Crispy, Juicy, and Full of That Classic Down-Home Flavor

When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the soul quite like a plate of Southern fried chicken. Golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside—this is the kind of meal that makes everyone stop talking at the table and jus...

Halibut used to feel “too fancy” for me — like something you’d order at a white-tablecloth restaurant. But the first time I tried it grilled with a simple lemon butter sauce, I was hooked. It’s tender, mild, and so easy to cook at home. I make this when I want something light but still feels like a ...

I used to think fish tacos were only something you’d get at a beachside taco stand on vacation. Then one summer, I grilled some mahi-mahi, threw it into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and creamy sauce — and just like that, taco night at home was forever changed. These are fresh, fast, and full of ...

A Simple, Fresh Pizza That’s All About the Ingredients

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a classic Margherita pizza. No heavy toppings, no overwhelming sauces—just a crisp, golden crust, bright tomato flavor, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s proof that when you use good ingr...

I used to think tuna steaks were something you only ordered at a fancy seafood restaurant — until I grilled them at home once, and we were hooked. My husband called it “restaurant quality,” and I’ll be honest, I kind of loved hearing that. This soy-glazed version is our favorite: it’s fast, flavorfu...

We had trout all the time when I was growing up near the Smoky Mountains. My granddad used to catch them fresh from the river, and my job was to help rinse and season them. These days, I’m not exactly fishing at dawn — but I do love picking up fresh trout from the market and grilling it on cedar pla...

I used to be intimidated by salmon — it felt like something you only ordered at restaurants. But once I learned how easy it was to grill, it became a weekly go-to. This version with a tangy dill sauce tastes fancy enough for guests, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. My husband calls it ...

I started making strawberry lemonade during my “lemon water every day” phase — but let’s be honest, plain lemon water got old fast. I had extra berries one day, tossed them in the blender with lemon juice, and wow. That first sip was sunshine in a glass. Now I make a pitcher anytime we’re sitting ou...

I first had this cake at a baby shower and let me tell you, I went back for seconds before I even asked for the recipe. It was so creamy, so soft, and that strawberry flavor hit all the right notes. Now it’s my go-to for potlucks and holidays when I need something simple but unforgettable. Bonus: it...

Pound cake was one of those “grown-up desserts” I never appreciated as a kid… until I had it with fresh strawberries baked inside. My neighbor Mrs. Kay used to bring us a loaf every spring, and I swear it was still warm when she dropped it off. I’ve been making my own version ever since — and yes, i...

I made my first strawberry trifle for a bridal shower when I was 23 — and I was so nervous. But once I layered it up and saw how pretty it looked (and how fast it disappeared), I knew I had a go-to dessert forever. Now I make it every spring — sometimes in a big glass bowl, sometimes in individual j...

A Light Yet Hearty Soup That Feels Like a Fresh Start in a Bowl

This turkey and vegetable soup recipe is one of those meals I come back to again and again—especially after a weekend of takeout or when I feel like my body just needs a reset. It’s light, clean, and full of flavor, but still hearty en...