I took a break from posting while traveling and hadn’t written an update since September. I’ve already shared stories from Kansas City, Munich, Piedmont, Monaco, Nice and Kohler, and I have posts from Napa and Sonoma coming soon. But I haven’t written much about life at home in Chicago, so here are a few highlights … Read more

Lent Fridays don’t have to be predictable. With the right fish recipes, you can enjoy bold flavors, quick cooking, and satisfying dinners that feel special. These 15 easy seafood ideas keep preparation simple while delivering meals worth gathering for. Pan-Seared Halibut with Wilted Spinach and Lemon Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore. Chipotle Baked Tilapia … Read more

Mac and cheese is a cinch in the Instant Pot! It comes together so quickly and easily you might think you forgot a step the first time you try it. You don’t even need to be an expert at boiling pasta—the Instant Pot does the work for you. Since my daughter Leah can’t have dairy … Read more

Last week I shared a tempting Twix cookie recipe on Facebook and decided to create a healthier, allergen-friendly version that fits many dietary needs. These cookies are designed to work on a free-from Christmas buffet, with no gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soya or refined sugar. I first mentioned the concept in my post where I … Read more

Xôi mặn (Vietnamese savory sticky rice) is a comforting, flavorful dish built on chewy glutinous rice topped with savory ingredients like dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, pork floss, and scallion oil. Salty and umami-rich, it works for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or even dinner. Homemade xôi mặn tastes best when served warm, and it’s simple … Read more

These easy gluten-free iced oatmeal cookies are crisp at the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and finished with a thin, glossy layer of icing that makes them lovely to serve. Iced oatmeal cookies are an old favorite I used to love packaged Archway iced oatmeal cookies: chewy centers with a thin white icing. … Read more

Dear Barb, Thank you. Thank you for your warm friendship over the last few years and for simply being yourself. When we first met at the Tetsuya dinner, we sat next to each other and talked about travel and the places you had visited. Later that year, we bumped into each other at Easter and … Read more

Make this Double-Double Animal Style burger at home — a faithful In-N-Out copycat that delivers the same savory layers you love. If you’re not familiar, In-N-Out is a beloved West Coast burger chain. Their Double-Double Animal Style is an icon: two thin beef patties fried with mustard, two slices of American cheese, special sauce, pickles, … Read more

Garlic Lemon Zucchini Noodles – full of Mediterranean flavors and very low in calories. I love a good girls’ night — time with friends is priceless, even if it doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. Recently we celebrated in our new home on a lovely tri-level deck that’s perfect for entertaining. The evening stretched … Read more

Whether you’re training to build muscle, powering through a busy workday, trying to boost your metabolism, or just avoiding late-night snacking, dinners with 30g of protein or more are a smart choice. Protein isn’t only for bodybuilders — it helps you stay full, energized, and ready for whatever the day brings. Here are 23 dinners … Read more