A few days remain until Christmas and the New Year, and it feels like everything arrived all at once. I hadn’t quite expected the holidays: the busy shops, the menus to decide on, the last-minute runs to the market and the butcher. Have you ever been to a butcher a few days before Christmas? It’s … Read more

Winter, where have you been?! Last week we enjoyed near‑record highs close to 60°F. Today the temperature has plunged into the low 20s, snow is falling, and gusts reach nearly 35 mph. I’m delighted — there’s something invigorating about a proper winter storm after an unusually mild stretch. “The snow is snowing, the wind is … Read more

Zocalo Tacos, Elote Style Corn, and Black Beans. Brought to my office by Fooda. I’m lucky enough to work directly across the street from home, so I can go back for lunch most days. I can’t overstate how much I enjoy that convenience. I never have to pack a meal, I can cook whatever I … Read more

I realized my collection of cookie recipes was missing a classic: the sugar cookie. To fix that, I added these easy, no-fuss drop-style vanilla sugar cookies to the lineup. This one-bowl recipe yields about 10 large, soft and chewy cookies. It’s quick to make, uses straightforward ingredients, and is ideal when you want a simple, … Read more

Classic French profiteroles are choux pastry buns filled with vanilla ice cream and finished with a warm chocolate sauce — just like you’d find in a traditional French restaurant. The contrast of crisp, airy pastry with cold ice cream and glossy warm chocolate makes this dessert both light and indulgent, perfect for dinner parties, holidays, … Read more

With everything parents manage, wouldn’t it be valuable to know the single most important skill to pass along to our children? Is it academic achievement? No. Is it being organized? No. Is it speaking up for themselves or managing stress? Not primarily. While those skills matter, research and experience show that children who truly flourish … Read more

This Japanese salmon rice bowl is truly delicious. Layered with tender salmon, steamed sushi rice, sautéed zucchini, fresh and pickled ginger, and a simple miso-yuzu sauce, it makes a quick, satisfying Japanese-style dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Japanese salmon rice bowl shopping list White sushi rice (preferably organic) Rice vinegar Sugar Salt … Read more

These rich, buttery strawberry shortbread cookies are bursting with berry flavor. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated strawberry taste and a subtle natural pink hue. The dough comes together quickly and holds its shape while baking, making it ideal for cutout cookies. A simple powdered sugar glaze finishes them with sweet shine and optional freeze-dried strawberry garnish. … Read more

Vegan nachos are an ideal appetizer, game-day snack, or easy weeknight meal. This vegan nachos recipe is simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves having appetizers for dinner, and vegan nachos are one of their top requests. On weekends we often watch football, play games, and snack on healthier options, so this recipe … Read more

It’s been a peaceful weekend at our house. On Saturday I spent the morning writing at a coffee shop, then caught up with family and friends in the afternoon. It rained from the moment we woke up, but that didn’t keep us indoors. Eric and I shared breakfast and a time of scripture reading, then … Read more