Just like you we’ve spent lots of time in the kitchen these past months ~ we kneaded, baked, and basically ATE our way through this ‘special‘ time. It’s been hard, for sure. We did ok during most of it, and even though we’re starting to get downright cranky at this point, there’s definitely been some good eats, and some great lessons learned…
Jame Oliver’s no yeast pizza
Lesson learned: yeast? What yeast?
It’s a quarantine miracle! When going out for pizza isn’t an option, and there isn’t a packet of yeast to be found, this amazing recipe delivers. And guess what? It’s so good I’ll be making it even when I CAN buy yeast again ~ who wouldn’t?
Mac and cheese without a recipe
Lesson learned: it’s downright liberating to take to the kitchen recipe-free.
A little comfort food is key to my survival these days, and memorizing this super easy formula for creamy, dreamy mac and cheese had made my life just that much cushier. I’m probably going to make it tonight.
One banana banana bread
Lesson learned: making do with what you’ve got can work out pretty good.
Are you stuck with one last banana on the counter and craving banana bread? This recipe swoops in to the rescue. It’s delicious, has great texture, and gets tons of rave reviews!
Easy Dutch oven bread
Lesson learned: working with yeast isn’t rocket science.
This is for those of you who CAN find yeast! Maybe you’re taking up baking or just need to feed your family. This easy recipe obliges with a big, fluffy loaf with great flavor and a nice crust.
Brothy beans with garlic toast
Lesson learned: beans for dinner doesn’t have to be pathetic.
I posted this recipe in late February, just when our “new normal” was beginning to take hold, but it’s just as relevant and delicious now, going into Fall. (Gah! Has it been that long??)
Easy no-yeast cinnamon rolls
Lesson learned: we can be one of THOSEÂ bakers.
This recipe is so good and so easy and will make you feel like an accomplished pastry chef. It’s already morphed into my Blackberry Sweet Rolls, and you can bet there will definitely be some fall and winter versions on the blog over the next few months.
Tomato and parmesan risotto
Lesson learned:Â we’re re-discovering rice, just saying.
This is another minimalistic dish that delivers on flavor and comfort. Did you know that dry rice can last, literally, forever? Make room in your pantry for some good quality arborio rice and you’ll be eating well this winter.
Old fashioned butterscotch pudding
Lesson RE-learned:Â pudding solves all problems!
It doesn’t get much more comforting than sweet, creamy, silky butterscotch pudding, made easily from scratch. If you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself, this is it.
Pasta with tuna and peppers
Lesson learned:Â the Europeans do know a thing or two.
Pantry meals can be glorious and this one is a symphony built around canned tuna.
Dalgona Coffee
Lesson learned:Â maybe TikTok isn’t so cringy.
Yup, like so many we got bored enough to try this crazy whipped coffee. It was fun, and definitely worth cleaning the stand mixer for. Who knew?
10 Comments
Janet
October 19, 2020 at 2:52 amI am so happy I discovered your blog not too long ago. I saved almost all of these recipes. Have been trying not to bake, my pants are getting tight, but those cinnamon rolls are calling to me. As is the bread! And the Dalgona coffee! Thank you so much for these wonderful recipes. ( and your mention of the Staub baking dish…a new cookie cookbook I have mentions it too. I may break down…
VictoriaK
October 18, 2020 at 1:45 pmBeen reading your blog for a while; I like your style and love several of your recipes. The Pasta with Radicchio and Walnuts is top-rate. We lived overseas for nearly a decade, so I excel at “Pantry Pasta” on a Sunday when the grocers were all closed!
Can so relate on a number of levels. In mid-March my husband left for the office on a Monday, and was home by noon, informing me that he would be WFH “indefinitely.” I moved my WFH office to our bonus room (Husband did build me a desk, a nice gesture). One week later our Uni daughter arrived and spread out between her room and the guest bedroom. One more week later: our college grad son had been offered his dream job just before the pandemic, but his new office told him not to move across the country; he decided to decamp from his apartment for home, from where he could work, and of course have Mom’s cooking at his disposal.
By this time, all that remained anywhere were 25lb units of pantry goods and foodstuffs I had never heard of, but what could I do? I got creative; and everyone knew better than to *complain* about a meal. By July, after both fledglings had re-left the nest my pantry rivaled Old Mother Hubbard’s. ?
Sue
October 19, 2020 at 4:25 amOh my gosh what a story, not sure what I’d do if my fledglings came back 😉 A full home is one thing, but during Covid it can feel quite tight.
I love that you mentioned the pasta with radicchio, it’s one of my very faves 🙂 Stay healthy Victoria.
Katy
October 18, 2020 at 8:30 amThank you Sue! I printed out two to definitely try.
2 Sisters Recipes
October 18, 2020 at 7:30 amWe love your recipes Sue! Pinned a few already! and would like to try your cinnamon buns soon…. thanks for another great recipe.
Alex
October 18, 2020 at 7:07 amI always enjoy your recipes and comments, and you’ve been so great throughout this quarantine/pandemic by addressing it in a calm, reasonable way, with a bit of humor. Some recipe and cooking blogs have chosen to ignore this issue which I find to be so strange. It’s a GIANT elephant in the room, rt? You are talking about it with your readers which I appreciate. Looking forward to more great recipes and the fun comments which go with them. We appreciate you!
Sue
October 18, 2020 at 7:19 amI appreciate this, Alex. The pandemic has been a mixed blessing for me. Blog business is up in a big way, which is amazing. But our family has been super cautious and strictly quarantining for many many months. I swear I get out less than my ninety year old parents in Florida! That has made it really hard to get good, fresh ingredients because I rely on delivery services like Instacart and Amazon Prime. It’s been a challenge to stay inspired because I’m not wandering through farmers markets or produce aisles. That said, I have such a passion for this ‘biz’ that I’m managing! Let’s hope it all ends soon 🙂
Alex
October 18, 2020 at 8:02 amWe’re in the same boat, strictly quarantining bc family members have several high risk health factors, and ordering exclusively through Costco (Instacart). Shipt (which gives us a decent selection of stores), Amazon Prime. I’m cooking almost every day and it gets tedious at times, so your blog/recipes really help give me inspiration. Thank you! ?
B. Frye
October 18, 2020 at 10:51 amHere, here! What Alex said! I have so enjoyed you, your recipes (always amazing), and your stories and info about how you came up with recipes and how you and your fam are surviving through this. Always enjoy your messages in my In box and exploring further on your website. Thank you for being a salve to all the negativity and doing it with humor and humanity!
Sue
October 18, 2020 at 11:00 am🙂 This totally makes my day <3