Honest and Truly

Hey Reader, While the weather is vacillating all over the place in Chicago while spring tries to (yes, pun intended) spring, plenty of other places are finally enjoying warmer weather. That doesn't mean it's time to put your crock pot away for the season, however. You can make delicious meals all year long in your slow cooker, ones that are lighter and delicious without the heavy, creamy comforts we crave in the colder months. The time savings alone from the crock pot is worth it for me....

Hey Reader, This Friday is Pi Day - which I keep wanting to type as Pie Day, partly because it's both! When you think of pie, you usually think of the sweet dessert, but it's more than that. There are pot pies and other forms of savory pie, and I'm all about celebrating both kinds. These are some of my family's favorite recipes that we make to celebrate every year, and I know you'll love them, too. Sweet or savory, which is your favorite kind of pie? I love fruit pies, and with spring right...

Hey Reader, Today is Fat Tuesday, which means I'm enjoying all the paczki I can before Ash Wednesday tomorrow. But with the start of Lent, it's time - for me at least - to think about what I'll be eating on my no-meat Fridays. Whether you follow the traditions of Lent or just enjoy eating meat-free meals sometimes, these are some of my faves. It doesn't all have to be Fish Fry Friday either because that's just not my thing. Sometimes, simple is best, and Cacio e Pepe is one of my favorites....

Hey Reader, I feel like there's finally some hope that winter will end. The sun is shining, and it feels warmer. I'll take whatever I can get. But somehow, I'm busier than eve, and I need meals I can get on the table fast - and I know I'm not alone. These are all easy recipes you can make and eat within 30 minutes. They consistently get fab feedback from everyone who makes them. I bet you'll love them! This simple Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup uses leftover or rotisserie chicken and...

Hey Reader, I just came inside from my third round of shoveling snow in the past four days. Snow is pretty, but I'm kinda over winter. Unfortunately, it's only February, so I have a lot of cold weather yet to come. I'm finding the silver linings where I can, and today, I'm all about the recipes that make me happy in winter. And if it just snowed by you, too, you don't want to miss these. The best part of a fresh snowfall is watching it come down while snuggled up inside. The second best part...

Hey Reader, Happy Valentine's Day, no matter how you celebrate it (or don't)! It doesn't matter if you're doing a big Galentine's party or celebrating a romantic night with your love or making a fun dinner with your whole family, these desserts are the perfect way to celebrate. Orrrrr if you've had a tough day/week/month, enjoy these yourself and wallow in the comfort of sugar before you move on. There are so many reasons to make these desserts, and every one of them is valid. Just find an...

Hey Reader, Welcome to the Year of the Snake. The start of Lunar New Year was this past Wednesday, but it goes for two weeks, and this is the perfect time to celebrate it! Making Asian dishes at home (because while we may have grown up knowing it at Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year is celebrated across multiple Asian countries and cultures) is easy and so tasty. And way cheaper than ordering takeout - sometimes even faster, too! Cooking Asian food is easier than you think! Cashew Chicken...

Hey Reader, Who isn't busy? We're all stressed and exhausted and just want something yummy. Too often lately, I've just grabbed whatever I can find, and then I end up eating more than I really want because it just isn't satisfying. These recipes? They're not only quick to get on the table, but they fill you up in a good way. Forget takeout. Forget fast food. Make these. I love pasta for a quick and easy meal. I started making this Lemon Butter Pasta this fall, and it has turned into one of my...

Hey Reader, It's freezing. Tomorrow, the high where I live is supposed to be zero. Farenheit. I'm cold, and I hate it, and I've made soup the last three days, and I plan to make more this week. It's how I cope, and it's keeping me warm. Homemade soup is surprisingly easy to make, and I definitely recommend these faves as you battle the bitter cold where you are, too. Chowder is always a win, with it's thick and hearty tummy-filling goodness. Make this Potato Corn Chowder with ingredients you...

Hey Reader, What is it about appetizers that makes them so irresistible? They're a great way to watch any game, but it's also fun to make a few appetizers and enjoy them for dinner instead of the main course, right? What's your favorite appetizer? Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites are a snap to make, and they have all the best flavors with bacon and cheese and YUM. If you love bacon, make sure you whip up these bacon-wrapped dates, too. They're so simple, my kids can make them - and my son can eat...