We saw a rugby match and a cricket match soon after arriving in Cape Town. Those sports are uncommon in the US, so it was fun to compare them to familiar games—rugby felt “kind of football” and cricket “kind of baseball.” Since then I’ve learned both sports well and appreciate how different they are from … Read more

These are hands-down the most moist and scrumptious healthy apple muffins you’ll find. Made with almond and oat flour, apples, applesauce, and maple syrup, they’re naturally lower in sugar but you wouldn’t know it from the flavor. Bonus: oil-free, gluten-free, and adored by both kids and adults—my family polished off a batch in two days. … Read more

Eggroll-in-a-Bowl on the Blackstone Griddle is an ideal weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and easy to make. I love recipes that require minimal prep—walk in the door, fire up the griddle, and dinner is ready in no time. If you don’t yet own a Blackstone or are considering one, I highly recommend getting one. I use … Read more

Trying to calm an upset child can feel impossible—at least that was my experience. When one of my daughters gets upset, she gets very upset. All the drama and intensity of a grown poet seems packed into a tiny five‑year‑old body. She sobs, screams, and shakes. Her whole body tenses as she struggles to contain … Read more

This beet carpaccio is a nutrient-packed salad: vitamins and antioxidants from beets, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, fiber from chia and nuts — all combined into a light, elegant dish. We went through a few rough weeks in the kitchen recently — lots of experiments that didn’t work out. The upside of cooking … Read more

No cheese allowed if you’re on Whole30! MONDAY We have a few extra kids coming over before their first Young Life meeting tonight, so I’m making a big batch of weeknight chili and setting out all the fixings: grated cheese, sour cream and cornbread. If you’re doing Whole30, reserve a portion of the chili before … Read more

This Dutch oven shredded chicken recipe yields juicy, tender pulled chicken in about 30 minutes on the stovetop — no slow cooker or oven required. A cast iron Dutch oven traps steam and moisture, so the chicken cooks quickly in savory broth and becomes fork‑tender. I prefer this method because it doesn’t heat up the … Read more

This recipe for Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy and flavorful way to elevate chicken breasts using just a few pantry staples. If you need reliable weeknight dinners, this Parmesan-crusted chicken joins favorites like Easy Ranch Chicken and Crockpot Pork Chops. It’s quick to prepare, bakes in about 20 minutes, and turns a simple … Read more

Easy, no-bake Raspberry Coconut Cereal Treats — a wholesome snack or dessert that’s gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. I’ve always liked Valentine’s Day — all the pink and red hearts feel like sprinkles for the soul. A day set aside to celebrate people we love is a good excuse to make something … Read more