Is it too early to start thinking about the Christmas holidays? Absolutely not. Do I do any holiday shopping before Labor Day? No way. I might plan meals for the week, but I am the parent who’s frantically searching for electrical tape on Halloween morning to finish a last-minute Batman costume. Still, here’s a holiday … Read more

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is styled like a speakeasy. It typically opens in the afternoon and closes around midnight, and after 8pm it becomes an adults-only space. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of the most sought-after lounges on Walt Disney World property. Tucked away on the Polynesian Resort’s main … Read more

This soft, chewy recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies features a rich cocoa dough studded with creamy Reese’s peanut butter chips. It comes together quickly—ready in about 20 minutes—and yields a large batch perfect for sharing or filling the cookie jar. On a recent grocery run, my oldest slipped a couple of bags of … Read more

photo by: Karen Walrond First Impressions from Addis Ababa: A Visit to Mary Joy Development Association It’s nearly midnight here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My body is tired after a long, restless 14-hour flight, but my mind and heart are wide awake. I want to record some thoughts from my first day in this vivid … Read more

This grab-and-go recipe for Mini Egg Bites with Broccoli and Cheddar is ideal when mornings are rushed. These vegetable-packed bites are simple to make, great for meal prep, and reheat quickly for busy weekday breakfasts. Weekday mornings often feel like a sprint. Preparing food ahead of time makes life easier, and these mini egg bites … Read more

This recipe presents a traditional Catalan-style cannelloni often enjoyed at festive meals. It combines a rich pork ragù enriched with pork pâté, enveloped in tender pasta sheets and finished with a silky béchamel and a gratin of cheese. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that holds up well for a holiday table or a … Read more

These chewy carrot cake cookies capture everything you love about classic carrot cake in an easy-to-serve individual treat. Soft and tender in the center with a chewy edge, they are warmly spiced, packed with browned butter, grated carrots and oats, and finished with a brown-butter cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut. Perfect for spring gatherings, … Read more

Bean salad is a classic potluck favorite that brings summer to mind—family barbecues, easy make-ahead dishes, and casual gatherings. Bright, tangy, and slightly sweet, this salad combines a variety of beans and crisp vegetables for a satisfying texture and bold flavor. It’s made mostly from pantry staples, so you can toss it together quickly when … Read more

Oi Gente! Fried Sweet Plantains (plátanos maduros) are a simple, classic Latin American side dish that brings a natural, caramelized sweetness to almost any meal. With only two ingredients and about 15 minutes from start to finish, this easy Brazilian plantains recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will likely become a staple in your … Read more