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Home / cooking - Page 50

cooking

Nacho Chili Cheese Dip
appetizers | cooking

Nacho Chili Cheese Dip

Jalapeno Apricot Chicken Wings
appetizers | cooking

Jalapeno Apricot Chicken Wings

Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Honey Balsamic Glaze
cooking | main dishes | Meal Prep | Southern Recipes

Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Honey Balsamic Glaze

Classic French Onion Soup with Red Wine
cooking | soups

Classic French Onion Soup with Red Wine

Ross’s Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich
cooking | holidays | sandwiches | Thanksgiving

Ross’s Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich

Chili Onion Crunch Roasted Cauliflower
cooking | low carb living | side dishes

Chili Onion Crunch Roasted Cauliflower

Keto Italian Pizza Zucchini Bake
cooking | low carb living

Keto Italian Pizza Zucchini Bake

Easy Gnocchi Bolognese
cooking | main dishes

Easy Gnocchi Bolognese

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Hey, y'all! I’M ashley!

Welcome!

Many years ago, I created Sweetpea Lifestyle as a way of sharing simple recipes and entertaining tips with friends.⁣

Sweetpea Lifestyle is a go-to resource for dependable recipes that help you effortlessly entertain—you’ll learn to edit out the mess of over-complicated dinner parties

sweetpealifestyle

🍴 Easy recipes to gather
👯‍♀️ Your new hostess bestie
👇 Start with a recipe
🪄 Stay for the magic
Here’s what I do before guests walk in the door Here’s what I do before guests walk in the door — and it changed everything. ✨ I work my Game Plan, pour myself a cheeky cocktail, and get ready like I’m the guest of honor. Hosting is so much better when you start from calm instead of chaos. Because here’s the truth: your guests don’t care if everything’s perfect. They care that you’re present. 🕯️ 💫 Try this before your next party: 1️⃣ Ten minutes of music + a glass of something lovely 2️⃣ Five deep breaths 3️⃣ Light a candle and welcome the moment Hosting gets to feel good. Say PLAN in the comments to grab your printable Game Plan and make it effortless. #hostingtips #dinnerpartyideas #entertainingmadeeasy #sweetpealifestyle #cozyhome LinkDM *090*
That moment when your guests go quiet after the fi That moment when your guests go quiet after the first bite… yeah, that’s what this recipe does. 🥩✨ This Beef Tenderloin Dinner Party Menu is pure magic — simple ingredients, elegant flavor, and a make-ahead game plan that lets you actually enjoy your own party. Think candlelight, clinking glasses, and that happy hum of satisfied silence around your table. That’s the Sweetpea version of success. 💕 💫 Why you’ll love it: 🔥 Perfect centerpiece for holidays 🍷 Pairs beautifully with red wine and roasted veggies 💌 Comes with a full dinner party menu + hosting tips Say PARTY in the comments for the full menu — or save this for your next cozy celebration. #dinnerpartyrecipes #holidaymenu #beeftenderloin #hostwithstyle #sweetpealifestyle LinkDM *088*
If someone asks, “What can I bring?” and you s If someone asks, “What can I bring?” and you say, “Oh, nothing!” then YOU, my friend, are creating unnecessary stress. People want to show up with something. This is a fantastic way to make people feel instantly welcome and included. Hand them a job from this simple delegation list and instantly lighten your load. Ice🧊 Rolls or a bread thing 🥖 Dessert 🥧 Extra chairs if you need them 🪑 To Go Containers 🥡 🥰 The best hosts accept help. May you give yourself permission to sit, breathe, and actually taste the meal you made. Hosts deserve joy, too. 🙋‍♀️ Want a list of Amazon Thanksgiving Finds? Check out these Amazon Finds: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sweetpealifestyle/list/2TT4SJ3608EK1?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_5Q3PZBNMJJBWKQ36RV7X . . . #hostesswiththemostes #thanksgivingchecklist #holidayhosting #amazonaffiliate
🥣 Thanksgiving dinner is where you serve it up 🥣 Thanksgiving dinner is where you serve it up big, but y’all… …the rest of the week still requires dinner. 🙃 Before you dive into turkey, pie & that inevitable leftovers marathon, let’s make sure the other nights don’t look like “frozen-pizza, again.” I’ve got your back with super simple, totally delicious meals that won’t steal all your spoons before the main event! Say LIST in the comments and I’ll share the link! ✨May you feel the sacredness of feeding people — a holy kind of hospitality that can change the temperature of a home. . . . #EasyWeeknightMeals #SimpleSuppers #QuickDinnerIdeas #NoStressMeals #cozykitchen LinkDM *096*
If you want Thanksgiving to feel easier this year, If you want Thanksgiving to feel easier this year, here’s my #1 efficient kitchen hack: keep half your sink filled with hot, soapy water. Every time I’m done with a dish, I toss it in. Since I don’t have a dishwasher, this trick keeps my kitchen from turning into a full-blown crime scene. 🫠🍽️ A few other tiny-but-mighty tips that make a BIG difference on busy cooking days: 🥣 Keep a “trash bowl” on the counter for scraps 🧻 Two-damp-towel system (one for hands, one for counters) 🧄 Pre-chop your aromatics for the whole day 🍳 Create a utensil “parking lot” next to the stove 🏷️ Masking tape + Sharpie = no mystery leftovers 🥘 Use a sheet pan as a prep tray to corral the chaos None of these are fancy… but they make Thanksgiving cooking feel manageable — even kinda delightful. 💕 Tell me: what’s YOUR go-to kitchen hack that keeps you sane during the holidays? . . . #thanksgivingtips #entertainingathome #dinnerpartyideas #hostingtips #holidaykitchenhacks #sweetpealifestyle
🧀 If you’re looking for the creamiest, dreami 🧀 If you’re looking for the creamiest, dreamiest baked macaroni and cheese that tastes like pure comfort in a casserole dish… welcome to your new signature side dish. ✨ This one is rich, velvety, and so cheesy it practically melts on your fork. And yes—this is the mac and cheese you’ll want on your holiday table, at Sunday supper, on your potluck lineup, and definitely on your cozy-night-in menu. The secret? 👉 Hand-grated cheese (always), a blend of cheddar, gouda, Colby Jack, muenster, and mozzarella, plus evaporated milk for that silky custard that bakes up into a golden, bubbly crust. No roux. No fuss. Just classic, old-school Southern baked mac and cheese the way it should be. Serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, cookouts, picnics, or any time you need a side that gets “OMG who made this?” comments. This version freezes beautifully, reheats perfectly, and never turns grainy or dry. Save this recipe for when you need a crowd-pleaser… or when you just need a spoonful of comfort. 💛 
👇 Want the full recipe? Comment MAC and I’ll send it to you! . . . #macandcheese #comfortfoodrecipes #thanksgivingsides #southernhomecooking #easyrecipes #cheesylove #holidaycooking #bakedmacandcheese
🥰 Thanksgiving becomes 10x easier when you stop 🥰 Thanksgiving becomes 10x easier when you stop trying to do everything on Thursday. Break it up: 🍎 Monday desserts 🔪 Tuesday chopping 🥔 Wednesday casseroles. And on the big day? 👯 Your best friends are a 200°F oven, slow cookers, and the cooler-keeps-food-hot trick. 👏 Yes, coolers are insulated… which means they keep heat just as well as cold. Just place your hot casseroles into a cooler, shut the lid, and let the “cooler” do its hot box magic! 🔥 Want my full prep schedule? Comment “LINK!” . . . #thanksgivingprep #hostesshacks #makeaheadmeals
Rolling into Sips & Dips season — aka my favorit Rolling into Sips & Dips season — aka my favorite excuse to host a last-minute get-together. 💅 The idea is simple: everyone brings a dip, you pop a few bottles, and suddenly it’s a December to remember. This is your sign to make the holidays fun again — no stress, no twelve-step recipes, just snacks and laughter. 💫 Hosting tips: 🍷 Pick 3 signature dips (one cheesy, one creamy, one spicy) 🥖 Stock the bar with your favorite sips 💃 Turn on the twinkle lights and cue the playlist Say SIP SIP in the comments and I’ll send you my hosting guide! #holidaypartyideas #sipsanddips #easyappetizers #sweetpealifestyle #cozygatherings LinkDM *087*
Every year, someone wakes up on Thanksgiving morni Every year, someone wakes up on Thanksgiving morning and whispers the dreaded phrase: “The turkey is still frozen.” 👉 Don’t be that household. A 12-pound turkey needs three full days in the fridge to thaw safely. That would be my household… Every year. Our turkey spends a solid 2 hours in the bathtub. (Don’t get weird on me… the turkey is wrapped in its plastic… We clean our tub before and after. CTFO, y’all.) Cold water thawing works in a pinch, but you’ll be babysitting it every 30 minutes. Moral of the story: start early, sleep well, and avoid emergency turkey CPR. . . . #thanksgivingturkey #hostingtips #holidaymealprep
Does this sound like you?? One person: a new host Does this sound like you?? One person: a new host who’s terrified her food won’t be “good enough.” One problem: she overcomplicates everything and ends up stressed. One solution: my Two Showstopper Rule — make two wow dishes and keep the rest super simple. ✨ Recipes >>> https://sweetpealifestyle.com/companys-coming/ Hosting isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. And when you stop trying to prove you’re a good host, you start being one. 💫 Try this next time you host: 🍷 Pick two showstoppers — maybe a signature dip and a stunning entrée 🥗 Keep sides and apps simple 💃 Enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen Recipes >>> https://sweetpealifestyle.com/companys-coming/ #dinnerpartyideas #hostingconfidence #easyentertaining #sweetpealifestyle #cozycommunity
🥣 Cooking Thanksgiving with one oven should qua 🥣 Cooking Thanksgiving with one oven should qualify as a sport, but it’s absolutely doable when you plan it right. 🏁 Start with your turkey — that 45–60 minute rest isn’t optional, which means you get almost an hour of bonus oven time to bake every casserole you’ve prepped. 🥘 Use your stovetop for gravy and quick veggie sides, and keep anything finished at 200°F until serving. 💪 One oven, zero chaos, and a very proud future-you. 🍽️ What’s your one-oven struggle this year? ✨ May you remember that no one showed up for a perfect meal — they came for you. For your laughter, your stories, your home that feels like a hug. . . . #thanksgivingtips #oneovenchallenge #holidaycooking
It’s the little things that make people feel lov It’s the little things that make people feel loved. 🥰 These friendship bracelet wine charms are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your table — cute, simple, and full of heart. Every guest gets a charm, and suddenly the night feels a little more special. ✨ 💫 Why you’ll love this idea: 💖 Easy DIY you can make in minutes 🍷 Keeps glasses straight (and conversations going!) 🎀 Adds that Sweetpea sparkle to your next gathering Follow along for more simple, heartfelt hosting ideas that make entertaining feel magical again. #hostingtips #winecharms #holidaypartyideas #sweetpealifestyle #cozydetails
Every time I make this, it feels like I’m giving Every time I make this, it feels like I’m giving my friends a hug in food form. 💕 This Surf & Turf Dinner Tower is stacked with cozy indulgence — shrimp, steak, and buttery goodness layered like a love letter to your guests. It’s over-the-top in the best way, and easier than it looks (promise). It’s that “wow” moment at the table that makes everyone feel special. Because at Chez Sweetpea, extra is a love language. 🥂 💫 Perfect for: 🍾 Date nights in 🎉 Dinner parties that deserve a little drama 🕯️ Celebrations, big or small Say TOWER in the comments and I’ll send you all the details! #surfandturf #dinnerpartyideas #easyentertaining #sweetpealifestyle #cozyrecipes LinkDM *086*
🖐️ Things You Can Do TODAY to Prepare for Tha 🖐️ Things You Can Do TODAY to Prepare for Thanksgiving! 🍽️ Choose your serving pieces, and stash them somewhere “safe!” I personally like to start a bin with all the napkins, serving utensils, platters, etc. Just pile it all up in one place, and add to it as you come across something! 🧾 Corral all your recipes! I’ve got recipe cards, Pinterest saves, IG saves, and others… And, y’all, I don’t know about you, but I need the PRINTED recipe in front of me! Not on my screen. 🖨️ Print out your Game Plan! I love love love my little system I created for myself years ago — and I use it for every single party I host! ((Big or small!)) Say PLAN to snag your Game Plan! 🪑 Think about your table, and guest list! Who’s coming?? Do you have enough chairs for behinds? Do you need to set up another table? How are you setting those tables? Get it all out of your head now, and start figuring out your space. 🚪 Come in your front door! Walk up to your home from where people will enter (the street, stairs, basement, etc.). Make notes of LITTLE things you can shift before the week of Thanksgiving. Okay, people!! You’ve got this. ✨ May you feel proud of whatever this year looked like — the wins and the wobblier parts — because you still created space for people to gather. . . . #ThanksgivingTips #HolidayHosting #HomeCookLife #HostessHacks #SimpleEntertaining LinkDM *092*
You don’t need a drive-thru when your air fryer You don’t need a drive-thru when your air fryer does it better. 😉✨ These Air Fryer Chicken Snack Wraps are crispy, juicy, and way easier than you’d think. say SNACK in the comments, and I’ll send you the recipe! The secret? My Firecracker seasoning + a tangy homemade dressing that takes 2 minutes to shake up. Here’s how I do it:� 🔥 Air fry two seasoned chicken breasts at 400˚ for 10 minutes.� 🥣 Whisk up the dressing (red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, oregano, olive oil — that’s it!).� 🌯 Layer your tortilla with a tinge of mayo, lettuce, cheddar, dressing, and those golden chicken slices. Wrap it up and devour. 💅 These are perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night snack emergencies — and they’ll make you forget drive-thru chicken wraps ever existed. 💫 Save this recipe and tag a friend who’s obsessed with Snack Wraps! Say SNACK in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #SweetpeaLifestyle #AirFryerRecipes #SnackWraps #EasyDinnerIdeas #WeeknightMeals #HomemadeFastFood #FirecrackerSeasoning #QuickAndEasyMeals #DinnerPartyMagic #SouthernHostess LinkDM *084*
If you’ve ever wondered how hosts stay calm when If you’ve ever wondered how hosts stay calm when guests arrive — this is the secret. ✨ My Game Plan Printable is the one-sheet wonder that keeps the chaos at bay. It’s everything you need for an effortless evening: menu, shopping list, timeline — all on one cozy page. Because when you work the plan, you actually get to enjoy your people. You can sip that cocktail, light the candles, and float into your own dinner party like the calmest host in town. 🕯️💃 💫 Use it for: 🍽️ Thanksgiving prep 🥂 Holiday dinners 🎁 Stress-free entertaining When you’ve got a plan, hosting feels like second nature. Say PLAN in the comments and I’ll send you my printable! . . . #holidayhosting #dinnerpartyplanning #entertainingmadeeasy #sweetpealifestyle #hostingtips LinkDM *085*
🍅 Boursin Bruschetta! Y’all, this is an absol 🍅 Boursin Bruschetta! Y’all, this is an absolute stunner! Lay out little baby naan in a circle in your cast iron skillet. Fill the center with a round of @boursincheese. My favorite for this is either the basil and chive or the usual garlic and herb! Delightful. Pop this bad boy into the oven at 350˚ for a good 10 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt. Once it’s out of the oven, ladle fresh tomato salad on top, adding extra fresh basil and a savvy swirl of Balsamic glaze. This is something that really puts the EXTRA into extraordinary! If you’d like a printable recipe, say PLEASE in the comments and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #easyappetizer #wineandcheese #boursincheeserecipe
Creamy corn pudding, but make it pimento cheese dr Creamy corn pudding, but make it pimento cheese dreamy. 🌽🧀 Say CHEESE and I’ll share the recipe with you! This dish is like a warm Southern hug—rich, golden, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. Save it now, thank me later. Your guests will absolutely ask for the recipe. #SouthernComfortFood #DinnerPartyFavorites #SweetpeaKitchen #cornpudding #hothoneysummer
“Embrace the Mess.” That’s the theme of the “Embrace the Mess.” That’s the theme of the 2026 @tedxavl event — and I can’t think of a more perfect way to describe how I’ve lived (and hosted!) for the past 17 years. I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ll be taking the TEDx Asheville stage in March 2026 to give a talk that’s been stirring in my heart for years: Dinner Parties Can Change the World. Because sometimes, the most meaningful gatherings aren’t the perfectly planned ones—they’re the messy, last-minute, real-life dinners where you open your door anyway, pour a little wine, and let connection do its magic. I’ve spent nearly two decades sharing about entertaining at home and how setting the table can be an act of hope. And now, I get to share that message—right here in my hometown that has always believed in community and creativity—with the world. Tickets go on sale in January, and you’re invited! Here’s to embracing the mess, opening the door, and creating something beautiful together. ❤️ . . . #TEDxAsheville #EmbraceTheMess #DinnerPartiesCanChangeTheWorld #SweetpeaLifestyle #Asheville #CommunityOverPerfection #dinnerpartymagic #hospitalitywithheart
Well, y’all! I made a banana bread. Snagged this Well, y’all! I made a banana bread. Snagged this recipe from @allrecipes and it was easy for this non-baker to make! Now, I did spill a box of baking soda… but, that’s fine. It’s fine. What do I do with this loaf now!?! It’s yummy… but I’m not going to eat this. Banana bread, really!?
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  • cooking
    • appetizers
    • basics
    • beverages
    • breakfast
    • low carb living
    • main dishes
    • meal prep
    • salads
    • sandwiches
    • soups
    • southern recipes
    • side dishes
    • something sweet
    • tiktok recipes
  • lifestyle
    • DIY
    • gift guides
    • goal setting
    • organization
    • time management
    • tips & tricks
  • celebrating
    • holidays
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • New Years
      • Easter
      • Americana
      • Other Holidays
    • hosting
    • group dinners
    • parties
  • Meet Ashley!
  • Resources
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