Not every night is candles and from-scratch pie.

Some nights you’re just tired. Not the “I’ll order takeout and watch a movie” kind of tired, but the kind where even thinking about what to eat feels like too much. I’ve been there more times than I can count.

So I started keeping a quiet little list. Just five things I know I can make no matter what. They’re easy. They’re cozy. And most importantly, they take care of me when I don’t have the energy to be creative or fancy.

Here they are: my top five no-fuss meals for when I’m just plain tired.

1. Soft Scrambled Eggs on Buttered Toast

It’s nothing new, but somehow always perfect.

I melt a little butter in a pan, whisk two eggs with a splash of milk or water, and cook them low and slow. I toast a good slice of bread, usually something seedy or sourdough—and layer the eggs on top. A sprinkle of salt, a grind of pepper, maybe some chives or cheese if I’m feeling it. Done in five minutes. Feels like a hug.

Optional upgrade: Add sliced tomatoes or a handful of baby greens.

2. Warm Rice Bowl with Olive Oil, Salt, and Whatever’s Around

I usually have leftover rice in the fridge. If not, I’ll make a quick batch and just wait, it’s worth it.

Once it’s warm, I stir in a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of flaky salt, and anything else I can scrounge: a fried egg, a few olives, herbs from the garden, last night’s roasted veg. Sometimes just rice, oil, and salt is enough.

Optional upgrade: Add a spoonful of pesto, hummus, or a splash of broth.

3. Cheesy Pasta with Black Pepper

Boil pasta (whatever shape I have, shells, bowties, linguine). Before draining, I save a little pasta water. Then I stir in a handful of grated parmesan or Vermont cheddar, a pat of butter, a dash of the pasta water, and lots of black pepper.

It’s creamy, salty, warm, and takes maybe 10 minutes. No sauce, no drama.

Optional upgrade: Add sautéed garlic, spinach, or a squeeze of lemon.

4. Soup from a Box, Plus Toast or a Biscuit

There’s no shame in shelf-stable soup. I keep a couple in the pantry, usually tomato, lentil, or butternut squash. Heat it up, add some herbs or leftover rice or beans if you want, and serve with toast or a biscuit.

It’s fast. It’s cozy. And when the bowl is warm in my hands, I already feel better.

Optional upgrade: Top with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil.

5. Open-Faced Sandwiches with a Little Bit of Everything

This is my “gather what’s left” meal. One slice of toast becomes the canvas. I’ve done:

• Cream cheese + cucumbers + dill
• Peanut butter + banana + cinnamon
• Hummus + roasted veggies
• Ricotta + honey + cracked pepper
• Cheddar + apple slices + thyme

One slice, one topping, or three. It’s flexible. And honestly? Kind of fun.

One Last Thought from the Cottage

These aren’t “recipes.” They’re meals that ask very little but give a lot back.

They remind me that I don’t need to be impressive to be nourished. I don’t need a full fridge, a mood, or a plan. I just need something warm, simple, and made with the tiniest bit of care.

If today was heavy, or your brain is foggy, or the idea of cooking feels like too much, let yourself make the easy thing.

With love from the quiet side of the kitchen,
Autumn