Recent Posts

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie

This pie is pure sunshine in a slice. Toasted coconut gives it that golden crunch, while the filling is all about silky pastry cream kissed with vanilla bean paste. Everything comes together in a flaky homemade crust that feels just the right amount of special. Read More

Sunday Pot Roast

Sunday Pot Roast

There’s something about a Sunday pot roast that just feels right. This version is simple, hearty, and wholesome, with all the flavor you want and none of the fuss. The magic starts with caramelized onions and a splash of red wine, then fresh herbs, potatoes, Read More

September Meal Plan

September Meal Plan

Week of Sep 28 – Oct 4 Fall is almost here in the Southern California desert, and I’m getting ready for soup season by simmering a batch of chicken stock this weekend with leftover veggies and last week’s chicken thighs. With another busy week of Read More

Caramel Sauce

Caramel Sauce

Homemade caramel sauce is the perfect topping for ice cream, cookies or a fun birthday cake. Easy to bring together in a few minutes and stores in the refrigerator nicely. We love having this on hand to elevate any simple dessert.

Pancake Mix

Pancake Mix

There’s nothing better than waking up on a weekend to warm pancakes, but measuring out flour, sugar, and baking powder before coffee? No thanks. That’s where this homemade pancake mix comes in handy. Mix up a big batch once, stash it in the pantry, and Read More

Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

I never let a good roasted chicken carcass go to waste. Instead, I toss it into the slow cooker with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and seasoning, then cover it all with water. From there, it’s just a matter of letting it simmer away all Read More

August Meal Plan

August Meal Plan

Aug 24 – Aug 30 Pantry restock: Pancake Mix Sunday Supper: Simple Beef Enchiladas, Street Corn Salad, Beans & a Toasted Coconut Cream Pie Lunch Meal Prep: Beefy Protein Pasta, Tuna salad with protein chips. Weeknight Dinners: Curry Chicken Meatballs with roasted veggies, Shrimp Tacos Read More

Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad

This grilled chicken salad is fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It’s got juicy grilled chicken thighs for protein, kidney beans for a little extra fiber, and crisp bell peppers for that pop of color and crunch. Tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and topped Read More

S’Mores Cookies

S’Mores Cookies

These S’mores Cookies bring all the best parts of a campfire treat into one gooey, golden cookie. With chunks of graham cracker, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows baked right in, they’re sweet, nostalgic, and seriously hard to resist. No campfire needed, just your oven and Read More

Chicken Baja Bowls

Chicken Baja Bowls

This Chicken Baja Bowl is a fresh, flavor-packed copycat of the kind you’d find at your favorite quick service Mexican restaurant. It starts with a base of rice and beans, then gets topped with juicy grilled chicken, sweet corn, and a scoop of fresh pico Read More

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic Vinaigrette

This easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is one of those back-pocket recipes every home cook needs. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 5 minutes, it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. I love using it on simple green salads or grilled veggies chicken. Skip Read More

Beefy Protein Pasta

Beefy Protein Pasta

If you’re looking for an easy, protein-packed meal that satisfies even the hungriest family members, this Beefy Protein Pasta is the way to go. Made with Banza chickpea pasta for extra plant-based protein and fiber, lean ground beef for hearty flavor, and a simple tomato Read More

Breakfast Go-To Meals

Breakfast Go-To Meals

Planning my breakfasts and lunches ahead of time is the best way I’ve found to stay on track with my health goals, and it helps keep the week running smoothly. For my weekly meal prep, I keep things simple: I rotate between two breakfast options Read More

Street Corn Salad

Street Corn Salad

If you love Mexican street corn (elote) but want an easier, scoopable side dish, this Street Corn Salad is for you! Inspired by esquites, it has all the bold, creamy, tangy flavors in a fuss-free bowl. We use a shortcut of fire roasted canned corn, Read More

Poolside Cookies

Poolside Cookies

There’s something about summer that calls for a cookie that’s a little bit extra. That’s why I created Poolside Cookies—my signature mix of sweet cherries, gooey mini chocolate chips, buttery toffee bits, and those deliciously toasted oats that make them smell amazing in the oven. Read More

BBQ Beef

BBQ Beef

Slow cooker BBQ beef is one of my favorite easy dinners. You just throw it all in and let it cook until the meat is nice and tender with that sweet, smoky BBQ taste. It’s great on buns, in tacos, or over baked potatoes. I Read More

Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies

These lemon white chocolate cookies are so fun and bright. They’ve got a nice lemon flavor with sweet white chocolate chips, and they’re crisp on the edges but soft and chewy in the middle. They’re a great choice for summer or anytime you want something Read More

Honey Curry Chicken

Honey Curry Chicken

This recipe has been a staple in our home for over 15 years, and it’s now lovingly called “Momma’s Favorite Chicken.” It’s simple and easy, and whenever we have an hour on a weeknight to bake, this is what we make. The combination of butter, Read More

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberry crisp is a classic, easy-to-make dessert that combines sweet, juicy blueberries with a golden, buttery oat crumble topping. Baked until bubbly and crisp, this comforting treat is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s Read More

Greek Grilled Chicken Bowls

Greek Grilled Chicken Bowls

These Greek Grilled Chicken Bowls are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for lunch meal prep! Juicy grilled chicken is paired with fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and red onion, then finished with a dollop of creamy tzatziki. A light and satisfying meal you’ll look forward Read More

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Chocolate Chip Muffins

These Chocolate Chip Muffins are tall, fluffy, and packed with mini chocolate chips in every bite — just like the ones from a bakery! They’re easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime you need a sweet treat.

Mexican Turkey Sweet Potato Bowls

Mexican Turkey Sweet Potato Bowls

This Mexican Turkey Sweet Potato Bowl is a monthly meal prep staple in our home. When I have an hour to prep over the weekend, I make a batch to have warm, nourishing lunches ready for the week. I use my own taco seasoning and Read More

Spiced Roasted Carrots

Spiced Roasted Carrots

On a work trip to San Diego, I had these incredible spiced roasted carrots which were sweet, caramelized, and full of warm flavor and topped with a garlic spread. I knew I had to recreate them at home for the family. It’s funny how a Read More

Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas

Pork carnitas made in the slow cooker with orange juice and onion are an easy, flavorful dish where the meat becomes tender and juicy before being shredded and crisped up under the broiler.

Homemade Black Beans

Homemade Black Beans

Homemade black beans are a staple in our home. They’re simple, healthy, and way better than canned. You can let them simmer low and slow on the stove, or take the shortcut and use a slow cooker. With garlic, onion, and spices, the beans become Read More

Taco Seasoning

Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning is one of those simple staples I always like to have on hand. It comes together quickly with basic spices and tastes so much better than anything from a packet. I love knowing exactly what goes into it, and it is easy Read More

Zesty Ranch Dip

Zesty Ranch Dip

Looking for a dip that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor? This zesty ranch dip is just what you need! It takes the classic ranch flavor you love and kicks it up a notch with a perfect balance of herbs, spices, and citrusy freshness. Made Read More

Pretzel Bites

Pretzel Bites

If you love soft pretzels, these homemade pretzel bites will be your new favorite snack! Soft, chewy, and golden brown, they’re boiled for that classic pretzel texture and then baked to perfection. The secret to their irresistible flavor? A generous sprinkle of Everything But the Read More

Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings

No game day spread is complete without crispy baked chicken wings! These wings are baked to golden perfection, delivering the same crave-worthy crunch as fried wings—without the extra oil. Toss them in your favorite sauce, from classic buffalo to garlic parmesan, and watch them disappear Read More

Baked Potato Skins

Baked Potato Skins

Looking for the perfect game day snack? These crispy baked potato skins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with fresh green onions and sour cream, they deliver the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Unlike the deep-fried version, these Read More