One of my annual year-end activities is clearing out the pantry. (Other year-end activities include burning my current year grievances and unfollowing people and brands on social media that don’t bring me joy.) I had a nearly-full package of masa in the pantry and wondered what to do with it. I mentioned this during one […]

Fast. Simple. This is what I want nearly 99% of the time when I’m late home from work and need to get dinner on the table. Pulled Pork Sandwiches Premade pulled pork Buns Bagged coleslaw mix (without dressing) Warm everything and serve together – we love Memphis style with the coleslaw on the bun. Add […]

Trader Joe’s + my spice cabinet + one foil-lined sheet pan = a super fast meal. Sheet Pan Salmon Thank you Eating Well for the recipe idea. Trader Joe’s salmon fillets Trader Joe’s frozen roasted potatoes Asparagus or Brussels sprouts Olive oil Your favorite seasonings Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 425F. Place […]

This was as amazing as I’d hoped it would be. Peach Cobbler for 2 Found here 2 T butter 1/4 t cinnamon 1/4 c flour 1/4 c sugar 1/4 c milk 1/4 t baking powder 1 c canned sliced peaches (drained) Preheat the oven to 350F. Melt the butter and pour into two 7 oz […]

For clarification: The 10-minute count starts the minute you open the fridge door to pull everything out. 10 Minute Carnitas Tacos 1 pkg precooked carnitas from Trader Joe’s Onion, chopped Tortillas Cabbage cut coleslaw style (buy in the packet…so much easier!) – optional Cilantro- optional Pico- optional Queso fresco- optional Warm the carnitas over medium […]

Homemade, but fast and easy. You want this. Better than Baskin’s Chocolate Syrup Found here 3 oz semi sweet chocolate 1/2 c heavy cream 6 T brown sugar 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder 1 T regular salted butter 1 t vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt Stir all ingredients together in small saucepan set over medium […]

If you love spicy comfort food, sit down and make plans to have this for your next meal. Fast, easy and amazing. Seriously. Chorizo Potato Empanadas Inspired by this post but simplified Puff pastry Johnsonville chorizo sausage Trader Joe’s frozen roast potatoes and vegetables Cook chorizo until internal temp reaches 165F. Allow to cool slightly, […]

This is a great-for-you snack or dessert! Apple Nachos Found here 1 tart apple Chocolate sauce Chopped pecans Flaked coconut Put coconut, nuts and a small ramekin of chocolate sauce (or chips) to a preheated 300F oven. Cook about 4-5 minutes, until the nuts and coconut are toasted and the chocolate is shiny. Stir the […]

I made these as part of a dinner combo and Kelly loved the pancakes so much he asked me to keep them in the freezer for future brunches. Savory Corn Pancakes Found in an old Sandra Lee cookbook 1 15-oz can cream-style corn 1 pkg corn muffin mix 1/4 c. milk 1 egg, lightly beaten […]

I like to think of this as a deconstructed kebab. Chicken Hummus Bowl Found here 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces 3 T. olive oil 1 t. cumin 1 t. paprika 1/4 t. salt 1 t. crushed garlic 2 T. lemon juice 2 c. hummus 1 cucumber, halved and sliced lengthwise […]