This homemade Caesar salad is inspired by a favorite local steak house we have been visiting for over 30 years. It is the salad we order every single time, and recreating it at home has become one of our favorite traditions. Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, Read More
The perfect Christmas cookie! These ginger spice cookies are warm, chewy, and full of cozy holiday flavor. Rich molasses and classic spices create a soft, tender cookie that’s finished with a drizzle of white chocolate and festive sprinkles for the perfect sweet touch.
These easy cinnamon rolls are one of those recipes that make any morning feel a little more special. They are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar, then topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. I love this recipe because it is Read More
Baked ziti is one of those classic comfort meals that everyone is happy to see on the table. This version is hearty and flavorful with sausage, ground beef, plenty of cheese, and fresh basil stirred in at the end. It is the kind of dinner Read More
Chicken Orzo Soup with lemon, leeks, and dill has become one of those simple, cozy meals we make all season long. It has the comfort of classic chicken soup but with bright citrus and fresh herbs that make it feel lighter. The leeks add a Read More
This Carrot Cake is one of my longtime go to recipes, the one I reach for when I want something classic, cozy, and always delicious. It is packed with finely shredded carrots, chopped pecans, and sweet golden raisins, which give the cake great texture and Read More
This Cream Cheese Frosting is a recipe I have been making for more than 25 years, and it is still the one I reach for every time. It is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet with that classic tangy flavor. I especially love it on my Read More
My lunches have to be prepped ahead of time, so I plan them based on how much time I have to get things ready. I usually prep on Sundays, but when that does not happen, I still make sure I have easy backup options. One Read More
With only 3 weeks of work left in the year and the Christmas Holiday to cook for, we are keeping the weeknight meals super simple this month. Follow along as I add to the December Meal Plan. Bulk in season fruit I picked up at Read More
Whenever we vacation on the coast, our Sunday routine always includes a stop at the farmers market. It is one of our favorite parts of the trip. We wander through the booths, pick up local fruit, and always grab a loaf of the Cranberry Orange Read More
This simple Fire Roasted Chili Corn Casserole is a warm and comforting side dish that brings big flavor with very little effort. Fire roasted chiles add a hint of smokiness, while sweet corn creates the perfect balance of texture and taste. Everything comes together in Read More
This Tex Mex Homemade Chili is hearty, bold, and packed with layers of flavor. A mix of sausage and ground beef creates a rich and meaty base, while a generous blend of spices brings warmth and depth to every bite. BBQ beans add a hint Read More
November feels like a mix of still-hot-as-summer heat and early sunsets, and with our schedules busier than ever, I’m keeping dinner simple. This month’s meal plan is full of easy, homey recipes that come together fast but still feel special at the end of a Read More
There’s nothing better than coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef. This easy recipe takes just minutes to prep, then your slow cooker does the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, smoky, and tender dish packed with bold flavor. The Read More
If you love the classic flavor of peanut butter cookies, this Peanut Butter Date Cookie takes it to the next level. These large, bakery-style cookies are packed with chopped peanuts for crunch and sweet, chewy dates for a touch of natural caramel-like flavor. The combination Read More
This Lemon Shrimp Orzo Pasta with Asparagus is a new family favorite in our home. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and tastes like something you’d get at a seaside café. Tender shrimp, bright lemon, fresh asparagus, and a sprinkle of parmesan create Read More
Fall mornings call for something a little special, and these baked apple cider donuts hit the spot. They are soft, spiced just right, and coated in that classic cinnamon sugar that makes every bite feel like autumn. The best part is there is no frying, Read More
Bolognese doesn’t have to be a weekend project. This version keeps things simple with ground beef and your favorite jarred sauce, so dinner comes together fast without giving up on flavor. Browning the beef builds a rich base, and once the sauce is stirred in, Read More
Some dinners just feel like they were made for slowing down, and this pork ragu is one of them. It starts with a simple tomato base, a splash of red wine, and simple dried herbs, then the magic happens with roasted garlic. That little extra Read More
This cake is for serious chocolate lovers. The batter gets a secret boost from espresso powder, which makes the chocolate flavor even deeper without tasting like coffee. It’s finished with a whipped salted dark chocolate ganache that feels rich and airy all at once, then Read More
This steak salad is proof that shortcuts can still taste amazing. Costco does the heavy lifting with tender pre-cooked steak and ready-to-eat beets, which means lunch comes together in minutes. Pile it all on fresh greens, add a little goat cheese, maybe some crunch with Read More
This pie is pure sunshine in a slice. Toasted coconut gives it that golden crunch, while the filling is all about silky pastry cream kissed with vanilla bean paste. Everything comes together in a flaky homemade crust that feels just the right amount of special. Read More
There’s something about a Sunday pot roast that just feels right. This version is simple, hearty, and wholesome, with all the flavor you want and none of the fuss. The magic starts with caramelized onions and a splash of red wine, then fresh herbs, potatoes, Read More
Week of Sep 28 – Oct 4 Fall is almost here in the Southern California desert, and I’m getting ready for soup season by simmering a batch of chicken stock this weekend with leftover veggies and last week’s chicken thighs. With another busy week of Read More
Homemade caramel sauce is the perfect topping for ice cream, cookies or a fun birthday cake. Easy to bring together in a few minutes and stores in the refrigerator nicely. We love having this on hand to elevate any simple dessert.
There’s nothing better than waking up on a weekend to warm pancakes, but measuring out flour, sugar, and baking powder before coffee? No thanks. That’s where this homemade pancake mix comes in handy. Mix up a big batch once, stash it in the pantry, and Read More
I never let a good roasted chicken carcass go to waste. Instead, I toss it into the slow cooker with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and seasoning, then cover it all with water. From there, it’s just a matter of letting it simmer away all Read More
Aug 24 – Aug 30 Pantry restock: Pancake Mix Sunday Supper: Simple Beef Enchiladas, Street Corn Salad, Beans & a Toasted Coconut Cream Pie Lunch Meal Prep: Beefy Protein Pasta, Tuna salad with protein chips. Weeknight Dinners: Curry Chicken Meatballs with roasted veggies, Shrimp Tacos Read More
This grilled chicken salad is fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It’s got juicy grilled chicken thighs for protein, kidney beans for a little extra fiber, and crisp bell peppers for that pop of color and crunch. Tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and topped Read More
These S’mores Cookies bring all the best parts of a campfire treat into one gooey, golden cookie. With chunks of graham cracker, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows baked right in, they’re sweet, nostalgic, and seriously hard to resist. No campfire needed, just your oven and Read More