I long to be one of those people who packs a healthy, well-balanced meal when they travel. I have friends who pack lunches for their plane journeys — thinking out which foods will complement others and how it will affect the way they feel mid-flight. I don't do this. Usually I can barely manage to eat a decent breakfast before I get out the door. But what I can do is throw together a trail mix for those flights — one that's been put to the test during quick camping trips, day hikes or longer car rides. And I'm always thankful that I took the few minutes to do so.

Some of my best cooking came from accidents. These were often the accidents that were born of necessary substitutions when I ran out of something at home or, literally, from accidentally adding too much or too little of an ingredient only to be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Such is the case with this genius single-serve muffin. 

Sometimes killing time results in a wonderful discovery. This was the case a few weeks ago while waiting to meet a friend at the all-too-good chocolate cakery Hot Cakes in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. It was then and there that I made a dangerous discovery: smoked chocolate chips. 

I've never made bagels at home. They fall into the category of things that I like to buy from people who do them well. Good bagels are really good, and I figure that supporting the people who have it mastered is a smart move. That is, until I saw this recipe for granola bagels. I may have been convinced to give them a try myself! I mean, come on. Chocolate chip granola bagels? 

Buttery Popcorn Ice Cream with Homemade Cracker Jack

Whether you are a kid, or just a kid at heart, sometimes there is no better way to end a summer meal then with a big bowl of rich, creamy ice cream. If you've planned ahead, nothing pleases a crowd like homemade, but if you're strapped for time, dress up store bought ice cream with an array of unusual toppings. I can guarantee you won't hear a single complaint.

I purchased a doughnut pan a few years back for a recipe testing project I was working on, but after two or three uses, it got squirreled away to my laundry room along with plenty of other unitaskers left quietly to die. I decided recently to brush off the pan and give it another go, and I am so glad I did. l will be the first to admit that these "faux-nuts" will never be as good as a warm batch of Krispy Kremes, but they are definitely delicious enough to satisfy a hankering when there's no glowing 'Hot Now!' sign in sight.

Come springtime and warmer weather, I get positively giddy when I hear the first chimes of the ice cream truck. But now I don't have to wait for the truck to make its rounds — I can make my favorite chilled treat, the Drumstick, whenever a craving hits. Seriously, this version is easy, fast, and a million times better than the original!!

Q: I recently bought a pound of Trader Joe's bittersweet chocolate with almonds on accident as I did not see the mention of almonds on the label. This didn't work for the recipe I was making, and I'm not sure what else I can cook or bake with it?