Chef Laura Bonicelli

Fresh herbs can transform a dish, but they can also be one of the most frustrating ingredients to keep on hand. In this section, you'll find my favorite methods for storing herbs so they stay fresh longer, along with useful sources for drying, freezing, and preserving your harvest for year-round use. You'll also find resources for growing herbs hydroponically. Whether you're looking to supplement your summer garden, grow fresh basil through a Minnesota winter, or simply enjoy having herbs within arm's reach of your kitchen, hydroponic systems can be a fun and surprisingly productive option. I've included tools, supplies, and resources to help you get started, along with some of the lessons I've learned along the way. My goal is simple: help you waste fewer herbs, enjoy more flavor, and make fresh herbs a bigger part of your everyday cooking.

Here it is—a collection of ingredients, tools, and resources that I genuinely love and use in my own kitchen. Over the years, I've spent a lot of time searching for products that deliver great flavor, perform well, and make cooking more enjoyable. From spices and specialty ingredients to chorizo, olive oil, and pantry staples, these are the items I reach for again and again. I hope they help you cook with more confidence, discover a few new favorites, and bring a little extra joy to your kitchen.

Dried pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine. Buying the best is essential. There are literally HUNDREDS of kinds out there. These are some favorites and bowls to serve your pasta in.

There is nothing like a homemade corn tortilla. Once you make your own, you'll never be satisfied with store-bought again. I made this list with favorite Mexican items that surround the best tortilla press and masa on the market.

Fresh high-quality fruit is one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. It's elegant and everyone always loves it. Many of these sources offer subscriptions and boxes. My mother sent me and my family a case of oranges and grapefruit from Pittman & Davis every year in December. Delicious!

A guide to some favorite pantry items to have on hand for the Mindful Mediterranean program. Check the notes where I'll tell you more about the products. Daily, I draw on my on-hand staples to ensure I have healthy snacks and MM-green meals ready in minutes.

Here’s a list of all my tried-and-true tools and ingredients from my pizza classes. If you’re a home pizza-maker, this is the perfect starting point to help you set up your pizza kitchen and make amazing Neapolitan-syle pizza. Whatever your favorite style of pizza is, this is a great place to start.

The title The Egg and I might sound familiar—it comes from the 1947 film (see below) about farm life, resilience, and the unexpected joys of simple things. As a chef, I feel the same way about eggs. They are both beautifully simple and endlessly complex. The egg is a perfect food—nutrient-dense, endlessly versatile, and essential to countless dishes—but mastering it? That’s another story. Cooking eggs properly is a life-long challenge for some. This list is all about eggs, covering everything from the basics to the finer details. You’ll find information on egg types, nutrition, storage, tools, and plenty of recipes to explore the full potential of this humble ingredient. Whether you’re here to celebrate the egg in all its glory or you just need to know how to tell if your eggs are fresh, you’re in the right place.

This list is for anyone interested in making pasta and looking for guidance from a professional who teaches home cooks. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of pasta machines and tools, and I’ve tested countless flours—both traditional and gluten-free—in my restaurant and in my classes. I stand behind these recommendations with confidence. There are many options available, and some are certainly less expensive. But I’ve found that using well-made equipment brings a level of ease and enjoyment to the process that’s worth considering when making your choices. This is a living list—I’ll continue to update and refine it as I learn, experiment, and discover new tools along the way.

🌞 Originally, I created this list as a secret weapon for my tribe in the Mindful Mediterranean program. But guess what? I've decided to spread the love and share it with the whole wide world! 🌍 Think of it as your magical toolkit for transforming into the healthiest, happiest version of you—mind, body, and even wardrobe! 💪👗 So dive in, explore, and become the fabulous you're destined to be! 🌈✨

From dry skin to drinking water, staying hydrated can be a challenge. With your body being largely made of H2O, it's important to guarantee that you are getting and staying hydrated. Here's some help!

The “Clutter Busters Collection” is your ultimate guide to transforming cluttered spaces into areas of tranquility and efficiency.

I’m a chef and avid home cook who knows firsthand that great kitchen design and quality appliances make “mise en place” second nature. When your space is thoughtfully organized and equipped, cooking becomes not just easier—but more enjoyable. I help people design and organize kitchens so they function beautifully and inspire creativity. Here, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tools, products, and design ideas—the same ones I use and recommend to my clients and students.

The right tool can completely change the experience of cooking. These are the kinds of products that solve the little frustrations that slow you down in the kitchen—better grips, smarter storage, easier cleanup, sharper blades, more control. Someone clearly spent time thinking about how real people actually cook. I love tools that are not only functional, but thoughtfully designed and enjoyable to use. When something works beautifully, cooking becomes smoother, less stressful, and a lot more fun.

Fashion is one of my true passions—though you wouldn’t necessarily know it when I’m cooking in an apron and sensible shoes. Outside the kitchen, I love the artistry of it: the textures, the tailoring, the small details that elevate something simple into something memorable. It’s a creative outlet for me, just expressed in fabric instead of food.

My mother was a stickler for skin, hair, and nail care. So am I. At that time, the choices were more limited - now they seem to be limitless!

Make a cup of tea, put on some tunes, and dive into a good movie or book! It’s always fun to notice how authors describe food—it often inspires me to try new recipes. I’ve found myself making molé or an asparagus and prosciutto sandwich after reading a mouthwatering passage!

This list is for visitors (and residents) that would like a quick guide to some of the area's highlights.

Lake Como is an exquisite setting for an elegant destination wedding. Consider planning your celebration slightly off-season to enjoy the same breathtaking beauty with fewer crowds and more favorable pricing. The charming town of Cernobbio offers a refined mix of bars, restaurants, and hotels, including the iconic Villa d'Este—renowned for its stunning gardens and timeless lakeside glamour.

Before the world paused for the pandemic, my husband and I took an unforgettable trip to San Sebastián, a city where food is woven into the very fabric of life. Nestled in Spain’s Basque Country, it’s a place of breathtaking beauty, rich traditions, and one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world. From bustling pintxos bars to creamy dreamy gelato, charming day trips, and hidden gems, this list is a collection of my favorite experiences. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply dreaming of one, I hope this guide helps you savor the magic of San Sebastián as much as we did!

Dad deserves a great gift. Of course, coming up with the perfect one can feel like a tall order. This list is here to make it easier — thoughtful ideas that feel intentional without being overcomplicated. Use it for Father’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, or any moment you want to celebrate him well. A good gift doesn’t need a specific date on the calendar.

Great stocking stuffers make Christmas morning so special. I love buying creative items and wrapping them individually. They never fit in the stockings!