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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
Grapefruit & Fennel Salad
When spring rolls around, this is exactly the kind of salad I crave. Crisp fennel, juicy grapefruit, tart Granny Smith apple, fresh herbs, and quick-pickled shallots come together in a salad that's bright, refreshing, and full of texture. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when friends come over. Pair it with grilled fish, roast chicken, or shrimp, and you've got one of my favorite spring meals. Yield: About 6 cups Servings: 4 Prep Time: 20
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
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