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Hi! Welcome to Two Kooks In The Kitchen!

We share simplified, adaptable, easy-to-follow recipes for the busy home cook. Our recipes are well tested with clear instructions, adaptable to your taste and offer shortcuts that don't compromise taste. You'll find quick and easy dinners, soups and sides, healthy-ish dishes, comfort food, holiday fare, international cuisine and more. Check us out!

Featured Post

Better-than-take-out recipes. Tips for ordering takeout.

Hi Reader, We all resort to take-out (carryout, takeaway) sometimes when we're feeling tired, rushed or lazy. But sometimes, it's just the food we crave 😋. So this week, we're sharing a few better-than-take-out recipes. Easy to make at home, usually more nutritious and way better in our humble opinion. BUT, of course, most of us will still do takeout at some point. Let's face it, no prep and no cleanup can be pretty appealing. So here are a few tips for ordering takeout. As always, hope you...

Piece of plant-based shepherd's pie on plate.

Hi Reader, After an unusually warm October, the temperature has finally dropped - a lot! This means that satisfying, cozy recipes for comfort foods are in order - actually, a must in our book (we love comfort food😋). Comfort foods are undeniably delicious, but let's face it, they are not always the healthiest option. Many are fried or loaded with high calories, sugar and carbs. So we compiled a few hacks to lighten and nourish your favorite comfort foods. As always, hope you find something...

Bowl of baked cauliflower with cheese

Hi Reader, Today, we're excited to share some delicious recipes with 5 ingredients or less. Who doesn't need a few of these in your back pocket for a hectic weeknight? We have mains, sides and even an easy breakfast option. This week's tips tackle the often misunderstood expiration date labels and guide you on which foods you can safely enjoy (within limits) past the 'best by' date. You might be surprised! 😮 As always, we hope you find something you like! Cheryl and Jenna Latest Hit Chocolate...

Rustic pumpkin scones on wire cooking rack.

Hi Reader, This week, with autumn in the air, we're diving into fall brunch recipes which include hearty, comforting and classic options. And, of course, it wouldn't be Fall without some festive pumpkin treats! 🎃 We are also tackling a cheese conundrum that many home cooks face: when is it okay (and not OK) to use packaged pre-shredded cheese? You might also be wondering if there is a nutritional difference between shredded cheese and regular cheese. As always, hope you find something you...

honey garlic chicken on plate.

Hi Reader, When we're feeling lazy, pressed for time or find ourselves with an empty fridge, many of us pop over to a local restaurant to pick up takeout food (or pick up the phone). But sometimes, it's just the food we crave 😋. This week, we're excited to share a selection of better-than-take-out recipes. Easy to make at home, and often more nutritious and way better. And if you do opt for takeout (we've all been there—no judging 😉), we've included a few tips on how to transform your takeout...

Bowl of beef and vegetable stew.

Hi Reader, This week, we're going with one-pot dinners. Not to put too fine a point on it, but in some recipes, the pot is a skillet or a pan. Jenna says I'm overthinking it - everyone gets it 😉. Less pots to wash and, bonus, all the recipes make great leftovers. We're also sharing a few tips for baking. Baking requires a lot more precision than cooking so good rules of thumb can go a long way. As soon as the cool weather blows in, I ease into it by making a super moist banana bread which I...

two bowls of beef barley vegetable soup

Hi Reader, If we have to say goodbye to summer, we can at least take heart in the arrival of fabulous, cozy, hearty soups—the start of comfort food season. In our home, we serve them as a meal-in-a-bowl with some crusty bread. In keeping with the theme, we have a few good tips on how to make great soup -including building flavor, seasoning, speeding up cooking, and more. As always, hope you find something you like! Cheryl and Jenna P.S. Shanah Tova to those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the...

Meat sauce on spaghetti on plate

Hi Reader, This week, get ready to experience the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your home with some delicious Italian recipes. My Italian son-in-law raves about my homemade spaghetti meat sauce :) We also have a few tips for cooking pasta. For example: should you add oil to the water? should you salt the water? should you rinse your pasta after cooking it? As always, hope you find something you like! Cheryl and Jenna For those celebrating the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, on Oct 2nd,...

Hi Reader, Don’t let this week’s feature on lighter dinner ideas fool you. We are delivering (well, not literally) main dishes that are ready in 30 minutes or less and under 500 calories - and still deliciously satisfying. We’re also sharing: Fall faves: Three main dishes and one of my favorite sides. Apple Desserts: 🍎 I better get busy. Jenna and the kids visited this weekend with a 10-pound bag of apples they picked at the farm. 😏 And keeping with the apple theme, check out some handy tips...

bowl of unstuffed cabbage rolls.

Hi Reader, We’re back to lazy mode this week—probably because I’ve been playing way too much pickleball! We’ve selected a few lazy Fall recipes that feature: Few ingredients Quick prep, and/or Ready in 30 minutes or less For those celebrating the Jewish New Year on October 2nd, we’ve curated some delicious recipes for your Rosh Hashanah menu. Even if you don’t observe the holiday, take a peek—you’ll find plenty of recipes perfect for weeknights and entertaining. Finally, don’t miss our tips...

Sous vide pork chop with apple chutney on top.

Hi Reader, Well, summer is coming to a close and my thoughts are turning to Fall. I do hate to see the long summer days end but I love fall food and admittedly the temperatures can be more comfortable. This week, we're sharing 'transitioning to Fall' recipes including some mains, soups, sides and a dessert. We are celebrating with summer-fall produce like squash, apples and root vegetables. Also, check out some good baking substitute tips for when you run out of something or have a guest with...