Degux - Delicious Recipes Made Simply

White Bean Tortellini Soup with Broiled Havarti Toasts

It’s officially soup season, and honestly, I’m all in.

I seriously need warm bowls of soup right now.

Case in point: yesterday I spent more than six hours reorganizing our deep pantry with those impossible-to-reach shelves only to step back and realize it looks exactly the same. I asked Eddie to take a peek and he agreed — yep, same mess. Utterly maddening. I wanted to yank everything out and leave the boxes on the floor forever. My new irrational plan is to turn the dining room into a walk-in pantry. Practical? Not at all. Perfect for my current feelings about food storage? Absolutely.

Our prayers have been answered: sheet pan gnocchi. This is my newest obsession. When I say obsession, I mean serious obsession. Why didn’t I think to roast gnocchi on a sheet pan before? The gnocchi gets lightly toasted, cherry tomatoes burst into sweet juice, and peppers and onions caramelize into pure flavor. I HAVE NO … Read more

Crispy BLT Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Now this is my kind of salad. Minimal greens, creamy cheese, crunchy croutons and bacon — I could eat one of these every day. I’ll admit I often order salads for the toppings. For a long time I would eat only the toppings and leave the lettuce behind. Lettuce can be pretty boring on its … Read more

48 Favorite Back-to-School Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights

Here are 48 of our favorite easy back-to-school dinners. Whether the kids are heading back to the classroom or your household is simply settling into a new routine, these quick, family-friendly meals make weeknights easier. Most are ready in about 30 minutes and are perfect for busy evenings.

It’s time to get back into the swing of things.

I love the fall — it always feels like the start of a fresh year. It’s my favorite season, and now the kids enjoy it too. Getting back into a predictable routine feels great and makes planning simple weeknight dinners a pleasure. Below are go-to recipes I often add to our weekly menu: reliable, tasty, and speedy.

These are dishes I return to year after year when I need reliable dinner inspiration. If you enjoy weekday cooking, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to rotate into your plans.

48 Back To School Dinners

Most days I crave something sweet. Okay, that’s an understatement. Every day I want sweets. My sweet tooth protests loudly if it doesn’t get what it wants. To keep my sanity, my husband, and my wardrobe intact, I opt for desserts that are lighter but still indulgent. After all, it’s still dessert. Enter sweet quesadillas. … Read more

Upcoming Events and Cooking Classes Near You

Hello! I’ve got a few updates to share. First — local cooking classes. I’ve been teaching at Crate all year and they’re a lot of fun, even if I occasionally make a mess of things. In a recent class I overcooked oven fries until they were nearly black and nearly set a blender on fire … Read more

2019 Holiday Baking Ideas: What Are You Baking This Season?

Oooh — it’s the most wonderful time of year! Here’s my 2019 holiday baking list, packed with favorite traditional cookies and a few twists on classics. I love sharing this list every year. It’s so fun to hear what you’re baking, learn about your family traditions, and find out which recipes you return to year … Read more

Hummingbird Cake Scones with Mascarpone Glaze Recipe

Hummingbird cake, now in scone form. Because these are scones and not cake, they’re absolutely acceptable for breakfast. Consider this your permission slip. They’re delicious: hummingbird scones finished with a silky mascarpone glaze. Perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, an afternoon coffee break, or a weekend treat. These scones pair beautifully with coffee — I’m partial … Read more

Vanilla Bean Bacon Almond Brittle Recipe

Um, major confession.

I made brittle and all of a sudden I feel like I’ve jumped into grandma territory. Somehow I went straight from being a mom to embracing the cozy, nostalgic energy of a grandmother.

Neither of my grandmothers ever made brittle, but the brittle I remember most came from Mother Lovett’s cabinet where she kept candy and treats. Her stash included gumdrops, old peanut butter cups, two-year-old Snickers bars and a hoard of salt water taffy we were forbidden to touch. That taffy could have been four to six years old and it was off-limits.

That was a different cabinet than the one holding fritos, pretzels and a bag of bright, tacky “party mix” — the kind with balloons and streamers on the package that felt deliciously retro. I would always pick through it, leaving the strangest things behind for everyone else.

It wouldn’t be December without serving up a warm, comforting bowl. I’m going to convince you that mascarpone polenta belongs on your dinner table tonight. No waiting. Just look at those short ribs. If this doesn’t scream comfort food, I don’t know what does. But first, let’s talk polenta. After my cousin Lacy texted about … Read more