You visit here daily to read my little updates about life, family, and food. You’ve heard about my brothers, my mom, Weezer, and Andy plenty, but the man behind the blog—Mike—doesn’t always get the spotlight. Okay, that’s not entirely true. Mike does appear in stories from time to time, usually for his irrational dislike of … Read more

Summer salads for BBQ cookouts! These cold, make-ahead picnic salads are perfect for cookouts, summer parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Nothing beats a refreshing cold salad at a summer BBQ. The classic potato salads, crisp coleslaws, and vibrant pasta salads pair beautifully with grilled meats, balancing rich smoky flavors with bright, crunchy sides. These make-ahead … Read more

This easy Smoked Chive Butter is a simple compound butter made from store-bought (or homemade) butter, smoked paprika, and fresh chives. It takes just minutes to prepare and adds bright, smoky flavor to bagels, biscuits, corn, sandwiches, and more. Compound butters (also called mixed butters) are simply butter blended with other ingredients. They can be … Read more

Learn how to make simple, delicious Air Fryer Quesadillas. This family-friendly meal takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Air Fryer Quesadillas Our air fryer has become a kitchen staple. Besides crisping frozen snacks, it makes perfect quesadillas—crispy at the edges and melty inside—in only 10 minutes. If … Read more

Skip the takeout — Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles are a fast, satisfying dinner you can make at home. Some evenings I have the luxury of lingering in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing slowly with a glass of wine. Other nights, after a long day of chasing a curious toddler, calming tears, and keeping up with … Read more

Thanksgiving is next week, and I’ve reached the point where I’m done cooking for the holiday—so I decided to gather all my Thanksgiving-related recipes in one place. Below you’ll find the dishes I’d serve on my own table, organized by breakfast, side dishes, and desserts. I’ve also listed a few other blogs with great fall … Read more

This easy Chow Mein recipe recreates a classic takeout favorite at home—no delivery required. Tender noodles are tossed with crisp vegetables and a savory, slightly glossy sauce for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor. It’s fast to prepare, highly customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights. Chow Mein. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes Why … Read more

A few months ago, Matty and I bought a one-pound bag of dried fava beans. Like most legumes, favas are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, sugar, and sodium unless you add them. They also provide valuable vitamins and minerals, particularly folate, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. The package instructions claimed … Read more

Latik Eggnog blends Filipino coconut flavors with the classic American holiday cocktail. Rich and toasty, this lactose-free drink features eggs, coconut milk and cream, toasted coconut curds (latik), and dark rum—an inviting twist on seasonal eggnog. Serve it right away or let it age for 2–3 weeks to deepen the profile. The steps below are … Read more