Good Food, Real Life

If summer had a signature dish, it would be this: a juicy, sun-warmed Peach Caprese Salad crowned with creamy burrata. Sweet peaches, fragrant basil, creamy cheese, and a drizzle of good olive oil create a dish that's so simple yet so profound it almost feels like magic. This is a high-summer showstopper: gorgeous enough for dinner parties, fast enough for casual lunches, and utterly unforgettable. It's a playful twist on the traditional tomato Caprese, and the sweetness of the peaches paired with the lush richness of burrata makes every bite feel like a celebration. Ingredients: 3 ripe peaches, sliced 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (preferably heirloom or multi-colored) ½ cup fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil (extra virgin) 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, but highly recommended) Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Instructions: Prep the Ingredients:...

If you’ve been craving a rich, restaurant-worthy pasta dish but want to keep it a little lighter and fresher, this Creamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta is your new secret weapon. It delivers all the lusciousness of a creamy sauce without relying on heavy cream — instead, it uses a clever combination of pesto, starchy pasta water, and a touch of Parmesan to create a silky, flavor-packed coating. This recipe brings the punchy brightness of basil pesto and the briny sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp together in a fast, one-pan weeknight miracle. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable: swap in your favorite pasta shape, toss in a handful of greens, or add a squeeze of lemon for an extra pop. Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or short pasta like penne) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) ½ cup reserved pasta water (more as needed) ...

Why You’ll Love This Ginger-Lime Rice Noodle Salad This cold rice noodle salad is your go-to answer for Florida heat and low-energy days. It’s light, bright, and brimming with flavor—without requiring much stovetop time. The grilled shrimp add protein and smoky depth, while the ginger-lime dressing brings citrusy zing and just the right amount of kick. Best of all? It tastes even better cold the next day. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick dish to bring to a summer potluck, this noodle salad delivers freshness, texture, and satisfaction in one bowl. Ingredients For the Salad: 6 oz rice noodles (thin or medium-width) 1 cup shredded red cabbage 1 cup julienned carrots 1 cucumber, sliced thin or into ribbons 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil—mix and match) 1/4 cup chopped scallions Optional: chopped peanuts or cashews for topping For the Shrimp: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tbsp avocado oil or other high-...

Looking for a fresh, flavorful twist on classic fish tacos? These coconut cod tacos are marinated in creamy coconut milk, ginger, and lemongrass, then paired with charred cabbage and a tangy Thai basil slaw. Light, bright, and packed with texture, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer gatherings, or anyone craving a tropical-inspired meal with Southeast Asian flair. Ingredients For the coconut cod: 1 lb cod fillets, cut into taco-size pieces 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk 1 garlic clove, grated 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 stalk lemongrass (white part only), minced or smashed and removed later 1/2 tsp salt Zest of 1 lime For the charred cabbage: 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed) Pinch of salt For the Thai basil slaw: 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber or daikon 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil (or regular basil + mint mix) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp fish sauce (or ...

A Bold, Creamy Twist on a Classic Ceviche is a dish that lives and dies by brightness—lime, salt, fresh fish, and that glorious, mouth-tingling bite of raw citrus cure. But what happens when you break tradition… and add cream? Don’t worry, we’re not throwing in a dairy bomb. We’re leaning into something bold, bright, and totally indulgent in its own right: coconut milk. Add some ginger, a little chili, and suddenly you’ve got a fusion of Peruvian and Southeast Asian flavors that feels both sunlit and dangerous. Hence: Forbidden Cream . This is ceviche for the rule-breakers. It’s also shockingly easy. Why You’ll Love This Version It’s dairy-free but lush and creamy Uses common pantry ingredients Ready in 20 minutes (plus chill time) Stunning for guests, great for weeknight cravings Can be made as a bowl, appetizer, or spooned into lettuce cups Ingredients Recommended tools: Matsato Japanese Chef’s Knife – ideal for cleanly slicing fresh fish and finely mincing...

  Real Food for Catholic Living – Delicious, Satisfying, and Meat-Free If you're Catholic, you probably know the rule: no meat on Fridays during Lent—and for many, it's a year-round spiritual practice. But let’s be honest: meatless meals can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Another cheese pizza. Another grilled cheese. Another sad salad. You don’t have to settle. Friday abstinence isn’t meant to be dreary—it’s an invitation to simplicity, reflection, and yes, even joy at the table. Here are some real food recipes that bring flavor, comfort, and richness to your Friday meals without a scrap of meat. These aren’t just meatless. They’re delicious on purpose. 1. Crispy White Beans with Rosemary and Garlic Tastes like: Crispy, buttery magic with herby depth Use it for: A protein-rich main or side dish Ingredients: 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp butter 1 clove garlic, smashed 1/2 tsp rosemary (fresh or dried) Salt and pepper to tast...

  At Good Food, Real Life , we celebrate cooking that is practical, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're stocking your pantry for global flavors or fine-tuning your approach to home cooking, our resources help you cook with confidence and joy. Your support allows us to continue creating high-quality, real-world kitchen guides and recipes! Explore our offerings at ko-fi.com/goodfoodreallife . What’s Available in the Store? Our Ko-Fi store features expertly crafted cooking resources designed to make your time in the kitchen easier, more efficient, and more inspired. 📌 Current Offerings : ✅ Global Pantry Guide (19-Page Full-Color PDF) – A beautifully designed pantry organization tool and shopping list , showcasing essential ingredients from world cuisines to help you stock a versatile, globally inspired kitchen. Includes stunning visuals to make meal planning effortless. ✅ Email Consultation: Personalized Kitchen Help – Need ingredient substitutions, meal pla...

  This ceviche twist balances the classic brightness of citrus with fragrant ginger, sweet-spicy pickled shallots, and a crunchy, umami-packed seaweed garnish. The combination of bold flavors and contrasting textures makes this dish a refreshing yet deeply satisfying take on traditional ceviche. This recipe leans heavily into knife skills, which makes a high-quality knife essential. I cannot praise the Masamato chef's knife highly enough. It holds an edge for a long time, and looks beautiful in the process. And for it's lifelong value, it's surprisingly affordable.  Ingredients: For the Ceviche: 1 lb fresh tuna, diced 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup orange juice 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated 1 small serrano pepper, finely minced (optional, for heat) 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce) 1/2 tsp sea salt For the Pickled Shallots: 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp honey 1/4 tsp salt For the Crispy Seaw...

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its simple yet flavorful seafood dishes, and Levrek Izgara (Grilled Sea Bass) is one of the best examples of how fresh ingredients can shine. Found along the coastlines of the Aegean and Mediterranean, this dish is a favorite in Turkish homes and seaside restaurants, where whole fish is simply seasoned and grilled to perfection. The result? Crispy, golden skin and tender, flaky flesh infused with citrus, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. This dish is naturally healthy, packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Mediterranean salad, Levrek Izgara is a light yet deeply satisfying meal that brings the essence of the Turkish seaside straight to your table. Ingredients (Serves 2-3) 2 whole sea bass, cleaned and scaled (or 4 fillets) 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced Juice of 1 large lemon Zest of ½ lemon 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp ground cumin ...

Few dishes are as simple yet decadent as garlicky butter shrimp. This dish, with its luscious butter sauce infused with aromatic garlic, is a restaurant-quality meal that takes just minutes to prepare. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this shrimp dish is bound to impress. Why You'll Love This Recipe Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own with crusty bread. Rich in Flavor: The perfect combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an irresistible taste. Customizable: Adjust seasonings and add-ins to suit your preference. Ingredients You’ll Need 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick) Juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for dept...

Have you ever wondered what Jesus and the disciples actually ate? I know I have. And when it comes to fish—one of the most iconic foods in Scripture—it’s surprisingly easy to recreate something historically accurate in your own kitchen. I want to invite you into a taste of the ancient world—a meal that connects your table to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Whether you're looking for a meaningful Lenten meal or just craving fresh, simple flavors, this isn’t just a healthy, simple fish recipe. It’s a way to experience a bit of history—and honestly? It tastes incredible. Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ready in under 20 minutes Packed with heart-healthy Mediterranean flavors Inspired by ancient meals but made for modern kitchens Quick Facts Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 8 minutes Total Time: 13 minutes Serves: 4 Great For: Lent, weeknight dinners, faith-based gatherings Recipe Type: Grilled fish, Mediterranean, low-carb What Fish Did Jesus E...