Gumbo is a melting pot of rich and flavorful stock, the Holy Trinity of vegetables, and a variety of meat. It is hard to classify what makes a truly authentic Louisiana gumbo recipe because there are about as many variations of gumbo as there are
Erin
Menu Plan: September 28 – October 2
I am in full-on fall mode! This week we have comfort food, autumn vegetables, and a pulled pork that is perfect for enjoying during the Thursday night football game! Our week rounds off with a flavorful garlic-rosemary steak. Perfection! Monday, September 28 Kentucky Hot Brown
Famous Food From Kentucky
Kentucky was the first US state west of the Appalachian mountains. Over the next 150 years, explorers and natives would build what has become a very rich culture in Kentucky. From bourbon to bluegrass, Kentucky has given many gifts to our nation. Our dinner of
Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pecan Pie
The title “Bourbon chocolate walnut pecan pie” is a mouthful! But I wanted to include all of what makes this pie so delicious! Warm bourbon, rich chocolate, and wonderful complexity brought by two different nuts in the pie! This bourbon chocolate walnut pecan pie is
Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe
The Kentucky hot brown is an open-faced sandwich that is the ultimate comfort food. There is a creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and underneath that is a foundation of soft and pillowy bread. This sandwich was invented by the owner of The Brown Hotel in Louisville,
Berry Mint Julep Recipe
The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. When we had our Kentucky State dinner I wanted to mix things up just a little bit, so we created berry mint juleps. They were so good! The fruit takes away some of the
Menu Plan: September 21-25
Easy, cozy, and fun! That sums up this week’s menu! Monday, September 21 Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe Kettle Chips Plums Tuesday, September 22 Sheetpan Jerk Pork Nachos Apples Wednesday, September 23 Skillet Chicken Piccata Angel Hair Pasta Asparagus Nectarines Thursday, September 24 Oven Pot Roast
Honey Wheat Bread Recipe
Honey wheat bread is one of the first recipes that I learned to make. My mom had an electric wheat mill and she would buy giant bags of whole wheat. I have very vivid memories of pouring the wheat into the mill cup by cup,
Famous Food from Kansas
I was born in Topeka, Kansas, so it was especially exciting for me to put together our dinner of famous food from Kansas. The nostalgia was great, but actually finding authentic Kansas food was a little tricky. My brother says “Kansas is not really a
Dirt and Worms Recipe
Dirt and Worms is a fun family-friendly dessert that is easy to make and decadent to eat! You may know this as Kansas Dirt Cake or Dirt Pudding, but my kids think calling it Dirt and Worms is way more fun! Crushed Oreos, cream cheese,
Oven Pot Roast Recipe
Pot roast has long been considered a classic American Sunday meal. It is perfect because you can do all of the work to prepare it, then walk away and come back a few hours later to your meal complete and ready to serve! Pot roast
Menu Plan: September 14-18
I get a whole new energy for meal planning when the weather changes. Fall dishes are exciting and cozy! But with the temps still pretty moderate, we are combining light and summery with warm and hearty for this week’s menu. Monday, September 14 Whole Roasted
Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe
Depending on where you live, the loose meat sandwich is called different things. In Iowa, it is a Maid-Rite. In other midwest states, it is called a Nu-Way, steamer, Big T, loose hamburger, Tastee, or even a tavern sandwich. So many names, and some slightly
Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Fresh Whipped Cream
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a popular dish in the midwest. Some serve it as a side dish, and others as a dessert. It is a hit with adults and children alike! The pretzel-crust is addicting with its salty-sweet crunch! And the creamy middle layer and
Famous Food From Iowa
Iowa is a midwestern state that was once a part of Louisiana. It was purchased by the United States in 1803 as a part of the Louisiana Purchase. Some see it is a flyover state, as it has over a million acres of cropland. But
Menu Plan: September 7-11
One of the very first recipes on the blog was Peanut Thai Chicken, and it is the first recipe to get a makeover! I have added some additional ingredient guidance and new photos and added it to the Thursday night menu. It is a great
Menu Plan: August 31-September 4
Our week starts off with a delicious spatchcocked grilled chicken recipe. This is an easy way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. It makes it so juicy, crispy, and flavorful! We are making the most of our grill with simple steak tacos on
Famous Food From Indiana
There are lots of theories on how Hoosier became the state nickname for Indiana. One thing is certain, it is one of the oldest and most widely accepted state nicknames in American history. “Hoosier” was a term originally used mockingly. Those living in Indiana
Old Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie Recipe
Old fashioned sugar cream pie is like a sweet cream cold brew but without the cold brew. It is a very simple pie that is creamy and sweet, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The texture is very similar to a custard pie or flan,
Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Recipe
A pork tenderloin sandwich is just about as midwestern as you can get. It was the main dish for our Indiana state dinner, but it is also really popular in Iowa! It is a great recipe to make when you are craving crispy comfort food.
Easy Dinner Menu Plan: August 24-28
You know I love an easy meal that is big on flavor, and this week’s menu has several recipes that fit that bill. Plus, save calories early in the week with a healthy version of a crunchwrap supreme so that you can indulge on the
Famous Food From Illinois
Illinois is a land of prairies and rolling hills and is also home to Chicago, one of the largest cities in the nation. The state was once a territory belonging to France, who then lost it to Britain in the French and Indian war. Finally,
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
A classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza is characterized by a buttery crust, tons of cheese, and a super flavorful sauce. This recipe has all of those and is much easier than you might think. When we decided on deep dish pizza for our Illinois state
Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Brownies Recipe
I think brownies should be rich and fudgy, with an intense chocolate flavor. Sure, you can make brownies from a box. But when you really want to impress, it is just a few extra steps to make these gourmet brownies. This is the ultimate gooey
Menu Plan: August 17-21
This week’s menu plan includes a make once, serve twice option with our leftovers reinvented feature! Leftovers aren’t boring anymore! Plus a copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe that my kids devoured! So good! Monday, August 17 Smoked Brisket Potato Salad Baked Beans Watermelon Tuesday,
Menu Plan: August 10-14
This week’s menu includes recipes that are full of flavor, but pretty simple to make. My favorite this week is Thursday’s Thai Cashew Chicken. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish! Monday, August 10 Peach Whiskey Smoked Chicken Potato
Buttermilk Spice Muffins Recipe
Buttermilk spice muffins make me dream of fall. It doesn’t matter if I am eating them in the middle of a 100-degree Texas summer day, or on a crisp fall morning. The warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, tender and moist muffin, and the decadent streusal
Thai Cashew Chicken Recipe
Thai Cashew Chicken is the perfect dinner for when you are short on time, but you still want something that has a lot of flavor. In Thailand, it is known as Gai Pad Med Mamuang, which means chicken stir fry with cashew nuts. While considered
Roasted Coconut Curry Cashews Recipe
Roasted nuts are addictive, especially if they are flavored! These roasted coconut curry cashews are a unique twist on the more traditional roasted cashew, and I would argue they are even more addictive! Sweet, spicy, crunchy, earthy – all the best flavors of your favorite
Famous Food from Idaho
Idaho is the 14th largest state in our nation and it is filled with beauty and natural wonders! The Rocky Mountains cover much of the state, spanning from Canada all the way down Idaho’s eastern border. The Snake River winds across southern Idaho. And sand
Huckleberry Pie Recipe
Huckleberry pie is a delicious summer treat! But fresh huckleberries can be hard to find, especially if you do not live in the Pacific Northwest. This huckleberry pie recipe combines huckleberry jam with blueberries to give you the sweet-tart flavor of huckleberries, without having to
Parmesan Truffle Fries Recipe
Have I got the recipe for you! These French fries are the best that I have ever tasted! They are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside! I am presenting this in my favorite way, as a Parmesan Truffle Fries Recipe, but
Menu Plan: August 3-7
Monday, August 3 Thai Steak Salad Peaches Tuesday, August 4 Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas Mexcian Potatoes Clementine Oranges Wednesday, August 5 Garlic Chicken Rigatoni Green Beans Italian Garden Salad Strawberries Thursday, August 6 Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Quinoa “Fried Rice” Sliced mango Friday, August 7
Idaho Finger Steaks Recipe
I am happy to share that this Idaho finger steaks recipe was a hit! Crispy and perfectly seasoned on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. They were addicting little strips of goodness! Who knew finger steaks could be so good? Truth be told,
Famous Food from Hawaii
Hawaii has a very diverse culture, which has resulted in it also having some very diverse food. The roots of Hawaiian cuisine stem from Polynesian voyagers in the 1700s, later adding in the influence of American, European, and Asian immigrants. When we considered our menu,
Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe
Traditional Kalua pig is a whole pig that is cooked in the ground. Literally, they dig a giant hole and bury the pig! I don’t know about you, but that’s not something I was up for doing in my backyard. So when we had our
Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice Recipe
This Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice is an easy side dish to whip up and the flavors are pleasing for the whole family! Adding in the macadamia nuts makes it feel special, and seems like you put a whole lot of time into it. Surprise! It’s
Menu Plan: July 27-31
Monday, July 27 Fried Chicken Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Peaches Tuesday, July 28 Philly Cheesesteak Tacos Garlic Herb Cauliflower Rice Strawberries Wednesday, July 29 Italian Sheet Pan Supper Nectarines Thursday, July 30 Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon Savory Coconut Rice Asparagus Pears Friday, July 31
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon Recipe
A couple of years ago I stumbled upon this baked honey sriracha salmon recipe by Creme de la Crumb. I call it “the fish recipe for people who don’t love fish.” My family doesn’t really like fish, but they will eat this recipe! And since
Famous Food from Georgia
Would it be cheesy to begin this post saying that I’ve got Georgia on my mind? Yes? Darn. How about, “I have Famous Food from Georgia” on my mind? That’s not good either? Well, then I will just jump straight into telling you about this
Bourbon Peach Cobbler Recipe
Bourbon peach cobbler reminds me of a cozy winter night balanced with the freshness and life of a warm summer day. There is something incredibly comforting about the warm spices and gooey brown sugar and bourbon sauce being combined with summer’s fresh peaches and vanilla
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
When we decided to have fried chicken for our Georgia state dinner, I’ll admit I was a little intimidated. I usually prepare “fried” chicken in the oven. It’s healthier that way, and I love anything that cooks without me having to stand over it. But
Savory Coconut Rice
We make coconut rice at least once a month. It is Cora’s favorite way to have rice, and I must admit, I’m a pretty big fan myself! There’s just something amazing about this creamy rice, with flavors of ginger and garlic, that make it hard
Famous Food from Florida
Sunny Florida Florida: The land of beaches, and sun, and Disney World, and Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie! Florida is well known as a tourist destination. But when we set off preparing for our Florida dinner I didn’t know much actual Florida history. Learning
Menu Plan: July 13-17
Monday, July 13 Tequila Chicken Burgers Seasoned Potato Chips Watermelon Tuesday, July 14 Crispy Pork Carnitas Mexican Rice Strawberries Wednesday, July 15 One Pot Pasta with Ricotta Clouds Italian Garden Salad Garlic Bread Grapes Thursday, July 16 Summer Vegetable Curry Jasmine Rice Pears Friday, July
Summer Vegetable Curry
If you have followed my menu plans for any length of time at all you know that I love curry! It very well may be my favorite food ever! I love trying new ways of making curry so that I can enjoy some variety while
One Pot Pasta with Ricotta Clouds
Do you remember the 2013 trend of One Pot Pasta? I was mind-blown when I first tried it, loving the simplicity. Boiling pasta in water, with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, was an easy dinner! I wondered if I could create something similar, but with a
Famous Food from Delaware
Our dinner of famous food from Delaware was almost like taking a trip back in time. As the first state in our nation, Delaware is rich in history. It has just 3 counties, the smallest number of any state, but these counties were established all
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberries have been really delicious this season! So bright, sweet, and juicy. While we love to eat strawberries by themselves, I have been looking for recipes to utilize them as well. I don’t normally like strawberry shortcake, as the shortcake I have had has been
Slippery Dumplings
The Difference Between Southern Dumpling and Slippery Dumplings Growing up in the south I know all about chicken and dumplings. Truthfully, I never liked them because the biscuit-like dumpling is too wet on the outside and felt like I was eating raw dough. I had
Menu Plan: July 6-10
Monday, July 6 Air fryer chicken breast Baked potatoes Asparagus Watermelon Tuesday, July 7 Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo Mexican Salad Honeydew Melon Wednesday, July 8 Yummy Pasta Broccoli Strawberries Thursday, July 9 Chicken Tikka Masala Jasmine Rice Green Beans Raspberries Friday, July
Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo
Taco Tuesday is our favorite night of the week, and these Street Tacos with fresh pico de gallo are always a hit! It is so nice to cook a meal that the entire family loves, so this is on our regular rotation! A Flavorful Marinade
Famous Food From Connecticut
In Search of the Best Pizza A friend of mine, who was raised in Connecticut, told me that Connecticut pizza is the best. She hasn’t been able to find pizza as good anywhere else. Challenge accepted! This week’s state dinner had me on a full-on
The Actual Best Snickerdoodle Cookie
Have you ever surprised yourself by making the perfect recipe? That’s what happened to me when I made these Snickerdoodle cookies. I expected good. I mean, I love a Snickerdoodle cookie! But these cookies? They are ridiculously good! I took some to my mom and
Menu Plan: June 29-July 3
Monday, June 29 Pork Chops (I make without the apples, since we do fried apples as well) Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Fried Apples Tuesday, June 30 Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Tacos Cauliflower Fried Rice Mandarin Oranges Wednesday, July 1 Egg Scramble Sausage Bagels Cantaloupe Thursday, July 2 Sweet
Famous Food from Colorado
The Pueblo Chile vs. Hatch Chile Debate We started our search for famous food from Colorado with a virtual trip to Pueblo. Farmers in Pueblo have grown Mosco chile peppers since the 1800s, and eventual created the varietal called the Pueblo Popper chile. These chiles
Pork Green Chili
When planning for our Colorado state dinner I scoured the internet for the best pork green chili recipes. None looked like exactly what I wanted. So I took a little bit from a number of different sites and came up with my own version. We
Menu Plan: June 22-26
Our meal plan for June 22-26 starts with a spicy shrimp boil, but this one has no mess! It’s all done in your oven on one pan! There are two nights of Mexican food, which is a win in my book! Creamy Parmesan rice that
Famous Food from California
What Famous Food From California Should We Choose? California has such a vast food culture, we spent quite a bit of time trying to decide our menu. Bay shrimp, California rolls, pho, avocado and bean sprout sandwiches. So many choices! We finally decided on fish
Menu Plan: June 15-19
We are making the most of seasonal fruits and vegetables this week! The strawberries and cherries have been great this year! Enjoy this week of colorful meals! Monday, June 15 Rosemary Ranch Kebabs Grilled Vegetables Brown Rice Black Cherries Tuesday, June 16 Taco Salad Grapes