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Janet's Notebook

Chicken Recipes to Liven up Your Dinner Menu

Recently chicken was on sale at the grocery store so I stocked up. Each time I open my freezer, though, I realize I may have gone a bit overboard. I need to clear some space, so we're having chicken this...

Janet's Notebook

Big Flavors Liven up Healthy Recipes

After this long winter, I've had my share of comfort food. I'm starting to think ahead to summer and lighten up my meals a bit. But no boring foods on my menu!I discovered spaghetti squash a few years ago and...

Janet's Notebook

Ooey, Gooey with Layers of Flavor

Everyone loves a good lasagna. It's an easy weeknight meal, it's great for a pot luck and if you have leftovers it reheats fabulously. I'm always on the hunt for a new lasagna recipe... and I know exactly where to...

Janet's Notebook

Celebrate Easter With Family, Friends and Great Food

Easter is right around the corner which means I'm beginning to make my dinner menu. I'm adding a few extra people to my dinner table this year and want to make sure I have more than enough food. Like that's...

Janet's Notebook

Being Cheesy Isn’t Bad!

One of my favorite sandwiches is a grilled cheese. When my mom would put one in front of me, I instantly had a smile on my face. Now, I make them for my grandson and watch him have that same...

Janet's Notebook

I Bet You Didn’t Know You Could Use a Water Bottle for This… 7 Time-Saving Kitchen Tips

Who isn't looking to save a few minutes in the kitchen? I know I'm always on the hunt for shortcuts. I came across these great time-saving tips and wanted to share them. Let us know your favorite tip! 1. How...

Janet's Notebook

Is There a Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie?

Something crazy happened last week... it snowed! While it was only a few inches, that's a lot for my part of the country. I was snowed in and decided to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies.One of my favorite...

Janet's Notebook

Three Ways to Make Green Beer

We had a bit of fun in the Test Kitchen this week. Don't worry... it was after hours! ;) With St. Patrick's Day Tuesday, we see lots of bars promoting green beer. But who wants to deal with a crowded...

Janet's Notebook

Add Some Spirit to Your Baking

The Irish are famous for a few things. Beautiful landscapes, thatch cottages, rocky seascapes, rain, even their cuisine in recent years. But what the Irish really know well are their spirits. With St. Patrick's Day next week, I figured it...

Janet's Notebook

Reinvent Cauliflower with Full-Flavored Recipes

Lately people seem to be talking about cauliflower. Besides being low in calories, cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber. Plus, it tastes good! I've been a fan since I was kid. Back then, I thought smothering...

Janet's Notebook

Friends, Friday Night and One Amazing Dinner

This Friday, a few couples are coming to my house for dinner. I haven't seen some of them in a while and I want to make something special. But what to serve? As I'm planning my menu, I realize we're...

Janet's Notebook

Comforting Casseroles Guaranteed to Satisfy

After so much cold weather, I know I'm looking for a bit of comfort food. And, if you're like me, casseroles become your go-to dinner at this time of year. Sounds like Jessica Silva feels the same way I do....

Janet's Notebook

Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, what better way to show someone how much you care than making a special dessert. Don't they say the easiest way to a person's heart is through their stomach? "Move over chocolate covered...

Janet's Notebook

Spice up Sunday Dinner with Chili

In the heart of winter, there’s nothing I want more than a comforting bowl of chili. I’m thinking of making Sunday chili night for the rest of winter. With so many different types of chili recipes, I can make a...

Janet's Notebook

The Big Game Calls for Big Flavored Recipes

We're football fanatics in my house and every year we host a party for the Super Bowl. Friends and family come over and we dig in to some tasty football food. Next to choosing what team to root for (that's...

Janet's Notebook

My Best Friend in the Kitchen – The Crock Pot

I love making Crock Pot recipes. I just add all of the ingredients to the pot and, basically, forget about it. With all the cooking I do in the Test Kitchen, sometimes I just don't feel like making dinner. I'm...

Janet's Notebook

New Year… New Enhancements

Have you noticed anything new on Just A Pinch? I wanted to give you the scoop on some fun things we've been cooking up.Many of you have asked to give a Thumbs Up when you like a review. That's a...

Janet's Notebook

Warm up This Winter with Homemade Soup

Winter has arrived! My hats, gloves and scarves have come out of the closet. And, so has my stockpot. When the weather is this cold, there's nothing better than a pot of soup simmering on the stove. And, of course,...

Janet's Notebook

Healthy Recipes to Start Your Day

Happy New Year y'all! I've been so busy in the Test Kitchen, I feel like this year flew by. Every January, I make a resolution and this year I'm trying to improve what I eat for breakfast. It is the...

Janet's Notebook

Recipes to Bring You Luck this New Year

Did you know there are old wives' tales that say if you eat certain foods on New Year's Day they will bring you good luck? In Spain, the tradition is to consumer twelve grapes at midnight (one for each month...