Slightly sweet and perfectly balanced, this Last Word cocktail is my modern take on the prohibition-era classic. Whether you’re unwinding after work or entertaining friends, this bright, refreshing drink is sure to impress. Photo Credit: Dishes Delish. When I first tasted Chartreuse and Maraschino liqueur I wasn’t an immediate fan — they are flavors you … Read more

With a beautifully grilled, sticky glazed exterior and a juicy center, this Grilled BBQ Glazed Smoked Sausage is a fast, flavorful addition to any BBQ. Serve alongside baked mac and cheese, roasted potatoes, or a classic Italian pasta salad for a complete meal. Our grill gets a lot of use all summer long. Most weekends … Read more

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at last week’s Cooking Light magazine photo shoot on Lake Minnetonka. The concept was a Fourth of July barbecue potluck with my chef friends from the Twin Cities. We actually staged the shoot nearly a year in advance. Many thanks to Erik Anderson, Doug Flicker, Tracy Singleton, Mike DeCamp, Jamie Malone … Read more

Learn how to make easy homemade croutons on the stovetop with a few simple ingredients. Golden and crispy on the outside, slightly chewy inside, and seasoned to perfection — perfect for soups, salads, and more. Some years ago I discovered a delicious Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad with fresh basil dressing. What really won me … Read more

This year my youngest daughter wanted a Woodland Friends birthday party. Since her birthday is in October, she asked that I weave fall colors and leaves into the decorations. At eleven, she definitely knows what she likes—and what she doesn’t. This turned out to be one of my favorite parties to decorate and cook for. … Read more

Cheese-stuffed salsa chicken — a simple, healthy, and flavorful main course that pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a creamy Mexican-style risotto. When I was a child, my family spent many summers in Colorado while my parents attended a month-long work conference. For us kids, those weeks were packed with soccer, tennis, and … Read more

Blackberry BBQ Sauce brings bold, fruity flavor to slow cooker pulled pork tenderloin, producing juicy, fall-apart meat with almost no effort. This easy recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual entertaining. Pulled pork tenderloin in a blackberry barbecue sauce is classic comfort food—rich, tangy, and simple to prepare. Combine the sauce ingredients, … Read more

The gasket is one of the most important components affecting the Big Green Egg’s performance. Depending on use and conditions, it should be replaced every few years to maintain a reliable seal and consistent temperature control. I wanted a longer-lasting alternative to the stock felt gasket and chose the Rutland fiberglass gasket. Below I describe … Read more

This berry cake features airy layers of genoise sponge, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and ripe fresh berries. It’s a bright summer cake that showcases strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. If you want a show-stopping berry cake, this is it. Soft genoise cake layers are filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and piled with fresh berries … Read more

Tender on the inside and crispy along the edges, these grilled sliced potatoes make an easy, flavorful side that’s a nice change from mashed potatoes or potato salad. I like to serve these grilled sliced potatoes with a grilled ribeye steak or crispy spatchcock chicken. Swap them in wherever you’d normally put mashed potatoes or … Read more