I’m always on the lookout for simple weeknight meals that I can make after a long day of working. And for me that means a long day of already being in the kitchen cooking all day long. So by the end of a work day, the last thing I really want to do is get back into the kitchen and cook some elaborate meal that’ll take way too long. I realize I’m not the only person who feels like this, and instead of pulling up to the drive-thru window, why not try your hand at a few simple weeknight meals that you can get on the table in no time at all? This 30 Minute Red Beans and Rice Soup is just what you need to warm you up during these cold winter nights. All you need is a sheet pan to make these Turkey Caprese Meatballs which you can whip up in a flash! I’ve teamed up with my friends over at GO BOLD WITH BUTTER to bring you this delicious Jalapeño Popper Pasta Bake. It’s a comfort food mash-up that takes that classic appetizer and turns it into a satisfying weeknight casserole.
…
I returned this week from my monthly work trip to New Orleans, and came back to even more rain and chilly weather in Los Angeles. We’re all complaining about it because we’re just not used to this weather and so the only way to get through it is to stay indoors and make some soup. No one knows how to drive in this city when it rains. This hearty and delicious 30 minute red beans and rice soup gets the job done. Inspired by the classic Cajun dish without all of that time and effort to make. All you need is half an hour and you’ll have a great home cooked meal that’ll warm you right up in no time.
I have said it time and time again, and I’ll continue to say it until I’m blue in the face, but a gift from the heart that you make at home, will always mean much more than something you can buy in any store. On Valentine’s Day especially, you should get in the kitchen and make your special someone, or your friends or just yourself, a delicious meal at home. Going out to a restaurant on February 14th is completely overrated and adds too much pressure on everyone involved. And I’m saying this as a married man. Believe me, cooking at home, even making it a fun thing you both do together, even if you’re not that well-versed in the kitchen, is so entertaining. This Dinner for Two: Chicken Roulade is not only delicious but actually really fun to cook up. If you’re looking for more dinner for two ideas, this 
I’ve said time and time again on here that gifts that you make, from the heart, mean so much more than something you can buy online or in a store. On 
Sometimes you’re in dire need of something sweet, but you’re feeling somewhat lazy and all you really want to do is open a package of cookies and devour them on the couch while watching TV. Is that just so wrong? Can’t we all just live? We deserve it, but before you rush over to the pantry to grab those cookies, let me tell you all about these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Squares. They’re like a blondie meets cookie meets my favorite cereal. These squares are one of the easiest, most humble desserts you’ll ever make. They don’t pretend to be anything other than pure deliciousness. All you need is a bowl, a whisk and about 18 to 20 minutes before you sit in front of that couch eating something way better than those prepackaged cookies you’ve been eyeing. 
When I was a little kid I’d go to the grocery store with my mother and when we’d go down the cereal aisle, I’d BEG and PLEAD her for that mini chocolate chip cookie cereal. You know the one. Every kid’s dream come true. I’d grab the box and say, “please please please please please, I’ll never ask for anything again.” All I ever wanted was to eat a giant bowl of mini chocolate chips with milk first thing in the morning. Can you blame me? She’d of course always say no and we’d end up getting that bran cereal with raisins. Talk about a nightmare. Now as an adult I’m putting that cereal on top of cupcakes and eating them for breakfast, so I guess this means I’ve officially made it. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes are every cookie dough lover’s fantasy turned reality. The frosting will make you think you’re eating chocolate chip cookie dough straight from the fridge, but better because there’s no raw flour scare involved. Make them as soon as possible. 
My family doesn’t know a single thing about football, nor do we really care about the Super Bowl, yet somehow year after year, we manage to come together on Super Bowl Sunday and pretend to watch the game. We’re all really just there for the food. I’ll make a few snacks to get us through the earlier part of the day, and you’d think that would be enough for all of us, but no of course not. I still end up making dinner because all of those finger foods just make us hungrier. I’ve teamed up with my friends over at 
…
There’s no point in me saying it, because we already know, but the best part of any “game day” or watching of a sport just so happens to be the food. I’m trying to convince my husband to join a local softball league just so that I can go watch his games and bring the team snacks, and you’d better believe that they would be some great snacks at the games. If you’re gearing up to watch the upcoming super bowl, or just pretending to watch it so that you can enjoy the appetizers, perhaps you’d like to include this very Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Dip? Did I mention bacon is involved? It would be the best centerpiece to any tailgate, game day party, or family get together. Potlucks? They don’t even stand a chance. You’d knock out the competition. Your potlucks are competitive like mine are, right? Well, if they are, you’d win with this dish. Hands down. 
…
I get the weirdest cravings sometimes and they always hit me at the oddest hours. Normally, it’s right before bed, just after I’ve brushed my teeth and I’m already tucked in. Which I think is just a cruel joke the universe likes to play on me. It’s not like it’s possible to satisfy such a craving so late at night. These yearnings are never sweet. They always end up being savory, cheesy, and fried and bread is always involved in some way, shape or form. The other night I had an intense craving for pizza, but not your every day normal pizza with sauce and what not. This was more of a heartier pizza…like fluffy bread topped with cheese and onions. The kind of onions that are so caramelized they’re like jam. Then out of nowhere I was like, wouldn’t it be awesome if the bread was made with beer?! How delicious would that be? Then I told myself to go to sleep because hello, it was like 11:30PM and I had to wake up early to work and take care of my nephew. The craving eventually went away, but we now have this Caramelized Onion Beer Focaccia to show for it. Apparently dreams do come true. 
The first time I ate Kalua Pork in Hawaii last year was a life-changing moment for me. Sure, the great weather and the beaches and cocktails by the pool were amazing but my most lasting impression was the slow roasted pork that gets smoked underground covered in banana leaves. It’s served with traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad and white rice. It’s basically everything that would consist of my last meal. I can’t live without rice and I’m always 100% up for carbs on carbs so pasta salad served with rice is a dream come true to me. I’m no expert in Hawaiian cooking whatsoever, but I got an Instant Pot for Christmas and so I decided to give it a try for the first time ever. After I got through the fear of exploding appliances, I managed to cook this pork and now I’m never going back. 
