Meghan Rodgers stories, Page 2

Instant mac and cheese might pass the test for as a college dorm room quick fix, but everyone knows that nothing beats the homemade stuff. At its best, the real deal — made from scratch — can truly transcend you to a carb-loving comfort food heaven. Whether it’s baked into...

For most of my cooking life, I thought “stock” and “broth” were just two different terms for the same thing. (Perhaps one was old timey and the other new age.) I didn’t really think much about those savory meat-flavored liquids beyond the occasion I wanted to make soup. But as...

How do you make the classic pumpkin pie even better? Replace your basic pie crust with this delicious pecan sandy cookie crust instead. Pecan candies bring a delicious buttery, nutty goodness to everyone’s all-time favorite holiday pie. The unexpected twist adds some mild fun without upsetting the pumpkin pie purists....

Nothing says autumn more than a beautiful, orange pumpkin, but this most beloved symbol of fall is hiding some fun little secrets. Think you know everything there is to know about these great big gourds? Here are 12 fun facts about pumpkins: 1. Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables Fruits are...

Potato problems? Potatoes may seem basic, but there are a lot of ways to mess them up. Whether they come out partly raw, mushy or generally flavorless, the good news is there is usually a simple solution. Read on and see what you might do differently next time to achieve...

October is National Apple Month, but we don’t need an official title to tell us that. Apples are everywhere — grocery stores, local shops, farmers markets. I’ve seen whole bushels for sale for just $6. They’re probably piling up in your fridge drawer by this point, and you may be...

Football season is officially underway, so bring on the weekly goodies! These football-shaped whoopie pies will score points for being delicious as well as adorable. They’ll be the MVP of your tailgating table. (Note: If you’re making these in the off season, or if you’re short on time, you can,...

The best thing about fall? The food, of course! While summer is the season for fresh fruit and farmers markets, fall is time for casseroles, slow cookers and delicious comfort foods. Which takes me to my latest recipe … We had two days of fall-like weather last week and already...

This Meatball Sub on a Stick recipe is a fun take on an old classic. It’s perfect as dinner, an appetizer, or as a game day snack. You can make this recipe your own by making mini meatballs from your own family recipe, or if you’re all about speed, stock...

Forget about falling leaves, cozy sweaters and football games, the official signal of fall has arguably become the arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte to Starbucks menus nationwide. But before you take a sip of your first PSL this season, here are 10 fun facts you need to know about...

Shrimp might be the darling of coastal kitchens but they can be found on menus just about anywhere. Whether it’s shrimp tacos, shrimp scampi or shrimp cocktail, Americans love these delicious little crustaceans every year. But are we always sure what we’re eating? Come to think of it, maybe our...

Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite. It’s a classic dish that takes pan fried chicken breasts then tops them with tomato sauce and smothers them in cheese before baking. What comes out is deliciously golden brown and bubbly — what’s not to love? This chicken Parmesan recipe — with its...

When you eat cherries, you can enjoy so much more than just their delicious sweet taste. Yes, they’re the perfect quick snack — just rinse and go — but those little cherries are loaded with big health benefits, too. Here are seven good reasons to start snacking on this superfood...

If you had to describe summer in one bite, it would probably be something cool and refreshing. It would definitely be loaded with the flavors of juicy, local tomatoes and fresh, fragrant basil. It would be easy to make and light to eat. It would be this pasta salad. You...

Pesto is a simple and delicious summer staple. Without it, think of all the basil that would go to waste! But the trouble with this sauce is that it doesn’t always go so well. Here are 12 tips for how you can make your most perfect pesto. 1. Clean your...

You’ve been eating fruit since you were a kid. Strawberries, apples, grapes — you know the usual suspects. But you can go beyond the banana and find a whole new world of sweet, fibrous fruits out there. Because of their known health benefits, fruits are popular around the world. Many...

Lasagna from scratch is a meal to behold. If you’re like most people, though, simmering sauce and making individual strips of pasta aren’t on your nightly schedule. Boxed pastas and store-bought marinaras save a ton of time without sacrificing any flavor. Some Sunday when you have a whole day to...

What’s a backyard cookout without burgers, dogs, and fresh fruit salad? While we welcome these summer staples, there are a few other dishes that just don’t belong outside for long periods of time. If you’re planning an outdoor feast for this weekend, you should probably skip these 12 foods: Anything...

In 1984, summers got a little sweeter. President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. Reagan’s proclamation declared that all people of the United States observe the holiday with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Challenge accepted. This year...

To say Buffalo chicken dip is addicting is an understatement. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a potluck where the buff-chick dip didn’t all go — and go fast! I feel confident saying that any one of us well-meaning health conscious adults, would sit down and eat an entire...

Before you head out the door to that fabulous Independence Day picnic, grab a few simple ingredients and make these delicious star-spangled treats. Star-Spangled Sangria This popular Spanish drink gets a red, white and blue makeover in this Star-Spangled Sangria recipe. Enjoy this festive drink on the Fourth of July...

Pina coladas for everyone! Enjoy the taste of the classic summertime cocktail, now as a cupcake. These are kid-friendly and the perfect way to incorporate fresh pineapples in your desserts. You can use canned pineapple, but if you have the time to crush a few slices of fresh pineapple, go...

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Caprese Salad. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and soft mozzarella is a recipe that doesn’t need much improvement. But when you just can’t get enough of the Italian trio, it is fun to experiment with other ways to enjoy these classic ingredients. Welcome...

No school, no homework and no stress, right? Summertime is all about giving kids time to let loose, but unfortunately you’re probably still working, and kids inevitably end up bored and whiny. When that happens, sometimes all you need to make everyone happy is a quick trip to their favorite...

It’s officially summer travel season. While you can’t avoid the inevitable dirty gas station bathrooms and frustrating traffic jams of a summer road trip, you can pack some snacks to make sure that you don’t get “hangry” and reach for unhealthy fast food. I know, I know. “Road trip food...