Some of my favorite holiday gifts are the ones you can eat. If you want something thoughtful, homemade, and practical, these break-and-bake Christmas cookie dough packs are ideal. They’re simple to prepare, easy to share, and look festive on a kitchen counter or gift table. To make the gift, press the cookie dough into a … Read more

You can never have too many slow cooker recipes. These 6 dump-and-go slow cooker meals make it simple to plan dinners for the week this summer. Each recipe is designed to require minimal prep—add the ingredients, set the cooker, and enjoy a flavorful meal with very little effort. Dump-and-go crockpot meals are perfect when you … Read more

Who needs an ice cream machine when you can make silky, creamy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at home using just a few pantry staples? This recipe blends a simple vanilla no‑churn base with mini chocolate chips and safe-to-eat cookie dough pieces for a truly irresistible treat. What’s better than chocolate chip cookie dough … Read more

This creamy cucumber tomato salad is simple to prepare with just seven basic ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes. A mayonnaise-based dressing lightened with a touch of plain Greek yogurt gives this salad a creamy, tangy finish while letting the fresh summer produce shine — an ideal side for barbecues and warm-weather meals. … Read more

Cookbook Reading One of my goals for 2023 was to read more, and it’s become a pleasant challenge. At the end of a long day, I don’t always reach for a book, so I made a conscious choice to prioritize books I actually enjoy—thrillers and accessible non-fiction—rather than forcing myself through dense classics. Not that … Read more

Pumpkin muffins made with Mott’s applesauce are a wonderful way to start the day. A small dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center evokes my favorite pumpkin roll flavor without the extra calories. This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mott’s® Applesauce. All opinions are my own. Every year as the weather cools, … Read more

These banana breakfast recipes are simple to make and highlight banana as the main ingredient. Bananas are a classic breakfast fruit, but there are many more delicious ways to enjoy them than eating them plain. This collection includes familiar morning favorites—muffins, pancakes, oats and more—along with a few creative twists to refresh your routine. Each … Read more

It’s Labor Day weekend! I know it’s been a while since my last post — I’ve had my head buried in textbooks. Last month I began full-time studies in Occupational Therapy. It’s an exciting career path and I’m genuinely thrilled, but it comes with a heavy course load. I’m enrolled in 17 credit hours while … Read more

I enjoy making this avocado chocolate pudding because it uses just five wholesome ingredients—dark chocolate, coconut milk, avocado, honey, and cocoa—but yields a rich, velvety dessert. The process is simple: melt the chocolate, blend everything together, chill, and you have a Paleo-friendly pudding packed with antioxidants. I make this pudding for special occasions and for … Read more

This soft, light Strawberry Velvet Cake has a fine crumb, velvety texture, and delightful strawberry flavor. Moist cake layers are filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then finished with a cream cheese frosting. This recipe produces a tender, elegant cake you’ll want to make again. We’ve made a variety of velvet cakes over the … Read more