If you're the person in your family being asked "what's for dinner?" and in charge of meal planning, you know how relentless and exhausting it can be to figure out what everyone is going to eat every meal, every day. Here on Easier Meals, Anne talks through an easy recipe each episode with tips and tricks to help you make it in your kitchen. For your convenience, printable recipes are always linked in the show notes. Anne is the mom of two young kids, and the food blogger behind The Default ...
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this easy weeknight pasta that comes together in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a "meatless Monday" this spinach mushroom pasta is light on prep, especially if you buy your mushrooms already sliced. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Produce: Mushrooms (16 oz…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
88. Trader Joe's Salmon Pinwheels (Air Fryer or Oven)
8:58
8:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:58
Anne talks through baking or air frying premade Salmon Pinwheels both as fast as possible on the pan, or wrapped in a tin foil packet to steam. The nerdy temperature tables are in the full post linked above, but if you're making your grocery list all you'll need is: Cold section: Refrigerated salmon pinwheels Inside aisles: Cooking spray and/or alu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
87. Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole (Slow Cooker or Oven)
8:27
8:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:27
Anne talks through an easy set-and-forget casserole you can make in the crockpot or bake up in a classic casserole dish. The chicken broccoli potato casserole doesn't use "cream of" soup, so if no worries if you don't have any in your pantry. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
86. Coconut Chickpea Curry from The Fiery Vegetarian
6:49
6:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:49
This episode features a recipe developed by Deirdre of The Fiery Vegetarian. This week Anne talks through making a homemade curry with coconut milk and spices for a flavorful sauce that's great on rice, naan, and more. The recipe uses chickpeas for a perfect Meatless Monday meal that happens to be vegan making it a win for anyone with dairy sensiti…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
85. Blueberry Bliss Smoothie (Tropical Smoothie Copycat)
6:19
6:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:19
Anne talks through making a refresing berry focused smoothie that is perfect for the summer heat. A copycat of blueberry bliss from Tropical Smoothie, you can leave out the sugar if not trying to mimic the takeout taste. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need for a 14-16 oz smoothie…
…
continue reading
Summer is a time for easy, lazy, light lunches, like your favorite brand of frozen spring rolls. Anne talks through making them in the air fryer or oven so you can enjoy a crispy appetizer whenever the mood strikes. The full printable instructions are linked above, but if you're making your grocery list all you'll need is your favorite frozen sprin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
83. Strawberry Matcha Smoothie (Matcha Optional)
5:07
5:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:07
Anne talks through making a quick light breakfast for when it's too hot to want anything else in the morning. The matcha is added last in this strawberry smoothie, and can be left out for littles who don't need the caffeine boost. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Produce: 1 c…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through caramelizing onions and mushrooms in a large skillet, a perfect summer cook out side. If you use cast iron you can even do it on the grill alongside the burgers or steaks you might want to have with them. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Produce: 2.5 lb oni…
…
continue reading
This episode features a recipe developed by Prajakta Sukhatme of Profusion Curry. Anne talks through making this easy and delicious pasta fresca- a vegetarian pasta dish with a balsamic cream sauce that's perfect for summer. The full original instructions with photos are linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: …
…
continue reading
It's getting too hot to turn on the oven, and come Thanksgiving freeing up some space in there is handy too. Anne talks through making a bone-in turkey breast in the crockpot with a honey maple glaze that you can get ready fast and then walk away from. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll n…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making a batch of homemade taco seasoning so you don't have to worry about running out of seasoning packets, and can customize it to your family's tastes. The printable version is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what Anne's base uses: 1/3 cup chili powder blend, 2.5 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp o…
…
continue reading
We're almost at Mother's Day, so today Anne is talking through an extra easy meal. One that you prep by just discarding the cardboard and plastic packaging! We're going over how to properly heat- and reheat- the La Terra Fina Quiche. You'll find it in a two pack at Costco and single pack at other grocery stores. If you want printable detailed instr…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through these super simple asian steak bites. You quickly marinate the steak with mushrooms in your favorite store bought asian inspired sauce. Then just cook on a sheet pan for a quick and easy dinner. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: 1 lb steak bites Produc…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this quick to prep garlic parmesan chicken legs, which are great for nights where you're busy but home since bone-in chicken does take some time to cook through. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list, here's what you'll need: Meat: 2 lbs drumsticks Dairy: 2 tbsp plain greek yogurt, 2 oz…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this super fast air fryer tilapia with a parmesan breadcrumb coating. Between a quick prep and quick cooking fish, this is a busy night meal for when you need to be eating in a hurry. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Seafood: 1 lb tilapia filets (or other w…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making these Petco park-inspired nachos with tri tip, along with a simple 2 ingredient cheese sauce, sour cream, bbq sauce, and of course, nacho chips. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Produce: green onions, any other toppings you like such as avocado Dair…
…
continue reading
For Easter Monday, Anne talks through how to make these traditional Greek Easter cookies, that are perfect paired with tea or coffee. Fair warning, while the recipe isn't particularly challenging, rolling out and shaping the cookies by hand does take some time, so this recipe is more fun to make with family and friends. The full printable recipe is…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
72. Bunny Cinnamon Rolls from Coach Chef Kim
8:45
8:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:45
This episode features a recipe developed by pastry chef and cookbook author Kimberly Houston of Coach Chef Kim. Anne talks through making these fun and easy bunny cinnamon rolls with just a can of refrigerator section dough and some fun decorations like sprinkles. The full original instructions with photos are linked above, but if you're making you…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through using up leftovers in these simple salmon spring rolls, along with cooking the salmon if you need to. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Inside aisles: Spring Roll Wrappers (rice paper), Sweet Chili Sauce (or other favorite sauce) Produce: Carrots, Cucumber, Spina…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
70. Fruit Rainbow with Yogurt Dip "Clouds"
11:00
11:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:00
Anne talks through assembling this fun fruit rainbow with a few cloud options including a simple 3-ingredient yogurt dip, plus how to make those berries last longer. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Fruits: Approximately 1 cup Strawberries, 2 Clementines, 1 Banana, 1/2 cup Green G…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making this easy honey soy pork tenderloin in the sous vide, but feel free to use this marinade with other cooking methods as well. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb) Marinade: Low sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup), honey (2 tbsp), bl…
…
continue reading
This episode features a recipe developed by cookbook author Marlynn Schotland of Urban Bliss Life. Anne talks through making this easy shrimp lo mein with a simple 4 ingredient sauce that comes together faster than you can call in and pick up takeout. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this dump and go slow cooker balsamic chicken that is fast to prep (no, we're not browning anything) and then ready at dinnertime. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Produce: 1 onion, 8 oz white mushrooms (whole) Insi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
66. Marinated Pork Tenderloin Slices (Air Fryer or Oven)
9:38
9:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:38
Anne talks through this air fryer pork tenderloin, along with how to make it in the oven instead. With a 3 ingredient marinade (plus salt and pepper), this is fast to get marinating, and slicing before cooking makes it fast to cook too. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: …
…
continue reading
Anne talks through these easy Hasselback style potatoes that cook right in your slow cooker. Keep them on warm and serve with toppings for an easy baked potato bar at the Super Bowl, or eat them with almost any main entree for an easy side dish. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Pr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
64. Tilapia Foil Packets from Vanilla Bean Cuisine
9:16
9:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:16
This episode features a recipe developed by personal and pastry Chef Molly Pisula at Vanilla Bean Cuisine. Anne talks through making these light but satisfying tilapia foil packets with vegetables. If you're a fan of fish, easy prep, and minimal clean up, this dish is for you. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your gr…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making this warm and cozy sausage potato casserole in the slow cooker, along with some common ingredient swaps you might want to make. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: 14 oz Keilbasa (or other smoked sausage) Frozen: 32 oz bag hash brown potatoes (diced no…
…
continue reading
Leftover steak is great in a lot of dishes, but tacos might be the easiest. Anne talks through how to add seasoning and reheat it to get some tri tip tacos on the table fast. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: Tri Tip Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, and salt…
…
continue reading
When it's too cold to grill or your apartment doesn't allow grills (been there!) making tri tip in the skillet is fast, easy, and delicious. Anne talks through preparing the meat, cooking it, and slicing. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: Tri Tip Roast (whole) Seasonings: Gar…
…
continue reading
Boneless short ribs need to be cooked low and slow to become tender. Usually that means they're well-done, but with sous vide we can hold a medium-rare temperature overnight and turn them into a steak-like meal the next day. Anne talks through the simple prep so you can enjoy this more budget friendly cut in a new way. The printable recipe is linke…
…
continue reading
When you have leftover mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole and are over eating them as-is, they make a great star ingredient in these easy sweet potato muffins. Anne talks through how to make them with leftover or plain sweet potatoes, so you can turn yours into an on the go breakfast or tasty afternoon snack. The full printable recipe …
…
continue reading
These ground pork meatballs use typical Italian seasonings for a quick and easy dinner that bakes fast and preps faster. Anne talks through making them, freezing them, and tips along the way. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list, here's what you'll need: Meat: 1 lb lean ground pork Cold: 1 egg Inside Ai…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
57. Creamy Spinach Pasta from Life As A Strawberry
9:33
9:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:33
This episode features a recipe developed by Jessie Johnson at Life As A Strawberry. Anne talks through making Jessie's creamy spinach chicken pasta. If you like creamed spinach you're sure to love those core ingredients with pasta and rotisserie chicken to make it a satisfying meal. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making yo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
56. Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Brown Sugar
6:04
6:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:04
Anne talks through a simple sweet potato side dish that starts by slicing sweet potato circles for roasting. Then it's made extra delicious by caramelizing the brown sugar on top at the end of cooking. Perfect for a smaller crowd on Thanksgiving if you have the oven space, or as an easy side dish any night of the year. The printable recipe is linke…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this simple dump and go crockpot lemon pepper chicken that uses just 4 ingredients and prepares in about the time of an average radio song. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list, here's what you'll need: Meat: 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 thighs) Produce: 1 lemon (or le…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making perfectly cooked teriyaki chicken. Using a sous vide machine ensures it won't be overcooked, and the simple teriyaki marinade uses ingredients you probably have. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list, here's what you'll need: Meat: Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) Inside a…
…
continue reading
Halloween is tomorrow! Which means lots of candy, fun costumes, and well, very little time for dinner. If you're at Costco to grab some candy bags today, I'd also recommend grabbing a take and bake dish, and today we chat about Costco's stuffed salmon. The full detailed recipe with temperature charts and other nerdiness is linked above, but there's…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
52. Bacon Avocado & Tomato Pasta (from Mitten Girl)
7:58
7:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:58
This episode features a recipe developed by Katy McAvoy at Mitten Girl. If you love bacon, and avocado, and pasta, you're in for a treat. This simple pasta dish uses all three, plus some other favorites like tomatoes and garlic for a delicious but easy meal. While we do have a bit of chopping it goes pretty quickly, and you can do it on the fly if …
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this slow cooker caprese chicken and pasta, which only has us putting 4 ingredients in our crock pot before walking away for a few hours. Cook up some pasta when it's almost done and you've got a complete, low effort dinner. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're putting your grocery list together, here's what you'll…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through a simple 4 ingredient weeknight dinner- lemon pepper chicken legs. Prepped fast and kid-friendly, for more time fighting over homework instead of dinner. The full, printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: 1 lb chicken legs (about 5 legs) Produce: 1 lemon, for juice (c…
…
continue reading
Got leftover Salmon? Perfect! Anne walks through turning that into a caesar wrap along with a tortilla and Caesar salad kit. Quite possibly the perfect 5 minute lunch, it's a quick win at home or for packing. After all, there's no microwaving fish, so your coworkers won't hate you. The full printable recipe is linked above, but here's what you'll n…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through a simple pot roast using Tri Tip along with onions and carrots, perfect for busy days where you need a slow cooker dinner that takes just a few minutes to prep in the morning. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat: Tri tip (about 2 lbs) Produce: 1 lb baby carrot…
…
continue reading
Mixing up your lunch doesn't have to be complicated. Anne talks through making a typical turkey sandwich on pretzel rolls, and where to look for them in your grocery store. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Bakery: Pretzel Rolls (pssst... you might find them on markdown outside of …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
46. Easy Baked Meatballs (from The Urben Life)
6:03
6:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:03
This episode features a recipe developed by Jenna Urben of The Urben Life. Nothing says easy like spaghetti and meatballs! On this episode, Anne walks through Jenna's recipe for baked meatballs, which happens to be gluten free, dairy free, and egg free. There's no specialty ingredients though, you'll find everything you need in any major grocery st…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
45. Easy Apple Butter in the Instant Pot or Crock Pot
8:18
8:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:18
Fall has two classic flavors: apple and pumpkin. Today we'll talk about the one you don't usually carve! Apple butter is easy and delicious, and a great way to use up apples when you end up with too many for eating as-is. The full printable recipe is linked above, but if you're going grocery shopping here's what you'll need: Produce: 3-4 lbs (appro…
…
continue reading
Anne talks through this one pot pasta dish with kielbasa smoked sausage, onions, and a cheese sauce to bring it all together. Ready in half an hour, there are a number of ways to make it your own with what you have in your kitchen. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Meat & Dairy: 14…
…
continue reading
I'm visiting family this week, so we're skipping the intro and recipe. Instead, this 30ish second episode goes straight to reminding you that you're awesome, doing great, and deserving of rest. And it even features another voice, as my little wanted to record the last few seconds.By Anne Aslanides
…
continue reading
Anne talks through how to make this easy dessert on both the stovetop as well as the grill. Either way, caramelized peaches are a simple and flavorful dessert that make the most of the summer fruit. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Produce: 3 peaches, 1 slice lemon (1/8) Cold: But…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
41. One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta (from The Clean Eating Couple)
8:39
8:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:39
This episode features a recipe developed by Liz Marino of The Clean Eating Couple. Chicken Parmesan is classic comfort food, and this one pot pasta version is a delicious meal that comes together in under an hour WITH chopping. Anne even has some additional tips on cutting that time down if you need to (spoiler alert: rotisserie chicken). The full …
…
continue reading
Anne talks through making zucchini and yellow squash in either an air fryer or oven for a side dish that's easily turned into a meal by serving it with your favorite pasta. The printable recipe is linked above, but if you're making your grocery list here's what you'll need: Vegetables: 2 yellow squash and 2 zucchini (normal, cucumber-ish size) Seas…
…
continue reading