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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
Pie Dough
Homemade pie dough can feel intimidating, but this version is surprisingly forgiving. Cold butter gets worked into flour by hand, then just enough ice water and apple cider vinegar are added to bring everything together. The result is a flaky, buttery crust that works for fruit pies, galettes, and just about anything else that calls for pie dough. Yield: 2 pie dough disks Servings: Enough for 1 double-crust pie or 2 single-crust pies Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Tomato-Ricotta Tart
This is one of those recipes that makes peak-summer tomatoes feel extra special without doing too much to them. Flaky puff pastry gets layered with creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and fresh thyme, then baked until golden and crisp. It’s simple enough for lunch but pretty enough for a brunch or dinner party. Yield: 1 tart Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: About 45 minutes Ingredients 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 8 ounces
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Peach Cobbler
When you have more ripe summer peaches than you know what to do with, make cobbler. Juicy, cinnamon-spiced peaches are covered with a buttery, crumbly topping and finished with turbinado sugar for a little extra crunch. It’s unfussy, very peachy and absolutely meant to be served warm with something cold and creamy on top. Yield: One 9x13-inch cobbler Servings: 10-12 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes, plus cooling Ingredients For the peac
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Buttermilk Banana Bread
Banana bread is usually what happens when a few bananas get a little too ripe, but this version is worth planning for. Buttermilk keeps the loaf tender and moist, chocolate chips add just enough richness, and a sprinkle of Demerara sugar creates a crunchy top that makes every slice a little more special. It’s the kind of banana bread I’ll happily buy buttermilk just to make. Yield: 1 (9x5-inch) loaf Servings: 8-10 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50-55 minutes Total Time: Abo
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
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