Buffalo Chicken Dip: Party-Ready Creamy Baked
Master this Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe featuring rotisserie chicken and triple cheese. Includes step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist.…
Ronan Crestwell
Ronan Crestwell, culinary graduate – hearty comfort food & satisfying lunch recipes that fuel your day and banish the afternoon slump.
About Me:
Meet Ronan Crestwell
Ronan Crestwell spent two decades in the corporate world eating sad desk lunches before he decided enough was enough. What started as a personal quest to make midday meals exciting again turned into a passion for creating hearty, portable recipes that people actually look forward to eating.
Growing up in a large Irish-American family in Boston, Ronan learned that food was love—and that a proper meal meant generous portions and bold flavors. His mother's kitchen was always bustling, and those foundations shaped his belief that comfort food feeds the soul as much as the body.
His Culinary Philosophy
- Lunch Deserves Respect: No more soggy sandwiches or boring salads. Ronan's recipes make lunch a meal worth savoring.
- Portable Perfection: Whether you're at the office, on a job site, or working from home, his recipes travel well and reheat beautifully.
- Comfort Without Guilt: Hearty doesn't have to mean heavy. He lightens up classic comfort dishes without losing what makes them special.
Background & Expertise
After leaving his finance career, Ronan enrolled in culinary school at age 40, graduating top of his class. He worked briefly in restaurant kitchens before realizing his true calling was helping home cooks elevate their everyday meals. His corporate background gives him unique insight into the challenges of eating well with a demanding schedule.
Ronan is particularly skilled at developing make-ahead recipes and understanding how flavors develop over time—essential knowledge for anyone who meal preps. His grain bowls, hearty soups, and upgraded sandwich recipes have become reader favorites.
When not developing recipes, Ronan enjoys woodworking, cheering on Boston sports teams, and Sunday dinners with his extended family—where he's usually in charge of the main course.
Connect with Ronan:
Email:
My Latest recipes:
Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe: One-Pot with Potatoes
Master the Chicken Corn Chowder Recipe using our smart starch technique for a velvety broth. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes…
Country Fried Chicken Ready in 30 Min: Crispy
Master Country Fried Chicken with our signature recipe featuring a shatter crisp coating. Includes a step-by-step timing guide for perfection. Ready in 30…
Beef Gravy Recipe in 15 Minutes | Classic Roast Beef Gravy
Master the classic beef gravy recipe from scratch with our quick 15-minute guide. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist for…
Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie Ready in 40 Minutes
Discover the best bisquick chicken pot pie recipe for a quick, comforting meal. Featuring a rich filling and flaky biscuit topping, this recipe includes a…
Beef Tips and Rice with Mushroom Gravy in 1 Hour
Master this Beef Tips and Rice recipe with rich mushroom gravy. Features a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist. Ready in 1 hour!
Beef Short Ribs Slow-Cooked in Red Wine
Discover this easy Beef Short Ribs crock pot recipe for fork-tender, velvety beef. Features a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist. Perfect…
Ritz Chicken Casserole for 10 People | Crispy Baked
Master Ritz Chicken Casserole with our detailed guide. Features a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist for perfect results. Ready in 45…
Lasagna for 10 People: Traditional Layers Recipe
Master traditional lasagna layers with our guide to assembling meat sauce & ricotta. Includes a serving size calculator for crowds. Perfect for Sunday dinner.
Meat Sauce Recipe for Lasagna - Slow Cooker Method
This meat sauce recipe utilizes a slow cooker for maximum flavor. Learn how to create an Italian-style sauce with caramelized tomato paste. Includes a common…
Corn Casserole for 10 People Crispy Baked
Discover Paula Deen's easy Corn Casserole recipe, perfect for Christmas dinner. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist. This Jiffy…
Velveeta Cheese Dip in 30 Minutes
Master Velveeta Cheese Dip with our easy recipe, perfect for game day or gatherings. Features a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes checklist. Ready…
How to Make Brown Gravy in 10 Minutes
Master how to make brown gravy from scratch in just 10 minutes! This easy brown gravy recipe uses a toasted roux for deep flavor and silky texture. Includes…
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe: Oven-Only Method
Discover the ultimate cracker barrel meatloaf recipe copycat, featuring juicy ground beef and our signature glaze. Includes a common mistakes checklist and…
Chuck Roast Slow Cooker: Tender Roast Beef Recipe
Master chuck roast slow cooker with our easy recipe. This melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker chuck roast with vegetables features a step-by-step timing guide.…
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole: Crispy Baked for Dinner
Discover the ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole recipe, perfect for dinner. This easy, no-soup version features a crispy topping and creamy cheddar. Includes…
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits Ready in 55 Minutes
This chicken pot pie with biscuits recipe features a silky, herb-infused gravy topped with flaky biscuits. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and common…
Country Fried Steak Recipe Oven-Baked in 30 Minutes
Master this country fried steak recipe with our easy oven-baked method. Features a shattering crust and velvety gravy. Includes common mistakes checklist.…
Crockpot Beef Barley Soup: Slow-Cooked Flavor
Discover the best crockpot beef barley soup recipe, featuring tender beef and a nutrient-dense broth. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and common mistakes…
High Protein Chicken Salads for Meal Prep
Master high protein chicken salads with this quick recipe featuring greek yogurt protein. Includes a step-by-step timing guide and a common mistakes checklist.…
School Lunch Idea for Kids with Turkey and Cheese Wrap in 10 Minutes
Discover a School Lunch Idea for Kids with Turkey and Cheese Wrap perfect for busy mornings. This easy turkey cheese wrap recipe is kid-friendly and great for…
Potato Soup in 40 Minutes | Creamy Baked Potato Recipe
Discover the ultimate Potato Soup recipe! This creamy, homemade soup uses Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a silky texture. Includes step-by-step timing…
Chicken and Dumplings: Hearty & Savory
Discover this hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe made with bone-in thighs and Greek yogurt for a protein-packed meal. Enjoy silky broth and fluffy dumplings…
Chili Recipe - Velvety & Flavorful
Discover this chili recipe focusing on massive flavor in a short window. A hearty, mahogany beef chili that tastes simmered for hours, perfect for busy…
Thanksgiving Soul Food Plate Heartwarming Classic with Roasted Turkey
Create the ultimate Thanksgiving Soul Food Plate Heartwarming Classic with Roasted Turkey. This recipe features juicy bird, slow simmered greens, and velvety…
Delicious Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Soul
Discover the best Delicious Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe! This slow-braised staple delivers rich, smoked umami. A true Southern Black Eyed Peas…
Heartwarming Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for Your Masterpiece Meal
Discover the ultimate guide for Heartwarming Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for Your holiday. Achieve perfect textures with our thermal management tips for the…
Heartwarming Thanksgiving Lunch 7 Simple Steps: Chef-Grade Meal Now
Discover the Heartwarming Thanksgiving Lunch 7 Simple Steps guide. Achieve a cohesive, chef-grade meal using multi-rack roasting in just 2 hours total.
7 Heartwarming Tips for Creating Stunning Thanksgiving Cheese Boards
Follow these 7 heartwarming tips for creating stunning Thanksgiving cheese boards that wow guests. Assemble this perfect appetizer in just 30 minutes with our…
Sourdough Hoagie Roll Recipe: Soft & Tangy Sandwich Bread
Master this sourdough hoagie roll recipe for bakery-quality sandwich rolls. This recipe yields a soft, enriched bun with a signature tang perfect for subs.