Hey Reader, My Spatchcock Turkey roasts in less than 2 hours and comes out with juicy meat and browned, crispy skin on every inch. Spatchcocking means cutting out the backbone so the turkey lies flat, and your local butcher can do it for you if you ask. The secret is a simple dry brine that does its work overnight in the fridge, so plan to season your turkey the day before. Get the Turkey Recipe For the rest of the turkey plan Gravy From Drippings Poultry Seasoning Slow Cooker Turkey Breast...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Broccoli cheddar soup is something I always ordered at restaurants, and I was so glad when I finally started making it at home. My Broccoli Cheddar Soup is smooth, cheesy, and ready in less than an hour. It starts with a butter and flour roux, then I add a little thyme and a pinch of nutmeg. I grate the sharp cheddar from a block so it melts smooth. One tip: take the pot off the heat before you add the cheese, and stir it in a handful at a time so it doesn't turn grainy. Get the...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, We order Chipotle often in my house, so I worked on making it at home. It took some trial and error, but I think I nailed my Copycat Chipotle Chicken. It's chicken thighs in a smoky chipotle marinade, with a little lime added. I like to make a big batch and use it all week in tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads. Get the Chipotle Chicken Recipe More for taco night: Fajita Vegetables are the peppers and onions I pile on top of my chicken bowls. Fajita Marinade from my blogging friends...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm a huge barbecue fan, and pulled pork has always been my thing. My Slow Cooker Pulled Pork has been on repeat in our house, because big cuts of pork do so well low and slow in the slow cooker. I made it again just last week, and it was so good. I keep the rub simple on purpose, just five pantry spices with no sugar. That way you can finish it however you want: BBQ sauce for sandwiches, lime juice for tacos, or just the pan juices. Prep takes about 10 minutes. From a reader: "If...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, We eat a lot of jerk in my house, and I had a lot of it growing up, so it was only a matter of time before it ended up on my turkey. Here it is, my Jamaican Jerk Turkey Breast. Lately I've been buying turkey breast halves and cooking them for more than just holiday dinner. I roast one on the weekend, carve it, and use the meat in salads and sandwiches all week. I make it with Walkerswood jerk seasoning. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and most of the time is just the turkey sitting in...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Prime Day is today and tomorrow. Instead of sending you a list of a hundred random deals, I'm only sharing things I use in my own kitchen. Some of them are on sale right now, so if something's been on your wish list, today's a good day to check. KitchenAid 8 Cup Grain and Rice Cooker The rice cooker my husband can't stop using. My husband loves this one the most. It makes rice, beans, and other grains. It weighs the grains for you and automatically adds the right amount of water to...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Soup season is officially here, so this week's menu is all soups and stews. There's a little Southern, a little Jamaican, and most of them come together in one pot. This Week's Menu Five pots to get you through the week, from a smoky Southern stew to my mom's stew peas. Church Fundraiser Favorite: Easy Brunswick Stew A tomato-based Southern stew with smoked meat, lots of veggies, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Some of the best Brunswick stew I've had came from a church fundraiser here in...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This spinach artichoke dip is a family favorite in my house. The spinach, tender artichokes, and melted cheese are in perfect harmony. The key is the ratio: too much spinach and the dip can feel heavy, while too much cheese overpowers everything else. Getting that balance right gives you a rich, creamy dip with plenty of texture in every single bite. Get my Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe The rest of the snack table: 🍴 Homemade Bagel Chips from Aimee at Shugary Sweets. These are...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Slow-cooker whole chicken might just be the best dinner shortcut in my kitchen right now. I have been using my slow cooker a lot lately to see what actually turns out great and what really is not worth the hype, and this recipe easily made the cut. Whole chickens are such a staple because one bird stretches so far. You get tender, juicy meat with hardly any hands-on work, plus enough shredded chicken for tacos, quick salads, and easy dinners all week long. A simple spice rub and a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
