Weeknight Wins with Comfort Classics

When the days get busy, these two cozy, family-friendly recipes from The Simplified Cookbook deliver big flavor with minimal effort. From warm, banana-rich pancakes to playful meatloaf “cupcakes,” this little collection brings ease, comfort, and a dash of fun to your table.

Soft, golden, banana-packed pancakes that come together fast and feel like a warm hug for breakfast.

A whimsical twist on classic meatloaf—easy to bake, fun to serve, and guaranteed to spark smiles.

Recipes from The Simplified Cookbook by Emily Ley. Thomas Nelson, 2025. Photography by Kris D’Amico, Whitney Hawkins, and Carly Tanner.