Stones: Sketches and Quotes

Barbara Costello, affectionately known as Babs, has become a trusted name when it comes to making family meals not only delicious but also easy and stress-free. As a mother of four and grandmother of nine, Babs brings years of experience to the table in her latest cookbook, Every Day with Babs. Packed with 101 family-approved recipes and time-saving tips, this book will quickly become your go-to resource for getting dinner on the table, every night of the week.

In this cookbook, Babs recognizes the rhythm of a busy week and provides recipes to match each day’s mood and time constraints. The book is organized by day, so you’ll always have a meal that fits the pace of your day, whether you’re racing to get dinner on the table after a hectic workday or planning a slow, special meal to enjoy on Sunday.

I’ve personally found Every Day with Babs to be a game-changer in my own kitchen. Between work, family, and everything in between, I struggle to keep up with dinner ideas that are both quick and satisfying. Babs’ approach to sheet-pan meals, one-pot dishes, and batch cooking has helped me streamline meal prep and feel like I have more time to enjoy my family instead of feeling overwhelmed in the kitchen. Plus, the recipes are crowd-pleasers, which makes feeding a family of varying tastes a breeze!

Here are some of my favorite chapters and recipes that have become staples in my home:

1. Get Your “Sheet” (Pan) Together Monday: If you’re like me, Mondays are a rush, and this chapter delivers. The Roasted Sausage, Peppers & Gnocchi and Maple-Lime Salmon with Coconut Rice are not only quick and easy, but they also hit the spot with flavor.

2. Eat Twice Twosday: Batch cooking is brilliant, and Babs nails it with dishes like Grammie’s Chicken Cutlets and I Nailed Falafel with Tzatziki Slaw. These recipes are perfect for prepping ahead, saving time during the week, and still delivering hearty, satisfying meals.

3. One and Only Wednesday: Sometimes you just need a simple, one-pot wonder. Salsa Verde Fish Tostadas and Mini-Van Pepperoni Pizza Chicken are fun, creative, and easy to make without a ton of cleanup.

4. Thrifty Thursday: Who doesn’t love pantry-friendly meals? The Cook’s Secret Weeknight Beef Stew and Clean Your Fridge Frittata are great ways to use up what you have while still making something hearty and comforting.

5. Low and Slow Saturday: The Finger Lickin’ Good Sweet & Sour Ribs are hands-off perfection for a slow cooker Saturday. It’s so nice to have a meal that practically makes itself, and the results are absolutely worth the wait.

6. Sunday Supper: Special meals to share with loved ones? Yes, please! Pesto Rack of Lamb with Tomato-Mozzarella Salad is a show-stopping dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull together.

As if the dinner recipes weren’t enough, Babs also includes a Sweet Tooth section with desserts that are as nostalgic as they are delicious. I’ve already made the Scotcheroos and Babs’ Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies more times than I care to admit. They’re a hit every time!

Babs’ warm and welcoming tone makes you feel like you’re chatting with your own grandmother. It’s clear that these recipes have been tried and tested in real-life kitchens, making them reliable, easy, and full of heart.

Every Day with Babs is more than just a cookbook—it’s a guide to making mealtimes simpler, tastier, and filled with joy. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, batch cooking tips, or special Sunday suppers, Babs has you covered. Her down-to-earth advice and comforting recipes will help you get dinner on the table without the stress, and more importantly, will make sure that your family is well-fed and happy. If you’re struggling to keep up with meal planning and prep, Babs has the perfect recipes to make your life easier, and your kitchen a happier place.

Highly recommended for anyone in need of quick, easy, and family-friendly meals—this cookbook will be your new kitchen companion!