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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
Summer Squash Aglio e Olio
This is not your traditional aglio e olio, but it might just be one of my favorite pasta dishes I've ever made. Zucchini, yellow squash and green onions cook down in garlicky olive oil and white wine before getting tossed with rigatoni, plenty of fresh parsley, Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. The finishing touch? Homemade toasted breadcrumbs for a little crunch. It's everything I want in a summer pasta. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 m
Maddie Umali
Oct 133 min read
Butternut Squash Soup
This is the soup that made me a butternut squash person. It’s creamy without being heavy, cozy without being fussy, and built from just a handful of simple ingredients. Browned butter gives the soup a little extra richness, while cumin and white pepper add warmth without overpowering the squash. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your fall rotation and then somehow stays there all winter. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 55 minutes To
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Creamy Spicy Sausage Spaghetti Squash
This is the kind of dinner I make when I want something cozy and satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen. Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with spicy Italian sausage, jalapeño, garlic, Boursin, cream, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy sauce with just enough heat. It feels indulgent, but the spaghetti squash keeps it from feeling too heavy—and aside from wrestling the squash in half, the whole thing is pretty easy. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 4-6 Prep Time: 20
Maddie Umali
Aug 133 min read
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