top of page
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
Brothy Beans
Brothy beans are one of my ultimate comfort foods. They’re simple, inexpensive, endlessly adaptable, and somehow manage to feel both rustic and luxurious at the same time. A good pot starts with dried beans, plenty of olive oil, garlic, onion, lemon, herbs, and a little patience. The result is a bowl of creamy beans in a deeply flavorful broth that feels like the food equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket. Yield: About 8-10 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 15 minutes, plu
Maddie Umali
Aug 213 min read
Shaved Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
This is the salad I make when I need something fresh that can still hold its own alongside a cozy fall or winter meal. Shaved Brussels sprouts and thinly sliced kale create a hearty base, while crispy bacon, dried cherries, Manchego, and toasted pepitas bring a mix of salty, sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavors. Unlike delicate leafy salads, this one can be dressed ahead of time without becoming soggy, which makes it especially good for holidays, dinner parties, and meal prep. Y
Maddie Umali
Jul 273 min read
Classic Pumpkin Pie
There are plenty of pumpkin desserts to enjoy throughout the fall, but Thanksgiving belongs to pumpkin pie. This is my version of the classic: a flaky, all-butter crust filled with a silky, warmly spiced pumpkin custard and topped with homemade whipped cream. It's simple, timeless, and exactly the kind of pie that deserves a spot on every Thanksgiving table. Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie Servings: 8 Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus at least 1½ hours chilling time for the dough) Cook Time
Maddie Umali
Jul 273 min read
Spiced Orange Granola
Store-bought granola is often packed with nuts (which doesn't work for our house) and loaded with extra sugar. This homemade version is everything I want in a granola: perfectly crunchy, warmly spiced, lightly sweet, and full of bright citrus flavor. It's become my go-to breakfast alongside plain Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey—and once you make a batch, you'll understand why it never lasts long. This recipes yields about 4/12 cups of granola. Ingredients
Maddie Umali
Jul 242 min read
bottom of page