New Year’s Day Prosperity and Luck Hoppin’ John
A rice-forward Hoppin’ John built for New Year’s Day—patiently cooked, gently finished, and meant to be shared with people you want to carry into the year with you.
Posts
Hope at the Turn of the Year
A quiet winter reflection on progress, family, and hope—written at the turn of the year.
Gio’s Holiday Egg Nog: Cooking, Confidence, and the Adults’ Table
This egg nog was my son’s entry ticket to the adults’ table—earned not by age, but by cooking something real and watching people enjoy it.
Holiday Citrus & Pomegranate Salad (A Bright Finish)
After a rich holiday meal, this simple citrus and pomegranate salad is the reset. Bright, crisp, and composed, it’s the perfect way to end a heavy dinner without skipping the comfort.
My Wife’s Christmas Meatball Lasagna
A true all-day Christmas tradition—slow-simmered sauce, tender meatballs, and a lasagna we only make for the biggest days.
Creamy Polenta with Tomato Beans and Pancetta (Italian-Style Recipe)
Creamy Anson Mills polenta topped with slow-simmered beans, tomatoes, and pancetta—finished with a splash of red wine vinegar that brings the whole dish into balance. Simple, humble, and deeply satisfying.
A Slice of Bologna and a Sunday Ritual
A slice of bologna, oddball sodas, and a quiet Sunday ritual with my dad—remembering a small-town deli where abundance meant feeling seen.
A Winter Nature Walk and the Passage of Time with My Son
A December walk through snowy woods leads to thoughts on parenting, time passing, and how connection changes as children grow.
Creating a Sanctuary at Home: How Music Helped Me Transform a Forgotten Room
A forgotten basement became the most meaningful room in my home — a quiet sanctuary built for music, learning, and slowing down. Inspired by my dad’s garage and Philippe Dufour’s morning ritual, this space reminded me that sanctuary isn’t a destination. It’s intention, light, warmth, and one small corner you claim for yourself.
52 Weeks Under the Bar: How Strength Training After 50 Changed My Life
A year of small, steady habits transformed my strength at 50. From rowing to barbell training, here’s how I became stronger than I was in my 40s.
All-Day Tomato Meat Sauce with Spaghetti (Slow-Cooked, Kid-Friendly Comfort Food)
An all-day tomato meat sauce that tastes like home. Slow-cooked with soffritto, beef, tomatoes, and optional mushroom tea, this cozy bowl of spaghetti is pure comfort — the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like love.
Cozy Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Cabbage & Balsamic — A Cold-Weather Favorite
A deeply comforting split pea soup simmered with bacon, cabbage, sweet carrots, and a splash of balsamic to brighten the whole bowl. Simple ingredients, slow-cooked flavor — perfect for cold days.
Made with Bullet