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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
Shrimp Risotto
Risotto has a reputation for being fussy and time-consuming, but I'm here to tell you it's so much easier than you think. This shrimp risotto, adapted from a Claire Saffitz recipe for Bon Appétit, is rich, creamy and packed with flavor thanks to homemade shrimp stock, white wine, lemon and mascarpone. It's the kind of meal that feels special enough for a dinner party but is surprisingly approachable, especially with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand and a few friends helping
Maddie Umali
Oct 134 min read
Summer Squash Aglio e Olio
This is not your traditional aglio e olio, but it might just be one of my favorite pasta dishes I've ever made. Zucchini, yellow squash and green onions cook down in garlicky olive oil and white wine before getting tossed with rigatoni, plenty of fresh parsley, Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. The finishing touch? Homemade toasted breadcrumbs for a little crunch. It's everything I want in a summer pasta. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 m
Maddie Umali
Oct 133 min read
Summer Shrimp Scampi
This is shrimp scampi dressed for summer. Sweet corn, blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, butter, white wine, and plenty of fresh herbs turn the classic into something brighter, juicier, and even more satisfying. It’s buttery and garlicky in all the right ways, but the tomatoes and corn keep it fresh enough for a hot summer night. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients 1½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Tomato-Cream Sauce
This is the pasta I make when I want something cozy, comforting, and a little indulgent. Sweet and hot Italian sausage simmer in a tomato sauce with garlic, fennel, oregano, and a touch of cream, then everything gets tossed with rigatoni and plenty of Parmesan. It’s rich without being over-the-top, spicy without being aggressive, and exactly the kind of pasta that makes cooking feel like self-care. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes To
Maddie Umali
Aug 213 min read
Lasagna-ish Pasta
All the best parts of lasagna—spicy tomato sauce, Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, bubbly mozzarella and plenty of Parmesan—without actually having to make lasagna. This one-pot-ish version comes together in a Dutch oven and goes straight into the oven until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden and melty. Cozy, cheesy and way easier than layering noodles. Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Ingredients 2 tablespoons e
Maddie Umali
Aug 213 min read
Bucatini & Meatballs
Growing up, spaghetti and meatballs was on regular rotation at our house. My dad loved it so much that, as a kid, I eventually swore I'd never eat it again. Funny how that works, because now it's one of my favorite comfort meals to make. While this recipe would be just as delicious with spaghetti, I'm a bucatini girl through and through. The thick, hollow noodles hold onto the rich tomato sauce beautifully, making every bite extra satisfying. Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 25 minut
Maddie Umali
Jul 273 min read
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