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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.

bbq chicken thigh on rack
Featured Post

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Hi Reader, We make BBQ year-round over here. Doesn’t matter if it's summer sun or a rainy Tuesday—BBQ is always in rotation. These BBQ Oven Baked Chicken Thighs come through every single time. They are juicy, flavorful, and finished with that perfect caramelized BBQ crust—this recipe gives big cookout energy straight from the oven. For this recipe, I start with a dry rub to add extra flavor to the chicken, then layer it with my favorite BBQ sauce. In my opinion, using both a dry seasoning and...

yellow squash soup in bowl

Hi Reader, Every summer, when yellow squash starts piling up, I come back to this yellow squash recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to use it—and one I’ve made more times than I can count. This soup is silky, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Just a handful of ingredients, blended to perfection, and finished with a touch of cream. If you’ve got yellow squash on your hands—or even if you’re just in the mood for something light but cozy—this is the one. Get this Recipe If you'd like...

watergate salad in white bowl

Hi Reader, I didn’t grow up eating Watergate Salad — but once I married into it, there was no going back. The first time I had it was at one of my husband’s family reunions years ago. Big potluck tables under the shade, paper plates stacked high, and someone always brought this sweet, creamy green fluff. Pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows… it was weird, wonderful, and unforgettable. We just had another family reunion this past weekend, and it brought back these memories. I add a...

watermelon salsa in blue bowl

Hi Reader, Today is Juneteenth—a time to reflect, celebrate freedom, and honor a powerful part of American history. Food has always been part of that celebration, and today I’m sharing something light, bright, and bold: This Watermelon Salsa is cool, juicy, a little spicy, and just right for warm-weather gatherings. Grab the recipe → Watermelon Salsa Recipe Or if you want to revisit this later, Pin it on Pinterest. Pin it for later → Pin me on Pinterest to Save for Later Whether you’re with...

cooked steak in air fryer basket

Hi Reader, I recently gave my Air Fryer Steak a glow-up—new photos, same bold flavor. It's juicy, well-seasoned, and comes together fast, making it perfect for busy nights or when you don't want to mess with the grill. This recipe has been a hit on the blog, and with the fresh photos, I had to bring it back into the spotlight. I top my steaks with a homemade garlic butter made with fresh garlic and parsley that tastes amazing. I use it on steaks, but it’s also fantastic on toast, in sautéed...

sliced chimichurri chicken on plate

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...