Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and An Unconventional Christmas Story

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 

In this Advent reflection, we turn to Luke 2 and the quiet strength of Mary, who kept and pondered the events surrounding Jesus birth in her heart. While we often imagine the nativity scene in vivid detailthe shepherds, the star, the awe-filled visitorsScripture tells us very little about Marys outward response. Instead, were given insight into her inner life: a woman who weighed the wonder, the joy, and the gravity of Gods plan with deep intention. 

This episode explores Mary not only as an example of obedience, but of self-control, restraint, and spiritual maturity. As others reacted, Mary reflected. She held both the joy of new motherhood and the painful prophecy spoken by Simeonthat her own soul would one day be piercedtrusting God with emotions she did not rush to explain or perform. 

Were invited to consider what it might look like in our own lives to pause before reacting, to sit with our thoughts rather than speak from fear or anxiety, and to allow God to cultivate our inner world through prayer. Especially during the chaos of the Advent season, this episode encourages listeners to create quiet spaceeven just a few minutesto ponder, to listen, and to let the Lord bring peace, clarity, and strength. 

This week in the kitchen: 

Featured Recipe: https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/brussels-sprouts-pomegranate-salad 

• Spiced Chocolate Mousse 
• Eggnog Chocolate Chip Cookies 
• Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate Salad 

Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate Salad with Rotisserie Chicken 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded 
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 lb brussels sprouts, finely shredded or sliced  
• 1 c pomegranate seeds  

Dressing 

• 1/4 cup olive oil  
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 
• 1 tbsp orange juice, freshly squeezed 
• 2 tsp dijon mustard  
• 1/2 tbsp finely chopped shallots 
• 1 tsp salt  
• 1 tsp pepper 

Instructions 

1. In a large bowl whisk together the ingredients for the dressing and set aside. 
2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet, add the chicken to the skillet and saute for 3-minutes, until warmed through. 
3. Add the shredded brussels sprouts to the bowl with the dressing and toss well. Then add the chicken and toss well again. 
4. Finally sprinkle the pomegranate seeds in and lightly toss to incorporate. 

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 

This week may not feel all calm and bright, but youre here - and I pray these few minutes give you space to breathe, reset, and hear exactly what God wants to speak into your life. If you missed last weeks episode, be sure to listen to Part 1 of my story about Sienas birth and my journey through postpartum depression.

In this episode, I continue sharing how my experience with postpartum depression became part of my Christmas story - the season when the panic attacks began, the baby blues didnt lift, and the pressure of who I thought I should be left me exhausted and ashamed. Trauma, NICU stress, and new motherhood changed everything, and I struggled deeply with comparison and feeling like I was failing.

But God began teaching me to slow down, accept the season I was in, release the always/never thinking, and pay attention to small moments of contentment - tiny reminders of His presence when I felt overwhelmed.

The holidays can highlight the places we hurt, but the Christmas story reminds us that we never walk alone. God sees you, hears you, and strengthens you in your weakest moments. Christmas marks the beginning of the greatest hope - we can let that hope lift some of the weight we carry.

Knowing that holiday gatherings are in full swing, and whether youre hosting or just trying to get dinner on the table between events, Ive got you covered this week in the kitchen:

Featured Recipe: Baked Penne Vodka, This recipe lives in my cookbook, At the Kitchen Sink (linked below in resources)

• Sicilian Fig Cookies
• London Broil Toasts
• Christmas Nachos

Baked Penne Vodka

Serves 5 to 6

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) block whole milk mozzarella cheese

1 pound penne

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

cup vodka

4 tablespoons ( stick) unsalted butter

cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

cup heavy cream

cup mascarpone cheese

3 cups baby spinach, rough chopped

cup finely grated Pecorino Romano

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut six inch slices off the block of cheese and grate the remaining cheese using the large holes on a box grater; set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne in the boiling water according to the package directions until al dente, then drain the pasta.
4. Meanwhile in a large, high-sided saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the garlic and red pepper and sauté, stirring gently, until fragrant, for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper and stir gently to combine.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until slightly reduced, about 4 minutes.
8. Add the vodka and continue to simmer until it coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 7 minutes.
9. Add the butter and stir until melted.
10. Add the basil and heavy cream, stirring constantly as you add it, until fully combined and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
11. Remove from the heat, add the mascarpone and stir until melted and fully combined.
12. Fold in the spinach

Resources:

Resources: Dinas Cookbook- https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sin...

Catch the podcast anywhere: https://lnk.to/dishitgirl Subscribe for weekly episodes!

In todays episode, I open up about a part of my story I wasnt sure I should share during Christmastime: my experience with postpartum depression. The holidays often amplify what we carrygrief, anxiety, trauma, transitionand while our stories may differ, there are threads we all recognize. 

This episode is the first of a two-part series where I talk about the season when I realized something was deeply wrong, all while navigating new motherhood after emergency birth and a NICU stay. I share what it was like to move through the holidays feeling lost, overwhelmed, ashamed, and disconnectedwhile still trying to keep it all together. 

But woven through that darkness was the quiet, steady presence of God. This episode reflects on how He meets us in the unraveling, how He shapes us in the stillness, and how faith grows when we feel like were standing still. Inspired by Romans 45 and the biblical call to Sabbath rest, Im learning to release expectations, let go of striving, and trust God to carry me into the next seasonin His timing, not mine. 

If youre heading into Christmas or the new year feeling anything but merry, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and there is hope. 

This week in the kitchen: 

• Red Wine Braised Short Ribs 
• Steak Sandwiches 
• Mushroom & Sausage Pasta (a kitchen experiment that just might become a bonus podcast recipe!) 

Im also officially kicking off Christmas cookie seasonbecause why wait to enjoy them all at once? 

Featured Recipe: https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/braised-short-ribs-red-wine-fig 

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 lbs of short ribs bone in 
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1/2 cup flour 
• kosher salt 
• pepper 
• 3/4 cup cippolini onions, halved 
• 1 cup dried figs, cut into fours  
• 2 tbsp butter  
• 1 tbsp tomato paste 
• 1 cup beef broth 
• 3 cups of pinot noir wine 
• 1 tsp dried thyme 
• 1 bay leaf 

Instructions 

1. Heat the olive oil over medium/high heat in a ceramic pot. Sprinke kosher salt and black pepper on all sides of the short ribs. 
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
3. Dredge the short ribs in flour, shaking off the excess. Place the short ribs in the pot and brown on all sides. Working in two batches if necessary, in order to not crowd the pan. Remove short ribs from pot and reserve. 
4. Lower your heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot, once melted add the dried figs and onions. Gently stir to coat in the butter. Let the figs and onion saute until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. 
5. Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for a minute more. Stirring often as the tomato paste becomes a deep red. 
6. Pour in the wine,  this will deglaze the pan, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. 
7. Then add the short ribs back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium. Simmer for 20 minutes to reduce the wine. 
8. Add in your beef broth and season with the thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of kosher salt. 
9. Cover and transfer to the oven for about 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is easily falling off the bone. 
10. Transfer short ribs to a platter. Strain sauce from pot into a measuring cup. Spoon fat from surface of sauce and discard. 
11. Serve short ribs over sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes. 

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 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Todays episode is all about taking a breather in the middle of the holiday rush and finding practical ways to protect your peace. Dina shares her favorite hosting sanity-saver (yesscheduling a shower!), plus why taking a break after the big meal is not only allowed but encouraged. This weeks featured recipe is a fun way to use up leftoversCrispy Stuffing Bites with cranberry dipping sauceand she shares more creative ideas like turkey shepherds pie, charcuterie paninis, and even pumpkin pie smoothies! 

Dina also digs into the pressure of Black Friday, overcommitting, comparison, and the way chasing the perfect moment can steal our joy. With honesty and encouragement, she reminds us to notice the small moments of joy God revealseven in the messy, imperfect parts of the weekend. 

This week in the kitchen: 

• Order pizza, Chinese, or take out of any kind! Give it a REST 
• Leftovers are also a great idea! Some ideas: 
• Use the charcuterie board leftovers for a great grilled cheese or panini 
• Leftover mashed potatoes and turkey can turn into shepherds pie! 
• Combine the middle of pumpkin pie with some vanilla yogurt, almond milk, and some ice for a smoothie (I promise its a good idea) 

Featured Recipe: https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/crispy-stuffing-bites 

Prep Time: 10min 

Cook time: 2-3 minutes Makes about 18  

Ingredients 

2 cups of leftover stuffing 

1 egg 

3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese 

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella 

2 tsp orange zest 

1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary 

1/2 tsp fresh thyme 

1 cup panko bread crumbs 

cup olive oil 

Instructions

1. Add one egg to a large bowl, beat it. Add the leftover stuffing, cheeses, rosemary, and orange zest. Gently mix until well combined.  

2. Form balls with the stuffing mixture , about one inch in diameter. I used a small ice cream scoop to help me, about a tablespoon and half of the mixture 

3. In a sauté pan with high sides or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. 

4. Dredge the stuffing balls in the breadcrumbs until coated all the way around.  

5. Fry each ball until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Let drain on a paper towel, serve with dipping sauce below!  

Sauce: 

Whisk together 1/4 cup mayo, 3 tbsp cranberry sauce, and dash of chipotle (or hot sauce). 

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