Hi Everybody, it’s Babs!
I come from a long line of mothers helping daughters and grandmothers helping granddaughters. Recipes were shared, tables were full, and food was how we showed love. If you were lucky enough to grow up that way, you know how powerful it is. And if you didn’t, or could just use a little more…..think of me as your surrogate mom or grandma in the kitchen.
After decades of living, homemaking, teaching and cooking, I’ve built a great collection of recipes, menus, systems, shortcuts, and solutions that actually work in real life.
I’m a mother of four, a grandmother of nine, and a retired preschool teacher/director of 25 years who never expected a “second act.” Food has always been at the center of my life. Raised in an Italian/Lebanese family, I believe food is sacred. It’s how we gather, how we care for one another, and how we turn everyday moments into memories. Feeding people well shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel doable, joyful, and deeply satisfying.
That’s where “What’s on the Menu?” comes in.
What You’ll Get Each Month on Substack
Each month, I’ll publish an occasion-inspired menu. A curated collection of 5–10 tried-and-true recipes I’ve made year after year.
These are the menus you reach for when life gets busy, when you have a party to plan, when company shows up, or when you’re standing in the kitchen wondering, “What on earth am I going to make?” Think of each issue as me doing the thinking for you. Menus are designed for real life and real seasons, and will include themes like:
🥘 What Should I Bring? – Appetizers, desserts, and foolproof dishes for potlucks and parties
🥡 Make One, Take One Meals – Cook once, feed your family, and share with a friend in need
🍽️ Weeknight Dinners – Fast, comforting meals for those “it’s already 6:00” nights
🍳 Make-Ahead Breakfasts & Easy Lunches – Grab-and-go solutions for busy mornings
⛪ Lenten & Meatless Menus – Thoughtful, satisfying meals for Lent and beyond
💘 Galentine’s Menus – A collection of boozy Galentine’s treats for girls’ nights, a celebratory drink, and indulgent desserts.
🚤 Summer House & Hosting Menus – Easy recipes for feeding a full house without living in the kitchen
🫕 Camping, Ski Trips & Getaways – Cozy, crowd-friendly meals wherever you land
No matter the season or occasion, you’ll have a plan. And the confidence to pull it off. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, helping a neighbor, or preparing for a weekend where everyone is coming over, each “What’s on the Menu” Substack is here to support you. Food is a love language, after all. And there’s nothing better than watching the people you love enjoy something you made with care. I’m so happy you’re here. Let’s bring back the joy of feeding the people we love. Without the stress.
Buon appetito, tutti.
XO,
Babs
ABOUT ME:
You may know me from Instagram or TikTok, where you can find me:
I’ve published a Cookbook! Celebrate with Babs - and I have one on the way!
My proudest accomplishments, though, are my four children and nine grandchildren. You’ll hear plenty of stories about them to come.
