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Honest and Truly

I'm Michelle and help 2500+ readers every week, whether they're brand new to the kitchen or have been cooking their whole lives. I share easy to follow recipes that give confidence to get in the kitchen and cooking. Find inspiration for parties and meals at home, as well as easy dinners, irresistible appetizers, decadent desserts, and everything in between. These are the recipes your family will beg to to make again and again.

Closeup of a bowl of cheesy soup with chunks of sausage floating on top.

Warm Up Your Week with These 4 Cozy Soups

Hey Reader, I don’t know about you, but nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup. Winter is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to pull out those cozy recipes. These four soups are my go-to faves. Bonus? They taste even better the next day, so you can make a batch and enjoy leftovers without extra effort. Four Soups Way Better Than Canned Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Cheese and Sausage Soup combines savory sausage and melty cheese, and it's the ideal way to warm yourself up...
Close up of a pot of vegan couscous salad on a counter with a tiled backsplash.

Healthy(ier!) Dinners to Keep Your New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year, Reader, Who else made the resolution to eat better this year? I know I can't be alone, and this year, I'm sticking to it. A new year is a natural time to reset routines, and when I make a good dinner like one of these, I eat the leftovers for lunch the next day, so it's a win all around. These recipes focus on simple cooking, balanced ingredients, and flavors you're sure to love. If you made the same resolutions I did, this is a great place to begin. Four Healthier Mains to...
Overheard of a slice of chocolate cake on a table with a fork sitting on the plate.

The Four Most-Made Recipes of 2025

Happy New Year, Reader, It's always fun to look back on a year, and 2025 brought more readers and more recipes than ever. These are the ones readers cooked, shared, and came back to again and again in 2025. From busy weeknights to special occasions, readers searched for and made these recipes the most. If you’re looking for proven favorites, this list makes it easy. The Recipes Readers Loved Most This Year Chocolate lovers kept coming back to my Ultra-Moist Chocolate Cake for a reason. The...
A hand holds a broken open piece of cheese bread with a bowl behind it containing more.

Ring in the New Year with 4 Show-Stopping Appetizers

Hey Reader, I know we're not even to Christmas yet, but about we need to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. If you're not there yet, that's fine - bookmark this to look at in a few days. I feel like everything is sneaking up on me this year, and I need to plan ahead a bit. This year it's my turn to bring the appetizers, and these are my family's faves. Bonus? I can make them ahead of time and enjoy the company instead of spending the night in the kitchen. Countdown to Midnight with These...
Closeup of a roasted chicken in a white pan.

Sleigh the Day with These 4 Dishes Perfect for Holiday Dinners

Hey Reader, I was at my parents' house for dinner last night, and we were already talking about the planning for Christmas dinner. Between the main dishes, sides, and desserts, I think we have it finalized, and somehow, I'm bringing most of the food - but that's fine with me. These are four recipes that my dad and my kids especially asked me to have. They're festive, flavorful, and easy enough to actually enjoy the day instead of living in the kitchen, especially when I make them ahead of...
Collage of three different types of cookies.

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day Twelve!

Hey Reader, It's time for Day 12 of the 12 Days of Cookies. Let's celebrate the final day of our 12 Days of Cookies with these festive recipes. Thank you so much for coming along on this fun exploration of cookies. If you missed any of the days or joined late, you can find each of the emails and all 144 cookie recipes here. Cookie 1: Gochujang Caramel Cookies Cookie 2: Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies Cookie 3: Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies Cookie 4: Grinch Crinkle Cookies Cookie 5: Brookies...
Collage of three different types of cookies.

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day Eleven!

Hey Reader, It's time for Day 11 of the 12 Days of Cookies. It's hard to believe there's just one day left after this, isn't it? I might have saved the best for last, but it's like kids - I don't know how you choose a favorite. Cookie 1: Eggnog Cookies Cookie 2: Italian Chocolate Roll Cookies Cookie 3: Southern Tea Cakes Cookie 4: Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies Cookie 5: Candy Cane Oreos Cookie 6: Gingerbread Bars Cookie 7: Pecan chocolate chip cookies Cookie 8: White Chocolate...
Collage of three different types of cookies.

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day Ten!

Hey Reader, It's time for Day 10 of the 12 Days of Cookies. Just a couple more days to improve your baking game, and these delicious recipes are just what you need to impress your family and friends. Cookie 1: No Bake "Reindeer Poop" Cookies Cookie 2: Maple Thumbprint Cookies Cookie 3: Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues Cookie 4: Chocolate Shortbread Cookies Cookie 5: Eggnog Sugar Cookies Cookie 6: Apple Spiced Cookies Cookie 7: Boston Cream Pie Cookie Cups Cookie 8: Strawberry shortcake...
Collage of three different types of cookies.

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day Nine!

Hey Reader, It's time for Day 9 of the 12 Days of Cookies. Ready to sweeten up your holiday season? Today’s cookie recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. They're perfect for a cookie swap! Cookie 1: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Cookie 2: Brown Sugar Cookies Cookie 3: Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies Cookie 4: Ginger Molasses Cookies Cookie 5: Red Velvet Cake Cookies Cookie 6: Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookie 7: Santa Whoopie Pies Cookie 8: Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Cookie 9: Cowboy...
Collage of three different types of cookies.

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day Eight!

Hey Reader, It's time for Day 8 of the 12 Days of Cookies. The countdown to the holidays continues! These recipes are perfect for leaving out for Santa with a glass of milk and some carrots for reindeer. Let’s get baking! Cookie 1: Hot Chocolate Cookies Cookie 2: Lemon Meltaway Cookies Cookie 3: Almond Biscotti Cookies Cookie 4: Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Cookie 5: Cranberry Pistachio Wreath Cookies Cookie 6: Ginger Cookies Cookie 7: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies Cookie 8: Cookie...