Olivia Hartwell

My Grandson’s Favorite Dinner This chicken pasta is a star in my kitchen. My grandson asks for it every Friday. He calls it “the creamy noodle magic.” I still laugh at that. It feels good to make a meal everyone loves. It brings us all to the table. That is a special kind of…

My First Taste of a Mexican Pizza I was a young woman when I first tried one. It was at a drive-thru with my grandkids. We all shared one in the car. The crunch and the messy, cheesy filling were a happy surprise. I still laugh at how we tried to keep the toppings…

My First Time Making Dumplings I learned to make dumplings from my own grandma. My first batch was a sticky mess. I thought I had ruined everything. But you know what? They still tasted wonderful. It taught me that food made with love is always good enough. This matters because cooking should be fun,…

A Tart for a Rainy Day I first made this tart on a gray, drizzly afternoon. The kitchen felt a little lonely. I wanted something sweet and cheerful to fill it. This tart did just that. Now, it always reminds me of turning a gloomy day into something special. The red cranberries look like…

My First Time Making Pepper Steak I first made this dish for my husband, Frank. He was working long hours on the farm. I wanted a meal that would be ready whenever he got home. The smell filled the whole house. He still talks about how good it was. This recipe matters because it…

A Cozy Kitchen Project Let’s make something warm and wonderful today. These stuffed peppers are like little edible bowls. They are perfect for a family dinner. You get to scoop out the peppers and fill them up. It is a fun kitchen job. I love seeing all the colorful peppers lined up in my…

A Funny Little Idea My grandson thought I was joking. I told him we were having tacos for dessert. His face was so confused. I still laugh at that. This recipe is a happy mix of two favorite things. It shows that trying new ideas is fun. That is why this matters. It makes…

A Special Meal We only had lobster on very special days. It felt like a celebration. I remember my first time cooking it. I was so nervous! I thought it had to be complicated. But this recipe is my favorite. It is simple and so delicious. It turns any Tuesday into a party. Getting…

The Best Smelling Kitchen Nothing says home like the smell of bacon cooking. It just warms the whole house right up. I love hearing that gentle sizzle from the stove. It makes my stomach rumble every single time. You start by cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. That bacon fat left in…

A Cozy Kitchen Memory I first made this dish for my grandson on a rainy Tuesday. He was having a tough week at school. The smell of garlic and chicken filled the whole house. He came into the kitchen with a big smile. I still laugh at that. This meal matters because it turns…