6 Recipes To Try In April

Lifestyle Design

Apr 9

I’m no Pioneer Woman, but after spending more time at home in recent years, I discovered something unexpected: I actually love cooking and baking.

At first, I thought I was too busy to make anything from scratch. But once I started, I realized that cooking isn’t just doable — it’s fun, therapeutic, and empowering. Now, I cook more often, eat better, and feel more energized.

And the best part? Cooking has given me a fresh sense of accomplishment and confidence — something I always try to foster in every area of my life. Turns out, nourishing your body with homemade meals really can fuel your purpose.

Here are six recipes I’m excited to try this month. Some are classics with a twist, others are brand new to me — and all feel like the perfect mix of cozy, creative, and confidence-building.

Parker House Rolls

I always thought bread would be the hardest thing to make at home. Turns out it can actually be pretty easy. Besides, there’s nothing like fresh bread still hot out of the oven.

I live in a household of bread lovers, and we were finding that not only was the cost of bread increasing, but it often just didn’t taste as rich as we remembered.

When I realized it cost practically pennies on the dollar to make bread at home, and it’s so much tastier, no to mention preservative and chemical free, I was hooked. Homemade bread is fresher, more flavorful, and far more affordable.

So far I’ll make Jamaican hard-dough bread, sourdough bread, hamburger buns, artisan bread, and now I’d like to try this dinner roll recipe from Food Network’s Bobby Flay. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy Sunday meals.

Rustic Potato Leek Mash

We make mashed potatoes all the time, but to be honest, we almost always use the same recipe.

Just to mix things up, I’d like to try something different and this potato leek mash from Loreto at Sugar Love Spices sounds creamy and flavorful with the added leeks — a small change that makes it feel fancy.

Luscious Almond Cheesecake

It’s cheesecake, so what’s not to love.

I’ve actually been craving cheesecake, so it might be a good time to try something other than my classic New York Style Cheesecake.

I’ve never had almond cheesecake, but I found this recipe on Taste of Home, and I was intrigued. The cream cheese filling is basically the same but instead of a graham cracker crust, it’s a vanilla wafer and almond crust.

Turns out I bought way too many almonds on my last trip to one of those warehouse stores because I like to add a pinch to my ice cream, but at this rate I’ll never finish the bag. I definitely need more almond recipes and this one might be a good place to start.

Easy Hot Cross Buns

It’s April, which is Easter time so it’s the perfect time for hot cross buns!

Traditionally, we have Easter buns in our household, which we also started baking for ourselves after increasingly expensive and tasteless store bought versions. Grrrr

But, I’ve never had this kind before. I saw them in a cooking show and found this recipe from PJ Hamel on the King Arthur website. I’m definitely going to try the rum version.

Easy Baked Cod With Spring Vegetables

Most of what I cook is vegan or veggie based but if I have to do meats, fish is my preference. I make salmon all the time and if you keep scrolling I’ve still included a salmon recipe.

On the other hand, I can’t say I’ve ever cooked cod myself. My mom often makes salt-fish aka backalau (I think that’s how you spell it) and we usually have a lot of fish around Easter traditionally.

This recipe from The Minimalist Baker sounds both doable for a newbie and tasty!

Lemon-Roasted Salmon With Escarole, Asparagus, And Potatoes

Last but not least, the salmon. My go-to!

I usually make salmon with a garlic butter sauce or honey garlic sauce - Yes I love garlic on everything. But I saw this recipe Lindsey Thomas shared on Sea Forager and thought, I’ve never really made a proper lemon salmon.

I think it’s time I changed that.

Whether you’re new to cooking or rediscovering your rhythm in the kitchen, I hope this inspires you to try something new. Cooking isn’t just about feeding others — it’s a form of self-care and self-expression.

Let me know which recipes you’re trying or what’s inspiring your kitchen this season!