Saturday was one of those days when I just wanted to cook. Even though it’s technically not soup weather here in South Carolina (we’re still hanging out in the 80s and 90s), I couldn’t resist. Growing up in New Jersey, cooler weather always meant soup season—but honestly, I’ll break out the chicken broth anytime the…
Category: Recipes
A Cozy Day in the Kitchen: Bread Machine Pretzels & Mushroom Ravioli with Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach
Learn how to make homemade bread machine pretzels and a comforting mushroom ravioli with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Two wholesome, flavorful recipes perfect for snacking and dinner. Some days are made for cooking, and today was one of those days. I treated myself to a little snack and a cozy dinner—soft bread machine pretzels…
Gumbolaya – Cozy Apron’s Delicious Fusion of Gumbo + Jambalaya
Sometimes you can’t decide between gumbo and jambalaya… so why not have both? That’s where Gumbolaya comes in—a flavorful, cozy mash-up of the two Southern classics. This recipe originally comes from The Cozy Apron (full credit to them 🙌) and I’ve made it more times than I can count. Every single time it’s fabulous. I…
Sheet Pan Giambotta – An Easy Twist on an Italian Classic
Giambotta (pronounced jam-BOAT-ah – we pronounce it jahm-bawt) is one of those rustic Italian dishes that feels like home to me. Growing up, my mother made it just about every week. Her version was a big pot filled with veal, peppers, zucchini, onions, garlic, and of course, crushed tomatoes. Later, she swapped in hot Italian…
Spaghetti all’Assassina (Killer Spaghetti): Crispy, Spicy, Burnt-to-Perfection Pasta
Move over, spaghetti and meatballs—this dish is for the bold. Spaghetti all’Assassina (literally “Killer Spaghetti”) hails from Bari in Southern Italy, and it’s nothing like the pasta you grew up with. Instead of boiling pasta in water and finishing it in sauce, this recipe cooks the spaghetti directly in the sauce until it chars on…
Chicken & Eggplant Milanese with Warm Shiitake Mushroom Salad
The ultimate weekend comfort dish that’s worth every minute If you’re looking for a show-stopping meal that combines crispy breaded chicken, tender eggplant, savory mushrooms, creamy ricotta, and a touch of fresh greens, my Chicken & Eggplant Milanese with Warm Shiitake Mushroom Salad is a winner. Yes — it takes a bit of time to…
Pasta al Pomodoro… with a Kick
By Jacq from Jersey | Comfort Food with a Spicy Twist There’s nothing like a bowl of pasta al Pomodoro — simple, honest, and full of flavor. But you know me… I always like to turn up the heat just a bit. This version has all the love and comfort of the traditional dish, but…
Cajun Shrimp & Buttery Garlicky Steamed Clams
A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Feast Straight from My Kitchen There’s something about buttery clams and spicy Cajun shrimp that instantly takes me back to summer nights, sipping wine and cooking with the windows open (but not in the South LOL). This meal is one of my absolute favorites to throw together—it feels indulgent but is surprisingly…
Black Pepper Chicken: Chinese Takeout at Home – Craving Jersey Chinese
Since moving to the Low Country, one of the biggest food shocks for me was Chinese takeout. Let me be clear—I’m talking real Chinese takeout, the kind you get in New Jersey or New York: salty, peppery, saucy goodness in a little white carton. Up north, it was cheap, fast, and delicious. Down here? It’s…
Jacq from Jersey... 