Flavorful Adventures Await

Now that we’ve wrapped up our appetizers, we’re moving into the heartier side of our 12 Recipes of Christmas —the main dishes. While turkey and ham are classic holiday staples, I wanted to step outside the box this year and explore options for anyone craving something a little different for their Christmas table. Whether you’re looking to switch things up, simplify your menu, or surprise your guests with a cozy, unexpected favorite, this next category is all about fresh inspi

Our dear friend Lane , originally from the heart of Louisiana and now making his home in Minnesota, shared today’s recipe and the sweet memory behind it—in the most charming way: through a poem. This family favorite, known as Polish Mistakes  or Party Pizzas , has traveled with him from his grandma’s kitchen all the way to the gatherings he hosts today. Passed down with love and seasoned with nostalgia, this recipe is a true heirloom that brings a little piece of home to ever

This cherished deviled egg recipe was submitted by my cousin, Brittany , who grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Massachusetts with her family. These deviled eggs are a longtime holiday staple in our family, lovingly made by her mom—my Aunt Betty. Brittany will be sharing the sweet memories tied to this dish, along with the recipe that has traveled with her from childhood to her own family’s table. Making deviled eggs with my mom is one of my earliest cooking memories. It w

Appetizers are more than just the opening act of a meal—they set the tone, spark conversation, and instantly make any gathering feel special. During the holidays, especially, these small bites carry big meaning. They invite guests to nibble, mingle, and settle into the warmth of the occasion. Whether elegant or rustic, simple or indulgent, appetizers create a sense of welcome that defines the spirit of seasonal entertaining. Some of my fondest food memories come from watching

The holiday season is all about gathering, sharing, and celebrating the traditions that bring us joy. This year, I'm excited to bring something extra special to the blog! From December 12 through December 24, I'll be sharing one recipe a day as part of my 12 Recipes of Christmas series. These dishes come straight from the heart (and kitchens!) of family and friends who kindly shared not only their recipes, but also the memories and stories behind them. I hope this series brin

This year marks my first holiday season abroad, and being in the Netherlands has given me a whole new appreciation for how other cultures celebrate this magical time of year. Back home, I grew up with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and the smell of gingerbread cookies. As the chill of December settles over the Netherlands, an excitement begins to buzz through the streets, homes, and bakeries. Sinterklaas, the country's most beloved tradition, arrives on his white horse, w

Tired of all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Same here. Don’t get me wrong — turkey and dressing are great, but by the time the week after rolls around, I’m craving something different. My trick? Freeze any leftover turkey for a jambalaya or gumbo later (trust me, your future self will thank you), and treat yourself to something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor. That’s where this Seafood Bisque comes in. A Louisiana favorite, this dish is simple, one-pot, and absolutely delicio

Thanksgiving always seems to carry a certain kind of magic--part nostalgia, part food coma, part family. Growing up in the US, the holiday was anchored by the familiar rhythm of the season: the smell of pies baking, relatives coming through the door with casserole dishes in hand, and the house buzzing with way too many people asking, "Is it ready yet?" When I think back to our family Thanksgivings, they were always small, cozy gatherings with the family who happened to be in

When perusing the grocery store aisles, I tend to look firstly for a good deal and secondly to try something new and different. Recently, I've ventured beyond the usual cuts and picked up a few things I hadn't cooked before, such as deer steak, pheasant, and now, Irish Beef Steak. I wanted to make something simple, yet flavorful, and while a good steak hardly needs much dressing up, I decided to pair it with a rich Guinness cream based sauce. The malty depth of the stout blen

The first time I had Seafood Mushroom Risotto was at the beautiful Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis — one of those cozy, elegant places where every bite feels like a little luxury. The risotto was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with tender seafood and earthy mushrooms. I remember thinking, I have to figure out how to make this at home. After a few tries (and a few too many taste tests!), I finally landed on a version that brings that same fine-dining feel right into m

There’s something so satisfying about having breakfast for supper. After a long day of work, school, or running errands, I love knowing I can just pop something warm and hearty in the oven — no stress, no mess. This Breakfast Casserole is one of my go-tos because it’s e asy to make ahead, uses simple ingredients, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for a busy week, or just craving that cozy breakfast flavor after dark, this cas

As the leaves start to turn and the air grows cooler, there's one recipe I always find myself coming back to--Apple Crisp. There's something about fall and apples that just belong together, and this dessert captures that cozy feeling perfectly. It's simple, not too sweet, and packed with the kind of warmth that makes a house feel like a home. This recipe isn't just about flavor for me--it's about memory. When I was a kid, my mom would make apple crisp as a special treat. She'

Some recipes are more than food--they're memories, family history, and love passed from one generation to the next. For me, shrimp stew will always belong to my Maw Maw. She was a Cajun lady from Thibodaux, Louisiana and she poured her heart into every dish that came out of her kitchen. Maw Maw was always busy-- cooking, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and doing everything she could for her family. And yet, she never seemed too busy to make a meal that brought

There's something about fall that always makes me crave a big pot of Jambalaya. Maybe it's the cooler weather, college football season,...

There's something about the shift into Fall that makes me crave comfort food. The days get shorter, temperatures start to drop, and...

I had actually planned to share this recipe back in August, but at the time was back in the States. Fast forward almost two months, and...

Summer is getting hotter, and I don't know about you--but I try not to be in the kitchen any longer than I have to. When it's too warm to...

Inside Ristorante Napoli- Haarlem If there's one restaurant we keep coming back to, it Ristorante Napoli. We've dined here four times...

Louisiana Seafood Boil There's something special about a seafood boil--the kind that bubbles up in a big pot on a Louisiana porch or back...

Grocery shopping used to be a once-a-week marathon for me back in the States. One big cart, overflowing with family-sized everything—bulk...