The simple art of small-batch jams is something to celebrate and share. It’s like saying, “Hey, I have all this delicious, ripe fruit that I am going to whip up, and you — lucky recipient — are so special to me that I am going to share all this goodness and love with you.” When words alone can’t send the message strong enough, say it with jam!

Sometimes there are so many reasons why we should DIY instead of buying pre-made goods at the store. From being more cost-efficient to making things healthier, building your own homemade pantry might seem to be more hands-on, but it sure has its perks. Even something as commercialized as marshmallow cream can be made better and tastier at home. This marshmallow fluff recipe proves just that. This fluff is light and creamy, and it has a smooth, real vanilla taste.

As the invites to BBQs, summer potlucks, and outdoor celebrations continue to roll in during the long days of summer, it is great to keep some simple hostess (or host!) gifts on hand. When you are stumped for something to buy or don’t want the extra expense, but hate showing up to an event empty-handed, try making your own seasoning salts! These salts are a cinch to put together and pair perfectly with BBQ fare and summer produce.

This Herbes de Provence Salt uses a combination of fresh and dried herbs that are typically found in southern France. Like many of the seasoning blends of the same name, I’ve also added lavender to the mix. Try it on fish, poultry, grilled meats, and in stews. A good pinch added to a homemade vinaigrette would make for an excellent dressing on salads and vegetables, too! Although this blend uses fresh herbs, it will keep quite well in the cupboard for several weeks — at least!

For a seasoning salt with a sweeter side, try this Raspberry Peppercorn Salt. It is great on fish, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit. And, it’s pink! The raspberry flavor is subtle, but the color is certainly not. It would also go well with a pear salad or sprinkled on juicy watermelon. A pinch of this vibrant salt is a quick way to jazz up almost any summer dish. Although this blend uses fresh ingredients, it will keep quite well in the cupboard for several weeks — at least!

This Espresso Pepper Salt is quite robust, with its earthy and spicy flavor profile. Dark espresso is combined with fresh oregano, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. It is perfect on ribs and other grilled meats, and it would make an excellent dry rub mixed with a bit of brown sugar for pork loin. I bet it would be great to rim the glass of a Blood Mary, too. Be sure to keep a jar next to your grill all summer long!

This Herby Lemon Salt is one of the most practical and multipurpose seasoning salts you can have in your cupboard. The fresh citrus brightens up everything from poultry to hummus — even fresh fruit! Mix up the herbs to create new flavors or just stick to your favorites. I’ve used fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano, but I bet some cilantro or even mint would be great additions. Try sprinkling it on some buttered corn on the cob!

Whether you need a quick side to go along with a lunch salad or something warm and tasty to bring along to a BBQ, keeping a jar of this cornbread mix around will always come in handy. Made with only a few, common dry ingredients, this mix is easy to use and even easier to put together. Say “so long” to store-bought mixes, and start making your own cornbread mix this summer!

With BBQs and the season of outdoor entertaining upon us, don’t get caught empty-handed heading into your next get-together. When a bottle of wine won’t do, try making your own hostess gift! At the peak of strawberry season, turn a basket of these juicy gems into some DIY strawberry syrup to gift to friends and family. An edible gift is one of the most practical yet personal items worth sharing.

When it comes right down to it, we are all just trying to find the best way to feed ourselves and our families. Somewhere in the middle of the frozen food aisle and foraging for our own fresh produce, the “best way” appears a bit fuzzy from time to time. If you are trying to find a balance between convenience and homemade, cost efficiency and saving time, then start with this simple recipe for pancake mix.

Great gift-giving is an art form — finding a present that is the perfect balance of thoughtful, practical, intimate, and memorable. Sometimes this process can be a bit overwhelming. However, if you love to DIY, then the idea of a homemade gift can make things a whole lot easier. I tend to follow the edible gift route, as I find that making treats is a sensible, personal — and not to mention delicious — way to spoil loved ones.

I am always trying to think of new dessert recipes to have on hand for easy entertaining. Recipes that are fresh, simple, and allow you to spend time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. When Anjali asked me to help her with a cake for her Grown-Up Baby Shower, I knew this Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake would be a winner. With summer just around the corner, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for whatever backyard gathering or barbecue is heading your way.

Searching for a festive, whimsical dessert to serve a crowd? This red velvet cake roll is not only surprisingly easy to put together during the busy holiday season, but it will look stunning on any dessert table. With tender red velvet sponge cake and a silky peppermint buttercream, this is a fun spin on a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert. Trying to roll up a sheet cake might sound impossibly daunting, but this really is a simple dessert.

Every year around this time, I start making big batches of cookies, candies, and other edible gifts, package them up with festive bows and baker’s twine, and give them to friends and family. This season, I made this Holiday Nut & Fruit Brittle. It’s perfect for gifting and so versatile, using whatever nuts or dried fruit you have around. Enrobed in caramelized sugar, the nuts and seeds in this Holiday Nut Brittle look like little gems.

Food trends come and go, but there will always be pumpkin pie. Whether it’s a traditional recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation, or one with a modern twist, no Thanksgiving is complete without this classic. Piped high with fluffy, toasted marshmallow-like topping, this deep-dish pumpkin meringue pie will spice up your dessert table this year. Traditions evolve and your annual feast may not even include a turkey on the table this year.

When it comes to Halloween, I don’t joke around with my treats, and these cupcakes are no exception. It is a holiday that revolves around getting candy, after all! With a classic chocolate cake base and mounds of fluffy frosting, these cupcakes are super festive and easily customizable. Grab some friends, your favorite candy, and make a batch of these treats. These cupcakes start with an easy chocolate cake recipe and quick meringue frosting.

These spiced cupcakes bring the flavor of masala chai to every bite, from the black tea-laced frosting to the fragrant sweet potato base.

Are single-layer cakes all the rage right now or am I just little behind the times? Either way, I am in love. Bake them with seasonal fruit, top with fresh whipped cream, and add a drizzle of this or that — or even a scoop of ice cream. This caramel pear upside down cake is the perfect way to combine this flavorful fall fruit and a mound of your favorite toppings. When I owned my bakery, I only made layer cakes for weddings and special occasions.

During the summer months, I love making homemade lemonade with a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice, some ice cubes, and sweetener shaken up in a cocktail shaker. I like to mix it up by adding either mint simple syrup, sliced strawberries, and honey. My favorite? Adding raspberry puree. Hello, pink lemonade! And then I got to thinking…. What about raspberry lemonade bars? A sweet and tart twist on the ol’ classic dessert. You can’t beat a tried and true recipe.

Sometimes you just need a moment to treat yourself. Whether that be a nice, breezy walk outside, a superb homemade latté (I’m talking with real steamed milk here), or a special snack. These buttery cookies with citrus curd are just that treat. Forcing yourself to take a beat out of a busy day in order to sit down and swirl the luscious curd onto each buttery cookies allows you to savor the moment — as well as each delectable crumb.

Most days are spent running around between work and errands, throwing dinner together at the last minute, and whipping up a quick one-bowl batter or treat if time allows. But some days are specifically reserved for baking projects, kitchen experiments, and fancy pastries. French macarons definitely fall into the latter category. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, these Raspberry-Coconut French Macarons are the perfect treat.

The sun is finally shining high up here in the Pacific Northwest, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that spring is here to stay. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate spring and times of renewal than with a delightful layer cake. A slice of one of these rose, cardamom, and orange mini layer cakes is like a little slice of sunshine on every plate.