25 for 25: Recipes for All Levels

As promised, I’m sharing a list of 25 to celebrate sending 25 newsletters. And what’s better than a long list of recipes that anyone, yes even YOU 🫵, can make? Beats me.

One sappy line: This is actually pretty crazy that I’ve already shared 25 stories here. It’s been a routine to say the least, but it’s been damn fun to look back on, hear about anytime someone mentions about it, and think about what could be ahead for this.

Also, for those wondering: the Holiday Bake Drop is LIVE from now till Friday. More details below.

Trust the Process: 25 Recipes for Anyone and Everyone

This is an ode to getting this far and already hearing that some people are making the recipes that I’ve shared. That’s the whole point of us all being here: sharing recipes I like so people know what’s been tried by (hopefully) someone they trust.

This is no Matty Matheson rating system: Big Dog, Medium Dog, Little Dog. (Honestly not sure medium dog exists with Matty.)

I trust you can make all 25 recipes below.

Some notes when it comes to reading recipes:

• Be excited. If something sounds good, then it’s worth trying to make. Take a look at the recipe, and go in with a good attitude.

• Read the full recipe. First off, this is helpful so that you can make your list of what to get before hand and check what you have. Reading the full instructions makes it MUCH easier to follow later on. And if anything seems confusing, you have time to research or ask a friend, family or the internet.

• Look at the notes. The notes usually come after all the instructions if included, or go to the reviews. People often share what worked for them in different settings or what they may have swapped in so you can get some ideas.

• Watch the video. I’m not just saying this because I regularly watch cooking YouTube videos. If you have time and are interested in the recipe, watch the video on the page, or even use YouTube as a source of inspo. The added tips and visualization are super helpful

• Have fun. You’re cooking or baking as an activity. It doesn’t have to come naturally to everyone. Just have fun with it.

So without hesitation let’s roll right into it…

1. Focaccia – I’m a firm believer that everyone can make a loaf of bread. And I think focaccia is well worth the time and low effort. This is my favorite recipe in my many attempts by far, and absolutely worthy of the first rec here as a challenge to all those on the fence.

2. Homemade Bagels – yes, you read that right. You are fully capable of making homemade bagels. And what better time than during the holiday break?

3. Breakfast Tacos – I have plenty of memories of breakfast for dinner, or tacos for dinner. Combine them both here for a little change. Also tacos are perfect to make however you want: bacon, chorizo, sausage, or leave it to the perfect scrambled eggs.

4. Salmon Bowl – I really like this recipe as a base that is a little zhuzh’d up. You could skip the sauce and truly just use soy sauce, but it’s a good option to have on hand. And then as you make more, you’ll know what you like more.

5. Grilled Salmon Salad With Lime, Chiles and Herbs – sneaking in a New York Times Cooking recipe here. Hopefully some can access because this was surprisingly one of my favorites from the year. Very fresh and bright tasting.

6. Stuffed Shells with Vodka Sauce – this is a choose your own adventure vibe. You can make the vodka sauce or start with your favorite pre-made sauce, no judgement.

7. Honeynut Squash Pasta – I have to add in one of the recipes I’ve worked on this year. This is one I truly do think anyone can make. Plus, my notes are the recipe.

8. Lemon Pepper Pasta with Browned Butter – this is a prime example of a pantry pasta perfect for a cozy weeknight.

9. Grown-Up Mac & Cheese with Peas – peas definitely get a bad rep. Yes, I don’t love a rogue pile of peas. So how do you fix it? Cheese + Pasta. Trust this one.

10. Spicy Pork Noodle Soup with Toasted Garlic – I’ve chatted about this recipe before with specific notes about what I’ve done and easy switch-ups.

11. Tortellini Spinach Soup – another great one for mixing in whatever you’re feeling. Erin does a great job on all her recipes for options – worth exploring.

12. White Bean and Lemon Soup – don’t skip out on the beans. Plus, happy soup season.

13. Japanese Style Corn Soup – another special pantry meal. You may not have everything for this one, but it’s a simple stop to grab the fixings for a full-flavor soup.

14. Autumn Harvest Bowl – this was a fall classic made many times over, even shared with my family and became a lunch time favorite.

15. Chicken Adobo – this is on my list for the week. There’s something special about a nicely seasoned chicken over rice. Simplicity, and serve it up with any vegetable or your choice (or none, again, your choice).

16. Ina Garten's Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken – yup, a recipe worthy of including the legendary name. Credit where credit’s due. Don’t be afraid of the whole bird. (Or remember the tip about reading reviews… this can be made with bone-in chicken thighs.)

17. Buffalo Wing Style Chicken Thighs – I think this is sneakily one of Wishbone Kitchen’s best recipes. And the bonus sauce mentioned is worth the addition.

18. Chicken Piccata – this is always a favorite when it comes to a classic Sunday dinner or just in the mix for a weeknight treat. Pair it with a salad and or a pasta… chef’s kiss.

19. Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken – breaking down a very traditional way of cooking this dish to make it easier at home. Also, love a good recipe tagged as “cooking for one”.

20. One Pot Lemon Chicken and Orzo – everybody loves less dishes. And sneaking in some greens? Sure!

21. Greek Feta Turkey Burgers – Love a good turkey burger in the rotation and tzatziki as a sauce is unexpectedly perfect on a burger bun. (Also, if you got tired of seeing “chicken” above, I have to apologize. This is mixed in to add a different protein focus.)

22. Lemon Blueberry Loaf – personally, I don’t think lemon blueberry has a season, and it being based on a Costco cult-classic gives it two thumbs up from me.

23. Tiny Apple Tarts for Two – King Arthur Baking Company is basically an encyclopedia for all things baking. And I could pick many here, but this one from their “Bake It Easy” series is impressive for any sized crowd.

24. Soft Cinnamon Rolls – one more for good measure… this one from King Arthur’s Master the Classics. And of course, I have to highlight again my favorite bake of the year if you’re up for the challenge: Swedish Cinnamon Buns.

25. Chocolate Chip Cookies – I’ve said it before, these are the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve made. They don’t take a long time, but they taste so good. If worried about where to start, at least for baking, this is the one.

How’s that for a list… hopefully a little something for everyone. As always, feel free to share if you make anything!

Get Your Goods: Holiday Bake Drop is LIVE

As mentioned above, I’m baking for the holidays! To spare this email being any longer, I fully recommend you read the details here. And if you’re already all in for a Christmas Eve pickup, smash that order button below. (I cringed at the use of “smash” too. Please, forgive me.)

Hopefully some cooking inspiration above to carry out this week before the busy holiday season. How did we get this far into the year? Time keeps on ticking.

Enjoy your week ✌️