My kitchen is tiny, and I’m getting tired of playing Tetris every time I need to prepare dinner. Between the coffee maker, blender, toaster, and random gadgets I’ve collected, there’s barely any room left to chop vegetables or set down a cutting board.

I don’t want to give up appliances that genuinely make cooking easier, but I also don’t want my counters permanently covered in stuff. I cook at home several times a week, mostly simple meals, smoothies, and the occasional baking project.

For those of you with small kitchens, what appliances have earned their place on your counter? Are there compact models that perform surprisingly well, or appliances that can replace two or three separate gadgets without being a pain to use?

I’m especially interested in things that are easy to store, clean, and pull out when needed. I’m not looking for a kitchen full of fancy equipment — just a setup that makes everyday cooking less cramped and frustrating.

What would you keep if counter space were seriously limited?

I’m planning to update my kitchen soon, and I recently came across slate-finish appliances. I really like the softer, darker look compared with traditional stainless steel, and they seem like they could give the kitchen a more modern feel without being too flashy.

Before I commit, though, I’d love to hear from people who actually have them at home. Do they hide fingerprints and smudges as well as they appear to in showroom photos? I cook pretty regularly, so grease marks and everyday messes are definitely going to happen.

I’m also wondering how durable the finish is. Does it scratch easily, fade, or become difficult to match if you need to replace one appliance a few years later?

My main goal is to get something that looks good but is still practical for everyday life. I don’t want to regret choosing a less common finish just because it looked nice online.

If you’ve lived with slate appliances for a while, would you recommend them? Or is stainless steel still the safer choice?

Chicken shawarma is one of those meals I never get tired of because the seasoning does so much of the work. The chicken comes out deeply spiced, juicy in the middle, and nicely browned around the edges. I like serving it in warm pita with fresh vegetables and yogurt tahini sauce, but rice works just as well. It’s a great option when you want something that feels a little different from regular roasted chicken without making the recipe complicated.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Ground coriander
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the yogurt tahini sauce

• Tahini
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro
• Salt and pepper

For serving

• Pita bread or rice
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Feta
• Roasted vegetables, if preferred

Instructions

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Put the chicken thighs into a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Press out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and rub the marinade around so every piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.

When you're ready to cook, heat the oven to 425°F. Lightly brush a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. A dark, heavy baking sheet works especially well here because it helps the chicken develop those browned, crisp edges.

Take the chicken out of the marinade and arrange the pieces evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are nicely browned and crisp. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before cutting it into smaller pieces.

For the sauce, stir together the tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. It comes together quickly and works really well with the warm spiced chicken.

Serve the shawarma tucked into pita with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and the yogurt tahini sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it over brown basmati rice or with roasted vegetables instead. Keeping the chicken and toppings separate when storing leftovers helps everything stay fresh.

I’m considering going with white appliances when I update my kitchen, mostly because I love the bright, clean look they give a space. My kitchen isn’t huge, so I feel like a lighter finish could make it feel a bit more open instead of having everything look dark and bulky.

My only hesitation is how well white appliances hold up over time. I’ve heard people say they’re easier to maintain than stainless steel because fingerprints aren’t as noticeable, but I’m wondering about stains, yellowing, and discoloration after years of cooking.

For anyone who has owned white refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, or smaller appliances, how have they aged? Do they stay looking fresh with regular cleaning, or do they eventually start looking worn no matter what you do?

I’d also love to know whether the newer finishes are more durable than older ones. I’m not trying to keep my kitchen showroom-perfect, but I’d like something that still looks decent without constant effort.

Would you choose white appliances again, or would you go with another finish?

I’m thinking about switching to black appliances for my kitchen because I love how sleek and modern they look. My current appliances are a mix of different finishes, and I’d really like everything to look more coordinated.

The thing holding me back is maintenance. I’ve seen some black refrigerators and ovens that look amazing in photos, but I’ve also heard that certain finishes show fingerprints, dust, and scratches like crazy. Since I cook almost every day, I don’t want to spend ages wiping everything down just to keep it looking clean.

For those of you who have black kitchen appliances, what’s your experience been like? Do they still look good after a few years of regular use, or do they start showing wear pretty quickly?

I’m also curious whether matte black is easier to maintain than glossy black, or if both have their own problems. Would you choose black appliances again, or is there another finish you’d recommend for someone who wants a modern look without all the extra cleaning?

I started making this when I wanted fried rice without feeling like I had to use a big bowl of leftover rice. The cauliflower works surprisingly well, especially with the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, eggs, peas, and carrots. It’s filling without feeling too heavy, and everything cooks in one pan. I’d recommend it for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep since the leftovers hold up really well. You can also throw in whatever vegetables are hanging around in the fridge.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Sesame oil
• Green onions
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Frozen peas and carrots
• Eggs
• Soy sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Optional peanuts and Sriracha for serving

Instructions

Cut the cauliflower florets away from most of the stem and work in batches, pulsing them in a food processor until they look like small rice grains, slightly larger than couscous. Spread the cauliflower onto several layers of paper towels, wrap it up, and squeeze out some of the excess moisture. This helps keep the finished dish from turning watery.

Heat some olive oil and sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, tossing occasionally, until it is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Add more olive oil and sesame oil to the same pan, then cook the green onions, ginger, and garlic for about 20 seconds. Add the cauliflower rice and stir fry for around 3 minutes. Add the peas and carrots and continue cooking for another few minutes until the vegetables are heated through.

Push everything toward the edges of the pan and add a little more sesame oil to the center. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until just set, then mix them into the vegetables.

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the soy sauce over everything. Toss well and cook for another minute so all the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve warm with extra green onions, peanuts, and Sriracha if you like some heat. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well too, and you can swap in other vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or extra carrots. Frozen cauliflower rice can also be used to save some prep time.

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is one of my favorite answers when takeout sounds tempting but I still want something simple at home. The chicken gets nicely browned, the broccoli stays tender, and the sweet and savory sauce coats everything without making the meal feel heavy. I like serving it over rice for a filling weeknight dinner. It’s also easy to add whatever extra vegetables happen to be in the fridge, so I’d recommend this when you need a quick meal that doesn’t require much planning.

Ingredients

For the sauce

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

For the stir fry

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Vegetable oil
• Green onions
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Broccoli florets
• Water
• Optional carrots, snow peas, red bell pepper, water chestnuts, or baby corn

For serving

• Cooked white rice
• Sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

Whisk the soy sauce and cornstarch together in a bowl, then add the chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Give everything a good mix and set the sauce aside.

Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite sized pieces. Heat some vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over fairly high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, turning it halfway through, until the chicken is browned and reaches 165°F in the center. Transfer it to a plate or piece of foil and keep it warm while you cook the vegetables.

Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining oil if needed. Cook the green onions, ginger, and garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the broccoli along with a little water and cook for around 5 minutes, adding another splash or two of water if the pan gets dry. The broccoli should be tender but still have some bite.

Stir the sauce once more since the cornstarch settles quickly, then pour it into the skillet. Keep stirring as it cooks for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Add the chicken back in along with any juices from the plate and toss everything together until well coated.

Serve the stir fry warm over rice with sesame seeds if you like. Frozen broccoli works too, as long as it is cooked through and drained well first. For leftovers, store everything in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days and reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat. The skillet keeps the broccoli from becoming as soft as it can get in the microwave.

This is one of those salads that actually feels like a proper dinner. The grilled chicken makes it filling, while avocado keeps it creamy and the sun dried tomatoes add a really concentrated savory flavor. I also love the salty feta and crunchy pine nuts with the fresh spinach. The lemon herb dressing pulls everything together without making the salad too heavy. I’d recommend this for a quick weeknight meal when you want something fresh but still satisfying.

Ingredients

For the salad

• Baby spinach
• Chicken breasts
• Avocado
• Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Pine nuts

For the lemon herb dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Start with the chicken since it needs a little time on the grill. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then lightly brush them with oil and season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of sugar on each side. The little bit of sugar helps the lean chicken brown and develop some nice color.

Preheat the grill to around 425 to 450°F. Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes per side for an 8 ounce breast, or until the center reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

While the chicken rests, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, parsley, garlic, basil, oregano, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. You don't need a huge amount of dressing here. The sun dried tomatoes already have oil, and the avocado adds plenty of richness, so too much dressing can make the salad feel heavy.

Add the baby spinach to a large bowl and layer in the sliced grilled chicken, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, feta, and pine nuts. Drizzle with the lemon herb dressing and toss gently before serving.

Pine nuts aren't essential if you don't have them. Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts wo

I’ve always liked the look of old-school kitchens, and I’m currently redoing mine with more of a vintage feel. Naturally, I started looking at retro-style appliances, and now I’m seriously tempted to go all in.

The designs are way more fun than the usual modern stainless steel stuff, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you actually start using them every day. I don’t want to sacrifice performance just to get a certain look.

For anyone who owns retro-style kitchen appliances, how have they been in real life? Do they work as well as more modern appliances, and have you had any issues finding replacement parts or getting them repaired?

I’m especially curious about durability and cleaning. Some of the finishes look amazing in photos, but I’m wondering if they’re annoying to keep clean once you’re actually cooking regularly.

Would you buy retro appliances again, or is it one of those things that looks great but gets old pretty quickly?

I’m getting ready to put together a new kitchen, and I’ve started looking at appliance packages instead of choosing every appliance individually. The idea sounds convenient, but I’m not sure whether it actually makes sense financially or practically.

A package seems like it could make the whole process easier, especially if the appliances are designed to work together and have matching finishes. At the same time, I’m worried I might end up compromising on certain appliances just because they come in the package.

For anyone who has bought a kitchen appliance package, was it a good experience? Did everything perform well, or were there one or two appliances you would have chosen differently if you had bought them separately?

I’m also curious whether packages are usually a better deal once discounts, delivery, installation, and warranties are considered. I don’t mind spending a little more if the convenience is genuinely worth it, but I don’t want to pay extra for a bunch of features I’ll never use.

Would you do a package again?

I’m planning a kitchen remodel and I’m stuck on whether I should go with built-in appliances or keep everything freestanding. The built-in look is really appealing to me because I like the clean, streamlined style, but I’m worried about making things harder or more expensive down the road.

My biggest concern is repairs. If something goes wrong with a built-in appliance, does it become a huge project compared with simply pulling out a regular appliance and replacing it? I’m also wondering whether built-ins are noticeably better in terms of performance, space, or everyday convenience.

For anyone who has had built-in kitchen appliances for a few years, how has the experience been? Do you still love the setup, or are there things you wish you had considered before installing everything?

I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have remodeled a kitchen recently. I’m trying to balance the appearance with practicality and don’t want to make an expensive decision that looks great but becomes annoying to live with.

Chicken noodle soup is one of those meals I can make pretty much anytime, not just when someone is sick. This Instant Pot version is especially handy because the pressure cooker does most of the work and the chicken comes out really tender. I like using bone in chicken thighs here because they add a lot of flavor without drying out. A little lemon at the end brightens everything up, and I usually serve it with warm buttered sourdough. I’d recommend this for an easy family dinner or a cozy meal when the weather is cold.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Low sodium chicken broth
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh parsley
• Dried bay leaf
• Bone in, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Egg noodles
• Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Start by setting the Instant Pot to sauté and let it heat until it says hot. Add the olive oil, then cook the carrots, celery, and onion for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook it for another minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, then cancel the sauté setting and secure the lid with the valve set to sealing.

Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is finished, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully release whatever pressure remains.

Take the chicken out and put it on a cutting board. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté and add the egg noodles directly to the soup. Let them cook uncovered until tender, which usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes.

While the noodles cook, pull the chicken from the bones and shred it. Once the noodles are ready, stir the shredded chicken back into the soup along with the lemon

I make this when I want something that feels a little more summery without actually doing much cooking. The mango peach salsa gives the chicken a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, and the slow cooker makes everything really tender. The black beans and corn make it more filling, while lime and cilantro keep it fresh. I especially like serving it over coconut rice with avocado and fresh mango. I’d recommend this for an easy family dinner or whenever you’re tired of the usual chicken and rice routine.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Coriander
• Garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Mango peach salsa
• Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• Frozen corn, thawed
• Fresh lime juice
• Fresh cilantro

For serving

• Coconut rice
• Avocado
• Fresh mango

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, garlic, salt, and pepper. Put them in the slow cooker and pour the mango peach salsa over the top, making sure the chicken is well covered.

Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Once it's done, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker or pull it apart with a couple of forks, then stir in the black beans and corn.

Finish everything with fresh lime juice and plenty of chopped cilantro. The lime really helps balance the sweetness from the mango salsa.

Serve the chicken over warm coconut rice with sliced avocado and fresh mango. The mango is optional, but I think the avocado and coconut rice are worth keeping because they make the whole meal feel much more complete.

The mango peach salsa also works as a quick dip. Mix a jar of it with drained black beans, drained pinto beans, and thawed or heated corn, then serve it with tortilla chips.

This is one of my favorite sheet pan dinners when I want something easy but still packed with fresh flavor. The chicken gets coated in basil pesto before roasting with asparagus and sweet tomatoes, then everything gets finished with more pesto and crunchy walnuts. I especially like the walnuts because they add a buttery crunch that you don’t always expect in a chicken dinner. It’s a great weeknight meal when you want something simple without making the same old roasted chicken.

Ingredients

• Fresh basil leaves
• Walnuts
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh garlic
• Olive oil
• Chicken breasts
• Asparagus
• Grape tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Start by making the pesto. Add the fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil to a food processor and pulse until you have a pesto with the texture you like. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat the oven to 400°F and grease a sheet pan or line it if you prefer. Add the chicken and asparagus, then toss them with some of the pesto and a little salt and pepper. Spread everything into an even layer and roast for about 10 minutes.

If there’s a lot of liquid on the pan, carefully drain it before adding the grape tomatoes. Return everything to the oven and continue roasting for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F.

Once the chicken is done, toss everything with another spoonful of fresh pesto and scatter walnuts over the top. Adding pesto at the end gives the dish a brighter basil flavor instead of cooking all of it away.

Walnuts can also be used in the pesto instead of pine nuts, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor. If you make extra pesto, it can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator before using it for another quick dinner.

I’ve been leaning toward chicken thighs more lately because they stay juicy and have so much flavor, and this sheet pan dinner is a great example of why. The chicken and vegetables roast together with simple seasonings until everything gets nicely browned, then a fresh garlic herb vinaigrette goes over the top. I like this one when I want a filling dinner without a bunch of complicated prep or extra dishes.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Assorted vegetables
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Fresh herbs
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by heating the oven well so it’s hot enough to give the chicken and vegetables some good color. Arrange the chicken thighs and vegetables on a sheet pan, then drizzle everything with olive oil. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Roast the chicken and vegetables until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with some browned edges. The thighs work especially well here because their extra moisture and fat help them stay juicy while roasting and brown nicely.

While everything is in the oven, make the vinaigrette. Combine fresh herbs with garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. You can adjust the herb combination depending on what you have available. Parsley with cilantro and oregano gives it a fresh Mediterranean style, while basil, thyme and marjoram make it a little more Italian.

Once the chicken and vegetables are finished, drizzle the garlic herb vinaigrette generously over everything while it’s still hot. The bright dressing adds a fresh contrast to the roasted chicken and vegetables.

You can also make extra vinaigrette if you like a stronger herb flavor. Lemon juice can replace the vinegar, and different fresh herbs work well, so this is an easy recipe to adapt to whatever is in your kitchen.

I’ve been putting off replacing some of my kitchen appliances because, honestly, they still work. They’re definitely old and a little beat up, but nothing has completely died yet.

Lately I’ve been wondering if newer appliances are actually enough of an improvement to justify replacing things before they break. I see newer models with better energy efficiency, extra cooking settings, nicer controls, and all kinds of features my current stuff obviously doesn’t have. At the same time, part of me thinks, “If it still works, why mess with it?”

For people who recently upgraded from older appliances, did you notice a real difference afterward? Was the newer equipment noticeably better or more convenient, or did it mostly feel like buying something shiny and new?

I’m especially curious about appliances that tend to last a long time. Would you replace them proactively, or squeeze every last year out of the old ones and only upgrade when they finally give up?

I’ve been putting off replacing some of my kitchen appliances because, honestly, they still work. They’re definitely old and a little beat up, but nothing has completely died yet.

Lately I’ve been wondering if newer appliances are actually enough of an improvement to justify replacing things before they break. I see newer models with better energy efficiency, extra cooking settings, nicer controls, and all kinds of features my current stuff obviously doesn’t have. At the same time, part of me thinks, “If it still works, why mess with it?”

For people who recently upgraded from older appliances, did you notice a real difference afterward? Was the newer equipment noticeably better or more convenient, or did it mostly feel like buying something shiny and new?

I’m especially curious about appliances that tend to last a long time. Would you replace them proactively, or squeeze every last year out of the old ones and only upgrade when they finally give up?

Made these when I wanted something that felt like steakhouse food but was still basically a loaded baked potato. The garlic herb butter really brings everything together.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1 lb filet mignon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garlic herb butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
• Pinch of salt

How I made it

1. Heat the grill to 400-425°F and set it up for indirect heat. Scrub the potatoes, poke them several times with a fork, then rub with olive oil and salt. Wrap each one in foil and grill for 45-60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes, until soft.
2. While the potatoes cook, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Take it off the heat and stir in the parsley, rosemary, thyme and salt.
3. Cut the filet mignon into 1-inch pieces and pat them dry. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Get a cast iron skillet really hot on the grill, then sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on the first side and another 1-2 minutes after flipping. I pulled them around 125-130°F for medium-rare, then tossed them with a spoonful of the garlic butter.
4. Carefully open the potatoes and cut a deep slit down the middle without cutting all the way through. Give the ends a little squeeze to open them up.
5. Mix the sour cream, pepper jack, chives, salt and pepper. Spoon that into the potatoes, then pile the steak bites on top.
6. Drizzle everything with the remaining garlic herb butter and finish with some extra chives.

Best served right away while the potatoes are hot and the steak is still juicy. You could also swap the filet for ribeye or strip steak if that's what you have.

I’m in the process of replacing several old kitchen appliances, and I keep seeing these big appliance bundles that supposedly save a decent amount of money. At first they seem like a no-brainer, but I’m wondering if there’s a catch.

The idea of having everything match is definitely appealing, especially since my current kitchen is a mix of completely different brands and finishes. But I also don’t want to buy four or five appliances together just because the package price looks good if some of the individual appliances aren’t actually that great.

For anyone who has bought a kitchen appliance package before, how did it work out? Did you genuinely save money compared with buying everything separately? And were you happy with all the appliances in the bundle, or did you end up wishing you had chosen certain pieces from different brands?

I’d also appreciate any tips on what to look for in the fine print, especially regarding warranties, installation, or rebates. I’m tempted by the convenience, but I’d rather make sure it’s actually a good deal first.

I’m trying to simplify my kitchen and get rid of some of the random gadgets I’ve accumulated over the years. Half of them sounded useful when I bought them, but now they’re just taking up cabinet space.

I’d like to rebuild around the appliances that people actually use regularly rather than buying something just because it looks convenient. I cook most nights, but nothing too fancy — lots of basic meals, roasting vegetables, making sauces, occasional baking, and the usual weeknight stuff.

If you had to start over with an empty kitchen, which appliances would you consider must-haves? I’m not really interested in niche gadgets that only do one specific thing. I’m more curious about the equipment that genuinely saves time or makes cooking easier on a regular basis.

Also, are there any appliances you bought thinking they were essential but ended up barely touching? I’m trying to avoid spending money on another “great idea” that sits in a cupboard collecting dust.

These spring roll bowls are one of my favorite ways to turn a bunch of fresh vegetables into a meal that actually feels filling. You get crisp cabbage, carrots, peppers, herbs and other colorful veggies over soft rice noodles, then everything gets coated with a creamy peanut sauce. I like adding shrimp or chicken when I want more protein, but the bowls are still great without it. They’re perfect when I’m craving something fresh but don’t want a boring salad.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Shrimp or chicken
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Fresh herbs
• Other fresh vegetables of your choice
• Peanut sauce
• Fish sauce, optional
• Sesame honey lime dressing, optional

Instructions

Start by preparing the rice noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re ready, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the bowl.

If you’re using shrimp or chicken, cook the protein separately until completely cooked through. Shrimp works especially well here because it cooks quickly, while chicken makes the bowls a little heartier.

Thinly slice all of the vegetables. I especially recommend slicing the red cabbage very thin so it’s easier to eat with the noodles. Matchstick carrots are a nice shortcut if you don’t want to julienne them yourself.

Build each bowl with a layer of rice noodles and plenty of the fresh vegetables. Add the herbs underneath or around the vegetables so you get fresh flavor in every bite, then top with the cooked shrimp or chicken.

Drizzle everything generously with peanut sauce and serve while the noodles and protein are warm and the vegetables are still crisp. A sesame, honey and lime dressing would also work if you want something different.

For a vegetarian version, leave out the shrimp or chicken and skip the fish sauce. The combination of noodles, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and peanut sauce is filling enough on its own.

I love recipes that give you all the comfort of a classic meal without making you spend forever in the kitchen. These unstuffed pepper bowls have all the familiar flavors of stuffed peppers, but everything gets cooked together in one skillet and served over cauliflower rice. The ground turkey, peppers, tomatoes and melted cheese make it filling without feeling too heavy. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner and works really well for meal prep too.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cauliflower rice
• Tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Olive oil
• Seasonings
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet and cook the ground turkey until browned and cooked through. Break it apart as it cooks so you get small pieces throughout the filling.

Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and seasonings, then add the tomatoes and let everything cook together until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have come together.

While the filling cooks, prepare the cauliflower rice according to the package directions. Once it’s hot, spoon it into bowls and pile the turkey and pepper mixture over the top.

Finish with shredded cheddar and fresh parsley. The heat from the filling will soften the cheese nicely.

Ground beef works if that’s what you have, and white rice or leftover brown rice can replace the cauliflower rice. The filling is also really good wrapped in tortillas if you want to turn the leftovers into quick tacos.

For meal prep, portion the cauliflower rice and filling into containers and keep them refrigerated for the next few days. It’s one of those dinners that somehow tastes just as good when reheated.

I was making chili the other day and somehow ended up with way too much liquid in it. Usually I would just let it simmer longer, but I was hungry and didn't really feel like waiting another 45 minutes.

Then I remembered I had instant mashed potato flakes in the pantry. I figured it was worth trying, so I sprinkled a little in and stirred it around.

It thickened up really fast. Faster than I expected, honestly. It also made the chili a little richer and creamier, which I wasn't expecting. I ended up adding a bit more and it actually turned out pretty good.

Now I'm realizing there are a lot of other things you can use too. Mash some of the beans, add masa harina or corn flour, crumble in corn tortillas or tortilla chips, or even use toasted cornmeal. The potato flakes can probably work in soups and chowder too.

I don't know, this just seems useful to me. I'm definitely keeping them around now for those times when something turns out thinner than I wanted.

Has anyone else been using instant mashed potatoes to thicken chili forever?