mealandgrace on LTK

One pan. Big flavor. Zero fuss. This Dirty Rice Skillet is a weeknight wonder: ground beef, mushrooms, Zatarain’s, and a can of green beans doing the absolute most with the absolute least. Minimal effort. Maximum comfort. Scoop it, serve it, and call it a win. Find the full recipe at on the blog (link in profile @mealandgrace.blog ) or just follow along in the reel this one’s as easy as it looks. Gracefully yours, Jeanie Jo MealAndGrace OnePanDinner DirtyRiceSkillet zatarains lodgecastiron weeknightdinner sincerelyfood sincerelyrandalls

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I couldn’t help but wonder… if every kitchen has a love language, was mine sautéed in butter and sprinkled with sea salt?

✨ I’m Jeanie Jo, writer, home cook, food historian, and storyteller. Meal & Grace is where food meets memory—
💌 A Substack newsletter that tastes like Sunday dinner and sounds like a good conversation.
🍴 A blog full of cookbook experiments, grace, and recipes that don’t always behave but always have a story.
🎙 And soon, a podcast: Food and the Story. Because history isn’t just in dusty books—it’s in what we eat, what we pass down, what we crave at midnight.

So here I am, inviting you to the table. Bring your appetite, I’ll bring the grace.

🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50

Weekend mornings call for something cozy — and maybe a little extra butter.
This Pumpkin Brioche Twist from Trader Joe’s turns into the dreamiest French toast when dipped in a brown butter custard and topped with Magnolia’s Maple Butter and cinnamon sugar. Sweet, spiced, and absolutely autumn in every bite. 🍂✨

What’s on your menu?
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome

Sunday will be a slow and simple kind of day — scrambled eggs with rosemary ham, Parmesan Butter Pappardelle, and a glass of Moscato D’Asti to make dinner feel like a celebration. 🍝✨

Trader Joe’s will make it easy and fall flavors will make it lovely.

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Freezer-aisle magic, elevated.
Mandarin Orange Chicken, buttery green peppers, and a side of warm rice — fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Complete recipe on the blog.

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome

Saturday called for a full Trader Joe’s moment — Pumpkin Brioche French Toast in the morning, BBQ Chicken Pizza with Pickled Red Onions by night, and a slice of Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake somewhere in between. 🎃🍕🍰

It’s the kind of easy, seasonal comfort that reminds me why I love fall most in the kitchen — warm, simple, and a little sweet.

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome

A week away with Meal & Grace — train windows, graduation gowns, and meals that tasted like gratitude. I earned my master’s degree and found grace in motion. Read the full story on Substack. 🫶🏻

#LTKHome #LTKTravel #LTKFamily

The Pioneer Woman cookbook just landed in my inbox for review. I’ve canceled all plans until further notice—except maybe dinner.

Preorder your copy, available October 28th

#LTKFamily #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50

They used to say being soft meant being small. But maybe softness just means you know exactly who you are — steady, grounded, impossible to shake. Like a pot of soup that takes its time, simmering until the flavors learn to trust each other.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 78 of 457 is Sausage & Kale Soup—and here’s how it turned out.

The homemade stock was rich and layered, the sausage bold, the kale tender but strong. It wasn’t flashy or fussy. It just showed up, warm and sure of itself. Sweet like honey, warm like home.

379 recipes to go!

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSeasonal

Maybe it’s true what Taylor says — some things shimmer quietly, like opal in the light or bread rising in a warm kitchen. This loaf didn’t need glitter, just Galveston-brewed Oktoberfest beer and a little patience to become something golden and good.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 77 of 457 is Beer Bread—made with local Galveston-brewed Oktoberfest beer—and here’s how it turned out.

The crust baked crisp, the inside stayed tender, and the beer added a mellow sweetness that tasted like fall on the island. It was humble, a little sparkly in spirit, and exactly the kind of loaf that reminds you beauty doesn’t have to shout to be seen.

380 recipes to go!

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

If fall had a soundtrack, this loaf would be track five. 🍂✨
Soft, spiced, a little indulgent — and now officially published in @foodhism magazine 🧡 My very first recipe as a monthly contributor!

This Cinnamon Maple Cream Swirled Pumpkin Spice Bread is straight off my Taylor Swift wishlist: cozy cardigan energy, coffee in hand, and a kitchen that smells like love and maple.

🎶 It’s me, hi… the baker it’s me.
Find the recipe in the magazine (link in bio + stories) and tag me when you make it — I can’t wait to see your swirls!

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

I cannot wait until December 🫶🏻 and look at those cute little jars…. #LTKHoliday

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder100

It’s Monday, and comfort is the assignment. A protein shake to start the day, then Mushroom Bisque and warm Beer Bread for dinner. The kind of meal that feels like exhaling after a long drive home. 🍄🍞

Full post and recipe notes on the blog @mealandgrace.blog ✨

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome

This weekend’s menu looks a little different—it comes with a road trip north to see my oldest son before he deploys for 9 months. A casserole in the morning, Italian in Waco, and maybe Texas-shaped waffles at the Hilton. 🧇 Sometimes food is about comfort, sometimes it’s about the in-between.

Full menu on the blog @mealandgrace.blog

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome

I couldn’t help but wonder… if bread had a personality, would it be the showstopper or the quiet one that steals the scene anyway? Fluffy, golden, brushed with butter, and humble enough to sit on the side—yet somehow the first thing everyone reaches for.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 76 of 457 is Dinner Rolls—and here’s how it turned out.

Soft as clouds, lightly sweet, and just the right amount of chew. They rose beautifully, baked to perfection, and begged for more butter than anyone would admit. Proof that sometimes the supporting role becomes the star of the meal.

381 recipes to go!

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

My ride-or-die. Sharp enough to chop onions and slice through my excuses.

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKHome

Maybe nostalgia doesn’t live in photo albums after all. Maybe it’s tucked inside a bowl of tomato-basil soup, steam rising like a memory, with grilled cheese strips made for dunking until the edges melt into something better than childhood.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 75 of 457 is Toasted Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Strips—and here’s how it turned out.

The soup was velvety with a hint of sweetness, the basil adding brightness to every spoonful. The grilled cheese strips turned into golden, cheesy lifeboats—sturdy enough to dip, indulgent enough to disappear before the bowl was empty. Together they tasted like comfort updated for grown-ups.

382 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

It’s the third of October, and I couldn’t help but wonder… do leftovers ever feel like new beginnings? 🍂 A slice of pumpkin spice bread, a skillet of dirty rice, and the comfort of knowing some recipes stretch further than you think—especially when they lead to new chapters. This very bread will be featured in the upcoming Pumpkin Issue of @foodhism and I’m overjoyed to share I’ve been invited to join as a monthly contributor. I get to take my kitchen stories from the stove to their beautiful pages and I couldn’t be more excited.

Full menu on the blog @mealandgrace.blog

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

A pot that can simmer all day without a complaint. Honestly, if only I could be this low-maintenance and cozy.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder100

What if joy had a flavor? Maybe it would taste like sprinkles baked into soft sugar cookies, filled with frosting that squishes out the sides the moment you take a bite. Messy, colorful, impossible not to smile about.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 74 of 457 is Confetti Sugar Cookie Sandwiches—and here’s how it turned out.

The cookies were soft and buttery, the sprinkles cheerful little bursts of crunch. Sandwiched with vanilla frosting, they became more than a cookie—they were a celebration disguised as dessert. A treat that felt like throwing yourself a party on an ordinary Tuesday.

383 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome #LTKHalloween #LTKParties

Pumpkin spice in the morning, tortilla soup at night — sometimes fall doesn’t knock, it just slips in through the kitchen. 🍂✨

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKFindsUnder100

Some nights the menu isn’t in my kitchen, it’s in a takeout box. 🥡✨ Protein shake in the morning, The Rice Box for dinner, and Jen Hatmaker’s Awake to close the day. Sometimes the best recipe is letting someone else cook. Full post on the blog — link in bio @mealandgrace.blog.

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

Want to purchase your copy of Awake? Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK⬇ https://liketk.it/5pRuV #ltkhome

#LTKOver40 #LTKFindsUnder50

Day One: Cast Iron Skillet
Like the little black dress of the kitchen, it works for every occasion. Cornbread, steaks, cobblers—it always makes an entrance.

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKFindsUnder100

Maybe soup isn’t just food at all. Maybe it’s a story told in simmering broth, each ingredient a character adding its own line to the script. Chicken for comfort, rice for substance, corn for sweetness, and spices that know how to make an entrance.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 73 of 457 is Tortilla Soup—and here’s how it turned out.

The broth carried a smoky warmth, the chicken stayed tender, and the toppings turned each bowl into a choose-your-own-adventure. It was vibrant without being fussy, hearty without being heavy. A weeknight soup that tastes like it belongs at a long table with friends.

384 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Pierogies for breakfast, dirty rice for dinner, and a slice of cinnamon maple pumpkin spice bread somewhere in between. 🥟🍚🍞 Some days taste like comfort in three acts.

Full menu on the blog — link in bio @mealandgrace.blog ✨

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

It’s leftover casserole-for-breakfast kind of Monday. Hash Brown Casserole from Magnolia Table is bubbling with cheese and comfort and tonight’s tortilla soup will keep the rhythm going. Full menu and notes are up on the blog — link in bio @mealandgrace.blog 🥔🥣✨

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

What if comfort wasn’t a blanket or a word, but a spoonful? Steaming broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings that sink just enough to feel like home.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 69 of 457 is Chicken & Dumplings—and here’s how it turned out.

The broth was rich without being heavy, the chicken tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork. The dumplings floated in like little clouds, hearty yet delicate. Each bite tasted like something you didn’t know you needed until it was gone.

388 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

It’s the first fall weekend, and I couldn’t help but wonder—does comfort food taste better when the calendar flips, or when the air shifts? 🍂 From caramel apple spice in the morning to roasted chicken tomorrow night, this table is carrying me into autumn. 🍁🍃🍂

Full weekend menu on the blog. Link in bio @mealandgrace.blog ✨

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#plantoeat #mealandgrace #dinnerinspo #whatsonthemenu #brunchideas #homecooking #foodgram #foodblogger

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

✨ We’re officially grown-ups. ✨
At least, that’s what my husband said when our matching, personalized luggage sets from Mark & Graham arrived — complete with our names engraved and wheels that actually roll.

After one too many chaotic trips (including a memorable Amtrak journey with mismatched bags that didn’t nest, stack, or roll — and one that had to be carried everywhere), we knew it was time for an upgrade.

So we took the plunge.
Each of us now has our own three-piece set — one to check, one to carry on, and one small case for the essentials. Everything nests beautifully, stacks perfectly, and rolls like a dream. No more awkward juggling through train stations or airport terminals. ✈️🚉

We chose the classic navy with cognac trim, and honestly? They’re stunning. Think vintage travel charm meets modern function. The personalization makes each set feel special — “Jeanie Jo,” “The Chad,” and “Lily Jo” — no more guessing whose bag is whose.

These pieces aren’t just luggage — they’re the start of stress-free, stylish travel.
🎒 Smooth wheels
🧳 Hard shell protection
💼 Elegant design
💌 Personalization that feels timeless

If you’ve been dreaming of a matching set that’s both beautiful and practical, this is it.
Find them at Mark & Graham and start traveling like the grown-up you’ve always meant to be.

Gracefully packed,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#LTKItBag #LTKTravel #LTKFamily

They say comfort comes in many forms. For me, it came in a pot of French Lentil Soup—earthy, humble, and quietly beautiful. Yellow onion, carrots, and celery softened in butter, lentils simmered until tender, pork bone and herbs adding warmth with every stir. The kind of soup that doesn’t shout, but hums—a steady reminder that simple food can carry the deepest comfort.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Recipe 39 of 457 is French Lentil Soup from Volume 2—and here’s how it turned out.

We ladled it into bowls more than once this week, the kind of meal you’re grateful to have leftovers of. Hearty, cozy, and satisfying enough to stand on its own, but also perfect alongside a slice of warmed homemade bread.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Loved it
A clear winner. Clean bowls, warm hearts, and the kind of recipe I’ll come back to whenever I need comfort.

390 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#thejeaniejoandjoannaproject #MealAndGrace @joannagaines @magnolia #magnoliatablecookbook #magnoliatable #magnoliacookbook #joannagaines #cookbookchallenge #magnoliatablevolume2 @magnoliatable @visitmagnolia #visitmagnolia #sincerelyfood #sincerelyrandalls #magnoliatablevolume3
#magnoliatablerecipes

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

It’s the kind of Friday where leftovers taste better than anything new. Mario’s pizza on the porch, a dirty soda in hand, and a slice of pumpkin spice bread waiting in the kitchen. Sometimes the table sets itself. 🍕🥤🍞

Full menu and notes on the blog — link in bio @mealandgrace.blog

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#plantoeat #mealandgrace #dinnerinspo #whatsonthemenu #brunchideas #homecooking #foodgram #foodblogger

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKSeasonal

Maybe happiness isn’t a grand gesture. Maybe it’s twelve little circles of dough lined up neatly on a silicone mat, each one promising gooey centers and golden edges. Clean-up easy, joy reusable.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 67 of 457 is Chocolate Chip Cookies—and here’s how it turned out.

The dough baked into golden rounds with crisp edges and soft, chewy middles. The chocolate melted into pockets of sweetness, exactly the kind of cookie that disappears faster than you expect. Simple, classic, and proof that sometimes the ordinary is extraordinary.

390 recipes to go!

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKHome

Today’s menu proves that simple can still be soulful. A ham sandwich on homemade honey oat bread with a side of French lentil soup — because sometimes comfort looks like two classics sitting down at the same table. 🥖🍲

Full menu and story on the blog, link in bio @mealandgrace.blog

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#plantoeat #mealandgrace #dinnerinspo #whatsonthemenu #brunchideas #homecooking #foodgram #foodblogger

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKSeasonal

I couldn’t help but wonder… is gumbo a recipe, or a love letter to patience? 🍤

🥘 Full menu on the blog, link in bio @mealandgrace.blog

What’s on your menu?

Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#plantoeat #mealandgrace #dinnerinspo #whatsonthemenu #brunchideas #homecooking #foodgram #foodblogger

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50

Maybe home isn’t four walls after all. Maybe it’s the smell of yeast blooming in warm water, oats scattering across the counter, and honey drizzled into dough like a promise you intend to keep.

Inspired by Julie & Julia, I’m cooking my way through Magnolia Table Volumes 1, 2, and 3. I’m calling it The Jeanie Jo & Joanna Project. Recipe 66 of 457 is Honey Oat Bread—and here’s how it turned out.

The crust was golden and nutty, the crumb soft enough to soak up butter the second it touched. Each slice held a gentle sweetness, sturdy for sandwiches yet tender enough to eat warm with nothing but a little more honey. This loaf tasted like comfort with an exclamation point.

391 recipes to go!
Gracefully yours,
🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo

#thejeaniejoandjoannaproject #MealAndGrace @joannagaines @magnolia #magnoliatablecookbook #magnoliatable #magnoliacookbook #joannagaines #cookbookchallenge #magnoliatablevolume2 @magnoliatable @visitmagnolia #visitmagnolia #sincerelyfood #sincerelyrandalls #magnoliatablevolume3
#magnoliatablerecipes

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50