Tired of the canned version and ready to make your own cranberry sauce this year? This Easy Brandy Cranberry Sauce is simple to prepare yet layered with bright, complex flavors. Sweet and tangy with a subtle hint of brandy and fresh orange, this well-balanced sauce adds a lively zing to any holiday plate. Fresh cranberries … Read more

A large fruit platter is hard to beat for visual appeal: bright, colorful, and versatile when you use in-season produce. Add a simple, delicious dip and you have a perfect spread for gatherings and special occasions year-round. Fresh fruit platters are my go-to for brunches, birthday parties, barbecues, or an easy dessert. They’re crowd-pleasers, especially … Read more

French toast tastes like a stack of homemade pancakes without all the work. This version produces slices with a golden, crispy crust and a warm, tender center — perfect for using up day-old bread. Weekend mornings were made for French toast — or honestly any morning that calls for something comforting and simple. This recipe … Read more

My typical Thanksgiving planning strategy usually looks like me in a supermarket on Wednesday night, buying last-minute ingredients and pretending tequila shots are part of the process. If you’ve ever been in a supermarket the night before Thanksgiving, you know it’s chaotic. This year I decided to try something different: plan ahead. It felt risky, … Read more

Photos by Tom Pitera | Styling by Erika Pitera Mussels Steamed in White Wine and Garlic A generous bowl of steamed mussels in a white wine and garlic broth is an inviting way to start a meal with friends or family. Bright and simple, this Italian-inspired version is ready in about 30 minutes and has … Read more

Do you ever find a single overripe banana on the counter that no one wants to eat? I do. When that happens I ask, “What can I make with one banana?” The answer here is Banana Carrot Chocolate Chip Muffins. These muffins are an easy, kid-friendly after-school snack because they include both fruit and vegetables. … Read more

I needed a quick favor idea for a Star Wars party I was planning for my son. It was a bit last-minute and I had almost forgotten about party favors, so I had to think fast. Inspiration struck and I made these delightfully silly, quick-to-make Cookie Light Sabers. My son thought they were hilarious, which … Read more

These grilled chicken burrito bowls make an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a simple mix of spices, lime, and oil, then grilled until juicy and well seasoned. Assemble the bowls with rice, beans, and your preferred toppings for a customizable meal the whole family enjoys. Leftover grilled chicken works especially well … Read more

When the air turns crisp and pumpkin stands appear, I reach for this family-favorite recipe. I like making my own pumpkin puree and pumpkin butter, then roasting the seeds, but no matter how many pumpkins I use there never seem to be enough. What I always prepare in a big batch is this slow-cooker overnight … Read more

This creamy chipotle lime sauce is spicy, sweet, and tangy—great for grilled chicken, burrito bowls, fish tacos, or as a bright salad dressing. Keep the recipe handy for cookouts or to liven up weeknight meals. Homemade sauces let you control flavor and ingredients, and this creamy chipotle lime sauce is no exception. Store-bought versions often … Read more