Date and walnut cake is a classic loaf that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This version has a moist, tender crumb dotted with plump dates and crunchy walnuts. A thin spread of butter on a warm slice elevates the experience, but the cake is equally delightful on its own. There … Read more

Can you ever have too many chocolate chip cookie recipes? I don’t think so. If you’re a cookie lover, you should try a batch of these gluten-free walnut chocolate chip cookies right away. These bakery-style, thick cookies feature chewy edges, soft, pillowy centers and a delightful contrast between crunchy walnuts and gooey chocolate chips. A … Read more

Arugula Pesto recipe I recently completed a series of food features for Mindful Magazine, a project that has let me combine two of my passions: thoughtful food writing and recipe development. For these columns I focused on two vibrant vegetables—arugula and beets—creating simple, flavorful recipes that highlight their unique textures and colors. The goal was … Read more

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its fresh, wholesome ingredients, bold yet balanced flavors, and bright, colorful presentations. Ingredients like olives, lemons, tomatoes, parsley, oregano, olive oil and whole grains create simple dishes that are both nutritious and appealing to children and adults alike. These recipes highlight the region’s emphasis on vegetables, legumes, lean proteins and … Read more

Lemon sweet rolls are a citrus lover’s dream. These soft, pillowy rolls are made with a milk-bread dough, rolled with a bright lemon sugar filling, layered with sticky lemon curd, and finished with tangy lemon cream cheese frosting. They’re shaped and baked like classic cinnamon rolls, but filled with fresh lemon flavor instead of cinnamon. … Read more

If you haven’t finished—or haven’t even started—your holiday shopping, you might be rushing to find thoughtful, easy gifts. A soft throw blanket with a cute tag is an excellent choice for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates cozy comforts. Who doesn’t love a new, fuzzy, warm blanket? This year I made these simple blanket … Read more

Imagine your favorite late-night cheeseburger—loaded with all the classic toppings—now reimagined as a hearty pasta made with oversized elbow macaroni. Meet Cheeseburger Deluxe Pasta: rich, cheesy, and surprisingly simple to make at home. This one-pot recipe delivers all the flavors of a deluxe burger in pasta form. It’s cheesy, comforting, and fast enough for a … Read more

Entertaining should be fun, not a hassle. I completely agree — my favorite part of hosting is the food. Sometimes I stress over the menu. Alright, who am I kidding? I stress a lot. It’s not the cooking prep that bothers me (I try to make that as simple as possible); it’s deciding what to … Read more

This honey and cinnamon lip scrub is an easy, natural solution for chapped, dry lips. It smells wonderful, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and both exfoliates and moisturizes to help restore soft, healthy lips. Honey lip scrub If your lips are dry, cracked, or in need of some extra care, this cinnamon honey lip scrub is an … Read more

A few days ago a good friend asked me to share this Baileys ice cream recipe, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to publish it ahead of Valentine’s Day. Living in the southern hemisphere, where summer lingers and temperatures stay high, a cold, boozy ice cream is simply irresistible. Even if you live … Read more