Recipes

The days are getting longer, but this is definitely the coldest time of year in the midwest. And who doesn’t love to warm up with a delicious bowl of soup? This flavorful and super comforting lentil soup with bacon rind or pork belly recipe is just what I need on a chilly January day.

I have a soft spot for the humble banana. My upcoming pie cookbook is chock-full of delightful recipes starring bananas, because we just can’t get enough of them in my house. When we have family and friends over for a visit, this banana pudding recipe with Nilla wafers is a go-to crowd pleaser. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it serves up to 12 people.

I use pre-made puff pastry for this recipe, along with just 3 more ingredients: Brie cheese, a good quality fig jam, and coarsely chopped pecans. That’s it. Simple, beautiful, and, of course, delicious! This deceptively fancy little hors d'oeuvre is the perfect make-ahead appetizer for the holiday season. Click through to learn how!

The combination of sweet and savory is one of the most satisfying flavor profiles out there. I love a good sweet and savory appetizer, and my Cranberry Compote Whipped Feta Dip recipe really has it all. It’s a terrific holiday dip that looks gorgeous on the table. My good friend Bud’s fruit conserve recipe is included too!

Let’s have a round of applause in gratitude for my mother-in-law, Marie—we have to give her credit for this one. She makes these zucchini and parmesan squares for me every year because they are just sooo dang good! They look understated, but they might just steal the show.

Flaky, buttery, crispy, delicious. We all love phyllo dough… but unfortunately, it’s not the most forgiving ingredient. If it’s frozen too long, it’ll break, and it dries out super quickly. It’s just sensitive—what can I say? Not to worry! I’ll teach you how to master your phyllo technique in no time.

When I’m looking to make a delicious appetizer, this is one of my go-to recipes. I mean, come on—who doesn’t love cheese? During the holidays, my favorite cheese ball is my pine cone cheese ball made with herbed cream cheese and decorated with whole almonds. Click through for the recipe!

I have two helpful hints for how to flawlessly execute the humble graham cracker crust. This classic pie crust option is so simple to make… almost deceptively simple. It just tastes so dang good! Click through to perfect your technique.

I know I’ve been on a pumpkin kick… I just can’t stop thinking about pumpkins! Ever since I had my Cream Cheese Frosting on Nerina’s Pumpkin Bars last month, I’ve been craving pumpkin cheesecake. So, here’s what I came up with: Mary’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Cheesecake recipe!

If you love the smell of something baking when you walk in the door, you’ll love this. This drool-worthy Bundt cake recipe brings together the best of the holiday season: Bright citrus, gorgeous cranberries, festive sugared rosemary springs… I might have to make another one for Christmas.

I love pumpkin—and pumpkin spice! I’ve never made a pumpkin pie-inspired biscotti before… but this year I got inspired. This recipe is the biscotti version of Nerina’s Pumpkin Bars, plus some pecans for added crunch. Yum.

Putting together your own chai spice mix is a real treat. You can make your very own powdered spice blend that’s warm, comforting, and easy to add to all your favorite recipes, from scones and pies to smoothies and lattes. Click through to learn more!