These wine-braised beef short ribs become incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to a two-part cook: a period of smoking followed by a slow braise in red wine and beef juices. Helpful Information Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours Smoker Temp: 225°F (107°C) Meat Finish Temp: 195–200°F (91–93°C) Recommended Wood: Cherry What You’ll Need … Read more

Don’t let holiday leftovers go to waste. With a little creativity you can transform them into budget-friendly, gluten-free meals that taste fresh and satisfying. From quick breakfasts and warming soups to hearty casseroles and flavorful noodle dishes, leftovers can become entirely new dishes. Classics like shepherd’s pie, stroganoff, and crust-free quiche are easy to adapt … Read more

Welcome to the Spring Into Cash Sweepstakes! Spring is my favorite season. The warmer days and singing birds make me want to organize, declutter, and spend more time outside playing with the kids. It brings sports, porch evenings, neighborhood play in the cul-de-sac, fresh decorating, and a bit of shopping for new, brighter things. With … Read more

It’s been twelve years since I first wrote this in 2010, and I’ve learned more about the history and nuances of each scent since then. I’ve also had new personal experiences with them. I hope you discover something useful here. Overview of the Castile Soap Scents Line Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Soaps trace back to … Read more

This Winter Wonderland Cake captures the magic of winter in every slice. With a pale blue-and-white palette, marshmallow snowmen, sugar-cone Christmas trees, and a snowy powdered-sugar drip, it makes a stunning centerpiece for any winter or holiday celebration. Winter has arrived and the holidays are just around the corner. This festive Winter Wonderland Cake is … Read more

The Fried Pickle Burger is an ideal dinner choice this week: two seasoned ground beef patties grilled to juicy perfection, layered with melted cheese and finished with crispy fried pickle slices for an unforgettable flavor and texture contrast. Classic burgers never go out of style, and this version brings something new to the table. If … Read more

This Fettuccine Bolognese comes together in under 45 minutes using straightforward ingredients. The sauce is rich and creamy, with deep savory flavor from beef and pancetta. I like to serve it with a simple salad and cheesy garlic bread, but pair it with any sides you prefer. Traditional bolognese is a slow-cooked Italian meat sauce … Read more

If you want a simple cookie that’s big on flavor and texture, these Coconut Oatmeal Cookies are a winner. Chewy in the center with crisp edges and a pleasant coconut bite, they’re egg-free, require no chilling, and use everyday pantry ingredients. I’m a big fan of coconut in both sweet and breakfast recipes, so these … Read more

This post was updated in January 2016 as part of a #ThrowbackThursday project when I improved the photos for some of my favorite recipes. Tortilla Española (Spanish tortilla) is a simple, budget-friendly dish that works for any meal. It’s also perfect cubed as part of a tapas spread. One Wednesday night I walked in at … Read more