Jeff Kauck Photography There are images I can return to again and again without tiring of them. They look joyful. They make me smile. They make me happy. Last weekend I was fortunate to travel to Chicago. Five memorable days in the Windy City included a surprise birthday party organized for my mother-in-law, with family … Read more

The Italians knew what they were doing when they created pesto alla Genovese. This vibrant green sauce relies on just a few high-quality, fresh ingredients to deliver a bright, herbaceous punch. Traditional basil pesto combines crushed fresh garlic, pine nuts, coarse sea salt, fresh basil leaves, grated hard cheese such as Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, and … Read more

If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors, this collection of Italian dinner ideas will inspire your next meal. From simple, comforting pasta e piselli (pasta with peas) to a rich and creamy tagliatelle ai funghi (mushroom pasta), these recipes bring the warmth of Italy to your table. Buon appetito! Pasta e Piselli Photo Credit: She’s Not … Read more

This DIY lift-top coffee table can be made to your preferred dimensions and will become a striking focal point in your living room. A year ago a colleague asked me to build her a lift-top coffee table to replace an older model. She liked the modern look of a table she had seen and wanted … Read more

Enroll in my new video class, All About Choux: Sweet and Savory Puffed Treats, from Éclairs to Gougères. Cream puffs and éclairs are more popular than ever. These classic pastries—pâte à choux filled with cream and often finished with a glaze—have experienced a major resurgence in recent years, appearing in patisseries, cafés, and pastry menus … Read more

Jump to Recipe Smoky chipotle salsa blends fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle chiles in adobo, garlic, and fresh herbs for a smoky, slightly spicy salsa that outshines typical restaurant versions. It’s balanced, bold, and addictive—perfect with chips, tacos, burritos, or as a flavorful topping for grilled meats. This fire-roasted chipotle salsa is simple to make and delicious … Read more

I recently had the chance to try Method’s new odor-eliminating kitchen hand wash, available exclusively from Method’s online store. You can also follow Method on Facebook. When I chop onion, garlic or seafood, the lingering odors on my hands used to bother me for hours. This hand wash tackles those stubborn smells effectively. It creates … Read more

These salted dark chocolate chip cookies take a classic favorite up a notch — thick, gooey, and chewy in all the right ways. Sometimes you just want a simple cookie. After a week of elaborate, multi-step recipes, the urge for an easy, satisfying cookie hit hard. I had grand plans to get creative in the … Read more

This Fiesta Poblano Dip blends roasted poblano cream with corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, and cream cheese to make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. This Fiesta Poblano Dip is a simple, flavorful south-of-the-border style dip you can make in minutes—perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings. What to Serve with This Dip Chips … Read more

I’m a big fan of cloth diapers and always will be. From inexpensive Baby City diapers to SmartiPants and Fuzzibunz, I truly appreciate the fit, reusability, and comfort they provide. That said, disposable diapers make sense at times—especially for overnight use, travel, or when you need extra convenience. Over the past three-and-a-half years of diapering, … Read more