It's Not About Nutrition

  On chilly weekends, when the world outside just feels a bit too much, there’s one thing I crave instantly—a big ol’ dish of British Steak and Ale Pie. Forget dainty salads or anything that requires tweezers to assemble. I’m talking about robust, beefy, gravy-laden, golden-crusted goodness right out of the oven. This is the kind of dinner that makes you pull on your favorite fuzzy socks, cancel your errands, and settle in because you already know: tonight is about comfort and warmth. I first tucked into a real-deal steak and ale pie years ago while visiting a cozy British …

  Tell me I’m not the only American who grew up on baked beans from a can—sweet, sticky, plopped next to hot dogs or tucked into a paper plate at church picnics. But then I visited England and, oh, my world: British Baked Beans are a different breed. They’re cozier, milder, swimming in a luscious tomato sauce (not swimming in syrup, whew), and they’re practically a national breakfast treasure over there. Ever since, I’ve been hooked. Now it’s my little weekly project to whip up a batch of homemade British Baked Beans, just like the ones you’ll find on Culinary …

  When I think of cozy Friday nights in, binge-watching old sitcoms with my husband and the kids wandering in and out of the kitchen, there’s one thing I always crave: a big, warm bowl of melty, creamy queso blanco. Not just any cheese dip though—I’m talking about that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy magic you get with Chipotle’s queso blanco. And let me tell you, after way too many drive-thru stops (and a few spilled tubs of queso in the car), it was finally time to nail down an easy, homemade version. Spoiler: Now we barely even need an excuse …

  Whenever I simmer a big old pot of Traditional Bolognese Sauce on the stove, my kitchen transforms into that dream Italian Nonna’s house (you know—the one where she always wants to feed you, even when you’re already full). This isn’t just any pasta sauce. It’s the soul-soothing, nap-inducing, make-everyone-happy kind of comfort food that my family requests on chilly Sundays or whenever we need a little edible hug. I promise, if you’ve never tried making classic Bolognese from scratch—give it a whirl! It’s easier than you think, and your home will smell so amazing your neighbors might just “drop …

  Let me tell you something: split pea soup is my ultimate childhood comfort food. I remember coming home from cold, blustery Midwest evenings and walking through the door to that unmistakable, savory, smoky aroma of ham—a scent that sort of hugs your whole soul. My mom always kept a leftover ham bone in the freezer, ready for the next big batch. Now I find myself craving that same cozy feeling every winter (okay, sometimes in fall and spring, too). If you’re looking for a stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s equal parts nourishing and nostalgic, this is the one. Let’s make my …

  Okay, friends—let’s just put it out there: I’m truly obsessed with Florentine Cookies. The first time I tried them was at a little holiday party ages ago (the coffee was mediocre but the cookie platter was spectacular). Amid the thumbprints and fudge squares sat these golden, lacy gems—so pretty, so delicate, and so “maybe I’ll just have another.” Of course, one led to three, and I unapologetically stalked the dessert table for more. That crisp, caramelized crunch, wafer-thin almond goodness, and chocolate drizzle? Swoon. These Italian Nutty Cookies might look fancy, but you wouldn’t believe how simple they are …

  Cheese tortellini is one of those Italian pasta dishes that always takes me right back to my childhood kitchen table. I can almost hear my mom hollering for us to “wash up for dinner!” while a big pot of creamy-sauced tortellini bubbled away on the stove. And, let’s be honest, even as an adult there are days when all I want is a bowl of cheesy, pillowy pasta smothered in a luscious sauce. Who says comfort food has to be complicated? Why You’ll Love This Ridiculously easy—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or lazy weekend lunch Super creamy sauce …

  If you’ve ever traveled through the UK or watched too much British TV (guilty as charged), I bet you’ve at least heard of scotch eggs. There’s a good reason these golden, sausage-wrapped beauties have stood the test of time—they’re honestly the ultimate comfort food. I’ll always remember the first time I tried one at a little British pub. Crispy outside, perfectly tender egg inside, and that savory sausage layer… oh my stars, I was hooked. Nowadays, making a batch of these little gems is my go-to for potlucks, Sunday picnics, or anytime my family starts craving British cuisine. (And, …

  I’ll never forget the first time I made dal for my family. It was one of those chilly Sundays when everyone was craving something warm and comforting, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen (again!). As soon as the lentils started bubbling away with ginger, tomatoes, and that glorious swirl of fragrant Indian spices, the whole house smelled like a cozy hug. Even the picky eaters came wandering into the kitchen, noses twitching, wanting to know, “What’s for dinner?” Spoiler: not a single spoonful was left over. This Indian dal has become our go-to whenever we …

  I’ve got a confession: there have been more than a few “what’s for dinner?” days around here where I thank my lucky stars for a big batch of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. Honestly, it’s kind of my weeknight superhero. Whether the fridge is looking a little sad or I just plain forgot to plan, having this easy, juicy chicken in the fridge means I can pull together tacos, sandwiches, salads—heck, even a late-night snack wrap—in under ten minutes. And if you’re the type who likes to meal prep on the weekends (or, you know, has good intentions), this is …