Weeknights – the land of last-minute scrambling and the ever-present question: “What’s for dinner?” For pasta lovers, these recipes are a nice break from boring meals. All of these options are ready in 30 minutes, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare. From creamy classics (hello, mac and cheese!) to veggie-packed one-pot pastas, these are the fast and flavorful pasta dishes you need for busy weeknights. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Photo Credit: xoxoBella. In just half an hour you can have this baked cream cheese spaghetti on the table. It’s meaty, cheesy and tasty comfort food everyone w ..read more

Today is Earth Day, a day to appreciate all that our planet gives us, and a reminder that we must take care of it. People across the world are becoming increasingly concerned about climate change: 8-in-10 see climate change as a major threat to their country. Food production has a significant environmental impact, accounting for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Half of the world’s habitable land, land that is ice and desert-free, is used for agriculture. All food production affects the earth in some way, though some foods have a bigger impact than others. Overall, animal-base ..read more

Mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food, is about to get a major upgrade. While boxed mac and cheese is delicious and easy for busy weeknights, these mac and cheese recipes are way better than anything you can make from a box. From creamy, you-won’t-believe-these-are-dairy-free versions to gourmet lobster mac and cheese, there is something here for everyone. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta Photo Credit: xoxoBella. Elevate dinner with this smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta recipe. Elbow noodles pair up with gouda cheese, garlic, pancetta or bacon, shallots, and more. You can ..read more

Rich and moist vegan carrot cake topped with a tangy buttercream frosting. A show-stopping cake with rave reviews! Remember those incredible carrot cake cupcakes that I shared a few weeks ago? Well, here’s the cake version! Just as moist and delicious, but in vegan carrot cake form. I made this for my husband’s birthday, and then a few days later, it was requested for my son’s half-birthday. Yes, it’s that good. As with most things I bake, testing rounds were also shared with several friends and neighbors to rave reviews. Much like my 5-star-rated carrot cake cupcakes, this cake is a winner ..read more

Struggling to come up with quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights? These delicious and healthy recipes are for you. From one-pot wonders to sheet pan meals, these recipes are quick and easy to prepare and packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. You really can have it all when it comes to weeknight dinners– healthy, easy, and delicious! Save these recipes for busy nights. 20 Minute Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce This hearty dish with roasted red pepper pasta sauce is the perfect comfort food! Not only do you get to enjoy a big bowl of pasta, but it is covered in an amazing ..read more

This Sweet and Sour Tofu is the perfect weeknight dinner! Crispy tofu is tossed in a homemade sweet and sour sauce with peppers and pineapple and served over rice. Who doesn’t love crispy tofu with a simple sweet and sour sauce! This weeknight dinner has become one of our favorites lately. If you love sweet and sour chicken, you’ll love this vegan version with tofu, pineapple, and peppers. And it can be made in just 30 minutes! See below for step-by-step photos and tips for success, or scroll down for the full recipe. Why We Love This Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe Before I went vegetarian, sweet ..read more

Pucker up! Lemons are a secret weapon in your fruit bowl, ready to take your cooking to the next level. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up creamy pasta sauces, and the bright flavor cuts through rich, fatty cuts of meat. In desserts, that same zingy magic helps to balance out sugar and enhances the flavor of berries, especially in muffins and quick breads! Lemon zest adds a citrusy explosion to everything from marinades to cakes. These 25 sweet and savory lemon recipes will convince you of the humble lemon’s magical cooking power. Lemon Risotto Photo Credit: My Everyday Table. Let me show y ..read more

As an avid traveler ready to explore new places, you may hesitate to visit certain destinations due to perceived risks. While several places have a reputation for danger, they are often much safer than we assume.  Large cities and countries with a history of conflict turn out to be desirable destinations. These places, in fact, can offer warm hospitality and incredible experiences.  This carefully curated list provides fresh insights into destinations you might think are risky but are indeed safe for globetrotters. Here, we address common misconceptions to give you a clear perspectiv ..read more

Learn how to make the best hummus! Homemade hummus is so much better than store-bought and only takes minutes to whip up! Homemade hummus is so much easier than you think! While there are many good store-bought brands out there, once you learn how easy it is to whip up a homemade batch, you won’t want to go back! I love hummus and eat it often. It’s great on its own, obviously, but it’s also fantastic loaded onto falafel sandwiches, grain bowls, or thinned with olive oil and lemon juice for a quick salad dressing. In fact, it’s one of the big reasons I started making my own hummus. Those $4 t ..read more

Entertaining can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to juggle preparing multiple dishes right before guests arrive. That’s why make-ahead appetizers are such a lifesaver. With a little advance planning, you can prepare appetizers that are ready to go or need a quick finish or reheat right before serving. These are our 20 favorite make-ahead appetizers. Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip Photo Credit: XoxoBella. Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort. Make The Recipe: Roa ..read more