Smothered Skillet Pork Chops with Portabella Gravy

It has been a long, brutal winter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and we are absolutely buried in snow. When the wind is howling off Lake Superior and the driveway needs clearing for the third time in a week, comfort food isn’t just a want. It’s a need.

And sometimes, comfort food is how you say thank you. … More Smothered Skillet Pork Chops with Portabella Gravy

Salisbury Steak: Comfort Food

Several years ago, I discovered a salisbury steak recipe that a friend shared on Facebook. I made a few tweaks to it and this is the final result. It reminds me of a meal that my mom would have made when I was growing up. I love the nostalgic nature of cooking and I always say it is my “love language”. I enjoy cooking for others and sharing my recipes with you! … More Salisbury Steak: Comfort Food

Avalon’s Next Big Adventure: Serving Through a Medical Brigade

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi If you’ve followed Produce with Amy at all, you know how much we believe in growing roots. Not just for our own family, but for the wider community. And today, I’m bursting with pride and hope as … More Avalon’s Next Big Adventure: Serving Through a Medical Brigade

Healthy Lunch Ideas: Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a perpetually busy human, it’s this – when life ramps up, the first thing I tend to sacrifice is myself. More specifically, my meals. I’ll spend hours supporting students, prepping lessons, answering emails, grading, and working weekends at the airport. Then I end up scrambling to find something nutritious for lunch. Too many times, I’ve ambled across the street at work to grab a bag of candy and a Red Bull when I feel tired mid-afternoon.

So I hit the restart button, and I’ve been trying to make one intentional change. Eat more fresh food. More vegetables. More color. More meals that actually make me feel awake instead of sluggish. … More Healthy Lunch Ideas: Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Serendipita Soup (Fajita Soup)

Introducing my happy accident dinner: Serendipita Fajita Soup! 🌶️
It all started with leftover onions and peppers from Lukas’ football team dinner and somehow turned into the coziest, most flavorful soup ever. My husband John took one bite and said, “Write this down before you forget!”

Think fajitas in a bow. Zesty, hearty, and perfect with chips, cheese, and sour cream on top. This one’s definitely a keeper. … More Serendipita Soup (Fajita Soup)

Bruschetta Chicken Bake: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

If you’re a fan of bruschetta but looking to skip the bread and amp up the protein, this recipe is your new weeknight hero. By layering the vibrant flavors of bruschetta over juicy chicken breasts, you get a dish that’s fresh, savory, and irresistibly cheesy. Without all the carbs. Here’s how to turn your favorite … More Bruschetta Chicken Bake: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

Rebuilding Our Reading Culture—One Page at a Time

I’m dreaming up a space for busy people who want to read again. A virtual book club that’s low-pressure, high-reward. We’ll pick a book together – something that inspires, challenges, or simply delights us. We’ll set a realistic timeline (because life is full), and we’ll share thoughts as we go. No quizzes. No guilt. Just community, conversation, and the joy of turning pages. … More Rebuilding Our Reading Culture—One Page at a Time