Almost TEN years ago I started living with my now husband, and I can vividly remember my first EVER dinner I made by MYSELF. Before, I always helped my grandmother or mom cook and of course I made the basic eggs and bacon... but never have I cooked a full dinner alone. So in those first couple of days after we moved in together, I decided that I wanted to surprise him with a "home cooked" meal. Of course as a newbie my idea of a "home cooked" meal consisted of Hamburger Helper, box mash potatoes, and some type of canned veggie. I probably called my mom about 8 times (no exaggeration) and of course my understanding sweet mother answered every time and walked me through every step. There were definitely tears at the end of that meal... not because of accomplishment but because of a epic failure. Of course my wonderful husband ate it with a smile and comforted me when I wouldn't come out of the bathroom because I was to embarrassed to call that meal mine. Now don't get me wrong... I love a quick Hamburger Helper meal just as the next mom/single gal/working woman. But as far as wanting a "special dinner" it just didn't live up to my hopes.
Fast forward ten years later, and I have learned a few things from trial and error, the internet, and of course from mom and grandma. My husband definitely helped too, with his patience and giving his opinion and tips. I can proudly make a "home cooked" dinner, without help and without the tears at the end.
This is my first EVER shared meal on my blog. Ask me ten years ago if I would be sharing meals that I created on a blog, and I would have told you "NO WAY!! NOPE!! NOT ME!!" However, I feel pretty darn confident about this meal... it also helps when my husband devours it in minutes even though he said "I'm not that hunger right now."
How I find meal ideas...
1. Pinterest!
Pinterest is one of the best places to look up meals in my opinion. You're able to view other blogs and actual pictures of the meals. There has been people on Pinterest who call some of the replicated meal "Pinterest Fails" but I haven't one yet.
2. Mom/Grandma/Other moms
Anytime my parents or grandparents make something I always ask "HOW?" Any type of new meal that can be twisted into my own -- I am all over it. I have also learned from friends parents.. this recipe specifically came from a friends mom. She made a pork chop spaghetti, and I wanted to add my own twist to it, since I have made spaghetti pretty often lately (recipe on a later date)
3. Cookbooks
I LOVE books and I LOVE cookbooks! One of my favorites is The Southern Cookbook, I've taken a few recipes from this cookbook and made it my own.
Finally!! Here it is!!
Please rate, comment, send me tips -- anything to keep my cooking ideas flowing :) ENJOY!
I gotta make this one day! Looks so yummy!😋🤤