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I clearly remember the day I first got made fun of at school. I was in Junior High and starting at a new school in a new city. I walked into my first period which was a science class, and took the only empty seat. The girl sitting there said, “Ew! I don’t want to sit by her!” Everyone laughed which is the typical pre-teen reaction. I sulked all day, and possibly for weeks until that very same girl and I became friends. However, that day was tragic for me.

I got off the bus and my Nana was waiting for me inside as my mom had tasked her to be there between 3pm and 5pm until she got home from work. Nana had started dinner and it was my favorite, chicken and dumplings! The smell wafted through the house and hit my nose the moment I opened the front door. Right then and there I knew no matter what happened, the warmth of home was always there waiting for me.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Chef in Training.

USE THE RED NEXT PAGE LINK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE AND INGREDIENTS

Quick Tip: I use frozen mixed veggies in my chicken and dumplings, but the classic method is with fresh carrots and celery – it’s up to you!

Apple fritters aren’t just for fall, but that’s when I notice they start popping up everywhere. Thankfully the bakery by my house always has them. When I came across this recipe for homemade fritters, I was feeling froggy so I decided to try. Man, am I glad I did! I will never eat them from the baker again! These are warm and sugary, and just plain awe-inspiring. Plus, they’re easier to make than I’d imagined!

How did I ever forget about stroganoff? I used to make it from a box mix, which was completely unnecessary because it’s very easy to throw together without a “helper.” I guess when I realized those mixes were bad for us, I just stopped making it. I feel like I wasted years that I could’ve been making this hearty meal, but that’s neither here nor there at this point because I rediscovered it! Yes!

Soft, cinnamon apples, crumbly and addictive topping. Yes! This apple crisp has caramel too which puts it over the top. This is one of those desserts that you take a bite and just hold it in your mouth for a bit and savor. I like to eat it slow – then again I always have. I was never disappointed with my lunch tray at school when there was a serving of apple crisp. I can’t even imagine how amazing it’d be with caramel, too.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor and a tasty trip back to your childhood. What could be better? These cookies are so simple but that’s just what I love! Plus, anything with butter as the main ingredient you know it’ll be indulgent and flavorful. How does butter even do that really? I know for a while we were using margarine; I feel like we wasted years doing that. Real butter is always the best!

If your family is like mine and they aren’t too fond of vegetables, this is a great way to trick them into eating them! They may question what’s in this casserole. Do what I did and just say that it’s a cheeseburger casserole. That may be enough to get them to take a bite and then BOOM they will be mowing down on it. They won’t miss the typical rice or pasta that’s normally in this one, and it’ll be much better for them and you!

So, all the important players are here, you have the toppings like sour cream, bacon, chives, cheese… and you have the potato – only it’s NOT a potato! That’s actually smashed cauliflower but no one will be the wiser! That’s because in case you didn’t know, cauliflower has a very mild flavor that can pass as potatoes. Some people, including me, even make them up in place of mashed potatoes. You can add all the same things – butter, milk, salt and pepper – even sour cream! But that’s a different recipe – we’re talking game time snacks and any day appetizers here.