THE COOKBOOK

MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS

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MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS 〰️

MEATS & MAINS

SOUPS

CASSEROLES

SALADS

SANDWICHES

APPETIZERS

SNACKS

SWEETS

BEVERAGES

TIPS & TRICKS

THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR KITCHEN

(VISIT OUR AMAZON STOREFRONT)

BREADS

DIPS, SAUCES & SPICES

CANNING & PRESERVES

RECENT RECIPES

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RECENT RECIPES 𓌉◯𓇋

BANANA POPPYSEED LOAF with BROWN BUTTER MAPLE FROSTING
BREADS, SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI BREADS, SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

BANANA POPPYSEED LOAF with BROWN BUTTER MAPLE FROSTING

Just baked: Banana Poppyseed Loaf with dreamy Brown Butter Maple Frosting 🍂🍌 Soft, flavorful, and topped with the perfect frosting—this one’s ideal for chilly days!  As one of my grandbabies said, “This is the best loaf I EVA had”. 😉

Bonus: it’s just as delicious made into cake or cupcakes. Find the free recipe on my website and make this cozy treat in your own kitchen!

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ROASTED BEET & DILL HUMMUS
APPETIZERS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI APPETIZERS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

ROASTED BEET & DILL HUMMUS

An Earthy Twist on a Classic

If you’re a hummus fan and like beets, my roasted beet version will quickly become a favorite. The beets lend a subtle earthy sweetness and vibrant color, transforming this everyday dip into something special. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a wide variety of dishes—from veggie platters to pita wraps.

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LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP
SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP

My Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is perfect for when you want something homemade and wholesome but don’t have much time. Using a rotisserie chicken cuts down on the prep, and the fresh lemon juice and spinach add a burst of brightness. It’s simple, healthy, nourishing and so comforting.

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JAMAICAN SWEET FESTIVAL DUMPLINGS
BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

JAMAICAN SWEET FESTIVAL DUMPLINGS

Jamaican sweet festival dumplings always remind me of my now departed former pastors wife.  She would make these and sneak me bags of them on Sundays when I was first a child, then a teen and finally as a young married mom.

They are delectable crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside morsels with a hint of sweetness that are enjoyed on their own but also pair perfectly with spicy or savory foods, making them a staple on most Jamaican dinner tables. The recipe is simple, but for me,  they are packed with tradition and memories of the sweetest Jamaican woman who has made a huge impact on my life.

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EASY CAJUN SAUSAGE & CHICKEN GUMBO
STEWS, MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI STEWS, MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY CAJUN SAUSAGE & CHICKEN GUMBO

Our recent trip to Louisiana was amazing, and now that we are home, I had to recreate and share a recipe for an unforgettable gumbo I tasted. It's hearty and bursting with flavor while being super easy. The hardest part is having to be patient while stirring the roux!

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HOMESTYLE APPLE FRITTER BREAD
BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

HOMESTYLE APPLE FRITTER BREAD

You need to make this recipe and then close your eyes and breathe in the comforting scent of my Homestyle Apple Fritter Bread.

It is a soft, moist cake, bursting with juicy apple chunks and sweet cinnamon swirls. It's the kind of treat that leaves you craving more with every bite. Impossible to stop at one slice.

Serve this with a steaming cup of tea or coffee and to make it even more special, add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream!

It's a taste of home in every bite.

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30 MINUTE MEXICAN BEEF PICADILLO
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

30 MINUTE MEXICAN BEEF PICADILLO

Looking for a delicious but super quick and easy one-pot meal that can be ready in 30 minutes? You need to try my budget friendly Mexican Beef Picadillo recipe! It's seriously so easy and ridiculously delicious.

With a hearty mix of ground beef, potatoes, veggies and seasonings, this traditional Mexican comfort food is so satisfying with its rich flavors and simple ingredients.

Whether you're spooning it over rice or scooping it up in tortillas, one thing's for sure—everyone's gonna be begging for seconds! It's even better the next day as left overs!

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EASY EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA

My Baked Eggplant Parmigiana recipe is a common request from my beloved daughter in law for our family Sunday dinners. This classic Italian gem features crispy fried eggplant slices smothered with marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection, creating a mouthwatering Baked Eggplant Parmesan. Packed with flavor and comfort, it's a beloved favorite in my kitchen, and I just know it'll become a hit in yours too!

For those who have never been a fan of or are intimidated by the thought of eating/cooking eggplant, you may be surprised that I once was as well. In actuality, when cooked properly, eggplant is delicious and doesn't have to be a soggy mess. It is such a mild vegetable that it takes on the flavors of whatever you are seasoning or cooking it with. Be adventurous and try it for yourself!

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EASY BEEF VINDALOO
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY BEEF VINDALOO

Check out my new and easy BEEF VINDALOO recipe! It’s like having a taste of India in your own kitchen with athentic restaurant quality flavors. Tender beef cooked low and slow, a medley of bold rich spices, and a hint of tanginess make this dish a definite winner. Whether you’re a spice fiend or prefer things mild, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your family’s taste buds. Serve it with basmati rice and homemade Naan bread and you are sure to impress with this delicious curry!

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MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD
SALADS, APPETIZERS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SALADS, APPETIZERS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD

You’ve got to make this incredible salad I just whipped up! I picked up a huge bag of english cucumbers, grape tomatoes and jalapenos from one of our many local greenhouses today out by Desert Blume and this is what I came up with. It’s my take on a Mexican Street Corn Salad, and it’s seriously amazing. Think charred corn with a generous kick of jalapenos, smashed cucumbers to cool that “kick”, zesty lime, an abundance of other delicious ingredients and the tastiest dressing to bring it all together. It’s like a fiesta in every bite! It’s a game changer for using up excess cucumbers and tomatoes.

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CHEWY OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
CHARMAINE ZILINSKI CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

CHEWY OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

You WANT to make these deliciously chewy chocolate chips cookies to dip in your cold milk, or hot tea/coffee! These are so good that you just can't stop at one. They also make a thoughtful addition to a care package for family and friends. You can also make and freeze the dough balls to bake another day for unexpected company. Not much is more inviting than the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies to welcome someone into your home.

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OLD FASHIONED BREAD PUDDING w/ SALTED BROWN BUTTER CARAMEL SAUCE
BREADS, SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI BREADS, SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

OLD FASHIONED BREAD PUDDING w/ SALTED BROWN BUTTER CARAMEL SAUCE

Craving Comfort? Dive into my Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Salted Brown Butter Caramel Sauce! 🍞✨ Let the scent of freshly baked goodness fill your home and your heart with warmth. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic desserts with a twist. Ready to indulge? You seriously won't regret it. Especially if you pair it with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

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BANANA BREAD with WALNUT CRUMBLE
SWEETS, BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS, BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

BANANA BREAD with WALNUT CRUMBLE

Yesterday I picked up some discounted over ripe bananas from @realcanadiansuperstore and the girls and I made banana bread with a twist! Picture this: the ultimate comfort treat of a moist, banana-packed bread topped with a crunchy walnut crumble. It's like a hug in every bite! Trust me, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! You've gotta give it a try! 🍌

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QUICK & EASY PEANUT LIME CHICKEN
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

QUICK & EASY PEANUT LIME CHICKEN

You guys need to try my easy Peanut Lime Chicken recipe! 🥜 Whip it up for a quick dinner or share the love at your next gathering! 🎉 Don't miss out – head to the link in my bio for this super quick and simple recipe!

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EGYPTIAN CHICKEN & TURMERIC BASMATI RICE
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EGYPTIAN CHICKEN & TURMERIC BASMATI RICE

My Egyptian chicken and turmeric basmati rice recipe is a labor of love, inspired by a street vendor we found during our wanderings around New York City.

After returning home, I couldn't resist the challenge of recreating those mouthwatering flavours. The secret? A peppered white sauce that adds a creamy kick, and a drizzle of homemade chili oil for that perfect spicy touch. Topped with the freshness of shredded iceberg lettuce and a cucumber tomato salad, this dish is so stinking good!

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DETOX CHOPPED SALAD
SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

DETOX CHOPPED SALAD

Recharging after the holiday feasting and an insanely busy November and December, I am finally allowing myself to slow down. Today I treated my body to a burst of freshness – a colorful blend of nutrient-packed crisp veggies, and a delicious zesty dressing. This is my attempt to embrace a healthier start to the new year and to make every bite count!

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EASY WHIPPED SHORTBREAD COOKIES
SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY WHIPPED SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Get ready for some holiday joy with these easy whipped shortbread cookies – you know, the ones we all love during Christmas. They’re that melt-in-your-mouth goodness we can’t resist, and they’ll definitely add that finishing touch to your festive cookie spread.

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15 MINUTE PEANUT BUTTER BUTTERSCOTCH SQUARES
SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

15 MINUTE PEANUT BUTTER BUTTERSCOTCH SQUARES

These squares are a Christmas treat staple in our home. Extremely easy and ready in 15 minutes, they are delicious, rich little morsels. You can use either plain white marshmallows or live a little and use the fruity colored ones. Both are equally yummy.

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