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.

While I do enjoy perusing the chocolate aisle at the grocery store and am known to have a bar or two stocked in my pantry at all times, there is something really special and fun about making confections at home. Homemade chocolates make a thoughtful and impressive gift — with just enough skill to seem fancy, without a ton of time spent in the kitchen.

This recipe is inspired by Hu Kitchen’s raspberry cashew butter chocolate bar (my ride or die) and Rachael Good Eat’s DIY Reese’s eggs. In my opinion the raspberry and cashew combo is like an adult version of the classic PB&J! With creamy cashew butter, sweet and tart raspberry and decadent dark chocolate, you’ll have suitors lining up down the block wanting to be your Valentine! They’re the perfect way to say “I’m nuts about 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.

With summer in full swing and the 4th of July in my rearview, I’ve had such a craving s’mores! It seemed like everyone I know has been on social media sharing the delicious campfire dessert…

My initial goal was for the mini marshmallows to be melted and fluffy when the cookies were finished baking. Instead, the marshmallows completely melted, got slightly burnt, and turned into the most magically crunchy, sticky toffee. They are even better than I could have imagined. I hope you give them a try! They’re perfect for a random Wednesday afternoon, social-distancing BBQ, and just about anything in between.