Hi Reader, The unofficial end to summer is here. In my book there are two REALLY good things about that--cooler temps and college football!!! Other than that, I mourn the end of summer. The produce, the slower pace, family time, and beach days. With that said, let's go over OUR favorites from this summer. PS....you still have time to enjoy! Your Favorite Summer Recipes #1 Recipe this Summer: This has been a fan-favorite for years for good reason. Sweet, savory, and oh-so perfect! Everyone's...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Sometimes the thought of making dinner makes me want to cry. In fact, I was there last night. It had been a long day, I just wanted to forgo dinner. But my stomach and my family were certainly NOT going to let me do that. So what do I do when I am simply too tired to cook? Yes, sometimes I turn to take-out. But more than often, I turn to my EASIEST of easy recipes. We are talking MINIMAL prep, simple ingredients, and NO thought required kinda meals. Because dinner does NOT and...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Back-to-school season is here! Which means schedules just got a whole lot busier. Between homework, activities, and the general chaos of weeknights, getting a healthy meal on the table can feel impossible. But here’s the good news--you don’t need hours (or fancy ingredients) to feed your family well. In fact, you can make affordable, nutrient-dense dinners in under 30 minutes. I pulled together over 50 quick and easy family dinner recipes that are perfect for those nights when time...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If your kids are like mine, they're always hungry. Between after-school hangry meltdowns, bedtime snack requests, and filling lunch boxes, coming up with snack ideas can feel like a full-time job. But snack time doesn't have to be stressful. I've put together a huge list of easy, healthy snack ideas, And no, we aren't talking Pinterest-perfect creations, just realistic options your kids will actually eat (and you'll actually feel good about serving). Today I am sharing: Grab-and-go...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This all started with my son moving into his college apartment last year--on a limited budget, busy, and suddenly responsible for feeding himself (no more dining plan!) As a mom with a passion for teaching people to cook, I couldn’t send him off with nothing but good wishes and instant noodles. So, I put together a little “care package” for his kitchen: A meat thermometer (because food safety matters) A smaller air fryer (the college kid’s magic wand) A good sauté pan (ceramic,...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I hope you are all having a wonderful week. It is the last weekend with Tate home and to be honest, I am struggling. I am so excited for the upcoming year for him, but man are we going to miss him. Now onto the meal plan...This plan includes a family-favorite Tex Mex Casserole and delicious BBQ chicken served 3 ways! Get the Meal Plan Here Happy Cooking! Kristen Browse My Recipe Index for More Great Recipes Kristen's Favorite Products Explore the Amazon Storefront Thanks for...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Back-to-school season is here--and with it comes the daily question: What on earth do I pack for lunch? If you're tired of: Lunchboxes coming home barely touched Spending way too much time (and money) trying to keep things "fun" Running out of ideas by week two… I've got you covered. I pulled together 100+ easy, kid-friendly lunch ideas along with: Stress-saving tips (like when to pack lunches to skip the morning scramble) Mix-and-match combos that keep kids full and happy Creative...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Back-to-school season is almost here (not me crying over here), and if your house is anything like mine, evenings are chaotic. Between homework, practices, and just trying to keep everyone fed, dinner can feel like one more thing on the to-do list. But here's what I've learned, a little prep here and there makes a huge difference. And no, I'm not talking about spending your whole Sunday cooking. I mean super simple strategies that actually work. So let's breakdown my tips! Make one...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, When it comes to recipes, my motto is to keep it simple, yet flavorful. And there is NO better ingredient to turn to to impart huge flavor to your meals than Basil Pesto! Whether starting with store-bought or homemade pesto(seriously so easy to make!), this simple condiment elevates recipes with it's bold, vibrant, fresh flavor. I have been using it on repeat and can't get enough! My Favorite Ways to Use Basil Pesto Add to Pasta: Use my recipe for pesto pasta for a pesto-forward...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read