Vegetarian

Okay, friends, let’s talk Christmas cookies. Specifically, Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies—the kind you bite into and immediately want to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa and a cozy blanket. When my kids were little, these cookies always made an appearance on our holiday platter, carried off gleefully by sticky little hands and admired by every neighbor I’ve ever wrapped up a cookie tin for. They’re buttery (oh, so buttery!), with little pops of cherry and speckles of chocolate. I always say, if you can slice a log and work a hand mixer, you can make these—trust me, you’ll …

If you’re anything like me, strawberries practically scream “summer’s arrived!” I can’t walk past a farmer’s market stand, see those gorgeous ruby-red berries, and not come home with at least two quarts (the kids always sneak a few before we even get to the car). This Simple Strawberry Slab Pie? It’s my secret weapon for every sleepover, barbecue, and even the occasional “just because it’s Tuesday” treat. There’s something so homey about a slab pie—less fussy than a traditional round pie, but every bit as delicious, maybe even more so. You get maximum filling with that soft, buttery crust and …

You know those desserts that just feel like sunshine on a plate? Lemon Meringue Pie has been one of those soul-soothing treats in my family for as long as I can remember. My mom would always make it for Sunday suppers or whenever we had a reason (real or made-up) to celebrate—her secret was using extra lemon zest for that puckery-kiss flavor I still crave today. If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of meringue, trust me, this recipe is way more forgiving than it seems. It’s homemade comfort dessert at its finest—bright, nostalgic, and creamy as all get …

Let’s just say, these Apple Oatmeal Cookies have witnessed a lot of busy mornings, lazy weekends, and even one power outage in my kitchen (cookies by candlelight, anyone?). There’s something unmistakably cozy about the combination of cinnamon, apples, and tender oats — it’s like eating fall in cookie form, all year long. I make these whenever I need an easy treat to tuck into lunchboxes, share at book club, or just make the house smell incredible. Bonus: The toddlers and teens both actually agree on these cookies, which is…rare worldwide, right? They’re just the right kind of homemade. A little …