Make-Ahead Egg Muffins Recipe I thought these egg breakfast muffins would be a good way to sneak in a few extra servings of vegetables and protein for my family. I was right. These muffins are a big hit, and bonus: they’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian! I found myself grabbing one of these egg muffins here and there. And here and there. Before a workout, after a workout, with dinner, for breakfast, in school lunches....

Easy Christmas Cookie Bars Sugar cookies are such a classic holiday treat. But sometimes around the holidays I’m so busy I don’t even have time to bake cookies. Enter: a pan of Christmas cookie bars. I love making bars because they’re faster and easier than cookies, there’s no dough to chill, and no need to form individual cookies with a cookie scoop. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and you’re set....

comment icon 315 more comments It’s Monday and it’s back to blog go-time! Today I’m being a vegetarian with this Honey Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry and HELLO WORLD it tastes really superyummy. All last week I was vacationing on the most beautiful beach (pictures? tomorrow? same time same place? see you there.), and now that it’s Monday I have to be a real person again. Sad face. But being a real person does have some perks, and right now those perks include being in my own little snuggly kitchen again and eating things like honey, ginger, tofu, asparagus, carrots, and all the other veggie stir fry things without having to share and without any tofu mockery from my family....

But we also know that there are all sorts of wonderful little sneaks out there to up your plant game without it feeling like a chore, or changing the whole recipe, and sometimes without even noticing (oh hi, piles of spinach in your smoothies). Grillables, pizzas, pastas and everything in between, here are some secrets to get more veg without just eating a pile of veg, ya know? Tip #1: Lettuce Wraps Anyone?...

Fresh garlic is the starting point of countless savory recipes. From pasta sauces to soups, it’s always a good idea to keep a stash of garlic in the kitchen. Knowing how to peel fresh garlic will get you cooking in no time. Here are two ways to peel garlic quickly and easily. Watch How To Peel Garlic How To Peel Garlic: Crush Method Crushing garlic is quick and can be incorporated into your normal cooking prep seamlessly....

Easy Gingerbread Dessert Recipe I love all things molasses and ginger, but only when soft and chewy. Traditional rock hard, crack-a-tooth gingerbread cookies aren’t my thing. Plus, a rolling pin is usually involved with those so definitely not my thing. Enter: these bars. Soft, chewy, no rolling involved, and loaded with rich molasses and ginger flavor. There are also no eggs, which could be helpful if you need an egg-free holiday dessert....

comment icon 207 more comments I am a pillowy-gnocchi-loving-pasta-eater, that’s who. Carbs 100% dictate my life, and my current carbs wanted short rib ragu. Did you know that short rib ragu is so good, end of story, but also not end of story because it just takes pasta to a whole nother level? Saucy, tangy, and just so tender and luscious all at the same time? This was a new discovery for me....

Homemade jam ranks high on my list of favorite “from scratch” foods. We always had different types of freezer jam on hand when I was a kid, so I became completely spoiled in my standards of acceptable jam. Store- bought jam will just never measure up. So which type of jam do I prefer: regular strawberry jam like my mom made growing up, or this instant pot strawberry jam? I like both recipes for different reasons....

This picture is in my saved photos from when we moved into our place. I’ve been too busy photographing food to photograph the kitchen. I’ve been spending more time in my kitchen because I’d like to try and post more recipes on my blog but… …that takes time. As I mentioned here, between creating the recipe, grocery shopping for the ingredients, actually cooking and making the food, food styling and plating, taking the photographs, editing the photos, and writing the recipe and blog post, it all takes time and is not a short process....

But I decided that rather than drag out the suspense for a year, and long before my book was even going to be in stores or that you could buy it, that I’d just surprise you when the timing was better. Well, surprise! My first cookbook, Peanut Butter Comfort: Recipes for Breakfasts, Brownies, Cakes, Cookies, Candies, and Frozen Treats Featuring America’s Favorite Spread The book features more than 100 recipes and they all use peanut butter....

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars Move over, Quaker Soft and Chewy Granola Bars. You can make these soft, chewy, vegan, gluten-free, and healthier DIY bars in 10 minutes. This homemade granola bars recipe is adapted from my Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and I included a very similar recipe in my first cookbook. Readers have said they’re the best granola bars they’ve ever had, their kids love them, and they’re saving so much money making their granola bars at home....

comment icon 189 more comments Let me tell you the tale of the no-boil, fail-proof, garlic-buttery, dreamy baked penne with meatballs. The base of this baby is a velvety, savory, garlic-heavy tomato and butter sauce, which is just the right amount of clingy for those hearty whole wheat penne noodles. And the meatballs, spinach, and Parmesan round the whole thing out into a one-and-done type meal. But what I really need you to know is this: You can mix up UNCOOKED – repeat – UNCOOKED pasta, tomatoes, milk (!...

If a Crockpot is the equivalent of a set-it-and-forget-it dinner solution, this is the parallel equivalent for breakfast. I’m an advocate of as little as humanly possible to do in the morning and this recipe for french toast pumpkin casserole is one that even I can pull off when I’m bleary-eyed because the work is done the night before. And ‘work’ is a very loose term because there’s hardly any involved....

I’m a pie fanatic and have dozens of favorite pie recipes. Try my Cherry Pie, Triple Berry Pie, Pear Pie, or famous Apple Pie! Why I love this pie: Holds Together – If you’ve had pies that turn into a runny, soupy mess when cut, follow my instructions and this blueberry pie will hold together beautifuly. Delicious – It’s flavorful, but not overly sweet. The fresh blueberries really shine and I love serving it with vanilla ice cream....

Boooo!! Did I scare you? I hope you’re having a great holiday. I use that word pretty loosely, but it is a holiday after all. We went on a walk this morning and later tonight we are going to take Skylar trick or treating in the neighborhood. One of the local malls has stores that will be passing out candy tonight as well so if there are no houses passing candy out in our neighborhood, the mall is our backup plan....

Best Ever Layered Lush Dessert This dessert. Oh boy. It has everything going for it. Lush desserts (aka delight desserts) are usually made with a shortbread crust or something similar and topped with fluffy goodness in the form of pudding and whipped topping and often with some sort of fruit. My mom makes a lemon lush that’s to die for, but I digress. No lemon here. Pumpkin instead. That’s my idea of a great trade....

Easy Raspberry Sherbet Champagne Float If you’re looking for a fun and festive drink to ring in summer holidays, New Year’s Eve, for perfect Valentine’s Day cocktails, for Mother’s Day brunch, or to serve at a bridal shower, birthday party, anything in between, these raspberry champagne floats are perfect! Bonus that there are only 3 ingredients in this celebration cocktail recipe! I am a big fan of any bubbly liquid, and I’m especially partial to champagne – and bonus points if it’s rosé champagne like this recipe has to create a fun cocktail....

Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? Try Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Turkey Gravy, or Thanksgiving Stuffing! Why I love this recipe: Smaller – This is perfect for entertaining a smaller group, or for family dinner during the fall and winter months. Approachable – If you are intimidated by making a big Thanksgiving turkey, then this recipe is perfect for you! No basting or brining; you won’t believe how easy and quick it is!...

Believe it or not, February has been a pretty low-key month for Sage. I mean, as you might remember from every picture taken of her ever, low-key is kind of her approach to life. Snuggly? Gentle? Nap Champion? Check yes, yes, and yes. Also – Awkward? Nervous? Never quite comfortable with the camera? Yeah, all of that, too. As much as Sage loves the occasional sprint through the dog park, she really shines in an indoor environment packed with couches, blankets, and treats....

We’ve had a great day! And it’s only just past 10am! Santa made his way all the way to Aruba, can you believe it??!! And what did he bring? Other than the $150 airline fee for an international overweight baggage fee…but hey, some things are just non-negotiable like gifts for good little girls! Well, he brought a Bear And some Markers, Crayons, and Art Project Supplies And Dr. Seuss books And Dress Up Clothes For the American Girl Bitty Baby that she already opened...