Tag Archives: cooking

In Defense of Big Pots of Food (And No-Bean Chili)

Posted on February 2, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some people collect recipes. I collect reasons to cook a big pot of food—the kind meant to be shared, argued over, and eaten again the next day. Continue reading →

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Holiday Traditions, Family Recipes, and a Table Full of Memories

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

From Mom’s unbeatable mashed potatoes to my own cranberry sauce (which absolutely does not come from a can), our family’s Thanksgiving table has always been full of tradition. This year, with Lizzi, Sully, and Talon here, I’m passing those recipes on directly—and remembering the woman who started them all. Continue reading →

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Three Meals That Always Bring Us Back to the Table

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

We love experimenting in the kitchen, trying new flavors and stretching our culinary comfort zone — the Instant Pot gets a workout in our house. But even with all the new recipes we try, three dishes stand out as our family favorites. From my no-beans Texas chili to Daryl’s restaurant-quality Chicken Marsala and risotto, these are the meals that always feel like home. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Lessons From Mom: Learn to Cook

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

This is the 18th of 25 special reflections based on lessons I learned from my mother. These will run from my birthday on October 27 until her birthday on November 20. Read Genesis 9:1-17 Every moving thing that lives shall … Continue reading →

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The Most Expensive Thing I Ever Bought (And Why It Was Worth Every Penny)

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I’ve never been one to splurge on flashy toys or chase the newest tech. So when I realized the most expensive personal item I’ve ever bought was… a grill… even I had to laugh. But that Traeger has earned its keep, one smoked turkey and rack of ribs at a time. Continue reading →

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Stirring the Pot: My Specialty in the Kitchen

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Some of my favorite recipes come from my parents — and a few from pure experimentation. But the dishes I’m proudest of are the ones that bring family together and fill the house with those unmistakable smells of home. Continue reading →

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Buttermilk Pudding & Mayo Pizza: My Greatest Culinary Crimes

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Some kids grow up wanting to be astronauts. Others want to be doctors. I just wanted to be the guy who made dessert without poisoning his family. Spoiler alert: still working on it. The Buttermilk Pudding IncidentAt 10 years old, … Continue reading →

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The Secret’s in the Pot: Why My Favorite Chili Recipe Stays Under Wraps

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Chili is personal. That’s not a metaphor—it’s a declaration of fact. You don’t just make chili. You cultivate it. Tinker with it. Argue about it. You bring it to potlucks, to tailgates, to late-night cook-offs where the air is thick … Continue reading →

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My Buttermilk Pudding Redemption

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Today’s WordPress prompt asks a simple question: “What foods would you like to make?” For me, the answer isn’t about the main course. I feel pretty confident there. I’m proud of my chili recipe, I make a killer jambalaya every … Continue reading →

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Finding Comfort in the Everyday

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV) Comfort, for me, doesn’t come from fancy self-care routines or expensive habits. It shows up in the little, intentional choices … Continue reading →

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