Q: I am heading to Pittsburgh this weekend from Toronto. After hearing so much about Trader Joe’s from your readers, I’ve decided to make it one of my must-see destinations. What are the best products that I should buy? (Keep in mind that I have to cross the border again, so I can’t buy dairy or produce.)

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Hands down, my favorite breakfast is a whimsical, slightly sour, oven-baked creature that my mom used to make for me when I had sleepovers at our house as a kid. We called it Big Pancake; others know it as a Dutch Baby or German Pancake. In the morning I’d hear the blender going and know she was making the batter. About 45 minutes later, a gaggle of pajamaed girls would gather around the over and watch the pancake’s showy, doughy display.

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Yesterday I showed you the Mother’s Day brunch I threw for my mother and grandmother. This was a pretty simple party — just Sunday lunch at home with family. But as a special touch I did a project I’ve been wanting to try for a long time: I made big black and white posters out of old family photos.

This was surprisingly easy and inexpensive! It just cost me a few dollars, and it was a fun, special touch that could work for so many parties, from birthday celebrations to wedding receptions. Here’s exactly what I did so you can try it too, if you like.

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Everyone needs a few go-to dinner recipes like this. Think: fresh, flavorful, and fast. Mild white fish gets a boost from smoked paprika, Parmesan, and a brown butter sauce. Shredded greens are then sautéed in the same skillet for the ultimate 10-minute meal. Mind-blowingly simple, mind-blowingly good.

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