See practical steps for organizing a small pantry with open shelving. Get ideas for budget-friendly baskets, labeling food storage containers, and grouping pantry items for easy access. Paid links used in this post. Read more about my link usage policies. Welcome to a tour of our small but functional pantry. Below I’ll walk through the … Read more

These Chinese-style char siu fried oyster mushrooms are a delicious, umami-packed vegan alternative to char siu pork. A simple homemade char siu-style marinade soaks into pearl oyster mushrooms, then quick pan-frying caramelises the sugars for crispy, sticky edges and an intensely savory finish. The dish is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free options are possible, and it … Read more

Wondering if corn syrup is gluten-free? Get the scoop on which varieties are safe to eat, what to watch out for, and more! Corn syrup often gets criticized for health reasons, but it remains a useful ingredient in many baking applications. Whether you’re making sticky snack mixes, adding shine to a frosting, creating crunchy caramel … Read more

Street food and night markets have a lively, irresistible energy. Montfoort, a small Wellington-based vendor, highlights authentic Dutch street treats at local markets. I was thrilled to collaborate with Montfoort on a new baking project inspired by their classic stroopwafels. Traditional stroopwafels are placed over a hot drink so the spiced caramel inside warms and … Read more

This Black Eyed Peas Salad is crunchy, refreshing, and delightfully tangy—perfect for New Year’s celebrations or any time of year. Known in Portuguese as Salada de Feijão Fradinho, it’s easy to make: just chop a few ingredients and toss them in a bright vinaigrette. Oi Gente! In the United States, black eyed peas are a … Read more

Busy weeknight? This tortellini carbonara delivers dinner in about 20 minutes with only 10 minutes of prep. Cheese-filled tortellini cooks in 5–7 minutes, so you avoid the long boil of dried pasta and get straight to a silky, restaurant-quality comfort meal. Crispy bacon, freshly grated Parmesan, and a glossy, creamy sauce make this one of … Read more

Easy Hoisin Chickpeas This vegan take on General Tso’s uses hoisin sauce and chickpeas to deliver bold, familiar flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s a quick, satisfying option for busy weeknights—a great way to enjoy restaurant-style taste without ordering in. Ready in about 15 minutes, this dish is simple to prepare, protein-rich, and … Read more

This Orange Coffee Cake is unbelievably moist with a bright, refreshing citrus flavor. The orange adds a lovely pop without overpowering the cake, making it an ideal summertime breakfast or sweet treat. ORANGE COFFEE CAKE I recently returned from a heartwarming girls’ weekend visiting my grandmother, and watching my daughter enjoy the same simple pleasures … Read more

Wrapping Christmas presents is always a mix of joy and a little stress for me. I enjoy planning a color scheme, selecting materials, and the act of wrapping itself — but my habit of procrastinating often turns the fun into last-minute anxiety. This year I chose a palette that coordinates with my dining room Christmas … Read more

Have you wondered about the difference between autolyse and fermentolyse, and which method to use when making sourdough bread? This article explains both processes, their benefits, and when to choose one over the other so you can bake better sourdough with confidence. What Is Autolyse? Autolyse (pronounced “auto-leze”) is the simple but powerful step of … Read more