There are small moments you should seize when they arise: Stand and shout when your team scores the winning overtime goal. Blow on a sting from a fresh cut. Kick through a pile of autumn leaves. Race your dog across a field. Dip your bare toes into Lake Superior. Watch your kids climb a rock … Read more

Barbecue Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad: A vibrant chopped salad of romaine, kale, red cabbage, peeled and julienned broccoli stalks, carrots, and fresh herbs, tossed with a barbecue-ranch dressing and finished with crispy bacon and crunchy tortilla strips or chips. Tip: undressed, this salad stores up to a week in the refrigerator. I’m a devoted salad … Read more

I’d like us all to observe a moment of silence for the baking ignitor in my oven. (Silence from me, but not the children.) Yes, that means my oven isn’t working. We’ve enjoyed a wonderfully cool stretch of late-summer weather, and of all times for the oven to fail, it had to be when I … Read more

For as long as I can remember, I crave fresh vegetables, salads, and vibrant greens each January. That urge lingers through late spring until the snow melts and our garden begins to bloom. During these months, Middle Eastern food is my go-to: it overflows with herbs, garlic, and bright, fresh flavors. My quick-meal favorite right … Read more

Weekly Meal Plan — Week 19: 10 bloggers bringing you a full week of recipes including dinners, side dishes, drinks, and desserts. Happy Thanksgiving week! Whether you’re hosting a big meal or enjoying a quieter holiday, this week’s menu offers a mix of comforting classics and easy makeovers using Thanksgiving leftovers. The plan includes soups, … Read more

I’ve been making a lot of lists lately. Not leaning to one side—actual lists. It’s how I keep track of what I’ve done and what still needs doing. I’ve tried keeping journals over the years, but I usually stop after a few weeks. I never really want to reread what I thought three weeks ago, … Read more

Pull out your comfiest pants—these little fried pies are dangerously addictive. I always keep a package of Goya Discos empanada wrappers in the freezer for quick shortcuts, and when I had oil heating for empanadas one day, inspiration struck: why not make fried pies with a cheesecake twist? The result was warm raspberry filling over … Read more

The classic Philly cheesesteak gets a playful, comforting makeover in this Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce. Tender shaved steak, sweet sautéed onions, and a luscious provolone-based cheese sauce coat pillowy cheese tortellini for a hearty, satisfying weeknight meal. Serve with garlic bread or braids to mop up every last bit of the decadent sauce. … Read more

A couple of weeks ago I spent a weekend in Phoenix at the home of one of my best friends, who also happens to be a blogger, together with a group of talented food bloggers. We spent the weekend sharing blogging strategies, swapping tips and trying our hands at cheesemaking. With that many food lovers … Read more

This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray®. All recipes, opinions, and photography (unless otherwise noted) remain my own. I’m excited to share my Cranberry Ginger Finger Gelatin recipe and a bit about the Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classroom experience my youngest son and I enjoyed. Over the years of food blogging I’ve had the pleasure of … Read more