Cooking with Milanda

Sean’s Espresso Martini (A Cautionary Tale) Everyone knows the moment the night truly begins isn’t when the doorbell rings or the wine gets opened. It’s when Sean reaches for the espresso machine. Earlier in the evening, he’s all restraint. He drinks lite beer. He clears plates. He listens politely while someone explains their new sourdough […]

The Great Christmas Eve Dip Incident By the time she realized something had gone terribly, deliciously wrong, the food processor was already humming like it had a personal vendetta against moderation. It started innocently enough. A Christmas Eve gathering. A handful of friends. A noble plan to put out “a little vegetable dip” so people […]

Milanda had always believed that the best way to celebrate life’s little moments was with food—especially if that food was made with love. On Shawn’s 46th birthday, she wanted to make something simple but hearty, a dish that would fill the house with warmth and memories. With their seven kids buzzing around the kitchen, each […]

Milanda hadn’t planned on hosting a dinner party. It sort of… happened. One minute she was texting the group chat about how chaotic the week had been (two dentist appointments, a science fair, and the black lab ate a sock), and then next, everyone was replying:“See you Saturday!”“I’ll bring wine.”“Make that bean thing you made […]

The scent was the first thing to stir the kids. It crept upstairs like a gentle whisper—warm cinnamon, buttery brown sugar, and the unmistakable promise of something sweet and sacred. It was still dark outside when Milanda slipped out of bed, tying her robe with one hand while nearly tripping over a yawning Black Lab. […]

Milanda had always been known for her culinary creativity, but one afternoon, she decided to elevate her usual avocado salad to new heights. Inspired by a recent craving for something crispy, she envisioned a dish that combined the creamy richness of ripe avocados with a satisfying crunch. Determined to bring this idea to life, she […]