Kitchen Connection

Asian-Inspired Meatloaf

Cooked in the crockpot inside a foil pan, this little treat keeps its shape and makes delicious broth you can use to cook some stir-fry veggies in (right in the same crockpot).

Slow Cooker Columbian Carne Guisada

Not your mama's beef-and-potato stew, this one will surely heat up a (hopefully) cool night. Do make the aji picante, please, since it takes about 3 minutes and makes all the difference in the world.

Andouille-Chicken Creole Casserole

A riff on my mom's standard Thanksgiving fare using deep South flavors, this casserole employs ready-made cornbread dressing and frozen onions to make it easy. It's a hot dish that's an offering for your grandmother's Thanksgiving feast you'll both be proud of. Add the optional chicken, and this side-dish nirvana becomes a filling meal.

Chicken Parmesan

While it's not Gino's chicken parm by any stretch of the imagination (how could it be?!), it's a no-brainer favorite around here and it's a good one to share with someone in need, too. Familiar, simple, homey. Add spaghetti squash or pasta and a salad.

Clean-Eating Taco Soup

Taco soup's not a revelation, but one that is convenient WITHOUT frankenfoody "convenience" foods just might be.