Snacking on the go can be challenging when you’re trying to eat a balanced diet. It’s easy to grab chips, pretzels, or a candy bar when you’re in a hurry, but those options are low in nutrients and high in empty calories, fat, and sugar. The key is to plan ahead and have healthy, portable snacks on hand. Here are five nutritious snack ideas you can take with you anywhere.

Nuts and seeds are a perfect snack to take on the go. They’re filling, thanks to protein and healthy fats, and a small handful packs a nutritional punch. Almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all easy options. Look for raw or roasted nuts with no added sugar.

Dried or fresh fruit like bananas, apples, berries, and grapes are naturally sweet and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re easy to throw in your bag and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Look for unsweetened dried fruit with no added sugar.

Yogurt or cottage cheese with granola and fruit. Bring a small container of yogurt, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt and top it with granola and your favorite fresh or frozen berries. The probiotics and protein in yogurt provide a good balance of nutrition. Look for plain yogurt with no added sugar and granola with minimal added sugar.

Hummus and veggie sticks. Hummus is a protein-packed dip made from chickpeas. Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks pair well with hummus for a savory snack. You can also use other dips like guacamole or black bean dip.

Trail mix. Dried fruit, nuts, and seeds come together in a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Look for a trail mix with no artificial colors or flavors and minimal added sugar. Make your own to control what goes in.

Homemade ice cream is one of the great pleasures of summer. When the weather gets hot, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of cold, creamy ice cream to refresh and revive your taste buds. The good news is, you don’t need an expensive ice cream maker to create delicious frozen treats at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can make your own ice cream from scratch. Here are some easy recipes to get you started.

For a classic vanilla base, combine 3 cups of half and half or whole milk, 3⁄4 cup of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the sugar and salt dissolve, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the last few minutes of churning, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1⁄2 cup of crushed vanilla beans or vanilla bean paste. This recipe makes a rich, creamy custard-style ice cream.

If chocolate is more your style, make chocolate ice cream by adding 3⁄4 cup of cocoa powder and 4 ounces of chopped chocolate to the chilled base. For extra decadence, add 1⁄2 cup of chocolate chunks or chips during the last few minutes of churning. The chocolate will melt into ribbons and pockets of molten deliciousness. Mint chocolate chip is another classic flavor for homemade ice cream. Simply add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the churning chocolate ice cream base.

For a refreshing fruit-flavored ice cream, puree 2 to 3 cups of fresh or frozen berries and swirl into the churning vanilla base. Raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry all work well. You can also make peach ice cream by blending 2 cups of frozen peaches with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and mixing into the vanilla base. For a tropical twist, add 1 cup of mashed banana, 1 cup of crushed pineapple, and 1⁄2 cup of shredded coconut.

Homemade ice cream doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With a few simple recipes and techniques, you can create your own frosty treats all summer long. Enjoy!

To make perfect pancakes every time, start with the right ingredients. All you need is flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter. For extra fluffiness, use equal parts all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Mix 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to enhance the flavor.

For the wet ingredients, use 1 cup of milk, 2 beaten eggs, and 2-4 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix, the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Heat a griddle or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the pan. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle, spacing them a few inches apart. Cook until bubbles start to appear on the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the pancakes are lightly browned on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes more.

To get pancakes perfectly round, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop and pour the batter. For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter sit for 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate, creating air bubbles. Do not overmix the batter while cooking or the pancakes can become dense. Only flip the pancakes once while cooking.

Flipping too early can cause the pancakes to break apart, and flipping too late can result in dark, dense pancakes. The pancakes are ready to flip when the bubbles start to burst on the surface. Use a spatula to gently lift one edge of the pancake to check if it’s lightly browned before flipping. Flipping at the right time is key to light and fluffy pancakes.

To cook the perfect steak every time, start with a high-quality cut of beef. For the best results, choose a nicely marbled ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking.

Heat some oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Season the steak generously on both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place the steak in the skillet. For a medium-rare steak, cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should register around 135 F for medium-rare.

Flip the steak only once while cooking. Resist the urge to move it around, which will cause it to lose juices. Once the steak reaches the target temperature, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.

The steak will finish cooking with carryover heat and the juices will redistribute, resulting in a perfect medium-rare steak. For medium, cook to around 145 F, and for well done, aim for 160 F. The cooking times will vary depending on the cut of steak and thickness. A thicker ribeye may need 10 minutes per side, while a thin filet mignon may only need 3 minutes per side.

Make sure to thoroughly preheat your skillet and oil before adding the steak. This will allow for optimal browning and create a nice crust. Baste the steak in the oil and juices while it cooks using a spoon. Flip the steak only once for the best results.

Let the steak rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Tent the steak loosely with foil while it rests. The steak will continue to cook a few degrees after removing it from the heat due to carryover cooking.

For extra flavor, add some herbs to the skillet like rosemary and thyme. You can also add a bit of butter, garlic, and shallots to make a quick pan sauce to drizzle over the top of the steak. Serve your perfect steak with your favorite sides like baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be prepared in many easy and delicious ways. One of my favorite easy chicken dinners is chicken fajitas. Simply slice chicken breasts into strips, season with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime juice. Sauté the chicken in a skillet with bell peppers and onions. Serve the chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce.

Another easy option is chicken noodle soup. Place bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a pot and cover with low-sodium chicken broth. Add chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and egg noodles. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables and noodles are tender. The chicken will fall right off the bone into the broth. Hearty, comforting, and perfect for a chilly night.

For a creamy and comforting meal, make chicken pot pie. Sauté diced chicken, carrots, peas, and pearl onions, then add to a creamy sauce made of chicken broth, milk, and flour or cornstarch. Pour into a pie crust and top with a second crust. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Baked chicken parmesan is another easy and crowd-pleasing option. Pound chicken breast halves thin, then bread them by dipping in egg and coating with breadcrumbs. Pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted. Serve with pasta and a simple salad.

For a lighter meal, make citrus chicken. Pound chicken breast halves thin, then marinate in the juice from oranges, lemons and limes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through. The bright, tangy citrus flavors are a perfect complement to the mild chicken.

Chicken tacos or burritos are easy to make and always a hit. Season chicken thighs with chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion and bake or grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Shred or dice the chicken and serve in warmed tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Pasta is a weekday staple for many families, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut making the same dishes over and over. Spicing up your pasta routine with new recipes that are still kid-friendly can breathe new life into dinnertime. Here are a few creative pasta dishes your whole family is sure to love.

For an easy one-pot meal, try pasta e fagioli. Sauté onions and garlic, then add broth, beans, and vegetables like carrots and celery. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then add small pasta shapes like ditalini or macaroni and simmer until the pasta is al dente. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve with a simple salad.

Lasagna roll-ups put a fun spin on a classic dish. Make or use pre-made lasagna sheets. Spread a layer of ricotta on each sheet, then top with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Roll up the sheets and place in a baking dish. Cover with your favorite marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until bubbly.

For pasta salad, bow tie farfalle pasta pairs well with pesto, pine nuts, and fresh vegetables. Toss the cooked farfalle with pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pine nuts. Chill before serving for extra flavor. Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Seafood pasta dishes are always a treat. Linguine with shrimp scampi is a favorite that comes together quickly. Sauté shrimp with garlic and olive oil, then toss with linguine, parsley, lemon juice and zest. For a creamier dish, make fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and scallops.

Meatballs and pasta are always a kid favorite. Make your own turkey meatballs or use pre-made, and simmer them in marinara sauce with pasta like rotini, penne or spaghetti. The sauce will become infused with the flavor of the meatballs. Top with mozzarella cheese and basil.

Use your creativity to make pasta dishes that your whole family will love. With so many varieties of pasta, sauces and mix-ins, the options are endless. Trying new recipes together can lead to new favorites and bring your family together at the table.

The variety of vegan desserts seems endless. Here are 10 vegan dessert recipes you absolutely must try.

First on the list is a classic chocolate cake. This rich, decadent cake gets its fudgy texture from mashed bananas, while cocoa powder provides intense chocolate flavor. Frost it with a creamy chocolate frosting made from coconut milk, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa for a showstopping vegan dessert.

Next is cheesecake. Cashews blended until smooth and creamy provide the base for this vegan cheesecake. It has a subtle tang from lemon juice and nutritional yeast, which gives it a cheese-like flavor. Top it with your favorite fruit sauce or fresh berries.

Vegan peanut butter cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Peanut butter, sugar, flour, and vegan butter are all you need for these crowd-pleasing cookies. Roll the dough into balls, press a fork into each ball to flatten, and bake until the cookies are lightly browned.

A fruit crisp is a simple, homey dessert that’s perfect for highlighting the season’s best fruit. This vegan version uses a mixture of flour, sugar, plant-based butter, and spices for the crisp topping. Below, fresh or frozen fruit like apples, berries, or stone fruit bake until bubbly.

Vegan ice cream comes in many flavors. This coconut milk-based version has a creamy, custard-like texture from blending coconut milk and cashews. The natural sweetness of coconut milk allows the flavorings, like chocolate or fresh fruit puree, to shine through. For an extra special treat, top it with chocolate or caramel sauce.

Rice pudding gets a vegan makeover with coconut milk, nut butter, and maple syrup. Arborio or other starchy rice simmers in coconut milk until thick and creamy. Then stir in peanut or almond butter for protein and maple syrup for sweetness. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add warmth and spice.

A vegan trifle layers pound cake, custard, fruit, and whipped topping for a stunning dessert. Pound cake gets soaked in an almond milk custard, then layered with berries and coconut whipped cream. Repeat the layers and top with shaved chocolate, crushed nuts, or mint leaves.

Vegan pancakes can be enjoyed for dessert when topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel. Fluffy pancakes made from plant-based milk, flour, baking powder, and oil get topped with your favorite toppings. For extra decadence, top them with vegan ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge or butterscotch sauce.

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert of moist sponge cake soaked in toffee sauce. This vegan version uses dates, plant-based milk, and molasses to provide moisture and a rich, toffee-like flavor to the cake. Serve it warm with coconut milk ice cream or custard.

Finally, don’t forget about s’mores. Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate come together for this campfire treat. Look for vegan versions of graham crackers and marshmallows, or make your own. Melt dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows over a grill or stovetop and sandwich between graham crackers for a nostalgic dessert.

Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend. When you’re juggling work, kids, and household responsibilities, coming home to a ready-made meal is a lifesaver. The best part is, slow cooker recipes don’t require a lot of active time. You simply load up your crockpot with ingredients in the morning, turn it on, and dinner is served when you walk through the door at night.

For an easy beef stew, combine 2-3 pounds of beef stew meat, chopped potatoes, carrots and celery, beef broth and a packet of onion soup mix. Cook on Low for 8 hours. The long, slow cooking time results in meat so tender it melts in your mouth. Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

If you like Mexican fare, try slow cooker chicken enchiladas. Place chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin and garlic in the crockpot and cook on Low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken and mix with beans, corn and spices. Fill tortillas with the mixture, top with enchilada sauce, cheese and olives, then continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

For Italian comfort food, whip up slow cooker lasagna. Layer flat lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan and meat sauce in the crockpot and cook on Low for 5 hours. The noodles soften as it cooks and the cheese becomes ooey-gooey. Serve with a simple salad and garlic bread.

For dessert, make slow cooker chocolate lava cake. Mix chocolate cake mix, eggs, sour cream and chocolate chips, then pour into a greased crockpot. Cook on High for 2-3 hours until the center is slightly wobbly. Dust with powdered sugar and top with ice cream for a decadent treat.

The key to easy slow cooker recipes is choosing ingredients that hold up well to long cooking times, like hearty meats, starchy veggies and dairy. With minimal prep required, your crockpot can make wholesome, homemade dinners a reality even on your busiest days. Give one or more of these recipes a try – your family is sure to ask for them again and again.

Lasagna is a delicious Italian dish of flat pasta sheets layered with cheese and sauce. Making lasagna from scratch at home is rewarding and allows you to control all the ingredients. With some time and patience, you can make a classic lasagna that tastes even better than what you find at most restaurants.

Start by making a basic tomato sauce. Sauté some garlic in olive oil, then add a can of crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and intensify. You can also add meat to the sauce such as Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey. Cook the meat before adding to the sauce.

For the cheese layer, use ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt and parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly. You can also add spinach to the cheese for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cook 1 pound of lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.

To assemble the lasagna, spread some sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a single layer of noodles on top. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with another layer of noodles and one-third of the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers twice more, ending with sauce. Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and sprinkle with parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 15 more minutes until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut and serve.

A classic homemade lasagna is a dish to please a crowd. Made with high-quality ingredients and lots of love, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite for years to come! Buon appetito!

Party appetizers are a great way to kick off any get-together and keep your guests satisfied before the main course. An array of bite-sized snacks will make everyone feel welcome as they arrive and give them something to nibble on as they mingle. The key is to choose options that are easy to make and share, visually appealing, and packed with flavor.

A classic choice that always pleases a crowd are bruschetta. Simply toast slices of bread, then top them with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil. For extra flavor, add balsamic glaze or roasted red peppers. This simple but colorful dish is perfect for any season.

Another easy favorite are mini quiches. Whip up a batch of flaky pastry crusts or pie crusts and fill them with a mixture of cheese, vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and beaten eggs. Pop them in the oven until the filling is set. Your guests will appreciate the variety of flavors in each bite.

For a lighter option, try an assortment of dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, olive tapenade or artichoke dip served with pita wedges, crackers and crudité. The fresh vegetables provide crunch and nutrition, while the dips pack lots of flavor without weighing anyone down.

If you want to get a bit more creative, make your own sushi rolls. Pick up sushi-grade tuna or salmon, sushi rice, nori seaweed sheets and a bamboo mat. Place rice and fish or avocado and cucumber in the middle of nori sheets and roll them up tightly. Slice into bite-sized pieces and top with wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce. Impress your guests with this fun DIY appetizer.

For extra decadence, serve a cheese platter with a variety of soft cheeses like brie, camembert and goat cheese alongside hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or blue cheese. Include nuts, fresh and dried fruit for balance and crackers or a fresh baguette for serving. Your guests will appreciate this upscale option.

Mini frittatas are another great make-ahead choice. Simply whisk together eggs, cheese, vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and pour into a muffin tin coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 F until the frittatas are set. Let cool, then pop out of the tin and serve at room temperature.

Bacon-wrapped dates are a sweet and savory crowd pleaser. Pit large dates and fill the cavity with almond pieces or goat cheese. Wrap each date in a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Bake at 400 F, turning once, until the bacon is crisp, about 15-20 minutes. The natural sugars in the dates pair perfectly with the salty bacon.

Caprese skewers are simple to make but burst with fresh flavor. Thread mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, basil leaves and olives onto wooden skewers. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. The classic Italian flavors of this simple appetizer will be a hit at your next party.

For a hearty option, serve mini meatballs in a flavorful sauce. Combine ground beef or turkey with egg, breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning and roll into bite-sized balls. Simmer in your favorite pasta sauce until the meatballs are cooked through. Provide toothpicks for easy eating and extra napkins. Your guests will appreciate the comforting, familiar flavors.

Shrimp cocktail is a classic party appetizer for a reason. For easy serving, arrange cooked shrimp, lemon wedges and cocktail sauce in martini glasses or on a platter. The refreshing, zesty flavors are sure to satisfy any crowd.

Stuffed mushrooms are earthy and satisfying. Clean medium mushrooms caps, then fill them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic and herbs and cheese such as goat cheese or cream cheese. Arrange on a baking sheet and broil in the oven just until the filling is hot and bubbly. The mushrooms provide a natural edible bowl for the flavorful filling.

For a spicy option, make your own buffalo chicken wings. Deep fry or bake chicken wings until cooked through. Toss in a mixture of Frank’s RedHot sauce and melted butter. Provide celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for cooling dipping. The fiery and flavorful wings are always a party favorite.

With an array of quick and easy appetizers, you’ll give your guests a tasty welcome and set the perfect casual, social tone for your gathering. Provide small plates and napkins to make it easy for people to sample multiple options as they mingle and chat. Your spread of delicious bites is sure to please any crowd.