Crispy Stuffing Bites & What are you bargaining for?

In this episode of The Dish It Girl Podcast, Dina Deleasa Gonsar sits down with her friend Katie Marie Helgerson, hospitality educator and founder of Gather Intentional Living. Together, they explore the heart behind hospitalityhow welcoming others to the table can build deeper community, spark meaningful conversations, and create spaces where people feel truly seen. 

Katie opens up about her unique path into the world of food, design, and connection, including her formative time in Thailand and how it shaped her passion for gathering. She and Dina swap personal stories about family traditions, favorite recipes, and the real-life dance of juggling motherhood while pursuing a calling. 

As the conversation deepens, Katie shares her wisdom on intentional living and how thoughtful hospitality can transform both personal life and corporate culture. The two friends reflect on faith, entrepreneurship, and the often messy but beautiful work of cultivating our relationship with Lord through it all. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: Chicken Piccata 

• Chicken Piccata 
• Baked Ziti with Eggplant 
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad 

Chicken Piccata 

ingredients 

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast 
• 1 cup all purpose flour 
• 1 tsp kosher salt 
• 1 tsp pepper 
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter 
• 5 tbsp olive oil 
• 2 tbsp shallots 
• 1/4 cup capers in brine 
• 1/2 cup dry white wine 
• 1/4 cup lemon juice 
• 1/2 cup chicken stock 
• fresh parsley 

instructions 

1. Season the flour with salt and pepper and mix to incorporate. 
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsps butter with 2 tbsps of olive oil 
3. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Add chicken to the pan, browning chicken on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. When chicken is browned, transfer to plate, set aside. 
4. Add the shallots, and cook for two minutes, and then add in the capers, saute another 2 minutes more. 
5. Add in the white wine, and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it come to a simmer for 4 minutes. 
6. Then add in lemon juice, stock and bring to a gentle simmer.  
7. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes more 
8. . Remove chicken to platter. Set aside. 
9. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to pan sauce and whisk. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley. 

Resources: Dinas Cookbook-https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939 

Kayty Helgerson @gatherintentionalliving, Gather Intentional Living: https://gatherintentionalliving.com/ 

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visitwww.ChristianParenting.org 

In this heartfelt episode of the Dish It Girl podcast, host Dina Deleasa Gonsar sits down with relationship expert Lindsay Maestas for an honest conversation about the beautiful, complicated, and often messy layers of relationships. Together, they unpack the power of vulnerability, the realities of marriage and parenting, and the emotional labor that so often goes unseen. 

Lindsay opens up about her own journeyfrom navigating postpartum depression to learning how attachment styles shape the way we love. She shares why communication is non-negotiable, why taking responsibility matters, and how couples can break the crazy cycle that keeps them stuck. Dina and Lindsay also address the hard topic of divorce, its ripple effects on families and friendships, and why rooting yourself in faith brings grounding and clarity in seasons of strain. 

The episode closes with practical encouragement: pray together, pursue fun again, date your spouse, and keep choosing connection. Whether you're married, parenting, rebuilding, or somewhere in the messy middle, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken & Waffles 

https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/maple-dijon-chicken-waffles 

• Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons 
• Mushroom Risotto 

Maple Dijon Chicken and Waffles 

Ingredients 

4 boneless skinless chicken breast 

cup maple syrup 

cup plus 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

1 tbsp shallots, finely chopped 

tbsp soy sauce 

2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped 

2 sprigs thyme leaves 

2 sage leaves finely chopped 

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp pepper 

2 tbsp unsalted butter 

1 tbsp flour 

2 tsp lemon juice 

1/3 cup chicken broth 

cup heavy cream 

4 Belgian waffles (can be store bought) 

instructions 

1. In a medium size bowl whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, shallots, soy sauce, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. 
2. Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag, or shallow baking dish. Pour about cup of the mixture over the chicken. Coating it on all sides, cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinate. Up to 2 hours if you have the time! Set aside the leftover marinade. 
3. When ready to cook, take out of the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees, line a baking sheet with sides with parchment paper. 
4. Place chicken on the sheet pan, discard the marinade from the chicken. Place chicken in the over for about 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. 
5. Meanwhile prepare the sauce and the waffles. 

For the Pan Sauce 

1. In a medium sauté pan with high sides add 2 tablespoons of  butter over medium- low heat. 
2. Once butter is melted add 1 tbsp flour, cook for one minute. Add in the reserved marinade to the pan, along with 1/3 cup chicken broth.  Whisk constantly until smooth and warmed through. 
3. Remove from heat and add cup heavy cream, whisking to incorporate, add in lemon juice and whisk once more, returning to heat to warm through but do not bring it to a simmer or a boil. 

Assembly 

1. Prepare the belgian waffles according to package directions. Option to go the extra step and make them homemade. My favorite recipe linked below. 
2. Place the waffle on a dish, slice a piece of chicken breast on a diagonal, place pieces on top of the waffle, spoon pan sauce over top and serve warm. 

Resources:

Dinas Cookbook-https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939 

Favorite Waffle Recipe: https://www.butterbeready.com/buttermilk-waffles/ 

Lindsey Maestas - https://sparrowsandlily.com/ 

Dont Burn Your House Down Lindsey Maestas- https://sparrowsandlily.com/book-landing-page/ 

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visitwww.ChristianParenting.org 

In this episode of The Dish It Girl Podcast, Dina Deleasa Gonsar sits down with her dear friend and mentor, Holly Newton, founder of She Lives Fearless Ministry. Their conversation opens with warmth and familiarity as they share stories of how their friendship began and Hollys heart for equipping women across generations. 

They dive into their shared love of cooking, swapping weekly meal plansincluding Dinas sheet pan Caesar chicken and Hollys smash burger salad inspired by Dinas own cookbook. Food becomes the doorway into something deeper as Holly reflects on her journey in ministry, the beauty and tension of lifes transitions, and what it means to live faithfully in the in-between. 

Together, they talk candidly about releasing old expectations, embracing new seasons, and trusting God with what feels unfinished. Holly offers encouragement for anyone navigating change, reminding listeners to stay present, cultivate hope, and rest in Gods timing. 

The episode wraps with a heartfelt prayer and an invitation to connect with Hollys workleaving listeners feeling seen, supported, and strengthened for whatever season theyre stepping into. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: Sheet Pan Ceasar Chicken 

https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/roasted-caesar-chicken-salad 

• Sheet Pan Ceaser Chicken 
• Broccolini with Burrata 
• Baked Flounder with Olive Tapenade 

Sheet Pan Chicken Cesar 

Ingredients 

2 Bone-In, Split Chicken Breasts (1 pounds) 

cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling 

Juice of 1 lemon 

3 tbsp finely chopped garlic 

3 tsp anchovy paste 

2 tsp Dijon mustard 

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 

2 tsp kosher salt 

tsp Pepper 

1 cups of torn Italian or sourdough bread pieces 

1 head romaine lettuce, leaves separated 

cup shredded or shaved Parmesan Cheese 

instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 
2. In a medium size bowl whisk together the olive oil,  lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and pepper. 
3. Place the chicken breast in a glass baking dish or large Ziploc bag.  Pour cup of the dressing on the chicken, make sure it is well coated. Cover the dish or zip up the Ziploc bag and place in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to marinate. Reserve the leftover dressing. 
4. Meanwhile, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.  
5. Then take the chicken out of refrigerator, and place onto one side of the sheet pan. 
6. Place in the oven for about 30 minutes. 
7. After 30 minutes remove chicken from the  oven, place the torn bread pieces on one side of the baking sheet,  layer on the romaine lettuce leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Place back in the oven for another 10 minutes. 
8. After another ten minutes, the lettuce should be wilted and browning around the edges, the bread pieces browning, and check that chickens temperature is registering 165 degrees. If the chicken needs another 5-10 minutes, remove the lettuce and croutons from the baking sheet and place chicken back in the oven. 
9. Arrange the romaine and croutons on a large serving platter. 
10. After 5-10 minutes remove chicken from oven,  slice the chicken breast and add to the platter. Spoon over remaining dressing, and add Parmesan cheese to top and serve.  

Holly Newton & She Lives Fearless- https://www.shelivesfearless.com/ 

Holly Newton Exhale Devotional- https://www.amazon.com/Exhale-Devotions-Letting-Unforced-Rhythms-ebook/dp/B08L8TNGKN?ref_=ast_author_mpb 

Resources:  

Dinas Cookbook- https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939  

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visitwww.ChristianParenting.org 

Welcome to Season 2 of the DishItGirl Podcast! Dina kicks off the new year with a fresh conversation about what it means to live in the in-between those seasons where we sense God is moving but arent quite sure what comes next. 

From realistic weekly meal planning (including this weeks featured Sausage & Peppers recipe!) to navigating the pressure and expectations of new year, new me, Dina shares why shes choosing not to rush, hustle, or sprint into burnout. Instead, shes learning to walk in step with the Lord, even when the path isnt fully clear. 

This episode introduces the theme of liminality the transitional space between where weve been and where God is leading. And this season, Dina will welcome friends and family with powerful stories and wisdom to help us grow while we wait. 

If youre entering the year cautiously or feeling caught between transitions, this season will give you comfort, clarity, and hope. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: Sausage and Peppers 

https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/sausage-peppers-easy 

• Sausage & Peppers 
• BBQ Chicken Salad 
• Pesto Pasta with Red Peppers 

Sausage and Peppers 

ingredients 

• 1lb sweet Italian pork sausage (or spicy if you prefer) 
• 1 yellow pepper, cored and sliced 
• 1 red pepper. cored and sliced 
• 1 green or orange pepper, cored and sliced 
• 1/2 red onion, sliced (thicker slices) 
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• tsp garlic powder 
• tsp onion powder 
• 1 tsp basil 

instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 
2. In a medium size bowl add the onions and peppers. Then drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the top, along with the onion and garlic powder, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. 
3. In a large skillet heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sausage to the pan. You can keep it in links, or cut them into about 1 (1 1/2) inch chunks. Give them a quick sauté just to brown the outside, about 4-5 minutes. 
4. Once they are browned transfer them to a ceramic baking dish or large sheet pan with sides. 
5. Add the peppers and onions to the pan sautéing them for 3 minutes. Then add to the sheet pan as well. 
6. Try to re-arrange the sausage pieces to be on top of the vegetables, not hidden underneath. Sprinkle over the balsamic vinegar and some basil. Give the pan a shake! 
7. Place in the oven for 40 minutes. 

Resources: Dinas Cookbook

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visitwww.ChristianParenting.org 

Hey Mamayou did it. This Christmas episode is a gentle reminder that every part of the season you carried mattered, even the unseen moments and the things that didnt get done. Dina encourages listeners to release the pressure of a perfect holiday and reflect on the memories God is quietly forming in their hearts. 

The featured recipea cozy Christmas coffee with candied baconis an invitation to pause, rest, and take five minutes for yourself before rushing into whats next. 

As the new year approaches, this episode shifts the focus away from resolutions and toward renewal. God doesnt need a calendar change to do something new, and His grace extends far beyond January 1st. Instead of striving to become someone new, Dina invites you to walk into the new year continuing what God is already doingtrusting Him for renewed strength, faith, and hope. 

Lets walk into the new year thinking about rest, perseverance, and choosing renewal over resolutions. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: https://www.dishitgirl.com/food 

• Christmas Coffee 
• Candied Bacon 

Christmas Coffee 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of your favorite brewed coffee 
• cup heavy whipping cream 
• 2 tbsp maple syrup 
• 1 tbsp brown sugar 
• tsp cocoa powder 
• tsp cinnamon 
• tsp cardamom 
• tsp cloves 

Instructions 

1. In a glass liquid measuring cup add the whipping cream, maple syrup, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Whisk together until uniform. If you have a milk steamer you could use that as well. 
2. Add the mixture to hot coffee, serve with cinnamon sprinkled on top if desired. 

Candied Bacon 

Ingredients: 

• 12 slices of bacon, inch thick 
• 1 Tbsp. Finely ground black pepper 
• 1/3 cup of light brown sugar 

Directions 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a cookie cooling rack place that on top of the parchment paper and baking sheet as well. 
3. In a bowl toss together the black pepper and brown sugar. 
4. Put slices of bacon in the bowl and coat each piece with the brown sugar mixture. Then lay it flat on top of the parchment or cookie rack. 
5. Place the tray in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. If it is not golden brown and fairly crispy, resist the temptation to turn up the oven temperature, and cook it for 10 to 15 minutes longer. Check it again. Keep in mind that when you remove the tray and transfer the bacon to a serving platter or individual plates, the bacon will "crisp" up a little more.  

Dinas Cookbook- https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939  

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube! 

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visitwww.ChristianParenting.org