THE COOKBOOK

MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS

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MAKE TODAY DELICIOUS 〰️

RECENT RECIPES

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RECENT RECIPES 𓌉◯𓇋

MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

30-MINUTE HOMESTYLE CHICKEN & GRAVY

Made this family favourite tonight and wow. Rotisserie chicken simmered in the most silky smooth gravy with all those cozy flavors you crave. Dinner on the table in 30 minutes, tastes like Sunday cooking but on a weeknight budget. Total comfort food without the stress or the splurge.

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MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI MEATS & MAINS CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

STEWED COD IN TOMATOES AND PEPPERS

Need a quick weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy? This easy Mediterranean-style cod recipe brings together tender flaky cod fillets, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, a hint of chili heat and buttery garlic goodness. Perfect for a cozy family meal or when you want to impress without the fuss.

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CASSEROLES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI CASSEROLES CHARMAINE ZILINSKI

MEXICAN STREET CORN BAKE

My baked Mexican Street Corn is everything…creamy, cheesy, smoky and ready in one pan! It’s the perfect side dish for family dinners, the ultimate party food, and a total MVP dip for chips on game days. I use fresh cobs of Johnson’s Fresh Farms Taber corn as it’s amazing but canned corn works as well when fresh is out of season.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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! 🌯🥳

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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!

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