Posts by Jakob Ward
Cheddar Chicken Soft Tacos
These cheddar chicken soft tacos are simple, bold, and full of warmth without being heavy. The tortillas are lightly sautéed in avocado oil and seasoned directly in the pan, giving them a toasted, smoky depth that carries through every bite. The Base Soft tortillas are gently sautéed in avocado oil with the following spices added…
Read MoreReigniting Passion for Life
Losing passion often comes from ongoing energy depletion rather than a single event. Restoring it requires intentional self-reflection and small, consistent changes. 1. Identify What Drains You 2. Identify What Renews You 3. Focus on Making an Impact Supporting Practice
Read MoreSeasoning a New Cast Iron Skillet: Crisco and Bacon, Done Right
A simple, reliable way to get your 10-inch skillet cooking-ready There is something grounding about breaking in a new cast iron skillet. It is not complicated, but it does reward patience and a light touch. Since you already have a 10-inch skillet, Crisco, and bacon, you are set up perfectly. Below is a straightforward process…
Read MorePerfect Oven-Baked Bacon (Crispy, Easy, No Mess)
If you want consistently crispy bacon without splatter, standing over the stove, or uneven cooking, the oven is the way to go. This method renders the fat evenly, keeps your kitchen clean, and produces perfect bacon every time. Once you try oven-baked bacon, it’s hard to go back. Why Bake Bacon in the Oven? Ingredients…
Read MoreBone-In Ribeye in a Small Cast Iron Skillet
Controlled heat, real flavor, and no panic Some nights you don’t have the perfect pan. You don’t dry the steak like you meant to. You remember the butter late. And yet, it still turns out great. This is a forgiving, no-nonsense way to cook a ¾-inch bone-in ribeye in an 8-inch cast iron skillet, with notes on what…
Read MoreThe Exactly Right Grandma Egg Noodles
This is the version that tastes like someone cared. What You Need How to Make Them Final Grandma Rule If someone says, “These are really good,”you just say,“Oh, they’re nothing special.” That’s how you know you nailed it.
Read MoreSlow Cooker Ham & Bean Stew
KIDNEY • PINTO • BEEF BROTH This is a simple, slow-cooked ham and bean stew built for depth, flexibility, and leftovers. Using canned beans keeps it easy, while the slow cooker does the real work. It’s thick, savory, and even better the next day. Ingredients Optional (recommended) Instructions 1. Optional Sauté (for deeper flavor) In…
Read MoreLiving With Intention
Lately, I’ve been thinking less about goals and more about alignment—how daily habits, choices, and responsibilities shape the kind of life I’m building. Growth doesn’t start with productivity or achievement. It starts with honesty. Love yourself.And don’t deceive yourself. For me, that means living with clarity instead of avoidance, and simplicity instead of excess. It…
Read MoreRed Potatoes with Butterkäse Cheese Pockets
A simple baked potato with a molten, buttery center This version of baked red potatoes came together at the suggestion of my daughter, who wanted to try something simple and hands-on. Instead of scooping and mixing, the approach was to dig a small pocket into the center of each potato and fill it directly with…
Read MoreSlow Cooker Beef Chili with Three Beans
This is a simple, hearty slow cooker chili built around a full 28 oz can of diced tomatoes and three kinds of beans. It’s flexible, low-maintenance, and perfect for a make-ahead dinner. Ingredients Protein & Veg Seasoning Optional boosters Note: If you’re using your homemade taco seasoning blend, use about 2½–3 tbsp in place of the individual spices,…
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