THE COOKBOOK

MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS

〰️

MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS 〰️

RECENT RECIPES

𓌉◯𓇋

RECENT RECIPES 𓌉◯𓇋

EASY SWEET & SPICY CHIPOTLE LIME BBQ RIBS
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY SWEET & SPICY CHIPOTLE LIME BBQ RIBS

These ribs are simple, full of flavor, and just the right amount of spicy. The glaze gets sticky and caramelized on the grill, making every bite juicy and irresistible. They’re perfect for a weekend cookout or even a regular weeknight dinner when you want something that actually tastes as good as it smells.  My guys request these ribs over and over again.

Read More
LOADED CRISPY EDGE, SOFT-CENTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS (or Cookies)
SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

LOADED CRISPY EDGE, SOFT-CENTER OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS (or Cookies)

This recipe is a definite keeper. Crispy edges, soft and chewy centers, and packed with melty chocolate chips, juicy raisins, coconut, nuts, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon. You can bake it two ways — as quick and easy cookie bars or classic drop cookies. No matter how you shape them, the flavor is nostalgic, cozy, and totally addictive. Great for bake sales, family nights, or to dunk in a hot tea or a glass of cold milk.

Read More
MEXICAN CABBAGE PICO DE GALLO
APPETIZERS, SALADS, DIPS SAUCES & SPICE BLENDS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI APPETIZERS, SALADS, DIPS SAUCES & SPICE BLENDS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

MEXICAN CABBAGE PICO DE GALLO

This crunchy cabbage pico is a staple at our house—especially as a starter with nacho chips before one of our full-on Mexican feasts. It’s fresh, a little spicy, and somehow disappears faster than I can make it. Bonus: it keeps well in the fridge, so I usually double it. Perfect with chips, on fish tacos, or spooned right out of the bowl with zero regrets.

Read More
CLASSIC ITALIAN MEATBALLS
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

CLASSIC ITALIAN MEATBALLS

There’s just something about classic Italian meatballs that never goes out of style. These rustic, tender meatballs simmered in a rich red sauce are where it’s at. Simple ingredients, slow cooked, and full of flavor—this is comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

Whether you’re piling them over spaghetti, tucking them into a toasty bun for a meatball sub, or just sneaking one straight from the pot (we’ve all done it), this recipe delivers every time. I’ve made them the same way for years—nothing fancy, just real food done right.

Here’s how I make them in my kitchen:

Read More
ONE-PAN SMOKED SAUSAGE POTATO BAKE
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

ONE-PAN SMOKED SAUSAGE POTATO BAKE

This Easy One Pan Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake is the ultimate weeknight dinner, quick to prep, packed with flavor, and baked to golden, cheesy perfection. With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love. Roasted potatoes, smoky sausage, peppers, and a creamy drizzle come together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Perfect for busy nights, comfort cravings, or when you’re not feeling 100%, this cozy dinner checks all the boxes. Save this recipe for your next go-to!

Read More
MEXICAN FIESTA ROASTED POTATOES
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

MEXICAN FIESTA ROASTED POTATOES

Warning: These potatoes might outshine the main dish.

Crispy, spicy, and roasted to perfection these fiesta potatoes are the side you didn’t know you needed.

Perfect with tacos, bowls, or just straight off the pan.

Super simple. Super easy. Super cheap.

Read More
SUMMERTIME STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
BEVERAGES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI BEVERAGES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

SUMMERTIME STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

When life gives you lemons… add strawberries and show off a little

There’s nothing like a tall glass of cold, homemade strawberry lemonade on a hot day. This one’s easy, fresh, and just sweet enough. Perfect for backyard BBQs, porch chats, or to cool off with after yard or farm chores.  You can even use frozen berries if that’s what you’ve got!

Read More
RUSTIC STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MUFFINS
SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

RUSTIC STRAWBERRY RHUBARB MUFFINS

There’s just something special about the combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb—especially when they’re tucked inside a soft, fluffy muffin and topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel. These muffins are perfect for slow mornings, family brunches, or a little something sweet in the afternoon. They’re simple, seasonal, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Read More
CRISPY CHICKEN MANDARIN SALAD w/ HONEY DIJON DRESSING
SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

CRISPY CHICKEN MANDARIN SALAD w/ HONEY DIJON DRESSING

This isn’t just a salad, it’s a full-on experience. Crunchy chicken, juicy mandarins, and a sweet-tangy dressing that ties it all together.

One bite and you’ll get why it is one of my favourite summer salads.

Bonus?  It’s ready in 15 minutes!

This salad is also a great option for meal prepping or potlucks.

Read More
COPYCAT TACO BELL BEEF FILLING
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

COPYCAT TACO BELL BEEF FILLING

Craving Taco Bell but not the price or mystery ingredients? 😅

My copycat Taco Bell beef filling hits all the right notes: savory, seasoned, and surprisingly easy to make with real ingredients you know and trust. 🙌

Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or even a breakfast scramble! 🌯🥳

Read More
EASY 30 MINUTE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY 30 MINUTE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

Cooking chicken in pineapple juice? I was skeptical. But it’s trending for a reason—this hack makes chicken SO tender and flavorful!

Ready in 30-minutes, this Pineapple Chicken is sweet, tangy, and insanely simple. Save this one, friends—it’s too good not to share.

Perfect for busy nights, big appetites, and small grocery budgets!

Serve over rice, sprinkle your favorite garnish, and you’ve got dinner on the table fast—and delicious.

Read More
MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SALADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA SALAD

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is everything you love about elote—sweet corn, creamy chipotle dressing, fresh lime, a little (or a lot) of heat, and tangy cheese—all tossed with tender pasta and tasty veggies. It’s bold, bright, and ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for barbecues, meal prep, or even potlucks.

Make it once and it’ll be on repeat all season long!

Read More
EASY MEXICAN MAC & CHEESE
MEATS & MAINS, CASSEROLES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS, CASSEROLES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY MEXICAN MAC & CHEESE

Mac and cheese is great, but Mexican Mac and Cheese? Next-level delicious! It’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and topped with crunchy, golden breadcrumbs. Whether you’re making it for dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something amazing, this dish won’t disappoint!

Read More
10 MINUTE KALE, MUSHROOM  & RED ONION STIR FRY
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

10 MINUTE KALE, MUSHROOM & RED ONION STIR FRY

Today I found a bag of kale in the 50% off bargain bin at @freshco and had mushrooms to use up, so I threw together this Kale, Mushroom & Red Onion Stir Fry in just 10 minutes! 🍄🌿🧅

These sautéed veggies + the bold mix of balsamic, soy sauce & sriracha = the perfect quick meal. I served it over fluffy rice and it turned out to be an instant hit with my guys. They came back for a second helping just to find the pan was empty.  I'll be making this again and again.

Read More
EASY CHICKPEA& POTATO COCONUT CURRY
MEATS & MAINS, STEWS, SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS, STEWS, SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY CHICKPEA& POTATO COCONUT CURRY

Some meals just hit the spot—and this Chickpea & Potato Coconut Curry is one of them! It’s creamy, full of flavor, and made with ingredients you probably already have. Bonus: It’s vegan, budget-friendly, and can be done in 30 minutes!  Worried that it's not kid friendly? Serve with naan or pita bread for dipping.  My kids love it!

Find both stove top and instant pot methods here.

Read More
BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (With optional Sourdough Discard)
SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (With optional Sourdough Discard)

Sourdough discard isn’t just for bread! It makes cookies soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. And if you’re tired of turning overripe bananas into banana bread, here’s your solution—banana chocolate chip cookies! The perfect way to use up both discard and bananas—zero waste, all the deliciousness.

(ps…this recipe is still delicious without the sourdough discard)

Read More
SHORTCUT CHICKEN POT PIE
MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

SHORTCUT CHICKEN POT PIE

My Shortcut Chicken Pot Pie is creamy, savory and comes together with simple ingredients and a packaged puff pastry crust. I use a rotisserie chicken, left over baked potatoes to make it even easier.  It’s perfect for busy nights when you are craving something homemade and delicious!

Read More
RUSTIC RHUBARB BERRY LOAF
SWEETS, BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SWEETS, BREADS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

RUSTIC RHUBARB BERRY LOAF

I found a bag of last year’s frozen rhubarb and sour Evans cherries from our garden and couldn’t let them go to waste. So, I baked them into this Rustic Rhubarb Berry Loaf—soft, buttery, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel! Plus, I tossed in some freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor, and let’s just say… I’ll be making this again and again and again! 😍 This loaf also freezes well!

Read More
EASY THAI CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
SOUPS, MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SOUPS, MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

EASY THAI CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Busy nights? No problem! 🥣 My Fast & Easy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, red curry paste, and coconut milk. The best part? It’s full of flavor without being too spicy—perfect for the whole family!

✨ Do you have leftover or rotisserie chicken? This is the perfect way to turn it into something delicious.

Read More
CHUNKY HAM AND NAVY BEAN SOUP
SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI SOUPS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

CHUNKY HAM AND NAVY BEAN SOUP

Cozy up with a bowl of my Hearty Ham & Bean Soup! 🥣 Packed with tender veggies, smoky ham, creamy beans, and a blend of comforting spices, in a flavourful broth, this one-pot wonder is perfect for chilly days. Easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly satisfying—this is the soup your family will keep asking for! Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd!

Read More

EXPLORE BY CATEGORY

〰️

EXPLORE BY CATEGORY 〰️