Hi! My name is Joanne and I live in a Philadelphia suburb with my husband and our cute 5 and 3 yr. old boys. Here’s a little about me.
My Beliefs
I believe it’s important for moms (or dads) to cook quality meals for their families and save a lot of money while doing it. I believe families should eat together as much as possible, especially dinner so they can communicate their daily happenings. Also, I feel it’s important for parents to teach their children how to cook (a life skill) and spend quality time together. Teaching kids good eating habits early is important.
It is my passion to help moms be successful at home by giving them the resources and tools they need to get it all done, by helping them to prepare great-tasting meals for their families and serve meals in which they are proud. When our boys are grown and gone, I want them coming back for big, fun family dinners and mom’s good home cooking…plus my hugs and kisses. It about cooking with love!
My recipes are easy, wholesome meals. I rarely use boxed mixes, canned soups, etc. Cooking mostly from scratch not only tastes better and is higher quality but, it is better for you and not difficult to learn with practice and great recipes. I don’t go as far to churn my own butter but, I will make bread from time to time.
I cook mostly from scratch and with saving money in mind so, if you are looking for tasty, home cooking for the money conscious, pull up a chair! Stay awhile. Subscribe and let’s get to know each other better.
About Me -My Story
I grew up in a modest home without a father. My mother was an Italian immigrant who was an independent, strong-minded woman and taught me to be the same. Tragically, she died when I was 18 yrs. old and I had to learn to become self-sufficient quickly. This tragedy could have ruined me but, I chose to use what I learned from her to become a strong, financially stable, very educated woman and the best mother and wife and I can be.
I worked for a very successful fortune 500 company, The Vanguard Group Inc., who paid for my dual major bachelor’s degree in business and Information Technology for Business. I graduated without any student loans in only 2.5 years! Hard work pays off. I left there for a 25% increase in my base salary to go to another great company who paid for my M.B.A. advanced degree. Again, I graduated with no student loans and was promoted to a Business Systems Analyst role in I.T.
I chose to succeed. I chose a better life for myself. Shortly after I received my M.B.A., I met my husband, got married and became a stay-at-home-mom. Transitioning to motherhood was difficult for me but, I don’t regret being home with my baby boys. They bring me more joy than I ever thought possible. Finally, my life is complete!
I believe in myself and my dreams and you can too. Let me show you how.
No Plate Like Home
There is no plate like home. Your food can be better than what you get in restaurants and certainly better than fast food.
In this blog, you will find easy and delicious, from scratch meals, one pot and 30 min meals, yummy desserts, easy appetizers and tasty cocktails. Some of my recipes are authentic Italian and Italian inspired recipes. Also, you’ll find inexpensive DIY and crafts, travel, money-saving and blogging tips too.
I am first generation Italian and good food and wine are in my blood. Most of my recipes use extra virgin olive oil because it is healthier and gives a lot of great flavor as it does in my One Pot Jambalaya with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage. I like to share my creations to help other busy moms provide homemade, great tasting, healthier meals to their families. Almost all of my recipes do not contain boxed mixes. There’s no way to get a tasty One Pot, Ham and Bean Soup from a can! Nope, don’t even try.
Why eat high fat, high sodium and poor quality take out when you can make better food at home and for less money? After all, there is no plate like home!
Food Blogging Resources
If you are new food blogger or are thinking about starting your own blog, check out my Blogging Resources and Interview with Sarah Titus, Pro Blogger. I share what I’m learning along the way, which is a lot. Subscribe to my newsletter on the home page.
Food and Travel
One of my other passions is traveling! I’ve skied in Chamonix, France and Lake Tahoe, wine tasted in Napa and Sonoma and the Finger Lakes of NY. I drove through the desert during an amazing sun rise. We ate fresh lobster in Maine. We saw the colorful splendor of Vermont during peak fall foliage. I still remember the tasty BMW pancakes Banana Maple Walnut pancakes. We found some Great seafood places in Naples, Fl and Fun things to do in Marco Island, Fl. Seeing the views from the top of Whiteface Mountain in while discovering beautiful Lake Placid, NY in summer..
I’ve been to a few European countries and visited my family in southern Italy many times. Experiencing the true Italian culture first hand is something worth sharing with others. Italy is absolutely beautiful and has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted, hands down! Some of the recipes on this blog are authentic Italian such as, Buccatini all’Amatriciana and Easy Italian Easter Pie with Prosciutto and Mozzarella Cheese.
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Now that you’ve learned a little about me, thanks for visiting and I hope you’ll come back soon!
Ciao for now!
~Joanne Schweitzer
No Plate Like Home
