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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
Black Bean Salsa
This black bean salsa has been a favorite for years for good reason. Black beans and sweet corn make it hearty, tomatoes and avocado keep it fresh, and jalapeño, cilantro and a lime-heavy dressing bring plenty of brightness. Put a big bowl of it down with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Servings: 8-10 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet corn, drained and r
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
Summer Shrimp Scampi
This is shrimp scampi dressed for summer. Sweet corn, blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, butter, white wine, and plenty of fresh herbs turn the classic into something brighter, juicier, and even more satisfying. It’s buttery and garlicky in all the right ways, but the tomatoes and corn keep it fresh enough for a hot summer night. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients 1½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 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
Tomato-Ricotta Tart
This is one of those recipes that makes peak-summer tomatoes feel extra special without doing too much to them. Flaky puff pastry gets layered with creamy ricotta, juicy tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and fresh thyme, then baked until golden and crisp. It’s simple enough for lunch but pretty enough for a brunch or dinner party. Yield: 1 tart Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: About 45 minutes Ingredients 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 8 ounces
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
Spicy Italian Sausage Rigatoni with Tomato-Cream Sauce
This is the pasta I make when I want something cozy, comforting, and a little indulgent. Sweet and hot Italian sausage simmer in a tomato sauce with garlic, fennel, oregano, and a touch of cream, then everything gets tossed with rigatoni and plenty of Parmesan. It’s rich without being over-the-top, spicy without being aggressive, and exactly the kind of pasta that makes cooking feel like self-care. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes To
Maddie Umali
Aug 213 min read
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
Roasted Fresh Tomato Sauce
When summer tomatoes are at their peak, they really don’t need much. This simple tomato sauce lets them do all the work: juicy tomatoes are slow-roasted with olive oil, garlic and fresh oregano, then blended until silky smooth. Use it for pasta, pizza, or as the base for my Tomato Orzo with Chicken Thighs. Yield: About 3-4 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes Ingredients 2–2½ pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered ¼ cup
Maddie Umali
Aug 212 min read
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