bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with green onions

Welcome to The Food Civilian!

My name is Melissa Knighton, and I’m a regular home cook like you.

I think that food should be made with love, and I’m here to share that love with you, one recipe and story at a time. Glad you found this spot; keep coming back since this space will change while it is still under construction.

Civilian Staples

Quick, easy recipes that are perfect for those new to cooking or who want to hone basic skills.

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Fam Faves

Tried and true favorites of our family, curated over years of cooking.

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Plugged-in Perfection

A collection of favorite recipes using the Air fryer, Instant Pot, and Crockpot. Prep it, pop it in, and live your best life.

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Shameless Shortcuts


Guilt-free tips & tricks for when you can’t (or don’t want to) make everything from scratch.

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Some of Our Favorite Recipes

Meatloaf Muffins

Perfectly-portioned comfort food, yes please! This crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to customize.

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Perfect Pasta Salad

The easiest and tastiest way to make a savory pasta salad.

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Oatmeal Bake

Is it a breakfast or a cake? However you classify it, the end result is delish!

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This site is still under construction. Please be patient as we work to give you the full Food Civilian experience!

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