"What is this?" I asked, staring at my plate, "I ordered a chicken enchilada, but this...doesn't look right." I took my fork and moved it around, realizing that it appeared remarkably similar to something I used to eat at home, but something was off: corn tortillas were used instead of flour; a red sauce was used instead of white; the filling comprised of a red-toned pulled chicken and melted cheese instead of the anticipated peppers, onions, and cilantro. Ha, oh yes, I was a child exposed to only one version of a dish that actually takes a number of forms across Latin American cultures. The Chicken Enchilada Casserole written about here is something I have had on many occasions. It was the perfect family dinner dish with an invitation to friends and extensions of the family to partake. Naturally, preparing it for a family-style potluck at my place fit perfectly into what I know and love. Enjoy!!

There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, unless maybe you consider these Blondies with a Chocolate Chip Swirl. A mystery of youth, mirroring a brownie of a lighter hue and absent the chocolate notes we have grown so accustomed. These were made and served adjacent to many desserts on my table growing up but were often the first to disappear! This version of the dessert returns some of that chocolate, appealing to both cookie and blondie lovers alike, while still making a house just a little bit homier. Enjoy!

After middle school one day, I sat in our family room eating a snack while fixated on the television. A Carrot Cake was to be made and I had never seen the process. Sure, I've eaten veggie sweet breads and savory pies, but carrots? I've had it before too, but making it was a different story. For the 10-minute segment I saw carrots being peeled and folded into a batter, frosting being made and set aside and a finished cake "magically" being pulled out from beneath the studio kitchen's faux kitchen counter. I needed to make this, I thought. Years later, Carrot Cake has become a fond memory of youth and after a recent visit to Tartine, another sweet treat I wanted to share!