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What's Giving Me Life
The places, people, recipes, traditions, and little moments that are inspiring me lately. Think of it as everything I'd tell you if we were catching up over coffee—or cooking dinner together.
The 2025 Gift Guide
Every item in this guide has earned its place in my kitchen. These are the tools I reach for, the cookbooks I cook from, the pantry staples I buy on repeat, and the gifts I've happily given to the people I love. If you're looking for something thoughtful for the home cook in your life—or simply need a little inspiration for your own wish list—I hope you find something you love. Global Fish Spatula — or any high-quality fish spatula. After many not-so-subtle hints, Frank got m
Maddie Umali
Jul 24
The 2024 Gift Guide
Every year, friends and family ask me what kitchen tools, cookbooks, and pantry staples are actually worth buying. Rather than rounding up trendy products I've never touched, this list is made up entirely of things I use in my own kitchen—items I reach for daily, gift to friends, and would happily buy again. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned home cook, someone just learning their way around the kitchen, or simply treating yourself, I hope this list gives you a few ideas.
Maddie Umali
Jul 24
Simple Guacamole
This is the guacamole we make on repeat, and for good reason. My friend Anna's recipe is simple, fresh and exactly what good guacamole should be: ripe avocados, a little heat from jalapeño, plenty of cilantro, red onion and lots of lime. It's the kind of thing you can throw together in 10 minutes, and somehow the bowl is always empty even faster. Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Ingredients 3 ripe avocados ½ red onion, finely
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
Black Bean Salsa
This black bean salsa has been a favorite for years for good reason. Black beans and sweet corn make it hearty, tomatoes and avocado keep it fresh, and jalapeño, cilantro and a lime-heavy dressing bring plenty of brightness. Put a big bowl of it down with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Servings: 8-10 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet corn, drained and r
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is my favorite game-day snack of all time, courtesy of my best friend Anna, who makes Buffalo Chicken Dip better than anyone I know. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and loaded with shredded chicken—and there’s a reason the dish is always scraped clean. Yield: About 6 cups Servings: 10-12 as an appetizer Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Ingredients 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1 (12-ounce) bottle Frank’s RedHot Origina
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Lemon Honey Whipped Ricotta
This is one of those appetizers that feels a little fancy but takes almost no effort. Ricotta and cottage cheese get whipped until light and creamy, then brightened with lemon, a touch of honey, and good olive oil. It’s fresh, slightly sweet, and perfect for spring and summer entertaining. Serve it with crunchy vegetables and crostini, or spread it onto toast for an easy snack. Yield: About 2 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
Maddie Umali
Aug 132 min read
Beet Hummus
If you've never been a beet person, let this be the recipe that changes your mind. Roasting the beet softens its earthy flavor, while chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic turn it into a creamy, vibrant hummus that's just as delicious as it is beautiful. It's perfect for dipping vegetables and pita, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as part of a mezze platter. Yield: About 3 cups Servings: 6-10 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Ingredients
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
Cannellini Bean Dip
This creamy white bean dip was inspired by the one served at Katie's Pizza & Pasta in St. Louis—a restaurant I think about often. Roasted garlic, lemon, and good olive oil transform a few simple pantry ingredients into a dip that's rich, bright, and endlessly scoopable. I love serving it with warm pita and crisp vegetables before dinner, but it's just as good spread on toast or tucked into a sandwich. Yield: About 2½ cups Servings: 8-10 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour
Maddie Umali
Jul 242 min read
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