Hi Reader, I'm super excited for the Fourth of July. We're going to a barbecue, so I'm going to bring a side...and probably something extra because that's how I am. 😉 I'm not sure which dish(es) I'll bring yet though -- I'm so torn! There are too many great options. For me, the side dishes steal the show. Potato and pasta salads, slaws, corn on the cob and cornbread muffins can definitely steal the show, and if you're like me, you're always on the lookout for exciting new recipes. I'm sharing...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm in disbelief that we're over halfway through June already! I've had summer desserts on my mind A LOT lately (I've been especially craving fruit crisp!), so I thought I'd round up a collection of Fourth of July dessert ideas. They're all festive, they feed a crowd, and they can be made in advance. And there's no reason why you have to wait until the Fourth to make these. It's summer after all and these recipes make the most of it. :) Before we get to those, I've got a new recipe...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, We were in California visiting family for a week, and when we returned to Boise it was 90 degrees. The temps have only gone up since then, and we have a VERY active German Shepard named Uzi. Since it’s so hot, he gets to do his favorite thing in life more than usual. He loves playing in the river with the biggest sticks he can find. He wrestles with them, growls at them, chews the bark off, and runs back and forth along the bank until we finally force him to leave. At least he gets...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, One of my fondest memories of my dad was sitting in his lap while he read me bedtime stories. I'll never forget his deep voice reading "animal crackers and cocoa to drink, this is the finest of suppers I think" from one of my favorite books. It's funny how the small things stick with us like that. I got to celebrate Father's Day early with my dad this past week when I visited home. Typically we have a barbecue with family as we hate going out for big holidays. There's something...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I've been getting so many questions about almond flour lately – seems like everyone's curious about this popular baking swap! I totally get it. When I first started experimenting with almond flour a few years ago, I had some epic fails (think dense, crumbly muffins that could double as hockey pucks 😅). But here's the thing: almond flour can create some absolutely delicious baked goods when you know how to work with it. The pros? It's naturally gluten-free, adds wonderful moisture...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, The photo above was an Insalata Mista, or mixed salad, that I enjoyed at a restaurant in Rome when I visited last year. It blew my mind how amazing it was with such simple ingredients. They were extremely fresh and full of flavor, however, which is what made them so special. I ordered these salads every day while I was there. Each one was a little different, but I loved them all. I knew I had to create my own version to share with you (see below). I hope you love it as much as I...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, The photo above is from a farmer’s market that I strolled through when I was visiting Italy last year. The fruits and veggies were so fresh and vibrant. I wanted nothing more than to buy an abundance of it and prepare some meals, but sadly I didn’t have a kitchen where I was staying. :( When I’m back home, however, it’s all about buying what’s in season, whether it’s from the farmer’s market or my local grocery store. The prices are more affordable and the food is fresher,...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm thoroughly enjoying my walks along the Boise River greenbelt these days. It's been so sunny and warm! Aside from that, I can't wait to hit up my local farmer's market this Saturday for some gorgeous produce. It's too soon to find rhubarb here, but I literally can't wait to get my hands on some. I can't wait to bake a strawberry rhubarb pie or crisp! May is such an exciting month for fresh produce! I've put together a comprehensive guide to what's in season this month, along...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Mother's Day is coming soon, so I thought it would be fun to share a photo of my boys and I on Mother's Day from 2007. We were at my grandmother's house to celebrate the day with my family, and my boys had made me heart shaped pins that I'm wearing. Their handmade gifts at school were always my favorite! My boys are 23 and 21 now, and I'm very proud of the men they've become. I was a stay-at-home mom, and I wouldn't trade those years with them for anything. They grew up too fast,...
2 months ago • 1 min read