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Who cares, really?  I’m sure you’re willing to take the risk!

Lemon and fresh blueberries, with hints of cinnamon, decorate this decadent dessert.

Who doesn’t love cheesecake?  But if it’s too heavy for you usually, have no fear!

This is an incredibly light version of regular cheesecake, and my kids absolutely adore them!

This recipe takes about 25 minutes and makes 10 bars.

The fresh blueberries do the dessert total justice, but you can use any topping you have available.

Just remember you also need to put aside time to refrigerate the bars for several hours.

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Food Network

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Ok…. so it’s not fun to be cooking last minute, especially if it’s for a large party, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!

Our friends at Joy in Every Season suggested this as the perfect side dish for the holidays, because it has a little bit of everything.

Fresh squash and zucchini, juicy vine ripened tomatoes, and fork tender potatoes, line this divine dish.

Did I mention it’s also pleasing on the eyes?  Just look at it!

I intend to serve this accordion of taste, with a side of crusty french bread and butter, as well.

This recipe takes about 45 minutes and serves as many as can get their hands on it, until its gone!

If Parmesan is not your thing, use a little bit of butter on the top before cooking.

I also sprinkled fresh basil all over the top, as I love the aroma it leaves on my hands.

Our friends at Joy in Every Season, had this to say about the recipe:

“This Potato, Tomato, Squash Bake is the perfect side dish. It contains both your starch and veggies, it’s simple to make, tastes delicious, and goes well with chicken or beef. And, if you truly eat with your eyes first, then this dish gets extra points! It’s as beautiful as it is tasty!”

Recipe and photo courtesy of Joy in Every Season

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Everyone knows how to make a lasagna, but what if we flipped the switch and added some creamy goodness, to the mix?

If you’ve ever been a fan of creamy, cheesy, Chicken Alfredo (please don’t ask me, it’s embarrassing what I would do for some at any moment) than THIS is your dish!

This feeds plenty for a family, and is pretty filling, so think light, if you want to serve up dessert afterwards.

I served this with a side of crusty garlic bread, because I couldn’t resist!

I’d also consider adding a simple side salad (Caesar is the best).

This recipe takes about 25 minutes and serves 6-8 people, so there’s plenty to go around!

My husband added a little bit of bacon to the top, and it was phenomenal (but he can be strange) 😉

I also sprinkled fresh basil all over the top, as I love the aroma it leaves on my hands.

Our friends at The Cookie Rookie had this to say about this recipe:

“Where there’s cheese, there should be basil.  That’s another fact.  Fresh basil for sure.  Oh and tomatoes.  It doesn’t matter what type of tomatoes, but they always go well with cheese and basil.  Sun-dried tomatoes, roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes…yep.  Any will work.  Like I said, it’s just a fact.”

Recipe and photo courtesy of Cookie Rookie

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Imagine a dish so quick and so easy, but whisks you away to the Greek Isles, in flavor?

Not only is it savory and tangy, it’s also incredibly light!

So you don’t have to worry about cheating on that New Year’s diet!

Although this soup is robust with ingredients, every single last one seems to dance like magic on your tongue.

I personally love making this soup at home, when the kids come to visit.

Everyone sits around the table, speaking in silly Greek accents, and it reminds me of home!

This recipe takes about 45 minutes to make and serves up to 8 people, so there is absolutely plenty to go around!

I always serve it with a side of fresh crusty bread, but it truly is a meal all in itself.  It also keeps really well, so why not double down on the recipe?

And have no fear about cooking Quinoa!

If you aren’t familair with Quinoa, the folks over at 12Tomatoes will tell you:

“If you haven’t tried quinoa before, think of it as rice’s healthier, more mature cousin – it’s packed with protein and fiber, and has a slightly nutty flavor, making it one of our all-time favorite health foods. Quinoa also cooks up quicker than rice, making this soup a perfect weeknight dinner option.”

Recipe and photo courtesy of 12 Tomatoes

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Ok…so it’s a play on words, but truly, who wouldn’t love a cupcake frosted with chocolate ganache?

The frosting is like looking into a shiny mirror of chocolate.  I mean, you can practically see yourself!

Forget about that cheap, store bought can of grainy sugar frosting.

This dessert is simply heavenly, and super easy to make.

With a hint of coffee and whipped in heavy cream, it’s no wonder these treats never last!

This easy recipe makes about a dozen cupcakes and is ready in under a half of an hour.  

Careful about transporting these ones, as they can get pretty messy, but they’re well worth it…anytime!

If you don’t like the coffee bit, skip it!  No biggie!  I do that often with my kids, and they still love it!

Or why not double the batch and bring some to co-workers and neighbors.  you’d be surpirised at how many favors you get in return! 😉

Recipe and photo courtesy of  The Food Network

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This Meal Will Melt In Your Mouth And Make You Sing “O Sole Mio!”

Just because it’s Italian, it doesn’t always equate to tomatoes. Try mushrooms, chicken, and wine…. now we’re talkin’. Chicken Marsala is named after the Marsala wine it is cooked in, and boy is it a creamy and delicious treat! My kids absolutely love this earthy dish, and I love feeding it to them, because of how healthy it is!

This recipe serves about 4 people and is ready in minutes.  It also makes for great lunches the next day. For anyone that may not be a huge fan of mushrooms, this recipe is sure to change your mind! Our friends at 12 Tomatoes had this to say about this dish:

“This savory chicken dish in wine sauce makes for a fantastic family meal. The wine sauce, emboldened by freshly cut mushrooms, is a good way to introduce a skeptical family member to the wonderful world of cooking with mushrooms. They don’t overpower, but certainly add a distinct flavor that really ties the whole dish together.”

Recipe and photo courtesy of 12 Tomatoes.

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Quick Tip: Serve this fabulous meal with a garden salad and crusty bread.

This recipe dates all the way back to WWII, but is still loved as much today, as it was back then.  It’s also twice as tasty!

I remember when my parents would serve me this dish, and whether some think this is a plate on the “cheaper” side, I absolutely adored it. The salty tang of the beef, and the delectable creamy sauce mixed in, makes my mouth water even thinking about it. I still miss my parents and everything they did for me, but every time I taste this dish, it brings me right back!

The creamy sauce is similar in taste to a béchamel, and this recipe keeps quite well, as it calls for dried beef (also known as chipped beef). When it’s covered in the heavenly sauce, it makes for an irresistible dish, that even your great grandma can enjoy! Obviously, this recipe can be ready in a matter of minutes, and serves up as much beef as you can eat! I guarantee once you try this dish, you’ll be making it ever weeknight you need to prepare something quickly!

Recipe and photo courtesy of  12 Tomatoes

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Quick tip: Serve with some hot sauce, if you like your food spicy.