Why make cookies when you can make a skillet cookie cake with some of your favorite leftover Halloween candy? Whether the Halloween haul was unusually bountiful or the doorbell didn’t ring as much as you thought it would, this skillet cookie cake is a delicious way to make sure no candy is left unwrapped (as if). Go for chocolate candy bars, peanut butter cups, M&M’s, or Twix bars. The chocolate melts wonderfully, and candy covered pieces like peanut M&M’s break up in the dough for bits of colorful chocolate, but sneaky bits of peanut, too (avoid hard candy as you don’t want to chip anyone’s teeth!). Making your own cookie dough will result in a stellar outcome. Cut your cookie into bars or dig right into the warm dessert once it comes out of the oven. Ice cream isn't a must, but definitely a nice addition.

This chicken dinner is like the story of a rom-com: tacos (that taste like enchiladas) meet a short ingredient list, and the result is definitely happily ever after. In all seriousness, though, this easy dinner recipe is equally at home on taco night as it is for company. Or, add a pitcher of margaritas and some chips and guac and you’ve got a party. Even though it adds an extra pan to the dishpile, searing the chicken thighs makes for a golden-brown crust with amazing flavor and texture.

One side benefit of following a strict, special diet is getting extra creative about cooking. It’s hard to rely on a creamy soup if you can’t use, well, cream, to make it delicious. But this creamy cauliflower soup happens to be vegan and has a secret to make it rich and smooth: Cashews! Whether you are vegan or not, it’s hard not to love this ingenious kitchen trick. First you microwave cashews until soft, blend them until smooth, and voila, you’ve got a flavorful soup-thickener. Cannellini beans add body and protein, too, ensuring that a bowl of this cauliflower soup recipe really feels like dinner.