Lauren Kodiak's Recent Articles
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Eat Your Way Through Maine’s Best Lobster Rolls
Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon. You’re sitting outside at a picnic table, looking out at the water and waiting for your number to be called from the loudspeaker of a tiny seafood shack. Your order arrives on a colorful plastic tray: Alongside a bag of potato chips and maybe a pickle is a squishy hot dog bun filled with succulent lobster meat lightly dressed in a bit of mayonnaise. You smell the ocean breeze and take your first bite. It tastes like summer in Maine.
Lauren Kodiak
Aug 3, 2017
This Easy “Everything Bagel” Chicken Is Everything
Have we reached peak everything bagel spice yet? I don’t think so. The flavorful seasoning blend — a mixture of poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt — is great on bagels, of course, but it also has way more potential. This chicken proves it. To start, you can either make your own everything bagel spice blend or buy it from a store like Trader Joe’s.
Lauren Kodiak
Aug 2, 2017
These Easy, Cheesy Garlic Rolls Are Ready in 20 Minutes
There’s something so satisfying about tearing into a basket of rolls, still warm from the oven, before dinner at a restaurant. Well, guess what? You can recreate that experience at home — and make it even better by adding ooey, gooey cheese in the middle and garlic and herbs on top. The key to making rolls on a weeknight is using a grocery-store shortcut: refrigerated biscuit dough.
Lauren Kodiak
Aug 1, 2017
Make These Spicy Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs Tonight
There are seemingly endless ways to cook chicken, but this one in particular should be at the top of your must-make list. With a Sriracha-honey marinade and plenty of fresh lime juice, these spicy-sweet-tangy chicken thighs pack a punch. Make it once and I guarantee your family will be begging for this dish all the time! I’m sorry in advance.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 31, 2017
10 Cool Cucumber Recipes to Make Right Now
Cool, crunchy cucumbers are at their absolute best in summer. Whether you picked up one too many at the farmers market or your garden is overflowing with them, we’ve got 10 ways to help you put those cukes to work. From salads to soups to sandwich spreads, these are the best cucumber recipes on the internet. This salad combines crunchy cucumber and red onion slices with a tangy Greek yogurt and lemon dressing.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 30, 2017
The Easiest Way to Serve Grilled Cheese to a Crowd
Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, which is why it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making lunch for a group of hungry kids or you’re having friends over for a cozy dinner party, you can’t go wrong with grilled cheese. The only downside? Standing over the stove with a spatula while those kids play unsupervised outside or your friends hang out in the next room. Enter: the sheet pan grilled cheese.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 28, 2017
Make This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken ASAP
Barbecue chicken is one of the most versatile things to have in your fridge or freezer. Whether you’re making tacos, a sandwich, or a salad, a batch of this chicken will take you far. And the best part? It practically cooks all by itself in your slow cooker. You barely have to left a finger! The secret to success here is making your own BBQ sauce instead of using bottled store-bought stuff.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 27, 2017
This Easy Sheet Cake Will Make All Your Chocolate Dreams Come True
The next time a serious chocolate craving hits, this is the recipe you’ll want in your back pocket. It’s the least fussy cake you can make — the batter mixes up in one bowl, and it bakes in a sheet pan — but it totally delivers on rich, chocolatey goodness you’re after. Just make sure you have plenty of cold milk on hand to wash it all down. By far the best thing about sheet cakes is how simple they are (no layers to contend with!).
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 26, 2017
This Is the Easiest One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Ever
When you don’t have the energy to cook (say, on a busy weeknight after a long, hectic day), one-pan meals are the answer. This recipe in particular is one to have in your back pocket at all times. It’s truly a dump-and-bake affair — no browning, boiling, or sautéing required. The author affectionately dubs this recipe as an “ultra lazy” pasta bake.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 25, 2017
Prep These Chicken & Rice Bowls Now for Lunches All Week
If you made a commitment to bring your lunch to work or school more often, the first step to success is mastering the art of meal prep. By cooking a big batch of food all at once and portioning it out for the week ahead, you won’t be tempted to order takeout once noon rolls around. Not sure where to start? Try these easy chicken and rice bowls. This recipe makes six servings and comes together in 30 minutes. Does it get any better than that? Start by cooking the rice on the stovetop.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 24, 2017
Please Make These Raspberry Rosé Slushies ASAP
It’s summer, it’s Friday, and it’s unbearably hot outside, which can only mean one thing: you need a frosty drink. This rosé slushie is just the ticket. Blended with fresh strawberries and raspberries, it’s tart, sweet, and, most importantly, icy-cold. Similar to our frosé, this slushie recipe calls for freezing rosé in ice cube molds ahead of time. You’ll pour half a bottle into the trays and reserve the other half for later.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 21, 2017
These Easy No-Bake Brownies Are a Summer Must
When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, baked goods are out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy your brownie craving! These no-bake brownies are rich and fudgy — and there’s not an ounce of flour or drop of butter in sight. You only need seven ingredients to make these brownies: pitted dates, hulled hemp seeds, walnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and water.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 20, 2017
This Is What Portland, Maine Tastes Like (in Case You Can’t Go)
When you think of the food of Maine, your mind might land on lobster. But Portland, Maine’s largest city, has so much more to offer than mayo-dressed lobster meat piled into a hot dog bun. The city’s close proximity to the ocean and local farms means the inventive chefs who call Portland home have a wealth of fresh ingredients at their fingertips. If you look past the stereotypes and avoid the tourist traps, the food of Portland is creative, sophisticated, and downright delicious.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 20, 2017
You Know You Want This Skillet Lemon-Honey Chicken Tonight
If someone told you that you were having chicken and green beans for dinner tonight, you’d probably be a little disappointed, right? Maybe you’ve had a few too many dry, flavorless chicken breasts and mushy, bland green beans in your life, but this recipe is far from that. To get that nice golden-brown crust on the chicken breast, you first coat it in a mixture of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 19, 2017
These Honey Roasted Tomatoes Will Blow Your Mind
I love when a simple addition completely transforms a dish. Take this roasted tomato appetizer, for instance. Just a drizzle of honey (yes, honey!) is all you need to turn up the volume on an otherwise standard appetizer. If you’ve been buying pints of cherry tomatoes at the farmers market, you know how delicious they are this time of year.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 18, 2017
This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Is Better than Takeout
When a craving for cashew chicken hits, you probably call for takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant. But ordering in all the time can get expensive, which is why it’s good to have an easy recipe like this one in your back pocket. With a little foresight you can make this flavorful dish at home. All you need is a slow cooker and a few hours.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 17, 2017
The Key to a Creamy, Dairy-Free Matcha Latte (It’s Not Coconut Milk!)
When I’m in need of a little afternoon pick-me-up, but I don’t want another cup of coffee, I always turn to matcha. I love its unique flavor, and the fact that it doesn’t leave me feeling jittery. I’ve covered my fair share of matcha drinks here, but this one really stuck out to me. Why? Because it’s creamy yet doesn’t contain a drop of dairy. Oh, and it doesn’t call for coconut milk either.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 13, 2017
You Only Need One Pan for This Lemon Chicken with Olives
If you’re lucky enough to have a back patio, front porch, or even just a fire escape, now is the time to enjoy dinner al fresco. There’s really nothing like sitting outside on a summer evening, enjoying a simple meal and a cold glass of wine. This skillet chicken with lemon, olives, and potatoes is the perfect dish to make for such a supper. To start, you’ll need to preheat your oven.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 12, 2017
This Tiny City Has Big Flavor: Here’s What to Do, Eat & Drink in Portland, Maine
Compared to other local cities like Boston and New York, Portland, Maine seems more like a close-knit town. But don’t let its small size fool you — there’s a seemingly endless list of things to do, see, and, most importantly, eat in this smart, sophisticated New England city. Beyond the charming lighthouses and overstuffed lobster rolls, this mini metropolis pulses with life and community.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 12, 2017
You Don’t Need to Be a Fancy Bartender to Make These Blackberry Mojitos
Happy National Mojito Day! Let’s celebrate with fresh blackberry mojitos. Before you head out to your favorite cocktail bar, know that these pretty-in-pink cocktails are super easy to make at home — no mixology degree required. If you’re anything like me, you might’ve gone a little overboard with the berries at the farmers market, but don’t worry — this cocktail is a great way to use them up.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 11, 2017
This Easy Greek Cucumber Salad Is Calling Your Name
Summer is all about the simple side salads. When fresh produce is at its best, you only need a few pantry staples and spices to dress it up. Case in point? This cucumber salad with Greek yogurt, red onion, and fresh dill. It’s a prime example of letting peak-season ingredients shine. The first thing you’ll want to do for this salad is soften the sharp bite of the red onion by soaking thin slices of the onion in a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 10, 2017
Put Those Cherries & Berries to Use with This Summer Sangria
It’s summer, which means berries and cherries are in season right now at your local farmers market. Grab a couple pints, then mix up a pitcher of this sangria. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for patio parties. What more could you want? Traditionally sangria is a bit heavier, with red wine and brandy, but this version calls for white wine and limoncello instead. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and fruity, while the limoncello offers a tart, sweet note.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 7, 2017
Make These Mango Chicken Salad Wraps When It’s Too Hot to Cook
When even the idea of turning on your oven or stove makes you sweat, no-cook recipes are the answer to getting something of substance (read: not just Popsicles) on the table. These chicken salad wraps are a perfect candidate — all you need is some cooked chicken (maybe some you prepped ahead of time, or a store-bought rotisserie version) and a microwave. This version of chicken salad is a little different from the standard (read: kinda bland) version you’re probably familiar with.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 6, 2017
This Is Why Foil-Pack Dinners Are Perfect for Lazy Cooks
Easy to make and even easier to clean up.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 5, 2017
The Best Bagels I’ve Ever Had Are in Maine
Growing up outside New York, I was sure I was eating the best bagels in the world. Then I visited a small bakery in South Portland, Maine.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 5, 2017
Your 4th of July Party Needs These Pop Rocks S’mores
Happy 4th of July! Were you tasked with bringing a dessert to the BBQ today but totally forgot? No worries — these firecracker s’mores are the answer. Just head to the store on your way over to pick up supplies and you’ll be the hero of the party. S’mores are a classic summertime treat, but this recipe turns the volume up a bit to make them holiday-worthy.
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 4, 2017
Make This Honey-Orange Skillet Chicken for Dinner Tonight
If you’re prepping for your 4th of July party tonight, chances are you need to get something simple and delicious on the table for dinner. This honey-orange chicken fits the bill perfectly. Make it, eat it, and then get back to assembling your berry frosé ice pops for tomorrow’s big BBQ. The key to this dish is the flavorful glaze, which does take some time to make on the stove — luckily it’s hands-off time!
Lauren Kodiak
Jul 3, 2017
This No-Bake Tart Looks Impressive, but Is Secretly Super Simple
Shhh, we won't tell.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 30, 2017
Ina Garten’s Go-To Outdoor Party Tool
I’ve learned a lot from Ina Garten over the years. No, we’re not close friends (I wish!), but her cookbooks and TV shows are filled with little nuggets of brilliance that I happily work into my own kitchen. Whether it’s sage cooking wisdom or ways to make date night a little more special, Ina has all the answers. Now that summer is here and patio season has commenced, my questions mostly revolve around outdoor entertaining.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 29, 2017
You Need This Easy Cabbage Slaw at Your Next Cookout
There’s no denying that classic cookout fare — burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad — is delicious, but it’s not always the most colorful spread. To avoid a sea of beige and brown, bring along this vibrant red cabbage and dill slaw. It’s so easy to throw together and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. What I love most about this slaw is that it has major make-ahead potential.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 29, 2017
Got 20 Minutes? Then You Can Make This Chicken & Quinoa Salad.
Once summer rolls around, we all want to spend as much time outside as possible. After a day stuck in the office, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour or more in your kitchen cooking dinner. That’s where this quinoa salad comes in — it’s filling, flavorful, and comes together in 20 minutes. The key to getting this salad on the table in 20 minutes is using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. All you have to do is shred it — no cooking required!
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 28, 2017
Cool Down with These Fresh Mint-Chocolate Chip Popsicles
Popsicles are already refreshing, but infuse them with fresh mint and you’ve got an extra-cooling treat to pull out of the freezer on sweltering summer days. These pops are based on mint-chocolate chip ice cream, but you won’t find any artificial colors here! That classic green color is all thanks to a little matcha powder. To get that mint flavor infused throughout the entire Popsicle, you first need to warm some coconut milk, salt, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 27, 2017
Put This Creamy Italian Chicken on Tonight’s Menu
Somehow it’s Monday already (RIP, weekend) and you forgot to meal plan again. Don’t despair! I’ve got a delicious recipe for you to make tonight that everyone in your family is sure to love. It does require you to stand at the stovetop, but at least you don’t have to turn on the oven! With 25 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time, this creamy chicken and veggie dish is almost a 30-minute meal.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 26, 2017
You’re Only 5 Ingredients Away from This Easy Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is one of my favorite desserts, but I usually only eat it when I’m out at a restaurant. It’s just a little too fussy for my liking to make it at home. But this recipe only calls for five ingredients and a few simple steps — definitely easy enough to pull together when a mousse craving strikes! I should note that this is a vegan chocolate mousse, so it’s going to taste different than true, classic mousse — but that’s okay!
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 23, 2017
The 3-Ingredient Snack I’m Currently Obsessed With
Working from home means that I do a lot more snacking throughout the day than I’d like to admit. Instead of preparing a proper lunch, I’m more likely to eat a little of this and a little of that all day long until dinnertime. Some of my go-to snacks include yogurt and granola, carrots and hummus, cheese and crackers, and fresh fruit. But I have a new favorite that’s been in heavy rotation. It only requires three ingredients, and sometimes it doubles as dessert.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 22, 2017
Make This Lemony Roasted Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Tonight
I love one-pot pasta dishes, but sometimes cooking everything together makes it difficult to build super-strong flavors. That’s why this roasted chicken and broccoli rotini recipe is so ingenious: With only a few extra dishes and a little more work, you get crispy, caramelized chicken and broccoli, perfectly al dente pasta, and a bright, zippy lemon vinaigrette. This recipe has a lot of really smart tips to make this pasta as easy and delicious as possible.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 22, 2017
Going Grain-Free? You Can Still Have Granola!
You won't even miss the oats.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 21, 2017
All Scrambled Eggs Should Be Served in Avocado Halves from Now On
Avocado and eggs are a match made in heaven. You’ve probably had avocado toast with poached eggs on top, or scrambled egg tacos with guacamole, but these scrambled eggs served in avocado halves might just take the cake. I mean, look how cute they are! The recipe for this scramble features butter, Canadian bacon, eggs, and white cheddar, but you should feel free to customize it. That’s the beauty of egg scrambles, right? They’re so versatile!
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 20, 2017
Add This Skillet Coconut-Curry Chicken to Your Dinner Roster
If you’re looking for a fast and fancy weeknight dinner, this flavorful skillet chicken is just the ticket. It comes together quickly, cooks all in one pan, and makes a great lunch the next day (if you manage to have any left over, that is).
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 19, 2017
This Is How You Feed Chicken Fajitas to a Crowd
Whether you’re following a Paleo diet or not, Nom Nom Paleo’s blog is full of delicious, easy-to-assemble recipes. Take these sheet pan chicken fajitas, for example. Instead of standing at the stovetop sautéing ingredients, you can throw them all on one pan and let them do their thing in the oven.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 16, 2017
Cauliflower (Yes, Cauliflower!) Is the Secret to This Frozen Hot Cocoa
If you’ve never had the pleasure of drinking a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3 in New York City, you might be wondering what the fuss is all about. Essentially a frozen shake that tastes like hot chocolate, it’s delicious, but it’s sure to leave you with a sugar hangover. This recipe from My New Roots puts a healthy spin on this sweet concoction, so you can drink it for breakfast and not worry about crashing a few hours later.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 15, 2017
These Muffins Are for Serious Chocolate-Lovers Only
We all know that muffins are just cakes disguised as breakfast fare, so why not really go all out and make these triple chocolate muffins? Made with melted semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips, these decadent treats are for serious chocolate-lovers only.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 14, 2017
This One-Pan Tomato-Basil Chicken and Rice Is a Dinner Miracle
Allow me to paint a picture for you: It’s dinnertime, and you have a table of hungry people waiting with anticipation. You open the oven door, pull out a skillet filled with perfectly cooked chicken thighs and rice, and set it on the table. Everyone digs in and proclaims how good it is. You smile and pat yourself on the back for another successful weeknight meal. And when it’s time to clean up, you only have one pan to wash. Sound too good to be true? It’s not!
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 13, 2017
Make This Cardamom Cold Brew Vietnamese Coffee ASAP
Hot summer weather is finally here, and that means only one thing for my morning routine: the return of cold brew coffee! While I typically drink it black, this recipe for cardamom cold brew with vanilla cream is just the special twist I need to kickstart the season on a delicious note. The most important thing to know about making cold brew at home is that it’s not something you can whip up at a moment’s notice and enjoy immediately after, like you can with regular hot coffee.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 12, 2017
Top Your Toast with Roasted Pineapple & Whipped Ricotta
A slice of toast for breakfast is nothing new, but this recipe for toast with whipped ricotta and roasted pineapple sure is. The crunchy bread, the creamy ricotta, the sweet pineapple — this is how you start your day off on the right foot. To make the caramelized pineapple, you’ll need either some pineapple rings or chopped pineapple. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle it with honey, and roast at a high heat until it’s nice and golden.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 9, 2017
The One Tool You Need for Cooking and Serving Pasta
Pasta is the great equalizer. Whether you’re trying to get dinner on the table for your family on a hectic weeknight or you’ve invited your boss over for a fancy dinner party, you can always count on this fast and filling pantry staple to satisfy everyone. If you preach the pasta gospel, you’ll love Colu Henry‘s debut cookbook, Back Pocket Pasta.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 8, 2017
These Sweet Potato Tuna Melts Make Lunch Fun Again
If you’re a fan of tuna melts, you’ll love this fun twist on the classic sandwich. Instead of building the melt on bread, this recipe subs in roasted sweet potato rounds! It’s still the same protein-packed lunch you love, just with a little extra veggie power. First you’ll need to roast the sweet potato rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. While that’s happening, you can make your tuna salad and get all the toppings prepped.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 8, 2017
Everyone Will Love This One-Pan Chili-Lime Chicken and Rice
This 30-minute one-pan meal comes together with minimal ingredients but packs big flavor. It’s wholesome and filling and everyone in your family is sure to love it. If that doesn’t check all your weeknight dinner boxes, I don’t know what will! The secret to getting flavorful results in such little time is all in the spice blend.
Lauren Kodiak
Jun 7, 2017