Hi baking friend, A long weekend is the perfect time to disconnect from screens and unwind in the kitchen. There's something soothing about working with your hands and transforming simple ingredients into something tasty. I'm actually making the Burger Buns today to enjoy poolside in our backyard. The one thing I can't emphasize enough: don't add too much extra flour!! It's better to have a slightly sticky dough at the start than dry or dense buns at the end. 🍔 Savory Cookout Favorites Burger...
10 days ago • 2 min read
Hi baking friend! Consider this email your banana bread BIBLE. Truly, one read and you'll become a banana bread making genius. You're going to want to save this one. Just imagine it now... the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your house to greet your family and friends as they walk in like a warm hug. Recipes that'll get passed down for many generations to come. That's the power of good banana bread! 🍌 Classic Banana Bread Soft, Moist, & Tender "Delicious every time. I’ve...
12 days ago • 2 min read
Hi baking friend, You probably know by now I love chocolate chips. I fully stock up anytime my favorite brands (Ghirardelli and Guittard) go on sale at the grocery store. Here are 10 of my favorite ways to bake with chocolate chips (and yes... not just cookies 😉). Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies Crispy edges, gooey centers, and puddles of melty chocolate. This one's a must. Get recipe ✨ Pro Tip: If you want to take these over the top... make my Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi, baking friend! I first developed today's recipe midsummer when I was single and living in a little apartment. The idea of turning my oven on and heating the entire place up during the scorching Phoenix summer was a non-starter. And yet, I had a chocolate & PB craving that simply had to be filled. So I got to brainstorming and came up with one of my favorite no-bake recipes that tastes like a giant Peanut Butter Cup. It just got a makeover with new photos... I hope you love it! ✨ No-Bake...
19 days ago • 2 min read
If I were to open a bakery... It would smell like browned butter and chocolate before you even opened the door. There'd be a few worn wooden tables and a shelf with books and games to share. On the left, a glass case full of warm muffins, bread rolls, and scones catching the light, with a tray of freshly baked brownies on the counter, somehow already half gone. Fresh coffee brewing, something chocolatey in the oven, and a little bit of chaos happening behind the scenes in the best way. And...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hi friend, What are you baking for Mother's Day? If you need a little inspiration, I put together a list of reader favorite recipes: Brunch (lots of make-ahead options!) Easy and no-bake desserts Plenty of chocolate A few fresh, fruity options too ✨ See All The Recipes ✨ And keep an eye out, I've got a no-bake favorite coming your way soon, just refreshed with new photos and extra tips to make it even easier!
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hey friend, Did you see the site got a fresh new glow-up? ✨ We also added something really fun: a recipe selector that helps you find exactly what to bake based on what you're craving. To show you how it works, here's a quick email version! 👉 Just tap an option below and we’ll send you straight to a recipe. What are you in the mood for right now? I need something EASY I don't have a MIXER I'm craving something bright + CITRUSY I need CHOCOLATE immediately I've got overripe BANANAS I'm NOT...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi baking friend! I recently made these cookies after not having tasted them for a few months... WOW. I had forgotten just how incredible they are. So much caramelized, nutty, toasty, sweet goodness with puddles of chocolate throughout. Not to mention they're delightfully crisp at the edges, a little gooey in the center, and chewy throughout. They deserved their own email, with tons of tips & tricks! After you read this, you'll become known as the master cookie baker among your friends and...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi baking friend, In case you missed it, this month marks 17 YEARS of Handle the Heat! That's right, I started the website back in April of 2009. I was about to graduate high school and had nothing but a passion for food, access to the internet, and a neon blue digital camera I had received as a present. What started as a hobby slowly morphed into a full-time business thanks to your support. My 18-year-old self would be stunned to learn I've even published a cookbook. To celebrate, I'm...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read