Chicago: My First Visit — Where I Stayed and the Best Places I Ate At the end of October I took my first trip to Chicago and had an incredible time. The city’s architecture, lakefront views, and neighborhoods made exploring easy and enjoyable. I also ate my way through several excellent restaurants, so here’s a … Read more

Pomegranates are at their best right now, and I love taking advantage of their bright flavor and jewel-like arils in both sweet and savory dishes. This Sticky Pomegranate Meatball Bowls recipe highlights fresh pomegranate arils for a pop of color, crunchy texture and a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory, umami-forward meatballs. Using … Read more

Thanksgiving 2021 Menu + Guide Your Thanksgiving 2021 Menu + Guide is here — a simple, organized plan to help you prepare everything on time without stress. Below you’ll find the complete menu, recipe links, smart prep tips, and downloadable printables to keep your holiday running smoothly. Apple Cider Margarita Get the recipe: Spiced Apple … Read more

Whole30 Thai Basil Beef is a vibrant, flavorful stir-fry that quickly became a favorite during a recent Whole30 challenge. It’s packed with fresh herbs and bold Thai flavors, simple to prepare, and comforting enough to please the whole family—whether they are following Whole30 or not. This dish starts with tenderized flank or flap steak, is … Read more

If you’ve followed this site for a while, you may already know that Martha is our beloved nanny and an amazing cook. She has been with our family for nearly two years and has become a part of our daily life—especially at mealtime. Her cooking is simple, wholesome, and full of flavor, and she generously … Read more

Mustard Marinated Flank Steak and Arugula Salad is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner yet attractive enough for guests. The tenderized flank steak soaks up a savory mustard-based marinade, grills quickly, and is served thinly sliced over peppery arugula with bright, tangy vinaigrette. It’s an easy way to make dinner … Read more

If you love a crisp, golden chicken thigh without frying, this method will become a go-to. The pan-roasted technique produces juicy meat and a wonderfully crunchy skin that pairs perfectly with bright, Mediterranean flavors. While there are other recipes that showcase this technique—like a Nashville-style unfried fried chicken and a straight pan-roasted Greek chicken dish—this … Read more

Have you tried broccoli casserole? While it’s a familiar comfort dish in many Southern kitchens, versions of this creamy, baked vegetable dish appear in households across the country. Traditional broccoli casseroles are indulgent: cheese, canned cream soup, butter, and crunchy cracker toppings make them rich and deeply satisfying. But if you want the same cozy … Read more

This grilled zucchini with Calabrian chiles, goat cheese and pepitas is an ideal way to use abundant summer zucchini. It works beautifully as a bright, seasonal appetizer or as a flavorful side to serve with grilled chicken, fish or pork. The quick grilling concentrates the zucchini’s natural sweetness, while the Calabrian chiles add a lively, … Read more

I love taking a classic chicken noodle soup and shifting its flavor profile. This Miso Chicken Noodle Soup merges the rich, umami notes of miso with the comfort and heartiness of a traditional chicken noodle. It’s straightforward to prepare and deeply flavorful—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Miso paste is a … Read more