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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
Twice Baked Potatoes
There are few things better than a baked potato, except maybe a twice baked potato. These are loaded with sour cream, butter, cream cheese, sharp cheddar and scallions, then baked a second time until the tops are golden and the filling is perfectly creamy. My friend Anna made these for a birthday dinner alongside some beautiful steaks, and I've been thinking about them ever since. They're the ultimate steakhouse-style side dish, and honestly, I'd happily eat one as my entire
Maddie Umali
Oct 133 min read
Salt Potatoes
Salt potatoes are an upstate New York specialty made by boiling small potatoes in heavily salted water, then coating them in plenty of melted butter. The large amount of salt creates a thin, slightly snappy skin while keeping the inside of each potato creamy and tender. They may sound almost too simple, but that simplicity is exactly what makes them so good. Yield: 3 pounds potatoes Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20-30 minutes Total Time: 30-40 minutes Ingredi
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
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