This Easter-ready Carrot Cake Trifle layers cinnamon-spiced cake, roasted pecans, and a cloud of cream cheese whipped cream. What started as a save-the-day dessert has become a showstopping staple. With carrots, pineapple, and plenty of nostalgia, it’s rich, light, and guaranteed to be the star of your spring table.
My Recipes
Reuben Quesadillas: A Crispy Corned Beef Twist for St. Patrick’s Day
These crispy Reuben quesadillas pack chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Gruyère, and sharp cheddar into buttery toasted tortillas. Toasted caraway seeds bring classic rye flavor, while a punchy Russian dipping sauce with pickles, horseradish, mustard, and sauerkraut brine ties everything together.
Easy Weeknight Pozole Verde–Style Chicken Chili
This Weeknight Pozole-Style Green Chili blends the bright, herbaceous flavors of pozole verde with the hearty texture of white bean chili. Roasted tomatillos, hominy, and tender shredded chicken simmer into a thick, cozy stew, finished with lime and piled high with crunchy, creamy toppings.
Spicy Coconut Broth Ramen with Pork and Marinated Eggs
This Spicy Coconut Broth Ramen with Pork and Marinated Eggs was inspired by Deb Perlman’s braised ginger meatballs with coconut broth – which quickly became a favorite in our house. The broth combines chicken stock, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime zest, turmeric, and Fresno peppers. Served with soy-marinated eggs, it’s a spicy dish for those who enjoy heat.
A Simple but Special Steak Dinner: Filet Mignon with Cacio e Pepe Sauce
This filet mignon dinner feels steakhouse-special but stays weeknight-doable. Pan-seared steaks are finished in the oven, then topped with a bold cacio e pepe Mornay and served alongside charred broccolini with lemon and chile flakes. It’s rich, peppery, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any Friday night in.
A Cozy Skillet Pork Belly Pot Pie with Mushrooms and Puff Pastry
Inspired by the classic pork pot pie at Gage & Tollner, this skillet version uses rich pork belly, mushrooms, and a savory sherry-spiked gravy. Finished with flaky, store-bought puff pastry baked separately, it delivers big flavor with less fuss and more reliable results – perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
Creamy Hummus with Warm Spiced Farro
Inspired by Michael Solomonov’s famously rich hummus, this weeknight version leans on canned chickpeas and extra tahini for fast, creamy results. Warm spiced farro adds a toasty, chewy topping that turns a simple bowl into a hearty, spoon-worthy vegetarian meal – no soaking, no peeling.
Creamy Harissa White Bean Soup With Bright Sumac
A luxuriously creamy white bean soup featuring aromatic Middle Eastern flavors. Cannellini beans and coconut milk create a velvety base, while harissa adds warmth and sumac brings citrusy brightness. Half-pureed for perfect texture, this comforting vegan dish balances rich, spicy, and bright flavors beautifully.