Hi Reader, Six years ago today, my father passed away from brain cancer. It rocked our family, and it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. For a few years, I didn’t really know what to do with this day. I would mostly relive those last few days: my family all racing across Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois to get there in time once we knew it was the end. My siblings doing the same from Portland, San Francisco, and Chicago. Spending the last few days holding his (and...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I love chicken piccata as much as the next person, but sometimes I just do not feel like dealing with chicken breasts. The pounding, the dredging, the hoping they don’t turn dry before dinner hits the table. So I turned it into meatballs instead. And let me tell you - I may like this version even better. Pin this for later! You can grab the full Chicken Piccata Meatballs recipe here, but let me tell you why I’m obsessed. These Chicken Piccata Meatballs have all the good stuff:...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, So summer is well on its way (how is it April already??) and if you're like me, you might be starting to crave meals that feel a little lighter, a little fresher, and a little more protein-packed. Over the past few weeks, I've been really trying to increase my protein, cut back a bit on carbs, and find easy dinners that check three boxes: They have a solid protein count without being too heavy. They're something I can feed my family without complaints. They don't take forever, but...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, So here's something I did not plan: we now make meatloaf in this house specifically so we can have the sandwiches the next day. Not the meatloaf itself. The sandwiches. My family has gamed the system and I am fully on board. It started the way most good recipes do. I had leftover meatloaf, it was dinnertime again, and reheating a plate of it for the third night in a row wasn't happening. So I sliced it cold, seared it in butter until the edges got a little crispy, melted cheddar...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, How is it already April? It feels like this year is moving at warp speed, and I swear I just took down the Christmas decorations. If you’re feeling like life is rushing by and Easter totally crept up on you, you’re in good company. I’ve had plenty of holidays where I’m pulling a menu together at the last minute and just hoping it all works out. So I put together an easy Easter meal plan that still feels special, but won’t have you running all over town or stuck in the kitchen all...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, The past few weeks around here have been go, go, go. Between work travel, nonstop kids’ activities, and the usual everyday chaos, it’s felt like I’ve been running straight from one thing to the next. Lately, I’ve also been feeling how quickly time is moving. My boys are both teenagers now, and sometimes it feels like the years are flying by faster than I’m ready for. Every now and then, I find that the best way to slow everything down is something simple, like a meal that takes its...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm planning my recipes for the rest of the year, and I'd love your input! What kinds of recipes would you like to see more of in 2026?Quick weeknight dinners? Cozy comfort meals? Family-friendly breakfasts? Easy, delicious dinners you can get on the table FAST? Something sweet for dessert? Your feedback helps me create recipes that are actually useful for your real life, whether that’s fast meals for busy nights, make-ahead options for meal prep, or something fun to cook on the...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Late winter always keeps us guessing — warm, sunny days followed by chilly nights here in Colorado. But whether you're enjoying a hint of spring or still digging out from a snowstorm (hello, New York!), soup is one of those meals that always hits the spot. These cozy recipes are perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day, and will keep you going strong until we start to see those first signs of warmer weather springing up. These are my favorite end-of-winter soups to enjoy...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Every now and then, a recipe becomes more than just something we eat; it becomes a memory. These Cinnamon Sugar Heart Pretzels have been one of those recipes for our family for years. My kids love rolling and shaping the dough, and there’s nothing better than pulling these soft, buttery, cinnamon-sugar pretzels out of the oven and eating them warm. Shape them into hearts for a sweet Valentine’s treat, or keep things simple and cut the dough into bite-sized pretzel nuggets. However...
4 months ago • 1 min read