Jacq’s Lowcountry Chicken Bog

Chicken bog? What you talking about, Willis? Since moving to the Lowcountry, I’ve completely embraced the culture and the cuisine. While I love adding my Jersey twist to things, there are some dishes that are so rooted in tradition that they’re perfect just the way they are. Lowcountry Chicken Bog is one of those. For…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Grandma’s Gravy… not sauce!

Gravy is my comfort food.  When I talk about gravy, I’m talking about the RED stuff you put on macaroni – not brown gravy.  If you’re a North Jersey Italian-American, GRAVY is where it’s at. I was always taught that tomato sauce comes out of a can.  What you put into that tomato sauce makes it gravy.  I firmly…