These raw plantain (green banana) patties, also called kachche kele ke kebab, make a delicious snack. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are full of flavor and simple to prepare. Green plantains, sometimes called raw bananas, are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates and have a texture similar to potatoes when cooked. They … Read more

How to Make Pan Toasted Bread. No toaster or oven? No problem — you can make delicious toasted bread right on the stovetop using a skillet or frying pan. This simple method delivers crisp, golden slices perfect for bruschetta, sandwiches, crostini, or just a quick snack. It’s worth saying up front: pan-toasted bread is fast, … Read more

This Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish with creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy brown sugar pecan praline topping. Everyone will be coming back for seconds. Sweet potato casserole wasn’t on my childhood Thanksgiving table, but it has become essential at my house — my husband insists on it every year. … Read more

If you haven’t tried it yet, prepare to fall in love with this Poppy Seed Chicken. This comforting casserole combines tender cooked chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden, buttery cracker topping for a meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. I discovered poppy seed chicken about a decade ago while hunting for quick, dependable … Read more

Here are three classic recess games my students enjoy, and instructions for creating a well-stocked recess cart so kids have access to playful, active options. One of my priorities this year has been to make recess more engaging and active. Students are required to be outside for recess, but without guidance many choose to stand … Read more

There’s nothing better than a summer berry tart that lets each berry shine on its own, especially when local fruit is at peak ripeness. This tart pairs fresh berries with a gently sweet egg custard (crème pâtissière) baked in a sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucrée) that bakes up crumbly and cookie-like. Though it looks elegant, … Read more

Happy Chocolate Monday! Today’s feature is Chocolate Biscotti, a classic Italian twice-baked cookie known for its crisp texture and rich flavor. Biscotti (plural of biscotto) are baked in logs, sliced, and baked again to achieve their signature crunch. They pair beautifully with coffee, espresso, or a glass of sweet dessert wine. Be careful not to … Read more

Holiday time calls for chocolate, peppermint and a little indulgence. The sweet, creamy flavor of white chocolate paired with bright peppermint makes a classic seasonal treat: White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge. This recipe delivers a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting to friends and family—provided you can stop yourself from … Read more

If you grow raspberries, knowing how to prune them is essential. Annual pruning keeps canes healthy, improves airflow, reduces disease, and increases your raspberry yield. Whether you prune in the fall or the spring, a regular pruning routine will help your plants produce reliably year after year. This guide explains simple, effective steps for pruning … Read more

We spent a very happy few days in Ostia Antica, near Rome, with Carla Tomasi earlier this month. We ate like royalty and had a wonderful time cooking with and learning from Carla. Over the coming weeks I will share some of the recipes I recorded in my notes as I recreate them at home. … Read more