Who doesn’t love a rice cereal treat? Classic rice crispy treats combine butter, rice cereal, marshmallows, a touch of vanilla, and salt for that irresistible mix of crunchy and gooey. I adore the traditional version, but sometimes it can taste a little one-note and overly sweet. That’s why I developed this Salted Brown Butter Rice … Read more

This Chili Lime Watermelon with Labneh and Hot Honey is an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings. With minimal prep and bright, bold flavors — sweet watermelon, tangy labneh, zesty lime, a pinch of flaky salt, smoky chili-lime seasoning, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey — it comes together in minutes and … Read more

This Tinto de Verano (Spanish Summer Wine Cocktail) is refreshingly simple and deserves a regular spot in your summer entertaining rotation. Bright, easy to make, and perfect for backyard gatherings, this classic Spanish cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and maximum enjoyment. I first fell for Spain while studying abroad, and I still … Read more

These Turkey and Havarti Party Sandwiches with Dill-Pickle Mayo are an effortless, crowd-pleasing option for entertaining. They’re easy to prepare ahead, easy for guests to serve themselves, and full of bright, balanced flavor in every bite. At a glance these might read like simple deli sandwiches, but the homemade dill-pickle mayo transforms them. Instead of … Read more

This Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken is an easy, family-friendly dinner that balances sweet and savory umami flavors. It’s ideal for busy weeknights—prep in the morning, set the slow cooker, and come home to tender, flavorful chicken ready to serve over rice. The sauce combines tamari for depth, fresh ginger for brightness, and honey for … Read more

There’s nothing better for busy evenings than a slow cooker dinner that requires almost no hands-on time but delivers big flavor. This Slow Cooker Miso-Ginger Chuck Roast brings savory umami notes from white miso and tamari, rounded with a touch of sweetness from honey, mirin, and fresh orange juice. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that’s … Read more

Another Kauai-inspired recipe to share—this time our favorite island cocktail. Bright, slightly smoky, and balanced with tropical sweetness and a gentle kick, The Kauai Margarita (also called the Smoky Pineapple Margarita) is a refreshing drink that brings vacation vibes to any backyard or gathering. Clayton, our resident mixologist, perfected this margarita during our Kauai trips, … Read more

With a chewy, zesty base and a creamy, sweet lime frosting, these Copycat Starbucks Coconut Lime Bars capture the bright tropical flavors of the original and make a perfect summertime dessert. This version is gluten-free and grain-free, featuring a coconut- and almond-based cookie layer topped with tangy cream cheese icing, shredded coconut, and fresh lime … Read more

Bring bold island flavors to your backyard with this Grilled Huli Huli–Inspired Chicken. Served over creamy coconut-lime rice with charred grilled pineapple, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing summer meal full of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. This recipe is inspired by the Hawaiian huli huli tradition of grilling chicken over an open flame and repeatedly basting … Read more

Grilled Ahi Tuna with Ponzu-Lime Marinade If you want a light, ultra-summery main course, this Grilled Ahi Tuna with Ponzu-Lime Marinade is an excellent choice. The dish is bright, fresh, and easy to prepare, with a marinade that balances citrus, umami, and a touch of heat. It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, grilled vegetables, … Read more