rustic kitchen

lee-ann's love language

Real life. Real food. Really good leftovers.

my latest blog post:

ice on the window

I Hate the Cold. There, I Said It.

I grew up loving snow days in Connecticut, but adult winter? Not so much. Cold, wet weather, aching bones, and stressful winter driving have me dreaming of Florida sunshine, cozy soups, and warmer days ahead.

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moome
 
Welcome to my kitchen table –
where recipes come with a side of stories, music is always playing, and there’s usually a Springer Spaniel (Moose!) underfoot waiting for a taste test.
 
 
I’m Lee-Ann:
wife, mom,
retired music teacher,
home cook,
and full-time lover of sunshine, seafood, and simmering pots on the stove.
 
 
 
Come hungry and stay awhile!
 
 

My Latest Recipes

red cabbage

Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon & Apple

This braised red cabbage is sweet, tangy, smoky, and unbelievably comforting. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, apple, and vinegar, it’s the perfect winter side dish – even for people who swear they don’t like cabbage.

Close-up of creamy tomato basil soup with swirls of heavy cream and fresh basil ribbons.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Easy 30-Minute Recipe!)

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe made with crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, parmesan, and a splash of cream. Cozy, rich, and perfect with grilled cheese – it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort soup!

Mixed seafood quiche with shrimp, crab, and scallops in a golden crust

Seafood Quiche

This Seafood Quiche is pure coastal comfort – tender shrimp, sweet crab, buttery scallops, and nutty Gruyère baked into a golden, blind-baked crust. Creamy, elegant, and perfect for brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner.

butterbeans

Southern-Style Butter Beans with Bacon

If you’re looking for the easiest Southern-inspired side dish to bring warmth to your table, meet my Butter Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar. Butter beans are creamy, tender, and take on flavor beautifully – especially when you add a little butter, a touch of sweetness, and crispy crumbled bacon.

catfish

Crispy Southern Fried Catfish

Crispy, golden fried catfish is one of those meals that just feels like home. This recipe keeps it beautifully simple – a quick buttermilk soak, a seasoned cornmeal coating, and a hot skillet!

baked brie and honey

Baked Brie with Honey

Warm, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent – this Baked Brie with Honey is one of my go-to appetizers. It looks elegant on a charcuterie board, but the secret is… it takes less than 10 minutes to make! A drizzle of honey melts into that soft, rich brie and suddenly you’ve got a sweet-and-savory bite that everyone stands around.

My favorite things

water bottle in the car

Water

Hydration, happiness, and a water bottle that rarely leaves my side! I drink water all day, every day – and honestly, I love it. From delivery jugs to my favorite reusable bottle, here’s why water is one of my favorite things.

grilled cheese

Sandwich Melts: Ooey, Gooey, Golden Goodness

From tuna melts to roast beef gooey goodness, sandwich melts are the ultimate comfort food. Try these 7 different types of melts for lunch, dinner, or to serve alongside a cozy bowl of soup.

couch nap

The Magic of a Couch Nap

Couch naps are the ultimate act of comfort – short, sweet, and soul-soothing. Here’s why they’re the best kind of rest.

flip flops out the car window

My Favorite Things: Flip Flops

Late August in Connecticut means sweaters and falling leaves, but I’m still slipping into my one trusty pair of flip flops. Holding onto summer until the very last moment.

My personal blog

ice on the window

I Hate the Cold. There, I Said It.

I grew up loving snow days in Connecticut, but adult winter? Not so much. Cold, wet weather, aching bones, and stressful winter driving have me dreaming of Florida sunshine, cozy soups, and warmer days ahead.

Christmas Tree

A House Full, a Heart Full

From the Feast of the Seven Fishes to a New Year’s Day prime rib dinner, this holiday season was filled with family, tradition, gratitude, and a very full table.

thicken soup

How to Thicken a Soup or Stew (Without Ruining It!)

Ever ladled up a soup that just felt a little too thin? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! 🍲 From a slow simmer to a scoop of mashed potatoes, I’m sharing all my favorite ways to thicken soups and stews without losing flavor.