Ingredients

• 2–3 lb eye of round roast
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions

1. Sear the Roast
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides, approximately 2–3 minutes per side. This step builds flavor and improves texture.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seared roast on top.

3. Add Liquid
Combine broth, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Pour around the roast, not directly over the top.

4. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. Avoid cooking on high, as this lean cut can dry out.

5. Rest and Slice
Remove and rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice thinly and against the grain.

Serving Notes

Portion 4–6 ounces per serving. Pair with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

Technical Notes

Eye of round is a very lean cut. Low temperature and thin slicing are essential for tenderness. Do not overcook.

The post Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast appeared first on Jakob Ward.

These herb and Parmesan croutons are crisp, golden, and deeply savory without crossing into bitter territory. Designed specifically for dry Italian bread.

Ingredients

• 5.2 oz Italian loaf, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons Bragg 24 Herbs & Spices
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Shake bread cubes in a colander to remove loose crumbs.
3. Toss bread with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Add Bragg seasoning and salt. Toss again.
5. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet with space between pieces.
6. Bake for 6–8 minutes, then flip.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan over the cubes and return to oven for 2–4 more minutes, watching closely.
8. Remove when lightly golden. They will continue to crisp as they cool.

Critical Notes

• Dry bread browns quickly. Err on the lighter side.
• Parmesan should be added during the final minutes to prevent burning.
• If your oven runs hot, reduce to 300°F.
• Pull them before they look fully done. They firm up while cooling.

The post Herb & Parmesan Croutons appeared first on Jakob Ward.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinner consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped artichokes, spinach, and garlic if using.
4. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add milk if a smoother consistency is desired.
5. Spread mixture evenly into a small baking dish.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Alternative – Quick Stovetop Method

1. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped artichokes, and spinach.
3. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add a splash of milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
5. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.

This method produces a slightly softer texture than baking, but it delivers the same creamy flavor in less time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. This dip also pairs well with grilled chicken or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Notes

• Be sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach to prevent a watery dip.
• Monterey Jack can be substituted for mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat.

The post Classic Spinach Artichoke Dip appeared first on Jakob Ward.

Ingredients

Chili Base

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 30 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 32 ounces chunky salsa
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or apple cider vinegar

Homemade Chili Spice Blend

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional depth boost

• ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder or espresso powder

Shortcut Option

• 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning (use instead of homemade spice blend if needed)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add all spice blend ingredients directly to the beef. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Add kidney beans and chunky salsa. Stir until fully combined.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce and optional cocoa or espresso powder if using.
5. Bring to a light simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice or apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt or heat level as needed.

Heat Adjustment Tips

• For milder chili: reduce chili powder to 1½ tablespoons
• For spicier chili: add ½ teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes
• For smokier flavor: increase smoked paprika slightly

Serving Suggestions

• Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Cornbread or tortilla chips
• Green onions or fresh cilantro

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months

The post Easy Weeknight Chili Recipe appeared first on Jakob Ward.

A classic crowd-pleasing buffalo chicken dip that’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for parties or game day.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ¾ cup red hot sauce
• 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken, drained
  • Or equivalent rotisserie or freshly cooked chopped chicken
• Shredded cheddar cheese (amount to taste)
• Your favorite chips for dipping
• Celery sticks

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese, ranch dressing, and red hot sauce together until smooth.
2. Fold in shredded chicken.
3. Spread mixture into a pie plate sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and add shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until bubbly.
7. Serve hot with your favorite chips and celery.

The post Buffalo Chicken Dip appeared first on Jakob Ward.

How much coffee am I actually supposed to use?

There are endless ratios online, most of them overcomplicated. I wasn’t trying to optimize extraction curves or become a coffee expert. I just wanted one good, repeatable cup that tasted right every morning.

After a few test runs, this is the ratio that stuck.

My Daily Coffee Setup

Nothing fancy. This matters.

• Standard drip coffee maker
• Medium-ground coffee
• Cold, fresh water
• No special filters or accessories

The machine can brew up to 12 cups, but I prefer making a smaller batch that stays fresh and consistent.

The Ratio That Worked Perfectly

4 cups of water (20 oz)
4 tablespoons of ground coffee

That’s it.

This follows the classic rule of one tablespoon per 5-ounce cup, but what matters is that it tasted right immediately. Balanced, smooth, and not bitter.

I didn’t feel the need to adjust it after the first brew.

Why I Stick With 4 Cups

Even though the machine can brew 12 cups, the 4-cup approach works better for me.

• The coffee stays fresh
• It brews quickly
• It avoids overthinking
• It’s easy to repeat daily

If I want more later, I can always brew again. If I want iced coffee or tea, the carafe still gets used.

Small Adjustments If You Need Them

If you try this and want to tweak it slightly, here’s how I’d do it without breaking the balance:

• Too weak: add ¼ to ½ tablespoon next time
• Too strong or bitter: reduce by ¼ tablespoon
• Dark roast: you may want slightly less coffee
• Light roast: you may want slightly more

Make small changes. This ratio is already close.

My Default Going Forward

This has become my baseline.

When in doubt, I brew 4 cups with 4 tablespoons. No guesswork. No measuring charts taped to the cabinet. Just a simple routine that delivers consistently good coffee.

Sometimes the best setup is the one you stop thinking about.

The post The 4-Cup Coffee Ratio I Use appeared first on Jakob Ward.

The Base

Soft tortillas are gently sautéed in avocado oil with the following spices added to the pan at the same time:

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Chipotle pepper flakes

As the tortillas warm and toast, the spices bloom in the oil, coating each surface evenly.

This quick pan treatment transforms the tortillas from a neutral wrapper into a flavorful foundation with subtle heat and a touch of smokiness.

The Filling

Tender chicken is layered with melted cheddar cheese, creating a rich, savory center that balances perfectly with the fresh toppings.

Fresh Toppings

To keep things bright and balanced, each taco is finished with:

• Crisp lettuce
• Roma tomato
• Red onion
• Jalapeños

The crunch and acidity cut through the cheese and spice, keeping the tacos clean and satisfying rather than heavy.

Finishing Touches

Once assembled, these tacos take heat well. A generous amount of hot sauce brings everything together, adding acidity and brightness that cuts through the cheddar and spices. It’s not subtle, and it’s not meant to be. The heat sharpens the flavors and gives the tacos a final push without overwhelming the balance.

Why This Works

These tacos hit that sweet spot between comfort food and freshness. The seasoned tortillas add depth without overpowering the filling, while the fresh vegetables keep everything lively and balanced.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, these cheddar chicken soft tacos are proof that simple ingredients, treated with intention, can deliver big flavor.

The post Cheddar Chicken Soft Tacos appeared first on Jakob Ward.

1. Identify What Drains You

• Pay attention to activities, habits, and people that consistently reduce your energy.
• Journaling helps reveal patterns quickly.
• Ask not only how to do more, but what to stop doing.
• Common drains include:
  • Unnecessary busywork
  • Excessive phone and social media use
  • Overcommitting to events and obligations
  • Negative environments or relationships
• Removing energy drains creates space for renewal.

2. Identify What Renews You

• Notice which activities restore energy, clarity, or motivation.
• These are often simple, repeatable actions.
• Renewal may come from:
  • Rest and sleep
  • Physical movement or exercise
  • Time outdoors
  • Positive relationships
  • Helping others
  • Family and community involvement
• Physical and mental health factors may also affect motivation and should not be ignored.

3. Focus on Making an Impact

• Purpose grows when personal strengths are used to help others.
• Impact does not require grand gestures.
• Reflection is needed to identify where your abilities align with real needs.
• Meaningful impact can come through:
  • Presence and connection
  • Leadership and guidance
  • Mentoring and development
  • Community building

Supporting Practice

• Regularly note positive or meaningful moments, even small ones.
• Awareness of positive experiences helps increase them over time.
• Passion is rebuilt by subtraction, renewal, and purposeful contribution.

The post Reigniting Passion for Life appeared first on Jakob Ward.

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 that works well and avoids common mistakes.

Step 1: Wash and dry the skillet

Even brand-new cast iron usually has a factory coating or residue.

• Wash the skillet with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap
• Use a sponge or brush, not steel wool
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry immediately with a towel

To remove any remaining moisture, place the skillet on a burner over low heat for a few minutes until fully dry.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of Crisco

This step is about restraint. Too much oil leads to sticky seasoning.

• Turn off the heat and let the skillet cool slightly
• Using a paper towel, rub a very thin layer of Crisco over the entire skillet
  • Inside cooking surface
  • Side walls
  • Bottom
  • Handle

Now take a clean paper towel and wipe again as if you are trying to remove the oil. What remains is the right amount.

Step 3: Oven seasoning

This creates the base layer that everything else builds on.

• Preheat your oven to 450–475°F
• Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch drips
• Place the skillet upside down on the top or middle rack
• Bake for 1 hour

After the hour is up, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool inside the oven. This slow cooling helps the seasoning set.

Step 4: Bacon seasoning

This is both functional and satisfying.

• Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat
• Add the bacon to a cold pan
• Cook slowly, letting the fat render out

As the bacon cooks, the fat bonds to the seasoning layer and reinforces it. Move the bacon around so the entire surface gets coated.

Once finished:

• Remove the bacon
• Pour off excess grease, but do not rinse
• Wipe the skillet with a paper towel while it is still warm

Step 5: Post-cook care

After your first cook, establish the habit that keeps cast iron happy.

• Never soak the skillet
• Clean with warm water and a brush if needed
• Dry completely on the stovetop
• Apply a very light coat of Crisco while warm
• Wipe out excess

This final wipe is what keeps rust away and builds seasoning over time.

What to expect early on

Your skillet will not be perfectly nonstick on day one. That is normal.

• The surface may look blotchy at first
• Eggs may stick a little early on
• Each cook improves the surface

Bacon, burgers, sautéed vegetables, and cornbread are excellent early meals. Acidic foods like tomato sauce should wait until the seasoning is more established.

Final thoughts

Seasoning cast iron is not a one-time event. It is a relationship built meal by meal. You have already done the right thing by starting with oven seasoning and bacon. Keep cooking, keep wiping it down lightly with Crisco, and that 10-inch skillet will quietly become one of the most reliable tools in your kitchen.

The post Seasoning a New Cast Iron Skillet: Crisco and Bacon, Done Right appeared first on Jakob Ward.

Once you try oven-baked bacon, it’s hard to go back.

Why Bake Bacon in the Oven?

• Even cooking from edge to edge
• No flipping required
• Minimal mess
• Easy to cook large batches
• Hands-off while it cooks

Ingredients

• Bacon (regular or thick-cut)

That’s it.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Prepare the pan

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
For extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on top of the sheet.

3. Arrange the bacon

Lay the bacon strips in a single layer. They can touch slightly, but do not overlap.

4. Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake:

• Regular-cut bacon: 15–20 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon: 20–25 minutes

Start checking around the 12–15 minute mark. Bacon crisps quickly toward the end.

5. Drain and serve

Remove the bacon and transfer to paper towels. It will continue to crisp slightly as it cools.

Doneness Guide

• Chewy: Light golden, still flexible
• Crispy: Deep golden brown with bubbling fat
• Extra crisp: Use a wire rack and bake 2–3 minutes longer

Tips for Perfect Bacon

• No flipping required
• For flatter bacon, place the pan in a cold oven, then set it to 400°F
• Save the rendered bacon fat in a jar for cooking eggs, vegetables, or potatoes
• Works great for meal prep and large batches

Final Thoughts

Oven-baked bacon is one of those simple upgrades that quietly makes everything better. Whether you like it chewy or extra crisp, this method gives you control, consistency, and excellent results every time.

The post Perfect Oven-Baked Bacon (Crispy, Easy, No Mess) appeared first on Jakob Ward.