Good food feeds the soul
The best part of any meal is often what comes before it. These appetizers, snacks, and small bites are inspired by the tapas culture of Spain, the petiscos of Portugal, and the Southern spreads I grew up with — food meant for sharing, grazing, and lingering over.
Originally posted June 2021. Updated April 2026. I LOVE mussels (the other type as well 😂). They are absolutely one of my favorite types of seafood. Cook them up the classic way in white wine, butter, garlic, with a few sprigs of parsley. Or go …
“Honey, we need to make an orange saffron chicken wing. It’ll be so good. Here, try this.” That bite of gelato was the inspiration for this recipe for Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Orange Saffron Sticky Sauce was born. Now you might be thinking ‘how …
Updated April 2026 — Originally published April 2014 Easter is right around the corner… and with it, one of my favorite traditions… dying Easter eggs and eating deviled eggs, egg salad, salads with eggs, sandwiches with egg on them. I might not have mentioned this …
Growing up in the southern US, deviled eggs were non-negotiable at every single gathering. After Sunday church service. At a pig picking. And at Easter, of course. So much at Easter, I get a craving every year just seeing the Peeps in the stores. The …
I’ve always relied on canned tuna to keep high quality fish in our diets. But I have to say… for two people who love to cook, since moving to Portugal, the hubby and I rely on canned tuna and sardines way more than I ever …
Is popcorn a MUST for movie night in your home? It is at ours whether we’re at the theater, or…AT HOME. Of course, I love going to the theater – the big screen, the sound system, and feeling like you’re in the movie. BUT there …
Nothing says summer to me as much as a thick, juicy slab of a perfectly ripe tomato, dressed with nothing but good olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a fresh herb…or 2. Rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano…your pick. The Heirloom Tomato Salad (or just …
White Cheddar Cheez-Its have always been one of my absolute weaknesses. Unfortunately, they’re overprocessed and filled with way too many unpronounceable ingredients, extra fats, sugars, and chemicals found in most store-bought snacks. So, I can’t tell you how happy I was when I realized these crispy …
June is festival season in Portugal which also coincides with the start of sardine season. And Portugal becomes one giant street party. Streets draped with colorful streamers, pulsing with music, laughter, and the irrestiable scent of fresh sardines sizzling over charcoal grills until the early morning hours. Which is …
Strawberries are in peak season here in Portugal. So, I couldn’t resist popping some in the oven to make Balsamic Roasted Strawberries with Pink Peppercorns. I served it over a no-bake lemon cheesecake for dessert over the Easter holidays. This recipe is so freaking easy. …