Easy one-pot Creole gumbo made with shrimp and sausage. This homemade version starts with a butter-and-flour roux and is brimming with fire-roasted tomatoes, okra, celery, onions, green pepper and Cajun seasoning. It’s hearty, comforting, and simple to make with everyday ingredients. This gumbo resembles a thick stew or soup and shares roots with other Louisiana … Read more

Back to School! Summer’s relaxed pace has wrapped up and the school year begins this Wednesday. Our mornings will be earlier again, with practices, homework and the usual hustle. Family dinners are back on the calendar, and here’s what I’m planning for the week. I recently appeared on HoustonLife to share easy back-to-school lunch ideas. … Read more

Mango Sago has become my favorite summer treat—more than a dessert, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. The base is chilled mango milk with a touch of condensed milk, poured over ice for an immediate refreshing boost. What makes it irresistible is the variety of textures: soft, chewy sago pearls, juicy mango chunks and a … Read more

Lean snapper is seared until golden and topped with a bright mango-avocado salsa. This light, flavorful dinner is ideal for warm evenings and comes together in about 15 minutes. Snapper is one of my favorites: it tastes great and a 6 oz fillet is very lean—about 200 calories—so it’s an excellent choice when you want … Read more

The warm weather is here, and a tall glass of Pineapple Arnold Palmer is the perfect summer refresher. When temperatures climb, nothing beats an ice-cold drink to cool you down. If you want to elevate your tea game, keep reading for a bright, fruity twist on the classic Arnold Palmer. Pineapple Arnold Palmer Mocktail An … Read more

These oven-roasted potatoes with a creamy herb dipping sauce are an easy, crowd-pleasing side. The mix of red skin, Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes gives great color and texture. After roasting potatoes dozens of times, I settled on a method that consistently yields tender interiors and crisp, browned edges. The trick is a two-stage roast: … Read more

See parts 1-4 of the remodeling series here. Here is the hallway leading from the kitchen into the former garage. In part four of our whole-house remodeling series I showed the room to the left in this corridor, the laundry room. Now it’s time to share the other rooms we fashioned from the garage space: … Read more

This Halloween and fall favorite combines saltine crackers, toffee, chocolate, and candy into an irresistible sweet-and-salty treat. This easy crack candy recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings and a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy. Crack candy (also called cracker candy) is simple to make and ridiculously addictive. Traditionally made around the holidays, … Read more

This Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty dinner—juicy seasoned ground meat and sautéed vegetables simmered in a rich gravy, topped with golden, buttery mashed potatoes. Easy Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef A warm serving of shepherd’s pie is hard to beat. Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes cover a filling of carrots, peas, onions and tender ground … Read more

I was planning to cook basmati rice and wondered whether soaking it is healthier. I soak beans and nuts to reduce enzyme inhibitors, so I researched soaking basmati and other long-grain rices. Soaking helps reduce some nutrient blockers and makes the rice easier to digest. It also shortens cooking time. Rinsing before cooking removes excess … Read more