Comforting, hands-off, Italian-inspired

I had an extra block of tofu to use up, didn’t want to do much standing or “stay in the kitchen” kind of cooking, and I was craving something Italian. That can feel like a tall order—especially when you’re busy and don’t want to run to the store.

So this is what I made.

It’s easy, mostly hands-off, and even my meat-eating son enjoyed it. 🙌
Think cozy cacciatore vibes, without the meat.

A Quick Tofu Texture Tip

If tofu’s texture is a bit much for you, soak it in a warm saltwater bath for about 15 minutes. This helps it feel less curd-like and more tender.

If you’d rather skip soaking, wrap the tofu (whole or sliced) in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for 10–15 minutes to press out excess moisture.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm or firm tofu

• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought both works well)

• 1 small potato

• 1 bell pepper

• 1 small carrot

• 1 small onion

• 4–5 garlic cloves, diced

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a roasting pan or 9×9 baking dish, spread a small amount of marinara sauce—just enough to coat the bottom.

3. Drain the tofu and place it in the center of the pan.

4. Cut the potato, bell pepper, carrot, and onion into large, bite-sized pieces and arrange them around the tofu.

5. Sprinkle vegetables with sea salt, black pepper, and diced garlic.

6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tofu and vegetables.

7. If using, sprinkle grated cheese over the tofu.

8. Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes.

9. Remove the cover and check that vegetables are tender. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese browns slightly.

10. Remove from oven, slice the tofu, and serve over cooked pasta.

Serving Notes

• Serves 2 people with hearty appetites

• Makes great leftovers

• Lovely with any kind of pasta, a simple green salad or crusty bread

Nutrition Notes (Why This Meal Works)

This tofu cacciatore is simple comfort food, but it also delivers solid nourishment without feeling heavy.

Tofu

• Excellent source of plant-based protein

• Contains iron and calcium (especially if calcium-set)

• Easy to digest compared to many animal proteins

• Absorbs flavor beautifully in tomato-based sauces

Vegetables

• Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health

• Bell peppers & carrots: Provide vitamin C, beta-carotene, and natural sweetness

• Onion & garlic: Support immune health and digestion

Potatoes

• Provide potassium and fiber

• Add grounding, satisfying energy to the dish

Overall, this meal balances protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in a way that feels comforting and sustaining.

Menopause-Friendly Nutrition Notes

During menopause, our bodies often crave meals that are warming, steadying, and blood-sugar supportive—without being overly rich or inflammatory. This tofu cacciatore fits beautifully into that season of life.

Protein for Muscle & Metabolism
As estrogen declines, maintaining muscle mass becomes more important. Tofu provides high-quality plant protein to support:

• Stable energy

• Metabolism

• Strength and recovery

Gentle on Digestion
Many women notice increased digestive sensitivity during menopause. This meal uses:

• Cooked vegetables

• A soft, easy-to-digest protein

• Slow, oven-baked preparation

All of which are kinder to a changing gut.

Blood Sugar Support
Combining protein (tofu), fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (potato and pasta) helps reduce blood sugar spikes—often linked to:

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Cravings

• Hot flashes

Anti-Inflammatory Comfort
Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and colorful vegetables provide antioxidants that support inflammation balance, while the overall dish remains warming but not overstimulating.

This is the kind of meal that nourishes without asking too much from your body—simple, grounding, and supportive.

A Little History: Where “Cacciatore” Comes From

The word cacciatore comes from the Italian word meaning “hunter.”

Traditionally, dishes like pollo alla cacciatora (chicken) or coniglio alla cacciatora (rabbit) were considered hunter-style meals—rustic, practical food made with what was available.

Classic cacciatore cooking usually included:

• Tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Onions and garlic

• Herbs

• Sometimes wine

• Whatever protein was on hand

It was never meant to be fancy. Cacciatore meals were nourishing, forgiving, and meant to be shared.

This tofu version honors that same spirit—just with a modern, plant-forward twist.

A Simple, Cozy Dessert: Mom’s Stovetop Poached Pears

Warm, comforting, and beautifully simple—poached pears are one of those timeless desserts that bridge everyday ease with a sense of elegance. Today’s recipe comes straight from my mom, who has always had a knack for turning a few ingredients into something memorable. (Thanks, Mom!)

This version is cooked on the stovetop rather than in the oven, making it quicker and perfect for weeknight cravings or unexpected guests.

A Bit of History: The Origin of Poached Pears

Pears have been cherished for thousands of years. Cultivated as early as 1000 BC in regions stretching from ancient Persia to Europe, they became a favorite fruit for both everyday meals and royal feasts.

Poaching fruit—particularly pears—became popular in medieval Europe, when households often cooked with wine, spices, and honey to preserve fruit and create warming dishes for colder seasons. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, both present in this recipe, were considered luxury goods and were used sparingly to elevate special meals.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, French cooks refined the dish into iconic versions like Poires Belle Hélène and Poires au Vin Rouge. Despite these fancy renditions, home cooks also kept simpler versions alive—like this one—using water, sweetener, and a few spices to coax out the fruit’s natural flavor.

The stovetop recipe beautifully reflects this simpler, more rustic tradition of poaching: minimal ingredients, minimal time, maximum comfort.

Poached Pears Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pears (any variety works)

• A handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)

• Cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste

• Agave syrup or honey

• A small pat of butter

• Splash of water

Instructions

1. Wash the pears and slice them in half. Remove the core.

2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg, then drizzle with honey or agave.

3. Add a pat of butter to each pear half.

4. Place in a skillet with a small amount of water and cover.

5. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.

6. Add raspberries, cover again, and cook for another 10 minutes, until tender.

7. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, naturally sweet dessert.

Nutritional Notes: Why This Dessert Is Good for You

Poached pears aren’t just delicious—they offer several nutritional benefits:

Pears

• High in fiber (especially soluble fiber), which supports digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar.

• Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that help combat inflammation.

• Naturally sweet without added sugar, making them a great alternative to heavier desserts.

Raspberries

• Loaded with antioxidants like quercetin and ellagic acid.

• High in dietary fiber—one of the highest among fruits.

• Provide vitamin C and manganese, supporting skin health and immune function.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg

• Cinnamon helps with blood sugar balance and adds flavor without needing much sweetener.

• Nutmeg contains trace minerals and compounds linked to calming effects and digestive support.

Honey or Agave

• Natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic impact than refined sugar (though still to be used lightly).

Butter

• Adds richness and helps the spices bloom; using just a small pat keeps the dish light.

Overall, this dessert is nourishing, high in fiber, antioxidant-rich, and satisfying without being heavy—perfect for mindful eating or a wellness-oriented lifestyle.

I would love to hear in the comments your versions of this elegant, delightful dessert.

✨ Three Simple & Festive New Year’s Eve Recipes to Ring in the New Year With Joy

There’s something magical about New Year’s Eve — the sparkle, the anticipation, the quiet reflection of all God has carried us through. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or keeping it cozy at home, having a few easy yet beautiful recipes can make the night feel extra special.

Here are three simple, elegant, and delicious New Year’s Eve recipes that come together quickly but feel celebration-worthy. Each one includes a short faith-centered reflection, because even a recipe can remind us of God’s goodness.

🍾 1. Sparkling Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail

A bright, refreshing drink perfect for toasting to God’s faithfulness as we step into a new year.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup orange or clementine juice
• Sparkling water or ginger ale
• Pomegranate arils (for garnish)
• Orange slices
• Fresh mint
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill two glasses with ice.
2. Mix pomegranate and citrus juice in a pitcher.
3. Pour into glasses halfway.
4. Top with sparkling water or ginger ale.
5. Add pomegranate arils, orange slices, and mint.

Faith Reflection

As the bubbles rise, let them remind you that hope rises too.
Just as this drink refreshes, God renews our hearts for the year ahead.

🧀 2. Warm Cranberry Brie Bites

A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks elegant but is wonderfully simple.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel Brie cheese
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Rosemary sprigs (optional)
• Salt + pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and press into a muffin tin.
3. Add a cube of Brie to each.
4. Spoon a little cranberry sauce on top.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish with rosemary.

Faith Reflection

These tiny bites are a beautiful reminder that God often uses the small things — the moments, the prayers, the quiet obediences — to bring warmth and joy into our lives.

🍫 3. Midnight Blessing Brownie Parfaits

A sweet layered dessert to serve right before the countdown.

Ingredients

• Brownies (homemade or store-bought)
• Whipped cream or coconut whipped topping
• Chocolate drizzle
• Fresh berries
• Gold sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Crumble brownies into small pieces.
2. Layer brownies → whipped cream → berries in clear glasses.
3. Repeat layers.
4. Drizzle with chocolate and finish with sprinkles.

Faith Reflection

As you layer this dessert, pause and consider the layers of your year — the sweetness, the lessons, the stretching, the blessings seen and unseen. God was in all of it.

✨ A New Year’s Eve Call to Action

Before the ball drops and the noise-makers sound, take a quiet moment for yourself:

Ask God to show you one thing to release from this year,
one thing to carry with you,
and one thing to hope for.

Then raise your glass — mocktail or otherwise — and step boldly into the new year knowing God goes before you, behind you, and with you every step.

Every Christmas I enjoy baking special treats and giving them as presents. It’s a tradition that stretches through generations of women in my family, each of us adding our own little touch but keeping the heart of it the same. When I was little, I would stand beside my mom—a lot of the time on a stool, sometimes just on my tiptoes—watching her measure, stir, and create magic out of simple ingredients. Those afternoons felt like the start of Christmas itself: the scent of butter and brown sugar filling the house, the warmth of the oven heating up our kitchen, the way my mom would hum or have Christmas music to add to this afternoon of fun is still something I cherish.

As life moved forward, I carried that tradition with me into my own home. My children grew up with the same cozy ritual. It’s funny how personalities show up even in the kitchen—my daughter, who once couldn’t escape fast enough when I needed help with cooking, somehow transformed into my shadow the moment baking was involved. She would hover, waiting for instructions, licking spoons, and taking ownership of anything frosting-related. My son was the opposite: he loved cooking with me most days, but when dessert was on the agenda, he mysteriously disappeared—only to reappear right on cue when something came out warm from the oven or when he sensed there might be a bowl worth “cleaning.”

Now my grandsons are doing the same thing, watching with curious eyes and sticky fingers. And every time I melt butter or hear the mixer whir, I feel that sense of continuity—a thread weaving through generations, holding us together through something as simple as a recipe.

Today I was thinking about one recipe I make every single year. It’s one of my mom’s, and honestly, I have no idea where she got it. Maybe from a neighbor or a holiday magazine, or maybe it’s one of those recipes that’s just always existed, passed along from kitchen to kitchen. I’ve tasted lots of versions over the years, but none of them ever feel quite like ours. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe some recipes really do belong to a family the way a story does.

I’ve always been the queen of “winging it”—pinches instead of teaspoons, handfuls instead of measuring cups. This recipe is no different. We’ve made it so many times through the years that it lives in my hands more than on a recipe card. So, the amounts below are a guide—adjust them the way your own kitchen tells you to.

Christmas Snacks (Mom’s Magic Bars)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup sugar

• ⅓ cup melted butter

• 1 bag (10 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded coconut

• 1 to 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl, then mix in the melted butter until everything is evenly moistened.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 baking pan to form a firm crust.

4. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.

5. Add the coconut and walnuts—don’t worry about making it perfect; the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.

6. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, letting it sink into all the layers.

7. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is lightly toasted.

8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares (or sneak a warm piece like we do every year).

Every year when I make these bars, something inside me softens. I remember my mom’s hands guiding mine, my children’s laughter echoing through the kitchen, and now the excitement of boys waiting for their turn to “help.” These simple ingredients turn into more than just a dessert—they turn into a moment, a memory, a reminder of how traditions tie us to the people we love.

And that’s the real magic of holiday baking: long after the treats are gone, the memories stay warm.