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My Forking Life | Easy and Delicious Recipes

Hi, I'm Tanya, creator and owner of My Forking Life LLC. I provide all kinds of delicious recipes that focus on Southern and Caribbean cuisines. I also love kitchen gadgets and have many popular recipes made in air fryers, slow cookers, and pressure cookers.

sliced chimichurri chicken on plate
Featured Post

This Chimichurri Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner!

Hey Reader, I love a green sauce, and this chimichurri chicken—marinated and finished with chimichurri—is absolutely packed with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without needing a ton of effort. This recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a vibrant, herb-packed chimichurri sauce that’s: 🌿 Made with fresh herbs and simple ingredients 🍗 Perfect for both chicken breasts or thighs 🥗 Great for meal prep The secret to making this dish amazing is the fresh...

Caribbean dirty rice with spoon picking some up

Hi Reader, Let’s talk about Dirty Rice—a Southern staple I’ve had more times than I can count, especially during my time living in the South. It’s hearty, comforting, and always hits the spot. But you know me…I love getting creative in the kitchen and putting my own twist on the classics. That’s how this Caribbean Dirty Rice came to be. I started with the bones of traditional dirty rice—ground meat (I use chicken), aromatic veggies, and perfectly cooked rice—and layered it with flavors that...

tuna pasta salad

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but when a long weekend rolls around, I'm all about keeping things easy, cool, and full of flavor—especially if there's a cookout or backyard hang planned. And nothing says laid-back and delicious like a good cold pasta salad. These are my go-tos when I want something I can make ahead, stash in the fridge, and pull out when it's time to eat. 🥒 Tuna Pasta Salad Get the recipe → Light, creamy, and so satisfying. It's got that nostalgic, comforting feel with...

blueberry compote on waffles

Hi Reader, This Easy Blueberry Compote is one of my summer staples. It takes just 15 minutes, uses ingredients you probably already have, and adds a bright burst of berry goodness to pancakes, yogurt bowls, cheesecake, or even a spoon right out of the jar (I won’t judge!). Get the Easy Blueberry Compote recipe here. 🫐 Bonus Idea: If you're hosting brunch or a backyard cookout, serve the compote with a cheese board. It’s amazing with brie or goat cheese and adds a sweet, seasonal touch that...

smothered potatoes in skillet

Hi Reader, In my family, we love a good potato dish — and Smothered Potatoes have been a breakfast go-to for as long as I can remember. They’re simple but packed with flavor: tender potatoes, cooked down with onions and peppers until everything’s golden and soft. We serve them up with eggs, grits, toast — or just grab a fork and dig in. If you’ve never had smothered potatoes for breakfast, this is your sign to start. 🍳 Grab the recipe here and treat yourself to a Southern classic. Happy...

my forking life with Tanya Harris logo

Hi Reader, Funny how a small kitchen curveball can lead to a delicious discovery. I had my heart set on making pan-seared crab cakes the other day—one of my go-to seafood treats. I asked my husband to pick up lump crab meat, but instead, he came home with canned claw meat. 😱 Not exactly what I had in mind... So I pivoted. I made up a batch of crab fried rice using the canned claw meat, and let me tell you—it was so good. The claw meat worked perfectly in the rice, and at significantly less...

jamaican coleslaw in a blue bowl

Hi Reader, I've been having a lot of fun sharing new takes on my favorite recipes. I want to share one that I love — Jamaican Coleslaw. 🥰 Coleslaw has always been one of those dishes I have to have at gatherings or cookouts, but this version right here? It’s on another level. It’s fresh, tangy, and sweet, and it goes with just about anything. This Coleslaw works for jerk chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple sandwich. I shared the full recipe (with all my little tips) over on the blog:...

brown stew chicken wings and rice on plate

Hi Reader, You already know how much I love a good comfort meal, and Brown Stew Chicken has long held a special place on the website—and in my heart. This dish reminds me of home, with its deep, savory flavor and warm, rich gravy that hugs every bite. But let me tell you what happened this week… I was strolling through the store (you know, doing that quick "just a few things" grocery run) when I saw chicken wings on sale. And just like that, inspiration struck. I thought, why not take this...

jerk chicken and rice in pan

Hi Reader, If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know I love bold chicken flavors—and jerk is one of my all-time favorites. But I also know that sometimes we need quick, easy meals and don’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. That’s where this One-Pot Jerk Chicken and Rice recipe comes in. This recipe brings all that irresistible jerk flavor but keeps it simple and toned down just enough to make it perfect for the whole family. The chicken is juicy, the rice is flavorful, and the best...

shrimp salad in a bowl

Hi Reader, If you’re looking for a quick, tasty way to enjoy shrimp, this Easy Shrimp Salad is a solid option. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to throw together but still feels a little special—creamy, seasoned just right, and super versatile. I was inspired to make this after trying something similar from Costco. Of course, I had to put my own spin on it. Poached shrimp, a creamy mayo-based dressing with a bit of Dijon, Old Bay, and a touch of smoked paprika—that’s all it takes. It’s...