“A lot of living happens in the kitchen.”

Author: Rachel Ballinger

Ham Bone Bean Soup

Ham Bone Bean Soup

This savory ham bone bean soup is my favorite way to use a leftover ham bone. Full of beans, veggies, ham, and savory seasonings and nourishing chicken broth. I always serve it with a pan of steaming hot skillet cornbread on the side.  We always 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola

Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola

This crunchy peanut butter chocolate granola is a delicious and healthy breakfast option. Made with oats, coconut flakes, almonds, and sweetened with honey. My kids love it and especially enjoy the addition of peanut butter and chocolate chips.  Ingredients Needed to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate 

Simple Cabbage Soup

Simple Cabbage Soup

This simple cabbage soup is full of nutrients and great for a quick dinner. Made with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and chicken broth, it’s one of those simple hearty meals that are surprisingly delicious and feel like home.   There is something comforting about a 

Sourdough Crepes

Sourdough Crepes

Sourdough crepes are a great way to use up extra sourdough starter or discard. Stuff them full of chocolate spread and fruit and it’s a very delicious and special breakfast. I love the little tang from the sourdough and how fast and easy they are 

Christmas Advent Countdown Calendar

Christmas Advent Countdown Calendar

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Christmas season is doing the Advent countdown calendar with my kiddos. It’s a magical way to enjoy the holiday season and one of our favorite family traditions. Christmas isn’t just one day, it’s a season of goodwill 

Creamy Bacon Potato Soup

Creamy Bacon Potato Soup

This creamy bacon potato soup is so delicious and perfect for colder weather. Full of potatoes, sour cream, and bacon, it’s like a loaded baked potato soup. When you top a bowl of this hot soup with cheese, sour cream, and green onions it takes 

Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft and delicious, these dinner rolls are the perfect complement to any meal. Golden on top and baked to perfection, they’re amazing slathered in butter and jam. My kids even like to snack on them plain!  This recipe is very similar to my sandwich bread 

Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese

A creamy mac n cheese dish, full of warm butternut squash flavor and topped with toasted sage infused breadcrumbs. Perfect fall dish! Reasons to love this butternut squash Mac n Cheese Dish: Because it’s Mac n cheese! Who doesn’t love Mac n cheese? It’s a 

French Bread

French Bread

You can bake this delicious French bread in one hour. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, it’s perfect for making garlic bread or serving with butter and jam.  Reasons to make this French bread: It’s the perfect accompaniment to most dishes and 

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili

If you’re looking for the perfect meal for a chilly autumn evening, this pumpkin chili will hit the spot. Full of warm spices and protein, the ground beef pairs perfectly and unexpectedly with pumpkin and cinnamon to make a dish that will satisfy your fall