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Honest and Truly

I'm Michelle and help 2500+ readers every week, whether they're brand new to the kitchen or have been cooking their whole lives. I share easy to follow recipes that give confidence to get in the kitchen and cooking. Find inspiration for parties and meals at home, as well as easy dinners, irresistible appetizers, decadent desserts, and everything in between. These are the recipes your family will beg to to make again and again.

Overhead of a loaf of Irish soda bread on a wooden board with three slices cut next to it.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow With These Easy Recipes

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...
OVerhead of a berry cinnamon roll with a fork holding a bite on a small plate with the pan to the left side.

My 4 Favorite Decadent Brunch Recipes

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...
A piece of pie with a fork holding a bite on a clear glass plate.

4 of the Best Chocolate Recipes I Keep Making

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...
Closeup of a lasagna roll up covered in parmesan cheese on a white plate.

Meatless Meals for Lent (Or Just Because)

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,...
Closeup of a white bowl overflowing with homemade fortune cookies.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with These 4 Delicious Recipes

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...
Overhead closeup of a molten chocolate cake with a fork removing a bite.

4 Simple Desserts That Will Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day

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....
Overhead of a bowl of caramel chex mix with some scattered around it.

Big Game Recipes You'll Be Proud to Bring to the Party On Sunday

Hey Reader, Every year, I host friends for THAT game (you know, the one I'm not allowed to say because of copyright so you see all the ads everywhere that get so creative on what to call it - or not call it). My goal is delicious food I can make ahead of time and set out so no one has to miss a minute of the game - or the commercials. These are the dishes I make every year because my friends and family get mad if I change it up and don't make one of them. But the Buffalo Chicken Dip? That one...
Closeup of a bowl of tuna and tomato pasta.

Snowed In? Cook From Your Pantry

Hey Reader, It's freezing, and the snow this weekend was nuts. While many of us stocked up before the snow, figuring out what to eat for the rest of the week as we try to avoid going out in the frigid temps gets funs. The good news is that you probably have some ingredients in your pantry that you can use to make really tasty meals without having to go buy anything new. These are some of the ones I turn to when I just cannot face going outside to shop. Stay warm and safe! Pantry Fave Classics...
Fork twirling lemon butter pasta on a blue plate.

4 Quick Pasta Ideas to Help You Enjoy Dinner in a Flash

Hey Reader, Nothing beats a warm plate of pasta when you’re hungry and short on time. Did you notice this didn't come out Monday morning? It's already been that kind of week here for me. These four dishes are my go-to pasta picks when I need dinner on the table without extra stress. Bonus? Most of them make great leftovers, so you can enjoy seconds (or pack lunch) with hardly any extra effort. Simple Pasta Recipes My Family Loves Lemon Butter Pasta is bright, buttery, and easy enough for any...
Closeup of a bowl of cheesy soup with chunks of sausage floating on top.

Warm Up Your Week with These 4 Cozy Soups

Hey Reader, I don’t know about you, but nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup. Winter is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to pull out those cozy recipes. These four soups are my go-to faves. Bonus? They taste even better the next day, so you can make a batch and enjoy leftovers without extra effort. Four Soups Way Better Than Canned Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Cheese and Sausage Soup combines savory sausage and melty cheese, and it's the ideal way to warm yourself up...