4th of July Mocktail with Coconut Milk
This 4th of July Mocktail is a showstopper. Discover easy 4th of July mocktails and non alcoholic drinks. Includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 5 min!
Marcus Thompson
Marcus Thompson, Author of the 'Smoke Alarm Toast' School of Cooking – Quick Meals & Meal Prep for People Who'd Rather Be Doing Anything Else + Eat well without wasting your whole evening.
About Me:
Meet Marcus Thompson
Let me be honest with you: I used to be terrible at cooking. Like, "set off the smoke alarm making toast" terrible. For most of my twenties, my diet consisted of ramen, pizza delivery, and whatever free food showed up at work meetings. My refrigerator contained exactly three things: ketchup, beer, and regret.
Then I got my first real job, moved into my own apartment in Chicago, and realized I couldn't afford to keep eating out every night. Also, I was tired all the time and felt like garbage. So I taught myself to cook. Not fancy cooking—survival cooking. How to make real food quickly without hating every minute of it.
Turns out, I actually like cooking now. Who knew? I especially love meal prep because it means I do the hard work once and then eat like a king all week while my coworkers microwave sad frozen burritos.
My Cooking Philosophy
- Efficiency First: I don't have patience for recipes with 47 steps. If it takes longer to make than to eat, I'm out.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan, one pot, one bowl. The fewer dishes, the better. I will die on this hill.
- Actually Good: Quick doesn't mean boring. My food has flavor because life is too short for bland chicken breast.
When I'm Not Cooking
I work in IT, which means I spend way too much time staring at screens. Cooking is actually how I decompress—something about chopping vegetables is weirdly therapeutic. I also play basketball badly, watch too much YouTube, and I'm trying to keep a single houseplant alive. It's not going great.
My favorite recipe? My chicken stir fry. Fifteen minutes, one pan, and it tastes better than takeout. It's the dish that made me realize I could actually do this whole cooking thing. Changed my life, honestly.
If you're someone who thinks cooking is too hard or takes too long, stick with me. I've been where you are. And if I can figure this out, you absolutely can too.
Connect with Marcus:
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My Latest recipes:
Simple Summer Party Drink: 12 Servings
This Simple Summer Party Drink uses frozen fruit to stop dilution. Great for an easy summer party punch for a crowd. Includes a common mistakes checklist!
Patriotic Punch in 5 Minutes
Make a stunning Patriotic Punch with this Layered Patriotic Punch guide. See Simple 4th of July Drink Recipes and a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 5 min!
Air Fryer Broccoli in 15 Minutes
Try this Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe with Healthy garlic for a savory side. Get garlic air fryer broccoli results with our step-by-step timing guide.
Easy Chicken Pesto Recipe in 30 Minutes
Master this easy chicken pesto recipe for a high-protein dinner. This baked pesto chicken is simple. Step-by-step timing guide included. Ready in 30 minutes.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken in 23 Minutes
Master Air Fryer Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Fillet with our guide. Enjoy healthy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with a timing guide. Ready in 23 minutes.
Easy Bruschetta Recipe in 25 Minutes
Master this easy bruschetta recipe for a classic appetizer. This traditional bruschetta recipe includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 25 minutes.
Homemade Lentil Chips: Baked Protein
Master this homemade lentil chips recipe protein snack for a crunch without refined flours. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 4 hours 55 mins.
Zucchini Parmesan Fritters: 35 Mins
Make this Easy 20-Minute Crispy Zucchini Fritters Recipe with Parmesan. Our zucchini fritter recipe includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 35 mins.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl: Meal Prep
Make a Grilled Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Garlic Sauce. A Mediterranean chicken shawarma bowl ideal for meal prep. Step-by-step timing guide included.
Garlic Butter Shrimp in 11 Minutes
Master this garlic butter shrimp recipe easy dinner with our best garlic butter shrimp recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 11 minutes.
Instant Pot Potato Chicken in 40 Minutes
Master Instant Pot Potato Chicken with our guide. This Instant Pot chicken dinner includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 40 minutes for the family.
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini: 15 Minutes
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Slices are a salty treat. This air fryer zucchini panko side includes a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites with Garlic
Try this Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites Tasty Snack. Use our timing guide for crispy air fryer cauliflower wings. Healthy party appetizers ready in 25 mins.
Caesar Salad Cups in 27 Minutes
Master Caesar Salad Cups with this chicken caesar salad cups recipe. Includes mini caesar salad cups tips and a common mistakes checklist. Ready in 27 min.
Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups: Crispy
Make easy spinach artichoke wonton cups with our guide. These baked spinach artichoke wonton cups include a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 35 minutes.
Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad 2: 20m
Enjoy blueberry pistachio spring salad 2. This healthy spring salad includes a step-by-step timing guide and fresh ingredients. Ready in 20 minutes.
High Protein Beef Bowl for Meal Prep
Master Amazing 45g Protein High Protein Ground with this High Protein Ground Beef Bowl. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 50 minutes.
Hot Honey Beef Bowl in 30 Minutes
Master the Hot Honey Beef Bowl with this healthy ground beef protein bowl recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 30 minutes for dinner.
Sweet Potato Burrito Bowl in 45 Minutes
Master the Sweet Potato Burrito Bowl with this plant based sweet potato burrito bowl recipe. Includes a step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 45 minutes.
Homemade Protein Bars: Chewy Almond Bars in 75 Minutes
Master Homemade Protein Bars with our step-by-step timing guide. These easy no bake protein bars are perfect for a high protein snack meal prep.
Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes
Master this easy high protein lasagna soup with our step-by-step timing guide. A healthy meal prep soup that is ready in 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in 20 Minutes
Master this easy garlic shrimp pasta with our step-by-step timing guide. Features common mistakes checklist for a silky sauce. Ready in 20 minutes.
Homemade Chimichurri Sauce: A Fresh Herb Condiment in 15 Minutes
Master this Homemade Chimichurri Sauce for steak and roasted veggies. Includes a common mistakes checklist for the perfect zesty texture. Ready in 15 mins.
Easy 30 Minute Steak Fajitas Meal for 4 Servings
Master our Easy 30 Minute Steak Fajitas Meal with a precise step-by-step timing guide. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in 30 minutes.
Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Recipe in 15 Minutes
Master this chili lime grilled shrimp recipe for a zesty, smoky dinner. Includes a step-by-step timing guide for perfect results. Ready in 15 minutes.
Lemon Parmesan Pasta Recipe in 15 Minutes
Master this Simple Quick and Tasty Lemon Parmesan Pasta Dish with our step-by-step timing guide. Perfect for a refreshing summer lemon pasta dinner.
Thai Noodle Salad: Vibrant Veggies with Peanut Dressing in 25 Min
Enjoy this vibrant Thai Noodle Salad with crisp veggies and creamy peanut sauce. Includes an exact step-by-step timing guide. Ready in 25 minutes total.
Freezer Breakfast Burritos with Sausage and Eggs for Meal Prep
Master Freezer Breakfast Burritos with our guide. This recipe features a moisture-barrier technique for perfect reheating. Ready in 45 minutes for meal prep.
Quick and Easy Pizza Dough Recipe: 1-Hour Crust
Master quick and easy pizza dough with our step-by-step guide. This instant yeast pizza dough recipe needs minimal kneading and includes a common mistakes…