This Wheat Berry Salad with Mixed Berry Vinaigrette was created in partnership with California Giant Berry Farms. All opinions are my own. Summer seemed to fly by and now September is here — back to school, back to work, back to routines. When my schedule fills up, I rely on a handful of make-ahead recipes … Read more

Surprisingly versatile but unmistakably delightful, Vanilla Sugar is a special pantry ingredient that lifts everything sweet. Vanilla is foundational to many baked goods. If you’ve ever forgotten to add vanilla extract, the first bite will tell you something sweet and rounded is missing. Conversely, adding a touch more vanilla to a recipe often deepens and … Read more

Classic Chili with beef and beans is a comforting, flavorful meal. Cumin and a blend of ancho and chipotle chiles give the beef a deep, smoky profile, while a touch of cinnamon and dark chocolate rounds out the dish. Serve with sliced jalapeño, sour cream, and diced white onion if you like, though this chili … Read more

Cassatine are the compact, street-friendly version of the classic Cassata Siciliana. Smaller than the traditional cake and typically without the candied fruit decoration on top, these little pastries are designed for on-the-go enjoyment — a common sight on the busy streets of Palermo. Each cassatina is a layered mini cake: soft Pan di Spagna, a … Read more

Disclaimer. This is NOT (I repeat…NOT) a paid product endorsement. Please read my full disclosure at the end of this post. This is my planner and I love it, so I’m sharing the details. UPDATE: A few years have passed since I first wrote about this planner and my obsession has only grown. For a … Read more

This matcha mochi bread recipe is a small-batch adaptation of our classic Korean mochi breads. Lightly speckled with black sesame seeds, these green-tinted “dino eggs” make an ideal afternoon or tea snack. They develop a slight crisp on the outside, remain tender and chewy inside, and carry delicate floral matcha notes with toasted black sesame. … Read more

The Beautiful Red Bell is a red bell pepper and gin cocktail that originated at Manifesto, a modern speakeasy in Kansas City, Missouri. Though the bar has since closed, this lively cocktail recipe remains. If you enjoy garden-fresh flavors and gin-based drinks like a Gimlet or Bee’s Knees, you’ll appreciate this recipe. Muddled red bell … Read more

These Gluten-Free Protein Brownies are fudgy, chocolatey, and satisfyingly rich while still being dairy-free. Each square delivers about 12 grams of protein, comes together in a single bowl, and makes a great snack or healthier dessert. Drizzled with a simple chocolate sauce, they hit chocolate cravings without the usual sugar crash. “So thrilled to have … Read more

We’ve reached Easy Weekly Dinner Menu #100 — triple digits! It’s hard to believe I’ve been sharing weekly dinner ideas for 100 weeks. To mark this little milestone, I want to highlight two things: a giveaway and this week’s menu. First, thank you for coming back each week to see what I’m cooking. My goal … Read more

When holiday menus or everyday dinners start taking shape, these 35 classic Southern recipes provide a reliable foundation. Each recipe honors tradition while keeping preparation straightforward, making them ideal for cooks who prefer familiar flavors without fuss. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal or a larger gathering, this collection delivers comforting, time-tested dishes that … Read more