The Hot Milk Sponge Cake is the last recipe that I will be baking for the Cake Slice Bakers this year. This book has been a wonderful companion on an amazing journey. It consistently delivers delicious cakes that have modern twists to classics. Zoe’s creative recipes are approachable and easy to follow, making it a great cookbook … Read more
There are countless fantastic recipe and food communities online! I recently discovered The Daring Kitchen and am thrilled to take part in their monthly cooking and baking challenges. For March’s Daring Cooks’ Challenge, Ruth, Shelley, and Sawsan encouraged us to go all-in on vegetables! We experimented with salads and dressings, pushing the boundaries to create … Read more
This month’s Avid Baker’s Challenge wasn’t about a specific ingredient—it was about pushing yourself to bake something you’ve always wanted to try but felt unsure about. Right away, homemade bagels came to mind. I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the perfect bagel, and this recipe from the updated Joy of Cooking (2019) comes … Read more
Everyone has their go-to lasagna recipe—I’ve cherished the one my sister shared with me over three decades ago (Virginia’s from the box side—truly delicious!). Paula Deen’s Three Cheese and Sausage Lasagna stood out to me because it includes cream cheese. Mixed into the sauce, it creates an incredibly rich and velvety texture. I’d gladly use … Read more
Sometimes, you crave something unique but not too out of the ordinary. When I came across this Wild Rice Salad from The Silver Palate, I instantly knew the blend of wild rice, pecans, raisins, and mint, paired with a fresh orange juice dressing, would be incredible. And I was right! While it’s labeled a “salad,” … Read more
Bret and I are passionate auto racing fans! We had the incredible opportunity to attend the inaugural Formula One race at the new Austin, TX track, Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and it was an unforgettable experience. Since the U.S. hadn’t hosted a Formula One race in years, the excitement among fans was undeniable. The … Read more
If you haven’t visited Jimmy’s in Dallas yet, it’s time to add it to your list. This Italian market and deli, located just a few miles northeast of downtown, offers an incredible selection of authentic Italian products—from freshly made pizza dough to premium olive oils and imported canned tomatoes. You’ll also find a variety of … Read more
This month, The Tasting Table Cookbook Club selected Small Victories: Recipes, Advice, and Hundreds of Ideas for Home Cooking Triumphs by Julia Turshen (let’s just call it Small Victories). Turshen offers fantastic recipes and practical tips for making the most of pantry staples while creating delicious meals. One recipe that stood out to me was … Read more
Super Bowl season is here! Growing up, football was a weekend tradition with my dad, who would watch every game—from the NFL to college matchups. The TV stayed on even during meals, and he always positioned himself perfectly to catch a glimpse of the action whenever something exciting happened. The Super Bowl was a major … Read more
We love having a tasty treat on hand for breakfast, and this Strawberry Almond Quick Bread is perfect for the job! Packed with fresh seasonal strawberries, a hint of strawberry jam, and a crunchy almond topping, it’s a delightful companion to your morning coffee. At first glance, I did a double take on the recipe, … Read more