Any mom who is successful at getting a homemade meal on the table every night will tell you she is utterly dependent on her slow cooker (the ultimate dinner hack), and so am I. If I want my family to feel they are getting the best meal that does not require much effort, I have to make my slow cooker balsamic pot roast. So moist, flaky and rich with flavor, it is begging for one side dish and one side dish only: mashed potatoes.

If you’ve watched the Grand Budapest Hotel, you’ll remember a very desirable dessert called Courtesan Au Chocolat. It looks regal and elegant and fragile. Believe it or not, it’s a pretty heart dessert, but elegant all the same.

Many people debate about what makes a great hamburger. I recently learned from my southern friends that Duke’s mayonnaise is the only mayonnaise to use on a hamburger or any sandwich ever. After being challenged to try it, I’ll say they are right. Why is Duke’s mayonnaise so good? Anyway, no matter what secret ingredients people swear by, I think we all can agree it’s the small touches that take a hamburger from good to amazing.

I’m feeling pretty done for the holiday season with make things from scratch. Thank goodness for The Fresh Market. They have so many items that require little to no prep, and look amazing for all your holiday needs. And, they have one of my absolutely most favorite things: ready-made baked brie in puff pastry. It’s the best!

Pies are a thing of beauty, and it seems they are so hard to make. You have to do the crust just right. Maybe you want to par-bake the crust first, maybe no, who knows? The filling is typically pretty easy, but you have to do something fancy on top. Then you put it in the oven and just hope and pray nothing moves and everything browns evenly. Then the pie has to cool, and when it finally does, you cut into it with bated breath, and oh no. It’s all soupy inside. *sad face* Enter individual apple pies.