Kitchen Tips & How-Tos

We’ve all had those moments—you know the ones. You stand in front of the fridge, holding that carton of milk or package of chicken, staring at the expiration date and wondering, “Wait, can I still use this?” Most of us have been taught to just toss anything that dares to exist past its printed date, thinking we’re dodging food poisoning by a hair. But—here’s the scoop—I’m here to tell you there’s a better way. Good News: Expiration Dates Don’t Always Indicate Safety Here’s some welcome news (the kind I’d love to share over a cup of coffee): most of those …

Oh, I know this story all too well—you host a summer BBQ, flip those burgers to juicy perfection, and everyone loads up their plates. Then, once the last guest grabs their “to-go” foil wrap, you’re left with a half-empty bag (or two) of hamburger buns and not a burger in sight. So, what’s a home cook supposed to do? Let’s hit the pause button before you even think about tossing them out! Hamburger buns are so much more than burger delivery vehicles—they’re practically begging for a little culinary magic. I’ve gotten creative with them for everything from sweet breakfast treats …

Pasta has always been one of my favorite pantry staples—you’ll find it tucked into the cabinets of just about every home cook I know, whether they’re whipping up a cozy bowl of weeknight spaghetti or packing a tangy pasta salad for a picnic. But let me tell you, one evening I almost dropped my wooden spoon right into the pot when I saw my uncle rinse a fresh batch of spaghetti under cold running water after straining it. Wait…what in the world? I was raised with the firm belief that rinsing pasta was, well, somewhere between a kitchen crime and …

Scrambled eggs really are one of those kitchen classics, aren’t they? On the surface, they seem so simple—just eggs and a skillet. But ask just about anybody how they make theirs and, oh boy, you’ll get a passionate answer (maybe even a family secret or two). One question that seems to get folks fired up over brunch is this: Should you add milk to your scrambled eggs? Some folks swear by it—they’ll say it’s the secret to fluffy, creamy eggs. Others feel just as strongly that it waters everything down and messes with that lovely pure egg flavor. Who’s right? …

  Let’s just get something right out in the open: I am absolutely bananas for bold spices, and there’s a certain little homemade blend in my cupboard that gets more play than anything else. Yep, you guessed it—Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning. (If you’d told me years ago I’d be obsessed with something that sounds this fancy? I’d have laughed. Now I basically put it on toast.) If you love that fiery, smoky, tangy magic that makes chicken downright craveable at certain Portuguese restaurants, this is your ticket to bringing that same flavor home, no passport required. It’s also way easier …

  You know those “wow, I can’t believe that worked” recipes? This is one of them. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs have totally changed my breakfast routine (not to mention my snack game). I still remember the first time I tried making them—skeptical, with a kitchen timer in one hand and a feeling of hope in the other. I was sure there would be a stubborn shell or that one sad green-ringed yolk glaring up at me. But guess what? The eggs slipped right out of their shells. The yolks were sunshine-yellow and velvety. I literally cheered in my kitchen (my …

  I’ll be honest, ever since my Irish-American grandma taught me how to make corned beef during a blustery March years ago, I’ve been completely obsessed with making my own seasoning. There’s just something about the magic of turning a plain ol’ brisket into tender, rosy slabs of corned beef, all juicy and spiced-up from an overnight brine. The first time I mixed up my own corned beef seasoning, my husband actually said he didn’t want store-bought again. (High praise from him—he’s usually a “let’s just buy it” guy!) Whether I’m brining, smoking, or even just dreaming up ways to …

  If there’s one thing my crew never, ever gets tired of, it’s a backyard cookout with sizzling Carne Asada tacos. Like clockwork, the minute the sun peeks out and the neighbor’s lawnmower rattles to life, someone yells, “Mom! Are you making your famous Carne Asada Seasoning?” (Just picture me, waving a spice jar over my head like a wand.) It’s got to be the secret behind all those dinner table high-fives. Why You’ll Love This Lively, zesty flavor—think smoky, citrusy, a tiny kick of heat No weird ingredients—just pantry staples (promise!) Ready in five minutes—no need to buy fancy …

  Is it just me, or do you ever get those cravings where only a big, golden, perfectly-seasoned batch of fries will do? I’m talking that magic combo of salty, a little tangy, maybe a tiny hit of spice… the kind of fry flavor that makes you sneak a few straight off the baking tray—before they even hit the plate. If you know what I’m saying, you’re in the right spot. Because friend, we’re about to shake up your world with homemade Fry Seasoning. This isn’t just a sprinkle of salt. It’s an easy, craveable, “oh wow, what IS that?!” …

  You ever have one of those days where it’s so chilly outside that all you want is something warm, comforting, and full of fall-ish flavors? That was me last week—in cozy socks with a mug of coffee, daydreaming about apple pie but not (honestly) wanting to put in all the work. Instead, I reached for my little jar of homemade apple pie spice mix. You know, the kind of magic sprinkle that makes oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, or even your morning yogurt taste like you just baked a pie. No peeling apples, no worrying about pie crust drama. Just …