Brighten up your winter table with Cold Brew Cranberry Citrus Iced Tea. Tart cranberry and fresh citrus juices blend with cold-brewed black tea for a refreshing, festive drink. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lipton. The opinions and text are all mine. It’s been busy here these past few weeks, … Read more

Meet this month’s Tattle Tasters—members of the What’s Cookin, Chicago community who sampled the cupcakes I posted all week. Below is a short introduction to each tasters, their food interests, and why they wanted to be part of this tasting. Thanks to everyone who volunteered this month; look for another round of Tattle Tasters in … Read more

These dark chocolate blueberry clusters are my go-to healthier dessert when I want something to curb cravings for cupcakes, brownies, or pie. They deliver the rich chocolate satisfaction I love while staying light and simple. Made with fresh blueberries coated in silky melted dark chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, these clusters … Read more

Amp up your baking with this easy homemade pecan flour. It’s a nutritious alternative to all-purpose flour that brings a toasted, nutty flavor to pancakes, muffins, cookies, and more. Ready in about 10 minutes, this simple pantry staple is perfect for gluten-free baking and adds depth to both sweet and savory recipes. Below you’ll find … Read more

Enjoy this cajun shrimp salad all summer long. Succulent shrimp are tossed in Cajun seasoning, served with a crisp grilled corn salad and a zesty Cajun yogurt dressing. This Cajun shrimp salad is a perfect, light summer meal. Roasted red peppers add sweetness, corn and cucumbers bring crunch, and the shrimp deliver a gentle heat. … Read more

“Baking with gums?” you ask. “Why bake with gum?” Good questions. I’m glad you asked. You may have noticed ingredients called gums on labels and wondered what they do: is xanthan gum necessary in gluten-free baking? What is xanthan gum made of? Is it safe, and are there substitutes? What about guar gum — can … Read more

Mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside and creamy and cheesy on the inside — the ultimate comfort-food bite. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer and a fantastic way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. These homemade mac and cheese balls are far better than the typical restaurant version. Small, portable, and utterly … Read more

This green bean salad with tomatoes, feta, and mint is served cold and comes together in about 10 minutes because it uses raw green beans for crunch and freshness. Summer cooking is all about simplicity and spontaneity. When I opened the fridge and found French green beans, cherry tomatoes, and feta, this quick salad practically … Read more

My super-flavorful chicken marinade is your go-to for juicy, well-seasoned chicken every time. I use this blend constantly—not just on chicken—and once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. Why This Chicken Marinade Wins Every Time Always Juicy: This marinade helps lock in moisture so your chicken turns out tender and flavorful—perfect … Read more

Paul Kirk’s Championship Barbecue: Barbecue Your Way to Greatness contains many excellent recipes, including this flavorful Creole pasta salad. We loved the crunchy bell pepper and celery, the tender pasta tossed in a tangy buttermilk-mayonnaise dressing, the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, and the briny bite of pimento-stuffed olives. I used tri-color rotini, but elbow … Read more