Skip to Content

About Hostess at Heart

John and I posing in front of an antique green truck that was sitting in a garden nursery. Plants are in the background.
We’re glad you’re here! Pull up a seat and let us know what you’re looking for!

Hi! Welcome to our food blog, Hostess At Heart. My name is Julie and the master of all that is grilled is John. We live in Nebraska, also known as the “Heartland”.

John and I met in college and have been married for over 38 years. We have two married children and one adorable granddaughter that seems to like food as much as her Nonna (me).

I started Hostess At Heart to share my love of cooking with family and friends. I wanted a place to share recipes with others looking to prepare something that they can feel good about. On occasion, I will make recipes that are just delicious and have nothing to do with watching my waistline. I will apologize right now for going off the deep end once in a while.

We love to entertain (thus Hostess At Heart), whether it’s just hanging out with friends and family, or planning a special event. I keep ideas simple, inexpensive, and impressive enough to make folks feel special.

When I’m not in the kitchen we like bicycling, traveling or sharing a bottle of wine with friends. My Sous Chef is never far from my sight.

Maci, the Ultimate Sous Chef
Maci, the Ultimate
Sous Chef

For me, joy is the Champagne bubbles of the soul. The simplest experiences can give me that internal effervescence, whether it’s seeing the first robin of spring or being elbow deep in bread dough. I hope you will stay awhile, share what you enjoy, and come back to visit often.

I answer all of my own correspondence and love your comments, feedback, and questions, so don’t be shy! I get a lot of my inspiration from you and wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your support. My email is hostessatheart@gmail(dot)com.

Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed yet, I have a tendency to overuse exclamation marks!!!!!

Hostess At Heart | HostessAtHeart.com

Patty

Monday 2nd of December 2024

Hi Julie -- I found your website while looking for a turkey and dressing casserole recipe -- yours sounds perfect.

I, too, am from Nebraska, though it's been years since I've lived there. Nebraska cooks are the best -- and oh, Nebraska rhubarb!! Love it!!

Nothing wrong with using exclamation marks!!

Best always,

Patty

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 4th of December 2024

Hi Patty! I loved hearing from you, and thank you so much for leaving me such a warm comment!!! (3 exclamation marks).

Genie

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

We used your Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe for our Thanksgiving meal this year. It was absolutely wonderful!! So delicious and satisfying!! Thank you for this great recipe!! It will become our new tradition each Thanksgiving!!!

Julie Menghini

Saturday 25th of November 2023

Thank you, Genie! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and came back with your sweet comment!

judi judge

Sunday 10th of April 2022

i got email saying you had a new conversion chart but when i tried to down load it woudlnt come on

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

I'll email you Judi.

petra08

Wednesday 20th of May 2015

hi Julie When I am in doubt of what to cook I always have a peak at your blog for inspiration! The recipes sounds so lovely and the pictures are so beautiful! I have nominated you for the Liebster award, https://petra08.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/the-liebster-award-and-cake/ :)

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 20th of May 2015

Petra, what a wonderful acknowledgement, and such an honor and compliment coming from you! Thank you so much!

preciouspen1955

Saturday 16th of May 2015

Lovely blog and what a lovely way to express joy champagne bubbles of the soul, wishing you lots of bubbly.Kathy.

Julie Menghini

Sunday 17th of May 2015

Thank you Kathy! I am very happy you stopped by. I hope you experience a few bubbles today too!