Smørrebrød literally means “butter and bread” in Danish (smør og brød) and refers to the country’s traditional open-faced sandwiches. If you’ve visited Copenhagen, you’ve likely seen shop windows lined with carefully arranged smørrebrød—a staple of Danish food culture. The foundation of a good smørrebrød is rugbrød, a dense dark rye sourdough bread. I’ve been baking … Read more

The perfect pan-fried lamb chops with a silky garlic cream and earthy porcini mushrooms make a welcome dinner any night of the week. I love fall—it’s the season for rich creams and an abundance of mushrooms. Few ingredients evoke autumn like mushrooms, and dried porcini are at the top of my list for their deep, … Read more

A few weeks ago I tried a hummus with an unusually strong sesame flavor at one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants. Tahini already gives hummus a sesame base—tahini is simply ground sesame paste—but this version tasted more intensely of sesame. The secret was a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top. It was brilliant. Tahini … Read more

I’m always looking for ways to refresh traditional recipes, especially when it comes to Greek baking. I enjoy putting my own spin on classics, and that’s exactly what I did with these festive Christmas cookies. I adapted the kourabiethes recipe I shared last year by shaping the cookies into little Christmas trees. I rather like … Read more

These Wookie Cookies are made with an easy chocolate sugar cookie recipe and a gingerbread man cookie cutter. Press fork tongs into the dough for the simple Wookiee fur. May the 4th be with you as you enjoy these Chewbacca cookies for Star Wars Day! These playful Wookie Cookies are perfect for a Star Wars … Read more

This fresh peach salsa is a bright, summery condiment — sweet, tangy, and full of garden flavor. It’s quick to make and perfect on grilled meats, fish, or simply served with tortilla chips. I’m not ready to give up summer recipes yet. Our garden is still producing tomatoes and peppers, we just harvested onions, and … Read more

Make your own sugar free vanilla extract: as easy as child’s play. Oh boy. Vanilla extract. Sugar free. Homemade. Heaven! Who doesn’t love the aroma and flavor that vanilla brings to food and drink? Its scent also enhances creams, lotions, candles, herbal oils and more. There is something about this sweet fragrance that feels comforting … Read more

If you’re searching for the best Thanksgiving cake recipes and fall-inspired cakes, you’re in the right place. Over the years we’ve baked dozens of seasonal cakes. Below is a curated roundup of our favorite fall and Thanksgiving cake recipes—moist, flavorful, and perfect for your dessert table. This collection highlights autumn flavors like pumpkin spice, gingerbread, … Read more

Made with your favorite veggies and protein, this breakfast casserole is an easy option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. It reheats well, freezes beautifully, and is fully customizable. Recipe includes a how-to video. Easy Breakfast Casserole (Make-Ahead Friendly!) This breakfast casserole is perfect for meal prep, weekend brunches, or holiday mornings. It’s mostly … Read more

In Spain, shellfish and crustaceans are a traditional highlight of the Christmas table — from crabs and barnacles to langoustines. Each Christmas Eve my family gathers at our mountain house near Madrid. This brown crab dressed with cava is a holiday favorite in our household and a recipe passed down from my uncle Julián. He … Read more