Fresh Vietnamese Bun Noodle Salad (Bun Tom) with juicy shrimp, rice vermicelli, crisp lettuce and fragrant herbs in a zesty lime-chili dressing. Healthy and ready in about 30 minutes. I recently hosted a cooking class with friends from my church and served this salad. It’s an ideal summer dish—light, refreshing and easy to prepare. The … Read more

Okay, you might be wondering why a chef is sharing a casserole recipe. Once you try this Enchilada Casserole, you’ll understand. I don’t make many casseroles, but this one is a favorite in my family—and I truly enjoy it too. This dish balances flavors and textures beautifully: tender roast chicken, sweet-tangy sautéed corn, creamy base, … Read more

Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a dependable favorite for summer barbecues, potlucks, and parties. This bright salad features al dente tri-color rotini, halved cherry tomatoes, plenty of freshly grated Parmesan, and tender mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a light, zesty Italian vinaigrette. It’s simple to prepare and full of fresh, balanced flavors. Buttery Castelvetrano-style green … Read more

Celebrate your graduate with simple, meaningful graduation party ideas. From decor and food to memorable displays and thoughtful touches, here are practical tips to help you plan a special celebration. When my son graduated from high school in 2018, we wanted a celebration that included both sides of our family. He was the oldest grandchild, … Read more

Homemade Cherry Pie Filling is simple to make, packed with real cherry flavor, and far superior to canned filling. There’s really no contest between homemade cherry pie filling and the canned variety. Homemade Cherry Pie Filling delivers vibrant cherry flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart. A touch of vanilla and almond … Read more

This watermelon, cucumber and feta salad is ideal for hot summer days. It’s bright, refreshing and comes together quickly with minimal fuss. A refreshing summertime salad with watermelon, cucumber, feta and mint. Sweet, juicy watermelon pairs with crisp cucumber and crumbly salty feta, while fresh mint and a bright lime vinaigrette lift the flavors. With … Read more

A few years ago I worked in an office job that required long hours of research and constant time in front of a computer. Long story short: I began to experience severe neck and shoulder pain. I also gained some weight, but that’s a story for another time. I went to the doctor who told … Read more

Dark accent walls provide a bold, stylish way to elevate bedroom design. While many avoid deep hues, a well-executed dark wall can transform an ordinary bedroom into a sophisticated, restful retreat. This guide covers everything you need to design a dark accent wall successfully — from choosing the right shade and materials to preparing surfaces, … Read more

Crème brûlée is a rich custard thickened by the coagulation of egg proteins. Beloved in restaurants worldwide, it has a silky texture that depends on careful temperature control—if the mixture exceeds about 185°F (85°C) the custard can curdle. Cooking crème brûlée sous vide gives you precise temperature control and consistently smooth results. For best outcomes, … Read more