I’ve been baking hot cross buns for Easter for nearly 30 years, but this year I wanted something different. While researching traditional Easter breads I discovered babka. It sounded perfect, so I looked for a genuine recipe — and quickly found there isn’t a single “true” version. Easter Babka Bread What Is Babka? Babka is … Read more

These savory palmiers are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer ideal for last-minute guests. Puff pastry sheets are spread with a creamy Dijon-mayo, layered with crumbled maple bacon and spicy cheddar, then baked until golden and brushed with maple syrup for a sweet-savory finish. These savory palmiers are made with store-bought puff pastry for convenience, which makes … Read more

Juicy, perfectly seared lamb chops topped with a bright, herb-forward mint pesto. The pesto cuts through the richness, making this dish simple, elegant, and suitable for special occasions or weeknight dinners. Lamb is a classic choice for holidays like Easter, but I love cooking it year-round. This recipe is inspired by family tradition—my uncle and … Read more

This easy recipe for Lotus Biscoff Brownies delivers fudgy chocolate brownies layered with smooth cookie butter and finished with chopped Lotus Biscoff cookies — a truly indulgent dessert any time of year. Lotus Biscoff biscuits (commonly called Biscoff cookies) have long been a favorite in the UK and have become increasingly popular across North America. … Read more

Our cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy, brings festive cupcake cheer — enjoy! Happy December! The house is feeling very holiday-like: the tree is decorated, Christmas music is playing, and my baking list is growing by the day. To kick off the season I combined a favorite cold-weather treat, hot chocolate, with classic peppermint … Read more

Have you cooked with kabocha before? Think of it as a richer, more flavorful cousin to pumpkin. This naturally sweet, nutty kabocha squash purée can substitute for canned pumpkin in any autumn recipe. Below is an easy method to roast a whole kabocha in the oven and turn it into smooth purée you can use … Read more

Smoked veggie goat cheese sliders — a delicious vegetarian or Meatless Monday recipe designed for a smoker or pellet grill. We aren’t vegetarians, but we loved these sliders. They work great as a casual dinner, an appetizer, or an elevated game-day snack. How to Make Smoked Veggie Goat Cheese Sliders Begin by selecting your vegetables. … Read more

Shopska salad is a classic Bulgarian cold starter that’s perfect on its own or served alongside grilled meats. Popular across the Balkans—in countries like Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Romania—this refreshing salad combines ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, green peppers, olives and onion, tossed with extra virgin olive oil, a splash of white wine vinegar (optional), plenty … Read more

This Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo is authentic, approachable, and easier to make at home than you might think. It’s mildly spicy, richly flavored, and surprisingly healthy for a comfort-food stew. Laissez les bons temps rouler! This is the real deal. Make and serve it right away for great results, but if you can wait … Read more

My mushroom gravy gets its deep, savory richness from cremini mushrooms cooked until they brown, deglazed with dry sherry, and finished with fresh thyme. It’s completely vegan yet tastes indulgent thanks to the combination of soy sauce and sherry. I make this every Thanksgiving and use leftovers all week over mashed potatoes. Cooking the mushrooms … Read more