Hallelujah! I finally discovered how to make whole wheat bread that’s soft and fluffy. It’s tender, springy, rises impressively, and is simple to make. This honey-scented whole wheat loaf has the right amount of salt so it doesn’t taste flat and a little secret that keeps the crust soft for days. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, … Read more

Graham’s S’mores Cookie Bars are a hybrid of chocolate chip cookie bars and classic s’mores, built on a layer of graham crackers and filled with Hershey’s chocolate and plenty of marshmallows. As the bars bake, marshmallows melt and sink into the graham cracker base, then cool to form a crisp, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully … Read more

This blackened salmon has a beautifully crisp edge and a juicy, tender center with bright chili-lime flavor. Quick and easy, it cooks in a single pan on the stove. The Mexican-inspired seasoning pairs perfectly with rice and beans — or top it with fresh mango salsa for a summery meal. My son Truman is obsessed … Read more

This fresh mango salsa is simple and serious about mango. No tomato, no bell pepper—just ripe mango highlighted by lime zest and juice (essential), jalapeño, cilantro, and red onion. It’s straightforward and addicting; I could eat a bowl of it any time. Summer is winding down, and I’m savoring every last sunny snack of the … Read more

Mexican black beans are incredibly flavorful and take just 15 minutes to prepare. They’re my go-to side for Mexican meals: a can of beans simmered with sautéed onion and garlic and seasoned just right. Simple to make, they taste like they simmered all day—perfect for busy weeknights. In summer we host casual “Taco Nights,” where … Read more

I’ve been obsessed with this salad for years. It’s a copycat of Mendocino Farms’ “Seasonal GOAT Salad”: a mix of greens and torn fresh mint, topped with orange segments, tender rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced fennel, pickled onions, and crushed honey-roasted almonds. A generous scoop of herbed goat cheese softens and melts into the salad, finished … Read more

You need a reliable Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe in your kitchen. It’s a versatile staple you’ll reach for again and again. My version is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet — excellent on salads and fantastic as a dip for raw vegetables or a simple accompaniment to a cheese board. Recently I’ve been amused by clips of … Read more

BBQ Chicken Bowls are my new go-to summer meal. They bring all the best flavors of a backyard cookout into one healthy, delicious bowl—grilled BBQ chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, baked beans, corn, crisp coleslaw, and a wedge of cornbread. Finish with BBQ sauce and ranch for the ultimate combo. These are perfect made from cookout … Read more

I grew up hating coleslaw, but I’m pretty sure I’d just never had a good one. This quick coleslaw is creamy, crunchy, and bright with lemon — a simple side you can toss together in about 10 minutes on a weeknight. It uses bagged angel-hair cabbage for minimal chopping and is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, … Read more

A Philly cheesesteak sparks debate: provolone or Cheese Whiz, peppers and mushrooms or not? Here I’ll show you how to make a fantastic sandwich featuring tender, perfectly seasoned ribeye, plenty of melty cheese, and a buttery toasted roll. Customize the toppings to your liking — this is a cheesesteak worth celebrating. One morning at breakfast … Read more