For the One's I love Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Jun 23, 2021
- 13 min read
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches,
On busy mornings, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor

Ingredients
12 large eggs
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
SANDWICHES:
12 English muffins, split
4 tablespoons butter, softened
12 slices Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
12 slices Canadian bacon
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Directions
Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper until blended. Pour into a 13x9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake until set, 15-18 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, toast English muffins (or bake at 325° until lightly browned, 12-15 minutes). Spread 1 tsp. butter on each muffin bottom.
Cut eggs into 12 portions. Layer muffin bottoms with an egg portion, a cheese slice (tearing cheese to fit) and Canadian bacon. Replace muffin tops. Wrap sandwiches in waxed paper and then in foil; freeze in a freezer container.
To use frozen sandwiches: Remove foil. Microwave a waxed paper-wrapped sandwich at 50% power until thawed, 1-2 minutes. Turn sandwich over; microwave at 100% power until hot and a thermometer reads at least 160°, 30-60 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts 1 sandwich: 334 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 219mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie
Use fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington

Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup (8 ounces) frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
3 pitted dates
3 cups coconut milk
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Directions
Pulse all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 460 calories, 33g fat (33g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entrée. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan

Ingredients
8 cups fresh melon cubes
1 to 2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 pint fresh strawberries, halved
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
2 oranges, sectioned
Fresh mint leaves, optional
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine melon cubes and corn syrup. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, stir in remaining fruit. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Ingredients
1-1/3 cups finely crushed multigrain crackers
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable garlic and herb cream cheese
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. In a large skillet, saute the zucchini, mushrooms, onion and red pepper in oil until tender. Spoon over cheese.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in bacon. Pour over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Serve warm or chilled. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 175 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (about 1 pound), thawed
7 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms and shallots until tender. Add garlic and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and basil.
Press about 1/4 cup potatoes onto bottom and up sides of each of 12 greased muffin cups. Fill each with about 2 tablespoons beaten egg. Top with mushroom mixture, cheese and bacon.
Bake until eggs are set, 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Lunch:
Dive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that’s delectable with the smoky topping. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida

Ingredients
6 cups uncooked cavatappi or spiral pasta
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
4 cups 2% milk
6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed Velveeta
3 green onions, chopped
TOPPINGS:
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and coarsley crumbled
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 green onion, chopped
Coarsely ground pepper, optional
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Directions
Cook cavatappi according to package directions.
Meanwhile, saute garlic in butter in a Dutch oven. Stir in flour and pepper sauce until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Stir in cheeses until melted; add green onions. Drain cavatappi; stir into cheese mixture.
Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, bacon and melted butter; sprinkle over top.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with green onion and, if desired, pepper.
Cavatappi & Cheese Tips What is cavatappi? Cavatappi is a thick, hallow, corkscrew shaped pasta.What can I use instead of cavatappi? An easy substitute for cavatappi pasta is elbow macaroni!What goes well with cavatappi? Several dishes would go well with cavatappi. The cheesy, creamy dish pairs perfectly with side dishes like a mixed green salad or simple side such as garlic broccoli. Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
After I picked my first green beans one year, I wanted to make a savory dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it, so the next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Ingredients
3 cups cut fresh green beans
1 large onion, chopped
4 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon bourbon, optional
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Directions
In a large saucepan, place steamer basket over 1 in. of water. Place beans in basket. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a low boil; steam, covered, until crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook onion and bacon over medium heat until bacon is crisp; drain. Stir cranberries, syrup, salt, pepper and, if desired, bourbon into onion mixture. Add beans; heat through, tossing to combine.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 173 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
Artichoke & Spinach Chicken Casserole
Try this homey and comforting casserole for an alternate main dish at Thanksgiving. The spinach adds nice color, and the red pepper flakes add a pleasant, mild heat. —Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin

Ingredients
3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
TOPPING:
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat; sauté the mushrooms and onion until tender. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and seasonings. Stir in chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, cheeses and mushroom mixture. Stir in pasta.
Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, 40 minutes.
Mix the topping ingredients; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and topping is golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 455 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 713mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California

Ingredients
6 large egg whites
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 turkey bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients.
In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and bacon; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; top with spinach.
Pour in egg mixture. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath; cook until eggs are nearly thickened. Remove from heat; sprinkle with basil, then cheese.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
Test Kitchen TipWant to make this recipe super healthy? Substitute 6 egg whites for the 3 whole eggs listed in the ingredients. You'll be using a total of 12 egg whites to complete the recipe.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
Boo Beverage
Silly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients
2 cups orange juice
2 cups milk
2 pints orange sherbet
4 medium ripe bananas
2 cups whipped topping
18 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
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Directions
In four batches, process the orange juice, milk, sherbet and bananas in a blender until smooth. Pour into glasses. Cut a hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; fill with whipped topping. Pipe a ghost shape on top of each beverage. Position chocolate chips for eyes.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 243 calories, 6g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

Finally our paths meet, We subtract what we don't need and we add the difference into our life; thank you for never giving up on me! I'll do all I can to make you who you are today!
I love you, Your Mother, your best number one, Katherine Victoria VanAnderland, Original Copy
Dinner:
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold
1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1/3 cup pitted Greek olives
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped
Toasted French bread baguette slices
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Directions
Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center.
In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended; drizzle over cheeses and olives. Sprinkle with pimientos. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.
Test Kitchen TipsThis stylish appetizer is super adaptable. Any cheeses will work in place of the cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Just keep the overall weight the same. For more variety, fold thin slices of deli cuts such as pepperoni and salami in half and tuck them between the cheese slices.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
What's better than lots of bacon and cheese in a mushroom cap? Yum! They'll be a hit with your guests, too. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
24 large fresh mushrooms (about 1-1/4 pounds), stems removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
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Directions
Preheat oven to 425°. In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients until blended. Arrange mushroom caps in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan, stem side up. Spoon about 1 tablespoon filling into each.
Drizzle tops with oil. Bake, uncovered, 9-11 minutes or until golden brown and mushrooms are tender.
Nutrition Facts 60 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
The slightly sweet flavor of this salad's dressing is a great contrast to the rich bacon. You can substitute cauliflower for the broccoli if you prefer. —Janet Roth, Tempe, Arizona

Ingredients
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup Honey Greek Yogurt w/ Vanilla
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 cups small broccoli florets (about 2-1/4 pounds)
12 ounces fresh mushrooms, stems removed, chopped
16 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped red onion
Lemon wedges, optional
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Directions
Place the first 8 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, mushrooms, bacon, raisins and onion. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois

Ingredients
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
1 medium apple, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup glazed pecans
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/3 cup dried cranberries
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, optional
DRESSING:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; stir in bacon if desired.
For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sugar, mustard and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over salad; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
With their pleasant wheat flavor and a honey of a glaze, these rolls impress my guests. Every time I take them to potluck dinners, I come home with an empty pan. —Nancye Thompson, Paducah, Kentucky

Ingredients
4 to 5 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
1 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup water
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups whole wheat flour
HONEY BUTTER:
1 cup butter, softened
7 tablespoons honey
HONEY GLAZE:
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon butter, melted
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter and water to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Beat in eggs. Stir in whole wheat flour and enough remaining bread flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rest 15 minutes.
Divide dough into thirds. Roll each portion into a 20-in. rope. Cut each into 20 pieces; shape each into a ball. Grease three 9-in. round baking pans; arrange 20 balls in each pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 18-22 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, cream butter. Add honey; beat until light and fluffy. Remove rolls from pans to wire racks. Combine glaze ingredients; brush over warm rolls. Serve with honey butter.
Nutrition Facts 1 roll with about 1 teaspoon honey butter: 114 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Ingredients
6 chicken leg quarters, skin removed
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
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Directions
Using a sharp knife, cut through the joint of each leg quarter to separate into 2 pieces. Place chicken in a 4-qt. slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, oil, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt and pepper; pour over chicken. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 5-6 hours.
Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking juices; pour into a measuring cup to measure 2 cups. Transfer to a small saucepan; bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Serve with chicken.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Tips Can you put frozen chicken in the Crock-Pot? When it comes to putting frozen chicken in a slow cooker, it's a good idea to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight first. According to the USDA, if you put frozen chicken right into the slow cooker it could spend too long at a temperature that promotes bacteria growth.Can I use a different type of chicken? When making this Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken recipe, you can mix up what type of chicken you use. For each leg quarter, you can use two bone-in thighs, two drumsticks or a small chicken breast half.What goes with BBQ chicken? There are so many great side dishes to choose from when serving BBQ chicken. You could go for a cool, crunchy vintage salad recipe, or a creamy mashed potato recipe to soak in some of the extra BBQ sauce. Garlic toast isn't as common, but it pairs really well with saucy BBQ chicken. Research contributed by Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Editor, Food Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 179 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
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Ingredients
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cheeses and spinach; stuff into shells. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over the shells. Cover and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

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