Follow on Bloglovin
Recipes
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Side Dishes Appetizers Cocktails Dessert Grilled Salads Chicken Soup Pasta Meatless Meals Holiday
Blog
Meet Leigh Ann
Cookbooks
Contact
Privacy Policy
Press

My Diary of Us

Recipes
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Side Dishes Appetizers Cocktails Dessert Grilled Salads Chicken Soup Pasta Meatless Meals Holiday
Blog
Meet Leigh Ann
Cookbooks
Contact
Privacy Policy
Press
FinalThanksgivingSpread-5.jpg
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Pork Loin-10.jpg
Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner-5.jpg
Cajun Jambalaya Stuffed Turkey-4.jpg

Stress-Free Thanksgiving: Prep-Ahead Tips and Simple Hosting Guide

In a season where life can feel a bit overwhelming, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be. With a little prep and a few smart kitchen strategies, you can create a cozy and delicious holiday meal without spending the entire day cooking. This guide walks you through everything you can do in advance from prepping casseroles and desserts to organizing your kitchen to set you up for a stress free gathering!

Read more …
PostedNovember 18, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
CategoriesHoliday
Tagsthanksgiving prep guide, holiday prep guide, thanksgiving hosting guide, thanksgiving menu, holiday menu
CommentPost a comment
Baked turkey stuffing casserole in a white casserole dish.

All of the cozy Thanksgiving flavors baked into one comforting dish. This turkey stuffing casserole is everything you love about the holidays wrapped up in one bite.

Easy Turkey Stuffing Casserole

This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are 100% my own.

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss meal to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, this Turkey Stuffing Casserole is the perfect way to give those leftovers new life. I partnered with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to create this recipe using one of my favorite products, their Cornbread Stuffing Mix, that makes this dish so easy to whip up. It’s got everything you love about those nostalgic holiday flavors all wrapped up into one cozy dish. Even better? This casserole also makes a great main dish option for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering. You get all of the best flavors of the holiday, tender turkey, savory stuffing (my favorite part), and the smells of Thanksgiving all wrapped up into one easy casserole.

Read more …
PostedNovember 12, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
CategoriesHoliday
Tagsthanksgiving, thanksgiving menu, stuffing, dressing, cornbread stuffing, holiday
CommentPost a comment
Overhead view of chicken and andouille sausage stew in a grey bowl.

A warm bowl of chicken and andouille sausage stew.

The Best Chicken and Andouille Sausage Stew Recipe

This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are 100% my own.

As the season turns, I find myself craving something warm and comforting at the end of the day. There is nothing quite like a pot of hearty stew, and this Chicken and Andouille Sausage Stew is a family favorite for a reason. I partnered with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to create this delicious recipe that you will want to make any time you crave comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and a flavorful broth, this recipe is the perfect food hug when you need it most. Whether you are looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal to prep ahead, or a dish to serve up to friends and family, this easy Chicken and Andouille Sausage Stew delivers every single time!

Read more …
PostedOctober 8, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
2 CommentsPost a comment
Blackened Chicken Thigh Skewers

Blackened Chicken Thigh Skewers

Blackened Chicken Thigh Skewers with Cilantro Jalapeno Ranch Dipping Sauce

This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s but all opinions are 100% my own.

One of my favorite chicken recipes to make while grilling season is still in full effect, these blackened chicken thigh skewers with a cilantro ranch jalapeno ranch dipping sauce are perfect for serving alongside roasted potatoes, a side salad, or some rice. The chicken is marinated in my favorite Tony Chachere’s chicken marinade and then seasoned on both sides with their Spices and Herb seasoning for the ultimate blackened and tender chicken. I make an easy dipping sauce to go alongside that you will want to keep in the fridge at all times for all of the things! These blackened chicken thighs are a must make before the end of summer!

Read more …
PostedAugust 22, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
CategoriesDinner, Grilled
Tagsskewers, chicken skewers, chicken kebobs, grilling recipes, chicken recipes, weeknight dinner, grilled
CommentPost a comment
Ultimate Steakhouse Salad

Ultimate Steakhouse Salad

The Ultimate Steakhouse Salad with a Creole Blue Cheese Dressing

This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are 100% my own.

A steakhouse salad is a classic salad that is a favorite for a reason. I combined my favorite steakhouse salad ingredients and turned them into a main dish salad by adding delicious grilled steak right into the mix. I partnered with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to marinate the steak perfectly with their Steakhouse Marinade that gives the steak so much flavor! This steak is easy enough for any weeknight dinner, but would be fabulous for entertaining all summer long. You are going to love making the ultimate steakhouse salad with a creole blue cheese dressing the next time you are craving your favorite steakhouse.

Read more …
PostedJune 23, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
CommentPost a comment
Strawberry Almond Pop Tart Bars

Strawberry Almond Pop Tart Bars

Strawberry Almond Pop Tart Bars

Pop tarts are a nostalgic breakfast item from childhood that everybody loves. Whether you are team brown sugar or strawberry, one thing is for sure, pop tarts will bring you right back to when you were a kid. I created these strawberry almond pop tart bars to pay homage to a childhood favorite, with an adult palate in mind. These strawberry almond pop tart bars so good and are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.

Read more …
PostedMay 21, 2025
AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier
CategoriesBreakfast
Tagsstrawberry pop tarts, breakfast, Dessert
CommentPost a comment
Newer / Older
Order Your Copy Today!

Order Your Copy Today!

Order the cookbook!

FOLLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @MYDIARYOFUS:

Lavender Blueberry Crumble Ice Cream! 🫐🍦

Homemade Blueberry Lavender Syrup gets swirled into homemade vanilla ice cream with pieces of homemade crumble throughout! It’s truly one of my most delicious ice cream concoctions and a must try this
If you are swimming in summer squash, zucchini, and  corn, make my EASY SQUASH AND CORN PASTA!

It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal and the best way to use up summer produce! Feel free to add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein! I

Let's be friends!

Subscribe now to stay up to date on new recipes, cookbook info, and more via email!

Thank you!

Powered by Squarespace.  Content used with permission from Design Trust For Public Art Space.