Whenever I go home to Minnesota to visit my family, there’s one thing that I always request: Grandma’s overnight yeasted waffles. To me, these are the quintessential waffles and all others are held to their standard. They’re crispy on the outside and tender in the middles, but they’re also a touch chewy from the overnight rise with yeast. That same yeast and long rise also give these waffles an unmatchable flavor, particularly when paired with a drizzle of Wisconsin maple syrup or homemade apple butter. Everyone has their favorite waffle recipe — here is mine.

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I am not a big fan of winter. The lack of sunlight, frigid temperatures and icy roads are just not my thing. During these months I cower in oversized sweaters and wool socks while clinging to hot drinks in chilly desperation.

All that being said, there is something fun about trying to create a cozy, warm atmosphere at home during the winter months. In the end we have to make the most of our situation, right?

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Somehow, I always forget about fish when it comes to quick weeknight dinners. But fish — along with shrimp, mussels, and most other seafood — is practically tailor-made for speedy, healthy meals. Baked in the oven, fish fillets can be ready for the table in under 20 minutes. Broiler recipes, like our Simple Salmon Teriyaki, are even quicker! Here are 10 recipes with fresh fish and seafood that we think deserve to be part of the weekly meal rotation.

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There are many myths about cooking pasta that simply aren’t correct and yet they persist. Read on for a few that we would like to see disappear!

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The other day I was standing on a chair in front of my very full cupboards, trying to find room to stash some of the gifts I’d received over the holidays. Naturally, I got to thinking about stuff, about all the endless piles of stuff, all the many, many things, in my life. Now, I know there’s a high value placed on being clutter-free and minimal these days. I know you’re expecting me to launch into an anti-materialism, it’s-all-just-landfill-waiting-to-happen rant right now but actually, the opposite feelings came over me.

I looked from my little pile of kitchen gifts and into my already full cupboards and felt a wave of pleasure and appreciation. Wow, I thought. Look at all this amazing stuff! How lucky I am, how fortunate, to have all these delicious, helpful, thoughtful, interesting, beautiful things in my life!

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