Ava Thompson

These fudgy, decadent brownies are swirled with a cool, refreshing peppermint buttercream that makes every bite taste like a holiday dream. I love that this simple, eight-step method delivers bakery-quality results with zero fuss, so you can spend more time enjoying them and less time in the kitchen.

This soup is my ultimate weeknight hug in a bowl, delivering that slow-simmered, savory chicken noodle taste in just seven minutes flat. You get tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and silky egg noodles swimming in a rich, garlicky broth that tastes like it’s been bubbling all afternoon.

I know how hectic weeknights can be, so I created these incredible cranberry meatballs that come together in just 10 simple minutes. The sweet-tart glaze perfectly coats every tender bite, giving you a crowd-pleasing dinner or appetizer that tastes like it simmered all day.

Every year, I look for ways to bottle that cozy holiday feeling, and this eggnog French toast is my absolute favorite solution. It delivers all the spiced, custardy richness of the classic drink, transforming your morning into a decadent celebration with just six simple steps.

There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of this rich, velvety hot chocolate on a frosty evening, and I’ve perfected the ritual so you can skip the powdered mixes. In just five simple steps, you’ll unlock a deeply comforting, silky-smooth cup that tastes like a warm hug from the inside out.

This turkey soup tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, transforming holiday leftovers into a deeply comforting meal with just seven simple ingredients. The secret is how the rich, savory broth mingles with tender shreds of turkey and hearty vegetables, creating a bowl so flavorful you’ll forget it took almost no effort at all.

These gingerbread cookies are my absolute favorite holiday shortcut, ready in just seven minutes from start to finish so you can skip the chill and get straight to the decorating. The secret is a perfectly spiced, soft-baked dough that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of molasses and ginger in less time than it takes to preheat the oven.

When I’m craving something warm and filling but my wallet is feeling thin, this chicken rice bake is my go-to for under five dollars. It delivers that deep, savory comfort of a home-cooked meal with tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, all baked together in one dish.

This ultra-fast chili is my weeknight secret weapon, delivering a deep, smoky richness that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. In just 20 minutes, you get a hearty, satisfying bowl that will make you forget it came together faster than takeout.

The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the house on a lazy holiday morning is pure magic, and this French toast bake delivers that cozy feeling with zero stress. All the custardy, golden-brown goodness of classic French toast is baked in one dish, giving you a warm, sweet centerpiece that lets you enjoy your coffee and family instead of standing at the stove.