A good cookbook from a real chef is like a cooking class at home. So I rounded up the ones home cooks keep reaching for. Every pick here comes from a famous chef with years of kitchen experience. You will find French classics, TV favorites, modern techniques and baking bibles. Each book has thousands of happy readers behind it. Which chef taught you the most in the kitchen? Tell me in the comments!
The food lovers in my life are the most fun to shop for, because a great bottle of olive oil or a box of chocolates always gets used and enjoyed. These are the gourmet pantry staples, snack boxes, and sweet treats I give every holiday season, all tried and loved in our own kitchen first. Tell me your favorite edible gift in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
Spent years slicing cake layers freehand with a serrated knife, ending up with lopsided tiers and frosting that looked like it was melting off a cliff. If you're a home baker who's tired of wonky layers and wasted cake scraps, this is everything I actually use now — took me way too many failed birthday cakes to put this together.
I lived in London for three years. And if you need to know anything about me, it's that I love breakfast and brunch. They're my favourite meals of the day. I've sampled many different breakfast and brunch spots in London over the years, but here are my favourites.
After testing more kitchen gadgets than I can count, I’ve learned exactly what separates the gimmicks from the game-changers. These are the tools that actually earn their place on the counter—smart designs, reliable performance, and that rare “how did I ever cook without this?” feeling. If I’m recommending it, it’s because it’s survived real kitchens, real recipes, and the kind of everyday use that only a true cooking obsessive puts things through.
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!
From Top Date Night Spots to Sweet Treets it's all here to have a great time in Houston Texas. These are must stop places when you are hungry and visiting!
These are a few of my favorite GF/DF safe places to eat in Western WA. I am celiac and pretty sensitive so I am careful about where I eat. A few places I recommend are designated GF restaurants, but most are not. I can't promise that you won't get cross-contamination, but I have eaten at all these places several times and have had good luck. Hope you enjoy the list! If you try a place leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.
These are some of my favorite, super cute cafes in London - they all have something a bit original to them, be it sculptures on the walls, vegan/vegetarian/halal options, pink coffee shops and others I love.
No trendy diets or overwhelming rules - just cookbooks and nutrition books that make healthy eating feel doable. These are the ones I come back to for simple meals, balanced blood sugar, and realistic guidance that actually fits real life.
You've been there. Guests arriving in 45 minutes, a cheese board that looks like a sad lunch plate, and zero confidence about which bottle goes with what. I used to panic-Google pairings every single time. This is everything I bought to finally host without the stress, and now friends actually ask me for advice. Grab what you need before your next gathering.
A curated list of irresistible chocolate desserts and snacks for every sweet tooth. From tiramisu to Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno, each pick delivers rich flavour, indulgent texture, and pure cocoa bliss.
My go-to Costco finds for a low-toxin lifestyle. These are the pantry staples, household products, and better-ingredient swaps I personally buy for my family.
Spending $6 on a tiny bag of roasted chickpeas at the store felt ridiculous when a can costs 89 cents — but every batch I made at home tasted like cardboard until I nailed the seasoning. If you're someone who wants a crunchy, high-protein snack without paying snack-aisle markup, this is the exact lineup that took my canned chickpeas from sad to addictive. Took me way too many bland batches to figure this out so you don't have to.
Melbourne, Victoria has some amazing places for food! Having lived here for 8 years, I have had some incredible experiences at some amazing restaurants! Here are some of my favorite food places ranging from Thai to Italian 😊
December bedtimes used to be a full-on battle. Sugar-hyped kids, holiday excitement, zero cooperation. Then I started the hot cocoa bomb ritual and suddenly they're racing to put on pajamas by 6:45. If you've got little ones who fight sleep all month long, this lineup turned our chaotic evenings into the coziest part of the day. Grab these before November ends because the good ones sell out fast.
I lived on Staten Island for over 3 decades and still work there. These are my recommendations for places to eat in the forgotten borough. Most of these recs are for sit down restaurant or catering type experiences.
Let me know if you think I put each of these restaurants on its proper shore: north/south/midisland
PCOS/ADHD/POTS/ All humans benefit from stable blood sugar. This is a list of foods and drinks I like to throw in my bag as I walk out the door on a busy day to keep my energy up.
Every year I'd panic-buy a gift card and watch my dad pretend to be excited. This time I put together a grill setup that looked like a $300 haul but cost way less. If your dad lives at the grill from May through September and you're tired of giving him socks, steal this list before Father's Day sneaks up on you again.
I used to hate the taste of at home coffee it was always watery and didn’t even come close to the ones you can get at a shop. UNTIL I stumbled upon these things.
Simple, nourishing bites that make me want to jump for joy because I love every single one. Linking a handful of the ingredients and brands I love in these recipes!
As a mom, I have lots of people to keep in mind when I hit the aisles at the grocery store. I try to shop mostly organic when I can while still checking all items off my long list. This is what I'm shopping for!
This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.
As someone who goes up and down every aisle at grocery stores looking for the latest and greatest snacks and sweets, here are my favorite Trader Joe’s foods…all the ones I have in my kitchen all the time and what I love bringing to work for lunches!
Dig in to the food culture of Spain, France, and Italy by enjoying food tours and learning to cook some amazing dishes! I've done several local cooking classes and food tours (even planned a trip based around them once), including most of the experiences linked below.
Those who want an awesome kitchen - without all the clutter. There are way too many kitchen tools that you just don't need. These… You do! I love every item on this list.I don't have to tell you that being a better cook is a lot easier when you have the right tools at your side.You probably are going to spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen. These recommendations will make that experience as fulfilling as possible - and what these are what I use personally!
Upgrade your kitchen with the best viral air fryers for every lifestyle — from RV travel and small apartments to family meal prep and modern kitchens. These top-rated picks make meals faster, crispier, and easier with less oil. Whether you want a compact countertop model, dual-basket fryer, or premium smart oven, these trending U.S. favorites are perfect for quick meals, healthy cooking, frozen foods, and everyday convenience.
Christmas is the best time of the year for a reason, right? Because of FOOD I tell you! Some of our favoruites desserts and savoury recipes to make your Christmas even jollier!
A comprehensive and very random list of my favorites from the month of January — from books to haircare to cleaning supplies to snacks… You can trust I’m bringing you the best of the best!
These are my favorite restaurants in Metro Atlanta where I’ve never had a bad meal. Consistently amazing food and vibes every time. Perfect spots to try when you want something delicious and reliable!
If trying new restaurants were a hobby, it would be mine. There’s so many food spots & local businesses all over the San Antonio area, here’s some places I recommend to check out.
This list will be updated as I find new spots to eat good food. If you’re craving something specific, check out the sections as they are organized by cuisine.
Love, a foodie. 🤌🏼
I have eaten my way through the city for a decade now, so I consider myself and my taste buds to be experts about good grub in Cape Town (as a local). All these are worth your time and your buck.
Popcorn in a regular bowl and candy dumped on the coffee table was getting old. If you host movie nights and want that actual concession stand vibe without spending $47 on snacks for four people at the cinema, this is the exact setup I pieced together. Took me way too many sad movie nights to figure it out, so steal the whole lineup.
My favorite drink of the morning and what I use to make that happen. Recently I'm enjoying pour over, my locally roasted, freshly ground coffee beans. It's the little things in life!
You should NOT have to give up things you love and have to sacrifice taste for the sake of them being gf! My mom has celiac and I have a gluten intolerance so I have learned over the years which snacks are worth it!!!
Spent two years thinking bloating after every meal was just normal. Tried cutting gluten, tried probiotics, tried eating slower. Turns out dairy was wrecking me the whole time, and I only figured it out because I started tracking everything I ate. This list is for anyone stuck in that ‘why do I feel terrible after eating’ loop who wants real answers without paying for expensive allergy tests. Took me months of trial and error to land on these products, so save yourself the time.
Everything I buy on repeat for the kitchen with a family of three and a dog! Mostly things that elevate dishes, are essentials for us, and/or make easy meals.
Beyond the obvious of avoiding gluten, celiac made me think more about what I put in my body and what helps my digestive system. But also, it’s important to enjoy what you’re eating without worrying about nutrition all the time!
Although Carmel is loathed by a lot of fellow Hoosiers, the city offers a modern and varied dining scene. I’ve lived in Carmel since 2008 and raised our kids here. It has grown and changed a lot but this NY native approves.
i've lived in new york city for 2 years and these are the spots i keep coming back to! 🍝 this list contains different types of food in different parts of the city!
This list includes our go-to hot coffee K-cup brands, the flavor mix-ins we add to bottled water, and the iced coffees and teas we love. I've also included the drinkware we use - which is a mix of disposable cups and reusable travel mugs and tumblers we grab when we leave the house.Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of my links at no additional cost to you.
Packing lunch at 6 AM and cracking open lukewarm soup at noon is the saddest desk experience. If you eat at your desk, commute long distances, or just refuse to microwave things in the break room because someone always reheated fish in there, this is the gear that actually keeps food hot, organized, and worth eating. Took me two years of disappointing thermoses to land on these.
All about pantry and fridge essentials for my favorite time of year to cook. Soup! Hearty stews! Roasts! I always need to restock on the things I need for these meals- sharing them for anyone else who loves cozy cooking season.
When I was growing up, I was that kid who was wide awake at 6am and with full-blast sunshine energy, ready to go for school. As a *gasp* middle-aged adult? Not so much. So here are some of the coffees I’ve discovered in the past few years.
These, for the most part, will be for a Keurig. During the first year of Covid, I honestly tried with the type of drip brewer that I grew up with as an 80s kid (Mr. Coffee). But because I’m a klutz, I ended up breaking two in a month. (Maybe I should make a separate list of the objects I’ve accidentally destroyed in oddball ways.)
Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up fun, satisfying snacks. It just means making smarter choices that don’t leave you feeling sluggish and guilty. If you love food (like me) but also want to keep your waistline in check, these snacks are the way to go.
This list is full of simple, clean food swaps my family actually eats. We focus on avoiding seed oils, gluten, and conventional dairy, while choosing foods made with real ingredients and no unnecessary fillers. Everything here is something I personally buy and feel good feeding my family, from pantry staples to everyday snacks. If you’re trying to clean up your diet without going extreme, these swaps make it easier to nourish your family with foods that are simple, intentional, and made with better ingredients.
Some call it weird, some call it paranoid, but lately, I've been all about finding clean foods that have ZERO seed oils. These are some I am loving. And I feel better than AMAZING. *This list contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you, which I may make a small commission from if you purchase.*
Every baker needs a solid set of tools and ingredients to make the magic happen. This list is filled with my go-to essentials; the items I reach for every time I’m in the kitchen. From mixing bowls and pans to little gadgets that make life easier, these must-haves keep baking fun, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned baker, these picks will help you create treats that look beautiful and taste amazing.
Washing mushrooms under running water always felt wrong, and it was. They'd soak up liquid like sponges and turn rubbery in the pan. If you're someone who actually cares how your food tastes and you're tired of soggy shiitakes and waterlogged portobellos, this is the lineup I put together after months of trial and error. Grab what you need before your next stir fry.
You pour a glass of Sauvignon Blanc on the patio, and by the time you finish telling a story it's warm soup. Dragging out an ice bucket means dripping water everywhere, refilling ice, and your bottle label peeling off like sad wallpaper. This list is for anyone who loves cold white wine, rosé, or bubbly but hates the whole production — took me two summers of trial and error so you can skip straight to the part where your drink stays perfect.
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!
Eating well during a busy week only works for our family when the kitchen is set up to make it easy. I put together the blenders I use for morning smoothies and soups, the meal prep tools and glass containers that help me cook once and eat all week, and the pantry staples I always keep stocked for quick, healthy dinners. Share your favorite make-ahead meal in the comments so I can add it to our rotation!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
Charcuterie and other grazing boards are an ideal appetizer for entertaining. Often, they can be prepared and served to your guests swiftly. Building a visually appealing board begins with a solid foundation, which, of course, is a beautiful vessel. Many boards can be assembled without cooking, and with the right ingredients, they can provide a complete meal. As a widowed empty nester who often eats alone, it’s important to me to not only present myself with an appetizing plate but also one that’s aesthetically pleasing. Many of the boards I create for myself are served from unconventional vessels. I frequently thrift for mismatched antique tea cups or other oddities that allow me to create a beautiful presentation. You’ll find some sources to purchase gourmet food and boards here, but I also encourage you to use your imagination. Almost any shallow vessel will work if you take the necessary precautions to ensure it’s food-safe. Although edible flowers are not easily sourced, they make a lovely addition to the boards, as well as strategically placed herbs and greens.
An indispensable kitchen tool, a food blender makes meal preparation quicker, simpler, and more adaptable. A food blender produces reliable results in a matter of minutes, whether you're crushing ice, pureeing soups, creating sauces, or blending smoothies. Depending on your culinary demands, its strong motor and sharp blades combine to turn materials into rough or smooth concoctions.
I lived in Phoenix, AZ, for many years. When I first moved to Phoenix, I decided to check out a few smoothie places, specifically places that had acai bowls and other nutrition and protein shakes shakes and my experience was wonderful. I love going to these places below😄😄:
Coffee is my love language, and this is my go-to setup for cozy, magical mornings. From cute mugs and frothers to my favorite beans and syrups—everything I use to make my daily cup feel like a treat.
Create the perfect Valentine’s Day spread with these easy dessert dip recipes and sweet treat ideas that are simple, festive, and crowd-pleasing. Each recipe includes everything you need—from ingredients to serving essentials—so you can shop and prep with ease. Perfect for date night, Galentine’s, or a cozy night in.
We have been dye-free for almost 4 years now! It’s hard at the beginning to find replacements (especially when you have kids) for your favorite sweets and snacks. Here are our favorite alternatives. Truly hopes this helps someone!
For hosts who want Christmas morning to feel as special as the day itself, this list gathers everything for an easy, beautiful breakfast and brunch spread. Inside are make-ahead bakes, pancake and waffle favourites, festive drinks and the serving pieces that turn a simple spread into a celebration. Every pick is chosen to keep the cook out of the kitchen and at the table, so Christmas morning can be slow, warm and delicious.
If you've ever dragged a dull pizza cutter back and forth, mangling toppings and tearing cheese into a sad mess, this list exists because of you. I spent way too many Friday nights sawing at homemade pizza like it owed me money. These are the tools that actually cut clean on the first roll, and they work just as well on deep dish as thin crust. For anyone who makes pizza at home more than twice a month, grab these before your next pizza night.
Christmas morning breakfast is one of my favorite family traditions, with waffles, fresh coffee, and everyone still in pajamas. These are the waffle makers, griddles, coffee makers, and serving pieces that make our holiday brunch easy and festive, so I can spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen. Tell me your family's Christmas breakfast tradition in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
A few weeks back I saw a post *somewhere * that was a picture of sourdough toast slathered with several types of pesto and garlic butter. It was a work of art..the different shades of green from the different pestos, like an edible paint swatch, the background a bustling European farmers market..that picture has lived rent free in my brain since then (and do you think I can find it again?!?!?! NO !!! ugh!) So with that beautiful toast having preoccupied my brain for weeks, it time to gather up some of my favorite toast recipes to share. Obviously the basics are simple: 1) toast bread 2) top with delicious foods. But this list might show you some new toast combos that you haven't even considered. I've broken it down to Savory Toast, Sweet Toast, French Toast, and a list of ingredients and supplies. And if any of you saw that pesto toast picture I'm talking about, please 🙏 let me know!!
Between school drop-off, soccer practice, and the eternal ‘I’m hungry' chorus that starts exactly eleven minutes after lunch — I needed bars that could live in every purse, backpack, and glove box without turning into crumb soup. If you're buying granola bars in bulk and they still vanish by Wednesday, this is the stash list I built after testing way too many options.
I’ve tried a LOT of coffee shops in my time. Here are some of the best coffee shops (in my opinion) that I tried in my two years of living in Durham, NC.
I was born and raised in Milwaukee and I LOVE good food. I'm highlighting some of my favorite spots in the city and the things I love on their menu. I believe I was a true foodie in my past life. I'll keep adding to these as I discover more. Message me to know about my extra special spots :) (none of these are affiliate links)
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!
I didn't start meal prepping because I love spending Sundays in the kitchen—I started because I was tired of wasting money on takeout, throwing away groceries, and asking myself "what's for dinner?" every single night. These are the tools, seasonings, containers, and time-saving staples that make weekly meal prep easier, faster, and much more realistic to stick with.
SQL all day, pickup after work. This is a practical kitchen shortlist for getting real meals ready fast without turning Sunday into a second job: quick cook, low cleanup, portions that survive the next work block. Curated for the analyst who still wants legs for the fourth quarter. Contains affiliate links; I may earn a commission if you buy through my link. Contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you purchase through my link.
All of the healthy food choices whether out or at home! I don’t eat out often, but always find places where I can enjoy myself but have some fun with my tastebuds