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,…
Pasta
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…
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…
Venison Goulash
American-style goulash made with venison might as well be called Michigan Goulash. Around here, November 15 marks the beginning of the guys’ favorite weekend of the year, and a time affectionately referred to as Widow’s Weekend complete with sales and promotions for the ladies who have the itch to shop while the boys go to deer…
Homemade Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
If there’s one thing I thought would be easier to get used to while living here, it would be the lack of conversation. In two months, I have only spoken to my husband of course, and my family a few times via Skype. Everything else is patchy Italian for survival. While I’m definitely not lacking…
Bolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)
All meat sauces are not created equal. While there’s nothing wrong with tossing some ground beef into your favorite tomato sauce, there happens to be a much better, more authentic way to prepare a meat sauce that will sort of take your breath away. Believe me– this is coming from the person who likes ground…
Pasta with Zucchini and Ricotta
There are a lot of things Italy does really well. For one, they really respect their ingredients. You don’t have to speak their language to see that it is deeply ingrained in their heritage. You only really eat what you grow yourself, or what is grown in your immediate vicinity. You’re buying from the person…
Spinach Mushroom Skillet Lasagna
Three weeks from today I will be on a plane with my Hubby headed across the ocean to live in Italy for a few months. Let’s just say that I’ve got LOTS to do between now and then, but I don’t want to skimp on home cooking either. That’s where this recipe comes in. Spinach…
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
After a long weekend of fun in the sun, an easy weeknight meal is just what we need to settle back in to the swing of things. Fresh basil, juicy red tomatoes, garlic, onion, and linguine are all you need to make this One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. Just cook, stir, and then enjoy. The results…