Table of Contents

Welcome to My So-Called (Mommy) Life. For many years I had dreamed of writing a food blog; a place where I could share my favorite recipes and and my thoughts on local restaurants.  Three years ago I became the mama to a feisty, voracious baby girl, and my life has been a beautiful chaos every since.  This year I welcomed a sweet, smiling baby boy to my brood, and life has gotten even more colorful!  Like my life, the blog's concept has evolved into something bigger, messier, and better.  It's a mix of recipes, toddler food, restaurant reviews, and more.  Hopefully this Table of Contents will help you navigate the chaos that is My (So-Called) Mommy Life.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

My dad loved cookies as much as I do, and that's really REALLY saying something.  However, unlike me, his favorite were Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.  This was the recipe my mom would always make for him!

Peking Roast

This is a recipe my mom use to make when I was little.  I haven't actually made it yet as an adult, but it's on my to-do list. I'll update this post with more specific measurements and directions once I finally make it!

Chocolate Fudge Pie

Who doesn't love fudge pie?!  

Fresh No-Cook Tomato Sauce

This recipe is from my fabulous sister-in-law's father, Tom.  He was kind enough to share his recipe with me and it's one of my favorite summer meals.  I should note that he recommended that this recipe not be served with any cheese topping, as he feels it detracts from the beautiful simplicity and flavors of the core ingredients.  That being said, I bastardized it with my American taste buds and serve it topped with fresh mozzarella.  Shhhhhh...  If you want to keep it legit, Tom recommends not doing any cheese, and instead serve it with a side of melon and crusty bread. 

Veggie and Turkey Egg Casserole

This is a recipe that I like to make to make to have for lunches during my work week.  It makes 10 - 12 servings, so I cut it into servings and freeze it, and then thaw a serving for lunch when I need a quick lunch. 

Stuffing with Sausages, Apples, and Pecans

This is a fun spin on a classic side dish to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  

Jazzed Up Burgers

In my opinion, when you have great ground chuck, you shouldn't add anything to it other than salt.  However, for those times that your beef source isn't the best, this recipe will help elevate those burgers. 

Healthy Meatballs

Here's a meatball recipe that is both healthy and kid-friendly!

Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites

I am currently obsessed with Starbuck's Sous Vide Egg Bites, so when I saw Food & Wine's copycat recipe using the Instant Pot, I had to give it a try!  It's a really flexible recipe, so you can switch out ingredients to your liking.  I made one batch with just spinach and ham and called it "Green Eggs and Ham" for my children, and then made another with roasted red peppers and hot sauce for myself.  I did alter Food & Wine's cooking time, because I used bigger size jars.  You may have to play around with yours to see what time works best for yours.  If it comes out a bit undone, just throw it under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes until it's cooked completely through!

Rooter's Cabbage Casserole

When I was going to graduate school at the University of Georgia, there was a BBQ restaurant called Rooter's.  Unfortunately the restaurant no longer exists, but at least their amazing Cabbage Casserole recipe lives on!

Wacky Cake

My mom used to make this for birthdays when I was a kid.  It's a super tasty and unique chocolate cake!

Coca Cola Cake

My mom made a lot of fun cakes when I was growing up.  As a true Southerner, of course one of those cakes was a Coca Cola cake.  It's delicious!  

The Softest Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love all chocolate chip cookies.  Chewy, crispy, fluffy, barely cooked... If you are craving a soft chocolate chip cookie, this one is the best!

Healthy Meatloaf

My meatloaf is actually my kids' favorite meal.  I try to make it healthier by using oats instead of bread crumbs, and I think it really adds to the flavor.  My secret ingredient though?  Buttermilk.  It makes the mealoaf extra rich and moist!

Chicken Taco Salad

Craving Mexican food but want something light?  This salad is perfect!

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

We love to make this breakfast casserole for holiday brunches.  You can easily make it the night before and then bake it in the morning.  It's easy to make and super indulgent. 

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding is one of my favorite easy holiday side dishes.  Super easy to whip up and always a hit. 

One Pot Baked Ziti

My life has been so chaotic lately, I barely have time to cook or post recipes any more.  My 4 year old never stops chattering, and my 18 month old's idea of fun is trying to climb furniture or turn the oven on.  So when I make dinner these days, I need it to be relatively easy, and with little clean up.  Also ideal?  A meal that everyone in my family will actually eat.  I'm trying to eat lower calorie meals in order to lose the last few pounds of baby weight, my husband wants to feel full, my daughter hates anything with vegetables, and my son doesn't like most meat.  

This Baked Ziti was pretty much a miracle.  First of all, it all bakes in one pot!  Just make sure you use something that can go in the oven, like an enamel dutch oven.  Otherwise, you'll need to transfer the food into a baking dish, which will give you two dishes to clean up (the horror!).  It only takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, which is super necessary in my life right now.  I held my breath when I served it to my family, praying that the meal wouldn't be filled with tears and gagging (like most meals these days...toddlers are so much fun!).  To my immense relief, everyone ate it happily!  Sweet success!  And to my own happiness, this dish is under 400 calories a serving, so I can eat it guilt-free.  WOO!

Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Quinoa Casserole

I have a deep love for casseroles.  It is really hard to cook a main dish and several sides when you have two young children.  A casserole means less cooking, less cleaning, and a less frazzled mama.  Plus, casseroles will always be the quintessential comfort food.