One of things everyone loves about the holidays is the elaborate menus and all the delicious dishes. If you have special eating needs, the holiday dinner may not be as fun. I have been looking for some good recipes that are keto, low carb, or gluten free that will allow those trying to eat better to enjoy dishes as well.
Spent two Christmases with wobbly lines, flooded edges, and cookies that looked like a toddler decorated them. If you're tired of watching YouTube tutorials and still ending up with a mess, this is the exact lineup I use now. Grabbed most of these before last holiday season and the difference was honestly embarrassing compared to my old attempts.
I have been cooking and baking (and eating a lot 😏) ever since I was a kid and it is a passion of mine that I also really love to share with others. I'm starting to collect a variety of resources, tools, and books that I have encountered and found helpful or interesting throughout my cooking journey so far. Enjoy!
I've lived my last 5 years helping develop business opportunities. Serving the community has been my pleasure but it is HARD work. When your looking for the best items to add to the food truck and keep it lightweight these recommendations will help.
Hosting the football game at your place? Looking forward to watching some spooky movies this Halloween? Or just wanting something warm & cozy for this crisp fall air? Check out my go to snacks, simple ingredients & recipes for this fall!
I love cooking and baking, especially since I grew up with my mother and grandmother constantly crafting up food in the kitchen. When I moved out, I wanted to cook and bake as well as they did but I found myself overwhelmed and often confused when I tried. I was also a college student, and had little time to make meals for myself. I turned to these beginner cookbooks to help me and it was the best decision!
Tired of spending all your money on coffee at coffee shops that never consistently make your drink right? Save money and start making it at home! I have carefully put together this list of my purchases in case you don't know where to start.
As a recreational baker and a local, I'm always on the hunt for the best pastries. Here are some of my favourite places in San Francisco for flaky goodness!
As a latte addict, I stop where I can to find a good cup! (And a good cup of milk or juice for the girlies)
If you have a rec to try a place leave a comment and I will need try it out. 🙌🏼
Whether your staying at a friends place or visiting relatives. These gifts are a perfect surprise to thank your welcoming host. Perfect for Easter hosting!
Favorite meals, tools, and hacks from a working mom who finds joy in the kitchen and feeding her family (even the picky ones!).If you are looking for my top recommendations for quick tasty recipes, kitchen hacks, and helpful kitchen tools this is the place. If you’re short on time but big on flavor, you’ll feel right at home here!
New Orleans restaurants that I return to again and again- not only for the cuisine, but also for the atmosphere and service! I categorized these places the best I could, but some can fit into multiple! (Lunch and dinner ect.)
These are all of my favorite restaurants and bars in and around Ocean City, MD. Growing up and living in the area for my entire life, I’ve had the pleasure of trying all the great places OC has to offer. I’m happy to share my opinions and always encourage you to shop/eat local when here!
Real food, real flavor, zero food guilt. These cookbooks help me eat better (and feel amazing!) in my 40s and beyond — with fun spice combos, smart techniques, and nourishing ingredients that make healthy cooking anything but boring. 🥄Disclosure: Some links in this list are affiliate links, which means the platform, or I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I truly love and use. 😊
Homemade pizza night used to mean toppings sliding everywhere, cheese stretching off the slice, and a cutting board that looked like a crime scene. If you cook at home more than twice a week and your current tools fight you instead of helping you, this is the lineup I landed on after way too many frustrating dinners. Took me a solid year of swaps to get here so you can skip the trial and error.
I spent a year A/B testing my morning cup. Every grinder, kettle, and brewer here beat gear costing 3x more. As a software engineer, my mornings need to be efficient AND high-quality, and this is the exact kit that got me there. Precision grinders, temperature-control kettles, and manual brewers that outperform expensive automatic machines. Note: As a Benable creator, I may earn a commission if you buy through these links, but I only recommend what I use daily. Updated: July 2026.
You said yes to hosting brunch and now you're staring at your kitchen counter wondering how to feed eight people without losing your mind. If you've been cobbling together mismatched plates and hoping for the best, this is the spread setup I landed on after way too many chaotic Sunday mornings. Took me a full year of awkward brunches to figure this out so you can skip straight to the good part.
Coffee 🤝🏽 Me. Listen, I have a coffee maker at home but I don’t care! I love visiting different coffee spots in the city to work, read, meet up or just chill. Coffee girlies unite!
We definitely prefer dark chocolate; it has a more intense flavour, it's better for you, and you tend to eat less, so that's what we tend to buy, as it's win-win all round, but these brands do also sell milk and white chocolate if you like any, and all, chocolate.
My favorite spots in Columbus to eat. If you are stopping by the Columbus area check out these spots for a bite to eat or a quick trip for the kiddos to play!
Curious about the equipment I use to shoot all the delicious recipes you see on my blog? This is my go-to photography gear that helps me capture bright, clear, and drool-worthy images—no fancy studio required. Whether you're a fellow food blogger or just love taking beautiful food photos, here’s a look at what I use behind the scenes. This list contains affiliate links.
I rounded up my favorite Pinterest recipes that focus on limiting refined sugar (great for keto diet, diabetics, low carb). There is a good mix of dinner recipes, desserts, and sides.
If a kitchen gadget does not save me at least an hour a week, it does not earn a spot on my counter. The knife alone cut my prep time by 20 minutes a meal; the slow cooker runs while I ship code; the air fryer replaces 30 minutes of oven preheat. I approach meal prep like a system optimization problem. Note: As a Benable creator, I may earn a commission if you buy through these links, but I only recommend what is in my kitchen. Updated: July 2026.
I‘m not a chef. I’m OBSESSED with those recipes. These vegan recipes are the ones I crave when I want comfort, ease, and something that accidentally impresses my friends.
Toronto’s local coffee scene is booming, offering a diverse range of beans, flavors, and brewing styles. Each café has its own unique vibe, making every visit a new experience. Here are some fantastic spots worth checking out!
Teachers say the best gifts are gift cards, classroom supplies, and a sweet note from your child. Here are thoughtful picks under $25, skipping the mugs and lotions they already have plenty of.
These are my favorite salads to get more veggies in my diet! Some different variations of some classics and a lot of dense bean salads! Those have become a staple of my diet.
Are you craving something delicious? After living in Chapel Hill for four years, these are the best spots that I've tried in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area! Get ready to indulge in everything from Southern comfort food to international delights—each one guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you coming back for more!
Spent three weeks eating through Romanian villages and small towns — came back ten pounds heavier and genuinely mad that nobody talks about this cuisine. If you love hearty, slow-cooked food but you're tired of the same Italian-French-Spanish rotation every trip, this is the Romania food guide I wish someone handed me before I went. Saving you the weeks of research I did so you can just eat.
You spent hours making jam and pickles, then slapped on a crooked Sharpie label and handed it over like a sad afterthought. If you're someone who cans in batches and gives jars as gifts but can never get the labeling part right, these supplies changed everything. I figured this out over two canning seasons so you can skip the trial and error.
I'm always cooking! I love to cook for my family and friends, I've been told I have the "need to feed". Some recommendations are must haves that make everyday cooking easier, others are help our family make nutrition choices that align with our goals.
I am obsessed with going to new bars, breweries, and restaurants. These are the places I have absolutely loved that you will also enjoy if you like beer, dive bars, places on the water, and new restaurants with great food.
So you want to host a party for the Olympics but you aren't sure where to get all the goods from? I'll link here everything you should order and then some!
From hidden gems to local favorites, these are the best spots to grab a great cup of coffee in Kissimmee and the surrounding area. Whether you need a quiet workspace, a quick cortadito, or a full brunch vibe, this list has you covered.
Craving authentic tacos, pupusas, or a perfectly seasoned plate of ropa vieja? Central Florida's Mexican and Latin food scene runs deep, and after years of eating my way across Osceola County, these are the spots my family returns to again and again. This local's guide covers the best taquerias, Salvadoran kitchens, Cuban cafes, and Latin grills around Kissimmee, Poinciana, and the greater Orlando area.
That one friend who always knows the best spot to eat, or the aspiring home cook locked into the Food Network, these gifts will delight any hungry foodie on a birthday or holiday
What makes my belly happy! I try to snack on things that have more health benefits or protein to keep me fuller longer. I’m a snacker and sometimes I do make bad food choices but we’re all human. Love sharing what tastes good and I hope you give some of them a try.
Grills, cookbooks, utensils, tools, and seasonings that make the perfect Christmas gifts this year! Your father, son, or brother will find these items useful for camping, indoor, or summer use!
I am no chef and a lazy cook but I have my favourite recipes and do a darn good job of feeding my family healthy, nutritious and tasty meals with a little bit of naughty thrown in! The bottom line is I LOVE food. I'm addicted to food! I can't get enough of eating food! Join me here to find products that every kitchen should own and why!
Breakfast is usually the hardest part of the morning routine for me. Mainly because every one needs me for something and before I know it there is no time. Here are some our my families favorite quick breakfast items.
I am a proud Vietnamese-American, that means my mom makes BOMBBBB Vietnamese food! But whenever I find myself hungry and craving Viet food while in the city, these are my go to restaurants to satisfy my cravings! Obviously I am biased to my mom's cooking but honestly, all of these spots get me right!
I recently got married to a South Indian, and naturally, that opened the door to trying so many kinds of Indian food! My husband is from the southern part of India, a city called Chennai, so I’ve mostly been introduced to South Indian delicacies. If you’re new to South Indian food like I was, I’ve put together a list of beginner-friendly dishes, some of them are even zero-spice! Hope this list inspires you to give them a try :)
Discover the ultimate Gift Guide for Espresso Martini Lovers, curated for anyone obsessed with rich coffee flavors, chic barware, and elevated cocktail experiences. This guide highlights the best ideas for gifting espresso martini enthusiasts — from stylish home bar upgrades to coffee-inspired treats and mixology essentials. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, bridal showers, hostess gifts, or “just because,” this collection makes it easy to find something thoughtful, aesthetic, and on-trend for the espresso martini lover in your life. Ideal for cocktail fans, caffeine lovers, mixology beginners, luxe home entertainers, and anyone who appreciates a sophisticated, Instagram-worthy drink moment. Join Benable with the code WV7VQ and start making your own board recommendations!
For those of us who want to make great coffee without spending hundreds of dollars on equipment… I spend enough on beans 😬
I’ve included some bonus upgrade recommendations as well!
Holiday gift guide for the foodie with kitchen gifts they will actually use. As a San Francisco-based non-diet Registered Dietitian, I love gifts that make cooking more joyful and less stressful: the Our Place Always Pan, good olive oil, a cookbook, wooden spoons, a linen apron, a spice set, and a ceramic baking dish. Practical, beautiful gifts for home cooks, holiday hosts, and anyone who loves to gather around food.
My go-to coffee setup for iced and hot drinks at home. These are the exact pods, syrups, and tools I use to make caramel, vanilla, and chocolate coffees that actually taste like a coffee shop. Perfect if you have a Nespresso or want an easy at-home coffee routine. I’ve tested a lot and these are the ones I actually repurchase.
Sourdough can be intimidating but these are some of the essentials that helped me when I first started my starter! Don’t be scared to start.. just do it and have fun!
Planning your first Austria trip and staring at Google Maps with 400 pins and zero clue where to actually eat? I spent two weeks wandering Vienna, Salzburg, and smaller towns — some meals were unforgettable, others were tourist-trap schnitzel that tasted like cardboard. This is the list I wish someone had texted me before I landed.
As a former barista, I’m picky about my coffee, and have spent years cultivating my top picks for the best sips at home!
Check out my list of recommendations - from equipment, to coffee, to flavoring, I’ve got you covered!
Every birthday cake I made looked like a kindergartner frosted it — lopsided, lumpy, buttercream fingerprints everywhere. I spent two years blaming my skills before realizing my tools were the problem. This is everything I use now, from the turntable that changed my whole approach to the offset spatula that made me feel like I knew what I was doing. If you frost cakes at home and keep wondering why yours never look like the tutorial, start here before you waste another tub of frosting.
Ever since getting diagnosed with celiac, my relationship with food has been so low. All the things I used to love to eat I just can’t anymore. It really does suck, but I’ve tried MANY alternatives, and these are the ones that are lowkey good enough to replace the real thing!
Eating low-carb, cutting out sugar, and staying active completely changed my life. I've lost 60 pounds, and these are the kinds of recipes and meal ideas that have helped me stay on track without feeling deprived. Whether you're just getting started, looking to lose weight. managing you blood sugar, or simply trying to eat healthier, I hope these recipes inspire you and make your journey a little easier.
If you grew up smashing plantains with the bottom of a glass wrapped in a greasy paper bag, you already know the mess. Burned fingers, uneven tostones, sticky counters. This list is for anyone who cooks Caribbean or Latin food at home and wants to stop wrestling with makeshift tools. Took me years of soggy paper bags to finally put this setup together.
No oven, tiny kitchen, and every cheesecake recipe online assumed you had both. I spent a year testing pans that were too big, too flimsy, or leaked batter into the pot. This is the full setup that actually works, from the pan to the last garnish. If you just got a pressure cooker and want to skip the oven entirely, save yourself the trial and error I went through.
After taking more than 200 flights as a parent - I've somewhat mastered snack packing for flights with kids. Toddler to Elementary school in age and also having a few snacks for myself too!
Bored with the same old recipes? I found the equivalent of The Joy of Cooking from countries all over the world. I spent months researching because I wanted to know which cookbook is on *every* kitchen shelf in as many countries as I could find. I've been cooking for over twenty years, but these books have exposed me to so many new ideas in the kitchen! My weekly menus have gotten interesting, that's for sure! Any one of these books will provide you with a mountain of ideas for new, interesting recipes. Enjoy!
You know that deep, smoky, stick-to-your-ribs chili smell that hits you when you walk into a cabin? I spent years chasing that with sad stovetop attempts that tasted flat and smelled like nothing. This is everything I use now, from the slow cooker to the exact spices, beans, and toppings that make my house smell so good the neighbors have literally knocked on my door asking what I was cooking. If you want a chili day ritual that actually delivers, save yourself the trial and error I went through.
I am a coffee connoisseur and absolutely love trying new coffee. I also love breakfast food and love that I don’t have to make it or clean it up when we go out!
You literally cannot go wrong with a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. There’s something for everyone no matter if you’re a veggie lover, a fan of the classics, or if you want something easy!🥣
My kids love all of these and best of all they’re nut free so they can be sent to school. Bonus, they’re made with healthy ingredients so you can feel good about giving them to your kids
An assortment of restaraunts and dive bars you should visit. These are my favorite places to hang in the Valley of the Sun! (Don't sleep on this list!)
Reliable parchment paper makes baking and cooking easier, cleaner, and more consistent. Here are ten trusted rolls and sheets that cover everything from eco-friendly choices to heavy-duty, high-heat options for busy home kitchens.
Spent three weeks eating my way through Japan and came home genuinely angry at every meal I've had before. If you're planning a trip and don't want to waste a single bite on the wrong stall, this is the list I wish someone handed me at the airport — took me 47 different stops to narrow it down.
I've been drinking coffee since I was very (very) young. It's quite concerning. But who could blame me! Most days, my morning coffee is the highlight of my day. I look forward to this little ritual from the night before. Hopefully, this list might help you enjoy your daily coffee(s) a bit more!!💖
My youngest son can’t have wheat, grains, rice, oats, dairy, corn, or soy- it can be HARD to find safe foods for them!
He has outgrown a few things since his diagnosis, so if your little one can’t eat some of these yet, it’s okay! They will soon!
These are our almost daily eats!
For picky eaters, happy hour lovers, and people who only leave the house when it’s actually worth it—these are my go-to East Bay spots for good food, good drinks, and no regrets.
You spent an hour arranging salami roses and cheese cubes, then stuck in plain wooden toothpicks that looked like they came from a dentist's office. If you host even a couple times a year and want people to actually photograph your spread, these picks and serving accessories took my boards from ‘nice try’ to ‘where did you get those?’ Grabbed most of these before Thanksgiving last year and I'm still getting compliments.
This list rounds up the top rooftop bars, lounges, and restaurants in Boston—perfect for after-work drinks, weekend brunches, or a night out with friends. Whether you're craving skyline views, craft cocktails, or a cozy rooftop garden, you'll find the best spots to soak up the city from above. From hidden gems to iconic favorites, these rooftops offer the perfect mix of atmosphere, scenery, and great food and drinks. 🌇🍸