Glow with Jo

🤎🥃 Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract Mother Jar

If you use a lot of vanilla like I do, this is such a great pantry staple to start—and it also makes an amazing homemade gift! 🎁

Today I’m making a big Vanilla Extract Mother Jar using 100-proof bourbon and a whole pound of vanilla beans.

What I Used

🤎 1.75 L (about 59 ounces) 100-proof bourbon
🤎 1 pound (16 ounces) vanilla beans

That works out to a little over 2 ounces of vanilla beans per cup of bourbon, giving me a beautifully rich, strong vanilla extract.

How I Make It

Split the vanilla beans lengthwise to expose all those wonderful seeds and flavor inside. Place them into a large, clean glass jar and pour the bourbon over the beans.

Make sure your vanilla beans are completely submerged in the alcohol, then seal the jar tightly.

Now put it away in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight. VanillaBeans

Stop buying the boxed stuff! 🙌

If Hamburger Helper was a weeknight favorite growing up, you’re going to love this homemade version. This dry mix gives you all that classic comfort-food flavor using pantry staples, and one batch makes enough for 8–10 family dinners. It’s budget-friendly, easy to store, and perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. DinnerMadeEasy EasyDinner BudgetFriendlyMeals GroundBeefRecipes ComfortFood MealPrep FromScratch FamilyDinner HomeCooking JoSimply

Stop buying the boxed stuff… this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta is rich, cheesy, comforting, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have! 💛

Using a rotisserie chicken makes this dinner come together in about 30 minutes, and the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is just as easy as dinner.
One-Pot Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

🛑 Stop buying store-bought Au Jus packets!

If you’ve already made my Homemade Beef Bouillon, you’re just a few ingredients away from making your own rich, savory Au Jus mix at home. It tastes incredible, costs less than the packets at the store, and you’ll always have it ready for French dips, roast beef, prime rib, and so much more.

This recipe makes about 1 cup, which is the equivalent of 8–10 store-bought packets!

✨ Homemade Au Jus Dry Mix

Makes: About 1 cup (8–10 packets)

🛒 Ingredients
• ½ cup homemade beef bouillon powder
• ¼ cup onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire powder (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon MSG (optional, for that classic restaurant flavor)

🥣 Instructions

1. Whisk all ingredients together until completely combined.
2. For a finer texture, pulse in a spice grinder or food processor.
3. Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

🥄 To Make Au Jus
Mix together:
• 1 tablespoon dry mix
• 2 cups hot water

Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes, whisking occasionally until everything is dissolved.

🥄 For a Richer Gravy
Whisk together:
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Stir into the simmering au jus until thickened.

❤️ Perfect For
• French dip sandwiches
• Roast beef
• Prime rib
• Slow cooker roast
• Beef tips
• Mashed potatoes
• Steak bites
• Dipping crusty bread

Once you start making your own pantry staples, it’s hard to go back. I used my homemade Beef Bouillon as the base for this recipe, and the flavor is so much better than anything from a packet. Which homemade dry mix should I make next? HomemadeSeasoning BeefBouillon FrenchDip PrimeRib RoastBeef MealPrep FromScratch HomeCooking ComfortFood CookingMadeSimple JoSimply KitchenTips HomemadeIsBetter FoodCreator EasyRecipes

🍺 Ultimate Beer Can Chicken 🍗🔥If you’ve never made beer can chicken on the grill, you’re missing out! This method gives you incredibly juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and flavor all the way through. It looks impressive, but it’s actually one of the easiest whole chickens you’ll ever make.

The secret? Season under the skin, let the chicken dry in the refrigerator if you have time, and cook it over indirect heat. The result is tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin every single time.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ can beer (lager, pilsner, or pale ale)
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1 tablespoon softened butter (optional)

My Favorite Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne (optional) BBQChicken SummerGrilling EasyDinner HomeCooking ComfortFood FamilyDinner Foodie CookingFromScratch GrilledChicken WeekendCooking SimplyByJo NoShortcuts CookAtHome RecipeOfTheDay FoodReels

🔥 Stop making extra dishes… this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready in just 45 minutes!

One pot. 45 minutes. Big flavor. Minimal cleanup.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, packed with bold Cajun flavor, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, this recipe checks every box. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, pasta cooked right in the sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together in one pan for a meal the whole family will love.

🛒 Serves: 4–6
⏰ Ready in: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces penne or rotini (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for an extra cheesy finish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and mozzarella (if using). Mix until the sauce is silky smooth.
7. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

The best part? The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of that creamy Cajun flavor while saving you from washing another pot. That’s a weeknight win in my book!

🌶️ Would you add extra Cajun seasoning for more heat, or is this the perfect amount for your

🍋🫐🍑 Lemon Blueberry Peach Cobbler 🍑🫐🍋

If summer had a flavor, I think this would be it! Sweet, juicy peaches, plump blueberries, and fresh lemon come together under a buttery, golden cobbler topping. Every bite is bursting with fresh fruit and just the right amount of bright lemon flavor. I finished mine with a simple lemon glaze, and it took this dessert to the next level!

Serve it warm on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat. Trust me…this one won’t last long! LemonDesserts HomemadeDessert BakingFromScratch EasyDesserts DessertLover ComfortFood HomeBaker SimpleRecipes CookingWithJo JoSimply

One pan french onion, chicken orzo pasta one pot😋

✨ Skip the box and make your own Homemade Rice Pilaf Dry Mix! ✨

This pantry staple is simple to make, tastes even better than store-bought, and is ready whenever you need an easy side dish. I love having a jar in the pantry because dinner comes together in no time. The best part? You control the ingredients and can customize the flavor however you like!

Homemade Rice Pilaf Dry Mix
Makes about 8 side-dish servings

Ingredients
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup broken vermicelli (or break angel hair pasta into ½-inch pieces)
• ⅓ cup chicken bouillon powder
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
• ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

To Make One Batch
• ½ cup Homemade Rice Pilaf Dry Mix
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup water

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the dry mix and cook, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes, until the vermicelli is golden brown and the rice begins to look slightly opaque.
3. Pour in the water and stir well.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve. BudgetFriendlyMeals CookFromScratch HomeCooking SimpleRecipes MealPrep DinnerSides ComfortFood KitchenTips FoodCreator JoSimply

🥐🍓 Don’t Let Those Croissants Go Stale… Make This Instead! 🍓🥐

Those day-old croissants are about to become the best dessert you’ve made all summer! Add fresh strawberries and a rich cheesecake custard, then bake it until it’s golden, buttery, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.

It tastes like strawberry cheesecake and bread pudding had the most delicious baby. Every bite is filled with juicy strawberries, flaky croissants, and a creamy cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 5–6 large croissants, torn into bite-size pieces
• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Topping

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer half the croissants in the dish and top with half the strawberries.
3. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in the heavy cream, milk, salt, and lemon zest until silky smooth.
6. Pour half the custard over the first layer.
7. Add the remaining croissants and strawberries, then pour the rest of the custard over the top. Gently press everything into the custard.
8. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the croissants can soak it up.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and the center is just set.
10. Cool for 10 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries.

This is the kind of recipe that looks like it came from a bakery but is so simple to make at home. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or when you just don’t want to waste those croissants.

❤️ Save this recipe, share it with someone who always has leftover croissants, and tell me… are you having this for breakfast or dessert? BrunchRecipes ComfortFood HomeCook