Recipes

Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer

Ginger Sesame Tofu Power Bowl

This Ginger Sesame Tofu Bowl is a solid go-to whether you’re looking to fuel your day or meal prep something satisfying for the week. It features crispy baked tofu tossed in a sticky ginger-sesame glaze, roasted broccoli, crunchy raw veggies, and brown rice or noodles—all topped with a rich almond butter dressing. It’s balanced, bold, and keeps you full without weighing you down.

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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

If you’ve ever wanted to make something that feels like you ordered takeout but better, these sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are it. The glaze is sweet, garlicky, a little tangy, and it caramelizes in the oven like magic. And the best part? It’s all done on one sheet pan with easy-to-love chicken thighs that come out juicy every time.

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Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

These classic stuffed bell peppers are simple, hearty, and full of everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese makes this a dependable, satisfying meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a small gathering.

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Dan Dan Noodles

With a base of spaghetti, savory-sweet ground pork, crunchy peanuts, and a luscious chili-sesame sauce, this version brings the iconic Szechuan street food flavor to your weeknight dinner lineup — no specialty market required.

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Dinner Virginia Vismer Dinner Virginia Vismer

Spicy Sesame Garlic Noodles

These spicy sesame garlic noodles use regular pasta and everyday ingredients to make something that feels indulgent, cozy, and super satisfying. It's spicy, nutty, garlicky, and slurpable — exactly what you want when a takeout craving hits but you're staying in your pj's.

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Simple Blackened Salmon with Garlic-Lime Butter

This is my go-to blackened salmon recipe for when I want something bold, fast, and packed with flavor—no fancy pans required. You don’t need a cast-iron skillet to get that crispy, spicy crust. A good nonstick pan and high heat do the trick beautifully. This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and feels like something you'd get at a restaurant

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Sides, Salads Virginia Vismer Sides, Salads Virginia Vismer

Rainbow Macaroni Salad

If summer had a signature side, it just might be macaroni salad. This version hits all the comfort food notes: tender elbow pasta, creamy dressing, crisp bites of celery and bell pepper, and a pop of brightness from a little pickle brine and Dijon. It’s rich, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy—exactly what you want next to grilled burgers or ribs.

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Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer Dinner, Lunch Virginia Vismer

All-American Backyard Burger

Nothing screams summer (or comfort food, honestly) like a thick, juicy All-American Burger stacked with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, tangy pickles, and a slather of ketchup and mustard. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or cooking on a stovetop skillet, this recipe brings the diner vibes right to your kitchen.

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Sides, Lunch, Dinner Virginia Vismer Sides, Lunch, Dinner Virginia Vismer

Garlic Herb Butter Tortellini

This garlic herb butter tortellini is cozy, savory, and packed with flavor — perfect when you want something simple but elevated. It’s my favorite way to turn cheese tortellini into a buttery, herby side dish in minutes.

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Dinner Virginia Vismer Dinner Virginia Vismer

Crispy Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese is a simple, classic dish made with thin, crispy breaded chicken cutlets and a bright squeeze of lemon. This recipe focuses on straightforward techniques to create a crisp, golden crust without overwhelming the natural flavor of the chicken.

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Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet

This cheesy enchilada skillet is everything I want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, a little spicy, and unapologetically cheesy—with zero fuss and only one pan to clean.

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Sheet Pan Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions & Pierogi

This dish brings alllll the Eastern European comfort vibes — smoky kielbasa, sweet roasted peppers and onions (from frozen, no chopping!), and pillowy pierogi that crisp up in the oven. It’s warm, filling, and a total potato glow-up if you’re tired of the same old roasted spuds.

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One-Pan Cheesy Beef & Shells Skillet

This is recipe is beefy, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. It’s like Hamburger Helper, but way better (and without all the mystery ingredients). Everything cooks in one pan, including the pasta, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

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One-Pan Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops with Baby Potatoes

This is one of those “how is this so good with so little effort?” meals. You toss everything on one sheet pan, let it roast, and 30 minutes later you’ve got juicy pork chops with crispy-edged potatoes and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze that brings it all together. No chopping. No marinating. No standing over the stove.

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Baked Gnocchi with Marinara & Mozzarella

If you're craving something cheesy, saucy, and soul-soothing but can’t be bothered with a single pot of boiling water — this one’s for you. Just toss gnocchi, sauce, and cheese into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. No chopping, no boiling, no stress.

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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach

This recipe is proof that rich, creamy comfort food doesn’t have to mean standing over a stove. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic — no chopping, no stress, just wildly good chicken in a velvety sauce that tastes like it came from a trattoria in Florence.

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One-Pan Tomato Braised Chicken Thighs with White Beans

This is the kind of dinner you throw together when you want something hearty and soul-soothing but barely have the energy to open the fridge. Everything goes into the pan, no chopping necessary, and the result is a bubbling, saucy masterpiece that tastes like you slow-cooked it all day.

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