We just knew Anna’s passion for food would make her the perfect addition to our team of volunteer contributors. That passion shines through in her delicious down-home recipes. You’ll find her Peach Cobbler Cookies to be a shining example of her creative culinary skills. Anna works hard raising her Iowa farm family and teaching little ones at her local school, while stirring up amazing recipes for Taste of Home. We just know you’re going to love her, too!
Taste of Home: Tell us how your love of home cooking got started.
Anna Miller: Cooking has always been something that I have been drawn to; over the years it has become one of my passions. When I’ve had a long day at work, I’m happy to come home and unwind by cooking a meal or baking some cookies.
TOH: Do you have any particular sources of inspiration?
AM: I love to read Taste of Home magazines and cookbooks to get ideas and inspiration. I also get great ideas from blogs and my favorite cooking shows. It is not uncommon to find me learning about food in my free time. Some favorite family dishes that I learned to cook as a child have no written recipes, so figuring out exact measurements or putting my own twist on them is a fun challenge.
Need inspiration? You can subscribe to Taste of Home like Anna!
TOH: What is your favorite cooking method and why?
AM: My favorite method changes with the seasons. In the summer, we grill quite a bit, but I love to bake a good casserole in the fall. Taking advantage of my slow cooker means a no-fuss supper when I get home from work. I guess I just love them all!
TOH: Do you have an indispensable kitchen gadget?
AM: My KitchenAid mixer—I love its versatility. I mostly use it when mixing up cake batter or cookie dough. It makes kneading bread dough a breeze.
We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we named the KitchenAid stand mixer our favorite.
TOH: What is your favorite recipe to cook for your family?
AM: I love to cook big meals for my family on Sundays. For me, Sundays are a family day. I like to be home with my children catching up from the weekend and getting ready for the week. I like to make comfort food such as lasagna, chicken and noodles, or a beef roast with mashed potatoes. In the summer I will smoke a whole chicken or pork loin.
(Hey Anna, check out these super easy Sunday supper ideas).
TOH: What is your favorite recipe to cook for yourself?
AM: I could not live without pasta. Some favorite recipes that I cook for myself are shrimp scampi or pasta in a vodka cream sauce. Oh, and I can’t forget about homemade macaroni and cheese!
TOH: Do you have any cooks or chefs whom you admire and why?
AM: I absolutely adore The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. I find her recipes and style of food simple and comforting. As a busy mother and the wife of a cattle farmer, I can relate to her. I enjoy watching her show and reading her blog. I read her book about how she met her husband in one day!
Ree Drummond’s comfort food recipes are top notch.
TOH: If you were stuck on a desert island, what would your last meal be?
AM: I hope I am never stuck on a deserted island, but if I ever was I think I would like to be my last meal to be a grilled filet mignon steak, homemade macaroni and cheese, and dinner rolls with cinnamon honey butter. A fresh baked Dutch apple pie would be the perfect dessert.
How about a tropical cocktail, too?
TOH: Who would you love to host at a dinner party?
AM: This is a tough question because I can think of many people, famous or not, to invite for a dinner party. It would be a real treat to have Ree Drummond and her husband over for supper. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood could come and sing for us. But back to reality, I would really love to have my family for a dinner party. I would not only invite my immediate family, but also aunts, uncles and cousins. I don’t think we get together enough. We always have a lot of fun when we are together!
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Make These 5-Star Recipes from Field Editors
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Toad in the Hole Bacon Sandwich
Switch up the cheese—pepper jack gives a nice kick—or use sliced kielbasa, ham or sausage in place of the bacon in this versatile grilled cheese sandwich. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Easy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
The already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Oat Dinner Rolls
These soft rolls are out of this world. The addition of oat makes them a little more hearty than other dinner rolls. —Patricia Rutherford, Winchester, Illinois
Chocolate Gingersnaps
When my daughter, Jennifer, was 15 years old, she created this recipe as a way to combine two of her favorite flavors. They're great with a glass of milk. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Refried Bean-Taco Pizza
When I’m in a rush, I take advantage of convenient prepared pizza crust to create this Mexican-style pizza. If you like it spicy, add a little chopped jalapeno pepper to the skillet when cooking the beef. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio
Rhubarbecue
This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — R.D. Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sassy Chicken & Peppers
This quick and healthy chicken and peppers recipe tastes like a naked taco and is bursting with fresh flavors. And it can all be prepared in the same pan for easy cleanup—it's a win-win! —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Cheesy Cream of Asparagus Soup
Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa
Pina Colada Icebox Cake
This icebox cake has all of the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking also teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This gourmet peanut butter and jelly recipe is easy to make and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders
These little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Beef 'n' Bean Torta
This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Barbecued Strawberry Chicken
When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
My family loves frozen treats. With chocolate four ways, this one is so beautiful, people think it came from an ice cream shop. —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce
I like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
Warm, buttery dinner rolls are absolutely irresistible. I save time and use a stand mixer to make my dough. —Jennifer Patterson, Shoshone, Idaho
Italian Steak Sandwiches
My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a super-easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Yankee Rancheros
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a "Yankee," I decided I needed to learn to make a few Mexican dishes. These rancheros are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread
My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics and it always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Soy-Ginger Pot Roast
My husband really likes roast beef, and I really like my slow cooker. I brought in Asian influences for an all-day pot roast with some oomph. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Toffee Turtle Squares
Here's an easy way to make turtle candy for a big group. These bars are very rich, so a little square will do ya. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
My family combined two of our favorite things: pulled pork and grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is super fast and easy when you use store-bought pulled pork. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
I can never get enough of this baked sweet potato fries recipe! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull them out of my garden and chop them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Honey Cinnamon Rollups
This cinnamony treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
California Burger Bowls
Burgers are a weekly staple at our house year-round. Skip the fries, chips and bun—you won't need them with these loaded veggie & fruit burgers. To spice up the mayo, add 1/2 tsp. of chipotle powder. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Chicken & Broccoli Rabe Soup with Tortellini
With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Smoked Gouda & Swiss Chard Strata
I shared this impressive strata with friends at their new home. For special occasions, change up the veggies and cheese. I’ve used tomatoes, spinach and cheddar. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Pork Chops with Nectarine Sauce
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make meals healthy and delicious. These juicy chops are fast, too. —Suellen Pineda, Victor, New York
Broccoli-Cauliflower Chicken Casserole
A chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is one of our favorite comfort foods. I make my easy variation in the slow cooker. You can easily swap in whatever cheese you prefer. I sometimes use dairy-free cheese to create a more paleo-friendly dinner. The dish is also delicious sprinkled with a simple bread crumb topping. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Naked Fish Tacos
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Grecian Chicken
The caper, tomato and olive flavors whisk you away to the Greek isles in an easy skillet dish that's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas
Balsamic Zucchini Saute
This super-fast sauteed zucchini recipe is flavorful and only uses a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up as your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Blue Cheese Pork Medallions
This comforting pork dish feels fancy, thanks to the creamy sauce kicked up a notch by blue cheese. Guests go crazy over it, and would never guess how quickly it all comes together. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CA
Spinach-Egg Breakfast Pizzas
I like my food pretty, and this breakfast pizza is eye-popping. Bring it to the table with a bowl of berries or grapes and café au lait. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
These juicy chicken thighs taste so rich and delicious with a sweet pineapple-maple glaze. I love that I can reach in my pantry for ingredients and end up with this impressive weeknight meal. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Spring Pea & Radish Salad
Winters can be very long here in New Hampshire. I always look forward to the first veggies of spring and making some lighter dishes like this fresh salad. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Blackberry Sriracha Chicken Sliders
Dump everything in a slow cooker and watch these spicy-sweet sliders become an instant party time classic. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Tarragon Asparagus
I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones
When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Rhubarbecue
This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — R.D. Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Open-Faced Grilled Salmon Sandwiches
In my family, we love to fish. What better reward from a day of fishing than eating what you just caught? We make salmon in several ways, but this one is the family favorite. —Stephanie Hanisak, Port Murray, New Jersey
Homemade Biscuits & Maple Sausage Gravy
I remember digging into flaky, gravy-smothered biscuits on Christmas morning and other special occasions when I was a child. What a satisfying way to start the day! —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Smoky Gouda & Chicken Sandwiches
My whole family loves this, but especially my husband and I for the deep smoke and garlic flavors. The cheese combined with the savory garlic-herb mayo is simply mouthwatering. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Cheesy Potato Egg Bake
I whipped up this cozy egg bake with potato crowns for an easy “brinner.” Use add-ins you like – sweet peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots. The possibilities are endless. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Mediterranean Cobb Salad
I'm a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like Cobb salad. I've traded out typical chicken for crunchy falafel that's just as satisfying. — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Caramelized Baked Custards
Creme brulee is our favorite dessert and we love Irish cream liqueur, so I decided to put them together for a dinner finale we truly love. With a last name like Moynihan and a husband named Patrick, you can tell St. Patrick's Day is a very big holiday in our house! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
White Pizza with Roasted Tomatoes
Like my grandmother taught me, I love using fresh, simple ingredients. In this low-cost recipe, creamy ricotta brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, all on an onion and herb crust. —Debbie Roppolo, San Marcos, Texas
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
A restaurant here had been advertising Sriracha corn on the cob, but I knew I could make my own. The golden ears turned out a little sweet, a little smoky and a little hot—perfect, if you ask my three teenage boys! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Shortcut Tres Leches Cake
My mom's favorite cake is Tres Leches, a butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk. I developed a no-fuss version that’s rich and tender. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Pretty Cranberry Coffee Cake
Cranberries make this coffee cake a beautiful quick bread that's perfect for the holidays. For extra shimmer, we add a drizzle of almond-flavored glaze. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Grandma's Seafood Chowder
My grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time I've ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Southern Cornbread Salad
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
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Sue Stetzel