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Persnickety Plates - Easy Family Recipes

I share easy, family friendly recipes with everyday ingredients. Slow cooker meals, desserts, dips, 30 minute meals - something for everyone!

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šŸ€ March Recipe Challenge Is Here

Hi Reader, Happy MARCH šŸ€ I'm switching up how I do my monthly challenges and opening it up to you, my email readers. We’re bringing a little St. Patrick’s Day spirit to the kitchen this month — and I couldn’t decide between savory and sweet… so you don’t have to either. This time, you get to pick your adventure (or go all in and make both šŸ˜‰). Whether you’re craving cozy, slow-cooked comfort or a bright, festive dessert, we’ve got two perfectly March-approved recipes ready for you. How to...

Hi Reader, Did February go well for you? I got to go to my first YouTube Creators event and we escaped the freezing cold to visit Disney World for a week. Not a bad month for our family. Here are your favorite recipes from February: šŸ† Top Recipes from February This dip had such a Super Bowl moment. It broke some records for me šŸŽ‰ #1 on Facebook - never too many chicken recipes, in my opinion! Most Popular on Pinterest - not for the raisin haters. Most highly rated this month - crockpot ranch...

Hi Reader- I have a quick "techy" tip today that is actually going to make your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier šŸ¤“ Have you ever searched for a recipe on Google, only to be buried in a mountain of results that aren't quite what you’re looking for? Or a bunch of sites that don't even look legit? (me too) Google has a new feature that lets you pick your "Preferred Sources." Basically, it’s a way for you to tell Google: "Hey, I know and trust Melissa’s recipes. Whenever I’m looking for...

Hi Reader- I'm getting back into the swing of things (all bundled up), after a lovely week in sunny Florida. Here are six skillet meals to get your week started, followed by a little poll that will help me with some planning 😊 Full recipes ā¬‡ļø šŸ” Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet šŸ— Southwest Chicken Skillet (my favorite) šŸ§„ Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes Skillet 🄦 Chicken & Broccoli Skillet šŸ Bow Tie Lasagna Skillet šŸ§€ Mozzarella Chicken Skillet Which are you most likely to make? šŸ½ļø Skillet Meals...

Hi Reader, We all have a chili recipe we default to, but it’s fun to switch it up sometimes. Maybe you stick with the classic, maybe you lean toward white chili, or maybe you’re ready to try something new! I like having all of them in the rotation because they each hit a little differently. This chili lineup gives you options, depending on whatever sounds good that week. Easy Chili Recipes Thick & Hearty Classic Chili Easy Homemade Chili Spices Blend This Wholesome Sweet Potato Chili My...

Hi Reader, Are you doing Valentine’s dinner at home this year? I kind of love it that way. You can make something that feels a little more special than usual and still have everyone at the table. These meals work great for a family table but still feel date-night worthy. Everyone eats the same thing, everyone’s happy, and it still feels like you made an effort. That’s a win in my book! Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas Marry Me Chicken for Valentines Romantic Rosa Pasta Recipe A Classic Eye of...

Hi Reader, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to bake something a little more playful than usual. These desserts lean into the day with fun colors, familiar flavors, and just enough pink to feel special. They’re easy to enjoy at home, pack up to share, or add to a classroom treat lineup (are you allowed to do that? We can’t bring in homemade treats)! Homemade Valentine’s Day Desserts Pink Cannoli Cones Heart-shaped Cookies Pink Valentines Cut-out Cookies Pink Frosting Cookie Cups 30-minute Red...

Hi Reader, If you’re reading this and realizing the Super Bowl is actually this weekend, you’re not alone. Maybe the game is coming up fast, or maybe plans just changed, and now food is part of it. Either way, this is the kind of list that helps. These snack ideas start with what you already have and come together in under an hour. Solid game-day snacks for when time is tight. Last Minute Super Bowl Snacks Crispy Chickpeas in 30 Minutes Sweet Apple Nachos (for a healthier option) My 15-minute...

Hi Reader- It's Day 756 of freezing cold temps here...but at least it's sunny today! That really does help my morale. Recipe Inspiration ✨ I make these mini muffins for my girls in place of the Lil Bites muffins they ask for at the market. This crockpot meatloaf is topped with bbq sauce...or this baked version is paired with brown gravy. I have a new slow cooker meatball recipe coming this week but have you tried this version yet? Some crockpot Guinness beef stew ahead of March. 5-ingredient...

Hi Reader, How'd the first month of the year treat you? I am currently dealing with my second cold of the month. I guess I got lucky dodging the germs last month. 48 days until Spring! Here are your favorite recipes from January: šŸ† Top Recipes from January These Cinnamon Sugar Muffins really took off which is funny because I first shared that recipe January 29, 2010! This Crockpot Chicken Alfredo gained popularity on Pinterest. My chicken pot pie and buffalo chicken dip continue to get rave...