*This contest has ended. Thank you to everyone who entered — please stay and explore the blog. Winner Announcement Congratulations to Becky Nichols! I hope you enjoy many pleasant afternoons cooking from this cookbook.   It’s hard to believe a full year has gone by. Reaching over 100,000 views on the blog and more … Read more

Grilled Filet Mignon is straightforward to make at home when you follow a few simple steps. The result is a tender, juicy steak with a flavorful sear that rivals restaurant quality. Filet mignon is cut from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin. Because of its tenderness and mild flavor, it tends to be pricier … Read more

Early June is a great time to harvest and dry overwintered oregano, thyme and other hardy perennial herbs. Harvesting now captures the plants’ fresh flavors before summer growth dilutes essential oils. Two Methods for Air Drying Herbs LINE DRYING LAYING ON A SCREEN Bundles of oregano drying on one of my herb lines. Line drying … Read more

If you love cheesecake and Oreos, these Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Cookies are for you. This recipe blends the tangy creaminess of cheesecake with crushed Oreos and pockets of white chocolate for soft, chewy cookies with plenty of crunch in every bite. They keep well in the fridge, making them ideal for parties, packed lunches, … Read more

Hungry but not in the mood for a long kitchen production? These 25 easy ground beef recipes make dinnertime realistic and stress-free. Designed for people who prefer eating to elaborate prep, these dishes keep things simple, practical, and delicious. With options for busy weeknights, slow-cooker evenings, and quick skillet meals, this collection proves you can … Read more

Indo-Chinese Vegan Chilli Chicken Soycurls is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner. Chewy, marinated soy curls tossed in a bright ginger-garlic-green chili sauce make a perfect plant-based takeout substitute. This recipe uses a simple homemade green chili paste and can be made gluten-free with tamari. Nut-free option as written. This is a lighter, spicier take on … Read more

If you’re hunting for the best chocolate cake recipe, this is the one to try. Our “Perfect Chocolate Cake” is a treasured adaptation of a recipe shared years ago by a dear friend. It remains our most-requested cake from family and friends. The cake bakes up moist and dense, and the frosting is a rich, … Read more

Do you have a favorite go-to meal? This is one of mine: Tom Kha Gai — coconut chicken soup. It’s rich, tangy, and impossibly comforting. Disclaimer: Some products mentioned were available through retailers I shopped with; I mention them because I found them useful when preparing this recipe. For years I hunted for the best … Read more

Juicy, tender ribeye steak served with a rich, creamy lemon Parmesan sauce—simple to prepare and perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner. Steak with Lemon Parmesan Cream Sauce Author: April Boller Wright This ribeye steak recipe combines a beautifully seared steak with a luxurious, cheesy lemon Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce is creamy and rich, … Read more

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a bright, zesty breakfast treat that pairs tangy lemon with the delicate crunch of poppy seeds. These muffins are light, tender, and easy to prepare. They’re finished with a sparkling coarse sugar top and a simple lemon glaze that adds extra citrus brightness. Follow these straightforward tips and the recipe … Read more