Authentic Meat-Free Sugo: Italian Tomato and Basil Sauce

featured 3641

This authentic sugo recipe is an easy, reliable Italian tomato and basil sauce with deep, balanced flavor. It’s a straightforward, meat-free sauce that works wonderfully with pasta and elevates many other dishes. Once you try this homemade sugo, you may stop buying jarred sauce for good. I grew up with a sugo much like this … Read more

Coconut Lime Watermelon Slush Recipe

featured 8801
The perfect way to cool down this summer - so easy and super refreshing!

I know you don’t come here to hear me complain about the weather, so I’ll spare you the details. It’s hot, and when the temperature rises there’s nothing better than a cold, revitalizing drink. This Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie is one of my go-to summer treats—simple to make, bright in flavor, and incredibly refreshing.

This slushie combines sweet watermelon, zesty lime, a hint of coconut and fizzy citrus soda for a light, tropical twist. We use frozen watermelon cubes so the drink becomes thick and icy without needing a lot of ice or added sugar. It’s fast to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for cooling down after outdoor play, pool time, or a long day in the sun.

Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie in a glass tumbler with a straw and a slice of lime on the rim, sitting on a small wood plate.

We make these slushies often at home because they’re so easy—and everyone loves them. The recipe is forgiving: if you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of honey or agave; if you want it more tart, increase the lime. The slight coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the watermelon and gives the slushie a vacation-like vibe.

Read more

How to Make Blackberry Diet Dr Pepper

featured 11392

Blackberry Diet Dr. Pepper: Adding blackberry syrup to your favorite drink is a refreshing twist for hot summer days. Diet Dr. Pepper has long been my go-to soft drink. I understand diet sodas aren’t the healthiest choice, but they remain an occasional pleasure for me. During one pregnancy I craved Diet Dr. Pepper so much … Read more

Family Favorite Moist Banana Cake Recipe

featured 27759

Here it is: a simple, naturally sweet banana cake that started life as my banana bread recipe and evolved into a celebration-worthy cake. Several readers asked how to transform that favorite quick bread into a cake for birthdays and gatherings, so after a few tests I developed this version. It’s fluffy, moist, tender and full … Read more

Creamy Pork Chops in Sour Cream Sauce

featured 28290

No more dry, cardboard-like pork chops—this sour cream pork chops recipe delivers juicy, tender chops in a creamy onion sauce. The sauce is silky and rich with caramelized onions, garlic and fresh herbs. The secret to a stable, velvety sauce is using French-style crème fraîche instead of regular sour cream. Crème fraîche has a higher … Read more

Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe

featured 11728

This no-churn chocolate peanut butter ice cream is a perfect treat whether it’s sweltering outside or just a little warm. San Diego has been unusually hot, and this cooled, creamy dessert has been my go-to. I’m thankful for the solar panels on my house — they help keep the air conditioning running without the usual … Read more

Pozole Verde with Tender Pork and Roasted Salsa

featured 37582

This pozole recipe features tender pork, a bright roasted green salsa, and hearty white hominy—an iconic Mexican soup that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for celebrations. Why You’ll Love This Pozole Recipe A steaming bowl of pozole verde delivers comfort and vibrant flavor. The slow-simmered broth carries the savory richness of pork … Read more

Homestyle Cherry Blueberry Pie with Flaky Crust

featured 17844

I’ve been making this Cherry Blueberry Pie for over 15 years. It’s my favorite summer pie: simple to prepare and delightfully balanced between sweet and tart. The cherry-and-blueberry combination is classic and always a crowd-pleaser. Cherry Blueberry Pie This pie uses fresh blueberries and a can of cherry pie filling for a quick, flavorful filling. … Read more

Alternatives to Liquid Pectin for Jams and Jellies

featured 2249

We had to make a second batch of this delicious hot pepper jelly because we ate too much of the first one—yes, the Christmas gifts disappeared again! While assembling the ingredients I realized we were out of liquid pectin. Fortunately, I found a box of powdered pectin (the Original Pectin pictured) in the cupboard and … Read more

Pakistani Keema Karela: Spiced Ground Beef with Bitter Melon

featured 187

“LOVE keema karelay and this recipe is perfect. it has the right amount of tang to it, and just so satisfying!” Azka Chinese vs South Asian Bitter Melon Bitter melon (also called bitter gourd or karela) varies by variety. The Chinese type tends to be milder and less pungent, while the Indian (South Asian) variety … Read more