I’m a home cook with a restaurant background and a lifelong love for good food that brings people together. I grew up in Louisiana, where the kitchen was the heart of every home and food was how you showed love. Gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée — those flavors are in my DNA.

About 20 years ago, life took me west to Texas, and that’s where I discovered a whole new passion: barbecue. The smoke, the patience, the community — I was hooked. These days, my cooking is a mix of Louisiana soul and Texas fire, with a little family chaos sprinkled in.

I’ve got four kids who keep me on my toes and aren’t shy about giving feedback on dinner (usually while grabbing seconds). Cooking for them — and with them — has been one of the best parts of this whole journey.

This blog is where I share the recipes that mean something to me — from Cajun classics to smoked meats to quick weeknight meals that still feel special. Every dish has a story, a little bit of family, and a whole lot of flavor.

So pull up a chair, grab a plate, and welcome to Yesterday’s Meatloaf. Let’s cook something worth remembering.