It's Not About Nutrition

  Let’s talk about my current sauce obsession. I’m not even kidding—this creamy, dreamy poblano sauce is pure magic on just about everything. Last weekend, I roasted a batch of poblano peppers on a whim (let’s blame the two-for-one sale at the grocery store), and by Sunday afternoon, I’d tasted this sauce on quesadillas, veggie bowls, roasted potatoes, and…well, a spoon. It’s that good. It’s a little bit smoky from the roasted peppers, with just enough spicy kick to make it interesting, and there’s this luscious, rich texture that somehow feels decadent and fresh at the same time. I just …

  I have to tell you, nothing—absolutely nothing—takes me back to those bustling New York City delis quite like biting into a hot pastrami sandwich. I’m talking about that magical combo of juicy, peppery pastrami piled high on warm rye bread, a good smear of spicy mustard, and maybe a few tangy pickles or melty Swiss cheese just to send it over the top. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s gotten me through cold afternoons, busy lunch breaks, and even a few late-night cravings. Honestly, it’s one of those sandwiches that just hugs you from the inside out. Why …

  I’ll be honest, ever since my Irish-American grandma taught me how to make corned beef during a blustery March years ago, I’ve been completely obsessed with making my own seasoning. There’s just something about the magic of turning a plain ol’ brisket into tender, rosy slabs of corned beef, all juicy and spiced-up from an overnight brine. The first time I mixed up my own corned beef seasoning, my husband actually said he didn’t want store-bought again. (High praise from him—he’s usually a “let’s just buy it” guy!) Whether I’m brining, smoking, or even just dreaming up ways to …

  If there’s one thing my crew never, ever gets tired of, it’s a backyard cookout with sizzling Carne Asada tacos. Like clockwork, the minute the sun peeks out and the neighbor’s lawnmower rattles to life, someone yells, “Mom! Are you making your famous Carne Asada Seasoning?” (Just picture me, waving a spice jar over my head like a wand.) It’s got to be the secret behind all those dinner table high-fives. Why You’ll Love This Lively, zesty flavor—think smoky, citrusy, a tiny kick of heat No weird ingredients—just pantry staples (promise!) Ready in five minutes—no need to buy fancy …

  Is it just me, or do you ever get those cravings where only a big, golden, perfectly-seasoned batch of fries will do? I’m talking that magic combo of salty, a little tangy, maybe a tiny hit of spice… the kind of fry flavor that makes you sneak a few straight off the baking tray—before they even hit the plate. If you know what I’m saying, you’re in the right spot. Because friend, we’re about to shake up your world with homemade Fry Seasoning. This isn’t just a sprinkle of salt. It’s an easy, craveable, “oh wow, what IS that?!” …

  You know those times when you’re craving something super satisfying, but you don’t want to order out (again)? That’s exactly how my Chili Burger obsession started! One night, after a particularly long workday, my family and I found ourselves standing around the kitchen, dreaming up the perfect comfort food dinner. That’s when the idea for these spicy, gooey, chili-topped burgers hit me. Think savory ground beef, melty American cheese, sizzling grilled onions, and just the right amount of heat—honestly, this burger is messy, indulgent, and completely irresistible. Why You’ll Love This Bursting with bold chili flavor (no bland burgers …

  I’m gonna be honest—when someone says “Italian appetizer,” my brain skips right past the charcuterie and lands squarely on arancini. You know, those magical deep-fried rice balls with the crispy crust and cheesy, gooey, can’t-stop-eating-it center? They’re the whole reason I look forward to Friday night Italian feasts (or, let’s be real, Thursday night “grown adults still deserve snacks” parties for one). My husband’s Sicilian grandma insisted these fluffy rice bombs were perfect for leftovers, but let me tell you—I rarely have any left when I make them. Especially not these ricotta-filled arancini. They’re a total game-changer for cheese …

  Maybe it’s just me, but the minute someone mentions taquitos, my stomach does a little happy dance. And when you swap out all that deep-frying for an air fryer? Oh, we’re officially in dream snack territory. My family has a long-standing love affair with Mexican food (Tex-Mex Tuesday is a real thing in our house), and crispy taquitos straight from the air fryer are always a runaway favorite—warm, crunchy, cheesy, and full of that signature craveable goodness. They’re basically happiness wrapped up in a tortilla. These easy Air Fryer Taquitos have become my go-to for game night appetizers, quick …

  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 …