
My mother means the world to me. As a child she always let me help in the kitchen, sparking my love of cooking. If it weren’t for her example—preparing fresh, homemade meals and desserts—I might never have pursued Culinary Arts.
Cherry Crumb Pie is delicious made with fresh or frozen cherries, brightened with a hint of almond extract and finished with a sweet, crunchy crumble topping. Simple to prepare and perfect for holidays or any dessert table. Homemade pie is a holiday staple in many families. I remember baking pies with my mom the day … Read more

My mother means the world to me. As a child she always let me help in the kitchen, sparking my love of cooking. If it weren’t for her example—preparing fresh, homemade meals and desserts—I might never have pursued Culinary Arts.

I’m not always the best at serving vegetables alongside dinner, even though I enjoy cooking main dishes. These honey glazed carrots are a simple, low-fuss side that helps bridge that gap—especially for picky eaters. The gentle sweetness makes carrots more appealing to kids (and adults), and they come together quickly with minimal prep. I tried them and loved the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Fresh and frozen fruit blended with frozen lemonade concentrate, water, and ice make this refreshing Frozen Raspberry Peach Lemonade.

Summer is the perfect season for frozen drinks, and this frozen raspberry peach lemonade is one of my favorites. It’s quick, adaptable, and highlights seasonal fruit. Start with a frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, add peaches and raspberries (I used a mix of fresh and frozen), pour in water, add ice to reach your preferred texture, blend until smooth, and serve.
This homemade chocolate buttercream frosting is simple and classic—perfectly creamy and rich with chocolate flavor. It’s ideal for spreading or piping onto cakes and cupcakes. Homemade chocolate buttercream is surprisingly easy to make and far more flavorful than store-bought varieties. With real butter and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a smooth, balanced … Read more
Caramel Apple Cider Cookies combine apple cider drink mix and caramel bits for a soft, chewy cookie packed with warm fall flavor. More apple recipes you may enjoy: Apple Cider Donut Cake, Apple Butter Cookies, and Apple Fritter Cake. Fall Flavors When the air turns crisp and fall arrives, I always want to bake. Two … Read more
This smoothie is creamy, fruity, and utterly refreshing — I’m totally “crushing” on it. The first time I made it I considered a thinner, julius-style drink, but I prefer a thick, spoonable smoothie. Use less water for a dense, creamy texture or add more for a lighter, drinkable crush. Make it the consistency you like; … Read more
I have a confession: despite being a culinary graduate, I’d never made French macarons until now. I was inspired after baking with my friends Yvonne and Jesseca, who both had success with Beth’s foolproof method on their first try. When they invited me to join them, I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I did. After debating … Read more
Fluffernutter Cookies are the ultimate peanut butter marshmallow cookies—soft, chewy peanut butter cookies studded with gooey mini marshmallows.

A fluffernutter traditionally refers to a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow creme on soft white bread. The flavor combination—salty peanut butter with sweet marshmallow—works exceptionally well, so it’s a natural fit to turn that idea into a cookie.
This Ranch and Onion Cheeseball is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser—ideal for holidays or casual snacking. New Year’s Eve tends to be a grazing night for many of us, and a cheeseball with crackers is a classic party staple. This simple Ranch & Onion Cheeseball pairs creamy Neufchatel with ranch seasoning and fresh … Read more