Life has definitely been complicated lately. I'm not sure how else to express it except for to say that it's been messy, and we've been desperate for some time to unwind. That was our goal for this past weekend. We spent a lot of time together enjoying the nice weather and unwinding from the crazy...
Cooking
Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
When life gets messy, make something saucy. I'm sure someone has that embroidered on a pillow or something like that. If not, they should. Life has been completely crazy lately, but we've still been eating well. One of the greatest skills I've acquired while teaching myself to cook has been learning to make sauces from scratch. This recipe...
Buttermilk Chicken Strips
Chicken Strips are another of my favorite kid-foods-that-I-will-never-outgrow. They're flavorful and crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce and you've got a fantastic weeknight meal that will please the whole family. Buttermilk Chicken Strips are easy to make, especially if you follow a couple of little tricks....
French Dip Sandwiches with Au Jus
Despite the name, a French Dip sandwich is not French. It is a California creation, and two restaurants claim to be its inventor. I have eaten a famed French Dip at one of the two, Philippe's in Los Angeles. It was fantastic, although I didn't get to do any of the"dipping" because the buns are...
Creamy Chicken and Noodles
Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day (or night) for a perfectly planned out menu. I call those days Tuesdays. When Michael and I were dating, he used to cook up some chicken breasts and some white rice, and then make a sauce with cream of chicken soup. It was a very filling,...
Candied Bacon
You guys. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't share this with you sooner. I'm sorry that you need to go to the store right now just to buy a pound of bacon and dark brown sugar. I'm not sorry for how much you're going to enjoy this candied bacon. I first made this candied...
Spicy Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken
There are some things I will never outgrow. Today I get to travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando to attend Food Blog Forum 2015, my first blogging event. I've wanted to go to an event for a while, and Kitchen Joy just had its 2nd birthday so this seemed an appropriate way to celebrate....
Spinach and Chicken White Lasagna
In the battle between white sauce lasagna and red sauce lasagna, I am a firm believer in calling it a tie. Why should anyone have to choose between two so incredible dishes that are sure to please almost anyone? One of my favorite menus for a casual dinner gathering is making one of each. There’s...
Friday Favorites: Homemade Soup Edition
Happy Friday, Friends! We've made it to another weekend. I don't know about you, but I have been fighting various illnesses for a week or so and my appetite has been suffering. Homemade soup is the answer to many of life's dilemmas. Today I've gathered up some of my very favorites for your weekend inspiration....
Tuna Noodle Casserole
My mission: To create a fantastic Tuna Noodle Casserole that involves no canned soup and will put all other versions to shame. It's not much to look at, but let me tell you...It is amazing. People often comment to Michael and I about how on earth we don't weigh 500 pounds, considering the fact that...