the cook stack

The Craft of Baking by Karen DeMasco: Keep or Donate?

As I attempt to get my massive cookbook collection in order, I am challenging myself to…
Stir by Barbara Lynch: Keep or Donate?

As I put my 2026 cooking goals on pause, I am going through my overflowing cookbook…
State of the Kitchen: March 2026 Edition

Welcome to State of the Kitchen, my monthly update on all things in my cooking life.…
Cook This Book Recipe #13: Pastrami Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Onions and Dill

I tried my first recipe from the chicken chapter of Cook This Book and one of…
Cook This Book Recipe #12: Caramelized Fennel with Parmy Frico

Finally, another winner from Cook This Book! To be honest, I was beginning to regret committing…
Cook This Book Recipe #11: Charred Cabbage with Salty Peanuts and Nuoc Cham

I am continuing my way through the vegetables chapter of Cook This Book by Molly Baz.…
Snacking Cakes Recipe #5: Grapefruit White Chocolate Cake

I made my fifth recipe from Snacking Cakes over the span of two nights after the…
State of the Kitchen: Radio Silence and Recovery Mode

Whew, it’s been a few weeks! We had an ice storm, three kids with the flu…
Snacking Cakes Recipe #4: Cocoa Yogurt Cake

Today I made my next recipe from Snacking Cakes by Yossy Arefi, the Cocoa Yogurt Cake.…
Snacking Cakes Recipe #3: Browned Butter, Pecan, and White Chocolate Cake

I am cooking my way through Snacking Cakes by Yossy Arefi in 2026, and this third…