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…
Tag: comfort food recipes
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 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,…
The One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe That Tastes Like Dinner in Grandma’s Kitchen
Some recipes instantly transport you back to family dinners, crowded kitchens, and the comforting aroma of garlic and onions sizzling on the stove. Italian sausage and peppers is one of those dishes. Growing up in New Jersey in an Italian family, sausage and peppers was a staple. Whether it was served at family gatherings, summer…
A Jersey Girl’s Clam Chowder That Kicks A**
Let’s be honest—some clam chowders are thin, watery, and kind of sad. But not this one. This Jersey Girl’s Clam Chowder is rich, creamy, bacon-loaded, and unapologetically bold—just like me. Born and raised in the Northeast, moved down the Shore, and now cooking in the Low Country, I’ve had a lot of chowder in my time. And after years…
🐚 From Jersey to the Lowcountry: My Ricotta & Arugula Stuffed Shells in Spicy Amatriciana Sauce
By Jacq from Jersey I’ve been craving stuffed shells lately, and today I just couldn’t wait any longer! This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually simple to put together—especially if you do it in stages like I did. First, I made my sauce, then cooked and cooled the shells, wilted…
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…
Jacq from Jersey... 