Honest and Truly

Hey Reader, Taxes are due on Wednesday, and I don’t need yet another thing to drain my wallet. Prices keep going up, and it’s getting kind of ridiculous, but that doesn’t mean dinner has to suffer. There are so many ways to stretch a meal without losing flavor. These are four of my family's favorite meals that taste great without costing an arm and a leg. Delicious Recipes That Keep Dinner Affordable When did jarred pasta sauce get so ridiculously expensive? I can still get a pint of cherry...

Hey Reader, Do you remember as a kid when you made cookies and would sneak tastes straight from the bowl? That was always my favorite part, but between the raw eggs (and raw flour), that's maybe not the safest choice. BUT edible cookie dough is totally a thing, and there are so many different flavors and ways to enjoy it. We have a cookie dough store nearby where that's all they sell, but I make them at home instead, where I can dress them up as "fancy" truffles - sometimes. Edible Cookie...

Hey Reader, Easter snuck up on me again. It's somehow this weekend, and if you're planning or going to an Easter dinner, these desserts are perfect for you to make and share. I've already dyed a dozen eggs and can't wait to do our annual Easter egg hunt before the huge dinner we have every year with ham and potatoes and greens and of course, the desserts. With spring officially here, I love to go lighter sometimes, but how do you say no to chocolate? My Family's Favorite Easter Desserts...

Hey Reader, Ground beef is on the menu this week, and I'm finding ways to enjoy it that don't cost me my entire paycheck. It's gotten SO ridiculously expensive lately. Again. There are so many ways to use ground beef that stretch it without losing the flavors you want to enjoy. They're easy to make, give you tons of variety, and they don't taste cheap. I'm taking that for a win. Four Delicious Ways to Stretch Ground Beef These Honey Habanero Tacos are sweet, spicy, and filling. It's a perfect...

Hey Reader, St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow, and it's the perfect time to make something to celebrate the day. We're all Irish this time of year, no matter how much green flows in your veins. I've already made two batches of Irish soda bread, and I'm planning to pick up more corned beef on Wednesday when it goes on sale. Pro tip: These recipes are just as good this weekend when the meat is cheaper as they are today. Festive St. Patrick’s Day Favorites Irish Soda Bread is simple to make. This is...

Hey Reader, Brunch is my favorite meal. It's the one where we really sit down and catch up and relax without having to run to the next thing. And the fact that a lot of these recipes are reminiscent of dessert doesn't hurt. Go ahead, brew some coffee, turn on your music, and get ready to enjoy a relaxing morning. 4 Recipes You’ll Want to Make This Weekend My pottery class keeps begging for my Berry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting after I brought them one Sunday morning. They are...

Hey Reader, My chocoholic friends, this newsletter is for you. Chocolate is definitely my go to dessert, and you don't want to know how many different kinds of chocolate I have in my pantry right now. I'm always having fun trying new ideas, but these four? Whenever I make them, I get so many compliments and requests for the recipes. They're nothing fancy, but they definitely hit the spot. Chocolate Faves Worth Making ASAP The smooth chocolate filling and gooey caramel layer in this Chocolate...

Hey Reader, Those Fridays in Lent always sneak up on me a little, and suddenly I’m staring into the fridge trying to figure out what I can make. Bonus? These recipes tend to be less expensive than a lot of the meat-focused meals I can cook and definitely less than heading out for a Friday Fish Fry. I may make these for Lent, but they stay in the rotation all year long, so make sure to bookmark them for later, too! Meatless Meals for Lent and Beyond Sometimes you want something hearty,...

Hey Reader, Tuesday kicks of the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Horse. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy Asian flavors at home, and yes, there are so many recipes you absolutely can make. I love the excuse that while I grew up thinking it was just Chinese New Year, this is actually a celebration across much of Asia, so it's the perfect time not just to enjoy your favorite Chinese classics but dishes from across the continent. Four Recipes to Welcome the Year of...

Hey Reader, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to make sweet treats for everyone and anyone. There's something about sharing a warm dessert that makes your loved ones feel special. These four are tried and true recipes I make for my family all the time. From chocolate to fruity treats, there's a perfect choice for everyone's tastebuds. Four Desserts Worth Savoring (Together) Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two are filled with warm, gooey chocolate in every bite, plus they're super easy to make....