If you crave something sweet but simple and wholesome, this healthy baked apple for one is an ideal single-serve dessert. A large, crisp apple is cored and filled with a lightly spiced mixture of oats, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then baked until tender. The result is a warm, naturally sweet treat that’s delicious … Read more

My Rigatoni Bolognese is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a date night or a cozy dinner at home. It features a rich, slow-simmered homemade bolognese sauce tossed with al dente rigatoni, finished with fresh basil, freshly grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Bolognese requires little hands-on work but benefits … Read more

The best garlic mashed red potatoes are luxuriously creamy and comforting, thanks to fresh garlic, thyme, butter, and heavy cream. These mashed potatoes keep the skins on for color and texture, striking a balance between simple and flavorful. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe produces restaurant-quality mashed potatoes … Read more

This Cajun seasoning blends aromatic herbs and spices into a versatile, shelf-stable mix. It adds bright, smoky, and savory notes to seafood, chicken, soups, roasted vegetables and more. Make a batch in minutes and keep it on the shelf for months. I prefer making my own spice blends because store-bought mixes often include sugar, anti-caking … Read more

Whole Wheat Apple Brown Betty — A Lighter Comfort Dessert Some weekend mornings I slip away to my in-laws’ basement to run on the treadmill before anyone else is awake. Aside from getting my workout done, I get an unexpected pleasure: back-to-back episodes of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. I’m not devoted to … Read more

Lightly sweet and intensely chocolatey, Thomas Keller’s rich cocoa brownies (from Ad Hoc) are an indulgent treat that balances deep cocoa flavor with a tender, grown-up crumb. I have to admit: I’m hooked on Thomas Keller recipes. Not long ago I shared his roasted chicken method, and now I find myself coming back to one … Read more

How to Involve Kids at the Grocery Store Taking your children to the grocery store is a great opportunity to teach real-life skills, encourage healthy eating, and make shopping a cooperative family activity. With a few simple strategies, you can turn the trip into a learning experience rather than a chore. Below are practical, age-appropriate … Read more

Make Easy Mashed Red Skinned Potatoes with simple ingredients in about 30 minutes. This quick, creamy side dish works well for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with roasted meats and holiday meals. Mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements many main dishes, from barbeque chicken and baked pork chops to roasted or Dutch oven … Read more

Learn how to make the best vegan cheesecake ever. Light, creamy and smooth with no dairy or nuts. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a high‑powered blender. With over 150 5-star ratings, this has become one of my most popular recipes. I’ve also developed flavored variations like Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake and Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake … Read more

I am still adjusting to leaving Oregon. After more than a decade in Portland, moving to the Bay Area two months ago has been a mixture of excitement and quiet homesickness. California is wonderful—sunny days, dramatic coastline, and warm weather—but this time of year I find myself missing the rhythm of an Oregon autumn: slowing … Read more