There are appetizers you politely nibble at a party, and then there are appetizers you hover around like a hungry raccoon guarding a trash can. These Blistered Cheesy Peppers with Pickled Shallots & Hot Honey fall firmly into the second category. They’re oozy, tangy, sweet-spicy little flavor bombs that disappear faster than the good wine…
Yes, I’m sharing a soup recipe in April. No, I won’t apologize. It’s 75 degrees and sunny. The birds are chirping, the tulips are blooming, and I’m over here ladling steamy, creamy chicken soup into a giant bowl like it’s the dead of January. Seasonal cooking is cute in theory—but in practice? I make what…
Passionfruit Margarita: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Cocktail If you’re looking for the ultimate summer cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing, tangy, and just boozy enough to take the edge off, meet your new favorite drink: the Passionfruit Margarita. This vibrant twist on the classic margarita blends the bright acidity of fresh lime juice with…
I never thought I’d be here, writing a recipe for a tater tot casserole. I’ve never been much of a casserole person—something about the whole “dump a bunch of things in a dish and bake it” approach never really spoke to me. But then, I went to Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster in West Des Moines,…
If you’ve ever found yourself standing over a sheet pan of warm, olive oil-drenched bread, tearing off piece after piece with absolutely no self-control—congratulations, you’ve met focaccia. This is not your average loaf. It’s the crispy, chewy, deeply golden, salty, slightly oily (in the best way) bread of your dreams. The edges? Perfectly crunchy. The…
A Soup Worth Slurping Some soups are delicate and refined, meant to be sipped politely from dainty bowls. This is not one of those soups. This is the kind of soup that demands a big spoon, a deep bowl, and maybe even a nap afterward. It’s hearty, packed with bold flavors, and feels like a…
There are few things in this world more satisfying than a perfectly crispy, cheesy, saucy Chicken Parmesan. But let’s be honest—most Chicken Parm out there is a sad, soggy mess. The crispy breading turns to mush under a blanket of sauce, the chicken is either dry or rubbery, and the whole thing is just… fine…
Look, I get it. The word “salad” doesn’t always inspire excitement. But this? This is not your sad desk salad or some limp pile of iceberg lettuce drowning in ranch. This Citrus & Burrata Salad is a whole experience—sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy, juicy, and just a little bit spicy. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it…
