27 Trusty Recipes That We Learned in Home Ec

Updated on Jun. 10, 2024

In Home Economics class, we mastered some basic kitchen skills—like how to use measuring cups—and a bunch of handy recipes, too.

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1/27

Best Ever Mac & Cheese

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 762 calories, 43g fat (25g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
2/27

Classic Chocolate Cake

Total Time 50 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. I make all my cakes from scratch, and this is one of the best! —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 257 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/27

Buttermilk Biscuits

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator: The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 biscuit: 222 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
4/27

Barbecue Meatballs

Total Time 50 min
Servings about 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts: 8 each: 474 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
5/27

Apple Crisp

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 426 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
6/27

Vanilla Frosting

Total Time 10 min
Servings About 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy vanilla buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/27

Snickerdoodles

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/27

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 246 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 438mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
9/27

Pancakes

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator: I found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 pancakes: 269 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
10/27

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: It is amazing how much flavor is in these simple 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies without brown sugar. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie: 99 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/27

Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
12/27

Ultimate Double Chocolate Brownies

Total Time 50 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: As someone who grew up in the country, I love getting out into nature whenever I can. I also love home-style recipes, including these yummy brownies. —Carol Prewett, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1 brownie: 159 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/27

Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff

Total Time 8 hours 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 405 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1340mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
14/27

Best Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 16 rolls
From the Recipe Creator: When I married him, I discovered that my husband’s family has the best cinnamon roll recipe! I asked his mom how to make homemade cinnamon rolls, and I’ve been making them ever since. Serve them with scrambled eggs, and you have a filling breakfast. As a variation, you can replace the filling with a mixture of raisins and pecans. —Shenai Fisher, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 364 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/27

Aunt Betty's Blueberry Muffins

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My Aunt Betty is quite a baker, but I look forward to these mouthwatering blueberry muffin recipe the most. She gives me enough so that I can freeze and enjoy them for weeks. —Sheila Raleigh, Kechi, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 208 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/27

Best Lasagna

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
17/27

Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

Total Time 8 hours 30 min
Servings 9 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a thick, hearty meat sauce for spaghetti for a filling feast. When I'm in a hurry, I make this slow-cooker recipe in an electric frying pan instead. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 286 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
18/27

Apple Pie

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 467 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/27

De-Lightful Tuna Casserole

Total Time 40 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
20/27

Sloppy Joes Sandwiches

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
21/27

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 egg: 75 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
22/27

Freezer Salsa

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 10 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Kids in the home economics class at the school where I teach were making this freezer salsa, and it smelled so good that I got the recipe. It's a great way to use up garden produce. —Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/27

Roast Chicken

Total Time 2 hours 40 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.

24/27

Chocolate Pudding

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delightful pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up with pantry staples. I usually top it with M&M's. My husband prefers whipped topping, and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 196 calories, 4g fat, 2mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate, 5g protein.

25/27

Turkey Club Sandwich with Chipotle

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
26/27

Braised Pork Loin Chops

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: An easy herb rub gives sensational taste to boneless braised pork chops that can be cooked on the stovetop in minutes. The meat turns out tender and delicious. —Marilyn Larsen, Port Orange, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 218 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
27/27

Homemade Pasta

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Go for it. It's easier than you think, and once you try homemade pasta, you're hooked! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 217 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.