Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek is a former Associate Editor for Simply Recipes and the author of the cookbook Tasting Pennsylvania (2019). She lives in Easton, Pennsylvania and goes out of her way for farmers' markets, new ingredients, yoga classes, and walks in nature. Find more of her work her on her blog The Dharma Kitchen.
Recipes and articles by Carrie Havranek
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Toni Tipton-Martin’s Classic Jambalaya
Here's a classic Southern jambalaya recipe based on historical versions of the recipe. It comes from Toni Tipton-Martin's cookbook Jubilee, which celebrates 200 years of African American cooking! -
Valerie Brunmeier’s Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
Tacos and pasta! Why didn't we put these two together before? This one-skillet dish full of Southwestern flavors and pasta comes together in a flash with pantry staples. Your new favorite weeknight go-to! -
Marge Perry and David Bonom’s Easy Skillet Lasagna
How about a quicker, easier lasagna? Pull pasta and canned tomatoes out of the pantry, frozen spinach from the freezer, pick up some cheese on the way home, and you’re on your way to lasagna in an hour. -
Maria Lichty’s Pesto Havarti Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese goes green with this spinach and basil pesto from cookbook author Maria Lichty of Two Peas and Their Pod. Havarti adds a silky, creamy touch to this comfort food classic. -
Blueberry Jam in the Microwave // Cookbook Recipe
Love jam? Love blueberries? How about making jam in the microwave? Let's do it! This recipe comes from Sally Vargas' new book The Blueberry Cookbook. -
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks in the air fryer! We figured out the secret! They are delicious, not hard at all to make, and so much better than their freezer section counterparts. -
How to Make Gluten-Free Biscuits
Gluten-free buttermilk biscuits are happening! If you can't eat gluten and seriously miss a warm and flaky biscuit, we've got you covered. -
Peach Blueberry Crumb Pie
Crumb-topped pies are fast and fuss-free! Make this peach blueberry crumb pie and you may never go back to traditional double-crust pies again. -
No-Bake Lasagna
Yes, you can have lasagna in the summer without turning on the oven! This one is layered with lemony ricotta, tomatoes, zucchini, and fresh basil. -
Sweet Corn and Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Sweet corn! Zucchini! Goat cheese! Basil! Fold these up in a quesadilla, and you've got one quick dinner. If you need a super easy meal to make on a hot summer day, this is definitely it. -
Vegetarian Pad Thai with Tofu
Pad Thai goes vegetarian! Crispy pan-seared tofu is your protein, and salt takes the place of fish sauce for a vegetarian spin on this favorite takeout dish. -
Almond Butter Date Balls
Have snacks, will travel! These Almond Butter Date Balls are made with just dates, maple syrup, almond butter, and nuts. They come together quickly in the food processor. I dare you to eat just one! -
Chicken Pad Thai
A take-out favorite comes home for dinner. Here's our version of Pad Thai with chicken. A little prep goes a long way and makes this dish an easy stovetop dinner. You can do this! -
How to Safely Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Cutting fruits and veggies safely is all in the grip! And the surface! And having a good knife helps, too. Here are 4 tips for safer, smarter chopping. -
Easy Avocado and Black Bean Quesadillas
Creamy avocados and savory black beans are a great match. Load them onto a quesadillas, add a mix of cheeses, and dinner is served in minutes! This is such an easy and kid-friendly weeknight dinner. -
How to Hold a Chef’s Knife
Are you just not sure you're holding your chef's knife right? Do knives in general mystify you? Here are two of the most common ways to hold your chef's knife. -
6 Easy Vietnamese Recipes You Can Totally Make at Home
Curious about Vietnamese food? We've got 6 easy recipes you can totally make at home — you can even make them tonight. All the ingredients are easy to find. Promise! -
How to Cook Asparagus Sous Vide
Asparagus and sous vide cooking are made for each other. In less than ten minutes, you have crisp, tender and sweet asparagus. Never overcooked. Always just right. -
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs: 3 Fool-Proof Ways
Perfect, easily-peeled hard boiled eggs can be surprisingly tricky to pull off, especially when you need to make a big batch for Easter or a summer potluck. Here are three different ways that we've found give us consistent results, every time. Pick one to try the next time you need hard boiled eggs! -
How to Truss a Chicken
Trussing a chicken—or turkey, or any poultry—is basically a fancy way of tying up your bird prior to roasting. It's not hard to do, and it ensures that all parts of the chicken cook evenly. -
How to Make Pad Thai
Yes! You can make restaurant-worthy pad Thai at home. It's not at all hard—it just takes a little strategic planning. This one is adapted from Chef Peter of 1001 Thai in Easton, PA. -
Coconut Golden Milk
Are you ready for your new favorite winter beverage? Try Golden Milk! This warming Indian drink is made with coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric. It also happens to be vegan! -
Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
Whether we're talking a casual movie night with the family or Super Bowl Sunday, these Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos are ready to party! They come together quickly and easily, and are so much fun to each straight from the pan. -
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oat flour and rolled oats add a nutty flavor to these gluten-free chocolate chip cookies! Bittersweet chocolate adds some chocolatey depth. Keep these around for your friends and family who can't have gluten. -
Herb-Spiced Mixed Nuts
Once you taste these salty-sweet Herb-Spiced Mixed Nuts, you'll be glad you invited people over to help you eat them. They're dangerously good. Make them right before guests walk through the door and be prepared to make a second batch! -
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
These Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are made for last-minute holiday guest appearances. They're quick to make and are best served as soon as they're made. Season them up however you like and in ten minutes you'll have a crunchy, savory snack ready to go. -
Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken {New Cookbook Recipe!}
Sheet pan dinners are lifesavers for busy humans, and this Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken is no exception. Combine chicken, peppers, and pineapple, bake, add a soy-ginger sauce, and serve. Boom! Dinner is done. -
Pasta with Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Brown Butter
Butternut squash, bacon, and browned butter are made for each other. Pasta brings it all together, and the sage adds an earthy element. Make this for dinner tonight—or for when company comes! -
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
Crispy french fries in under 30 minutes without deep-frying? It's possible with the air fryer! Crispy and salty on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. What could be better? -
Triple Apple Snack Cake + First Look at The Fruit Forager’s Companion
This Triple Apple Snack Cake—cider, sauce, and fresh apples—means this cake is bursting with fall flavor. This one comes from Sara Bir's cookbook The Fruit Forager's Companion! -
Our 12 Favorite Cookie Recipes to Make in the Fall
Are you ready for baking season? It's starting soon. We've got a dozen cookie recipes to get you all ready. Time to soften the butter and bring those eggs to room temperature! -
12 Apple Desserts to Enjoy this Fall
Apples aren't just for pie. They're also for crisps and crostatas. They are for grating and adding to a bundt cake, too! We've got 12 of our favorite ways to enjoy apples this fall. -
Farmers’ Market Salad with Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Basil
Almost everything you need for this salad can be purchased at your local farmers' market at the height of summer: sweet peaches, creamy goat cheese, and aromatic basil the key components! Enjoy the season while it lasts! -
21 Best Recipes With Ripe Summer Tomatoes
Oh, tomatoes! How we love you! Here are 21 different ways to enjoy those ripe summer tomatoes. Whether you need to use them immediately for something like a gazpacho or a Caprese salad, or you have so many you need to can or get creative (think basic tomato sauce or salsa), we've got you covered. -
15 Ways to Cook with Zucchini This Summer
Got zucchini? It's that time again, when we have more zucchini than we know what to do with. Never fear! We have solutions to this problem—15 of them to be exact! Zucchini Fritters, Cheesy Zucchini Bites, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, and more! -
Skillet Peach Crisp with Ginger and Pecans
Skillet Peach Crisp! Who wants some?! Turn your juicy, ripe farmers' market peaches into this quick skillet crisp with oats, pecans, and ginger. Serve with big scoops of vanilla ice cream. Resistance is futile. -
12 Easy Recipes for a Last Minute 4th of July Party
Last minute invite to a 4th of July party? We've got you covered. Here are 12 recipes that can be quickly made and whisked to the cookout! -
10 Best Grilling Recipes for the 4th of July
Who's ready for sun, kiddie pools, and grilling this 4th of July?! If you're seeking some inspiration for your cookout menu, take a look at our favorite recipes. We've got burgers, kebabs, fish tacos, and more! -
12 Fresh & Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes for Summer
Quick and easy pasta dinners are such a great way to use up all the fresh veggies parading through the market during the summer. Here are some of our favorites! -
12 Foods Your Dad (Truly) Wants on Father’s Day
What does Dad want on Father's Day? Sure, probably a nice grilled burger, but what about a shrimp po boy? Or maybe fried chicken? Or maybe even a chocolate cream pie?! We have lots of ideas in this round-up! -
10 Takeout Menu Favorites to Make at Home
Ever thought about trying to replicate your favorite takeout recipe at home? You can! We've got recipes for everything from Chicken Fried Rice to Tikka Masala for you to try. -
How to Cook Pork Chops Sous Vide
Nervous about overcooking pork chops? Try sous vide! Cooking pork chops sous vide keeps them moist and tender, and finishing them on the grill brings on the char and flavor! -
8 Simple & Satisfying Vegetarian Dinners
What's for dinner?! What about something vegetarian tonight? We've got an easy chickpea curry, eggplant parmesan, tomato pie, and more! -
9 Crowd-Pleasing Desserts for Your Memorial Day Party
Let's kick the summer off right! Here are nine of our favorite crowd-pleasing desserts, any of which would look great on a picnic table. From Blueberry Cake to S'mores Cookies, take your pick! -
10 Easy Bites for Your Graduation Party
Graduation season is upon us! Do you have a party in your near future? Here are 10 nibbles and bites that are easy to make and easy to share. -
10 Best Recipes for Mother’s Day Brunch
Wondering what to make this Mother's Day? Here are 10 of our favorite recipes, from Baked Blueberry French Toast to Eggs Benedict! -
8 Ways to Show Your Love for Avocados this Cinco de Mayo
Show your love for avocados this Cinco de Mayo! We've got recipes for perfect guacamole, shrimp tacos with avocado salsa, chicken posole salad, and plenty more ideas for your party! -
How to Cook Potatoes Sous Vide
Sous vide potatoes! Make a big batch on the weekend, then reheat as needed for quick side dishes during the week. They're perfectly cooked and creamy all the way through. -
How to Cook Carrots Sous Vide
Ever tried a sous vide carrot? They're tender but still snappy, and taste sweet and intensely carrot-y. You have to try it for yourself to believe it! -
10 Best Pressure Cooker Recipes to Make in Your Instant Pot
Have you fallen hard for your Instant Pot and are eager for more recipes to try? Look no further! We've got Weeknight Paella, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Saag Tofu, and more -- all in the pressure cooker! -
12 Easy Skillet Chicken Dinners
You can never have too many easy chicken recipes in your back pocket. Here are 12 of our favorite recipes made in a skillet, from Cheesy Bruschetta Cutlets to Chicken Fajitas. -
8 Best Asparagus Recipes to Make this Spring
Asparagus is one of the first green veggies to pop up in the spring! From an easy soup to a quick skillet dinner, here are eight delicious ways to celebrate asparagus while they're at their peak. -
10 Easter Recipes for Your Family Table
Whether you’re looking for something classic, or for a new dish to add to the mix, here are some of our favorite recipes for the Easter table. We've got roast lamb and glazed ham, plus deviled eggs, plenty of asparagus, and pie for dessert. -
Slow Cooker Poached Salmon
Foolproof salmon in the slow cooker? Yes, please! This method of poaching the salmon in a flavorful broth using the slow cooker guarantees success. -
10 Recipes For a St. Patrick’s Day Feast
Who's ready for a St. Patrick's Day Feast?! Here are ten of our favorite Irish and Irish-inspired recipes for your table. -
10 Easy Dinners Made with Pantry Staples
Don't want to leave the house for that one missing ingredient you need for dinner? Never fear! Pantry dinners are here! These recipes are made with staples we commonly have in our pantries, fridges, and freezers for an easy dinner at home. -
8 Recipes I Know My Kids Will Love
When it comes to home cooked dinners, kids can be our biggest fans, or our biggest challengers. Here are eight recipes I know my kids will love and eat! -
9 Meals to Double and Freeze
It's so nice to come home from a long day, knowing you have a freezer meal ready to reheat and serve! Here are nine of our favorite recipes to double and freeze. -
10 Best Side Dishes to Serve With Steak
Steak and potatoes is a classic pairing for a reason, but there's a great big world of side dishes to explore! Try Cauliflower Gratin, Roasted Broccolini, Balsamic-Glazed Red Onions, or any of these great recipes. -
7 Easy Ways to Make Any Soup Better
Have you ever made a pot of soup and wished it were just a little bit…better? Here are seven easy tricks to make your next batch of soup your best. -
8 Cozy Winter Soups That Feel Like a Great Big Hug
Soup to the rescue! When the days are long and cold, we need food that's easy, comforting, and nourishing. These eight soups will warm you up from the inside out. -
8 Holiday Desserts for When Your Sweet Tooth Needs a Break
Need a break from all the rich holiday cakes and sugary cookies?! Try one of these desserts! They're plenty festive while giving your sweet tooth a break. -
8 Holiday Appetizers That Think Outside the Box
Scrambling for an appetizer to bring to your next holiday party? Try one of these outside-the-box recipes for something a little different, like Greek meatballs or curried chickens salad! -
10 Best Side Dishes to Serve with a Holiday Roast
Whether you're making lamb, prime rib, glazed ham, or turkey for your holiday roast, here are 10 side dishes that will go great alongside! Hasselback potatoes, roasted butternut squash, wilted greens, and more. -
9 Baking Tools That Will Make Your Life Better
If you love to bake and are constantly in the kitchen with the oven on, then we think you deserve a few tools that make all those batches of cookies, bars, and candies a little easier. Here are nine that we use all the time. -
10 Best Desserts to Take to a Holiday Party
Looking for something special to take to your next holiday party? Look no further! Here are 10 of our very favorite recipes, from Eggnog Pound Cake to Rum Balls! -
3 Ways to Make a Great Cheesecake
Love cheesecake? Here are three great recipes to put in your back pocket: classic cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, and pressure cooker cheesecake! -
Our 25 Best Holiday Cookies for Your Dessert Table
It’s cookie season. Are you ready to roll, drop, shape and cut out to your heart’s—and belly’s—content? Here are some of our favorites for the season! -
8 Best Recipes for Using Up Leftover Turkey
Have leftover turkey that needs using up? Here are eight of our favorite recipes that use every last bit! -
Simply Recipes Favorite Cookbooks of 2017
Covering everything from sweets to snacks to Sunday supper, here are the favorite cookbooks published in 2017 from the Simply Recipes team. -
Why is Vanilla Extract So Expensive Right Now?
Have you noticed the price of vanilla extract increasing? Here's why, and what you can do about it! -
7 Easy Breakfast Recipes for Thanksgiving Morning
Don't forget about Thanksgiving breakfast! Here are seven great ideas, from make-ahead frittata squares to mojito smoothies. -
11 Urgent Questions about Roasting a Turkey
There are some questions about roasting your Thanksgiving turkey that seem to come every year. You have questions? We have answers. -
4 Ways to Make Classic Mashed Potatoes on Any Schedule
Whether you're planning your meal days in advance or only have a half an hour before guests arrive, rest assured that any of these options for making our favorite side dish are delicious. Stove-top, make-ahead, slow cooker, or pressure cooker,… -
10 Tools You Need for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Here's your Thanksgiving checklist for all the pans, tools, and other cookware you'll need for a stress-free Turkey Day. Do you have everything you need?! -
8 Things To Do Right Now So You’re Ready for the Holidays
Don't let the holidays stress you out! Here are 8 things you can do RIGHT NOW to make sure your cooking and baking plans go smoothly from Thanksgiving all the way to New Year's. -
12 Essential Tools That We Can’t Live Without
What are the hardest working tools in your kitchen? Here are the 12 kitchen tools that our Simply Recipes contributors consider most essential. We can't imagine cooking without them! -
5 Cookbooks for People Who Always Need More Ideas for Dinner
Bored of dinner? Always looking for new ideas? Here are 5 favorite cookbooks that will save the day. -
5 Small Ways to Add Big Flavor to Any Recipe
Give any recipe a quick flavor boost with one of these easy tricks!
