The Sparrow's Home: Life is hard. God is good. We need each other.

Zucchini Pasta: Quick, Cheesy, Fresh and Really Yummy

August 30, 2026 by Susan Leave a Comment

This simple pasta recipe uses fresh ingredients like summer zucchini, basil, and lots of cheese to create a quick and delicious meal.

I am not Italian. Not even a little bit. But I did visit Italy this spring. And since returning I’ve been trying to recreate or at least honor in some way some of the amazing food we had. One way I’ve been doing that is by using fewer ingredients, fresh ingredients, to make really flavorful and simple dishes.

I’ve made cacio e pepe which literally uses only pasta, cheese and pepper (and the pasta water). But, if you’re intentional about each ingredient…it transforms these simple things into something wonderful. Likewise, a pastina soup I’ve been making looks like nothing special based on it’s ingredients. But not only is it utterly delicious, I think it might be magic when you’re feeling under the weather.

This zucchini pasta is another dish I’ve made several times this summer. It’s creamy and cheesy and every bite tastes so fresh. It works as a quick side served with just about any meat..grilled chicken, sausage, a pork chop or steak, it would even be great alongside a burger. But I’m happy to make this pasta my main dish for an easy dinner or even lunch.

Bite-size Christmas treats that taste like Butterfingers

December 8, 2025 by Susan 2 Comments

These super simple Christmas goodies are easy to make, perfect to gift, and just the right size to enjoy a bite-size treat!

I love when recipes remind me of someone, don’t you? In an instant you’re transported to a memory that you hadn’t thought of in forever, yet suddenly it’s like you’re there again. So today, I spent the afternoon back in high school, in my friend Jess’ kitchen with her mom. Shirley was the kind of mom everyone wanted; and I have a feeling that she influenced the future momming of a lot of young ladies.

I have to think that she influenced the Christmas cookie line-up of a lot of people as well with these winners. They’re so simple, and use just a few ingredients, but somehow are more than the sum of their parts.

Over the years I’ve seen a similar Christmas cookie that involves spreading peanut butter on full size Ritz crackers, sandwiching them together, then dipping. No judgement if that’s your jam (well, a little judgement) but I have to tell you that these pop-in-your-mouth variety are a million times better…and easier, I have to think.

Your roadmap to finding joy and purpose in life from a 103-year-old doctor

July 2, 2025 by Susan Leave a Comment

Find out who you are, pay attention to how you’re called to grow & change, and learn to listen to what makes your heart sing.

Do you ever look back at small moments and realize that they pointed you to something wonderful? I caught part of an interview last year with this sweet, adorable old woman who completely captivated me. After watching a short while, I realized that she was also incredibly knowedgeable, kind and had a wisdom and a peace that I wanted.

I ordered her book, The Well-Lived Life, that day. And after devouring it, I have gone back and pored over it several times since then. It’s the kind of advice that, at least for me, strikes me but doesn’t always stick immediately. Reminders are good.

Going back this week to drink from this well of wisdom once again, I thought it was time to share. Maybe something will strike you too, though I know it won’t be for everyone. If it’s not for you, that’s okay too. I’d love to know what wisdom motivates you to be the best version of yourself, to live and experience all that life has to offer.

Chicken & Noodles in the Slow Cooker: A perfect example of the whole being so much more than the sum of its parts

May 31, 2024 by Susan Leave a Comment

This simple recipe for chicken & noodles in the slow cooker comes out tasting like old fashioned comfort food. Almost in chicken & dumpling territory, this dish is certain to hit the spot.

This recipe is stupid simple.

And it is so, SO good. My eyes are closed and I am sighing a little thinking about it. That’s how good it is.

You need to make it.

Cottage cheese oat pancakes for breakfast: A simple, high protein way to start the day

March 14, 2024 by Susan 4 Comments

These cottage cheese oat pancakes feel too simple to taste as good as they do. They are quick to whip up in the blender, and are a good source of protein.

I was talking with a friend of mine recently about milk. Specifically, foods that kind of require an ice cold glass of milk alongside them. What would be on your list? Pancakes were at the top of ours.

I have a recipe for the perfect pancakes, and I stand by that. But sometimes you want the comfort of pancakes, but are trying to slip a little more protein into your day. This is the recipe for those days.

What does a strong woman look like?

October 10, 2023 by Susan 2 Comments

The image we have in our head of what a strong woman looks like may not be very accurate. Maybe strength can look different. And maybe we’re stronger than we think.

I used to think that I came from a long line of strong women. I actually come from a long line of bossy women. (That’s not to say they’re not also strong.) What I’ve learned is that what many of us identify as strength is really just dominance.

Can strength look like that sometimes? For sure. But simply being pushy is not what true strength is. I heard Snoop Dogg say recently (yes, I am quoting Snoop Dogg) that “a lot of times when we wanna be a boss…we too bossy.”

Preach it, Snoop.

Being bossy or assertive or dominant…those things are more about personality than strength. Real strength shows up in far more subtle ways.