We talk a lot about eating healthy, but I always love a good homemade cake recipe. Plank editor Mandy recently traveled back to her hometown and returned with an favorite old recipe for a Southern style pound cake with caramel icing … yum! So I asked her to share that here!

“My aunt used to make this cake when I was a kid, and it was always a favorite. I hadn’t had it in years, but she surprised me with one while I was home. And, I finally got her to share the recipe! What out, there’s a lot of butter in this … but it’s so worth it!” – Mandy

From rich, delicious broths to quick, tasty desserts, the Instant Pot continues to exceed my every expectation! Last week, I decided to try something a little different. We typically have a piece of fish or chicken with vegetables for dinner, but I wanted to spice it up, so I tried these braised short ribs. And they were delicious! Give them a try — they take a little longer than other Instant Pot recipes, but they are so worth it!

I’ve seen the recent news about some Instant Pot recalls, but thankfully the news doesn’t apply to mine! Whew, because I am loving my Instant Pot and have been having a great time exploring new recipes. Last week I was excited to discover a delicious Turkey Bean Chili that is super easy and extra healthy!

But my best discovery to date is vegetable broth! For years I’ve tried to make a good vegetable broth, but have never been able to make one that really tasted like anything … until now! I found a few recipes online, added a few modifications of my own, and with the help of the Instant Pot, was finally able to create a rich, dark and flavorful vegetable broth (I just wish i yielded more actually broth!).

Everyone is talking about the Instant Pot. A pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and vegetable steamer all in one, this was evidently one of Amazon’s best selling items this holiday season … and it’s the best-selling kitchen item in the U.S. and worldwide! 

As you know, I love to cook, so after hearing all the talk, I was intrigued. I gave one to PLANK editor Mandy for Christmas, and crossed my fingers that Santa would have one for me under the tree. Thankfully, he read my list!

Pie isn’t the only way I use apples …

There aren’t many cold days here in Southern California, but when we are lucky enough to have an appropriately cold holiday or special occasion, I love to make a warm bread pudding. And this is one of my favorite recipes. It’s long and looks harder than it is … but give it a try, it’s relatively easy and it is so amazing!