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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
Spicy Ranch Pretzels
These spicy ranch pretzels come courtesy of my good friend Katherine, who has been bringing them to parties, tailgates and just about every gathering imaginable for years. They're salty, spicy, ridiculously easy to make and dangerously snackable. All you need is a bag of pretzels, ranch seasoning, olive oil and cayenne pepper. The hardest part? Waiting for all that flavor to soak in before digging in. Servings: 12-16 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours (overnight recommen
Maddie Umali
Oct 132 min read
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