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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
Cape Cod Salad
This salad has been a staple in my kitchen since college, thanks to my best friend Juliana. Inspired by Ina Garten's Cape Cod Salad, our version combines peppery arugula, crisp Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, salty bacon, feta and scallions, all tossed in a sweet and tangy orange-maple vinaigrette. It's the kind of salad you'll make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. Serve it on its own or top it with my Brown Sugar Spiced Salmon for a complete meal. Se
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
Peach Caprese Salad
This is summer in a salad: peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, sweet peaches or nectarines, fresh basil and the creamiest burrata, all finished with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s fresh, simple and endlessly adaptable depending on which tomatoes and stone fruit look best at the market. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 5 ounces arugula 3–4 ripe peaches or nectarines, sliced or cut into bite-size pieces 2–3 heirloom toma
Maddie Umali
Oct 22 min read
Watermelon Salad
Juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, salty feta and fresh mint come together in this simple summer salad inspired by one of our favorites from Katie’s Pizza and Pasta. Instead of cubing the watermelon, we cut it into big slabs and pile everything on top, making this a definite knife-and-fork situation—in the best possible way. Servings: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 1 small seedless watermelon 5 ounces arugula 6 ounces crumbled
Maddie Umali
Oct 22 min read
Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad
This salad was inspired by one I almost ordered at a restaurant in upstate New York —and then couldn’t stop thinking about after someone else at the table did. Fresh corn is charred in a hot skillet with red onion, jalapeño, and garlic, then tossed with lightly cooked zucchini, salty feta, and plenty of chives. It’s smoky, sweet, a little spicy, and one of my favorite ways to use peak-summer produce. Yield: About 7 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minute
Maddie Umali
Aug 132 min read
Shallot Vinaigrette
This bright, savory vinaigrette is the kind of dressing that makes almost any salad better. Fresh lemon, shallot, garlic, mustard, and a touch of maple syrup come together in a dressing that is tangy, balanced, and easy to make in just a few minutes. It is especially good on hearty greens like kale and Brussels sprouts, but it also works beautifully on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or simple mixed greens. Yield: About ½ cup Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
Shaved Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
This is the salad I make when I need something fresh that can still hold its own alongside a cozy fall or winter meal. Shaved Brussels sprouts and thinly sliced kale create a hearty base, while crispy bacon, dried cherries, Manchego, and toasted pepitas bring a mix of salty, sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavors. Unlike delicate leafy salads, this one can be dressed ahead of time without becoming soggy, which makes it especially good for holidays, dinner parties, and meal prep. Y
Maddie Umali
Jul 273 min read
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
Sweet & Spicy Corn Salad
This is summer in a bowl. Sweet corn, juicy nectarines, spicy jalapeños, fresh herbs, and a good drizzle of olive oil come together to make a salad that's bright, refreshing, and just a little unexpected. It's the kind of dish that disappears at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. And if you really want to impress people? Tear a ball of burrata over the top right before serving. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 7 minutes Total Time: Ab
Maddie Umali
Jul 272 min read
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