Thank you to everyone who wrote in with slow cooker suggestions. Most of you shared models you’re using and loving, and I appreciated every single note. If I wasn’t familiar with a brand or model, I looked it up! It’s always more helpful to hear from real cooks than from some roundup article listing the “10 Best Whatevers,” especially when the author hasn’t even tried the products—or got them free in exchange for a glowing review. As I researched, I quickly realized that my needs might not be...
18 days ago • 2 min read
Do you ever find yourself in a nostalgic mood? Maybe it’s the school programs that mark the end of the year—or maybe it’s Memorial Day, which always reminds me of camping trips when our kids were at home. Whatever the reason, these simple recipes have a way of taking me back in time with a single bite. Maybe one of them will do the same for you—or become a new favorite in your family. I hope so. One-Pan Ground Beef and Bacon Skillet with Potatoes When dinner needs to happen fast and your...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Friends, This time, it’s my turn to ask you for advice. I told my husband I’d like a new crockpot (or slow cooker) for Mother’s Day, and he said, “Pick one out and order it.” Of course, I could start googling... but we all know how unreliable those top search results can be (try searching for something in your area of expertise—you’ll see what I mean). So I thought I’d ask the experts—you! I’m looking for a smaller size, around 5 to 5½ quarts. If you have one you love—and it’s new enough...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Friends, Lately, I’ve been on a lemon kick. 🍋 Do you like lemon flavors in your food? Some of my family members are also lemon lovers, which keeps me inspired to try new citrusy things and share... with them and you, of course. 😄 Whether you’re squeezing, zesting, or stirring citrus into everything you cook, fresh lemons have a way of making food brighter and more memorable. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite lemon-loaded recipes—plus tips to help you get the most out of every fruit....
2 months ago • 2 min read
Greetings, Here’s a quick bread machine tip that might surprise you—don’t melt the butter! It might seem helpful to soften (as specified in most bread recipes) or melt it before adding it to your bread machine pan, but room-temperature or warm butter can actually make your dough too soft or sticky… especially when combined with the friction factor (the heat a bread machine generates while kneading). Instead, try cutting cold butter into small pieces and adding it straight from the fridge. It...
3 months ago • 1 min read
You've just pulled a beautiful loaf from the oven—golden crust, warm, with an aroma that's driving you crazy. The temptation to slice it right now is real. But if you want the best texture and flavor, give it time to cool. Here’s why patience matters: – Avoid gummy texture: Cutting too soon traps steam before the crumb finishes setting. – Avoid squishing your loaf: Warm bread is delicate and can compress under the pressure of a knife. For delicate breads like babka, this can be disastrous. –...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Ever mixed up a beautiful batch of bread machine dough only to have it bake up too short...or overflow the pan? 🤦🏼♀️ Picking the right pan makes all the difference! I'm sure the above loaves tasted equally good, but which one would you rather share? In my latest post, I break down exactly which loaf pans work best based on your dough weight, plus a few tricks for improvising when you don’t have the perfect size on hand. 🔹 The Golden Rule for choosing a pan 🔹 Exceptions for whole-grain and...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Should you add Vital Wheat Gluten or dough conditioners to your bread recipes? Let’s break it down! Vital Wheat Gluten and dough conditioners both improve dough performance, but they do it differently. Is it worth the money? You decide. Vital Wheat Gluten 🔹 What it does: Strengthens gluten, helping low-gluten and whole grain doughs rise better.🔹 What it’s made of: Nearly pure wheat protein.🔹 How to use it: Add 1–2 tablespoons per loaf to boost elasticity and structure. Dough Conditioner 🔹...
4 months ago • 1 min read
My Parmesan Potato Rolls recipe is back! Originally published in 2017 as Potato Cheese Rolls, it has returned by popular demand—this time with Parmesan instead of Cheddar. Looking for some dinner rolls you can make the night before and bake the next day? These soft, fluffy rolls deliver—plus, they’re easy with a bread machine! Feeling fancy? Add truffle oil for a rich, gourmet twist. What’s the Deal with Truffle Oil? Truffle oil, infused with earthy truffle flavor, adds luxury to everyday...
5 months ago • 1 min read
