I love to cook, and now that the holidays are behind us I’ve had time to prepare real meals again instead of relying on the microwave. Recently I made a cheesy chicken rotini that was a big hit at our house. It produced plenty of leftovers and reheats beautifully, which is always a plus. Recipe … Read more

Mexican hot chocolate blends smooth cocoa with warming cinnamon and a touch of cayenne for a spicy, comforting flavor combination. This profile has become increasingly popular in a range of foods and drinks — from mugs of hot chocolate to baked goods and even specialty beers — and it’s an engaging way to add depth … Read more

This year we enjoyed a small, cozy Thanksgiving—just the four of us. It was the first time I prepared a full home-cooked Thanksgiving for my children and my very first time roasting an entire turkey. Last year we skipped cooking because Sweet Pea arrived around the holiday, so this felt extra special. We filled the … Read more

This is not your ordinary mashed cauliflower. Rich and flavorful, this keto side dish combines a few simple, high-quality ingredients for a satisfying accompaniment to meat or light fish dishes. How to make this 5-Ingredient Mascarpone and Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Making this dish is quick and straightforward: cook the cauliflower, drain it well, blend with … Read more

This black bean chili is a hearty, high-fiber, protein-rich one-pot meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor — ideal for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, filling, and comforting. A flavorful high-protein, low-fat meal This black bean chili is cozy and nourishing. Simple pantry staples — black beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and … Read more

Fish Bowl Snow Cones — a playful and simple summer treat. These snow cones are so cute they might be illegal. You will need: Nostalgia Electrics Retro Snow Cone machine Berry Blue syrup (recipe below) Candy fish Toothpicks If you want a quick shortcut, use unfrozen Otter Pops. Simply snip off the top of a … Read more

Our friends from Portland stayed with us in Cape Town for two weeks last month, and we had an absolute blast. Despite it being winter, the weather cooperated for most of their visit and we packed our days with touristy adventures. One highlight was posing for a photo at the Cape of Good Hope sign: … Read more

For the past decade I’ve spent roughly a third of November in Jasper for Christmas in November at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It’s one of the highlights of my year: equal parts indulgent, cozy and endlessly fun. Imagine a grown-up sleepover camp with gorgeous cedar cabins, ironed sheets, and nonstop food, wine and cocktails. … Read more

Sweet pastry crust is a tender, slightly crumbly crust with a cookie-like texture rather than a traditional flaky pie crust. It’s quick to make—about five minutes of hands-on time if you use a food processor, plus a short pre-bake. Because the dough is delicate, it is also easy to make by hand; just avoid overworking … Read more

Strawberry Tres Leches is an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert made from a light, spongy cake soaked in a flavorful strawberry milk mixture. It’s finished with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a bright, refreshing treat perfect for warm-weather gatherings or any time you want a simple yet impressive dessert. If you enjoy traditional tres leches, … Read more