Crisp Morning Trail Run: Tips for Refreshing Autumn Routes

featured 34425

Good morning, friends! How is it already Tuesday? Yesterday slipped away from me — some days there just aren’t enough hours, right?

It’s July, yet today feels like October: crisp, cool, and breezy here in DC. What a refreshing change.

My friend Ashley and I enjoyed a morning run date. My 6:30 a.m. alarm felt far too early, but the cool, fresh air made the effort worthwhile. Even on slow mornings, a run with good company boosts the mood.

Read more

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie Recipe — Decadent Fall Dessert

featured 84817

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie combines two beloved fall flavors—warm cinnamon apples and buttery caramel—into a creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling set in a crunchy graham crust. Topped with a glossy apple compote and extra salted caramel, this dessert is ideal for gatherings or a … Read more

Chewy Brownie Cookie Bars Recipe — Fudgy Chocolate Bars

featured 7514

Brownie Cookie Bars combine the fudgy, cracked top of a classic brownie with the portable convenience of a cookie—delivered here as easy-to-serve bars. With Cinco de Mayo approaching, these bars are an ideal dessert when time is short: everything mixes in one pan and bakes quickly, making them perfect to grab and bring with you. … Read more

New Deal Fruit Market: Fresh Seasonal Produce & Weekly Specials

featured 248165

On the way to the airport last week we made a couple of quick stops: first for a muffin at Gingerbread Construction Company, and then at New Deal Fruit in Revere to sample their well-known subs and browse the Italian grocery selection. The produce at New Deal Fruit was noticeably fresher and more appealing than … Read more

Alcohol-Free Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

featured 8988

This homemade vanilla extract is simple to prepare and adds a rich, natural vanilla flavour to your baking. If you avoid alcohol or can’t access it where you live, this alcohol-free version uses food-grade vegetable glycerin blended with a little water to extract the flavour from real vanilla pods. Once made, the bottle can be … Read more

Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Gatherings

featured 22893

This post is sponsored by Karo® Corn Syrup. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for continuing to support the brands that help make ‘Mike Bakes NYC’ possible! No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars No-bake desserts are often thought of as summer treats, but I love making them year-round—especially during the busy holiday season when ovens are … Read more

Crispy Bacon on the Blackstone Griddle: Tips for Perfect Results

featured 227459

Whether you want a simple Blackstone breakfast or a crispy topping for a griddled smash burger, cooking bacon on a Blackstone griddle is fast, easy, and delicious. You can cook it extra crispy or leave it a bit fattier—let’s fire up the flat top and get cooking! Try this alongside outdoor scrambled eggs on griddle … Read more

Orange Salmon Salad with Ginger Hot-Honey Vinaigrette

featured 81860

This orange salmon salad is tossed with fresh ingredients and finished with a sweet-and-spicy ginger hot honey vinaigrette. When warm weather calls for something light and bright, this orange salmon salad is a perfect choice. It balances sweet citrus, creamy avocado, crisp Romaine and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together by a ginger hot honey … Read more

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

featured 10595

Instant Pot chicken and rice soup is an easy, comforting meal that comes together quickly with very little cleanup. This gluten-free and dairy-free soup cooks in one pot and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or as a starter for gatherings. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own, yet … Read more

8 Simple Brunch Recipes to Make for Mother’s Day

img 5951 1

Beautiful, fruit-filled dishes for hosting Mother’s Day brunch Mother’s Day should feel effortless. Whether you’re cooking for Mom or you’re the mom hosting, this is the day to enjoy company more than complex kitchen work. These recipes focus on fresh fruit, bold flavor, and easy preparation so you can serve something homemade without spending all … Read more