Mother’s Day Breakfast & Brunch Ideas (+ Planning Tips for a Relaxed Morning) Mother’s Day has always held a special place in my kitchen. When my mom, Sally, was alive, it was one of my favorite occasions to honor her with a delicious meal. While my role on this day has changed, those memories are the inspiration behind many of the recipes I develop today. They lead me to share reliable dishes and menus that help you celebrate the women in your life with ease - exactly as my mom would have...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Kentucky Derby Recipes & Entertaining Ideas Every year, the thunder of hooves and the iconic call of “And, they’re off!” mark the Kentucky Derby horse race, one of the most exciting sporting events in America. But beyond the race itself, Derby Day is steeped in tradition, from elaborate hats to refreshing mint juleps. For many families, like mine, it’s something even more personal. My Kentucky-born mother instilled in us a love for the Bluegrass State’s traditions, and we still celebrate with...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Easy, Elegant Ways to Use Fresh Spring Berries It’s spring, which means fresh berries are at their best - sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. While they are delicious by the handful, this is the time to let them shine in your cooking. Today I’m sharing 10 of my favorite berry recipes, starting with Blueberry Chicken Salad with Mango Vinaigrette. (If you have my cookbook “Fresh Tastes" you’ll recognize this recipe because it’s on the cover!). The rest of this collection offers even more ways to...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
My Versions of the Masters Menu Favorites The Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club. It’s a sporting event steeped in tradition, from the iconic green jacket to the fact that it's played the same weekend, on the same historic course, every year. So why does a food blogger who doesn’t play golf love the Masters? Because that same sense of tradition extends to the food. The Augusta menu has remained virtually unchanged for decades; it's famously simple and subtly...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
An Easy, Elegant Easter Menu (Brunch or Dinner) Easter is one of my favorite times to gather around the table, and I know how quickly it can feel overwhelming. This week, I’m sharing two complete Easter menus - a fresh, spring-inspired brunch and an elegant dinner - both designed to be prepared in advance, along with planning tools to help you stay organized and actually enjoy the day. 🐣 Easter Brunch Menu Hosting Easter brunch? Here’s a menu I recommend. It’s balanced, a little special, and...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Game-Worthy Recipes for March Madness Weekend I never paid much attention to basketball until I married Robert, but now, I’m completely hooked. Every year, we start watching the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament from the very beginning and follow it through to the Final Four and championship game. It’s the perfect excuse to settle in, watch some incredibly exciting match ups, mix up a good cocktail, and enjoy delicious food. Instead of typical heavier game-day fare, I like to serve dishes that...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Make Ahead Elegant Recipes for Oscar Night The Academy Awards bring a little Hollywood glamour into our living rooms every year. Whether you’re watching for the fashion, the memorable speeches, or the suspense of the final awards, it’s a wonderful opportunity to gather friends together and serve something special. To make entertaining easy and ensure you don’t miss a minute of the excitement, I’m sharing 10+ elegant, red-carpet-worthy recipes that can be prepared ahead of time - from...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Seafood Suppers: From Comfort to Showstoppers March always brings seafood to the front of my mind. Whether it’s the tradition of Lent, the promise of spring just around the corner, or simply a craving for dinners that feel a bit lighter, there is something about this month that calls for a change of pace. Seafood fits that mood perfectly - it’s elegant without being fussy, making it just as lovely for a dinner with friends as it is for a quiet, lingering evening at home. If you’re ready to...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Super Bowl Game Day Eats + What’s New Around Here It’s been a couple of months since my last newsletter, and I wanted to tell you why. In December, I had an external audit done on my website to identify ways to better present my recipes, cooking tips, and entertaining ideas, so you can more easily find exactly what you’re looking for. I started by fixing a lot of behind-the-scenes (backend) issues, most of which you won’t see, but they’re important and long overdue. This is a multi-month...
4 months ago • 1 min read