Friday nights always bring back memories of my childhood. In my house, it wasn’t just the end of the week—it was pizza and mussels night. My mom would make homemade pizza and a pot of mussels in a fiery red sauce that could burn your tongue off. Yum! Recently, I decided to recreate those flavors…
Creamy Cabbage & Orzo Stew + A Pizza Appy
Fall is in the air—or at least it should be! Even though it was 88° here in South Carolina, I couldn’t resist making a cozy, hearty bowl of Creamy Cabbage & Orzo Stew. This recipe is inspired by Must Love Garlic’s Creamy Cabbage & Orzo Stew 🌿. I made a few little tweaks to fit…
Chickarina Soup and Kalua Pork: Going BIG in the kitchen!
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…
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…
Hearty Sausage & Chickpea Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
When the weather cools down (or when you just need a bowl of comfort), nothing hits the spot like a rich, flavorful stew. My Sausage & Chickpea Stew is loaded with bold spices, tender sweet potatoes, carrots, and plenty of garlic. Add in chickpeas for protein and heartiness, and you’ve got a balanced one-pot meal…
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…
Jacq from Jersey... 