I’ve had the house to myself all week, which has meant catching up with friends, eating an unhealthy number of salads, and watching TV I already enjoy — at least I don’t have to share the couch. Although it’s cooled down a bit outside my apartment, inside it feels like a furnace. Installing the air-conditioning … Read more

Chocolate and strawberries are a classic pairing, and this chocolate strawberry cake brings them together beautifully. Layers of moist, rich chocolate cake are filled with bright strawberry jam and finished with a silky homemade chocolate buttercream. It’s one of my go-to desserts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, showers, or any time I want an impressive yet … Read more

Learn how to clean cauliflower properly for the best flavor, safety, and nutrition. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable used in many dishes, but it needs a few simple prepping steps before cooking or eating raw. Cauliflower is an adaptable vegetable that can be roasted, steamed, boiled, blanched, or eaten raw. Cleaning it correctly removes dirt … Read more

Time is our most precious resource and one over which we have no control. It follows its own course, and we can only respond to its passage. Time – He’s waiting in the wings He speaks of senseless things His script is you and me boys.David Bowie ‘Time’ That opening may sound heavy for the … Read more

Here’s one of my favorite Chinese takeout classics: sesame chicken. The chicken is double-fried for extra crispiness, then coated in a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce. Seasoning the chicken This sesame chicken is flavorful because both the chicken and the sauce are well seasoned. To season the chicken you’ll need: salt and pepper garlic cloves, crushed into … Read more

These easy Cajun Shrimp and Grits are the ultimate Southern comfort food: plump, juicy shrimp tossed in bold Cajun spices and simmered in a rich, buttery sauce, all served on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits. The dish balances smoky, garlicky heat with silky grits for a spicy, satisfying meal that feels special but comes … Read more

Ready in under 45 minutes, this cheesy keto ground beef pepper skillet is a fast, satisfying, and low-carb weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor. This one-skillet dinner comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s hearty, full of vegetables, and generously cheesy — an easy go-to when you want something comforting without a … Read more

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin with whole garlic bulbs—one or several, depending on how much roasted garlic you want. Slice the top off each bulb to expose the individual cloves, but leave the bulb intact so the cloves stay together while cooking. Place the prepared bulbs cut side up on a sheet of … Read more

Albondigas – an easy version of the authentic Mexican meatball soup. I first learned about Albondigas, the Mexican meatball soup, from the romantic comedy “Fools Rush In.” In a scene where Matthew Perry’s Alex and Salma Hayek’s Isabel sit together above the canyon, Isabel mentions her grandmother’s famous albondigas. The brief exchange captures how food … Read more

I’m excited to share this braised eggplant with ground lamb — a dish I made nearly a month ago and have been thinking about ever since. The recipe started from a craving for eggplant: I wanted it cooked until it was meltingly tender. Once that image was fixed in my head, the rest of the … Read more