Hilary PARKER

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A finished homemade Starbucks Pink Drink in a plastic cup, filled with ice and fresh strawberry slices, resting on a white plate with two whole strawberries.

Let’s be honest, that daily Starbucks run adds up. One day, I looked at my bank statement and realized that my Pink Drink habit had officially become a line-item budget concern. That vibrant, refreshing, perfectly pink drink is just so good, but the $5+ price tag? Not so much. I went on a mission to … Read more

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A side-angle shot of a creamy white mocktail in a martini glass, showing a thick, perfectly applied rim of crushed red and white candy canes, set against a blurred background of festive red and gold holiday lights.

During the holidays, it often feels like the festive drink menu is reserved for the 21-and-over crowd. The adults get the spiked eggnog and mulled wine, while kids and non-drinkers are handed… a can of soda? It always felt a little lackluster to me. I wanted to create something that everyone could hold in a … Read more

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Christmas morning is beautifully chaotic, right? In our house, there’s a flurry of wrapping paper, excited squeals, and the fantastic smell of cinnamon rolls baking. For years, I struggled to find the perfect beverage to match the festive mood. Coffee is essential, of course, but I wanted something special that everyone could sip on, from … Read more

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That moment. You’re halfway through prepping muffins, the oven is preheating, and you reach into the fridge for the yogurt… only to find an empty container. Don’t panic! I have been in that exact spot more times than I can count, staring into the fridge convinced my baking plans were ruined. That’s why I’ve compiled … Read more

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A close-up of a white meringue cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its light, airy, and pale-yellow interior. It rests on a dark, powder-dusted surface with more whole meringues blurred in the background.

Okay, let’s talk about one of the most magical kitchen transformations I’ve ever seen. The first time someone told me you could make light, airy, crisp meringues from the liquid you drain from a can of chickpeas, I was skeptical. Chickpea water? No way. But I tried it, and let me tell you, the results … Read more

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A glass mason jar filled with flour and labeled "GLUTEN FREE BREAD FLOUR," sitting on a cloth napkin. In the background, there is a whisk and a white bowl filled with more flour.

Friends, let’s have a real chat about gluten-free bread. Have you ever spent an entire afternoon (and a small fortune on ingredients) only to pull a dense, gummy, or crumbly loaf from the oven? I have been there so many times. When I first went gluten-free, I was so frustrated by the expensive store-bought blends … Read more

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A vibrant breakfast plate featuring a generous serving of bright yellow tofu scramble, alongside fresh blueberries and raspberries, sliced avocado, microgreens, and two slices of golden-brown toast.

I’m going to be honest: for years, my tofu scrambles were… sad. They were often watery, a bit bland, and while they looked the part, they never quite hit that satisfying, savory note I was craving. It was frustrating! I was looking for a proper egg replacement, not just… yellow tofu. This, my friends, is … Read more

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A par-baked, flaky pie crust with a ruffled edge, sitting in a white fluted pie dish. The dish rests on a black-and-white striped kitchen towel on a white counter, with a white subway tile backsplash in the background.

Let’s be honest: making pie crust from scratch can be intimidating. For years, I was strictly a store-bought-crust person. The whole “cutting in cold butter,” the anxiety about it getting too warm, the dough cracking when I tried to roll it… It just felt like too much work and too much risk for a finicky … Read more

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A metal spoon lifts the thickened flax egg from a glass bowl, showing its thick, goopy, and gel-like consistency.

Let me paint a picture for you. It’s 8 PM on a Tuesday, find… no eggs. The dread is real! Or maybe, you’re having a friend over who’s vegan, and you want to whip up a batch of brownies everyone can enjoy. I have been in both of those situations more times than I can … Read more

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A light green bowl of creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes, topped with a melting pat of butter and fresh chives, with a fork resting nearby on a wooden board.

Let’s be honest for a second. If you’ve tried Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes in the past and felt… underwhelmed, you are not alone. I was a total sceptic for years! My first few attempts were either watery, lumpy, or tasted way too much like, well, cauliflower. I wanted the creamy, dreamy, comforting texture of classic mashed … Read more