The first time I made beef stroganoff with egg noodles it was a cold night after a long workday and I needed something hearty and fast so I pulled out some beef and mushrooms from the fridge and got to work with no real plan. And when I finally sat down with a bowl of … Read more
I made baked ziti with ricotta for the first time when I was hosting a casual dinner for friends because I wanted something hearty that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all night so I tossed together some pasta with sauce and cheese and slid it into the oven. And by the time the cheesy … Read more
I made chicken and dumplings for the first time on a snowy evening when I wanted something that felt like a hug in a bowl so I dug into my pantry and used what I had on hand—chicken broth, flour, and a few veggies. And when the dumplings puffed up in the steamy broth and … Read more
I made this classic baked mac and cheese for the first time during a college potluck when I wanted to bring something that everyone would love so I grabbed a box of pasta a couple blocks of cheese and hoped for the best. And when the bubbling dish came out of the oven with that … Read more
I made this pan-fried salmon with mushrooms and spinach in a creamy sauce one evening when I was craving something elegant but easy and I had just enough salmon and vegetables to pull it off. As soon as the salmon hit the skillet and the mushrooms started to caramelize I knew it was going to … Read more
I first made this garlic herb roasted potatoes carrots and zucchini dish as a quick side for a weeknight roast and what started as a clean-out-the-fridge idea turned into one of my most-requested recipes. The vegetables roasted up perfectly caramelized and the mix of garlic and fresh herbs made the kitchen smell so good my … Read more
I made this mango passionfruit birthday cake with tropical whipped cream for my mom’s summer birthday and it instantly became the star of the day with its vibrant layers and juicy filling. I remember how the mango slices glistened in the sunlight and the fresh whipped cream swirls gave the whole cake an island feel … Read more
The first time I made biscuits and sausage gravy was on a chilly Saturday morning when my cousins came over unexpectedly and I needed something warm hearty and fast so I reached for a roll of biscuits and a pound of breakfast sausage and hoped for the best. And when the gravy thickened just right … Read more
I remember the first time I made chicken fried steak with gravy it was during a weekend visit to my friend’s ranch and after a long day outdoors we all gathered in the kitchen with flour everywhere and the smell of sizzling oil filling the air. And when I poured that creamy gravy over the … Read more
It was a rainy Tuesday evening when I first made this creamy chicken and rice because I had leftover grilled chicken and a bit of rice from the night before so I figured I’d toss them together with a creamy sauce and see what happened. And let me tell you when I took that first … Read more