It's Not About Nutrition

  I’ll never forget the first chilly October evening I kicked off my slippers, wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket, and sipped the most magical pumpkin spice White Russian I’d ever put together. You know those moments when it’s dark by 6pm, the porch smells like fallen leaves, and you just NEED something cozy in a glass? That was it. (My husband wandered in, tried a sip, and grinned, “Tastes like fall in a mug—and I don’t even like pumpkin.”) Now it’s our go-to fall cocktail, right when we swap iced coffees for cinnamony lattes and start plotting our Thanksgiving …

  You ever get that feeling where you stumble across something so adorable, so unexpectedly delightful, that you have to pause and smile (and, let’s be honest, maybe squeal just a bit)? That was me, wandering the aisles while hunting down my nephew’s birthday gift, when I spotted the famous Jellycat Birthday Cake stuffed animal. I just about melted right there between the tea towels and the dog toys. And who could blame me? It’s a plush dessert, for goodness’ sake! Perfect for topping a homemade cake, as a snuggly bedtime companion, or even as the centerpiece of a cheerful …

  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 …

  Let’s chat about that Soju Yakult Cocktail I can’t stop making lately. (Trust me, it’s equal parts zippy and refreshing, and wildly easy.) I first fell in love with the whole soju-and-Yakult mix on a sticky summer night when, out of pure curiosity, I tried it at my favorite Korean spot here in town. You know how sometimes you just need something fizzy and a little nostalgic? This absolutely delivered. Since then, I’ve probably shared this recipe with half my neighbors and a couple old college friends — it’s the summer cocktail everyone wants a sip of, even my …

To this day, just the smell of freshly sliced limes sends me right back to my first big adventure in Brazil. Picture it: sweaty Rio days, flip-flops slapping down cobblestone streets, and—oh! That first icy sip of Brazilian lemonade. Brazilian Lemonade, with its zingy citrus punch and creamy finish, was unlike any lemonade I’d tasted back home. And here’s the funny part—it’s not made with lemons at all! It’s all about the limes. (I know, I know. I was confused too at first!) One glass, and I was hooked. Now, every summer when the days feel impossibly hot, I whip …

  There’s a funny story my husband always tells about his first trip to Brazil: he ate so much grilled picanha at a backyard barbecue that he ended up skipping dessert. In our family, steak always means celebration, and picanha is the crown jewel — extra juicy, especially beefy, and covered in that oh-so-delicious crust. Around here, we don’t need a special occasion to make it! Light up the grill and call your friends—it’s time for some real Brazilian comfort food (and trust me, there won’t be any leftovers). Why You’ll Love This Seriously craveable—think super juicy, tender beef with …

  I still remember the first time I tasted passion fruit juice. I was traveling with my family—we’d just spent an afternoon in the blazing summer sun, wandering around an outdoor market, sunhats on, a little sweaty, and desperate for something cold (you know that sticky kind of thirst?). My husband spotted a little stand serving icy cups of tropical juice. I grabbed the bright yellow one, took a sip, and oh my heavens… where has this sunny, citrusy magic been all my life?! Pure refreshment, bright and tangy, with a smell that reminded me of sunshine and vacation. Ever …

  You know that moment when you’re grilling out back and suddenly realize something’s missing? It’s not the meat (though, yum), or the fire (I may or may not have set off the smoke alarm, but that’s another story). It’s that little pop of flavor that makes everything sing—a sauce, a drizzle, a scoop of something bright, herby, and just plain irresistible. Last summer, a good friend from Argentina handed me a jar of homemade cilantro chimichurri to go with our steak, and oh my goodness… my world changed. I’d had classic chimichurri before, but this cilantro twist? Pure magic. …