Hello, and welcome to Sunday Supper Movement! I'm Isabel, also known as Family Foodie, a home chef with a big family and a passion for bringing families together around the dinner table.
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My Background
When my parents first immigrated to the United States, I was still very young and stayed behind in Portugal with my grandmother. Those early years with her were fundamental in shaping my culinary journey.
My grandmother was an amazing cook, and I treasured every moment spent helping her in both the kitchen and her garden. We grew fresh herbs and vegetables, and the experience of picking them for our meals was always a highlight of my day.
This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for fresh, simple flavors, and the magic of cooking with ingredients you've nurtured yourself!
After I joined my parents in the United States, where I have lived ever since, I carried with me the invaluable lessons I learned from my grandmother. The rich, diverse flavors of Portuguese cuisine that I grew up with continue to inspire me every day.
Some of my fondest kitchen memories are of preparing my favorite Portuguese recipes, including my Piri Piri Chicken, a succulent and spicy chicken dish, and Portuguese Rice, a versatile staple that complements almost any meal. These dishes hold a special place in my heart and kitchen, representing the blend of my experiences - from the garden-fresh cooking with my grandmother to the diverse culinary traditions I embraced in the United States.
Ever since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to carry on that culinary legacy. I am excited to share these cherished recipes not only with my family but also with you!
My Family
I am a proud mother of four together with my husband Ron, and as our kids were growing up, we knew the most important thing in their lives (and ours!) would be our time spent together.
We nurtured a household where family meals became cherished moments of connection, a tradition that has now passed on to our two grandchildren. There is nothing more important to me than family time, a fact of my life that was never as clear to me than the day my oldest left for college.
As she set out to leave for her dorm, I asked her what she would miss most about being at home. Her response became the foundation behind the Sunday Supper Movement: "I can't imagine not being here on Sunday, cooking and eating together."
The Founding of Sunday Supper Movement
My daughter's words became a catalyst to me that day. I established Sunday Supper in 2012 in the hopes of sharing my love for food and the power it holds with families around the world, and it continues to grow and amaze me!
My Recipes
Each recipe I share through Sunday Supper is a reflection of my experiences in the kitchen, crafted with the same love and care that I pour into every meal prepared for my family.
These recipes are the culmination of years of cooking, experimenting, and perfecting, guaranteeing that each dish is not only delicious but also practical and easy to make. They are tried and true, tested in the heart of my home, aimed at helping you create memorable family meals to share.
Here are some of my family's favorites:
- Chuck Roast: I make this too many times per year to count! When my kids were growing up, this is one of the recipes they would often return home to after a long day of school and practice.
- Smothered Pork Chops: My all-time favorite pork chops recipe. This dish is absolutely delicious, and I guarantee it would please even the pickiest of eaters.
- Slow Cooker Short Ribs: Our family loves short ribs, and this recipe for short ribs in the slow cooker is by far our favorite. It's easy, but the results are mouthwatering every time.
- Candied Bacon: I have been making candied bacon for years to serve with just about everything and to give as gifts over the holiday season. You can snack on it as-is, or serve it as a topping for so many dishes!
- Pan-Fried Chicken Breast: It's important to have an easy, straightforward chicken recipe you can turn to even on the busiest of days. This pan-fried chicken breast recipe is exactly that.
- Air-Fried Pork Chops: If you're a fan of breaded pork chops, this is one recipe you must try.
- Instant Pot Pork Chops: This recipe makes it easy to make mouthwatering, juicy pork chops with hardly any prep work. Can you tell we love pork chops? Give it a try if your family does, too!
Pictured: my amazing honey glazed ham!
National Sunday Supper Month
Shortly after founding Sunday Supper, I established January as National Sunday Supper Month, with the second Sunday in January celebrated as National Sunday Supper Day. Read more about Sunday Supper Month, and our goals, on my Sunday Supper Pledge page!
Hosting the Food and Wine Conference
For five consecutive years, I proudly took on the mantle of hosting the Food and Wine Conference. Under my leadership, the event garnered immense popularity, becoming a sought-after platform for culinary professionals, enthusiasts, and influencers. I take great pride in its success to this day!
By blending tradition with innovation, the conference became a unique experience for all who shared a passion for food. The Food and Wine Conference was host to curated panels, workshops, and tasting sessions, all with an array of beloved sponsors, including Cabot Creamery, Idaho Potato, Certified Angus Beef® brand, Florida Strawberry, Wisconsin Cheese, and Gallo Winery.
Television Appearances
Over the years, I have made numerous TV appearances, including WTSP, Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend, ABC Action News, WFLA/WTTA, First Coast News, and more.
My most frequent appearance was as the host of "Family Foodie Friday" on WTSP, spreading my recipes and love for food with Tampa Bay, with the hopes to highlight the significance of family gatherings and the emotional bonds forged over sharing meals.
Social
Follow my social channels on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, my Facebook Group, and Youtube, to keep in touch!
You can also find my recipes featured on Punchfork!
Contact Me
You can easily keep in touch with me by subscribing to my email to have recipes sent to your inbox for free! Here, you can reply to my emails to tell me about your experience with our recipes or ask any questions you may have.
Feel free to also send an email to the Sunday Supper Team through the email featured on our Contact page. We love to hear from you!
Legacy
It is my hope my endeavors, spanning multiple sites, cookbooks, television spots, and workshops, all converge on a central theme: food as a medium for love, tradition, and unity. Food is more than sustenance: it's an embodiment of memories and connections!
Da minha mesa para a sua - from my table to yours,
Isabel