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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
Lemony Chicken Thighs with Fennel
Crispy, golden chicken thighs, caramelized fennel and jammy slices of lemon all come together in one skillet for a dinner that feels special without requiring much work. The fennel and lemon cook down in the chicken fat while anchovies melt into the background, creating a savory, bright sauce that makes this one of my favorite ways to eat fennel. Yield: 4 chicken thighs Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Ingredients 4 bone-in, skin-
Maddie Umali
Sep 12 min read
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is what I crave when I want something comforting that still feels light and fresh. It’s packed with tender chicken, plenty of vegetables, little bites of orzo, fresh herbs, and lots of lemon to brighten everything up. It’s cozy enough for a cold day but fresh enough to carry you into spring. Yield: About 10 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Ingredients 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 carrots, peele
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
Lemon Bars
To me, lemon bars are the official dessert of spring. They strike the perfect balance between buttery and bright—a crisp, tender shortbread crust topped with a silky lemon filling that's sweet, tart, and packed with fresh citrus flavor. These are the kind of bars that disappear quickly at Easter brunches, baby showers, backyard dinners, or whenever you're craving a little sunshine. Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) pan Servings: 18-20 bars Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 50-55 minutes To
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
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