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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
Tomato Orzo with Crispy Chicken Thighs
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs nestled into creamy, tomatoey orzo is exactly the kind of dinner that looks impressive without requiring much work. The orzo cooks right in the skillet with tomato sauce and all those flavorful chicken drippings, while the thighs finish roasting on top. Finish it with basil, Parmesan and chili flakes and call it dinner. Servings: 4-5 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Ingredients 4–5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
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