All Posts By Olivia

  Let me tell you—if there’s one thing that can instantly transport me straight back to my grandma’s tiny blue kitchen, it’s the scent of good ol’ crispy chicken sizzling in the cast iron. Chicken Fried Chicken isn’t just a meal in our house…it’s a whole event! It’s the kind of Southern comfort food that makes you wanna kick off your shoes, loosen your belt, and invite someone you love to sit and share. It’s old-school fried chicken, but with all the spectacularly crunchy coating and golden goodness outside, and the juiciest, most tender chicken tucked inside. If you’re a …

  If you’ve ever tried “Happy Family” at your favorite Chinese restaurant, you know why this dish absolutely lives up to its name. It’s seriously a plate full of so many goodies—juicy shrimp, tender pieces of beef and chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in that glossy, savory sauce. Honestly, it’s my go-to when I want takeout at home (without waiting for delivery!). I still remember the first time my youngest called it the “everything stir fry.” She was six, and that description stuck. I’ll admit: I may have added a few extra veggies to sneak in a little more goodness …

  It all started with a rainy Tuesday and that “what’s for dinner?” mood that sneaks up just before 5 PM. You know the kind—everyone’s peckish, but no one’s agreeing on anything. Well, this Chinese chicken and mushroom stir-fry saved my sanity (again). I first made it because I needed something heartwarming but not a total time-sink. It’s now a reliable player in our dinner rotation—quick, loaded with flavor, and my picky eater actually asks for seconds (nothing short of miraculous). If you’re craving that takeout-style taste but want to put something cozy and fresh on the table fast, you’ll …

  There’s something so magical about the smell of freshly baked bread, isn’t there? I’ll never forget my first bite of Peshwari Naan: soft, pillowy, and hiding the sweetest, nuttiest filling inside. It was at a tiny, family-run Indian restaurant on a chilly Friday night. We were all piled into a too-small booth after soccer practice, and the kids couldn’t get enough. That sweet, coconutty naan disappeared faster than the tikka masala! Now, it’s a treat we love to make at home (and honestly, sometimes I crave it more than dessert…don’t judge!). Why You’ll Love This That irresistible combination of …

  If there ever was a pasta dish that made me want to light candles, put on some old jazz, and pretend I’m at a tiny Tuscan bistro (despite the stray Legos underfoot), it’s this 5 ingredient black truffle pasta. I know, black truffle sounds a little fancy and, honestly, maybe even a smidge intimidating — but this dish will have you feeling all sorts of cozy, decadent, and a little bit like a weeknight rockstar. For me, the first time I made this for my family, even my picky eater looked up and said, “Whoa… what IS that smell?” …

  Let’s just say I’ve never been a soak-my-beans-overnight kind of gal (raise your hand if you always forget!)—and now, thanks to the Instant Pot, I honestly don’t have to be. Forget the fuss: you can transform a humble bag of dried beans into a big, bubbling pot of healthy, hearty goodness with hardly any effort. Ever since I first tried it, I’ve been downright obsessed. There’s nothing quite like walking into the kitchen and catching a whiff of fiber-rich, garlicky beans simmering away, knowing dinner’s basically solving itself—especially on the nights when your family’s hungry and you need something …

  You know those “wow, I can’t believe that worked” recipes? This is one of them. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs have totally changed my breakfast routine (not to mention my snack game). I still remember the first time I tried making them—skeptical, with a kitchen timer in one hand and a feeling of hope in the other. I was sure there would be a stubborn shell or that one sad green-ringed yolk glaring up at me. But guess what? The eggs slipped right out of their shells. The yolks were sunshine-yellow and velvety. I literally cheered in my kitchen (my …

  Whenever January rolls around and the days start layering up with gray skies and chilly winds, I can practically smell my grandma’s pork and sauerkraut bubbling away before I even walk in the door. This isn’t just any midwinter meal—it’s a tradition, a little superstition, and easily one of my all-time comfort food loves. We made it every single New Year’s Day (and honestly, a handful of other blustery days when someone just needed a pick-me-up). Something about that tangy sauerkraut with tender pork, all slow-cooked together, just feels like a cozy hug you can eat. Plus, pop it …

  You know those nights when you just want something totally dependable and satisfying? The kind where everyone comes to the table with their “I’m-starving” face, and you just want to plop down something warm, fluffy, and familiar? That’s exactly how these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes landed in our rotation. I remember the very first time I tried making baked potatoes in a pressure cooker — I was SO nervous (what if they turned into mashed potato soup?!). But, oh my word. They were perfect. Fluffy on the inside, steamy and tender, and the skins have just the right kind …

  If you’ve ever tried wrangling hungry kids after soccer practice—or hey, just wanted a seriously craveable, golden batch of homemade chicken tenders for yourself—you’re in good company here. My family is absolutely hooked on these oven-baked delights. They’re warm, crispy, and way healthier than “drive-thru” chicken, but still check all the comfort food boxes. Plus, I swear they make the whole house smell like every good memory from my childhood (especially if someone sneaks a tenders straight off the pan—looking at you, Mark). Why You’ll Love This Family-friendly and super kid-approved (no mysterious nuggets in sight) Crispy coating, thanks …