Grilled cheese and tomato soup was my favorite rainy-day lunch growing up and now I still crave it whenever I need something warm and comforting. The way the cheese stretches with each bite and how it pairs so perfectly with the smooth tangy soup brings back memories of sitting by the window with a hot … Read more
Ginger molasses cookies remind me of winter afternoons when the house smelled like cinnamon and clove and the oven was the warmest place to be. The first time I made them I was just looking for something cozy and soft and I ended up with a batch so good I made them again the next … Read more
Double chocolate cookies were the recipe I turned to one rainy afternoon when I needed a little extra comfort and all I had were baking basics and three kinds of chocolate. I remember the first bite so clearly—crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center loaded with chocolate chips and chunks—it was like a brownie and a … Read more
Coconut macaroons were the sweet treat I made when I needed something impressive but incredibly easy and they quickly became a staple in my recipe box. I remember my first batch turning out golden on the outside and chewy on the inside and I knew right then that these little cookies were going to be … Read more
Mini meatloaf muffins were born out of a weeknight dinner panic when I wanted something hearty but didn’t have time for a full-size loaf to bake. I mixed up my usual meatloaf ingredients and popped them into a muffin pan just to speed things up—and I’ve never gone back since. They bake in half the … Read more
Baked chicken nuggets were one of the first recipes I ever made for my kids that they actually requested again and again so it quickly became a favorite in our weekly rotation. I still remember that afternoon when I decided to skip the drive-thru and whip up something quick from scratch and the reaction from … Read more
Mini pizza bagels were my childhood weekend favorite and now I make them for my own little crew whenever we need something fast, fun, and cheesy. The first time I made them from scratch I realized just how easy and customizable they were—and how quickly they disappeared from the plate. They’re the perfect snack or … Read more
M&M cookies were the first thing I ever baked for a bake sale, and I still remember how proud I felt walking in with a tray of colorful, melty treats. Everyone gravitated toward them because they just looked so cheerful and fun—and I’ve been making them ever since for everything from birthday parties to rainy … Read more
No-bake cheesecake became my go-to dessert when I needed something impressive without turning on the oven. I first made it for a summer dinner party when the heat was just too much for baking, and the silky chilled texture was a total hit with everyone. One slice led to another, and it quickly became a … Read more
Cheeseburger macaroni skillet meals were my go-to solution during my first year living on my own and learning to cook so I’ve held a soft spot for them ever since. I remember standing in my tiny kitchen with a single nonstick pan and a craving for something hearty and cheesy and after some trial and … Read more