When I’m faced with deciding what to make when I’m having a rough day, I ask myself, “What feels most like a hug to me right now?” Sometimes it’s a hot bowl of soup, but most often it’s something baked. Banana bread — our collective quarantine hero — still always feels like a warm sweater on a chilly day. Comfortable, cozy, nostalgic. So, if you’re having a tough time today and are wanting to try something new yet familiar, try this banana bread recipe. My hug to you.

Food is way better than flowers, am I right? But what if you could have both? This is probably not going to come as a surprise to you but I am very into celebrating holidays through food. Food is most certainly my love language and I love making things for myself and my loved ones…

The base of these rich and fluffy treats is cocoa powder (of course, it is Valentine’s Day after all!) and lightly sweetened with maple syrup that leaves the cake as moist as it is decadent. In this recipe, we use straight chocolate as the topping to create a crunchy shell rather than using frosting. And to top it all off, why not make it rain rose petals? Rose petals add a subtle sweet, floral note that pairs perfectly with rich, bold dark chocolate.

Well, it’s that time of the year again. I’m officially pumpkin-ed and apple-ed out! With Thanksgiving in a few weeks and December just around the corner (already?!), I’m switching gears towards good tidings of cheer with these delicious gingerbread donuts!

In this recipe, molasses paired with the warming spices ginger, cinnamon, and clove make these cakey donuts shine bright. They’re a perfect share for holiday parties, a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie marathon, or to leave out for Santa. Dusted with snowy powdered sugar, they’re a delicious and festive bite of holiday cheer!

PS If you don’t have a donut pan, this batter can easily be made into a loaf of gingerbread with just a tweak to the cooking temperature.