Last weekend Shawn and I went for a walk and saw crews installing the holiday lights in the park. It felt strange — this year has dragged in some ways, but the holidays arrive faster than expected. I could have sworn we only just took our lights down. Our family sticks to a very traditional … Read more

I’m excited to share this Cheesy Tomato Alfredo Pasta Bake — a comforting, family-friendly casserole that pairs creamy Alfredo with classic spaghetti sauce for a rich, cheesy meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for a cozy weekend supper. At the start of a new year many of … Read more

These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes come together with just four ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on time. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a reliable side for eggs, bacon, or as part of a brunch spread. Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes This quick air fryer recipe produces crunchy, golden-brown potato bites with … Read more

Pasta e Ceci is a comforting, rustic Italian stew of pasta and chickpeas. With just a few humble ingredients, the soup gains depth from fresh herbs and a simmered Parmesan rind. The result is rich, hearty, and perfect for cool weather. If you love pasta and chickpeas, this Italian Pasta e Ceci (pronounced “pasta eh … Read more

Not long after I began my journey toward healthier eating, I started canning my own food. At first I made applesauce, then peaches preserved in a light honey syrup. Eventually I wanted jams and jellies I could enjoy without the excessive sugar, so I taught myself how to make low-sugar preserves at home. Learning to … Read more

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast puts a flavorful twist on plain chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken strips are flattened, spread with a creamy chive cream cheese filling, then wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer for a crisp, juicy result. This recipe is quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual … Read more

Strawberries and rhubarb are at peak season, and a rustic galette is one of the simplest, most delightful ways to celebrate their sweet-and-tart partnership. This free-form tart, made with a rye-enriched crust and a juicy strawberry-rhubarb filling, turns seasonal fruit into a relaxed, elegant dessert that’s easier than a pie but every bit as satisfying. … Read more

When I married a Midwest man, I quickly learned that potatoes weren’t just a side dish in his family — they were the foundation of every meal. His family served potatoes in a dozen different ways I’d never imagined. Our Crockpot Sausage Potatoes recipe delivers a satisfying, hearty dinner with simple ingredients and minimal effort. … Read more

The Perfect Martini is simply one that is perfect for you; starting with good gin and vermouth can make all the difference! I originally published this to mark the one-year anniversary of Friday Cocktails, which was several years ago. Things change over time, but my approach to making a great martini hasn’t. This is my … Read more

This garlic butter fried rice is the kind of dinner I make when the fridge looks bare and I’m too tired to think. Day-old jasmine rice, a pan of golden garlic butter, and whatever leftover chicken you have turns into glossy, comforting fried rice. It’s one pan, seven ingredients, and on the table in about … Read more