Smart Dinners

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Thanksgiving lifesaver – sheet pan roasted vegetables! I discovered this trick years ago when I was drowning in Thanksgiving prep (you know how it goes – the turkey’s taking forever, the gravy needs stirring, and suddenly you remember you forgot the veggies!). Tossing everything … Read more

Oh my gosh, have you ever been in charge of feeding a huge group and just felt totally overwhelmed? I’ve been there, trust me. The first time I hosted Friendsgiving for like, twenty people, I nearly lost my mind trying to figure out the side dishes. That’s when I discovered the absolute magic of stuffing … Read more

Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving tables can get heavy. Between the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie, everyone needs something fresh and bright to balance it all out. That’s where this Thanksgiving salad comes in! My family used to skip salad entirely (too busy fighting over rolls, I guess), but once I introduced this mix of crisp greens, … Read more

There’s nothing quite like the smell of roasting turkey filling the house on Thanksgiving morning, is there? I live for that moment when the whole family gathers around the table, passing dishes and sharing stories. After hosting more Thanksgiving dinners than I can count (including that one year where I accidentally set off the smoke … Read more

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of curried pumpkin lentil soup on a chilly evening – it’s like getting a warm hug from the inside out. This vegan wonder became my go-to comfort food during my first winter in a drafty old apartment, when I needed something hearty, healthy, and ridiculously easy to make. … Read more

Got leftover turkey staring you down from the fridge? Don’t let those precious slices go to waste! This creamy Alfredo pasta bake transforms yesterday’s roast into today’s comfort food masterpiece. I first whipped this up the day after Thanksgiving when my fridge overflowed with turkey – and wow, did it save the day! The rich … Read more

You know those nights when you want something indulgent but still want to feel good about what you’re eating? That’s exactly why my creamy garlic shrimp high protein pasta has become my go-to weeknight hero. It’s rich, garlicky, and satisfying—like the love child of fettuccine alfredo and shrimp scampi—but packed with protein thanks to those … Read more

You know those nights when you just need something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this cottage cheese tomato pasta. It’s my go-to when I’m racing against the clock but still want a meal that feels homemade and nourishing. The creamy cottage cheese melts into a luscious … Read more

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food – this dreamy spinach mushroom white lasagna that’ll make you forget red sauce even exists! I first fell in love with this creamy masterpiece during my study abroad in Italy, where my host nonna would make it every Sunday. The way the velvety béchamel sauce … Read more

Oh man, let me tell you – I used to think cocktail sauce was the only way to go with shrimp. That was before I spent a weekend in New Orleans and had my mind absolutely blown by a spicy, creamy, tangy dip that made plain old ketchup and horseradish taste so boring. I came … Read more