Friday Thoughts: Midsummer Survival
Welcome to the middle of summer! HOW ARE WE DOING?
I feel like one either approaches summer like “fave season! no schedule! bring it on!” or “send prayers! still have to work! need structure!” Ok, perhaps I’m over simplifying it…but I would love to know where you fit on that spectrum.
I was debating whether or not to even do a Friday Thoughts post, but I recently ran into a few people I didn’t know (at a wedding!) who read my blog, and they both mentioned how much they enjoy reading these posts. Since I also like getting a real-life glimpse into other people’s lives, I decided to throw one together.
In this post, I’m pretty much just chatting about all.the.things and wishing, as always, we had a way to smoosh this corner of the internet into my kitchen so we could all be communing around my counter, eating cookies and solving all of life’s questions.
If you’re here just for the recipes, no worries! Monday I have a fabulous new light and delicious dinner recipe coming that I’ve been eating on repeat.
Homecoming + Cold Plunge
We welcomed my son, Walker, home from his 2-year church mission to the Philippines. I couldn’t stop exclaiming over him at the airport. I just couldn’t believe that after two years, he was right there! It was kind of surreal, and so, so fun. It was just our little family at the airport (totally his non-attention, lowkey style), but we did get to video in his older brother in Utah and his younger brother in New Zealand while waiting for his luggage.
We escaped for a few days up to the mountains right after he got home. Literally did nothing other than hang out, listen to my boys play lots of guitar around the fire, surf behind the boat (not me 😜), fish (again, not me), eat lots of good food, and paddleboard around the lake.
The airbnb we stayed at had a sauna, so I had this brilliant idea to do a sauna/cold plunge challenge one morning. My mom was there and caught it all on video (my 72-year old dad did it with me). I was so excited to watch the video because I couldn’t wait to see myself looking like an absolute formidable athlete running down the hill post-sauna to the freezing lake to dive in. Um, yeah, not so much. Instead I looked like a lumbering polar bear screeching it’s guts out and pinching it’s nose to ungracefully belly flop in the water. Ah, middle age humility. It’s my constant companion these days.
While my son loved the food in the Philippines, he can’t get enough of his favorite foods here since he’s been home. I’ve been eagerly asking him what he wants me to make, because a) food is my love language and b) he has announced he wants to bulk up. I have never taken a responsibility so seriously; I was born for this. 😜💪🏼
Here are a few of his favorite recipes I’ve made him so far:
- Cinnamon rolls
- Homemade pizza rolls
- Rollup pancakes
- Crispy baked shrimp tacos
- Bagel bread (this was top of his list!)
- Egg roll skillet meal
- Our go-to freezer bean burritos
- Breadsticks
- Homemade pizza
- Hawaiian haystacks
Games + Puzzles We Are Loving
We keep several games out at our kitchen table all summer long. They aren’t always the same – we rotate through them. But keeping them downstairs means we play them a lot more than if someone has to trek *all the way up* to the game closet.
- Brian and my daughter have been playing this one nonstop. She bought it for Brian for Father’s Day, and it has been a clever, fun 2-person game. They also love playing old school Mastermind together.
- This is another great 2-person (or more!) game that is out right now. We play it a lot because it is quick, easy-to-learn, and fun (also: frustrating!!).
- My parents have had one of these games sitting on their coffee table for decades. Someone is always tinkering with it when we’re sitting around chatting in their living room. I finally got our family one to keep around!
- I’ve bought this active game for two nephews’ birthdays the last month or so, and it has been an instant hit. My sister texted me the evening of my nephew’s birthday saying he had been outside playing with it for hours.
- I keep a puzzle up pretty much all summer. We’ve done several Spaghetti Tree puzzles and love them! This USA one was especially fun.
Any games you are loving to recommend? Comment below and let me know! I love getting new game recommendations.
AI and Blogging
Hmmm, this might be a longer discussion for a different time and audience (😅), but it’s worth bringing up simply because it effects my daily life as a food blogger…and will definitely impact for how long (and whether or not) I have a food blog in the future.
Basically, as we know, AI is everywhere. And it definitely isn’t all bad (I use it frequently in my own life!). But when it comes to a food blog, like mine, the impact has been profound.
Over the years, I have greatly benefitted from search traffic. My blog and recipes have ranked really well in Google and other search engines, which has been awesome and so beneficial to me and my business!
However, AI search mode/results, along with ChatGPT (and other chatbots), have had a significant and serious impact on search traffic for websites like mine, because they give answers and recipes (untested recipes, usually) in nanoseconds to people without sending them to actual websites.
When search traffic and clicks go down, so does revenue. And while I certainly don’t blog just for the money, this is a full-time business, and I have a lot of operating costs to maintain (as well as the fact that my business financially supports my family while my husband is growing his own business).
I’ve had endless discussions with fellow food blogging friends and my husband about what the future holds. The truth is: none of us really know.
While the pendulum feels like it is swinging far, far over the side of relying on AI completely, my hopes is that with time, people will come to realize they actually do value a real human voice and trusted, tested recipes and the pendulum will swing back toward the center a little bit.
But it may not. And if it takes too long, I sometimes wonder if I’ll have “aged out” of blogging completely?
Anyway, you don’t need a sob story (despite the fact that thinking of NOT connecting with you in this space actually does make me want to cry), but the impact of AI on food bloggers is real and very uncertain. If you’ve been on Pinterest lately and seen the AI slop that has taken over that platform, that will give you an indication of what AI is doing to the industry as a whole. It kind of makes me sick (especially when I realize people aren’t able to discern what is AI and what is real).
On the positive side, I am so appreciative of all of you who comment here. Who click on actual links and rely on the trusted recipes that I test over and over. Who take the time to leave reviews on recipes (doing so gives a decidedly *human* aspect to my website!). Who subscribe to my email list. And who reach out to let me know that you appreciate the recipes and content. I know life is busy, so thank you.
I’ve been food blogging for nearly 20 years. A lot has changed. And while I certainly haven’t seen anything quite like what AI is doing to the internet right now, I have weathered other internet/technical storms in the past as things have evolved and changed. Hopefully there is a way forward so I can continue to share my favorite recipes with all of you.
It means so, so much to me that you are here. I can’t say that enough. 💗
A Few Extra Things
And now, let’s end things on a better, more lighthearted note!
- I mentioned this on Instagram, but recently Jennifer Garner was on a podcast and when asked who her favorite food blogger is, she mentioned my name. Yes, I about fell over. Yes, I was super flattered. Yes, I thought she must surely be talking about another “Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.” And then Elin Hilderbrand (author and host of the podcast) sent me a DM saying she started following my blog. Of course, I used both as a flex to my family that night at dinner…except it turns out that none of them were really all that impressed (made clear when they asked, “who are those people?”) 😜 #keepingmehumble
- On a completely unrelated note, I used these best-ever ice cream scoops to help scoop hundreds of ice cream sundaes for a wedding reception this weekend. They’re inexpensive and really great (plus, hello, so many cute colors).
- This is the cutest shirt. I sized up because the underarm area is a little snug, but it’s super lightweight and adorable.
- I’m all about homemade granola when it works out, but this dark chocolate coconut LoveCrunch granola might need to be a forever-staple in my pantry (also loving their Dubai-flavored granola that I found at Ross of all places!).
- I’m slowly gathering items to send with my son when he heads off to college (for the first time) this fall. I’ll try to keep track of a list of what we get him and what ends up working well (and what doesn’t!). I’m printing off this packet to send with him (and hoping he’ll want to do a little cooking before he goes since he wasn’t super interested when he was in high school, but if you’ve parented young adult kids, you understand how well some of those suggestions go over 👀).
- I am still eating these overnight oats on repeat. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve had them every morning without fail for over four months. I’ve started making them in individual-size containers for days when I’ll be out and about and also because a few in my family have started eating them, too, and it makes it easier for them to grab in the early morning before work. I use these containers which are perfect for the oats + toppings. Here are the measurements I use for each individual portion: 45 grams rolled oats, 22 grams chia seeds/basil seeds/or a combo, one scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder, pinch of salt, a scant 1 cup almond milk.
I’ve been cooking and recipe testing up a storm on some free days this summer, and I am so very excited about the recipes that will be hitting the blog over the next few months!
Well, that’s a wrap! The rest of our summer is pretty laid back. We’re home for the most part other than a quick trip to Utah for a niece’s wedding. School starts in less than four weeks!
I hope you are having a great summer! I’d love to hear any and everything you want to share below. Thank you so much for being here!
I love this picture above ⬆️ My oldest son with his two grandmothers. I’m blessed to have those three in my life!
If someone were to ask me by favorite blog I would also tell them Mel’s Kitchen too. Just saying… 🙂 All the best, tried and true recipes come from you. Your cookbook is sitting on my counter right this minute.
I truly love these posts, because like you, I value seeing the real side of people’s lives!
So very exciting that your son came home! It is a very surreal feeling!! And lots of changes ahead, for sure, but it is exciting to see what they will choose going forward and how their lives will progress. Lots of big choices happening.
I have definitely seen a shift in stepping back from AI in my family. We still use it, but are more selective and are realizing the value of “the old school” for lack of a better way to explain. Maybe others are starting to feel the same? I guess time will tell.
Anyway, thanks for always being the first place I go looking for any recipe because I know they are tried, tested and ready for me to make without pause.
I love you Mel! I’ve been with you since the beginning. You’ve helped me feed my family, my ward, my neighbors and on and on. If you stopped doing what you do or your website wasn’t available anymore I literally don’t know what I’d do. You’re the first website I go to to search for anything food related. I am a fan for sure!! Also, we just dropped our son off at the Provo MTC on Wednesday- he is headed to the Philippines! The Lipa mission. So happy you have your boy back!
Mel, thank you so much for the MANY years of fabulous recipes! I’ve been a faithful follower since 2012 and my family and I have benefited from countless recipes from you. I eat your chocolate steel cut oats basically every morning—I can’t get enough! I hope things work out for you to keep blogging for many years to come!
Wait, does commenting help? How did I not know this? I also love your site and recipes and haven’t ever commented.
Hi Mel,
We have been friends for over 10 years! Whenever I make something new my man asks, “Is this Mel’s?” We have a ton of your favorite items for cooking, a couple of sweatshirts, and of course multiple cookbooks were purchased for every girl in the family. I anxiously await your Holiday gift idea lists and purchase most of my gifts from them. I think I search your website at least 4 nights of the week for dinner ideas. You are my favorite food blog by far. I’m even going to Switzerland in September and can’t wait to try the chicken schnitzel sandwich from Twiny Station!!! I hope you are able to continue this blog for many years to come. Kim
I am another longtime follower that never comments. Yours is the first website I go to for a recipe, and I’ve never been disappointed. I also love reading Friday Thoughts and all of the comments on them. So thank you, thank you for all that you do. Truly appreciate you and all of your hard work!
Mel, I love your recipes and am so appreciative of your work! Made the Korean beef bowls last night, and making the creamy lemon orzo chicken pasta tonight. Maple glazed pork tenderloin on the menu for another night this week. You are my number 1 go-to! You deserve all the good things and I’m so excited for you that THE Jennifer Garner and Elin Hildebrand are following you. WE know who they are 🙂
I’m going to tell you a true story – once upon a time in Rexburg, my daughter’s roommate had a crush on a boy so they decided to bake him something. They chose your pretzel bread. When the boy saw and tasted the pretzel bread, he knew my daughter’s friend must like him to go through that effort, which gave him confidence to ask her out. Today they are happily married with 2 kids!!! Your recipe made a family 😂 Never wonder what good you’ve done in the world ❤️
I’m so sorry to hear about how AI is affecting your business. I really hope you can continue for years to come! Personally, I would never take an AI generated recipe.
We have been renovating our kitchen for the last 6 months (it’s taking forever because we are literally doing everything ourselves). BUT, we got the countertops installed last week and I wasted no time in cracking open your cookbook. There were some much loved and sorely missed recipes I just had to make! The instant pot baked ziti with italian sausage and the chocolate peanut butter chip cookies were a hit. AND, my sister-in-law said the no-bake peaches and cream sensation was the best dessert I had ever made! Thank you for helping me bring joy to people’s lives through amazing recipes!
On another note, I have a game recommendation. It’s called Space Base and it is so fun! It has the right amount of strategy and luck that I like and everyone is active whether it’s their turn or not. Highly recommend!
That’s all for now. Keep up the great work! We all love you!!
I’ve been following your blog and using your recipes for years, Mel. They are a tremendous blessing! And when I host a party & people ask for the recipes, when I mention it’s from Mel’s Kitchen, they know IMMEDIATELY who I’m talking about. 🙂 You’re famous whether your family thinks so or not!
On the topic of AI…..It has value……for some things, but I am among those who really do want a human voice and tested recipes and other things. I often comment to my husband when looking at a recipe or craft instructions, “No one actually tried this before posting because this would not work…….or, they never said what to do with this item.”
So please keep posting!
Mel I love your recipes! I love trying new recipes and my family puts up with it but they really like it when it’s one of your recipes( which is pretty much all I use now) thank you for sharing all your hard work with us! I’m a great cook because of you!
It was interesting to read about how AI is affecting your food blogging. I teach Humanities at our local Community College and ever since CHATGPT was released, we’ve had hours and hours of discussion as a department on how to combat students using AI to write their papers and cheat on exams. On the other hand, my husband’s job involves using AI to redesign processes for his company. When we discuss AI–me a hater (or at least very very skeptical) and him an adopter–we end up agreeing on the same thing–it’s a tool, but only a tool and can’t replace human beings. I think our world will be impacted–just like it was with the computer and the Internet–but ultimately we’ll adapt.
Incidentally, this post would be tagged for AI because of the m-dashes. But I’m a real person! Who constantly visits your blog or cookbook for delicious recipes!
I appreciate your candidness! I’m 50 and have been baking bread since before I was even two numbers (so, over 4 decades – eek!), and your bread recipes have been the mecca of all bread recipes. I consistently seek your blog out when I need a recipe for anything involving yeast. While I never comment, I’ve recommended your blog dozens of times to friends and acquaintances. I’m a hypnotherapist and rely exclusively on word of mouth referrals to gain clients, so I know the power that a “hey, have you tried this?,” weilds. Just a little note of encouragement from a fellow PACNWer! (I’m in Oregon) You’re appreciated and we’re still out here, referring our friends and family members to your wonderful blog!
When people ask me for a recipe because the food I just made was superb, it’s always a Mel’s Kitchen recipe. I’m dropping your name everywhere Mel! I need your blog always in my life! ❤️
The age of AI is just so unfair to creators. I sincerely hope we all figure out a solution and the legislators who are supposed to regulate this… regulate it. Been coming here for 16+ years and don’t plan on stopping ever!!
Still looking for the cold plunge vid… 😂
Wait, people use AI/Google to search for recipes? I thought everyone went straight to your sight every time because all of your recipes are top notch! So strange… I hope they learn!
Mel, I have subscribed to your site for years and it’s one of the few food blogs where I actually enjoy the preamble before the recipe, and your notes on recipes that are useful without being pedantic. I feel like your site simultaneously speaks to both experienced and beginner cooks, which is no small feat!
Now, to the AI question. I just find amazing that most discussions skip over the first and fundamental problem with AI: it’s built on theft. It’s the largest, ongoing theft of Intellectual Property in human history. This post you just wrote, this comment I am writing, all your photos, all your recipes…it will all be scraped and fed into the LLMs of several large companies, fuelled by our clean water and our precious energy resources in order to spit out, for someone, a cheaper, soulless version of your blog, which then in turn makes your ability to support your family more difficult. And what for? So a handful of very wealthy people can become more wealthy? I am pretty sure you didn’t give your permission to anyone to take what you created without compensation… why are these companies given an exception?
I love the humanity and heart that you bring to your blog and we need more of that in our lives in this age, not less. I hope anyone who is casually on-boarding AI into their life pauses to think about participating in this theft.
Amen!!
I come for the recipes and stay for the Friday thoughts! I too have a love/hate relationship with AI. The thought of it affecting people’s livelihoods is scary indeed. Welcome home to your son and keep putting out your great content!
Your son is the cutest! What a joyful summer. ❤️ So, I HATE what AI has done to food searching. I get so frustrated. But it has made me an even bigger Fangirl Of Mel. Now I always head to your website first. And then venture out to the open internet waters when searching for recipes and food advice. I tell everyone about your website (recently gave the link to a fellow foodie friend for her 40th birthday who weirdly hadn’t heard of you and promised her it would be her favorite gift from anyone) I will keep clicking on your links and supporting you however I can. Because I need you desperately in my life. Me and Jen Garner both, apparently.
I’ve been here for at least fifteen years. I’m an elder millenial who is old school and looks at actual food blogs all the time.
(Plus I’m watching it ruin my corner of the world as my business drops, so I’m very anti-AI)
You tell your family Jen AND Elin are a huge deal. Revel in the moment!
Mel!! I LOVE your site. I’ve been here since almost the beginning. I’ll never forget making your vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls for work colleagues 17 years ago. They were a hit! And I love your Friday posts too. I am sorry AI is changing things so rapidly. I’ll be here as long as you are here, and I’ll continue to rave about you and your recipes to any and everyone! All those who know me, know you are my go to source for all things delicious!
So so happy one of your missionaries is home. I’m not to that point of life yet (late bloomer here), but I can only imagine the heart wrestling that happens when your kiddos aren’t easily accessible to hug and love on!
AI recipes don’t compare. It is also really bad at using your real recipes, even if asked to only pull from your website. I certainly hope you are able to continue blogging. I appreciate your meal plans, Friday thoughts, and you being human.
I smiled at the part about meeting readers at a wedding—it must have been a fun reminder that people really do look forward to these Friday Thoughts posts. I enjoy this kind of casual, behind-the-scenes writing because it feels more like a genuine conversation than a polished update. Posts like this make it easier to connect with the person behind the blog. I also occasionally check https://pinpointanswer.games when I’m looking for game-related answers and puzzles.
Someone shared some Chat Pioneer Day jokes over the pulpit. They were very bad; hopefully AI recipes are just as bad. You and Meladora’s Creations (where I go 35% of the time when I am trying to get to you and hit A instead of S) get lots of hits from me. Everyone at my house knows you are the source of our recipes. Bless you!
Can you tell me why almond milk and not dairy milk in the overnight oats?
I love your Friday thoughts! I am sorry to hear about AI impacting bloggers, I refuse to assimilate. I refuse to rely on AI. I click on your emails or I go directly to your site. I forward your emails to friends so they can peruse them. Congrats on a son returning and leaving for school; its a whirlwind, isn’t it? Cool that he could see and talk to his brothers! Try not to let AI get you down…it has its (few) uses. I hope you never stop blogging!
Mel, I have followed your food blog for just about 20 years. Thank you for the recipes and the stories that go with them! You make exploring recipes so fun and accessible.
I use AI as you do for many things. I understand the downside; for example images and videos found in social and other media can be so easily produced with AI, so you sure can’t count on anything being true these days. However, your relating the economic effects on the food (or other) bloggers really alarms me. Hopefully people with crave personality and presentation over the AI answers. Losing someone like you from the internet would be such a huge loss.
Thank you for your dedication and continued passion to deliver your product. It’s one of the best values in my life!
Amen to the many comments already shared! You have been part of our family feasting for 16+ years. I honestly don’t know who I would be without your incredible recipes. Thank you for all the work you go through to post quality content that has been such a blessing for my family. I am so grateful to you!
It doesn’t surprise me Jennifer Garner follows your blog. You have one of the most comprehensive no-nonsense easy, tasty food recipe sites. Your recipes are solid and gave me a foundation on which to expand my cooking skills. I can’t remember what year I found your site but it was definitely pre-2013 at least. I give you credit for my much improved cooking and baking skills. I didn’t like to cook before I found your site. Now I actually enjoy it. You’ve expanded my recipe repertoire and I’ve made dishes I probably never would have attempted. It helps to be married to my husband who’s a good sport. 😂 I also think your website helps me meal plan. Which just makes things way more efficient. That and a deep freezer. (Hello Instant pot salsa Verde Chicken tacos) 😂
Anyhow. I yammer. Our favorite game is Carcassonne. I honestly couldn’t tell you which one. There’s a version that works for 2 people and it has expansion packs. I love it so much.
As for the seasons- I usually just need a month of summer and I’m over it. Which means I’m over it. 😂 I live in the PNW and I don’t like when the temps get over 75. Even worse when the smokey air hits.I grew up in the KCMO area and I don’t like extreme temps or tornadoes. 🤪But now I’m growing tomatoes again so I need it to be hot and sunny.🤪
Prepare for a flood of comments! I’m sure I’m not the only person who has never commented, but will start to comment every day, on every recipe-if that’s what it takes to keep your blog alive! I love the idea of a premium membership of some kind; name your price…I’m in!
I am always so grateful to read your Friday thoughts and get real glimpses into life! I love it when people are real. And you are so fun too!! My family doesn’t even question anymore where I got a new recipe. They tease me about being your unknown best friend! But my college daughter has been learning to cook more things and we always go to your recipes first and they never disappoint! I am going to buy her your cookbook so she can take it back to college with her!
Thank you for who you are, what you share, and being you! We are all here to support you!! 🩷
You are the best! I recently purshased your cookbook and am currently cooking my way through it. Everything has been great. I also started to eat the overnight oats. I am a teacher and they are going to be a perfect breakfast option. Thank you for all you do. I hope that you will continue blogging.
Mel- you’ve been a part of my family via your blog for about 13 years. The amount of memorable moments we’ve had as a direct result of the content you share is exponential. If you decided to start a subscription for premium content (maybe only subscribers get access to Friday Thoughts?), I would sign up on day 1.
Please let us know how we can support you through the AI revolution.
My family has lived off your recipes for 20 years & we trust you 1000x more than any alternative.
I have ideas 💡
Just had to chime in to let you know how much I love your recipes! And I love your Friday thoughts posts. This is one of my favorite corners of the internet. Thanks for sharing for all these years! I hope you’re able to continue on. The first thing I do when I need a recipe for something is search your blog ❤️
I love your blog! Both the recipes and the real life! Many of our family favorite recipes come from your blog, and it’s always the first place I look when I need a recipe for something. I’m so glad my college roommate shared your blog with me so many years ago!
AI will be impacting life just as the internet changed life for us old folks. BUT, nothing ever will replace the wonderful, helpful, refreshing, yummy blog you have, Mel. I thank you nearly every day as I’m making my way through your recipes—you are my GoTo woman. Thank you so much for being you! And everything you bring to the table, both literally and figuratively!
Mel – I met your darling oldest son in Utah a few weeks ago. He was at the same World Cup watch party that we were at and I couldn’t stop myself from blurting out to him that I think his mom is the best and we would probably be best friends in real life even though I am completely an internet stranger. But, I’m not exaggerating when I say that I use your recipes every week of my life, usually multiple times a week and I love following your blog. He was so gracious and nice to visit with the random middle-aged stranger at his friend’s house. 🙂 And he brought food to share without being asked which was so thoughtful. It was really fun to chat with him. Thanks for raising such a great guy and huge thanks for the recipes that have fed my family for years and years.
Quick thoughts before I go to bed (too hot and too pregnant for late summer nights, haha), but I’m saddened to see AI seeming to take over and feeling like it’s ruining so many things. I’m so glad to already have some favorite, well-established, TRUSTED food bloggers like you around, and I know I’m not alone in doing my best to send new readers your way! ❤
Will definitely come back and check out the game recs — we always find a new favorite or two. And if you have any great ideas for what to send with a kid going off to college, I’d love some suggestions… our eldest is leaving next month, and I’m surely not ready for it yet.
Thanks for always sharing good food and good thoughts, and good ideas, Mel!
I have followed your blog for many years!! It is my absolute favorite of all time! So many of your recipes are on constant rotation at our house. Thank-you so very much for all of your hard work over all of these years!! My family and I are grateful.
I will always and forever prefer your voice and your website (along with a select few others run by actual human beings) over any AI chat, bot or slop site. I tried them a few times and they are always lacking. I’ve been following you since before Camryn was born, and some of your recipes are our diehard favorites now. (Best Ground Beef Tacos and Buttery Bundt Bread – I’m looking at you!) Count me in as one that will fight against AI slop to keep this site running!
I remember so well that feeling that after 2 years he was really home! Thank you for sharing such a special time. As far as AI I will try to comment more – I hope that will help. Thank you for all you do!
I’ve started marking blogs as my favorites, so when I search something I can say search my trusted recipe sites and it will only search those sites and give me options from them. It’s the best way I’ve found to bypass the default slop of AI. I was trying to remember a trick to thicken spaghetti sauce (it’s flaked potatoes) and AI tried to tell me chia seeds would work… I don’t think I trust that source. 🙂
That’s so cool that Jennifer Garner and Elin Hilderbrand both follow your blog! (And LOL to the fact that your kids didn’t know who they are) Very of-the-moment for me since I just finished watching the show The Five Star Weekend based on Hilderbrand’s book. Anyway, I just gotta say: I love your blog so much, too!!!
I’ve been following you since the early days of your blog. I’ve repeatedly made many of your recipes. I don’t think AI will stop any of your followers from heading directly to your site when we need a recipe. Thank you for years of great food!
Quote from last night after serving the delectable Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Tossed salad, “I don’t know what I would do without Mel”. Tonight I made the Berries on a Cloud (that I make regularly….it is an all time fave and lights up my kids’ faces EVERY. TIME.) for my son’s 22nd birthday (at his request of course). I’ve made the fluffy focaccia at least once a week. Sooo YUM!!!! Cheesy Zucchini spaghetti casserole, zucchini bread, (I have the very best of the best zucchini brownie recipe….but I’ll have to try yours some day….), and countless other divine MKC recipes this summer. Can’t thank you enough for being the human you are. I would give my right arm to be able to join your group in Italy — or even sit in comfy sweats and hang out and chat at the kitchen counter. Either one would be a dream come true. I love hanging out with people like you. Thank you for being so real, so good hearted and for loving food — both making and eating — as much as I do!
First, middle age humility. Yes. Relate. Second, I’ve been a faithful follower for many years and not going anywhere! I love trying new recipes and new websites/influencers, but you’re still my go-to. I have never really commented much, but love your recipes and will always prefer a real person to AI!
First, you look just like your Mom and that is a compliment, and you must have her good genes too!
I don’t have much to say about summer, but I just have to tell you that there is no more beautiful or tender or sweet photo then oa mom embracing her son or daughter after a mission. There’s nothing better than the complete joy and heart felt happiness in a mom’s face. Nothing better!
So happy for you and your family !
Linda T.
Mell you are irreplaceable, I’ve been following your blog for 15 years and you basically taught me how to cook. I tend to look up recipes on your site even though I have printed/written out a lot of our favs but I will for sure go straight to the website from now on!! I was cracking up at your description of your plunge and I can totally relate, I joined my daughter’s martial arts program at 56yrs old to get some exercise since I’m there anyway and when I watched the playback of my belt testing I was cringing so much at that old slow person on the screen!! Your blog is part of my life and I hope it never goes away.