It's Not About Nutrition

Let me tell you a little secret. One evening, I found myself staring at a sack of baby potatoes and wondering—What haven’t I done to you yet? I’d roasted them, boiled them, smashed them, even air-fried them. But I wanted something bold. Something different. And frankly, I wanted to use what I had on hand, because I wasn’t about to run to the store in slippers and wet hair. That’s when I spotted a jar of mayonnaise. Now, I know what you’re thinking—Mayo? In the oven? Won’t that be weird? But I’d heard whispers about mayonnaise-roasted vegetables and decided to …

Let me tell you something: this cake? This cake is happiness in a pan. I started making it years ago—honestly, more by accident than design. I had a box of yellow cake mix, some leftover pineapple from a Sunday ham glaze, and a bag of coconut that was supposed to go in cookies (never did). It was one of those “just throw it all in and pray” kind of days, and let me tell you—when that smell started floating through the house, I knew we were onto something. I call it my God Bless America Cake because it’s the kind …

If you really like lemon, this lemon cake is simply the cake to be an answer to your prayers. Moist, moist, and oozing with the fresh brightness of lemon, every bite smoothens on the palate. If you can’t tell, a thing or two can be good to start with it: everyone from family gatherings to special celebrations might enjoy a cake that was simple to put together and yet “impressive.” So dive into the recipe of this easy and yummy cake, sure to be everyone’s (including your) favorite. Ingredients For the Lemon Cake: For the Lemon Glaze: Instructions Step 1: …

You know those days when your house smells like something magical is happening in the oven? When my grown kids or my neighbors walk in and take one whiff, you just know good things are in store. That’s what you get when you make these Milk Brioche Rolls—a soft, golden bite of cozy, just sweet enough to make breakfast, brunch, or dinner feel a little special. Honestly, I’m a sucker for a warm roll straight from the oven (smothered with salted butter, if I’m being totally honest). These rolls have become my go-to for everything: I’ll split them and tuck …

Let me tell you, this is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a hectic day. You know the kind — laundry piling up, a dozen things on the to-do list, and you’re wondering what on earth to make for dinner that won’t require three pots and a prayer. That’s where this Slow Cooker Amish BBQ Chicken comes in. It hails from the heart of Amish country — where folks value simplicity, comfort, and good food made with love. And while I’m not Amish myself, I sure do admire the way their meals bring people together …

Okay—let me just start by saying: I know the name “garbage bread” doesn’t sound like something you’d serve with pride. But hear me out. It’s one of those recipes that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re tossing leftovers into pizza dough because, well, the fridge is giving you attitude. Next thing you know, your whole family is hovering by the oven asking, “Is it ready yet?” This version is my go-to when I want comfort food that still feels a little special. We’re talking warm dough, melted cheese, a hearty filling of beef, herbs, and sweet pops of sun-dried …

A cozy, cheesy shortcut to something that feels homemade Alright, let’s be real for a minute. There are days when I love spending hours in the kitchen, stirring sauces, rolling dough, pretending I’m on one of those cooking shows from the ‘90s. And then… there are nights when I just want to throw something together that tastes like I tried way harder than I actually did. This Chicken Tamale Pie? That’s one of those recipes. You mix, you bake, you top it with some sour cream if you’re feeling fancy—and somehow it still feels like comfort food that came from …

You know, some recipes just feel like a gathering. This one? It’s a hug in a pot. Back when my kids were little — sticky fingers, Sunday shoes kicked off by the door — there was hardly a Wednesday night we didn’t end up at the church basement, folding chairs squeaking on linoleum floors, tables sagging under every casserole you could think of. And someone — usually Miss Clara, bless her heart — always brought spaghetti. Not fancy, just good. Simmered all day, ladled out with a wink and a “Go on, get seconds.” Folks would come for the sermon, …

You know, sometimes when that Midwest wind starts howlin’ through the cracks in the windows, all I can think about is something warm simmering away — filling the whole house with that smell that makes you sigh and say, “Well, that’s better.” This Poor Man’s Stew isn’t fancy — and honestly, that’s the whole point. I’ve been making this version for years, and my mother did before me, and probably hers before that. It’s the kind of meal that shows up when money’s tight but you still want to gather your people ‘round the table for something that sticks to …