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    Easy and delicious family food

    Welcome to VJ cooks! A place where you'll find loads of tasty recipes the whole family will love. From easy midweek meals to desserts and baking, there's something for everyone here. Easy family food is my specialty.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • A close up of One Pot Mince and Pasta in a white bowl on a grey bench.
      One Pot Mince and Pasta
    • Three pieces of Chocolate Weetbix Slice sitting on a white plate.
      Chocolate Weetbix Slice
    • Cheesy potato bake
      Cheesy Potato Bake
    • lolly cake from VJ cooks
      Lolly Cake
    • Lemon weetbix slice
    • Tuscan chicken
      Tuscan Chicken Thighs
    • A close up of Creamy Spinach Cob Loaf on a tray with dipping vegetables.
      Creamy Spinach Cob loaf
    • Homemade Pork Meatballs

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    Easy Family Meals

    Answering the question of "what's for dinner tonight?" since 2016. Browse the extensive range of simple, family meals and read the positive reviews for yourself. Tried and tested by thousands of families, there really is something to suit every taste here.

    • A casserole dish with a Ravioli PAsta Bake in in it on a green tea towel.
      Ravioli Pasta Bake
    • Oven Baked Beef Ragu
      Oven Baked Beef Ragu
    • A flatbread topped with grilled halloumi cheese, beef strips, cherry tomatoes, spinach leaves, and a yogurt sauce—perfect for fans of lamb and halloumi wraps—placed on a wooden surface.
      Lamb and Haloumi Wraps
    • A bowl with meatballs, white rice, sliced cucumber, tomato wedges, red onion, a dollop of tzatziki, a lemon wedge, and a parsley garnish.
      Air Fryer Greek Meatballs
    • A pot of shredded beef in tomato sauce sits on a red cloth next to a colander filled with cooked spaghetti on a wooden table.
      Oven Baked Lamb Ragu
    • Three pieces of homemade flatbread with browned spots and green herb flecks on a white plate, next to a blue bowl of dip.
      Homemade Flatbreads
    • A wooden bowl filled with couscous salad, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and herbs, with a serving spoon inside. A green-and-white cloth is underneath the bowl.
      Pearl Couscous Salad
    • A plate of stir-fried chicken with broccoli in a brown sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
      Five Spice Pork Stir Fry
    See more Family meals →
    vanya insull

    Hi I'm Vanya,

    Thanks for visiting my website! A place where you'll find inspiring recipes and ideas for family-friendly meals.
    I live in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with my husband, two sons and two cats. My favourite things to do include cooking, baking, sharing recipes and of course, eating.

    Learn more about me →

    Baking Recipes

    From biscuits to brownies, cakes to muffins and so much more. My baking recipes cover everyone's family favourites including the classics from Nana's kitchen. For your next birthday, anniversary or celebration, be sure to try my easy and delicious baking treats.

    • A lemon sheet cake with a white icing glaze is cut into squares on a wooden board, with a lemon wedge placed beside the cake.
      Lime and Coconut Cake
    • A loaf of sliced banana bread or date loaf with visible raisins or nuts rests on a wooden board, one slice topped with butter; a plate and butter dish are in the background.
      Nana's Date Loaf
    • A two-layer cake with light brown frosting and chopped nuts on top, displayed on a glass cake stand with a slice removed.
      Coffee and Walnut Cake
    • Four chocolate chip cookies are stacked on a white textured plate, which sits on a blue cloth and a rustic white wooden surface.
      New York Style Choc Chip Cookies
    See more Baking →

    Salad Recipes

    My favourite dish to take to a shared meal is a platter salad. Full of big flavours, punchy dressings, fresh vegetables, protein and carbs, these are not your every-day green salads.

    • A blue bowl with cooked salmon, sliced avocado, shredded red cabbage, edamame, lemon wedges, green onions, and sesame seeds, on a green polka dot surface.
      Grilled Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls
    • Oval dish with a vibrant grilled salmon and potato salad, featuring avocado, cucumber, fresh greens, and a light dressing, placed on a wooden surface with serving utensils beside it.
      Grilled Salmon and Potato Salad
    • A plate of salad featuring rice, cucumbers, edamame, avocado, and shredded protein topped with sesame seeds, served with chopsticks on the side.
      Smoked Salmon and Crispy Rice Salad
    • Bang bang chicken salad served in a round green plater on a wooden table. Sesame seeds and coriander leaves have been scattered over the top
      Bang Bang Chicken Salad
    See more Salad →

    Dessert Recipes

    Satisfy any post-dinner sweet-craving with one of my indulgent, yet easy dessert recipes. From chocolate lovers to those who prefer something fruity, I have an extensive collection of desserts to impress all your friends and family.

    • A spoonful of chocolate chia pudding is held above a glass jar filled with the same dessert, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Another jar is in the background.
      Chocolate Chia Puddings
    • A luscious Black Forest Gateau, featuring layers of chocolate cake with cream and cherries nestled between, is elegantly topped with chocolate shavings. It sits invitingly on a glass plate, set against a backdrop of soft pink cloth.
      Black Forest Gateau
    • A round flan dessert with caramel sauce on top is placed on a white plate with a grey background.
      Crème Caramel
    • 4 Easter Cheesecake Cups on a blue platter with easter bunnies and eggs surrounding it.
      Easter Cheesecake Cups
    See more Desserts →

    Latest Recipes

    Have a look at the newest recipes to hit the website, with more coming every week!

    • Three baked bread rolls topped with melted cheese and diced ham, placed on a parchment-lined surface.
      Pizza Rolls
    • Chicken Stroganoff
      Chicken Stroganoff
    • A bowl of white rice topped with beef curry containing carrots, green beans, and eggplant, garnished with fresh cilantro and two lemon wedges.
      Slow Cooker Beef Red Curry
    • A close-up of a rectangular zucchini tart with puff pastry crust, topped with zucchini slices, cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
      Courgette and Feta Tart

    Products

    If you love my easy family food, check out my recently published cookbooks, ebooks and online courses.

    • A blonde woman standing in her kitchen holding a apple pie. There are apples and baking equipment on the table in front of her.
      Everyday Comfort Food Cookbook
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      Summer Favourites Cookbook
    • Everyday Favourites Cookbook Cover
      Everyday Favourites Cookbook
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    Most Popular Recipes

    Tuscan Chicken Thighs

    Tuscan chicken

    Chocolate Weetbix Slice

    Three pieces of Chocolate Weetbix Slice sitting on a white plate.

    Magic Slice

    Magic slice an easy recipe by VJ cooks

    Lemon weetbix slice

    Gingerbread Loaf

    Sliced gingerbread loaf on a wooden board.

    Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

    teriyaki chicken bowls

    vj_cooks

    Follow me on Instagram for fresh new recipe videos every day!

    Dinner in 20 minutes with one pan? Yes please. Th Dinner in 20 minutes with one pan? Yes please.

This creamy mushroom pesto pasta is quick, satisfying, and perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something so good.

Save it now and thank yourself later 👏🏼

🍝INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp olive oil
200g mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
200g cherry tomatoes
2 clove garlic, crushed
75g basil pesto
1 cup cream
30g parmesan, grated
400g fresh fettuccine

🍝INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add the olive oil to a large nonstick frying pan on a medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook stirring a few minutes more. 
2. Stir in the garlic and fry for one minute. Add the pesto and cream then mix to combine. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up and the tomatoes start to burst. 
3. Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to packet instructions then drain. 
4. Stir the grated parmesan through the pesto sauce. Once it is combined add the cooked fettuccine and stir again. 
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper then serve immediately with extra grated parmesan on top.

Full printable recipe available at vjcooks.com 👩🏼‍🍳
    A quick and easy meal plan in the @cookplan_app if A quick and easy meal plan in the @cookplan_app if you are wondering how it works 🧡
    Are you team Sweet or Savoury topping? Trust me, Are you team Sweet or Savoury topping? 

Trust me, once you try making these at home, you won’t go back ⬇️

🥯 INGREDIENTS
DOUGH
450ml warm water
2 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
750g plain flour (5 cups)
2 tsp salt

OTHER INGREDIENTS
2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1 tsp sesame seeds or bagel seasoning

🥯INSTRUCTIONS
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the warm water and sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the yeast, stir again, and leave to sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt. Attach the dough hook to the mixer and mix on low for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. (Knead by hand if you don’t have a mixer.)
3. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Turn the dough out and shape it into a large log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
5. Make a hole in the centre of each ball, then spin the dough around your fingers to enlarge the hole.
6. In a pot, bring 2 litres of water to a boil, then stir in the baking soda. Carefully lower the bagels into the boiling water, two at a time, for 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on lined baking trays.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan bake.
8. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water, then brush the mixture over the boiled bagels. Sprinkle each one with the topping of your choice or keep them plain. 
9. Bake for 20 minutes until the bagels are golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

What’s your favourite topping to have on your bagel? 😋
    My Camera Roll lately 📸 My Camera Roll lately 📸
    New to the website! 🧆 These Air Fryer Greek Mea New to the website! 🧆
These Air Fryer Greek Meatballs are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with fresh herbs and flavour.
Perfect for wraps, bowls, mezze platters or lunchboxes.
Save the recipe—you’ll be making these on repeat!

🧆MEATBALLS:
500g pork mince
500g beef mince
2 spring onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup panko crumbs
1 egg
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 Tbsp dried mint or mixed herbs
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cracked black pepper

TO SERVE:
4 cups cooked white rice
1 cucumber, diced
1 red onion, finely sliced
200g cherry tomatoes, quartered
200g tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
Lemon wedges, to serve

🧆INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix well until evenly combined. Roll into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook. I like to make these ahead of time. 
2. Cook in the air fryer: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 180°C for 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice between serving bowls. Top with cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes and hot meatballs.
4. Serve: Dollop tzatziki on top and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Full printable recipe available at vjcooks.com 👩🏼‍🍳
    Thanks @parisleenuku for the inspo, I can’t beli Thanks @parisleenuku for the inspo, I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before! Adding a block of chocolate on top makes this weetbix slice even better 🍫😍
So many of you have been tagging me in your pics and I’m here for it! 
Here’s the full recipe if you want to save it for later ⬇️

Chocolate Top Weetbix Slice 🍫

Base
	•	185g butter
	•	1 cup sugar
	•	2 Tbsp cocoa
	•	3 Weetbix, crushed
	•	1 cup plain flour
	•	1 cup coconut
	•	1 tsp baking powder

Topping
	•	250g Whittaker’s Creamy Milk Chocolate

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C fan bake. Line a slice tin with baking paper.
2. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter, sugar and cocoa.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in crushed Weetbix, flour, coconut and baking powder until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes until just cooked – the centre should still feel soft to the touch.
6. While still hot, place the block of chocolate over the slice. Turn off the oven and place the slice back in for 3–5 minutes until the chocolate has melted.
7. Remove from the oven and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate to the edges.
8. Chill in the fridge or freezer until set, (if you can wait that long) then slice into pieces and serve.

Store in an airtight container in the pantry or fridge.

#weetbixslice #easybaking #vjcooks #chocolatetop #kiwiclassic #whittakerschocolate #nzbakes #bakingreel
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