I recently returned from a visit to Iowa to see my daughter Allie and her family. Watching the grandbabies play is one of my favorite pastimes. While there we enjoyed the region’s hearty food—plenty of beef and pork in farm country—and one dinner in particular inspired this Instant Pot beef chili recipe. The chili I … Read more

Hello everyone! I’m guest posting today over at The Leftover Queen, where I share a simple recipe and background for a traditional Greek sweet snack called pasteli. This treat is made from sesame seeds bound together with honey or syrup, creating a chewy, naturally sweet bar that’s been enjoyed in Greece for centuries. In my … Read more

Before you read on, start pitting cherries now. Use a cherry pitter like the one shown in the image. It’s a specialty tool I don’t usually recommend, but it’s worth the small cost. One warning: after pitting a bag of cherries, your kitchen will look like a crime scene. Have you started? Good — now … Read more

Today I’m sharing a simple, healthy Instant Pot recipe from Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre. This Black-Eyed Pea Curry with Spinach is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners. I love Urvashi’s cookbook because she includes spice blend recipes and practical recommendations—spices make all the difference in Indian cooking. The recipe … Read more

These crispy sweet potato falafels are full of fresh herbs and simple to prepare. Make them with canned or soaked dried chickpeas and cook in the oven or air fryer for a crunchy, gluten-free, nutrient-packed addition to any meal. Sweet potatoes are a family favorite, and these falafels have become a go-to dinner. They deliver … Read more

This Smartie cookie recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile. They’re colourful, simple to make and deliver a satisfying crunch with bursts of chocolatey Smartie goodness throughout. The cookies bake up crisp at the edges and chewy in the centre — a balance many bakers look for in a classic cookie. Share a batch to … Read more

On the 28th day I finished the tragacanth piece. All the sections I had cut a week earlier were now hard and ready to be sanded. The next step was to assemble the pieces and bond them with royal icing. I had left my pieces white, so I also painted them after they were secured. … Read more

Sheet pan bourekas are an easy way to wow a crowd. These meat bourekas with delicious Middle Eastern flavor will not disappoint! I have a soft spot for dishes made with puff pastry — they always impress with both flavor and presentation. With Purim approaching, many of us want recipes that are simple to make, … Read more

Cranberry Brie Bites are an eye-catching appetizer that pairs creamy brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a perfect sweet-and-savory bite. They bake quickly—about 12–15 minutes—so they’re easy to prepare for holiday gatherings or impromptu entertaining. Serve them with crackers and other small bites for a memorable appetizer spread. Look at that flaky crust. These are … Read more

Granola cookies are thick, soft, buttery treats with crisp edges and chewy centers. Crunchy granola and sweet mini chocolate chips are folded into the dough for texture and flavor. This granola cookie recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and easily customizable. Why Should You Make This Recipe If you love soft, chewy cookies with a … Read more