These cream cheese cookies have a pleasant tang from the cream cheese, and they bake up soft, moist, and chewy. They look especially lovely rolled in sprinkles or sugar. A how-to video is included in the recipe card below. An Easy Cookie Recipe with a Little Something Extra Before I dive into more seasonal recipes, … Read more

Boletes are a popular summer mushroom that’s delicious and relatively easy to identify for beginning foragers. King boletes are some of the most sought-after, but many other bolete species are worth knowing and enjoying. This article was written by Timo Mendez, a freelance writer and amateur mycologist who has foraged wild mushrooms across many regions. … Read more

If you’ve been searching for the secret to restaurant-quality salsa at home, the answer isn’t in a jar — it’s in the fire. Fire-roasting vegetables on a Big Green Egg transforms simple ingredients into a complex, smoky, and vibrant salsa. While some people smoke their vegetables low and slow, the real magic here comes from … Read more

Christmas desserts in a Southern soul food kitchen are more than sweets — they’re tradition. These recipes are the ones brought out once a year, the handwritten notes tucked into well-worn cookbooks, and the desserts wrapped up and carried home with pride. From buttery, spice-kissed classics to cool, creamy favorites that balance a heavy holiday … Read more

The Black Manhattan is a darker take on the classic Manhattan, swapping sweet vermouth for an Amaro such as Averna. It keeps the cocktail’s elegant simplicity while adding herbal, bittersweet complexity. This drink is versatile—perfect for an evening sipper, a New Year’s Eve toast, or a moody Halloween cocktail thanks to its deep amber-red hue. … Read more

Another year has come to a close, and 2016 certainly flew by. Many of us are ready to say goodbye to this year and welcome 2017 with fresh energy. How are you feeling about the year ahead? 2016 was a milestone year for Downshiftology — a time of change, growth, and refocusing. Over the past … Read more

This is the best carrot chaffle cake—seriously worth the effort and perfect for a low-carb dessert menu. Thanks to Cheryl W. from the Keto Chaffle Recipes Group for sharing this inspired recipe. Classic carrot cake flavor reimagined as a stackable waffle (chaffle) with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Light, moist, and full of warm spices—this … Read more

A crisp white sangria ideal for autumn, brimming with apples, pears, and apple cider. Make a large pitcher for effortless serving, then finish each glass with sparkling wine for an elegant, easy fall cocktail. I’m not the biggest fan of the Pumpkin Spice Latte—often too sweet—but I love everything else about autumn: fresh-baked breads, warm … Read more

Print Recipe Grinch Cookies Inspired by the classic tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” these soft, chewy crinkle cookies are bright green, tender, and festive. They make a cheerful addition to holiday cookie trays, classroom parties, or gift boxes. Course: Entrée Cuisine: American Servings: 24 cookies Ingredients 1 (15.25 oz.) box French vanilla cake mix … Read more

This super-easy recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser. Like many dishes made with puff pastry, it’s satisfying and substantial—perfect for staving off guests’ hunger while you finish dinner. It also pairs beautifully with both wine and beer. Puff Pastry Cheddar Straws 5 Stars No reviews Author: Carolyn Cope Total Time: 30 minutes Print Recipe Ingredients Scale … Read more