In August I noticed a call from Cook the Story inviting bloggers to take part in a “pepper party”—a series of bell pepper–focused posts sponsored by Divemex. I jumped at the chance. I love bell peppers, whether raw or cooked; thin raw strips with hummus are one of my favorite snacks. Bell peppers are also … Read more

Easy, soft, and moist Mexican chocolate cake made with a cake mix and finished with spiced brown sugar frosting and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. This cake is warm with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cayenne for depth. This cake highlights subtle Mexican-inspired spices that enhance the chocolate without overwhelming it. The cinnamon and … Read more

Paleo Berry Coconut Waffles are a delightful grain-free breakfast option. Made without dairy, these waffles still deliver great flavor thanks to coconut flour and juicy berries like blueberries and raspberries. Yes, these waffles are blue — that’s simply from the berries. Don’t let the color surprise you; they taste fantastic. Kids often love the playful … Read more

It’s still surprising to me that my 15-year-old son and his friends are published authors. I was honored to interview them for a Healthy Parenting Connector episode. After hearing their five TV appearances and three podcast interviews, I’m amazed at how poised and articulate they are. Today we want to share two main points: Why … Read more

This easy No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream is an indulgent, no-fuss frozen treat that’s impossible not to love. It’s a rich, creamy strawberry ice cream studded with tender pound cake pieces, swirls of fluffy marshmallow cream and bright, ripe strawberries—pure comfort in a scoop. My favorite way to enjoy it is slightly softened so the … Read more

Age-appropriate chores for young and older children are essential—whether you use a chore chart or not. These tasks teach kids to contribute, develop a strong work ethic, and avoid entitlement. One practical approach is using printable chore cards that let children “swap chores for screen time.” This system reinforces that downtime is earned by contributing … Read more

Smoked hamburgers elevate a backyard classic into something unforgettable. Cooking patties low and slow over hardwood keeps them juicy and tender while infusing a deep, smoky flavor that simple grilling can’t match. Choose hickory, oak, pecan, or mesquite to tailor the smoke profile to your taste. Finish the burgers with a quick, high-heat sear to … Read more

Halloween Popcorn is an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for parties, snack tables, or gifting. Light, salty popcorn is coated in creamy white chocolate, then tossed with colorful Halloween candies and sprinkles for a sweet-and-salty bite that looks as festive as it tastes. This recipe is simple to customize and can be served in buckets, tins, … Read more

These Rudolph snack cups are simple to make using our printable template. Create a handful for holiday class parties, kids’ crafts, or festive gatherings—each cup doubles as a craft and a snack container. These easy reindeer snack cups were a hit with my girls. As the room mom, I organize class parties and help in … Read more

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are simmered in Roasted Tomatillo Sauce until tender and falling apart, then spooned over rice and finished with a fried egg and a spicy roasted corn salsa. Tomatillo Pulled Chicken and Rice Bowls with Fried Eggs and Roasted Corn Salsa The truth about this recipe is that the pulled tomatillo chicken … Read more