The South African Cookbook: Authentic flavor-packed recipes from Cape Town to Durban, written by Nokx Majozi, features 90 classic family dishes and modern interpretations for the home cook paired with immersive photos and beautiful writing. A few highlights include Amagwinya with Ground Meat, Pepper Steak Pie, Braai Umbila, Grilled Peri Peri Shrimp, and Peppermint Crisp…
A recipe for Túrós Pogácsa (Hungarian Cheese Biscuits)! These little savory pastries are packed with curd cheese and butter to create a tender and flaky texture. I originally posted this recipe for Túrós Pogácsa while reviewing the book, Culinaria Hungary: A Celebration of Food and Tradition by Anikó Gergely. Unfortunately, it is no longer in…
Mochitsuki: 60 Sweet and Savory Mochi Recipes, written by Kristen Morita, celebrates all things mochi with a vibrant collection of traditional and innovative modern creations alongside beautiful photography and memories. A few highlights include Black Sesame Daifuku, Lemon Butter Mochi, Cheesy Inari Mochi, Sakura Mochi, and Pandan Mochi Muffins. I will also be sharing her…
A recipe for Roti Jala (Net Bread) inspired by my time in Seattle, Washington! These Malay coconut and turmeric-based pancakes have an intricate, lacy pattern perfect for soaking up curry and other sauces. Seattle, Washington In April 2026, I spent a couple of days exploring Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Waterfront, and Chinatown-International District…
Midnight Spaghetti: Effortless Pasta • 20 Minutes • 5 Ingredients • No Fuss, written by Caroline Griffiths, features an easy, yet vibrant collection of 50 spaghetti-based pasta recipes with a range of refreshing to bold flavors. A few highlights include Spaghetti Gricia, Tuna & Lemon Spaghetti, Spring Vegetable Spaghetti, Spaghetti with Chipotle Meatballs, and Vegemite…
A recipe for Vegetarian French Onion Soup! This comforting soup has a vegetable broth base with caramelized onions, toasted baguette slices, and melted cheese. I originally posted this Vegetarian French Onion Soup recipe back in January 2014 after being inspired during our first family visit to Disney World. I am updating today (2026) with new…
Spookie Cookies: Next-Level Decorating to Make Your Treats Come Alive, written by Karen Thi, features an exciting collection of Halloween-themed cookies in a variety of over-the-top, vibrant styles alongside detailed guides and step-by-step photos. A few highlights include a Toil & Trouble Cauldron, Witch’s Apothecary, Slithering Snake, BoOokshelf, and Char-Boo-Terie Board. Disclosure: I received this book…
A recipe for Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi! These homemade gnocchi have a comforting blend of pumpkin puree and whole milk ricotta for a wonderful addition to fall. These Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi (Gnocchi di Zucca e Ricotta) are such a fun seasonal gnocchi variation and use for pumpkin puree (store-bought or homemade). After draining of excess moisture,…
Effortless Japanese Cooking: Super Delicious Homestyle Recipes, written by Akino Ogata, features a comforting collection of over 100 recipes designed for the home cook with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and photography. A few highlights include Crispy Eggplant in Broth, Tuna Tataki with Garlic Chips, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, Green Tea Soba Salad, and Fluffy Japanese Pancakes. I will…
A recipe for S’mores French Toast! This stuffed French toast is filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread, covered in graham crackers, and topped with toasted marshmallows. I originally posted this recipe for S’mores French Toast back in June 2017 after being inspired during our time at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. Today, I…
Ibrik: The Balkan Table: 100 Recipes from Bucharest to Istanbul, written by Ecaterina Paraschiv, features a vibrant collection of food and drinks inspired by her culinary heritage with ingredients and flavors for every season. A few highlights include Rustic Pita Scrolls with Feta, Pork Sarma, Pickled Vegetables in Mustard Sauce, Cornbread, and Balkan Cheesecake. I…