Appetizers

Let Me Tell You About This Shrimp Thing… Alright, first things first—this air fryer garlic butter shrimp recipe didn’t even exist in my house until my third failed attempt at a “quick” seafood dinner because, let’s face it, shrimp can zoom from perfect to little rubber bands in about the time it takes to find …

So Let Me Tell You About These Zucchini Rounds… Alright, so—I only started making these Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Rounds a couple summers ago, when my neighbor basically forced a basketful of zucchini on me (she’s lovely, but wow, can she grow stuff). I was skeptical because, you know, zucchini can be a bit... bland. But …

Let Me Tell You About These Chickpeas Alright, so here’s the deal: my eternal quest for the perfect crunchy snack (that’s not just a plain old packet of crisps) led me to these roasted chickpeas. And honestly? At the risk of sounding dramatic, my snack game has never been the same since. I still remember …

The Best Grilled Chicken Wings? Let Me Tell You a Story… Okay, so if you know me, you know grilling isn’t just for show in my backyard — it’s basically therapy. I remember the first time I tried to grill chicken wings at a family BBQ. It was supposed to be my big moment. Instead, …

So, You're Craving Buttery Garlic Breadsticks? Alright, pull up a chair—let me tell you about the first time I made these breadsticks. It was a rainy Tuesday; my kitchen looked like a flour bomb had gone off, and I accidentally used twice as much butter (which, honestly, turned out to be a happy accident). The …

Let's Talk Tofu: Why These Air Fryer Cubes Are My Comfort Food Alright, so here's the deal: I never used to be a tofu person. I'd tried it once at a friend's house (they didn't press it, so it was basically a soggy brick; bless their heart, but no thank you). But then I got …

Let Me Tell You About These Mushrooms Alright, friend—so, I have this thing for mushrooms (I know, not everyone's cup of tea, but hear me out). I first made crispy breaded mushrooms in the air fryer when I was trying to distract my kids from sneakily eating all the fries before dinner. Well, let's just …

These Zucchini Fritters Saved My Snack Time (and My Sanity) Alright, let me tell you—I've made every kind of fritter under the sun (or at least it feels that way), but these zucchini fritters? The first time I made them, I was half-distracted by a phone call from my cousin, and somehow they still turned …

Let Me Tell You About These Caprese Salad Skewers... Alright, so picture this: It’s a sunny Saturday, I’ve got friends coming over (they always show up early, don’t know why), and my kitchen is a bit of a war zone. I’m running around, probably mumbling to myself—and you know what I always fall back on? …

The Cozy Magic of Garlic Parmesan Potatoes (Air Fryer Style!) So, picture this: it’s a rainy Saturday, and you’ve got that potato craving that won’t quit. That’s me, basically every other weekend. I started making these garlic parmesan potatoes in the air fryer because I was tired of waiting forever for the oven to do …

So, I Made Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Doritos and Basically Became a Party Legend Listen, I’ve made a lot of snacks in my day, but this one? Oh, this one’s got a special place in my heart—and probably a special spot on my cholesterol chart, too (but let's not think about that right now). …

Hey Friend, Let’s Talk Zucchini Chips (Yep, You’ll Want Seconds) Honestly, I never thought I’d be the kind of person who craves zucchini. But here we are—and it’s all thanks to these crispy baked zucchini chips. First time I made them? I was just trying to use up the mountain of zucchini my neighbor kept …

The Time I Accidentally Invented a Family Classic Alright, let me tell you, the first time I made this grape salad with cream cheese & pecans, it was a total fluke. I was hosting what was supposed to be a "quick" BBQ (you know how those things go, next thing you know you're knee deep …

Let Me Tell You About This Cucumber Salad (Spoiler: It’s a Keeper) Alright, so, you know those days when it's so hot outside your flip-flops actually stick to the pavement? That’s when I go rummaging around my fridge for something that won’t turn my kitchen into a sauna. Enter this cucumber salad. I think I …

Let Me Tell You About This Bruschetta (And That One Time My Cat Stole a Slice) Alright, so, every summer when my tomato plants start going wild (and honestly, they’ve nearly taken over the patio), I find myself making this simple bruschetta recipe with tomato & basil on repeat. True story: the first time I …

Look, sometimes you open your fridge and just... stare. It’s like, do I want something salty? Sweet? Or maybe just a bit weird? I’ve been there (many times) and over the years, I’ve cobbled together a list of snack ideas for every craving. Some are wildly popular in my house; others, well, let’s just say …

Hey there! So, I have this habit of making onigiri (Japanese rice balls) at midnight—don't ask, it's a comfort food thing. The first time I made these, I got rice everywhere (like, everywhere) and my cats thought it was a game. But after a few tries, I figured out my own little system, and now …

So, About This Salad—It's Like My Summer in a Bowl Alright, friend—let me tell you, I've made this cucumber tomato avocado salad (no lettuce, mind you) more times than I can count. The first time was at a backyard BBQ when I realized, halfway through chopping, that we had zero lettuce. Nada. But honestly? Nobody …

Let Me Tell You, These Potato Skins Are Trouble (In the Best Way) Alright, so here's the thing—every time I make these loaded potato skins with bacon and sour cream, my kitchen basically turns into a bit of a battleground. Siblings, friends, even nosy neighbors (you know who you are) just appear when the smell …

These Cheeseburger Sliders with Secret Sauce Always Steal the Show Alright, so let me paint you a picture: it’s game night, my cousin's yelling at the TV (again), and I’m in the kitchen flipping tiny burgers while trying not to burn the buns. These sliders aren’t just food—they’re a whole event in our family. Honestly, …

Let's Talk Pico de Gallo (And Tacos!) Okay, so here's the thing: when taco night rolls around at my place, fresh pico de gallo is always part of the deal. There's just something about that citrusy crunch next to warm tortillas that makes me do a little happy dance—sometimes quite literally, though the less said …

Let’s Talk Avocados (Yes, Again!) Okay, I’ll admit it—my love affair with avocados started out as a bit of a joke. I mean, who hasn’t rolled their eyes at yet another avocado toast pic on Instagram? But then I actually tried making a few things at home, and oh boy, I get it now. There …

So, I Made Cheesy Taco Sticks with Ground Beef Filling Again... All right, confession time: Cheesy Taco Sticks with Ground Beef Filling might just be the most requested snack (or dinner, if we're feeling rebellious) in my house. I started making these one wild Saturday when we had a whole soccer team descend on us. …

So... What’s the Deal with Air Fryer Fried Pickles? Okay, real talk: the first time I made these air fryer fried pickles with ranch dip, I accidentally used sweet pickles instead of dill because I wasn’t paying attention (I was also wrangling the dog and trying to answer a text, classic). The result? Not terrible, …

Let's Talk: Why I Keep Making This Air Fryer Ravioli Alright, so here’s the story: I first tried air fryer ravioli at a game night (I’m talking about one of those rowdy ones where half the cards go missing and someone always spills their drink), and it was love at first crunch. Ever since, they’ve …

Oh Hey—Let’s Talk About This Garlic Rosemary Sourdough Focaccia I have to tell you, the first time I baked this focaccia I was convinced it was going to flop—like, the dough looked so weird and bouncy, my kitchen smelled like a pizza shop, and I kept second-guessing myself because, well, sourdough is tricky, right? But …

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Puff Pastry Okay, confession: the first time I tried to make gluten free puff pastry, it looked like a science experiment gone rogue. But after a few (okay, maybe six) tries, I figured out a way that doesn't leave flour everywhere and my sanity in shreds. My youngest …

Chatting About Cheesy Taquitos (Yep, Again) Okay, so I know I’ve probably gushed about these before, but honestly, Cheesy Taquitos with Refried Beans and Salsa are the sort of thing I whip up when I need something comforting, a little bit messy, and—let’s be real—ridiculously cheesy. The first time I made these, I was actually …

Let Me Tell You About This Whipped Feta Magic Okay, so picture this: it’s a Saturday afternoon, I’m supposed to be tidying up, but instead, I’m standing in the kitchen, gleefully whipping feta cheese with my old hand blender and occasionally, you know, dancing along to some questionable 90s hits. This whipped feta dip with …

A Salad That Feels Like Summer (Even If It's Raining) You ever get that craving for something cold and creamy that tastes like every family picnic rolled into one? That's basically how I ended up making this macaroni salad with pickles and creamy mayo dressing the first time. It was one of those humid afternoons, …

Let Me Tell You About These Fries (And a Quick Story) If you’ve ever had one of those days where the only thing that’s going to fix your mood is a plate of something crispy, salty, and a bit indulgent, well, hi there—welcome to my world. Crispy fries with parmesan and garlic oil? Honestly, just …

So, Watermelon Wedges with Tajín and Lime Juice... Have You Tried This? Alright, let me just start by saying: I never thought I'd be that person raving about fruit and chili powder, but here we are. The first time I made these, it was at a cookout, and I'd run out of ideas (plus, honestly, …

So, Why Am I Always Making This Cheesy Queso Dip? Alright, so imagine: It's game day (or a random Tuesday, honestly), and the house is buzzing. The kids are yelling, someone can't find the remote, and I'm in the kitchen melting cheese like my life depends on it. This queso dip with spicy ground beef …

The Salsa That'll Make You the Talk of the BBQ Alright, so here's the honest truth: I made this Sweet and Tangy Salsa with Pineapple and Jalapeño once for a potluck and—no joke—it disappeared faster than free cake at an office party. My neighbor, Carla, still asks me for the recipe every summer, and she's …

Let's Talk Watermelon, Tajín, and Summery Happiness You know that feeling when the sun’s out, and you’re already half-melting just from thinking about lunch? That’s exactly when I started slicing up watermelon during a family BBQ, and (not to get sappy) it somehow became the snack everyone asks for every dang summer. I actually blame …

Let Me Tell You About These Air Fryer French Fries... Oh man, where do I even begin with these? So, we were watching old episodes of that British baking show (you know the one) and suddenly my youngest just had to have fries—like, immediately. The oven felt like too much work, oil splatters are basically …

How This Watermelon Salad Became My Summer MVP Let me paint you a picture: It’s July, I’m already a bit sunburnt from sitting in the backyard, and I’ve got a watermelon that’s roughly the size of a small dog. What am I supposed to do with all that fruit, right? One summer, my friend Jess …

Alright, so here's the scoop: Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers is one of those things I make when I’m craving something that’s both a little bit fancy but not, you know, exhausting. I actually first tried something like this at a friend’s barbecue where, honestly, I was there more for the snacks than …

Let Me Tell You About These Fries (Pull Up a Chair) Alright, let me paint the scene: it's a rainy Tuesday, I'm staring at a couple of sad sweet potatoes on the counter, and I'm thinking, "Do I really want to just roast these again?" (Answer: not really.) Suddenly, inspiration strikes — why not make …

Let Me Tell You About These Taquitos (Pull Up a Chair) Okay, so you know when you get that craving for something crispy, savory, and honestly just fun to eat? That's taquitos for me. There's this one time I tried to impress my in-laws and totally overstuffed them—taquitos, not the in-laws. The cheese ran everywhere, …