I still remember the first backyard cookout I ever hosted – it was a sweltering summer day and I needed a side dish that could handle the heat, feed a crowd, and please picky eaters. I whipped up a bowl of macaroni salad using what I had on hand, and it ended up being the … Read more
I made these spicy chili garlic soy-marinated jammy eggs one afternoon after craving something savory and satisfying that I could enjoy straight from the fridge. I had a few soft-boiled eggs already prepped and with a quick homemade marinade full of heat and umami, the result was bold, punchy, and completely addictive. From that day … Read more
I whipped up this shrimp and sausage with broccoli dish one night when I needed a fast dinner that still felt satisfying and hearty and I happened to have all the ingredients waiting in the fridge. The shrimp cooked in just a few minutes and the sausage added that deep smoky flavor that made it … Read more
When I think of spring birthdays, I always come back to the year I made this strawberries and cream birthday cake with whipped frosting for my daughter’s party and how her eyes lit up the moment she saw those fresh strawberry slices lined up on the frosting. I wanted something light and pretty and something … Read more
I still remember the first time I made this tuna noodle casserole on a rainy Tuesday evening after work because I had limited ingredients and little time so I just threw together what I had in the pantry and fridge. And as it turns out it was such a hit that it’s been in our … Read more
I created this coconut and pineapple birthday cake with toasted coconut one year for a tropical-themed celebration and I’ll never forget the moment everyone took their first bite and paused in delight. The flavor combination reminded us of sunshine and beach breezes and it brought such a fun and refreshing twist to the usual birthday … Read more
One summer afternoon I made this vanilla raspberry swirl birthday cake with cream cheese frosting for a garden party and the way the raspberry colors peeked through the layers had everyone gathering around before it was even sliced. I wanted something fruity and festive and something that would be light enough for the heat yet … Read more
The first time I made this lemon blueberry birthday cake with zesty lemon curd it was for a summer picnic birthday celebration and I still remember the moment I cut the first slice and the golden sponge layers revealed the vibrant blueberries and silky lemon curd inside. The cake drew everyone in with its fresh … Read more
I made this red velvet birthday cake with white chocolate ganache for my best friend’s milestone birthday and the moment I brought it to the table and saw the sparkle in her eyes I knew it had become something special. The cake was tall and dramatic and layered with that signature deep red crumb and … Read more
I first came up with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a lazy Sunday morning when I couldn’t decide between classic cinnamon rolls and a plate of warm French toast so I decided to combine the best of both. I tore up some ready-made rolls dipped them in a quick egg mixture and pan-toasted … Read more