This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Paula Mohammed from In My Kitchen with Paula. Paula and I share a love of good food, connection, and exploring different cultures.

Paula told me all about how she started In My Kitchen back in 2018 to bring people together and celebrate traditional recipes. We also talked about her podcast, where she shares amazing culinary stories from cooks all over the world. One of my favorite parts of our chat was hearing how online cooking experiences unexpectedly took off during the pandemic—and how food continues to be such a powerful way to connect.

We got into everything from the joy of learning from passionate home cooks, to navigating cultural appropriation in the kitchen, to dreaming up future online classes we’d love to co-host. I can’t wait for you to hear this one—it’s all about food as a bridge, and the magic that happens when we gather around a meal.

As the seasons change, it's time to reset your kitchen and life for fall. This week you'll find practical tips for getting back into a cooking rhythm. From pantry refreshes and meal planning to setting routines and embracing small wins, this episode is packed with advice to help you enjoy cooking again. It also touches on mindset practices to make cooking a pleasurable experience.

Don't miss the upcoming free Mediterranean masterclass on September 18th for more tips and inspiration.

Let's talk about the importance of eating seasonally and locally! From making simple no-cook sauces to grilling the perfect seasonal vegetables, you'll find insights to make your kitchen a place of joy and discovery. 

Join me in the Empty Nest Kitchen as I share expert tips and techniques for cooking with garlic. From selecting the perfect garlic bulbs to using raw and roasted garlic in various dishes, we'll covers it all. Learn how to store garlic properly, the benefits of different garlic forms, and even get a sneak peek into my mini course 'Just Add Sauce'. Discover how to bring out the best flavors from this magical ingredient and enhance your culinary skills.

Find fun and creative way to enhance summer meals with no-cook sauces in your Empty Nest Kitchen.

Let's dive into the excitement of fig season with a joyful celebration of fresh figs. From tips on selecting the perfect figs at the store to storing them properly, you'll learn how to make the most of these delicate fruits. Discover a variety of delicious ways to enjoy figs, including making fig jam, pairing them with cheese, creating a fig salad, and even making a fig pizza or flatbread. This episode is packed with creative ideas and culinary tips. Join the fig appreciation and share your culinary creations using fresh figs!

Find fun and creative way to enhance summer meals with no-cook sauces in your Empty Nest Kitchen.

Nothing says summer like fast and easy, and my brand new series, Small Bites, brings you short little episodes, 15 minutes or less, each focusing in on one ingredient or technique. I'm here to make your summer easier AND tastier, one small bite at a time.

Everything is just peachy in Small Bites episode 4, where you’ll learn how to balance the sweetness of a ripe peach.

Nothing says summer like fast and easy, and my brand new series, Small Bites, brings you short little episodes, 15 minutes or less, each focusing in on one ingredient or technique. I'm here to make your summer easier AND tastier, one small bite at a time.

Small Bites episode 3 introduces you to Zucchini Magic!

Nothing says summer like fast and easy, and my brand new series, Small Bites, brings you short little episodes, 15 minutes or less, each focusing in on one ingredient or technique. I'm here to make your summer easier AND tastier, one small bite at a time.

Nothing says summer like fast and easy, and my brand new series, Small Bites, brings you short little episodes, 15 minutes or less, each focusing in on one ingredient or technique. I'm here to make your summer easier AND tastier, one small bite at a time.

Episode 2 is corny for sure, because we’re talking…fresh summer corn!

Nothing says summer like fast and easy, and my brand new series, Small Bites, brings you short little episodes, 15 minutes or less, each focusing in on one ingredient or technique. I'm here to make your summer easier AND tastier, one small bite at a time.

Episode 1 is all about tomatoes. How to choose, use, and store!

The Mediterranean diet is a great first step toward a healthier lifestyle, but what the heck is it? It's the ease of cooking lighter summer meals, using fresh seasonal produce, and incorporating healthy fats and lean proteins, plus so much more. 

We're making food an event by inviting friends and savoring meals, the benefits of including physical activity, and promoting joy in the kitchen. 

Remember back in the day when tv shows would declare a "very special episode"? Well this week, I'm declaring it too, as I convince my brilliant sister-in-law, Laura Van Bloem, to join me on the podcast to talk all things non-profit marketing.

Laura shares her insights on the importance of storytelling and impact communication for successful nonprofit fundraising. We get into hybrid work culture, fractional employment, and the transitions women experience as our children leave home. You'll find practical advice for nonprofits and service businesses on effective marketing strategies, and a great conversation about being a mid-life woman in today's world.

And be sure to visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter filled with super practical cooking advice and free resources.

Practical money-saving tips for grocery shopping are a must-have in today's world, particularly for empty nesters. In this episode, you'll find helpful tips and tricks for shopping smart for your own Empty Nest Kitchen. You can save money while still enjoying good food and reducing waste.

And be sure to visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter filled with super practical cooking advice and free resources.

Let's celebrate the arrival of spring by digging into a variety of spring veggies and herbs, including artichokes, asparagus, and fresh chives. You'll hear tips on how to prepare and cook these ingredients, with a bit of practical advice.

And be sure to visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter filled with super practical cooking advice and free resources.

Looking for inspiration? Meet Natalie Gibson, Home renovator, empty nester, and independent educational consultant. We're discussing Natalie’s journey into buying and renovating a fixer-upper home in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and her professional pivot into educational consulting. Natalie shares her experiences with her family, the importance of female friendships, and finding a support network during life's transitions. 

And be sure to visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter filled with super practical cooking advice and free resources.

Get ready to learn the tips and tricks for efficiently freezing meals tailored for empty nesters. You can simplify meal prep and avoid repetitive meals, and still have great food!

We're talking about the science of freezing, selecting appropriate containers, proper cooling techniques, and foods to avoid freezing, as well as proper portioning and labeling for convenience and food safety.

And be sure to visit EmptyNestKitchen.com and sign up for my weekly newsletter filled with super practical cooking advice and free resources.

Meet Alicia Feuer, the organizer behind Frederick County's innovative Farm to School program. They discuss the broader scope of the program, which aims to improve public health by promoting local food consumption and supporting local farmers. Addressing food insecurity and chronic diseases, Alicia shares the joys and challenges of her work, including collaborations with Spanish-speaking communities and organizing engaging hands-on learning experiences. We also highlight an upcoming fundraiser—an online cooking class featuring Michelin-star experienced chef Drew Allen, set to help raise much-needed funds due to a hiccup with USDA grant reimbursement. Additionally, Alicia shares her background in food science, public health, and her deep-rooted passion for farming.

In this episode, Jennifer Peterson from Metamorphosis Life Counseling recounts her transformation from a successful real estate professional to licensed mental health counselor and sober coach. She shares her personal journey to sobriety, including the pivotal moment that led her to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. Jennifer discusses how she now empowers women to explore life without alcohol, offering coaching and counseling that focus on mindfulness, breaking the guilt-shame cycle, and addressing the underlying anxieties and stresses that lead to substance use. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and finding authentic joy and purpose.

In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of creating a Mediterranean-inspired pantry designed for ease and convenience. Say hello to 'The Magnificent Seven', categories of pantry items that can help you easily prepare meals. You'll find tips on sourcing and storing these items properly, recommended brands and specific types, and delicious meal ideas. Perfect for those looking to simplify their cooking routine while adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.

A broken furnace during the coldest day of the year? It's time to dig out the blankies and snuggle in for choosing a positive outlook, even when your toes are cold. So much changes when you make the shift from constant complaining to finding gratitude, and this mini episode guides you through walking the walk.

Have you ever heard of a Daily Money Manager? Meet Emily Lutz, owner of Liberty Paperwork Solutions! Emily shares her journey of becoming a daily money manager, a profession that involves handling clients' administrative chores like bill payments and financial tracking. 

Ever considered teaching recreational classes? Whether it’s cooking, crafting, or even teaching Excel, you'll learn how to identify your zone of genius, research the competition, plan and structure your class, the importance of hospitality, and deciding between private and public classes. You'll also get a little bonus on the possibilities and advantages of offering online classes. 

Let's talk New Year's resolutions and why, just maybe, we're ready to say so long sweetheart! In this bite-sized episode, it's time to embrace who we are...the awesomeness that is us. We're leaning into self-love and authenticity, knowing that the best resolution is to accept and care for ourselves. Now let's get started!

Let's dive into butter—the best ingredient to elevate your baking game. We'll explore why different types of butter vary in price and quality, talk about making your own butter, including cultured butter, and discuss practical tips for using butter in holiday baking. Perfect for anyone prepping for a festive baking spree, tune in to understand how to choose and use butter to its fullest potential.