Laotian stuffed lemongrass is a charming and flavorful appetizer (and sometimes enjoyed as a dessert) that highlights lemongrass in a creative way. Traditionally filled with ground meat—chicken or pork are common—these small baskets are savory, fragrant, and perfect for sharing. To make them, you form little baskets from the lower stalks of lemongrass, then fill … Read more

Happy almost spring, friends! We’re getting ready for my sister’s family to visit next week and I can’t wait. April brings spring break, so life will be full of backyard mud play, bike rides, and park hangs. Nothing too dramatic otherwise — just lots of simple, happy moments. Now, onto what we’ve been eating! My … Read more

Jamie has spent decades cultivating large organic vegetable gardens and routinely raises his own starter plants in USDA zone 6. In this video, Judy explains the two different approaches he has used for starting seedlings and describes which method they now prefer. Seedlings are the foundation of a successful organic garden, and Jamie’s experience shows … Read more

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup – a comforting, one-pot vegan lasagna-inspired soup made with red lentils, broken lasagna noodles, vegetables, and fresh basil. Nut-free and easily adapted to be gluten-free. Jump to Recipe Pasta, tomatoes, herbs, red lentils, pesto and garlic bread—this combination is hard to beat. This thick, satisfying lasagna-style soup comes together in one … Read more

I’ve been off the scene recently thanks to a bout of carpal tunnel syndrome. For anyone unfamiliar, carpal tunnel causes painful nerve symptoms in the wrist and fingers that limit grip and hand movement. Mine isn’t severe, thankfully, but it has meant I need to rest my hand and reduce repetitive movements. One obvious area … Read more

Coffee Talk 12: a chance to catch up on the little things in life—both sweet and salty! April 2019 Good morning! (Or good afternoon, good evening.) Happy Earth Day and a belated Happy Easter! I’m looking at a calendar, so it feels like every holiday deserves a hello. How was your Easter? How is your … Read more

Hershey’s has been expanding its line of Kisses with more inventive fillings, and New York Cheesecake Kisses stand out among the recent additions. While caramel and peanut butter are familiar favorites, the idea of a cheesecake-flavored filling coated in milk chocolate is an appealing twist that caught my attention immediately. These Kisses are slightly larger … Read more

This 7-layer dip is an ideal appetizer for entertaining. It layers refried beans and salsa, creamy guacamole and sour cream seasoned with taco mix, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions for a crowd-pleasing dip everyone will enjoy. Seven-layer dip is one of the easiest and most satisfying party starters. Variations … Read more

This everything bagel chicken salad gives a playful, flavorful twist to classic chicken salad. Cool, creamy, and crunchy, it’s ideal for picnics, pool parties, baby showers, or an easy weeknight meal for the whole family. Everything bagel seasoning—made from poppy seeds, toasted sesame, dried onion, dried garlic, and sea salt—lends a savory crunch that brightens … Read more

It’s that time of year to start your holiday baking, and these holiday butter cookies are a favorite for a reason. Simple to make, buttery and tender, they freeze well and can be prepared ahead so you have cookies ready whenever the cravings hit. This post includes helpful tips and tricks. If you’re short on … Read more