The holidays don't need to be elaborate to feel special. In this episode of Home Cooked Stories, I'm sharing five easy, festive things you can make this holiday season with five ingredients or less. Amidst the hustle and bustle this time of year, let this list inspire you to create a little moment for yourself and your family, even when time and energy feel limited. These are the kinds of things you can make on a whim. No perfection required. No hours in the kitchen. I've literally m...

In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how Home Cooked Stories came to be. It's a little peek behind the mic that I've wanted to share since the very beginning. With the year coming to a close, it felt like a good opportunity to slow down, reflect, and talk about the moments (big and small) that inspired this podcast. I chat about: Growing up in Belgium and how food first became a real sensory experience for meThe ways my mom shaped my love of cooking and family traditionsA mo...

In this episode, I'm sharing how a once-in-a-lifetime Andrea Bocelli concert inspired me to bring more beauty, presence, and delight into the everyday — even on a chaotic Monday night. Inspired by the Italian idea of La Dolce Vita, we can create small, intentional rituals that elevate the most ordinary moments at home. From turning on music while cooking to lighting a simple candle at dinner, I'll walk you through the practical ways I implement this into my weeknight routine - like making a...

Cozy up to fall with me, as the weather gets chilly, and discover how to bring more leafy greens into our everyday meals. From collards and kale to leeks and Swiss chard, notice how nature gives us a bounty of greens right when we’re craving comfort food most. And I'm sharing easy, low-effort ways to fit them naturally into what you’re already cooking. I'll walk you through approachable ideas for adding greens to soups, pastas, eggs, and even snacks — without a total meal plan overhaul. You’l...

A solo trip to a stunning Asheville flower farm turns into a lesson about creativity and curiosity. In this episode, I'm giving you the scoop on attending a floral design workshop in Asheville - reminding me that trying new things doesn't have to come with pressure or perfection. Get ready to rediscover your creative side, embrace hobbies as an adult, and find empowerment in solo experiences. Whether you've been wanting to sign-up for a class, explore a new interest, or simply take ...

Bake along with me this fall as I share three cozy, foolproof breads — a classic white loaf, rustic focaccia, and soft pitas — that anyone can make, no experience needed. If you’ve been wanting to bake bread but didn’t know where to start, this is your invitation to slow down, warm up the kitchen, and enjoy something homemade this season. Recipes From the Episode King Arthur's English Muffin Toasting Bread Alexandra's Kitchen: Overnight, Refrigerator Focaccia For the pita pockets recipe:...

Join me and dive into the best parts of traveling with friends - from great food to deep conversation and moments of self-care sprinkled in between. I'm dishing out the details on where we enjoyed morning pastries as well as one-of-a-kind massages. I'm keeping those clothes stretchy to make room for all the good eats and laughter along the way. Let's take a minute to slow down and remind ourselves how much joy comes from savoring food and friendship together, and why it's important to priorit...

I'm taking you beyond the food that's on our plate in this two-part mini-series highlighting my recent trip to Chicago. We're going to uncover how food, travel, and friendships intertwine - set against the backdrop of the Windy City. This trip was about more than just eating; it centered around moments of connection, laughter, and rekindling a part of ourselves that may not show up in our daily routines. We're exploring the profound impact of reconnecting with friends through travel - h...

Tips to Help Parents Focus Less on Perfect Lunches and More on Happy Kids I don't recall my parents putting a whole lot of thought or effort into making my school lunch each day - a sandwich, chips, maybe a fruit, perhaps a sweet treat, and a Capri Sun (or Sunny D). Yet, I think there's a lot more pressure for today's parents wrapped up in providing school lunch. Is it nutritious? Is it environmentally friendly? Will my kids even eat it? How can I create more variety? If packing school lunch...

Whether you love the feeling of picking out ripe tomatoes or just want to feel more connected to your food, this episode’s for you! I’m talking with Courtney Spear, market manager for the Davidson Farmers Market in NC and owner of the catering company Courtney Cooks. I loved this conversation with her! Together, we’re uncovering the deep sense of community the farmers market creates. These delectable spaces are so much more than just places to buy groceries—they’re where local food and ...