There are days when a craving comes out of nowhere, and this was one of them. I was craving lentils and shrimp—an unusual combination for some, but one that makes for an incredibly hearty, satisfying meal. Even though this dish feels like the perfect comfort food for a crisp fall evening, I made it on…
Category: cooking
Crispy Calabrian Chili Chicken Cutlets with Fresh Garden Tomato Salad | Easy Italian-Inspired Summer Dinner
Crispy Calabrian Chili Chicken Cutlets with Garden Fresh Tomato Salad – The Summer Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again There are certain meals that disappear before they ever make it to the dinner table, and these spicy chicken cutlets are one of them. I don’t know about your house, but whenever I make chicken cutlets,…
Better Than Takeout: Organic Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan) + A Sweet Summer Crostini
There’s something about good New York and New Jersey Chinese takeout that is hard to beat. Since moving to the Lowcountry, I’ve been craving those familiar flavors—but without the mystery ingredients, excess sodium, and questionable oils that often come with takeout. That’s why I absolutely fell in love with this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe…
The Creamiest Shrimp Risotto with Mascarpone You’ll Ever Make (Worth Every Stir!)
There are some meals you throw together in 30 minutes…and then there are meals that become an experience. This creamy shrimp risotto with mascarpone falls into the second category. Is risotto time-consuming? Absolutely. Is it worth standing over the stove slowly stirring ladle after ladle of homemade shrimp stock into Arborio rice? One hundred percent….
The BEST Hot & Spicy White Pasta e Fagioli You’ll Ever Make (No Tomatoes Needed!)
This White Pasta Fazool Changed Everything I never thought I’d say it, but I may have just created the best pasta e fagioli of my life. As an Italian-American Jersey girl, I’ve made countless pots of pasta fazool over the years. Traditionally, mine always included tomatoes, and I swore by that rich red broth. But…
The Best Veggie Frittata You’ll Ever Make: One Pan, Endless Possibilities
Looking for a healthy, delicious lunch that doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone? This Veggie Frittata is exactly what you need. What do you get when you combine sweet onions, colorful peppers, fresh squash, garlic, eggs, creamy ricotta, and a touch of spicy Calabrian chili? A flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for…
The 3-Minute Pressure Cooker Roast Beef That Tastes Like You’ve Been Cooking All Day
When I was growing up in New Jersey, roast beef and mashed potatoes were a regular part of our dinner rotation. There was something comforting about a perfectly cooked roast, smothered in gravy and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Too bad this was a one thing at my mother could not make. The meat was…
The Italian Pasta Dish I’ve Been Making for Years (And Still Crave Every Time)
Some recipes come and go, while others earn a permanent spot in your menu rotation. This Sardinian Saffron Pasta with Pork and Tomato Sauce is one of those recipes for me. I’ve been making this dish for years, and every time I serve it, it reminds me why it never gets old. It’s hearty, comforting,…
Denver Steak: The Budget-Friendly Steak That Tastes Like a Ribeye
If you’ve been shocked by the price of steak lately, you’re not alone. Ever since moving from New Jersey to South Carolina, I’ve noticed that a good ribeye or New York strip can put a serious dent in the grocery budget. Back in Jersey, steak night was a regular occurrence. These days, being retired means…
Blackberry Peach Salad: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Summer Lunch
When the temperatures start climbing here in the Lowcountry, I find myself craving lighter meals packed with fresh produce, vibrant flavors, and plenty of texture. This Blackberry Peach Salad checked every single box. I can’t take credit for this recipe—it comes from Delish, and I’ll link the original recipe below—but after one bite, I knew…
Jacq from Jersey... 