Soul Kitchen
This might just be my favorite corner of the blog. I’ve loved food my whole life. It’s not just for the taste, but for what it represents.
In my family, food has always meant more than nourishment. It’s love, connection, and comfort all in one. It soothes us and heals us in a way that other things can’t. Soul Kitchen is a celebration of that.
Here, I share personal recipes, recipes from others I admire, and reflections on how food feeds not just the body, but the soul.
I hope this inspires you to step into your kitchen and cook something that brings you comfort, joy, or just a little peace.
Soul Kitchen
Halloween Night In: An Easy Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Halloween doesn’t always have to mean going out. This year, I’m enjoying a night at home with a horror movie marathon, a little pumpkin carving, and a hearty Dutch oven chicken and vegetable stew. Here’s an easy recipe and a few ideas for making Halloween your own.
Easy No-Bake Oreo Truffles for Halloween
These no-bake Halloween Mummy Oreo Truffles turn one of my favorite cookies into a fun, spooky treat. With a white chocolate coating, candy eyes, and mummy-inspired drizzle, they’re perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
Apple Cider, Cinnamon & a Little Taste of Fall
My first apple cider donut at an apple orchard in Michigan is a fall memory I still think about. This season, I’m hoping to bring a little of that experience home with baked apple cider donut muffins.
Pork Chops with Apples: A Cozy Fall Dinner
Pork chops, apples, onions, and a little cinnamon come together in this simple, cozy fall dinner. Easy to make and even better with mashed potatoes.
The Italian Meal I Want to Recreate at Home
One meal from my time in Panicale has been on my mind ever since I got home. Fresh tagliatelle, elephant garlic, fried basil, a glass of Barbera, and, of course, panna cotta inspired me to bring a little piece of Italy into my own kitchen.
Hello Europe: New Foods I Want to Try
Before I leave for Romania and Italy, I’m already thinking about the food. From traditional Romanian sarmale to Umbrian porchetta, here are two dishes I can’t wait to experience and discover for myself.
The Best Local Dish I’ve Ever Eaten While Traveling
Of all the incredible food I’ve eaten while traveling, one meal still stands out: a shawarma from a tiny restaurant in Haifa, Israel. It wasn’t just the food—it was the place, the experience, and the memory attached to it.
The Art of Transforming a Simple Meal
What if transformation doesn’t require starting over? This week in Soul Kitchen, I’m taking a simple pasta dish and giving it a little more intention, turning familiar comfort food into something elegant and dinner-party worthy.
5 Fresh Tomato Recipes to Make Before Summer Ends
A fresh tomato will always remind me of my grandpa, family dinners, and the simple Italian meals we shared together. While I’ve never been the biggest fan of raw tomatoes, I’ve learned that sometimes the right recipe can help us appreciate an ingredient in a whole new way. These fresh tomato recipes celebrate the flavors…
A Love Letter to Pasta
There’s something about a bowl of pasta that feels like home. Maybe it’s the warmth, the memories gathered around the table, or the way a few simple ingredients can become something extraordinary. In this personal reflection, I share why pasta has always been one of my greatest comforts—from childhood family dinners to a memorable meal…
Foods That Remind Me of Being a Kid
Some foods are more than just meals. They’re memories. From pot roast and mashed potatoes to pizza nights after Blockbuster and my grandma’s strawberry cake, these are the foods that instantly bring me back to childhood and the little moments that made it special.
From the Archives: Summer Memories, BBQs, and Comfort Food
Summer has always tasted like nostalgia to me. A tuna sandwich after a day at the beach, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, cold watermelon on a hot afternoon—these simple foods have a way of bringing me back to some of my happiest childhood memories. In this reflection, I’m sharing why those little moments…
When Picky Eating Is More Than Picky Eating: Understanding ARFID
I’ve always considered myself a picky eater, but my godson taught me there’s a difference between being selective with food and experiencing something deeper. Through learning about ARFID, I’ve discovered how closely food can be tied to sensory experiences, comfort, and feeling safe.
Easy Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe for Picnics & Summer Gatherings
The arrival of summer evokes nostalgic cravings for seasonal foods and cherished memories. Ordinary moments, like enjoying fresh fruits or backyard BBQs, become significant as they connect us to specific times and people. Highlighting the joy of simple and seasonal dishes, like a strawberry poppyseed salad, enhances our appreciation for summer’s fleeting pleasures.
The BBQ Garlic Ribs Were Great. The Company Was Better.
A backyard BBQ with cousins turns into something more than a meal. Between BBQ garlic ribs, shared laughter, and a long evening that stretches past dinner, I find myself realizing something I didn’t expect: I belong here more than I thought I did.
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“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” -Alan D. Wolfelt
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