How Much Dessert Is Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide

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In my last post I wrote about how often to serve dessert and some DOs and DON’Ts for treats with children. Today I’m focusing on how much dessert is appropriate in one sitting. The recommendations may surprise you. Dessert with a meal As I mentioned previously, serving dessert with a meal instead of only afterwards … Read more

Classic Homemade Meatloaf Recipe with Savory Glaze

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Best Meatloaf Recipe – not your mom’s meatloaf. Moist, tender, and full of flavor. Great for making ahead and for picky eaters. I wasn’t a fan of meatloaf growing up—it showed up sometimes and never appealed to me. My father-in-law, on the other hand, happily ate meatloaf multiple times a week. When I tried my … Read more

Two-Ingredient White Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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White chocolate ganache is one of the easiest and most delicious fillings and decorations for cakes and desserts. Made from just two ingredients — heavy cream and white chocolate — this version uses the microwave to speed up the process while keeping the texture smooth and creamy. [feast_advanced_jump_to] Equipment Checklist To make microwave white chocolate … Read more

Creamy Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Add bright, smoky flavor to classic mac ‘n cheese with roasted Hatch green chile peppers. This stovetop Green Chile Macaroni and Cheese is ready in about 30 minutes and makes a rich, comforting dinner the whole family will enjoy. Serves 4. Each late summer I look forward to Hatch chile season. These roasted green chiles … Read more

Hearty Cabbage and Vegetable Soup Recipe

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You will love this warming vegetarian soup. Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful bowl loaded with vegetables, white beans and tiny pasta. It’s quick to make, freezes well, and is perfect for cold weather or meal prep.

Vegetable Soup with Cabbage in white bowl

This soup comes together in under 30 minutes and stores beautifully in the refrigerator or freezer. The white beans add creaminess and plant-based protein to keep you satisfied, while the small pasta gives the soup a comforting texture. You can easily omit the pasta to reduce carbs, or swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand.

I don’t always use cabbage in soup, but leftover cabbage from coleslaw inspired this version. If you like tiny soup pastas, acini de pepe or other small shapes work especially well. The recipe is flexible — use chickpeas instead of white beans, or add greens like spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer.

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Kumquat, Avocado & Pistachio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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This kumquat salad bursts with contrasting flavors and textures. Crisp romaine and roasted pistachios meet creamy avocado and tangy feta, all brightened by sliced kumquats and a simple orange‑honey vinaigrette.

Kumquat Pistachio Avocado Salad

This recipe was inspired by a winter visit to my parents in California. We enjoyed an unusually warm day under a laden kumquat tree—75°F on December 23rd—before returning home to snow and subzero temperatures in Oregon. The contrast only made the citrus feel more special.

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Sichuan Chicken Stir-Fry: Spicy Garlic Pepper Wok Recipe

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This easy restaurant-style Szechuan chicken stir-fry will likely become your go-to weeknight dinner—ready in about 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast tossed with Chinese five-spice and a simple Asian sauce creates deep, balanced flavor without excess oil or refined sugar. Szechuan-style chicken is one of my favorite takeout orders—sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s a satisfying treat, … Read more

Stuffed Sweet Peppers Recipe: Classic Relleno Style

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Sweet Pepper Relyeno, also known as Stuffed Sweet Peppers, is a versatile appetizer or main course made from mini sweet peppers filled with seasoned ground pork. The pork filling combines spices and aromatics reminiscent of the mixture used in Lumpiang Shanghai, then is placed atop halved peppers, lightly pan-fried, and finished in the oven for … Read more

Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: Gooey Chocolate Meets Caramelized Pecans

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These Pecan Pie Brownies are a brownie lover’s dream — a delicious mashup of two favorite desserts. If you enjoy brownies with pecans, this rich, chocolatey treat is sure to become a new favorite. These bars combine a fudgy brownie base made from a family-size boxed mix with a sweet, gooey pecan pie topping. The … Read more

Cheesy Potato Pancakes: Quick Homemade Recipe Under 30 Minutes

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes satisfy like cheesy potato pancakes. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they’re an ideal way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into something new and delicious. This recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a side. Below you’ll find a … Read more