Hello internet!

Cooking is a necessary part of being an adult. Eating out or ordering in every night is expensive and not great for the waistline. However, it seems that many of my friends and family feel intimated by cooking and are worried they will do it “wrong”. This mindset means cooking is long and cumbersome process that involves a lot of dirty dishes and expensive, one off, ingredients. As a result, they end up eating boxed mac and cheese 4 nights a week. With few exceptions, there aren’t any absolutes in my recipes. They can easily be adopted to fit your taste preferences or accommodate what you have on hand. Said another way, the Pepper Police are not going to come to get you if you use green instead of red bell peppers. I swear.

My hope that everyone can develop a “feel” for cooking. Dragging out cook books and recipes on a busy weeknight isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. A few simple recipes are all anyone needs to get started feeding themselves or their family. Many of the recipes don’t have exact measurements because you don’t need them. After cooking them once or twice you’ll know the adjustments that will make it your own. In my mind, we’ll have been successful if you no longer need the cookbook because you know how to make these dishes, along with your unique adjustments and additions, from heart.

These are the recipes I use in my own home- whether it is for a casual dinner with family, an outdoor BBQ, or a party where I want everyone to feel a little special. They are designed to be easy and adaptable, but above all, to make you look like a kitchen hero. Every meal can impress. I hope you enjoy cooking them as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them.