Hi Reader, The weather in North Carolina has been all over the place lately. One day it's in the 70s, and the next it's cold, rainy, and windy. On the cold, rainy days, I want soup. Really good soup. This sausage lentil soup fits the bill. Not only is it delicious, but it's packed with good stuff — lentils for fiber, zucchini, celery, onions, carrots, and tomatoes. And the Italian sausage? It adds so much flavor. This is the kind of soup that makes you actually look forward to a gloomy day....

Hi Reader, Hummingbird Cake is one of those recipes I'd been curious about for a long time before I finally made it. Now it's a favorite. What I didn't know until I dug into it: this cake actually originated in Jamaica before becoming a Southern staple. I feel so connected to the recipe, and it's so delicious. It reminds me of a really flavorful banana cake with crunchy pecans throughout. Anyway. The cake. It's dense, moist, packed with banana, pineapple, and pecans, and finished with cream...

Hi Reader, This weekend feels like a good one to go all out on dinner. Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, here's what I'd put on the menu: 🥩 A Really Good Steak I've got two ways for you, depending on what you're working with: Air Fryer Steak – Quick, juicy, and topped with garlic herb butter. The air fryer steak has been a popular recipe on my site for years, and for good reason. It's consistent. I love making this with ribeye steaks. Pan-Seared Steak– If...