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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
Cape Cod Salad
This salad has been a staple in my kitchen since college, thanks to my best friend Juliana. Inspired by Ina Garten's Cape Cod Salad, our version combines peppery arugula, crisp Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, salty bacon, feta and scallions, all tossed in a sweet and tangy orange-maple vinaigrette. It's the kind of salad you'll make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. Serve it on its own or top it with my Brown Sugar Spiced Salmon for a complete meal. Se
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
Shaved Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
This is the salad I make when I need something fresh that can still hold its own alongside a cozy fall or winter meal. Shaved Brussels sprouts and thinly sliced kale create a hearty base, while crispy bacon, dried cherries, Manchego, and toasted pepitas bring a mix of salty, sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavors. Unlike delicate leafy salads, this one can be dressed ahead of time without becoming soggy, which makes it especially good for holidays, dinner parties, and meal prep. Y
Maddie Umali
Jul 273 min read
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