quick, creamy blend of chocolate, coconut and almonds with a hint of greens for extra nutrition. It tastes like a shake and is ready in minutes. This chocolate-coconut smoothie is inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy: … Read more

This easy Caramel Stuffed Snickerdoodle recipe delivers soft, chewy cinnamon-sugar cookies with a melty caramel center. Serve warm for ooey-gooey caramel or cool for a chewier bite. Classic snickerdoodles are wonderful, but these caramel-stuffed snickerdoodles take the cookie to the next level. Each cookie hides a buttery caramel center inside a soft, cinnamon-sugar shell. They’re … Read more

You only need a handful of ingredients for this simple breakfast or snack. This Banana Chia Seed Pudding is lightly spiced with cinnamon, sweetened with maple syrup, and takes only five minutes to prep. This recipe was originally published July 2015 and updated July 2020. Chia seeds have come a long way from novelty to … Read more

This simple Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Carrot Soup is a cozy, easy-to-make recipe. It’s quick to prepare, no need to peel the sweet potatoes, freezer-friendly, and if your blender has a soup setting you can skip the stovetop. Thick, creamy, and warmly spiced with a hint of maple, this soup is a seasonal favorite. This … Read more

Muddy buddies or puppy chow—whatever you call it, this Snickerdoodle-inspired cinnamon Chex mix is always a crowd-pleaser. Ready in about 10 minutes, the combination of white chocolate, cinnamon and powdered sugar creates a crunchy, sweet treat you’ll turn to again and again. This recipe was originally published May 2017 and updated December 2021. Whether you … Read more

A Chocolate Banana Smoothie is a no-brainer, and when you add a dash of cayenne pepper it becomes sweet, rich, and delightfully spicy. Tonight I’m keeping this short — I somehow nicked the pad of my right index finger and typing is a bit tedious. No worries, it’s minor, but it’s making long paragraphs less … Read more

This Skillet Ravioli Lasagna, nicknamed “Lazy Lasagna,” is a cozy, comforting weeknight dish ready in under 30 minutes. Everything cooks in a single ovenproof skillet, delivering the taste of classic lasagna with far less effort. Traditional lasagna is a labor of love and often reserved for special occasions in our house. We do make a … Read more

This Chicken with Mango Salsa is the easiest way to get dinner on the table. Juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with a freshly made mango salsa—served over rice, in tacos, or alongside a salad. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for weekly meal prep. This recipe was published August 2019 and images and copy were updated February … Read more