Tag Archives: comfort food

Mama Kelce’s Cookies Stir NFL Fans and Food Critics Alike

“Mama Kelce’s Cookies” have swiftly risen from a modest kitchen tale to a national culinary sensation, blending maternal warmth with NFL fame. Sparked by Donna Kelce—mother to celebrated football stars Travis and Jason Kelce—the soft-baked, oat-peanut butter cookies have ignited both sweet praise and sharp critique. Praised for their nostalgic charm yet questioned for their simplicity, these cookies now sit at the crossroads of comfort food and viral fame. As America bakes and debates, the humble recipe continues to charm palates while stirring flavorful discussion in kitchens and media alike.

🍪 The Cookie That Tackled America’s Heart

When Donna Kelce, better known as Mama Kelce, brought her legendary homemade cookies to national attention during the Super Bowl LVII media frenzy, she didn’t expect to go viral. But between raising two NFL stars—Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles center) and Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs tight end)—and becoming America’s most beloved football mom, her cookies became a soft-baked symbol of warmth, grit, and maternal magic.

“They remind me of Friday night lights, family huddles, and a mother’s hug—all in one bite,” said NFL commentator Erin Andrews during a live pre-game segment.

From locker rooms to living rooms, her now-iconic chocolate chip oatmeal peanut butter cookies have fans—and critics—divided, but undeniably intrigued.

🏈 Football Roots with a Flour-Dusted Twist

Donna Kelce has always been more than just a sideline cheerleader. Known for her sharp wit, humble demeanor, and motherly wisdom, she became a pop culture icon when both of her sons competed against each other in the historic “Kelce Bowl”—Super Bowl LVII.

Amid interviews and game predictions, she shared her cookie recipe as a quirky anecdote. What followed? An explosion of recreations, TikTok challenges, recipe blogs, and food podcasts dissecting every ingredient.

🍪 THE RECIPE: MAMA KELCE’S HOMEMADE COOKIES

Here’s the official recipe that sparked a nationwide baking frenzy:

✦ Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

✦ Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peanut butter until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. The center should remain slightly soft.
Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

🍽️ Yields about 36 cookies. Best served warm with a cold glass of milk—or during the fourth quarter!

🎯 What Makes Them So Loved?

1. Simplicity with Heart
Unlike gourmet cookies filled with truffle salt or matcha powder, Mama Kelce’s cookies are rustic, humble, and familiar. That’s what fans adore.

“It’s not a fancy bakery cookie—it’s what your mom makes when you’ve had a bad day,” said bestselling cookbook author Molly Yeh.

2. Emotional Branding
The NFL connection isn’t just marketing—it’s sentimental. Fans of the Kelce brothers often feel like they’re tasting a piece of family tradition.

“Every bite tastes like a touchdown and a tear from Mama Kelce,” joked a Reddit user during the 2024 NFL playoffs.

3. Perfect for Sharing
Their soft texture, warm flavors, and crowd-pleasing combo of peanut butter and chocolate make them perfect for potlucks, game days, or baking with kids.

📉 A Few Fumbles: The Criticism and Backlash

While the cookie has achieved near-cult status, not all reactions have been sugar-coated.

1. “Nothing Revolutionary”
Culinary critic Tom Sietsema from The Washington Post wrote:

“This is not a reinvention of the wheel. It’s a very sweet, very chewy, somewhat clunky cookie riding a wave of NFL stardom.”

2. Texture Troubles
Bakers who prefer crisp-edged cookies or a lighter bite find the oats and peanut butter make the cookie a bit too heavy.

“It’s dense. Feels more like a protein bar in disguise,” noted YouTube baker Joshua Weissman in a review video that sparked debate online.

3. Fame Over Flavor?
Some food bloggers suggest that the cookie’s popularity owes more to the Kelce family’s fame than actual flavor innovation.

“Would this cookie go viral if a suburban mom—not a football icon—posted it on Facebook? Probably not,” stated podcast host Deb Perelman (Smitten Kitchen).

🏆 Critical Acclaim and Food World Buzz

Despite polarizing feedback, most culinary voices agree: the cookie taps into something deeply cultural.

Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge, perhaps captured the cookie’s appeal best:

“It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just trying to be loved. And in that, it succeeds beautifully.”

Meanwhile, NFL star Travis Kelce cheekily added on his podcast New Heights:

“I don’t care what the critics say—these cookies kept me from moving out too soon. Thanks, Mom.”

🍽️ Mama’s Recipe, America’s Debate

In the end, Mama Kelce’s Cookies are not about perfection. They’re about memories, connection, and community. They represent what many Americans crave—not five-star dessert art, but something you can hand a kid at halftime or bake in pajamas.

They might not win The Great British Bake Off, but they’ve definitely scored a place in America’s cultural cookbook.

As the aroma of Mama Kelce’s Cookies lingers across kitchens and headlines, what remains undeniable is their cultural imprint. Neither refined delicacy nor empty trend, the cookies echo a story of love, legacy, and the quiet power of simplicity. While culinary critics may question their flair, their heartfelt origin continues to win hearts beyond the gridiron. In a world chasing novelty, these cookies offer a pause—soft, sweet, and sincerely human. Whether devoured with delight or dissected with doubt, Mama Kelce’s creation has earned its place on America’s emotional menu.

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Spoonful of Warmth: Simple Soup Recipes to Beat the Cold

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As temperatures fall and comfort becomes a daily pursuit, simple soup recipes emerge as the season’s quiet heroes. From rich French onion to zesty tom yum, these humble bowls offer warmth, ease, and taste without the demand of complex cooking. With familiar ingredients, short prep times, and nourishing results, these soups turn the cold into something almost welcome. Whether rushed or restful, each recipe brings a spoonful of joy—light on effort, heavy on comfort. This curated collection serves flavour, function, and flair in one satisfying simmer.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Lara Lee’s tom yum: Ready in 15 minutes, spicy and versatile with store-bought paste
Felicity Cloake’s pumpkin classic: Balanced with stock and gentle aromatics
Yotam Ottolenghi’s beetroot soup: Slow-roasted with saffron yogurt topping
Hetty McKinnon’s turmeric broth: Energizing and ideal for low-motivation days
Jack Monroe’s red bean soup: Simple, hearty, with fluffy dumplings and bacon
Alice Zaslavsky’s shchi: Slavic cabbage soup that saves dying root vegetables
Marc Kuzma’s French onion: A wine-laced, eight-ingredient wonder in 15 minutes

When the city turns gray and the chill sneaks into our bones despite layers and blankets, something shifts in the kitchen. Out go the salads and summer grills; in come simmering pots, fragrant steam, and the quiet clatter of ladles. Few meals are as satisfying in winter as a bowl of soup—nourishing, comforting, and brimming with whatever the season offers. It’s one of the rare dishes that heals both hunger and mood, spoon by spoon.

More than just a meal, soup is a ritual. It transforms basic pantry ingredients or forgotten fridge veggies into something heartening. And whether you have 15 minutes or an entire evening, there’s a soup for that. We gathered seven creative and reliable recipes that prove soup season isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about cooking smarter, stretching leftovers, and keeping things easy in the middle of the week.

A Quick Fix with a Fiery Kick

Lara Lee’s 15-Minute Tom Yum Soup
Sometimes dinner needs to be more rescue mission than recipe, and Lara Lee gets that. Her go-to solution is a vibrant, spicy tom yum—sour, sweet, and packed with flavor thanks to store-bought tom yum paste. If you don’t have prawns, toss in whatever protein or veggie is handy. It’s a quick turnaround from kitchen to table and proof that convenience and complexity of flavor can coexist in one bowl.

A Fall Favorite Done Right

Felicity Cloake’s Pumpkin Soup
It may be predictable, but pumpkin soup earns its regular spot on winter menus. Felicity Cloake offers a version that’s clean and comforting. Her advice: skip the water and use stock—preferably chicken—to mellow and round out the pumpkin’s flavor. With just sautéed carrots and red onions, the soup retains its simplicity while delivering on warmth and balance.

A Bowl of Home and Memory

Yotam Ottolenghi’s Beetroot and Orange Soup with Saffron Yoghurt
This one takes time—but it gives back in depth and color. Ottolenghi’s beetroot soup involves roasting beets and garlic for over an hour, building sweetness and richness. It’s finished with a tart saffron yogurt swirl and a scattering of almonds. This soup leans more into the elegant and reflective side of comfort food—something that stays in the mind long after the last spoonful.

A Cure for the Seasonal Slump

Hetty Lui McKinnon’s Noodles in Ginger Turmeric Broth
There are those days in winter when everything feels heavier, slower. Hetty Lui McKinnon understands that mood and responds with a bright, spicy broth infused with ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Add noodles and bok choy, and it becomes the ultimate antidote for low energy. More than a recipe, it’s a wellness tool—designed to revive, restore, and reinvigorate.

Humble Ingredients, Big Flavor

Jack Monroe’s Red Bean Soup with Dumplings
Sometimes it’s the most modest ingredients that deliver the strongest impression. Jack Monroe’s soup starts with red kidney beans and ends with fluffy thyme-scented dumplings. Thick, rich, and satisfying, it’s topped with crispy bacon for a salty counterpoint. And despite its bold finish, it comes together with a calm, no-fuss simplicity.

From Forgotten to Fantastic

Alice Zaslavsky’s Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
What do you do with the fading vegetables at the bottom of the fridge? If you’re Alice Zaslavsky, you turn them into a Slavic-style cabbage soup. This traditional dish—called shchi—gathers fennel, potato, carrot, turnip, and cabbage in one pot. It’s budget-friendly, keeps for days, and makes you feel like you’ve done something good with very little. Perfect for end-of-week fridge cleanouts.

An Elegant Classic Made Simple

Marc Kuzma’s 15-Minute French Onion Soup
Don’t be fooled by its bistro reputation—French onion soup doesn’t need to be complicated. Restaurateur Marc Kuzma insists his version is as easy as it is elegant. With eight ingredients and just 15 minutes, it includes white wine and cognac for that rich, caramelized edge. The result is a deeply satisfying soup that tastes far more luxurious than the effort required.

Soup Is More Than a Meal
In winter kitchens, soup carries more weight than any other dish. It’s a balm against the cold, a clever way to stretch ingredients, and a reminder that even when energy is low, flavor and comfort don’t have to be sacrificed. These seven recipes offer a range of inspiration—quick fixes, long simmers, and everything in between. All you need is a spoon and a little steam rising from your bowl.

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From Soup to Stew, These Winter Meals Spark Matariki Joy

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As winter nights grow longer and colder, kitchens become the heart of the home once more. From slow-cooked pulled pork to plant-based bourguignon, Great USA News’s archive unfolds a table of warmth, ease, and flavour. These handpicked winter recipes promise comfort without the kitchen fuss—bringing classic family dishes, hearty soups, and one-pan wonders to life. With simple steps and soulful results, each plate is a humble celebration of cold-weather cravings. For every cook seeking cosy meals with little effort, this collection delivers warmth by the spoonful and joy by the bite.

📌 STORY HIGHLIGHTS: READ BOX

Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker): A 20-minute prep leads to a tender 8-hour cook—maximum flavor, minimal effort.
Boil Up: Chef Cameron Petley’s ancestral dish, passed through generations.
Smoky Beans (Slow Cooked): Nadia Lim’s ode to dried beans, outshining the canned variety.
Pea, Spinach & Tarragon Soup: Crisp bacon and yogurt flatbreads offer a flavour-packed twist.
Not-Beef Bourguignon: Alby Hailes’ vegan-friendly stew uses mushrooms, soy, tomato, and Marmite.
Pumpkin Soup, Reinvented: Sam Parish solves the “kids love bread more than soup” problem.
Beef & Mushroom Stew: With cheddar, sourdough croutons, and fried onions—it’s a winter triumph.
Corned Beef Comeback: Jess Daniell breathes new life into a 90s classic using herbs and oranges.
Everything Soup: Big, hearty, and built for leftovers.
One-Pan Lamb Lasagne: A faster, smarter version of a comfort food classic.

As winter settles in and daylight becomes a fleeting visitor, many of us find ourselves gravitating toward the familiar comfort of a hearty home-cooked meal. There’s something deeply restorative about the aromas wafting through a warm kitchen, the slow simmer of ingredients blending together, and the rich satisfaction that only a winter dish can deliver.

Great USA News has dug into its archives to bring back a lineup of tried-and-tested recipes that are tailor-made for cold evenings. Whether you’re looking for a modern take on nostalgic flavors or a one-pot miracle that works while you’re away, this collection offers a little something for everyone. Here’s what stands out from the culinary trove.

Slow Cooker Comforts Without the Hassle

For many, the idea of slow cooking suggests patience, planning, and flavor that builds over hours. The Slow Cooker Pulled Pork ticks all those boxes—with only 20 minutes of hands-on work. Once the prep is done, the cooker takes over, allowing you to return to a hot, tender pork meal at the end of your day. It’s the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

A Taste of Family History

Then there’s Boil Up, a traditional Māori dish with deep personal roots for Chef Cameron Petley. For him, it’s not just a recipe—it’s a memory, a family legacy that carries generations of comfort. It serves as a reminder that the heart of cooking lies not only in ingredients but in shared experience.

From Pantry to Plate—Smoky Beans, Done Right

Nadia Lim’s Slow-Cooked Smoky Beans offer an elegant solution for those who stock up on pantry staples. This dish turns humble dried beans into a deeply satisfying meal. Forget canned alternatives—this method draws out their natural flavor while delivering a texture that’s hard to beat.

Soups That Actually Satisfy

Soup doesn’t have to be a side act. With Pea, Spinach and Tarragon Soup, you’re looking at a complete dish layered with brightness and depth. The crispy bacon adds a savory hit, and the yogurt flatbreads make it substantial enough to stand on its own.

Sam Parish’s New Take on Pumpkin Soup also deserves attention. Every parent knows the frustration of kids reaching for more bread than soup. Parish flips that script with a version of the dish that wins the kids over—one spoon at a time.

Meat and Mashups—Reimagined for Today

Not everyone wants meat at the center of the plate, and that’s where Not-Beef Bourguignon comes in. Alby Hailes has recreated the French classic using mushrooms, soy, tomatoes, and Marmite. The result? A stew that delivers the deep umami satisfaction you’d expect from beef, but without it.

Meanwhile, Beef and Mushroom Stew by Kelly Gibney caters to the traditionalists. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just meat and gravy. Topped with sourdough croutons, fried onions, and melted cheddar, it adds crunch, contrast, and richness in every bite.

Old Favorites, New Twists

Corned beef may evoke 90s nostalgia—or 90s regret. But Jess Daniell’s version redeems the canned classic with a refreshing blend of herbs and citrus. It’s proof that forgotten recipes can find their way back to relevance with a few thoughtful updates.

Everything Soup, as the name suggests, takes in all your leftovers and turns them into a symphony of flavor. It’s practical, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—ideal for a big batch you can revisit throughout the week.

Fast Food (The Good Kind)

For those craving layered, baked comfort but not the effort, One-Pan Lamb and Fennel Lasagne might be the answer. This version throws out the time-consuming prep and bakes everything together in one dish. The result is both streamlined and satisfying—perfect for weeknight indulgence without the drama.

The Warmth Behind Every Bite

As winter deepens, these recipes remind us that nourishment isn’t just about calories—it’s about connection, comfort, and culture. From slow-cooked pork to reinvented stews and soul-soothing soups, RNZ’s archive is filled with meals that meet the moment. Whether you’re chasing tradition or exploring something new, these dishes provide the warmth we all crave when the world outside turns cold.

In the heart of winter, food becomes more than nourishment—it becomes comfort, connection, and culture. Great USA News’s curated selection of winter recipes, from traditional Māori dishes to modern one-pan wonders, reflects a season of warmth and simplicity. As Matariki brings reflection and renewal, these humble yet flavourful meals offer a timely reminder: the best moments often begin at the dinner table, with slow-cooked care and shared delight.

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From Fried Chicken to Lasagna: Chef John’s Comfort Food Comeback

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In a world racing toward the new, Chef John takes a thoughtful pause—revisiting America’s most beloved comfort foods with sharp skill and simple grace. From golden buttermilk fried chicken to hearty meatloaf, tender meatballs, and Sunday sauces rich with tradition, each dish speaks of home, warmth, and flavor. With easy steps and familiar ingredients, his recipes blend tradition and taste, delighting palates without pretension. These humble yet satisfying meals return with a gentle twist—wholesome, heartfelt, and ready to win hearts all over again.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Chef John’s fried chicken is marinated in tangy buttermilk with 11 spices before frying.
His meatloaf uses fresh, finely chopped vegetables and a light hand for perfect texture.
Italian meatballs skip pan-frying and go straight into the oven, saving time and cleanup.
Lasagna is built on a foundation of double meat and rich cheese filling.
Sunday pasta sauce simmers for hours with tender meats and bold seasoning.
Mississippi short ribs are seasoned from scratch and served over mashed potatoes.
Smothered pork chops deliver southern comfort over rice or mashed potatoes.

In kitchens across America, the scent of fried chicken, slow-cooked meats, and bubbling tomato sauces often signals more than just mealtime—it’s a reminder of home, warmth, and tradition. These dishes, known collectively as comfort food, vary from region to region and family to family. What remains constant is the emotional connection. While no single recipe can claim to be the definitive version of meatloaf or chicken noodle soup, some chefs have managed to strike a balance between the classic and the contemporary.

One of those chefs is Chef John, whose modernized but respectful takes on traditional American comfort food have earned a loyal following. His style is accessible, practical, and grounded in good technique. Whether it’s southern fried chicken or rich Italian lasagna, his recipes speak directly to those craving both nostalgia and flavor.

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken That Started It All

Few dishes ignite cravings like fried chicken, and Chef John’s version is both familiar and refined. The process begins with bone-in chicken pieces tossed in 11 different spices, then soaked in buttermilk. This not only flavors the meat but tenderizes it naturally. After the marinade, the chicken is dredged in seasoned flour and fried until the crust is golden and crispy.

“I love the tangy tenderization that the buttermilk provides,” says Chef John.
Pair this with his Classic Macaroni Salad and Perfect Potato Salad for a complete Southern-style comfort plate.

Meatloaf Done Right—With a Light Hand

For many, meatloaf conjures up memories of dry, bland slabs. Not here. Chef John emphasizes the importance of fresh, finely diced vegetables—think onions, celery, and carrots—which add both moisture and flavor. He also recommends not over-mixing the ingredients, allowing the loaf to remain tender.

His Classic Meatloaf is oven-baked to a perfect crust and best served with Mashed Potatoes and a Simple Mushroom Gravy. It’s hearty without being heavy—a meal perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday suppers.

An Italian-American Comfort Trilogy

Chef John’s Italian-American offerings bring another layer to his comfort food portfolio. It starts with his Italian Meatballs, which are notable for their simplicity. Using a half-beef, half-pork mixture, he skips the pan-frying stage—often messy—and bakes the meatballs until browned. They’re served atop Tomato Sauce, making them ideal for pasta or classic meatball sandwiches.

Next comes Chef John’s Lasagna, a layered comfort food icon. His version is built with a meaty sauce made from a combination of Italian sausage and lean ground beef, along with a generous ricotta filling featuring only the finest cheeses.

“There are only two things you need for great lasagna,” says Chef John, “a thick, rich, super-meaty meat sauce and lots of it, and a ricotta filling where only the finest cheeses are welcomed.”
Complete the dish with a green salad dressed in Roasted Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Rounding out the Italian trio is Chef John’s Sunday Pasta Sauce, often called “Sunday sauce.” Traditionally made in large pots over slow heat, the sauce includes simmered meats and careful seasoning. The result? A rich, deeply flavored sauce that hugs each strand of pasta. Chef John’s version evokes the warmth of Sunday family dinners—even for those who didn’t grow up with them.

Southern Twists: Short Ribs and Smothered Pork Chops

Beyond Italian and classic American plates, Chef John dips into Southern flavors with his Mississippi Beef Short Ribs. Instead of following the standard recipe with sliced peppers, he prepares his own seasoning from scratch and recommends using whole pepperoncini for bolder flavor. Served over mashed potatoes and garnished with parsley, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Another Southern staple in his collection is Smothered Pork Chops. As the name suggests, these are pan-fried and then simmered in a savory gravy, making them fork-tender. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a meal that delivers comfort by the spoonful. Fans like reviewer Tracy Cowley praise it as “comfort food like mamma used to make.”

Comfort Food, With a Clear Purpose

What makes Chef John’s comfort food stand out isn’t reinventing the wheel—it’s knowing when to keep things simple and when to upgrade. His recipes don’t rely on novelty or gimmicks. Instead, they reflect thoughtful technique and a clear respect for regional flavors.

In an age where culinary trends come and go quickly, the enduring appeal of meatloaf, fried chicken, and pasta with sauce lies in their ability to ground us. These aren’t just meals—they’re memories. And with Chef John’s help, they’re easier than ever to recreate at home.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or discovering these dishes for the first time, his versions offer a solid foundation—and maybe even a new family tradition.

In the realm of American cuisine, where tradition meets taste, Chef John offers more than just recipes—he delivers reassurance through every bite. His take on comfort food honors classic flavors while embracing ease and accessibility for today’s home cook. Whether it’s the crunch of buttermilk fried chicken or the warmth of slow-cooked Sunday sauce, these dishes remind us that food can be both simple and soulful. With each creation, Chef John redefines comfort—not with reinvention, but with reverence, one hearty plate at a time.

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