We woke to ten inches of snow last night — on March 22–23. I swung between frustration and gratitude. Frustration because it was late March and yesterday had been green and warm, and gratitude because a cold, snowy day is the perfect excuse to make comforting food. I’m a practical optimist, so I spent the … Read more

Creamy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken (also adaptable for the slow cooker or stovetop) delivers the familiar flavors of Buffalo wings without the mess. With just three main ingredients, you can have tender, shredded chicken in a creamy, garlicky, slightly spicy sauce in under an hour when using an Instant Pot. This crowd-pleasing, versatile dish freezes … Read more

This post is, in part, a reprint of my column that ran in the Record-Eagle on Thursday. What is it about sledding hills that brings out the Evel Knievel in children? My boys — who usually have a healthy sense of self-preservation — turn surprisingly reckless when they stand at the top of an ice-slick … Read more

Isn’t there a big sporting event this weekend? You may have heard chatter about it — the perfect excuse for friends, family, and plenty of finger food. If you’re hosting or heading to a gathering and want something quick, filling, and universally loved, Bubble Pizza fits the bill. What’s Bubble Pizza? Simply put: Pizza dough … Read more

Raise your hand if you think pizza is the perfect food. I have mine raised. Pizza is one of those universally loved dishes—when it’s done right. Too many people have written off pizza because they’ve encountered gummy crust, processed cheese, badly chosen toppings, or bland sauce. The truth is a great pizza starts with simple, … Read more

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved cucumbers — cold, crunchy, refreshing cucumbers. I enjoy them in many preparations, but I didn’t always feel the same about raw onions. I can still recall the first time I realized I actually liked onions: my mother made a summer salad of cucumbers, raw onions, and … Read more

I’m sure you know the “last meal” question: what would you choose if you knew it was your final meal? For me, Plié au Chocolat — literally “Chocolate Folds” — would be on that list. It’s a modest-looking pastry in the grand tradition of French baking, but don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance. The … Read more

Weekly Meal Plan — Week 18: Ten great bloggers bring you a full week of recipes including dinners, sides, and desserts. “What’s for dinner?” is a question many of us hear every day. To take the stress out of nightly planning, this week’s meal plan offers a variety of easy, family-friendly recipes: entrées, sides, a … Read more

Claussen pickles are the ultimate crunchy, salty kosher dill—easy to make at home and even better than the store-bought version. These half-sour, refrigerated pickles are garlicky, crisp, and require no special equipment or canning experience. I’ve always preferred savory snacks to sweet, and when the weather gets stifling there’s nothing more refreshing than an icy-cold, … Read more

Hot Bacon Vinaigrette Dressing is the sort of dressing that converts even the most skeptical salad eaters. It’s spectacular when poured hot over roasted Brussels sprouts or warmed and drizzled over a spinach salad, and it’s equally delicious at room temperature on a tossed romaine or leaf lettuce salad with your favorite toppings. This classic … Read more