Good morning, friends! How’s everybody doing today? We’ve had a couple of cooler mornings here, and you know what that means—comfort food season is sneaking in. I didn’t think I was ready for it yet, but my body had other plans. Suddenly, I’m craving hearty, warm meals that feel like a hug on a plate.

And before I dive into meals and planning this week, I have some beautiful news to share. My daughter gave birth on Monday to a healthy baby girl, weighing in at 8 pounds. Her name is Kinsley Joelle Marsden. The middle name has such special meaning—it’s a blend of my name and her mother-in-law Mary Jo’s name. Neither of us knew, and when we found out, we were both so touched. What an incredible honour to share her name with such a wonderful grandmother.

It’s already been a whirlwind, but the best kind. Kinsley is surrounded by love. My daughter has Nick, her husband, who has been an absolute rock. He’s up during the night, changing diapers, bringing the baby to mom for feedings, and making sure she’s supported. It makes me proud to see how well they’re stepping into this season together.

As for me, I’ve been popping over with meals and a little extra help. They stocked up on freezer meals ahead of time (which I highly recommend for new parents!), but fresh food is always a gift. Since today happens to be both my daughter’s and Nick’s birthdays, I decided to put together a simple yet special meal: spaghetti with a hearty pasta sauce, garlic bread, and Caesar salad. Comfort food at its best.

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The Power of Simple Meals for New Parents

When someone brings a new baby home, the focus naturally shifts to the baby—and often, mom forgets about herself. That’s why I’m intentional about making meals that nourish my daughter, but also remind her that she matters, too. Yesterday, I baked her a quiche so she’d have something quick and satisfying to grab when hunger hits (and believe me, breastfeeding moms are hungry).

Quiches are one of my go-to’s because you can pack them full of vegetables and protein, they reheat beautifully, and they don’t take much effort. Another favourite for new moms are booster bars—something I used to bake for my boys when they were teenagers. They’re hearty, filling, and perfect for snacking between feedings or naps.

If you’re looking for postpartum meal ideas, focus on things that:

• Reheat easily.

• Can be eaten one-handed (because babies don’t wait for mealtime!).

• Pack in protein, fibre, and veggies for steady energy.

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Birthday Cake Mishaps and Kitchen Wins

Speaking of birthdays, I couldn’t let today pass without making a cake. It’s easy for moms to get wrapped up in their new role and forget about celebrating themselves. So, I baked a quick chocolate cake this morning—no mixer, no mess, just stirred everything right in the pan.

Of course, I had a little mishap. I accidentally grabbed a tablespoon of baking soda instead of a teaspoon. Have you ever done that? I tasted the batter, and thankfully it wasn’t salty, so I crossed my fingers and slid it into the oven. This cake called for a cup of hot water to thin the batter, but I swapped in strong, flavoured coffee instead. Coffee and chocolate together? Yes, please. The plan is to pour icing over it, top it with fresh blueberries and raspberries, and finish decorating once I get to her house.

That’s real-life baking: messy aprons, last-minute recipes, and hoping for the best. But honestly, it’s those little stories that make food memorable.

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Why Meal Planning Matters During Stressful Weeks

Last week was full of emotions—waiting for the baby to arrive, worrying about my daughter, and not sleeping much. When I’m stressed, I either forget to eat or I grab chips and chocolate. That’s exactly why I push myself to plan meals ahead. Having food ready in the fridge means I can fuel my body properly instead of relying on junk food that leaves me feeling worse.

For example, I prepped steel-cut oats for breakfasts, and I’ve been making omelets loaded with fresh veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, and snap peas. As a diabetic, I know how important it is to keep my blood sugar balanced, and starting my mornings with a good breakfast makes all the difference.

This week, I also whipped up a zucchini lasagna—one of my favourites. Not only is it low-carb and packed with flavour, but it also stretches into multiple meals. I had enough for two suppers, two lunches, and even froze a piece for later. That’s the beauty of cooking once and eating twice (or more).

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Freezer-Friendly Comfort Foods

One of my favourite strategies for meal prep is freezing portions of soups, stews, and casseroles. Last week, I made a big batch of chili and homemade soup in the crockpot. I portioned them into mason jars and tucked them into the freezer. Now, if I need a quick meal, I can grab a jar, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, or place it in warm water to speed things up.

Another freezer-friendly win? Spaghetti squash. My garden gave me a good harvest this year, and I had two sitting on the counter. I microwaved them for about ten minutes each, then scraped out the strands. Pairing it with leftover pasta sauce makes for an easy, veggie-packed meal.

If you’re cooking for just yourself or two people, try this trick: portion casseroles like lasagna or shepherd’s pie into individual servings. Freeze them in microwave-safe containers, and you’ve got homemade “TV dinners” for busy nights. It’s a lifesaver when you don’t feel like cooking but still want a nourishing meal.

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This Week’s Menu

Here’s what’s on my menu this week:

• Parmesan Chicken – Dredged in egg and breadcrumbs, seasoned with Mediterranean sea salt and Parmesan, cooked in the air fryer until golden. Moist, flavourful, and done in 12 minutes.

• Zucchini Lasagna – Layers of zucchini, tomato sauce, and cheese, perfect for leftovers.

• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce – Today’s birthday meal, served with garlic bread and salad.

• Spaghetti Squash with Sauce – A lighter take on pasta night.

• Pork Loin in the Crockpot – Seasoned with maple and pepper, served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Leftovers will be turned into wraps later in the week.

• Stir-Fry with Marinated Steak – Using up a bag of frozen veggies, sautéed with a quick sauce.

• Omelets and Oats – My breakfast staples, keeping me on track during busy mornings.

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Cooking and Sharing with Others

Food isn’t just about feeding yourself—it’s about connection. Some of my fondest memories are cooking with friends. Years ago, a close friend and I would cook dinner together every Thursday night. She introduced me to dishes I’d never tried before, like homemade fettuccine sauce and eggrolls with fried rice. Our kids loved it, and it opened my eyes to new flavours.

Cooking for others, swapping meals, or even just sharing ideas can spark creativity in the kitchen. If you’re in a rut, invite a friend over and cook together. You’ll pick up new tricks and maybe even discover a new favourite recipe.

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Final Thoughts

This week, my focus is on comfort food, family time, and making life easier through meal prep. Having a new grandbaby in the family is a reminder of how precious these moments are. The food we share around the table isn’t just about filling bellies—it’s about building memories.

So, whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent, or just someone juggling busy days, remember this: simple meals are often the most comforting. A pot of chili, a quick quiche, or even a cake that may or may not have too much baking soda can bring joy to your week.

Here’s to warm meals, full hearts, and celebrating both the big milestones and the everyday wins.

#mealplanning #comfortfood