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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
Herby Potato Salad
A fresher, herb-packed take on classic creamy potato salad. Tender red potatoes get tossed with mayo, whole-grain mustard, shallot, scallions and a full cup of fresh herbs. It's creamy without feeling heavy and gets even better after a couple hours in the fridge. Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Ingredients 2 pounds red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-size pieces ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tables
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
Classic Coleslaw
Creamy, tangy and just a little sweet, this classic coleslaw is exactly what I want alongside anything coming off the grill. Using a bagged coleslaw mix keeps things incredibly easy, and a simple dressing of mayo, lemon and vinegar brings it all together. Make it a few hours ahead so the cabbage has time to soften and soak up all that flavor. Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) ba
Maddie Umali
Oct 22 min read
Marinated Tomatoes
These marinated tomatoes are peak-summer simplicity. Juicy tomatoes get tossed with garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, then sit just long enough for everything to mingle. They’re delicious on their own, but even better spooned over whipped ricotta, toast, grilled bread, or anything else that needs a little tomato magic. Yield: About 3 cups Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 2-3 hours, including marinating Ingredients 1 poun
Maddie Umali
Aug 211 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
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