This low-carb shrimp scampi features garlicky sautéed shrimp in a buttery white wine and lemon sauce, finished with parsley and Parmesan. A flavorful low-carb Italian-American dish that cooks in under 15 minutes. June is a busy month: kids are home, graduations and weddings fill the calendar, and summer plans begin. Many of us will be … Read more

Pasta carbonara is a beloved Italian classic built from just a few quality ingredients: eggs, pork (traditionally guanciale, though pancetta or bacon can be used), pecorino cheese, black pepper, and pasta. Contrary to common belief, you don’t need cream or extra butter to achieve a luxurious, creamy sauce. This version relies on a simple technique … Read more

This decadent Peppermint Chocolate Cake brings together a rich chocolate cake, peppermint buttercream, and crunchy peppermint bark for a festive holiday dessert. This Peppermint Chocolate Cake is ideal for the Christmas dessert table. It pairs the moist, deeply chocolate Best Chocolate Cake with a bright peppermint buttercream and a topping of peppermint bark or crushed … Read more

This Broccoli Salad combines crisp raw broccoli with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, summer barbecues, or any meal when you want something crunchy and refreshing. The combination of textures and flavors — crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet … Read more

I often know immediately when something will become a favorite, and that was exactly my reaction the first time I saw Chinese steamed buns—bao—popping up everywhere. They looked irresistible, yet they were surprisingly absent from menus in Albany. It felt like I had two choices: travel to New York City to sample them or learn … Read more

I tried smoked cupcake chicken after hearing my friend Jim rave about it at a backyard cookout. At first it sounded odd—cupcakes and chicken?—but the concept is simple and brilliant: seasoned, rolled chicken thighs wrapped in bacon, baked in a cupcake pan and smoked until caramelized. The result is juicy, smoky, slightly sweet bites that … Read more

These sweet & creamy vanilla overnight oats are a perfect make-ahead breakfast. With just four simple ingredients and only five minutes of prep, they’re an easy, satisfying option for mornings, snacks, or a lighter dessert. I love simple meal-prep breakfasts, and this vanilla overnight oats recipe is one of my favorites. It’s creamy, naturally sweet … Read more

~ Welcome to Crash Course Cooking! I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid, but it’s time to up my game … and I want you to join me! ~ Hey, guys! Amy here. With the New Year and new resolutions, it felt like the perfect time to start a fresh cooking adventure—and I … Read more

Why Gratitude Matters Now More Than Ever In a world of busy schedules, deadlines, and endless comparison, it’s easy to miss the good already present in our lives. We hurry from one task to the next, fixating on what’s missing or what comes next, and in doing so we often lose sight of the small, … Read more