This is the final week of this month’s Blogging Marathon. After this week I will be taking a short break from regular blogging to focus on a different project. I had planned to join the mega Blogging Marathon next month, but my schedule won’t allow me to commit right now. So after these three posts … Read more

New year, new soup — but still me. I love the “new year, new me” approach: reflecting, celebrating progress, and deciding what to improve. Lately I’ve been generous with my own encouragement. Last year I ran my first 5K, cultivated an urban garden, rescued Tilly, traded many hours of video gaming for reading, and put … Read more

Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark marilynpeight A simple, irresistible sweet-and-salty treat: crisp pretzels are layered with smooth chocolate and a quick homemade salted caramel, then finished with a chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt. This version of the caramel is easy to make without a thermometer and gives great flavor, though it sets … Read more

Peppermint Mocha Cake This Peppermint Mocha Cake combines rich chocolate layers flavored with coffee and a hint of peppermint, topped with a fluffy chocolate-peppermint frosting and a cloud of peppermint whipped cream. A light sprinkle of crushed candy canes finishes the cake with bright color and a crisp peppermint crunch. I developed this recipe inspired … Read more

If you want the kind of dish that disappears first at every BBQ, potluck, or summer picnic, this 5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad is your go-to. Bright, simple, and full of fresh flavor, it combines tender pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in classic zesty Italian dressing. This is a … Read more

These crispy baked Salt and Vinegar Wings are simple to prepare at home. A salty, tangy marinade gives the wings bold flavor—perfect for dinner, game day, or a casual snack. Happy 2022! After a short break, I’m back with a new favorite recipe. I stepped away for a bit to rest and recharge—between testing recipes, … Read more

This weekend Meghan performed in her ballet recital. The opening act moved across the stage to Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” and as I watched the older dancers, I remembered how certain I had been that she wouldn’t be dancing this year. Before her first recital last season, Tim and I seriously questioned whether … Read more

Recipe Overview Why you’ll love it: Steak kabobs are an easy, flavorful summer dinner—tender marinated beef sirloin paired with hearty vegetables, all grilled until juicy and caramelized. How long it takes: 25 minutes active, plus 3 hours to overnight marinating Equipment you’ll need: grill or grill pan, wooden or metal skewers Servings: 4 (about 8 kabobs) Pin … Read more

Coming off the holidays, many of us feel run down and eager to return to productive, healthy routines—only to find that colds and flu seem to spread quickly this time of year. If you’ve managed to avoid sickness so far, these practical strategies can help you stay well and maintain your energy as seasons change. … Read more

Have you heard of spiedies? I hadn’t until I came across a feature in an America’s Test Kitchen Best of 2010 issue. These simple, flavor-packed sandwiches are a regional favorite from upstate New York and are remarkably easy to prepare at home. Once you taste the marinated chicken and the tangy sauce, you’ll understand why … Read more