It's Not About Nutrition

  If you ask my family to name our most-requested comfort food, BBQ pulled pork sliders win every time. There’s just something about a tray of saucy sliders coming hot from the oven that gets everyone in the house hovering around the kitchen—even the teenagers, who claim they’re “not hungry” (until they smell dinner, go figure). I actually started making these way back when my kids were little, using my trusty slow cooker and whatever buns we had on hand. These easy BBQ pulled pork sliders have become our go-to for Sunday game days, birthday potlucks, and just about any …

  If you’ve never had Jiffy Broccoli Cornbread before, let me tell you—you are in for some Southern-style comfort at its coziest! I still remember the first time my neighbor dropped off a dish of this Broccoli Cornbread when my youngest was home sick (bless her heart). The smell alone pretty much convinced me that broccoli is right at home in a pan of golden, crumbly cornbread. Who knew? Now it’s a staple on my dinner table whenever I need something easy, craveable, and just a little bit wholesome. Why You’ll Love This Ridiculously easy—Jiffy mix does the heavy lifting, …

  There’s something laugh-out-loud comforting about Mac & Cheese in our house, especially when it’s made in the Crock Pot. I’ll tell ya—back when my kids were little, this creamy, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs goodness would lure them to the table faster than anything else. It’s that kind of meal. You know, the kind that brings everyone running, whether they’re doing homework or just sipping sweet tea out on the porch. Now, if I’m feeling extra country (which is often), I make this farmhouse style—simple, hearty, and basically guaranteed to make everybody happy. Toss it in the slow cooker, go about your …

  When I was a kid, the best nights were the ones when Mom would toss a package of hot dogs into a pan, warm up a can of sauerkraut, and make it all feel like a mini celebration. There’d be a mountain of condiments on the kitchen table—mustard, ketchup, the “fancy” relish (which mysteriously never appeared any other night), and that unmistakable tang of sauerkraut wafting through the house. Even now, just the smell of grilled hot dogs and that briny kraut can take me right back to those evenings—bare feet on cool linoleum, laughter, and, yes, probably a …

  This Kielbasa and Rice skillet has me feeling all sorts of nostalgic. Growing up, weeknights meant busy kitchens, clattering pans, and the hypnotic sizzle of sausage frying up with rice and veggies. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty dinner every mom (including yours truly) pulls out when life’s feeling a bit too fast, and everyone’s gathered around the table… wild hair, hungry bellies, and all. There’s just something magical about smoky kielbasa tossed with fluffy rice—one-pot miracle, right? Bonus: cleanup is a breeze, which means more time to lounge on the porch with a cup of tea (or let’s …

  If there’s one rice dish that whisks me straight back to my childhood (with all the cozy, “everything’s right with the world” vibes), it’s beef consommé rice. Oh goodness, I can still remember the excitement when Mom would announce we were having it—slow-cooked, aromatic, and just a little bit fancy for our small-town table. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes an ordinary Tuesday feel like you’re at a hidden little bistro in France…while wearing your comfiest slippers, naturally. Why You’ll Love This Deep, rich flavor—the beef consommé gives the rice a luxurious, almost gourmet meal vibe! Stupidly …

  If you grew up on classic Sloppy Joes but always thought they could use a little “glow-up,” you’re in the right spot. I remember the first time I stumbled upon Sloppy Jane Sandwiches—honestly, I giggled at the name. But the taste? Pure magic! It’s like your favorite ground beef comfort food, all cozied up with a bunch of extra veggies and some tidy little flavor tricks. My kids didn’t even blink at the greens (small miracles, right?). This recipe has become our go-to for weeknights, game days, or anytime I crave that sweet, savory messiness without quite as much …

  Let’s just get something right out in the open: I am absolutely bananas for bold spices, and there’s a certain little homemade blend in my cupboard that gets more play than anything else. Yep, you guessed it—Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning. (If you’d told me years ago I’d be obsessed with something that sounds this fancy? I’d have laughed. Now I basically put it on toast.) If you love that fiery, smoky, tangy magic that makes chicken downright craveable at certain Portuguese restaurants, this is your ticket to bringing that same flavor home, no passport required. It’s also way easier …

  Picture this: it’s a Tuesday evening, the kids are hovering at the kitchen door (hungry, of course), you’re tired, and all you want is something a little bit special—but still easy enough for a busy weeknight. That’s exactly where this cozy Garlic Bacon Pasta swoops in and saves the day. Pasta’s one of those things that instantly makes a meal feel a little more indulgent, and when you toss in crispy bacon and all that fragrant garlic? Well, it’s just downright craveable. My family’s been obsessed with this easy recipe for years—mainly because it’s super speedy and endlessly satisfying. …

  I still remember the very first time I tried a beef garlic sauce stir fry at one of those bustling little Chinese takeout spots. It was one of those chilly, tired Tuesdays when everyone is barely hanging on until the weekend—you know the feeling, right? It hit the table still steaming, garlicky aroma swirling up, and I was instantly obsessed. Just the thought of that sizzling wok action, tender beef soaked in savory sauce, and all those sweet-salty, almost-spicy notes clinging to every bite—it’s pretty much irresistible. These days, I make my own version at home (less greasy, more …