It's Not About Nutrition

If you grew up in the South, odds are you’ve heard whispers about Million Dollar Pie—maybe from a church potluck, a family reunion, or that friend who always shows up with the dessert that disappears before you even decide if you want seconds. Let me just say, the name isn’t trying to fool anybody; there’s a reason folks cling to this old-fashioned classic like grandma’s pearls. The first time I had it, I was sitting on a folding chair outside, dodging mosquitoes at a block party, and let me tell you—one bite in, I was basically on vacation, feet up, …

If you’ve spent any time fussing with tough, bland, or just sad pie crusts (hand raised over here!), you’re not alone. For years, I treated pie crust like it was some secret passed down from the pie gods—something only “real bakers” could pull off perfectly. But then I found my groove with this Classic Pie Crust recipe, and let me tell you, my confidence—and pretty much everyone’s dessert expectations—skyrocketed! This crust is buttery, flaky, and pretty much foolproof. Whether you’re making old-fashioned apple pie for Sunday supper or prepping a quiche for a ladies’ lunch, this is the only dough …

Has anyone else noticed how crushed pineapple seems to make every dessert just a touch cozier? There’s a certain nostalgia to it—a throwback to community potlucks and church basement gatherings, when recipes made the rounds on handwritten index cards. This pineapple cake is honestly one of those bakes that has the power to win hearts at first bite. At our house, it’s practically the little black dress of cakes: always appropriate, effortlessly pretty, and guaranteed to earn compliments from even the pickiest taster (I see you, Uncle Bob!). Last summer, I whipped up this beauty for a neighborhood backyard get-together. …