Looking for a simple July 4th or Memorial Day appetizer? These Star Spangled Kielbasa Bites are perfect: festive, flavorful, and easy to make. Think of them as a playful twist on pigs in a blanket—the “blanket” is a star-shaped puff pastry that wraps a saucy kielbasa bite. Summer gatherings are coming up—Memorial Day, the Fourth … Read more

I created this Orange Wellness Smoothie to help fight seasonal colds and to support immunity year-round. When my two-year-old son caught a cold last week, I wanted a whole-foods approach that could strengthen our household’s defenses. This smoothie worked for us, and I’m excited to share the recipe. Smoothies are a regular part of our … Read more

This is one of my personal chef clients’ favorite dishes. Delicious Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps taste like the ones at your favorite Asian restaurant — but even better. Browned ground beef and vegetables are seasoned with Asian flavors, then served in crisp lettuce leaves with fluffy rice. If you like to keep a few reliable … Read more

Homemade Pastrami features a bold spice crust over tender, juicy corned brisket. This deli favorite is surprisingly simple to make at home and makes outstanding sandwiches. This pastrami is fantastic piled high on fresh rye with sauerkraut and spicy mustard or Russian dressing. Add Swiss cheese and dill pickle relish and you’ll have a classic … Read more

There is a serious problem with fishing practices in Europe. More than half of the fish caught in the North Sea are returned to the ocean dead. This tragic waste is driven by well-intentioned but deeply flawed regulations designed to protect fish stocks—rules that in practice contribute to their decline. Under the current system, fishermen … Read more

Whether you call it yellow squash or summer squash, this Air Fryer Squash recipe turns a bounty of summer vegetables into a simple, flavorful side. Summer produce makes meal planning easy, and squash is one of my favorites to buy at farmers’ markets. The air fryer is especially handy in warm weather because it doesn’t … Read more

The Fresh Pineapple Margarita Cocktail uses fresh fruit instead of juice, good tequila, and real orange liqueur. Using the best ingredients makes a huge difference! Last week I hosted a neighborhood committee meeting at my home and volunteered to bring a cocktail. I decided to make a Fresh Pineapple Margarita and it was a hit. … Read more

Mango Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant, tropical salsa made with fresh mango, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Bright, sweet, and slightly spicy, it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, pork chops, chicken, or simply served with tortilla chips. This salsa is an easy way to layer fresh … Read more

This copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a date night. The spicy vodka sauce is creamy, deeply flavorful, and quick to prepare. This rich, spicy vodka rigatoni makes a comforting, satisfying dinner. Serve it with a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce, garlic knots, or garlic … Read more

Smoked chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Smoked low and slow, they develop deep smoky flavor and stay tender—many will come back for seconds. These are so juicy and flavorful! If you enjoy smoking meats, smoked chicken thighs are an easy option that pairs well with many sides. They’re a great alternative … Read more