Black Pepper: The Little Ingredient That Makes a Big Difference
October 21, 2026
There are a few ingredients that live permanently next to my stove. Salt is obviously
lee-Ann's Love Language
Real life. Real food. Really good leftovers.
my latest blog post:
Welcome to my kitchen table.
Recipes with stories, music always playing, and usually a Springer Spaniel nearby waiting for a taste test.
My recipes
Homemade Cincinnati Chili: An Old Family Favorite
An old family favorite makes a delicious comeback! This homemade Cincinnati chili features finely textured ground beef, warm spices, and a long, slow simmer that creates an unforgettable sauce for spaghetti.
Creamy Salmon Noodle Casserole
This cozy Salmon Noodle Casserole is an easy old-fashioned dinner made with canned salmon, tender egg noodles, peas and cheddar cheese, finished with a crispy buttery garlic breadcrumb topping.
Kitchen Sink Frittata
This easy Kitchen Sink Frittata is loaded with crispy potatoes, peppers and onions, ham, andouille sausage, green chiles and cheddar cheese. Use what you have, make it your own, and turn those fridge leftovers into one seriously delicious breakfast, brunch or dinner.
Creamy Stovetop Polenta
Creamy, buttery Parmesan polenta doesn’t have to mean standing over the stove stirring forever. This easy stovetop polenta cooks low and slow with just an occasional stir, giving you rich, fluffy, perfectly creamy polenta that’s delicious straight from the pot or chilled and fried or grilled later.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad: Summer in a Bowl
Fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and basil tossed with olive oil and balsamic make the easiest summer salad. When the veggies are fresh from the farm, you really don’t need much else!
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! Learn the best ways to cook it, how to pick the freshest ears at the farmers market, the differences between yellow, white, and bi-color corn, and delicious ways to use leftover kernels in your favorite recipes.
my favorite things
Spending Time With My Favorite People
The older I get, the more I realize that my favorite things aren’t really things at all. They’re dinners around the table, laughter, long conversations, ordinary afternoons, and time spent with the people I love most.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Black Raspberry Ice Cream Will Always Be My Forever Favorite
Black raspberry ice cream is a summertime classic – tart, sweet, and perfectly purple. Discover why this flavor is worth hunting for at your favorite ice cream stand.
My personal blog
Black Pepper: The Little Ingredient That Makes a Big Difference
There are a few ingredients that live permanently next to my stove.
How to Cook Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! Learn the best ways to cook it, how to pick the freshest ears at the farmers market, the differences between yellow, white, and bi-color corn, and delicious ways to use leftover kernels in your favorite recipes.
Why I Brine Pork Before Cooking It
Brining pork before cooking is one of the easiest ways to get juicier, more flavorful meat. Here’s why it works and how to do it at home.