Explore every episode of the podcast Home Cooked Stories

May is a lot. If you know, you know. Between recitals, field trips, end-of-year presentations, teacher appreciation week, and Mother's Day all colliding at once, most of us arrive at summer break already running on empty. And then we're expected to just shift gears.

In this episode, I'm getting honest about my feelings around summer break and what it looks like to work full-time with kids home full-time. 

A recent conversation with a friend pointed out that we spend so much energy thinking about what our kids need in the summer - the structure, the camps, the consistency - when in reality, we're not that different from them. We need those things too. We just pretend to be more evolved about it.

I'm also sharing why I'm taking a break from publishing new episodes this summer, and what I hope to do with that space. Spoiler alert: it has everything to do with presence and creativity and nothing to do with a productivity hack or a summer bucket list.

What do you want to get out of your summer - just for you?

I'll be back in the fall with new episodes and new conversations. Until then, enjoy your summer!

Grandmacore. Nonna-nostalgia. The slow Sunday. Whatever you call it, something is pulling a lot of us (especially those of us in the middle of full lives and busy schedules) toward a slower, more intentional way of moving through our kitchens and our weekends. And it's not hard to see why. There's something magnetic about those viral videos of Italian grandmothers rolling pasta by hand, the romance of a multigenerational table, and the comfort of a dish that took all afternoon to make.

But are we chasing the right thing?

In this episode, I'm exploring the grandmother aesthetic trend and what I believe we're actually longing for underneath it. Spoiler alert: it's not the pasta. It's the gathering. It's the ritual. It's the sense of belonging that food gives us.

I also share a personal story about cooking my family's Lebanese recipes with my aunt and what that afternoon taught me about grief, memory, and how tradition really travels. It's not through perfect conditions. It's through intention and invitation.

If you've ever felt the pull of the nonna aesthetic but can't figure out how to make it fit into your actual life (the one with a mental list a mile long and kids asking for waffles before you've had your coffee), this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• What grandmacore and nonna-nostalgia are really tapping into and why it's bigger than a food trend
• The honest tension between wanting the slow Sunday and living the fast one
• Why we're drawn to watching grandmothers cook (and what it says about what we're missing)
• Making Lebanese recipes by hand, learning through the senses, and carrying a family legacy forward
• Why all you need is one good afternoon and the intention to pass it on
• Six practical ways to bring slow, intentional, gathering-centered cooking into a real, busy life

Connect with me: Come join the conversation on Substack at Home Cooked Stories. I use this space to share more behind-the-scenes, go deeper into the stories behind the food, and write more about the life we're building around our tables. You can also find me on Instagram @heyjuliadarling. 

Are family trips worth it — even the chaotic, exhausting, everyone-hit-a-wall-at-6pm ones? After more than a decade of traveling with three kids, a lot of hotel rooms, and more than a few moments of questioning every decision we've ever made — my answer is a hard yes. And in this episode, I'm telling you exactly why.

I'm recording this fresh off a long weekend in Atlanta — kids on spring break, husband on a work trip, running on leftover momentum and caffeine. And I figured if I'm going to show up for you, I'm going to show up honest. So that's exactly what this episode is.

We're talking about the real stuff: why we keep planning these trips even when they wear us out, how food has become our family's way into every place we visit, and the small, unscripted moments that end up meaning the most.  Because here's the thing — the best parts of a family trip are almost never on the itinerary. Sometimes they're a Thai restaurant you stumbled into across from your Airbnb, owned by an 80-year-old woman with a rice plantation in Thailand and grandma energy that makes you wish you could stay all night. Sometimes they're leftover pizza in hotel pajamas at 9pm. Both count. 

In this episode:

• Why the shared stories — not the highlights — are the real reason to keep booking the trips
• The "one or two anchored activities" rule that changed how our family travels
• Why a low-key night in the hotel is not a failed night (and why social media has a lot to answer for here)
• How food has become our family's way into every place we visit
• Why a two-hour drive from home can be just as meaningful as a flight to Europe
• The one habit that will help you actually keep the small moments instead of letting them slip by

The trip doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't have to be far. It just has to be yours.

If you're in the thick of spring break, staring down a summer of trip planning, or just on the fence about whether it's even worth the effort — this one's for you.

Loved this episode? Share it with the friend who's been putting off that family trip, or the one who needs permission to take a night off mid-vacation. They need to hear this too. 

Want more from Home Cooked Stories?

Follow the show wherever you stream podcasts, so you never miss another one.

Want to go deeper? I write about all of this — and everything else on my mind — over on Substack. Come join the conversation and get updates delivered straight to your inbox. 

There's a movement spreading among millennial parents right now — a growing push to give kids a more 1990s childhood. Less screen time, more boredom, and unscheduled summers. And I get it. But this episode isn't about our kids. It's about us.

Because we're the generation trying to protect our children from overstimulation while personally scrolling Instagram, prompting ChatGPT, and spending 20 minutes reading about baked chicken before we've even decided if we're making it.

In this solo episode, I go back to 1995. I wanted to consider what weeknight cooking actually looked like for our parents and make the case that it was, in some real and meaningful ways, easier. Not because the tools were better; they weren't. But because the information field was so much smaller. Fewer decisions. Lower expectations. No ambient pressure that your Tuesday night pasta should be anything more than pasta.

I also get into why that feels so hard to replicate now and what it's quietly doing to our self-trust when we keep looking outside ourselves for the answer.

This one is for anyone who has ever spent 30 minutes researching a recipe and still didn't know what to make for dinner.

Cozy on in.

 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Melissa Ambrosini Show (Episode 693: Why Your Brain Feels Broken (And What It's Actually Trying to Tell You)

Want more from Home Cooked Stories?

Follow the show wherever you stream podcasts, so you never miss another one.

Want to go deeper? I write about all of this — and everything else on my mind — over on Substack. Come join the conversation and get updates delivered straight to your inbox. 

It’s March 1st. My husband is out of town for four nights. I am sitting in the sunroom with a pile of my favorite cookbooks, a pen, a sheet of notebook paper, and a very clean intention: I am going to cook dinner every single night he’s gone.

The plan did not survive the week. And that, it turns out, is the whole episode.

If you’ve been in a winter cooking rut — the kind that sneaks up sometime after the holidays, when takeout has quietly become the default and you don’t fully clock it until early March shows up and you realize it’s been a long while since you actually cooked a real meal — this one is for you.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

• What a real winter dinner rut actually feels like — not the dramatized version, the quiet one

• The three recipes I always reach for when I’m getting back into the kitchen after a long stretch away (hummus, granola, and chicken noodle soup — and yes, there is a Lebanese grandmother story involved)

• What cooking for my family solo actually looked like — including the night a work call hijacked my mac and cheese plan, the soccer practice stove check, and the early homecoming that changed everything

• Why the plan not surviving the week doesn’t mean the reset didn’t happen

•  What actually counts when you’re trying to get back to cooking for your family — and why the imperfect, interrupted effort is still the thing

There was a stove check between soccer practices. There was a bucket of grocery store fried chicken. There was a work call that derailed the whole Wednesday. And there was a Sunday afternoon where the soup was on, the music was playing, the kids were drifting through the kitchen stealing bites off the granola pan, and everything felt like mine again.

That Sunday was the reset. Everything else was just the week being the week.

If you’ve been waiting to feel like yourself in the kitchen again — or if you’ve been trying to get back to cooking for your family after a long stretch of ordering out, running late, and getting to Friday wondering where the week went — I hope this one feels like a small nod. A little recognition. And maybe your permission to find your Sunday.

Cozy on in.

___________________

Let's Connect! 

You can find me on Instagram @heyjuliadarling. And be sure to subscribe to my Substack newsletter for deeper thoughts and behind-the-scenes stories. 

What does it look like to build a life you actually love — and use your passion to get there? In this episode of Home Cooked Stories, I sit down with Molly Wilkinson, an American pastry chef living in Versailles, France, who turned her love of French pastry into a thriving business and a life entirely on her own terms.

Molly didn't follow the traditional path. After training at Le Cordon Bleu, she skipped opening a bakery, pivoted her entire business model during the pandemic, and built something that works around her life — not the other way around. From teaching pastry classes online and in her Versailles apartment to embracing the French art of living well, Molly's story is equal parts inspiring and deeply relatable.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Making French pastry at home without the intimidation
• Building a business with flexibility and intention 
• Why embracing imperfection is the secret ingredient 
• What living in Versailles, France, has taught her about slowing down 
• How an American girl from Texas found her rhythm in a French kitchen

Whether you've dreamed of a life abroad, want to try your hand at macarons, or just need a reminder that it's okay to build things differently — you're going to love this conversation.

Connect with Molly Wilkinson:

📖 Grab Molly's book — French Pastry Made Simple — and bring a little French pastry magic into your own kitchen.

🥐 Join Molly's "Le Baking Club" - a French pastry membership for building community, learning new recipes, and accessing classes - all from your own home.

📱 Follow Molly on Instagram and keep up with life in Versailles, French pastry inspiration, and everything in between.

Savor the Stories:

🎙️ If you loved this episode, subscribe to Home Cooked Stories so you never miss a conversation. You can also subscribe to my newsletter via Substack and follow along on Instagram. Merci!

Have you ever stood in your kitchen at the end of a long day, completely exhausted, wondering what to make for dinner when you're too tired to cook...again?

This episode is for the nights when meal planning overwhelm takes over, inspiration doesn't strike, the meal plan falls apart, and whatever ends up on the table just needs to work. Even though we all know it's okay to have those nights, there's this subconscious dinner pressure and mom guilt that comes with mealtime—the pressure to plan better, try harder, cook more creatively, or somehow make dinner mean something more than what it is.

This isn't an episode full of tips or quick fixes. It's a real-life conversation about cooking when you're burnt out: breakfast for dinner, simple meals with leftovers, freezer meals, cereal, takeout, and everything in between. It's about releasing the mental load of meal planning and letting go of food guilt.

This episode is a reminder that feeding people consistently matters more than feeding them creatively. Showing up night after night with easy dinner ideas when tired isn't nothing—that's everything.

No matter your season of life, sometimes we all need permission:

If dinner tonight is pancakes, leftovers, sandwiches, or takeout—that counts.
If you showed up, fed people, and made it through the day—that's enough.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, a fellow parent dealing with dinner stress, or someone in your group chat who needs to hear this message. 

I can't help but click on a "top 10 list" or watch those viral restaurant recommendations. But, in a world of short attention spans and headlines competing for our attention, how do we slow down and discover the stories behind the food that shapes our experience of a place?

In this episode of Home Cooked Stories, I'm talking with Stephanie Burt, acclaimed freelance writer and host of The Southern Fork podcast, for a personal conversation about food, storytelling, travel, and place. Stephanie has chronicled the evolving food scene of the modern American South and beyond - especially Charleston, South Carolina. And today, we're turning the mic around.

You'll hear how Stephanie’s career began, why she started The Southern Fork podcast, and how curiosity, community, and deep listening shape the way she experiences restaurants and travel. 

This conversation is for anyone who loves:

• Food-driven travel
• Thoughtful storytelling
• Discovering meaningful restaurant experiences
• Cooking with curiosity at home
  
  

In this episode, we cover:

• How Charleston became one of America’s top food cities
• Why food storytelling matters 
• Stephanie’s favorite food cities 
• What makes a restaurant emotionally unforgettable
• How a career in food writing has shaped her home cooking
• Why tested recipes matter — and how to become a better home cook
  
  

If you love discovering places through food, understanding the deeper stories behind what’s on your plate, and learning how to bring that same curiosity into your own kitchen, this episode is for you.

Want to connect more with Stephanie? Check out the links below. 

• Listen to The Southern Fork podcast, especially this episode on her round-up of favorites from 2025.
• Subscribe to Stephanie's Substack
• Purchase her new book (available on 2/10/26): South Carolina Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Palmetto State
• Read her article in Conde Nast Traveler: "40 Best Restaurants in Charleston - from Raw Bars to Barbeque Joints"
• Make her one-pot chicken and rice. It was Simply Recipes most popular recipe of 2025!

I am not feeling traditional New Year's resolutions this year. Instead, I wanted to take a more mindful approach - one rooted in intention, and joy. In this episode, I'm reflecting on why rigid goal setting didn't resonate with me this year (Spoiler Alert: I think it has to do with getting older). I'm also one who believes that inviting meaningful change into our lives doesn't require January 1st. 

Thanks to the KonMari method, I'm sharing how decluttering my kitchen became a powerful reset - not just for my home, but also for myself. From tidying by category instead of by room to keeping only what sparks joy, this Marie Kondo-inspired kitchen reset offers a fresh way to think about organizing your space, mindfulness, and quality over quantity. 

If you're craving a home reset, a calmer kitchen, or a more joyful approach to self-improvement, I hope this episode helps you to clear space (mentally and physically) for what matters most.

Tag me on Instagram @juliathehomecook and tell me what sparks joy for you in your own kitchen! 

Key Topics Covered: 

• New Years Resolutions vs. mindful resets
• Decluttering as personal growth 
• The KonMari method applied to the kitchen
• Kitchen organization for real life and families 
• Choosing quality over quantity at home
• How tidying can impact mood, habits, and daily rhythm

Remember, you don't need a new year to reset. Change can start at any time. You'd be surprised at how a thoughtful kitchen reset can support the way you want to cook, eat, and gather. 

How can you help build this Home Cooked Stories community in 30 seconds or less:

• Follow or subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss another episode. 
• Share episodes with those you think will enjoy it. 
• Leave a rating or review.

The holidays don't need to be elaborate to feel special.

In this episode of Home Cooked Stories, I'm sharing five easy, festive things you can make this holiday season with five ingredients or less. Amidst the hustle and bustle this time of year, let this list inspire you to create a little moment for yourself and your family, even when time and energy feel limited. 

These are the kinds of things you can make on a whim. No perfection required. No hours in the kitchen. I've literally made the Parisian hot chocolate in my bathrobe on a Sunday morning - spur of the moment. These are simple, cozy ideas that pair well with a holiday movie, a good book, or a house full of people you love. 

In this episode, I'm sharing: 

• Parisian hot chocolate for slow evenings and quite mornings 
• A poinsettia cocktail that feels celebratory but effortless
• Mulled wine to set the mood while hosting (or enjoying a night in)
• Rolo pretzel bites for sweet, salty, last-minute magic
• Salt dough ornaments for memory-making with kids or a creative break

This episode is a reminder that the beauty of the season can live in small, approachable moments. We may not always have a plan. We just need five ingredients and a little intention. 

Make one, make all five, or save this episode for the night when you need a reset. And, if you do make any of these, tag me on Instagram @juliathehomecook; and let's celebrate those little moments together! 

PS: If you're in the giving mood, I'd be most grateful if you gave this podcast a follow or leave a rating/review!  

In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how Home Cooked Stories came to be. It's a little peek behind the mic that I've wanted to share since the very beginning. With the year coming to a close, it felt like a good opportunity to slow down, reflect, and talk about the moments (big and small) that inspired this podcast. 

I chat about: 

• Growing up in Belgium and how food first became a real sensory experience for me
• The ways my mom shaped my love of cooking and family traditions
• A moment in the ICU last year that changed how I think about recipes and memory
• What I hope this space becomes for all of us moving forward 
• What's to come in 2026

If you're craving a little pause from the holiday rush and want a reminder that the small moments really matter, this one's for you. 

Thank you for being here and listening. And if you've enjoyed the show, I'd love it if you hit follow or left a quick rating. It helps more people find this community. 

Connect with me on Instagram @juliathehomecook.

In this episode, I'm sharing how a once-in-a-lifetime Andrea Bocelli concert inspired me to bring more beauty, presence, and delight into the everyday — even on a chaotic Monday night.

Inspired by the Italian idea of La Dolce Vita, we can create small, intentional rituals that elevate the most ordinary moments at home. From turning on music while cooking to lighting a simple candle at dinner, I'll walk you through the practical ways I implement this into my weeknight routine - like making a pasta dinner from a jar of marinara sauce.

Whether you’re juggling dinner, homework, and overflowing laundry baskets or just craving a more meaningful rhythm to your evenings, this conversation invites you to pause, savor, and create micro-moments of joy in your kitchen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a Bocelli concert sparked reflections on beauty and everyday magic
• What La Dolce Vita really means — and how to apply it to your real life
• Simple rituals that instantly shift the mood of your home
• How music, candles, and even a tiny glass of wine can transform a Monday night
• Ways to make dinner feel just a touch more special (no extra effort required)

Practical ideas you can try tonight:

• Turn on an Italian dinner playlist while you cook
• Light a candle or dim the lights for atmosphere
• Pour a small glass of your favorite beverage
• Slow down and notice one tiny detail: a smell, a sound, a texture
• Add an elevated touch to the table — cloth napkins, candlesticks, or intentional “table topics”

Why it matters

Life isn’t only made of cinematic moments — but everyday beauty is always possible with a little intention. This episode is your reminder that even spaghetti from a jar can feel special when the mood is right.

Follow on Instagram @juliathehomecook for behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, season inspiration, and travels. 

Also, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe! It helps others discover these stories and build our community.

Cozy up to fall with me, as the weather gets chilly, and discover how to bring more leafy greens into our everyday meals. From collards and kale to leeks and Swiss chard, notice how nature gives us a bounty of greens right when we’re craving comfort food most. And I'm sharing easy, low-effort ways to fit them naturally into what you’re already cooking.

I'll walk you through approachable ideas for adding greens to soups, pastas, eggs, and even snacks — without a total meal plan overhaul. You’ll hear how my own kitchen mishap with Swiss chard turned into a lesson on practicality, and how small, simple shifts (not big changes) are often the most sustainable way to eat well in real life.

In This Episode:

• How fall naturally offers balance with hearty comfort foods and fresh greens
• A funny kitchen story that led to a lesson in realistic meal planning
• Easy ways to add greens into:
  •  Soups and stews (think minestrone, Italian wedding soup, and white beans)
  • Breakfasts and eggs (frittatas, omelets, or simple scrambles)
  • Pastas and sauces (store-bought or homemade)
• Kale as a side or snack (yes, even for kids!)
• Why seasonal produce makes eating well more affordable and flavorful
• The mindset shift that turns “eating healthy” into something effortless

Takeaway:

Eating more greens this season doesn’t have to mean more effort — it’s about small choices that fit your rhythm, your kitchen, and your family’s routine.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Marcella Hazan’s Swiss Chard Torte (recipe inspiration)
• Pardon Your French blog — Creamy Leek and Potato Soup recipe
• Ina Garten’s Italian Wedding Soup

Connect with Julia:

Follow along on Instagram @juliathehomecook for behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, seasonal inspiration, and more stories about food, travel, and the joy of cooking in real life.

If You Liked This Episode:

You might also enjoy Episode 1: Getting Back to Basics with Home Cooked Meals featuring Sheela Prakash.

A solo trip to a stunning Asheville flower farm turns into a lesson about creativity and curiosity.

In this episode, I'm giving you the scoop on attending a floral design workshop in Asheville - reminding me that trying new things doesn't have to come with pressure or perfection. 

Get ready to rediscover your creative side, embrace hobbies as an adult, and find empowerment in solo experiences. Whether you've been wanting to sign-up for a class, explore a new interest, or simply take time for personal reflection, this episode is your invitation to go for it.

If a hands on workshop at a flower farm sounds appealing to you, I’d highly recommend Flourish Flower Farm in Asheville, NC. Visit their website for the latest details. I also have a copy of Niki Irving's book, for those of you interested in growing your own flowers.

Let's Connect! 

1. Follow and subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss more episodes ahead!

2. If today's episode inspired you, share it with someone you know that would like to hear it as well.  

3. Follow me on Instagram @juliathehomecook

Bake along with me this fall as I share three cozy, foolproof breads — a classic white loaf, rustic focaccia, and soft pitas — that anyone can make, no experience needed.

If you’ve been wanting to bake bread but didn’t know where to start, this is your invitation to slow down, warm up the kitchen, and enjoy something homemade this season.

Recipes From the Episode

King Arthur's English Muffin Toasting Bread

Alexandra's Kitchen: Overnight, Refrigerator Focaccia

For the pita pockets recipe: Samin Nosrat's cookbook Good Things

Links & Resources:

• Connect with me on Instagram @juliathehomecook
• Share your bread creations by tagging me — I love seeing what you’re baking!
• Subscribe to the podcast, so you don’t miss more episodes ahead.

Join me and dive into the best parts of traveling with friends - from great food to deep conversation and moments of self-care sprinkled in between. I'm dishing out the details on where we enjoyed morning pastries as well as one-of-a-kind massages. I'm keeping those clothes stretchy to make room for all the good eats and laughter along the way. Let's take a minute to slow down and remind ourselves how much joy comes from savoring food and friendship together, and why it's important to prioritize these types of trips.

In this episode, you'll discover: 

• Must-try foodie finds in Chicago
• How a trip with friends can spark laughter, connection, and self-discovery
• Practical reminders to carve out time for yourself, even in a busy season of life

If you're looking for Chicago travel inspiration, foodie recommendations, or encouragement to plan your own friends' getaway, this episode is for you! 

Connect With Me:

Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com or message me on Instagram @juliathehomecook. 

I'm taking you beyond the food that's on our plate in this two-part mini-series highlighting my recent trip to Chicago. We're going to uncover how food, travel, and friendships intertwine - set against the backdrop of the Windy City. This trip was about more than just eating; it centered around moments of connection, laughter, and rekindling a part of ourselves that may not show up in our daily routines. 

We're exploring the profound impact of reconnecting with friends through travel - how shared adventures strengthen bonds, rejuvenate relationships, and remind us the importance of slowing down together. You'll hear personal reflections along the way, travel takeaways, and tips for planning your own trip with friends. 

Whether you're dreaming of a getaway to Chicago or simply craving inspiration for deeper connection with your people, this episode is for you - blending food, friendship, and lifestyle elements that go beyond the table. 

What you'll learn in this episode: 

• Why these trips with friends are essential
• How food and travel experiences can spark connection 
• Practical tips for planning a trip with friends

Connect With Me: 

Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com. 

Instagram: @juliathehomecook

Tips to Help Parents Focus Less on Perfect Lunches and More on Happy Kids

I don't recall my parents putting a whole lot of thought or effort into making my school lunch each day - a sandwich, chips, maybe a fruit, perhaps a sweet treat, and a Capri Sun (or Sunny D). Yet, I think there's a lot more pressure for today's parents wrapped up in providing school lunch. Is it nutritious? Is it environmentally friendly? Will my kids even eat it? How can I create more variety? If packing school lunch has you stressed or feeling uninspired, then tune into today's episode. My guest, Meghan Splawn, is here to help us shift our mindset and make mornings easier. Instead of obsessing over the perfect bento box or Pinterest-worthy ideas, we'll talk about how to let go of perfection and focus on what really matters - that your kids are fed and have enough fuel to get through their day.

In this episode, we'll explore why your mindset for school lunch is just as important as what you pack. You'll hear practical, stress-free lunch strategies to save time, reduce pressure, and even bring a little joy back to your morning routines.

What You'll Learn In This Episode: 

• How a school lunch mindset can make mornings and meal prep more enjoyable
• Stress-free lunch tips for busy parents
• Lunch ideas and meal packing tips that work all week
• Why "good-enough" lunches are a job well done

Whether you're a parent who loves planning meals or someone who throws sandwiches together five minutes before it's time to go to school, this episode will give you a fresh perspective - and permission to make lunch packing easier on yourself. 

Links and Resources:

Connect with me on Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Send me an email: julia@homecookedstories.com

Connect with my guest Meghan Splawn
Instagram: @meghan_splawn
Substack: Stir and Scribble and Meghan's Recent Post on School Lunch
Didn't I Just Feed You (podcast)

The sandwich cutter and sealer I use (for crustless sandwiches)

The air fryer Meghan recommends is no longer being made, but this one is very similar and well reviewed.

If these school lunch tips for parents helped you, share this episode with a friend and subscribe for more conversations like this! 

Whether you love the feeling of picking out ripe tomatoes or just want to feel more connected to your food, this episode’s for you! I’m talking with Courtney Spear, market manager for the Davidson Farmers Market in NC and owner of the catering company Courtney Cooks. I loved this conversation with her! Together, we’re uncovering the deep sense of community the farmers market creates. 

These delectable spaces are so much more than just places to buy groceries—they’re where local food and meaningful relationships come together. 

Since the pandemic, the Davidson Farmers Market has seen real market growth, with more people seeking seasonal produce, fresh ingredients, and connection. We talk about how that shift has impacted both shoppers and farmers—and why supporting local really matters.

Courtney talks about the challenges local farmers are facing, and we share how shopping seasonally can totally change the way you cook at home. Plus, we share why getting kids involved in the farmers market experience can spark a lifelong appreciation for good food. 

Join me as we celebrate the beauty and community of local farmers markets. I hope you enjoy this one!

In this episode, we chat about:

• How farmers markets help build strong, local communities
• The rise in market growth and what it means for farmers
• The value of buying and eating seasonal produce
• Why it’s important to support local growers and food makers
• The connection between local food, sustainability, and cooking habits
• What we can learn from farmer stories and real-life challenges
• Easy ways to engage kids in food education at the farmers market
• Creative inspiration for cooking with whatever’s fresh each week

References from Today's Episode:

Davidson Farmers Market Website

Davidson Farmers Market on Instagram

Courtney Spear's Catering Company - Courtney Cooks

Connect with Me: 
Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com. 

Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Website: www.homecookedstories.com 

Thinking about a family trip to Maine? For those of you that crave culinary adventures when you travel, but also need to keep it family friendly, I've got you covered! In this episode, I'm sharing the itinerary and highlights of our unforgettable vacation to Portland, Maine. You'll hear tips for traveling with kids, finding family-friendly activities, and discovering the local food scene. 

From tasting fresh lobster (that we caught ourselves) to exploring Peak's Island, I'm reflecting on how food, fun, and a little spontaneity can turn travel into lasting memories. 

Perfect for parents, foodies, and travel lovers alike - this episode brings you practical travel tips and recommendations with a side of heartfelt storytelling. 

Buckle that seatbelt, and let's go!

What You'll Learn: 

• How to plan a kid-friendly trip to Portland, Maine
• Why culinary experiences elevate family travel
• The impact great accommodations can have on your trip
• What are the "must-do's" during your visit

Enjoyed this episode?
If this story inspired your next family adventure or gave you helpful travel tips, please take a moment to rate and review the show. I'd greatly appreciate it! Your feedback makes the show better and helps other listeners discover these stories that celebrate food, family, and travel. Thanks for being a part of the journey. I'm glad you're here!

Summary
Have you ever been inspired by a podcast but need an extra nudge to turn inspiration into real life application? That's what this episode is all about - taking the ideas from the first two episodes and showing you how I put them into practice in one week. I'll tell you how I used one homemade salad dressing and a bag of ole reliable oats to make six delicious (and nutritious) meals - saving time and simplifying meal plans for the days ahead. I was energized by the previous topics discussed and wanted to see how I could apply it in real life. Now, I'm sharing that experience with you to help us all work smarter (not harder) in the kitchen.

Where available, I've included links below to the online recipes and cookbook mentioned in today's episode.  

Featured Recipes
Lidey Heuck's Avocado Goddess Dressing, from her cookbook Cooking in Real Life

• BLTs
• Food & Wine's Green goddess chicken salad
• Quinoa salad
• Crudites platter
• Cookie and Kate's blueberry bake 
• Homemade granola

Resources and Links
Website: www.homecookedstories.com
Email: julia@homecookedstories.com
Instagram: @juliathehomecook

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Welcome back to another episode of Home Cooked Stories! Today’s topic hits home for myself and many other women as we navigate middle age. Ready or not, our bodies are changing – impacting our physical composition and cognitive health. I’m so grateful to have Dr. Ariel Haddad as my guest for this discussion. She helps us better understand the intricate relationship between food, health, and hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Ariel shares her journey from being an OB-GYN to focusing on menopause care, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormonal impacts on body composition and cognitive health. We also talk about the need for a positive approach to nutrition, advocating for joyful eating and social connections as essential components of well-being. And this conversation wouldn’t be complete without discussing the critical role of nutrition, particularly fiber and protein, in midlife health. To help, we explore practical strategies for incorporating these nutrients into daily meals, especially for families. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding body composition over scale weight, the complexities of alcohol consumption and its health implications, and empowering women to advocate for their health needs with healthcare providers. 
 
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food and Health Connection

02:36 Dr. Ariel Haddad's Journey to Menopause Care

04:44 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause

06:55 Body Composition Changes and Their Impact

09:57 Cognitive Health and Hormonal Influence

12:41 The Role of Food in Hormonal Health

15:27 Embracing Joyful Eating and Social Connections

21:42 The Importance of Fiber and Protein in Midlife Nutrition

26:15 Family Meals: Balancing Health and Picky Eaters

29:17 Understanding Body Composition vs. Scale Weight

30:14 Navigating Alcohol Consumption and Health Risks

35:58 Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health
 
 
References from Today’s Episode:
Helia Health: https://www.heliahealth.us/
My Fitness Pal app: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/
The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/


Connect with Me:
Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com

Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Website: www.homecookedstories.com 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Home Cooked Stories podcast! Have you ever felt frustrated by family meal planning amidst busy schedules, or generally crave a need for simplicity and convenience when it comes to making meals? On today’s episode, my guest Sheela Prakash and I are exploring the significance of home-cooked meals, the evolution of food media, and practical cooking tips. We’re also getting real about the challenges of meal planning, the importance of flexibility in cooking, and how to build confidence in the kitchen.

Sheela shares her culinary journey as a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author – dishing out insights into ingredient substitutions, the need for simplicity, and empowering creativity in home cooking. Stay tuned to the end for a fun discussion about culinary inspirations, including a classic Italian recipe from Marcella Hazan you’ll want to try.

Highlights Include:

• 8:23 The Quest for Simplicity in Cooking
• 12:29 Understanding Ingredient Substitutions 
• 14:18 Meal Planning Strategies for Busy Lives 
• 30:50 Simplifying Cooking: Small Wins Matter 
• 32:11 Finding Inspiration: Cookbooks vs Online Recipes 
• 38:39 Culinary Inspirations: Gelato and a Brioche Bun 
• 41:37 Culinary Icons: Cooking with Marcella Hazan

References Mentioned in Today's Episode: 

• Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/tomato-sauce-onion-and-butter 
• Sheela's Cookbooks 
  • Salad Seasons: https://www.amazon.com/Salad-Seasons-Vegetable-Forward-Dishes-Year/dp/0847899268 
  • Mediterranean Every Day: https://www.amazon.com/Mediterranean-Every-Day-Inspired-Feel-Good/dp/1558329994/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39KW9RYLABP7U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AFS7Uep72HAph9mczlpVXgo4NgGSXW94d4hcfMX2uq9JN-GZNKTj_L31ZvyE7G9tXQVn6ZHwADX6b_aO7_kwtqQLxKCSz05TOgdYgOJPCeTbt2Z7up6UyqZvV4Yf9pcW92sYM_LbX4drGEJ3rkuXj36XENguQZ5XleM_RCSotjiA3zGoRh7-NuWz0fdNMGprCGUJVnFsx84o-cgQzqxwRcIX1ZSqhRl8TR3BbAyFHM8.PQJ59fRvLWffTSNP75N99h2Y1U4LzFwj2HOrLC1NfbI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mediterranean+everyday&qid=1740165802&s=books&sprefix=mediterranean+everda%2Cstripbooks%2C284&sr=1-1 
  • Sheela's Whole Lemon Vinaigrette recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/sheela-prakash-whole-lemon-vinaigrette-recipe-8709237

About Sheela Prakash:
Sheela is a recipe developer and food and wine writer – having been featured in New York Times Cooking and previously on staff at Kitchn, Epicurious, and Food52. She’s also the author of two cookbooks: Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. And her second cookbook, Salad Seasons: Vegetable-Forward Dishes All Year, received numerous accolades including being named one of the best cookbooks of 2023 by WIRED, Food Network, Bon Appetit and Forbes. Sheela received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, holds Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), graduated from New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and is also a Registered Dietitian.   

Connect with Julia:
 Website: www.homecookedstories.com 
 Instagram: @juliathehomecook 
 
Have a story idea, question, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you! Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com.