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Articles by Lauren Allen
This Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Makes Kale Worth Eating
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Our Roasted Butternut Squash Salad is my favorite healthy fall salad recipe, with roasted squash, crisp greens, bacon, pecans and a tangy homemade dressing.
3 Comfort Food Dinners for When Sweater Weather Finally Shows Up
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Chili, lasagna, and gravy over mashed potatoes. Stretchy pants optional but encouraged. Lauren Allen Creator of Tastes Better from Scratch• Updated Oct 20, 2026 Updated Tue, October 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM UTC 2 min read A big bowl of thick, meaty homemade chili loaded with beans and topped with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.
Nourish Bowls
RECIPES I Can’t Stop Making These Nourish Bowls Inspiration for this Nourish Bowl recipe comes from a bowl they have at Cafe Zupas (do you have one near you?). I love it and immediately knew I wanted to make my own from home–cuz everything is better from scratch! This bowl is very hands off as everything roasts together in the oven while you’re doing literally anything else, and then it’s just a fun little assembly situation at the end to build your own bowl.
The Pumpkin Protein Shake I Make Every Fall Morning
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. My Pumpkin Protein Shake tastes like dessert but is packed with protein to keep you full all morning. It's my go-to smoothie the second pumpkin season hits, and it comes together in the blender in under 5 minutes.
Undeclared Mustard Triggers Recall of Turkey Gravy Brand in Canada
A turkey gravy brand sold in several Canadian provinces has been recalled because it contains undeclared mustard. Kevin’s Natural Foods turkey gravy was distributed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in a recall notice on Oct. 9. The recall was triggered by the company, CalChef Foods LLC, due to the presence of mustard in the gravy, which is not declared on the label.
These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Let You Sleep In and Still Win Brunch
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. These easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls are made ahead the night before, so you can wake up to fresh, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with minimal morning effort. Perfect for Christmas morning, holidays, or weekend brunch.
This Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats Recipe Tastes Like Dessert for Breakfast
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Five minutes of prep the night before, and breakfast is basically done. Lauren Allen Creator of Tastes Better from Scratch• Updated Oct 6, 2026 Updated Tue, October 6, 2026 at 5:16 AM UTC Creamy pumpkin overnight oats topped with crunchy pecans. (Lauren Allen) When I want breakfast to taste like fall, these Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats always hit the spot.
4 Fall Desserts That'll Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Autumn Itself
Fall baking is basically a competitive sport in my house, and these four desserts are the reigning champions. Warm spices, real butter, and zero pretension, just the stuff you actually want to eat with a blanket and a bad rom-com. Apple Crisp This one is the reason I own a Johnny Apple Peeler. Tart Granny Smith apples get tossed in cinnamon and tucked under a buttery oat crumble, then baked until the top turns golden and the whole house smells like a candle store.
This Turkey Chili Is Basically Football Season in a Bowl
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Our easy Turkey Chili recipe is hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor and protein! It's loaded with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices, it's the perfect cozy meal that comes together in one pot.
This Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake Looks Like a Bakery Splurge (But Isn't)
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. This Pumpkin Bundt Cake is moist, spiced, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It looks impressive but comes together in one bowl, making it an easy fall dessert for any occasion.
These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Are Better Than the Bakery Down the Street
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. A spiced pumpkin muffin topped with a crunchy streusel and hiding a creamy cheesecake surprise in the middle. (Lauren Allen) If fall had a flavor, it would be these muffins. They taste like a $6 coffee shop treat, minus the line and the pants-optional guilt about it. The cream cheese filling is the whole point, so do not skip it.
This DIY Pancake Mix Means You'll Never Buy the Box Again
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Keep a jar of this homemade pancake mix on hand, just add milk, egg, butter, and vanilla whenever a craving hits. (Lauren Allen) Store-bought pancake mix is convenient until you read the ingredient list and start wondering what half of it actually is.
Tamale Pie
RECIPES Why Is Tamale Pie SO GOOD?! This Is the Cozy Casserole I Crave. I’m obsessed with the flavors in tamale pie, and the complete comfort-of-a-dinner that it is. Plus you know I love a recipe that cooks in one pan! This isn’t your average tamale pie (no box of jiffy mix, here!). We use the good stuff to make a legit and EASY corn topping that bakes up like a soft cornbread over the saucy beef filling. My kids love this so much they take it as leftovers in their thermos for school lunch.
5 Apple Recipes for When You're Done Pretending It's Still Summer
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. A warm, whole baked apple loaded with cinnamon and walnuts, served alongside melting scoops of vanilla ice cream. (Lauren Allen) September means apple season, and honestly, we're not mad about it. Pumpkin can wait its turn. These five recipes turn a bag of apples into breakfast, dessert, salad, and everything in between, and every single one comes together faster than a trip to the orchard.
This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes Is Basically a Vacation on a Plate
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. A sheet pan of golden roasted Greek chicken and crispy potatoes topped with feta, olives, and fresh dill. (Tastes Better From Scratch) September dinners need to be easy, and this one is basically a permission slip to eat outside pretending you're on a Greek island. One pan, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Apple Crisp
RECIPES The Best Apple Crisp You'll Ever Make This apple crisp recipe could be my most treasured dessert recipe I make from September through the entire winter season–I will never get tired of it! Mostly it’s such an easy dessert that gives apple pie vibes but without the time commitment. It’s definitely the biggest crowd pleaser, especially when I serve it with my homemade vanilla ice cream! The secret to a perfect apple crisp is using a mix of apple varieties.
The Pumpkin Protein Shake I Make Every Fall Morning
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Two glasses of creamy pumpkin protein shake topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, set beside mini pumpkins. (Tastes Better From Scratch) My kids know fall has arrived the second this shake shows up in the kitchen. It tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass, but it's actually a protein-packed breakfast that takes five minutes flat.
5 Fast Dinners for When Back-to-School Chaos Takes Over Your Kitchen
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Ramen noodles tossed with ground beef, crisp snap peas, and bell peppers, ready to serve straight from the pan to the plate. (Lauren Allen) School's back, which means afternoons are suddenly packed with homework, practices, and forms that needed a signature yesterday. Dinner still has to happen though, so here are five recipes that come together fast and don't ask much of you besides one pan and a little patience.
These Rice Krispie Treats Are the Snack That Disappears Before You Cut the Pan
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. There's no better classic than a pan of Rice Krispie Treats, and this version skips the fuss. Brown the butter first for a nutty caramel flavor that makes people ask what your secret is. Ten minutes, three ingredients, and the pan is empty before it even fully cools. Stir in whatever mix-ins you have on hand and call it a new recipe.
This Easy Tiramisu Doesn't Need a Trip to Italy
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Real tiramisu sounds intimidating: raw eggs, specialty ladyfingers, and a recipe that reads like a chemistry lab. Easy Tiramisu cuts out the fuss without cutting the flavor, layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone filling you whisk together in one bowl. No oven, no baking, just a few hours in the fridge before you get dessert that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Baked Apples
RECIPES Old Fashioned Baked Apples that HIT every time! These baked whole apples are one of those desserts that makes the whole house smell like Fall the second it goes in the oven. This is a great dessert you can prep in advance, and I love serving it to a crowd because it’s naturally gluten-free and a healthier dessert that everyone loves. It’s like a healthier version of apple pie and made much quicker and easier.
This Apple Coffee Cake Is Basically Dessert for Breakfast
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Apple Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Filling sounds like a lot for a Tuesday morning, and it is, in the best way. A ribbon of sweetened cream cheese runs through the middle, cinnamon apples pile on top, and a crumb topping seals the deal. It's the kind of cake that makes people ask what the occasion is when there isn't one.
This Is the Soup Recipe You Need This Fall
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Chicken Noodle Soup gets written off as sick-day food, but the fall version deserves better than that reputation. This one starts with a whole chicken simmered low and slow for a broth that actually tastes like something, then gets loaded with carrots, celery, and noodles until it turns into a full meal. The real move, though, is skipping the boxed noodles and making your own.
4 Recipes for a Labor Day BBQ People Will Actually Remember
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Labor Day is the unofficial last call for summer grilling, so it deserves a menu with some actual thought behind it. This lineup covers the burger debate, the side dish nobody fights over, and a fish option for the one guest who claims they're not really a burger person. Smash Burgers Smash Burgers are the loud, crispy, everybody-wants-seconds option.
Fresh Peach Pie
RECIPES Fresh Peach Pie Is one of the Easiest Pies to Make! I love this recipe because the focus is truely on the fresh peaches and their flavor shines! We use a traditional pie crust and fill it to the brim with juicy peaches tossed in a simple glaze that helps hold the filling together.
This Peach Crisp Is the Reason Peach Season Isn't Long Enough
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Peach season is basically a countdown to summer ending, so make the most of it. This Peach Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep and turns ripe peaches into something between a cobbler and a crumble. Scoop it warm with vanilla ice cream and good luck stopping at one bowl. Here's the whole process, no fancy equipment required.
This Slow Cooker French Dip Practically Makes Itself
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. French Dip sandwiches sound like something you'd order at a diner, not something you'd make at home, but this slow cooker version proves otherwise. French Dip loads a chuck roast and a few pantry staples into the crockpot, then lets hours of low heat do all the work of building a rich, beefy broth for dipping.
This Is the Chocolate Cake That Beats All Other Chocolate Cakes
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Every family has a chocolate cake recipe they swear by, but this one has a stronger case than most. It's been printed on the back of a Hershey's cocoa can for decades because it actually works. Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake is moist, deeply chocolatey, and comes together in one bowl with a whisk, no mixer required.
Pesto Chicken Casserole
RECIPES The EASIEST One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake. If there’s one recipe that can make your life easier, it’s our Pesto Chicken Rice Casserole. It takes less than 10 minutes to layer everything in just one pan, and then it bakes and dinner is ready to go! Even my pickiest eaters devour this one, and the leftovers taste great too if you want to use it for meal prep. Pro Tips: If you don’t have time to make our homemade pesto the Costco Kirkland Brand Pesto is a great high-quality option.
Make These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Tonight, Wake Up to a Bakery Tomorrow
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls exist for one reason: nobody wants to knead dough at 6am. Do all the work the night before, and all that's left in the morning is baking, frosting, and eating. The dough chills in the fridge overnight, so all you have to do the next morning is let the pan warm up, bake, and top with cream cheese frosting while they're still warm.
This Lemon Cream Pie Has Been the #1 Favorite Pie in Our Family for 15 Years
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Lemon Cream Pie has been the reigning favorite in one family for over 15 years, and one bite explains why. It's tart, sweet, and impossibly creamy, and it always disappears first at the dessert table. The filling is a real cooked lemon custard, not a shortcut pudding mix. Sour cream stirred in at the end gives it a tang that cuts through all that sweetness.
Mom's Zucchini Bread Is the Recipe That Started It All
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. A loaf of moist zucchini bread, sliced to reveal the tender, spiced crumb studded with fresh shredded zucchini. (Tastes Better From Scratch) Every zucchini season goes the same way. You blink, and suddenly there are three more zucchini on the counter than any household could reasonably eat. This Zucchini Bread is the answer, and it's been my mom's answer for years before it was mine.
These Crispy Potato Tacos Are the Vegetarian Taco Night MVP
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Some nights you want a taco with all the bells and whistles. Other nights you want a crispy, cheesy pocket of mashed potatoes you can make with stuff already in your kitchen. This is that second night, and it's honestly the better one. These Crispy Potato Tacos are just two ingredients before toppings: mashed potatoes and corn tortillas, pan-fried until the outside shatters and the inside stays soft and melty.
This Chocolate Hummus Tastes Like Dessert but Sneaks In the Protein
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. If you've never put chickpeas anywhere near dessert, I get the hesitation. But this Chocolate Hummus tastes like brownie batter, and it comes together in one food processor in about five minutes flat. Blend chickpeas with cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, and a splash of milk, and you get something creamy enough to eat with a spoon and virtuous enough to call a snack.
One Pan, Zero Stress: Greek Chicken and Potatoes
RECIPES This is a Sheet Pan Meal that just Hits! I could eat this sheet pan dinner every week and not get tired of it. The potatoes turn perfectly crispy, the chicken stays juicy, and everything gets a bright finish of lemon, feta, and dill. It’s so easy to throw together but it tastes good enough to serve guests. My Biggest Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, make sure they’re in a single layer with space between them on the pan.
4 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Taste Way Fancier Than They Are
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Some nights you want a project. Most nights you want dinner on the table before anyone starts gnawing on a couch cushion. These four recipes split the difference: real flavor, minimal fuss, and ingredients you can actually find without a scavenger hunt. Bookmark this one for the next time your meal plan folder is embarrassingly empty.
This German Potato Salad Is the Tangy, No-Mayo Side Your BBQ Needs
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. This warm German potato salad skips the mayo for a tangy onion broth dressing that soaks into every slice, making it the perfect side for schnitzel or bratwurst.
The Ultimate Back-to-School Breakfast You Can Actually Pull Off
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. German Pancakes require only six basic ingredients and five minutes of prep, making them an easy hot breakfast for busy school mornings.
Skillet Lasagna: The One-Pot Meal Everyone Should Know How to Make
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. This One Pan Skillet Lasagna delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna with less mess, less effort, and a much easier cleanup. Lauren Allen Creator of Tastes Better from Scratch• Updated Aug 7, 2026 Updated Fri, August 7, 2026 at 4:10 AM UTC 1 min read This One Pan Skillet Lasagna is everything people love about classic lasagna, made easier with a single skillet and topped with creamy dollops of ricotta.
Peach Blackberry Tart
RECIPES I think this is the first year ever that I almost bought more peaches then we could eat! We went to Eckerts, our favorite Orchard and stocked up, just liked we do every year. Last year I made this delicious Peach Crisp, and Baked Peaches (after I canned most of them, of course).
Tomato Pie is a Vintage Way to Use Your Garden Veggies
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Fresh tomatoes, basil, onion, and a golden cheese topping turn a simple pie crust into a savory summer classic. Lauren Allen Creator of Tastes Better from Scratch• Updated Aug 5, 2026 Updated Wed, August 5, 2026 at 3:57 AM UTC 1 min read Fresh garden tomatoes, basil, and onion are baked inside a flaky crust beneath a rich, golden cheese topping in this savory Tomato Pie.
The Healthy Recipe You'll Want to Make Next Week
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is loaded with tuna, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, olives, and cottage cheese for a quick lunch that's filling without feeling heavy. (Tastes Better From Scratch) Mediterranean Tuna Salad Next week's lunch plan can be as simple as opening a few cans and chopping a handful of vegetables.
Salmon Burgers Worth Getting Excited About
RECIPES I’ve always loved a good salmon burger, but this homemade version is next level! The key to a perfect salmon burger that holds together (and the meat is still tender) is not over-processing the salmon, so you get real chunks throughout. My kids love loading them up with avocado and tzatziki, and I love that the patties only take 15 minutes of prep; then we stick them in the fridge and cook them for only 5 minutes.
This Peach Crisp Is What July Peaches Were Made For
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Fresh July peaches bake into a warm, juicy filling beneath a buttery cinnamon oat topping in this easy Peach Crisp. (Tastes Better From Scratch) July is the month when peaches finally start tasting the way you've been waiting for all year. They're sweet, juicy, and good enough to eat over the sink - but buying a few extra for dessert is never a bad idea.
It Wouldn’t Be Summer Without Peach Crisp!
RECIPES Try more of my peach recipes, such as Peach Cobbler, Peach Scones, and Baked Peaches. How to Make Peach Crisp: Prep Peaches: Peel your peaches then slice them and toss with sugar. Let them sit for 20 minutes so they release their juices. (I also have this tutorial for how to peel and slice peaches). Make Crumble Topping: Add all of the topping ingredients to a bowl then use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the butter mixture until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate.
Banana Muffins, But Make Them High-Protein
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. These Protein Banana Muffins have the moist texture and naturally sweet banana flavor of a classic muffin, with oats, Greek yogurt, and protein powder to make them more filling. (Tastes Better From Scratch) I'm all about healthier muffins that leave me feeling full, and these protein muffins hit the mark! I love that they're naturally sweetened with maple syrup and ready in just 30 minutes.
12 homemade pizza recipes that'll make you ditch delivery
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. These homemade pizza recipes prove you don't need delivery to enjoy a crispy crust, melted cheese, and restaurant-worthy toppings at home. (Tastes Better From Scratch) Once you've learned how to make homemade pizza dough, the fun really starts. Whether it's family night, a casual dinner party, or just a weekend craving, these pizza recipes are made from scratch and tested to perfection.
7 Blueberry Recipes that Scream Summer
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Make the most of blueberry season! (Tastes Better From Scratch) As soon as blueberries show up at the farmer's market, it's time to start baking. That sweet smell in the kitchen signals slower mornings, sunny days, and all the simple joys of the season. These 7 blueberry recipes are fresh, easy, and full of flavor. They're perfect for weekend breakfasts, backyard gatherings, or a cozy dessert on a warm summer night.
Skip the Gas Station: 9 Homemade Snacks For Your Next Road Trip
Tastes Better from Scratch and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. These make-ahead snacks are budget-friendly, kid-approved, and taste way better than anything from a gas station. (Tastes Better From Scratch) If you're planning a family road trip, you already know keeping everyone fed and happy in the car is half the battle.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
RECIPES Bacon Wrapped Dates Are the Appetizer that Steals the Show This has got to be one of my favorite appetizer recipes! I love trying new foods and am often inspired by restaurants, which is what happened with these Bacon Wrapped Dates. They are inspired by the “Devils on Horseback” appetizer I enjoyed at The Pearl restaurant in Dublin, OH. I personally love the goat cheese center, but you can leave it out if you want or replace it with an almond.
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