Brownie Encino

When I have a lot of party prep to do, this is my go-to. It is basically an entire Breakfast cooked right into the hole of a bagel so you are not washing multiple pans. View Recipe

This salad feels like peak summer. The sweetness of the tender corn kernels balances out the creamy texture of the diced avocado. It requires zero actual cooking and adds great color to the spread. View Recipe

Pork chops can dry out instantly if you aren't careful. I sear these in a hot skillet first to lock in the juices, then finish them in the oven with a thick coat of barbecue sauce so they stay incredibly tender. View Recipe

I use a mix of baking powder and baking soda to get maximum height. The batter is thick, which means the pancakes stay soft inside instead of turning flat and rubbery in the pan. View Recipe

Mixing both black-eyed peas and black beans keeps the texture from turning mushy or boring. I use a combination of fresh lime juice and red wine vinegar so the flavor stays sharp and does not fade or taste flat after sitting out at the party. View Recipe

I use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. The cream cheese base keeps it thick so it actually scoops up well with celery or tortilla chips. View Recipe

You cannot have a 4th of July party without hot dogs. I top mine with a thick, homemade chili that actually stays put on the bun instead of sliding off. View Recipe

It’s incredibly rich, loaded with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd this Independence Day. Plates are way overrated with something this good your guests will want to eat it straight out of the pan! View Recipe

I bake these on a wire rack. That lets the intense oven heat circulate underneath the chicken so the skin gets genuine crunch without touching a deep fryer. View Recipe

I make this sauce entirely on the stove. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese keeps the sauce smooth and stops it from splitting. View Recipe

A cookout requires potato salad. I make my dressing with a balance of mayonnaise and mustard so it coats the potatoes evenly without making them mushy or watery. View Recipe

Basting the chicken in garlic butter keeps the breast meat from drying out in the oven. It makes a great centerpiece if you are dining indoors. View Recipe

Tossed in melted butter, garlic, and cheese right after they come out of the oven. The residual heat from the wings melts the cheese instantly. View Recipe

If you want a mayo-free option, this is the one to make. It features crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and salty feta tossed in a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. It travels perfectly and stays fresh on the table for hours. View Recipe

The citrus cuts right through the fat of the chicken. I use a dry rub that adheres well to the skin as it bakes. View Recipe

You can set up a toppings bar and let your guests build their own. Baking them with an oil and salt rub gives the skins a great texture. View Recipe

The key here is cooking the pasta just to al dente so it holds its shape when tossed. I make the dressing with a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of mustard to give it a clean, tangy finish that cuts right through the richness of grilled meats. View Recipe

A classic dessert full of a creamy filling with an amazing and easy crust. The easiest cheesecake to bring to the table. View Recipe

If you are hosting a smaller group and want to skip the outdoor grill, I sear this steak in a hot skillet to build a dark crust. The pan juices go right into the mushroom sauce. View Recipe

The deep red color fits right in with the holiday theme. They are dense and fudgy in the center, not cakey. View Recipe

This is a great variation if you want something with a bit more acidity to balance out all the heavy BBQ meats. View Recipe

Sheet Pan Full Breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, asparagus, and garlic butter mushrooms! Save this recipe!

Breakfast casserole, crispy bacon, hashbrowns

Easy to make Breakfast Casserole with shredded potato hash browns, sausage or bacon and mozzarella cheese! Loaded with green bell peppers, Roma tomatoes and onions. Save this recipe!

A tender, oven-baked frittata filled with bacon, veggies, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. Save this recipe!

Low fat and low calorie Breakfast Cookies are super easy to make and perfect for meal prep! No flour, oil or refined sugars. Low fat low calorie Breakfast Cookies are super easy to make and perfect for meal prep! No flour, oil or refined sugars. Save this recipe!

Breakfast Egg Muffins 3 Ways are low carb, filling and quick to grab while running out of the door! Spinach Tomato & Mozzarella, Bacon & Cheddar and Garlic Mushroom & Peppers! Protein packed eggs muffins are just like mini frittatas, can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated for when you need them to grab and go! Save this recipe!