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

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Recipes
Blog

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

Spicy Ranch Pretzels

These spicy ranch pretzels come courtesy of my good friend Katherine, who has been bringing them to parties, tailgates and just about every gathering imaginable for years. They're salty, spicy, ridiculously easy to make and dangerously snackable. All you need is a bag of pretzels, ranch seasoning, olive oil and cayenne pepper. The hardest part? Waiting for all that flavor to soak in before digging in. Servings: 12-16 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours (overnight recommen

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

Peach Caprese Salad

This is summer in a salad: peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, sweet peaches or nectarines, fresh basil and the creamiest burrata, all finished with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s fresh, simple and endlessly adaptable depending on which tomatoes and stone fruit look best at the market. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 5 ounces arugula 3–4 ripe peaches or nectarines, sliced or cut into bite-size pieces 2–3 heirloom toma

Maddie Umali

Oct 22 min read

Kate's Curry Dip

This curry dip comes from my friend Kate’s grandmother, Grammer, and has a slightly scandalous origin story. After years of trying to get the recipe from a favorite St. Louis restaurant, it eventually made its way into Grammer’s hands under strict orders of secrecy. Thankfully, Kate decided recipes this good are meant to be shared. Creamy, herby, tangy and warmly spiced, it’s the kind of dip you’ll keep coming back to—and absolutely one you should measure with your heart. Yie

Maddie Umali

Sep 12 min read

Marinated Tomatoes

These marinated tomatoes are peak-summer simplicity. Juicy tomatoes get tossed with garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, then sit just long enough for everything to mingle. They’re delicious on their own, but even better spooned over whipped ricotta, toast, grilled bread, or anything else that needs a little tomato magic. Yield: About 3 cups Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 2-3 hours, including marinating Ingredients 1 poun

Maddie Umali

Aug 211 min read

Whipped Honey Ricotta with Roasted Garlic

This whipped ricotta is creamy, lightly sweet, savory, and full of roasted garlic flavor. Honey softens the richness, thyme keeps it fresh, and a little olive oil helps everything blend into a smooth, fluffy spread. It’s perfect for crostini, crackers, vegetables, or as a base for marinated tomatoes. Yield: About 1½ cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Ingredients 1 whole head garlic 8 ounces whole-milk ricotta 1 tablespoon ext

Maddie Umali

Aug 211 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

Sweet & Spicy Corn Salad

This is summer in a bowl. Sweet corn, juicy nectarines, spicy jalapeños, fresh herbs, and a good drizzle of olive oil come together to make a salad that's bright, refreshing, and just a little unexpected. It's the kind of dish that disappears at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. And if you really want to impress people? Tear a ball of burrata over the top right before serving. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 7 minutes Total Time: Ab

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