About

Who Am I?

My name is Christina. Nice to meet you! I’m a writer, mom & home cook. I believe knowing how to make yourself a good meal is empowering.

During my childhood learning to make ends meet while still making satisfying meals was just the way things were done. We didn’t have much, but we felt like we had plenty. That’s the power of food and knowing how to use what’s on hand. A hearty bowl of soup even a steaming pot of beans – simple pleasures like these have the power to nourish body and soul.

My family saved even the smallest bits of leftovers so that they could be combined into a “mix up bowl” and make a meal for someone. We made lasagna with cottage cheese because we couldn’t afford ricotta. And if my brother and I wanted a stick of gum (a treat) my grandmother would split one stick three ways – 1/3 for me, 1/3 for my brother, and that last bit for Nana, because she liked chewing gum too.

You may think these experiences made us kids feel deprived, but just the opposite was true. We felt taken care of and empowered. Frugal living, knowing how to stretch a meal, and understanding which food substitutions will do goes a long way. To this day I never worry about putting food on the table because I know I can make a meal using whatever is available.

I’m a fairly introverted person so you won’t find photos of me everywhere. But in case you’re wondering what I look like, I added an illustration. That’s pretty much how I look after I’m caffeinated for the day. 😉

Random Facts About Me:

• Popcorn is my favorite snack.
• I’m a super fast reader. I’ve been known to read an entire book in a day!
• I love gardening. In the summer, the question is not “What’s for dinner?” but “How are we eating zucchini today?”

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In The Test Kitchen:

As of this year (2024) my teen son, Evan, has started helping me in the kitchen in a more “official” capacity. I couldn’t be more excited! I still remember their small hands helping me make bread in the kitchen as a toddler. Now they’re old enough to help their mom run this little site.

As a recipe tester, their job will be to make a some of my recipes before they are published on this site (or on my Substack newsletter). You’ll be able to tell which recipe they’ve tested because there will be a section in the post with their thoughts about the recipe. I figure, if a young teen can successfully make the recipe, it’s probably pretty solid!

Random Facts About Evan:

• They’re obsessed with playing chess.
• Muffins, cookies and pasta are their favorite things to make.

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Why Sunny Side Suppers?

The inspiration for this site came from one of my favorite songs, The Sunny Side of the Street. There are several versions of this tune, one by Frank Sinatra and another by Steve Tyrell being two of the best. However, my favorite is the one by Louis Armstrong:

My Culinary Background

I’m a home cook who learned how to make good food the old fashioned way: in my grandmother’s kitchen. We made everything from scratch not only because we had to, but because that’s the way Nana had always done things.

I’ve taken many cooking classes over the years. There’s always something new to learn and I love trying new techniques (especially when the end result is edible!). Eventually I used this culinary knowledge to teach cooking classes in Connecticut. I planned each class and taught people how to make everything from apple strudel to saffron rice. In grad school, I even wrote an entire food curriculum that taught world history through cooking classes.

Popular Recipes

What is Sunny Side Suppers About?

This blog is about recipes that anyone can make. There is a growing collection of casseroles, chicken recipes and more for you to explore. This site has only been around for a short while so I don’t have as many recipes (yet) as larger sites, but all of the ones I have published are delicious!

Big on flavor. My family loves flavorful recipes that are simple to prepare. Life is busy and especially on weeknights there’s a certain victory that comes with preparing a delicious meal with pantry staples. On this site you’ll find many of my go-to recipes for flavorful suppers that satisfy hungry bellies.

Mexican and American dishes are my favorite. I spent much of my childhood in my Mexican grandmother’s kitchen, so I often make her recipes and love sharing them. I also enjoy cooking American recipes, and dishes from my other grandparents. This means Italian, Polish, and Spanish dishes will make an appearance.

Game meat is on the menu. In addition to more common meats, I enjoy cooking with venison, rabbit, and elk. My uncles hunted a lot when I was growing up as a way to supplement our food and their bringing home a catch was always a big to-do. One time they even brought home black bear meat! Let me tell you, that bear made some tasty tacos and hamburgers.

My recipes are what I make for my family and we love them. But every family is different and I encourage you to substitute spices, cooking oils and make other changes that will please your taste buds.

Want to Connect?

If you’d like to keep in touch the best way is to subscribe to my email list, which will send you an email when new recipes are published.

I am not on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. (I quit Facebook in April 2024.)

I do have Pinterest and a YouTube profiles, which I update when there is something new to share. In general, however, I feel social media prevents us from connecting as real human beings and encourages the shallowest of our cultural tendencies. (For example, being rude, mocking others, and gossiping.)

So instead of posting on social media, you’ll find me digging in the dirt, reading a book, or cooking in my kitchen. Maybe that’s a crazy thing to say, but in an era where our attention is pulled in so many directions, I try to be intentional about where I spend my energy. 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank You For Reading

This site is relatively new and I’m grateful that you stopped by my neck of the virtual woods. If you like one of my recipes, please share them with your friends. I’m thankful for every reader and hope you will enjoy this little blog.