Welcome to my favorite part of the season: summer Fridays! I always look forward to this stretch of lazy mornings, fresh food, and slow afternoons—the perfect time to savor local produce, try new recipes, and reset before the busy months ahead. EATING After vacation I often recreate dishes from our favorite spots. Two standouts I’m … Read more

I have a soft spot for cake balls. I especially love the classic oreo balls, but these cookie dough truffles might be my favorite holiday “cookie” ever—they’re basically cookie dough turned into bite-sized truffles. This dough is irresistible. Because there are no eggs in the mixture, it’s perfectly safe to sample straight from the bowl—though … Read more

Hi there. Are you tired of my banana obsession yet? Gah. So. I can remember exactly when I fell for banana desserts. When the Cheesecake Factory opened a location nearby years ago, my brother chose banana cream for his first slice. I was grossed out at first—banana in cheesecake? Fruit in cheesecake? Whyyyyyy? Then I … Read more

This Oreo chocolate cobbler is a chocoholic’s dream: a gooey skillet cake with a fudgy, brownie-like base, a light cake top and crushed Oreos throughout. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream for the best results. I’ve got the ultimate chocolate dessert for you. If you love chocolate, this one is made for you. It’s intensely … Read more

It’s the day after Christmas and time to revisit the recipes that didn’t work out this year. Some attempts were simply disasters, while others were teachable moments — all part of the process. The first big mishap wasn’t entirely my fault, but it stalled the whole weekend. A pan of brownies unexpectedly burst in the … Read more

Good morning, friends. Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday wishes yesterday! This post was created for the November culinary events at Kitchen Play. Kitchen Play brings together food bloggers and PR professionals through sponsored events like the Progressive Party, the SideCar Series and the Pampered Pantry. This month’s sponsor was Nestlé Kitchens, and … Read more

I made you this fish because I have a feeling somebody may have indulged in a few too many cookies yesterday. I just know these things — like I’m reading your mind or peeking through a window. Hi. But truthfully, I actually made this dish a few weeks ago before a beach trip. Still, I … Read more

If I could do one thing right now it would be to crawl inside these cheesy layers and take a nap. Last night at midnight we finally washed the new sheets and made our new king-sized bed. It feels like a miracle that we survived the last six years without one. The space is enormous, … Read more

This white chocolate lavender shortbread is a perfect slice-and-bake cookie — light yet rich and buttery, with a delicate floral note. A lovely choice for spring. New favorite cookie alert! These are not your everyday comfort cookies. They’re a refined treat you can serve with tea or a cocktail — elegant, springlike, and just a … Read more