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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
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
Brothy Beans
Brothy beans are one of my ultimate comfort foods. They’re simple, inexpensive, endlessly adaptable, and somehow manage to feel both rustic and luxurious at the same time. A good pot starts with dried beans, plenty of olive oil, garlic, onion, lemon, herbs, and a little patience. The result is a bowl of creamy beans in a deeply flavorful broth that feels like the food equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket. Yield: About 8-10 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 15 minutes, plu
Maddie Umali
Aug 213 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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