Fatty liver disease wasn’t even on my radar until some routine bloodwork came back with numbers that made my doctor raise an eyebrow. I thought I was relatively healthy, so hearing that my liver might be in trouble was both surprising and scary. The First Red Flags It started with some abnormal lab results. My triglycerides were high at 216, my HDL (the “good” cholesterol) was low at 37, but my overall cholesterol was still in the normal range. At that point, my doctor sugges

We assist our clients with kitchen remodels all the time. As a chef I am sometimes asked for advice about kitchen layouts. One thing I always maintain is this one thing. The kitchen triangle!! Most people have never heard of the classic “work triangle,” but many designers still lean on it as a simple way to plan a kitchen that feels efficient and easy to use. Originally developed in the 1940s, it was a research-based approach to help home cooks in small kitchens make the most

Last year, my garden's performance was disappointing. Factors like the extremely hot Kansas City summer and numerous spring storms contributed to this. Some vegetables just weren't thriving, and I kept questioning the cause. Then, one day, I noticed a bee on my green beans and realized I hadn't seen bees all summer. Suddenly, they appeared, and my green beans thrived. I always plant plenty of flowers, such as marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos, to attract bees to my garden. So wh

I have used a lot of different pans, some great and some have literally been thrown out my back door in fit of frustration. My new obsession are the Made In pans. These pans were designed by chefs and you can tell. They are strong but lightweight, superior quality, indestructible and comfortable in your hand. That may sound silly but it is a thing. Have you ever had a pan handle feel like it is rolling in your hand? Or it is digging into your palm? When you are holding a ho

My sons school is doing the musical production of Shrek Jr. When I volunteered to be on the costume committee I had no idea what I was getting myself into. What I found was that one I really love to sew and two I really enjoy creating something from nothing with just my own vision and inspiration! This was my inspiration for this concept. One of the costumes we need is for the Ugly duckling. We spent a couple weeks brainstorming and researching this. Ultimately it came down

Recently with all the snow and frigid temps I have been praying for some hint of Spring. My prayer was answered with the gift of a gorgeous 72 degree day on February 9th!! I am so ready to get in my garden and get my hands dirty! Until then indoor flowers will have to do! At its heart, ikebana is about harmony — the gentle balance between line, space, and movement. I love how something as simple as a curved branch and a single bloom can capture so much quiet beauty. Every pi

Fresh herbs can elevate any dish, adding vibrancy and flavor that dried herbs simply can't match. However, keeping those herbs fresh can sometimes feel like a challenge. In this post for Cookery & Co., we’ll explore the best practical strategies for storing fresh herbs, ensuring they remain delicious and aromatic for as long as possible. Why Proper Storage Matters Storing fresh herbs effectively can mean the difference between a vibrant addition to your meals and a wilted, sa

My dog-eared copy from culinary school has become my most trusted kitchen companion. This comprehensive dictionary is perfect for chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts alike.

Preparing Now for a Blooming Spring Garden Even though winter still lingers, a thriving spring garden starts with what you do right now—especially if you’re dreaming of homegrown vegetables from seed. Territorial Seed Company makes it easy to plan varieties, timing, and even clever companion plant pairings before the soil warms up. Dream Up Your Vegetable Beds Use these colder weeks to map out your edible garden: raised beds, in‑ground rows, or large containers. Territorial

One the very first things I made in Culinary school was Poached Eggs with Hollandaise or affectionately know as Eggs Benedict or my favorite food. It was probably because we could learn multiple techniques in one dish. Learning how to make an emulsified sauce and poaching. It also happens to be one of my favorite foods!! I surprise my family sometimes with this breakfast and it is always a hit! My husband made some smoked pulled pork and we had a quite a bit leftover. Thick

Sous vide cooking has revolutionized the way home chefs approach meal preparation. With its precise temperature control and ability to bring out rich flavors, sous vide makes cooking both simple and enjoyable. If you're looking to explore this cooking technique, you have various cooking sous vide devices to choose from. In this blog post, we'll delve into the different types of sous vide devices available for home use and help you find the best option for your cooking needs.

Imagine stepping into your bathroom on a chilly winter morning, only to be greeted by the warmth of heated floors beneath your feet. This indulgent feature not only adds comfort to your daily routine but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. In today’s blog post, we will explore the various benefits of heated bathroom floors, their installation methods, and tips for maintaining this premium feature, ideal for Cookery & Co.’s discerning readers. The Comfort of

When the depths of winter start to drag, I find myself craving something fresh and bright—but still satisfying. This winter Niçoise-ish salad is my answer: a hearty, colorful mix of potatoes, jammy eggs, crisp seasonal vegetables, and rich salmon, all tied together with a lemony anchovy vinaigrette. It’s not a traditional Niçoise, and that’s exactly the point. This version celebrates what’s good right now—fennel, radishes, and winter greens—while keeping the balance and elega

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to create delicious meals and lasting memories. However, it can also become a dumping ground for miscellaneous items, especially in those drawers that seem to accumulate clutter over time. If you've ever found yourself hunting for a vegetable peeler or a misplaced measuring spoon, you're not alone. This blog will guide you through the process of decluttering your kitchen drawers, transformi

The perfect hardboiled egg does exist!! No more overcooked eggs!

Winter calls for a bedroom that feels warm, inviting, and stylish. Creating a cozy winter bedroom in a contemporary decor style means blending comfort with clean lines, modern textures, and thoughtful details. This post explores practical ways to transform your bedroom into a snug retreat that reflects contemporary design while keeping the chill outside. Contemporary bedroom with cozy winter decor Use Warm Textiles to Add Comfort and Style The foundation of a cozy winter bedr

Peeling vegetables can be a tedious task, especially when you want to prepare meals quickly and efficiently. The right vegetable peeler makes a big difference, saving time and reducing waste. Whether you’re a home cook or a kitchen enthusiast, choosing the best vegetable peeler can transform your cooking experience. This guide highlights the top 10 vegetable peelers designed to make peeling fast, safe, and comfortable. Stainless steel vegetable peeler on wooden board What to

Eating salads every day can be a simple way to boost your nutrition, enjoy fresh flavors, and keep meals light yet satisfying. Many people think salads are boring or time-consuming to prepare, but with the right ingredients and combinations, salads can be exciting, colorful, and packed with nutrients. This post shares five easy salad recipes that you can enjoy daily, each offering unique tastes and health benefits. Fresh mixed greens salad with colorful vegetables and nuts 1.