This was my first time cooking scallops at home, and I was pleasantly surprised at how simple and rewarding it was. It reminded me of the first time I steamed mussels — straightforward and impressive. After attending a culinary demonstration and lunch at Raglan Road, Downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, I came away … Read more

This pizza dough is simple to make from scratch and takes less than an hour to prepare and rise. Top it with your favorite ingredients for a delicious homemade pizza night. The crust determines most of a pizza’s success. Great toppings help, but a poor crust undermines the whole pie. This post focuses on making … Read more

This baklava cake features a fluffy, moist chocolate cake baked directly over cinnamon-chocolate baklava layers, finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. Why you’ll love this chocolate baklava cake Rich, indulgent and distinct — a creative fusion of baklava and chocolate cake. It looks impressive but is straightforward to assemble when using store-bought phyllo sheets. The … Read more

Split pea soup has long been one of my favorite comfort meals: rich, hearty, and full of flavor, especially when simmered with a smoky ham hock or a leftover ham bone. Using an Instant Pot delivers that slow-cooked depth in a fraction of the time while producing tender split peas and a thick, satisfying texture. … Read more

I know it’s been a while since I posted a new recipe. I welcomed a baby this past summer and baking — let alone blogging — took a backseat. With help from family and the holidays approaching, I finally found time to bake cookies, including these charming sablés. The chocolate-and-vanilla cookies feature contrasting cutouts in … Read more

With families spending more time online for school, work, socializing, and gaming, protecting everyone from digital threats is essential. Safeguarding children from cyberbullying and unsuitable material, while protecting personal data from malware and scams, helps keep the whole household safe. Below are four practical, easy-to-follow areas of cybersecurity that will help you protect your family … Read more

Triple the cheese and incredibly decadent — you won’t believe this dish is actually lightened-up. Serve Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Bake with your favorite grain or a low-carb side for a complete, satisfying meal. Ingredients Gather the following: cooked chicken breasts (shredded or chopped; see notes below for quick cooking methods) 1 onion, diced … Read more

This microwave cauliflower is steamed until tender and then tossed with garlic, melted butter, and parmesan for a simple, flavorful side dish that complements almost any meal. Ready in about 10 minutes. Microwave Cauliflower If you enjoy cauliflower, this microwave method is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare it. Unlike roasted or … Read more

Skip the store and make your own homemade apple cider vinegar from kitchen scraps. It’s surprisingly simple to produce vinegar you can use for cleaning, hair care, skincare, cooking, and more. You only need three basic ingredients and a little patience. I use apple cider vinegar constantly in a sustainable, low-waste lifestyle. From recipes in … Read more