After reviewing nearly 50 thermometers and investing more than 100 hours in testing, the Pitmasters at SMS feel confident evaluating meat thermometers. While many of us enjoy advanced gadgets with wireless transmission, multiple probes, and fast read times, simpler in-oven probes still shine for reliability and ease of use. The ThermoPro TP16 and TP17 follow … Read more
What happens when pepperoni, Italian sausage, ziti, plenty of flavorful sauce, and melted mozzarella come together? This easy baked ziti is classic Italian‑American comfort food—and simple to make. I cook a wide variety of meals at home: tried-and-true favorites we return to often, and new dishes I test on the family. Every so often one … Read more
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies – A quick, easy treat that takes about 15 minutes to make. Tiny, bite-sized cookies packed with chocolate chips—addictive and perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate chip cookies are a classic in many homes—delicious dunked in milk, tucked into lunchboxes, or toasted as a s’mores … Read more
Super soft and fluffy Iced Pumpkin Cookies topped with a sweet vanilla-cinnamon icing — a must for the fall season. These pumpkin-flavored cookies are so tempting you’ll find yourself baking them again and again throughout the year, especially in autumn. If you enjoy seasonal baking, consider trying other favorites like Pumpkin Sheet Cake and Pumpkin … Read more
The Siesta Cocktail blends tequila, Campari, and fresh grapefruit juice into a bright, balanced drink. Not overly boozy, it delivers a pleasant acidity and refreshing finish in every sip. I haven’t always been a tequila fan. Beyond the occasional margarita—my go-to on Taco Tuesday or when I venture to The Rio in downtown Denver—I tended … Read more
Save time by making your own homemade shawarma spice blend to season meats and vegetables. This simple, reliable mix comes together in minutes and works equally well for both chicken and beef shawarma. Keep a few homemade Middle Eastern and Levantine spice blends in your pantry so you can quickly add authentic flavor to any … Read more
Is there anything better than steaming soup served in a freshly baked bread bowl? When I moved near the coast, I discovered how popular clam chowder in a bread bowl was, and that memory still takes me back to cool ocean air and warm, savory soup. Since then I’ve used bread bowls for everything from … Read more
With two kids and two dogs, my car is almost always a mess — and it smells like one, too. I’m not a fan of those overpowering air fresheners from the auto section, so I’ve tried a bunch of simple, practical hacks that actually make the car smell fresh without being obnoxious. 10 Hacks To … Read more
Double Chocolate Mocha Crunch Cupcake ~ These are delightfully messy, so grab a fork if you want to save your face from frosting—then again, maybe don’t. Enjoy them however you like; just be aware the frosting alone can easily double the calories of each cupcake. Indulge and savor every bite! Double Chocolate Mocha Crunch Cupcakes … Read more
This Tomato & Basil Lemon Capellini is a light, refreshing plant-based pasta with a bright lemony finish. It’s ideal for warm-weather meals or a quick weeknight dinner. Thin capellini noodles are tossed in a simple olive oil-based sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and lemon juice. The dish is full of vegetables — broccolini, peas, … Read more