Author: Kate K.

Dill Pickle Dip

Dill Pickle Dip

If you love pickles, this dip is for you. Creamy, tangy, and full of bold dill pickle flavor, this dill pickle dip comes together quickly and is perfect for easy entertaining. It pairs well with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and the pickle flavor shines Read More

Super Bowl Menu 2026

Super Bowl Menu 2026

Super Bowl Sunday at our house is all about good food, a relaxed afternoon, and enjoying the best parts of the game. This appetizer menu is built for grazing, sharing, and keeping things easy so no one misses a play, a commercial, or the halftime Read More

February 2026 Meal Plan

February 2026 Meal Plan

February is starting off a little busy around here, with a few sick people in the house and lots of cozy nights at home. When I asked for dinner ideas, the answer was immediate and unanimous. More pasta. Apparently pasta is the ultimate winter comfort Read More

Animal Cookie Rice Krispy Treats

Animal Cookie Rice Krispy Treats

These Animal Cookie Rice Krispy Treats are the kind of fun, no stress dessert that feels perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or just because. They have that classic gooey, buttery rice crispy base, but the nostalgic pink and white animal cookies with sprinkles take them Read More

Treat of the Week

Treat of the Week

In 2026, I’m starting a new baking series that’s all about enjoying a little sweetness along the way. Treat of the Week is a yearlong celebration of 52 weeks and 52 treats, from classic favorites to fun seasonal bakes. Each week I’ll be sharing a Read More

Cherry Vanilla Protein Ice Cream

Cherry Vanilla Protein Ice Cream

This Cherry Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is a deluxe Ninja Creami recipe that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a little extra protein. Creamy vanilla ice cream is swirled with sweet cherry flavor for a frozen treat that feels indulgent but fits into Read More

Baked Breakfast Skillet

Baked Breakfast Skillet

This baked breakfast skillet is everything you want in a cozy morning meal. Crispy bacon, seasoned hash browns, and perfectly baked eggs all come together in one pan for an easy, satisfying breakfast. It is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal Read More

January 2026 Meal Plan

January 2026 Meal Plan

After a busy holiday season, January calls for fresh flavors and simple structure. This month, I will highlight in-season produce and satisfying meals around 500 calories with at least 30 grams of protein, along with a few fun treats to make sticking to it feel Read More

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, you read that correctly. These truly are the ultimate chocolate chip cookies. Made with nutty browned butter, toasted walnut pieces, and a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate chunks, every bite is rich and deeply flavorful. A light sprinkle of Maldon sea salt finishes Read More

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad

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

Ginger Spice Cookies

Ginger Spice Cookies

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.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

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

Baked Ziti

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

Chicken Orzo Soup

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

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Lunch Meal Prep

Lunch Meal Prep

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

December 2025 Meal Plan

December 2025 Meal Plan

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

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

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

Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole

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

Tex-Mex Chili

Tex-Mex Chili

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 2025 Meal Plan

November 2025 Meal Plan

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

Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef

Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef

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

Peanut Butter Date Cookies

Peanut Butter Date Cookies

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

Lemon Shrimp Orzo

Lemon Shrimp Orzo

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

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts

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

Weeknight Bolognese

Weeknight Bolognese

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

Pork Ragu Sauce

Pork Ragu Sauce

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

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake

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

Steak Salad Meal Prep

Steak Salad Meal Prep

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