10 family recipes

Dense fudge brownies with a half pound of unsweetened chocolate, chocolate chip top, and a hit of instant coffee crystals to deepen the chocolate flavor. Baked low and slow.

Sugar-free diabetic-friendly white layer cake with almond extract, whipped egg whites, and skim milk. Light and fluffy two-layer cake made with artificial sweetener instead of sugar.

New England fish chowder with haddock, cod, bacon, and potatoes in a creamy milk and evaporated milk broth. A classic, no-frills chowder that tastes even better the next day.

A classic Italian-American family biscotti recipe with anisette liqueur and chopped nuts, twice-baked until golden and crunchy. Keeps for 6 weeks or freezes beautifully.

Sugar-free white layer cake made with artificial sweetener, almond extract, and folded egg whites for a light, airy crumb. A diabetic-friendly two-layer cake that's ready to frost.

Family tree cookies are giant chocolate cookies shaped like trees with branches for piping family names. A fun baking project with kids using cocoa dough, chocolate chips, and royal icing.

Family macaroni and cheese blends Velveeta into a classic béchamel for ultra-creamy sauce, then bakes with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack on top until bubbly. Crowd-pleasing weeknight comfort.

McCarthy family fish chowder: New England-style haddock chowder with salt pork, potatoes, onion, and milk. Eight ingredients, one pot, feeds six.

Low-fat oatmeal loaded with fresh apple chunks, raisins, walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. A warm, naturally sweetened breakfast bowl that's also diabetic-friendly.

Chuck wagon chili with lean ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, picante sauce, and cumin. A quick weeknight chili that simmers in under 30 minutes and serves with rice and all the fixings.