I love Mexican food—truly! On a recent trip to Roanoke to visit Chocolatepaper, we followed Liz’s lunch recommendation and tried Alejandro’s Mexican Grill at 127 Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24011, just steps from the market. I enjoyed it a lot. The music felt authentic—more like the songs I heard walking the streets of downtown Cancún … Read more
Pecan Pie Brownies combine fudgy, chocolatey brownies with a sweet, nutty pecan pie topping for a decadent dessert everyone will love. These brownies are rich and moist, with a satisfying crunch from the pecan topping — the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want an impressive … Read more
A quick and easy homemade baked chicken nugget recipe! These baked chicken bites are irresistibly delicious—crispy on the outside and tender inside. The butter adds a rich, savory note that makes them a family favorite. To make this simple recipe you’ll need about 3–4 boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, 2 eggs, 1/2 stick … Read more
Need military care package ideas? You’re in the right place. Over the years, my pilot and I have navigated long distances and several deployments. Sending care packages became my way of brightening his days from afar, and I truly enjoy creating them. Since many of you have husbands, boyfriends, family members, or friends serving in … Read more
Bone broth has become a buzzword in wellness circles, but it’s far from a new fad. Families around the world have simmered bones for generations to extract flavor and nutrients. Only recently has it reappeared in trendy cafés and specialty shops, prompting renewed interest and some confusion about what bone broth actually is. At its … Read more
This creamy chicken gnocchi is pure comfort food: pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken in a rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce with sun‑dried tomatoes and fresh Italian basil. When light potato dumplings meet juicy pan‑seared chicken and a tangy sun‑dried tomato cream sauce, you get a quick, restaurant‑quality dinner in about 30 minutes. I use … Read more
Enjoy the flavor of your favorite chocolate bar without added sugar with this Almond Joy Nut Butter. It’s perfect spread on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or blended into smoothies. I’ve officially had chocolate for breakfast nine days in a row. I’m also back on an oatmeal kick, rotating through mocha overnight oats, cookie dough oats, … Read more
Crunchy, golden-brown pretzels flavored with savory garlic and onion — a simple, irresistible snack perfect for game day, movie night, lunchboxes, or anytime you want a crunchy bite. These seasoned pretzels are quick to make with just a few pantry staples. You can finish them in the air fryer for extra crunch or use the … Read more
These sweet-and-salty bites are the perfect quick treat when you want something indulgent without a lot of fuss. They come together in minutes and work well for parties, school snacks, or a simple at-home pick-me-up. Light, crunchy, and satisfying, they feel special but are easy to make.
A gorgeous bowl of orange! A vegan soup full of beta-carotene and protein.
This red lentil and vegetable soup is a vibrant, nourishing alternative to classic brown or green lentil soups. Red lentils are inexpensive, versatile, and cook down to a creamy texture, making them ideal for smooth, comforting soups. Their mild flavor blends well with sweet potatoes, carrots and warming spices to create a filling vegan meal.
Red lentils are packed with protein and fiber, and when paired with beta-carotene–rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, they make a nutritious, satisfying bowl. Because red lentils break down during cooking, the soup becomes naturally silky—perfect for pureeing—but you can leave some texture if you prefer.