The Mama Mindset: Balanced & Blessed

At 26, I’ve learned the joy of embracing a slower pace—of savoring the moments that often slip by when life feels too hurried. As a southern mother, my days are filled with small, meaningful rhythms: folding laundry while my little one plays on the rug, kneading dough for fresh bread, or sitting on the porch with a warm cup of tea. These quiet acts of intention have shown me that the simple joys are often the most beautiful.

There’s a kind of magic in the unhurried rhythm of a slow day.

The morning sunlight spilling across the kitchen table, the sound of my child’s laughter echoing through the house, the aroma of a home-cooked meal simmering on the stove-it’s these moments that remind me of the joy found in slowing down.

In our home, we are trying our best to trade screen time for story time, takeout for family dinners, and rushed mornings for peaceful routines. It’s not about perfection; it’s about savoring life just as it is. There’s a certain beauty in folding laundry while humming an old hymn, in baking bread with flour-dusted hands, and in gathering around the table with loved ones.

One way I truly lean into slow living is by preparing meals for my family. Cooking has become my love letter to home and tradition. There’s something sacred about gathering around the dinner table, serving a meal made with love, and sharing stories of the day. Today, I’m sharing one of our favorite Sunday suppers: Baked Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables, Fresh Dinner Rolls, and a Sweet Southern Peach Cobbler for dessert. It’s hearty, cozy, and filled with the flavors of home.

Southern Weekday Supper Menu

Baked Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Rub the pork chops with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chops.

3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey and Dijon mustard over low heat until combined. Brush this glaze over the pork chops.

4. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby carrots

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved

• 1 large sweet potato, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

2. Roast in the oven alongside the pork chops at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Fresh Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 balls, and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter before serving.

You can’t forget a sweet little treat!

Southern Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 4 cups frozen peaches, thawed)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Toss the peaches with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the boiling water to form a soft dough.

3. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the peaches. Sprinkle with a little extra sugar if desired.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

This meal is more than just food; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and love. As my family gathers around the table, passing rolls and savoring the sweet finish of peach cobbler, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. Slow living has taught me to treasure these moments, to pause and soak in the beauty of togetherness.

Here’s to slowing down, savoring life, and finding joy in the simplest things.

With love,

A Southern Mama