Photo courtesy of Dr. Bronner’s “Washing with Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint soap is like getting hugged by a snowman.” That was my Uncle Ralph’s favorite way of introducing people to Peppermint Magic Soap. He captured something many of us recognize: peppermint produces a distinct, cooling sensation. While the snowman image is playful, research supports the sensory … Read more

This easy basic shortbread crust is perfect for low-carb dessert bars. It can be baked or used unbaked depending on your recipe. I use this basic shortbread crust in many recipes because it delivers reliably buttery flavor and a pleasant texture. It works well as the base for both baked and no-bake bars or layered … Read more

These soft-frosted sugar cookie bars are simple to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing. A tender, flavorful cookie base topped with a smooth homemade frosting and cheerful sprinkles captures everything you love about classic frosted sugar cookies—without the rolling and cutting. These bars are a go-to when I need a dessert for a … Read more

A chilled tomato‑mozzarella Caprese served dip‑style with toasted baguette crostini. A layer of creamy herbed cheese topped with mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil — ready in under 15 minutes! Dipping a crostini into this cold Caprese dip gives you all the flavors of Caprese bruschetta but without the work of assembling each piece. If … Read more

A recipe for savory venison strudel stuffed with a spiced cranberry relish, wrapped in layers of flaky phyllo pastry. Do not underestimate the excellent results when pastry and meat are combined. Take sausage rolls and meat pies as examples: wrapped pastry transforms humble fillings into something special. This savory venison strudel delivers the same satisfying … Read more

I’m deep in packing for next week’s beach trip — and yes, I dislike packing. Coordinating outfits for four people can become a full-blown “what to wear?” crisis. My five-year-old keeps things simple: she chooses a dress, preferably pink, often with ruffles or sequins. While assembling an effortless beach look, I put together an easy … Read more

Have you ever had one of those moments when a simple trick makes life so much easier you wonder how you managed before? That was me this week when I discovered how easy it is to cook butternut squash in the crockpot. It’s a small change with big payoff: set it and forget it, then … Read more

Little Ham & Cheese Sliders I have to tell you—when I finally served these little sliders to the young men at church after tweaking the recipe for weeks, the response was priceless. They squealed like kids, and I quickly understood why. These sliders are irresistible: quick to assemble, comforting, and always a hit. I sampled … Read more

Spiral-cut hams from the grocery store come pre-cooked and are often smoked, but a little extra time on a smoker and a sweet glaze can elevate them. The result is a tender ham with a light smoky note and a caramelized, flavorful crust. This smoked and glazed spiral-sliced ham was a hit—perfect for sandwiches, salads, … Read more

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside — ideal when you want a small batch without dragging out the whole kitchen. There are times I crave fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, but the thought of pulling out pans, heating the oven and making a big mess can be … Read more