Vegetarian

  The first time I made these mini lemon meringue tarts, my oldest was elbow-deep in sprinkles, my husband was asking (again) if they’d be “that lemony,” and the kitchen smelled like pure sunshine. There’s something so inviting about a batch of bite-sized tarts cooling on the counter—almost guarantees you’ll have a few disappear before the tray ever hits the table. These little beauties are the perfect citrus dessert, with a bright, zippy filling piled high with fluffy meringue, all tucked into a buttery, hand-held crust. They’re basically summer in a cup! Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together or just …

  You know those times when a single bite of something can launch you straight into “happy dance in the kitchen” territory? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these pistachio cream cookies. I’d promised to bring dessert for a book club, and (bonus points for me) managed to whip these up using odds and ends from my pantry. There’s just something magical about the creaminess of pistachio, tucked into a soft, chewy cookie. My husband grabbed two the second he walked in the door—and threatened to “test for quality assurance” on the rest before dinner. Ha! Trust …

You ever have one of those family potlucks—or even just a lazy Sunday—where you want to impress (but not stress) with something bright, cool, and downright cozy? That’s exactly how this Pistachio Pineapple Cake made its way into my “make again!” list. It’s light as a cloud, loaded with sweet pineapple flavor, and honestly, the creamy pistachio frosting? I could eat that with a spoon (don’t judge—I totally have). Try our Pineapple Coconut Surprise Cake next. The first time I brought this cake to the church picnic, one of the older ladies said it tasted like “summer by a Lake …

If there’s a cake that disappears like magic at a family gathering—no matter how many other desserts are on the table—it’s carrot cake. I’ll forever associate the smell of warm spices and sweet carrots baking with holiday dinners at my Aunt Marge’s, sipping coffee in the kitchen while the kids sneak “extra” bites right off the cooling rack. And while I love a good, old-fashioned carrot cake (complete with finger streaks in the frosting, thanks to my husband), sometimes I just need a shortcut. I’ve learned to embrace the magic of a boxed mix—with a few cozy upgrades, of course. …