Hi There! My name is Doris, welcome to my website! As a busy mom of 6 (yes, 6!) kids, I barely had time to cook between working, cleaning, and taking care of my kids. Because of this, I developed the very unhealthy habit of eating out most nights every week. In 2016, I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, and was told that I would need to make some serious changes to my lifestyle if I wanted to live past 60. Luckily, when confiding in my neighbor Shelly about my troubles, she recommended I try shopping at Trader Joe’s to try out some of their healthier, readymade options. Instantly, I fell in love with the store for it’s affordable prices and high quality produce.

Shelly and I started making the hour and a half long trip to TJ’s together every weekend for 5 years! By utilizing the quick and easy recipes I share on this site, I’ve lost 68 pounds and completely reversed my heart disease. Feeling healthier than ever, I moved towns to be closer to my beloved store, and Shelly and I even ended up moving in together after my husband and I divorced back in 2021 (but that’s a story for another day 😉).

Now that my kids are grown and have all flew the coop, I’m left with some extra time on my hands that I intend to use to share the knowledge I’ve grown over the past 9 years. On this website, you’ll find the recipes that I always come back to, some of my favorite seasonal Trader Joe’s finds, and maybe even a personal story or two. I hope these recipes can help you to bring your family together, and allow you to share in laughs, passionate debates, or even comfortable silence at the dinner table. That’s really what it’s all about.

Eat well and enjoy! Love, Doris.