DINNER IDEAS
April 9, 2025
Double smoking a ham transforms an ordinary store-bought spiral ham into something extraordinary. This double smoked ham recipe intensifies the smoke flavor, enhances the natural sweetness […]
February 19, 2025
You ever take one bite of something and immediately think, “Where has this been all my life?” Yeah, that’s this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque. It’s rich, velvety, and packed […]
February 13, 2025
You ever take one bite of a dish and immediately hear wedding bells? Yeah, that’s this Marry Me Tortellini—creamy, cheesy, and downright dangerous if you’re trying to eat just […]
February 12, 2025
Some nights, you need a quick, easy dinner that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant but doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. That’s […]
HI. I’M DEREK.
I AM A DAD, FOOD BLOGGER, AND FIXER OF BROKEN TOYS.
I’m a home cook, grill and barbecue junkie – and love fishing out doors.
But most of all, I love to sharing meals I create for my family!
My passion in life to use food to take a break from life, and re-connect as a family at the dinner table.
I love encouraging families to cook by sharing recipes, tips and tricks that make cooking simple, enjoyable and delicious!
DAD LIFE
September 5, 2023
First-time father huh? Yep I remember those days. Here’s 24 things I’ve learned from my first 2 years on how to be a new dad We […]
March 10, 2023
A Keyhole garden is a style of raised bed that has built in composting, and creates a sustainable ecosystem that your plants will thrive in As […]
January 13, 2021
This orange juice ginger and turmeric smoothie is the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack to get a great source of immune supporting nutrients into your system. […]
September 11, 2019
Figuring out an easy back to school lunch for kids in different phases is a little tricky. I think I’ve nailed it with these chicken enchilada […]
MY LATEST RECIPES
April 9, 2025
Double smoking a ham transforms an ordinary store-bought spiral ham into something extraordinary. This double smoked ham recipe intensifies the smoke flavor, enhances the natural sweetness […]
February 19, 2025
You ever take one bite of something and immediately think, “Where has this been all my life?” Yeah, that’s this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque. It’s rich, velvety, and packed […]
February 13, 2025
You ever take one bite of a dish and immediately hear wedding bells? Yeah, that’s this Marry Me Tortellini—creamy, cheesy, and downright dangerous if you’re trying to eat just […]
February 12, 2025
Some nights, you need a quick, easy dinner that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant but doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. That’s […]
February 11, 2025
You ever take a bite of something so good, you just stop and shake your head? Like, “Yeah… this is it.” That’s exactly what happened the first time […]
February 7, 2025
Alright, my friend, if you’re looking for a no-fail, flavor-packed, set-it-and-forget-it chili recipe, you just found it. This slow cooker chili recipe is thick, hearty, and perfect for game day, cold […]
February 5, 2025
Mexican rice is the ultimate side dish—fluffy, flavorful, and packed with that rich, tomatoey goodness. And guess what? You don’t need a stovetop to make it perfect. With […]
January 18, 2025
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than filling the house with the smell of a hearty slow cooker beef stew simmering away. This recipe is […]
January 16, 2025
Game day at our house isn’t just about the sport—it’s about the food, the laughs, and everyone gathered together. And when it comes to snacks, this chili […]
October 24, 2024
When it comes to Chicken Piccata, let’s just say, I am the GOAT. No cap (as the kids say…), I’ve perfected this recipe to the point where I […]
September 19, 2024
Game day just isn’t the same without some killer snacks on the table. This Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring checks all the boxes – it’s quick, packed with buffalo flavor, […]
July 17, 2024
Whenever I’m craving a meal that’s both quick and packed with flavor, I turn to this California fish burrito recipe. Inspired by the vibrant food scene […]
June 7, 2024
When summer rolls around, I become a grilling machine. Not only does grilling keep our kitchen spotless (happy wife, happy life), but it also keeps the […]
May 29, 2024
Ribs have always been one of my favorite things to make at get-togethers. My kids absolutely love picking apart ribs along with some pulled pork and […]
May 22, 2024
Nothing beats a perfectly grilled chicken when it comes to a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal. Grilled chicken is one of the easiest wins in our […]
May 15, 2024
When it comes to quick, high-protein meals, these tuna salad lettuce wraps are a game-changer. They’re the perfect easy lunch! With Brayden being a fan of […]
April 25, 2024
Living in Southern California, I’m always looking for the best carne asada recipe. Being so close to San Diego, the home of the amazing carne asada […]
April 13, 2024
Texas smoked pulled pork. That’s not something you think of when you think of Texas right? I’m smoking a pork shoulder low and slow, with a […]