Olivia Hartwell

The Secret to Crispy Wings My grandson thinks I have magic hands. He says my chicken wings are always so crispy. The secret is not a secret at all. It is a little bit of baking powder. You mix it right into the dry spices. It helps the skin get golden and crackly in…

A Salad That Feels Like a Hug I first made this salad for my grandson, Leo. He turned his nose up at first. Too many colors, he said. But he tried one little bite. Then he ate the whole bowl. I still laugh at that. It just goes to show, trying new things is…

A Simple, Happy Supper I love a meal that comes together in one pan. It feels so simple and smart. This honey garlic chicken is one of those perfect weeknight dinners. The smell fills your whole kitchen. It makes everyone hungry. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The Little Secret to Golden Chicken Coating the chicken…

A Cake That Feels Like a Hug Some cakes are fancy. This one is a friend. It is simple and sweet. It feels like a warm hug from someone you love. I love how the kitchen smells when it bakes. It makes my whole house feel cozy. Doesn’t that smell amazing? What is your…

My First Sloppy Joe Adventure I made my first Sloppy Joe when I was twelve. I was so proud. I felt like a real chef in my mom’s kitchen. This recipe is like that, but even better. We mix in peppers, onions, and lots of melty cheese. It is a happy, messy sandwich. It…

A Happy Accident I first made these by mistake. I was mixing up two recipes in my head. I wanted creamy cheesecake and crunchy brûlée. So I just put them together. It turned out wonderfully. My grandson said they were my best creation yet. I still laugh at that. Sometimes the best things come…

A Little Story About These Bites My grandson Leo calls these his “fancy bakery bites.” I still laugh at that. He thinks I have a secret bakery in my kitchen. The truth is much simpler. These little cakes are just fun to make together. We make them for birthdays and holidays. Sometimes we make…

My First Lemon Brownie Mistake I first made these for my book club. I was so nervous. I thought I had ruined them. The top looked a little dark. But the ladies loved them. They asked for the recipe right away. I still laugh at that. Why We Need a Little Sunshine Life can…

A Simple, Tasty Supper Let’s make a simple, tasty supper. This baked chicken is my go-to meal. It feels fancy but is so easy. We coat the chicken in a garlicky, cheesy sauce. It bakes until golden and bubbly. Doesn’t that smell amazing? A Little Story About Paprika My grandson once asked why we…

A Happy Accident I first made this dessert by mistake. I was baking a pecan pie. My grandson was making a cheesecake. Our batters got a little too friendly. I still laugh at that. The result was this wonderful treat. It has the smooth creaminess of cheesecake. It also has the sweet, nutty crunch…