Southern Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, thick tomato sauce loaded with ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. A touch of sugar brightens the tomatoes and balances any acidity, while tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor. It reheats and freezes beautifully. This sauce is one of my favorite comfort foods and reminds me of my … Read more

Gina’s Cheddar Herb Biscuits are tender and flaky, just like any good Southern savory biscuit should be. This week I decided to invite friends over for dinner, which in hindsight may have been ambitious. The house has been a perpetual work zone — this week’s project was drywall sanding. It looked like it had snowed … Read more

Two bright, savory citrus vinaigrettes—one Asian-inspired and one European-inspired—are easy to make and delicious. Both balance fresh lemon and orange juices with a touch of sweetness and an acidic component for freshness. Why we love this recipe This flexible recipe gives you two straightforward options for using freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices to make … Read more

Brining a turkey is the easiest way to elevate your holiday centerpiece. This straightforward technique seasons the bird throughout and locks in moisture so every slice is juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner or just want to improve your everyday turkey recipes, this guide on how to brine a turkey and our easy … Read more

This bright lemon curd cake brings a sunny, summery flavor to your dessert table. Tangy lemon cake layers, a thick lemon curd filling, and creamy vanilla buttercream combine for a dessert that’s fresh, balanced, and crowd-pleasing—perfect for brunches, showers, or any warm-weather gathering. This lemon curd filling uses instant clearjel for a reliably thick, smooth … Read more

Luscious and light, this creamy lemon pie is pure sunshine on a plate. Made with either standard lemons or Meyer lemons, it’s an easy pie you’ll want to bake year-round. I love citrus season — the months after the holidays are my favorite because of all the bright, fragrant fruit that appears. When lemons fill … Read more

Craving a smooth, creamy, slightly spicy dip like Tex-Mex Queso Blanco? Good news — here’s an easy, budget-friendly version you can make at home. This silky white queso uses just five ingredients, comes together quickly on the stovetop, and elevates taco night (or any snack occasion) with minimal effort. Serve it with chips and a … Read more

This red velvet cheesecake is an elegant dessert with authentic red velvet flavor, a silky creamy texture, and a chocolate cookie crust. Finished with a tangy cream cheese topping, it tastes like a restaurant-quality cheesecake you can make at home. This post was updated February 5, 2023 with new photos and recipe tips I experimented … Read more

Gluten-free apple crumble needs no fanfare — it’s a comforting classic made lighter and quicker. I prepare the crumble topping separately from the fruit, so it crisps faster and you need less of it to finish the dessert. For a festive twist, stir a couple of tablespoons of mincemeat through the cooked apples for a … Read more

Today I’m republishing one of my all-time favorite recipes: my go-to hummus. Simple, versatile, and quick to make, this hummus is perfect for dipping with veggies or crackers, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a healthy side or snack. Over the years I’ve experimented with many hummus variations — from loaded Greek to pesto and … Read more