Learn To Cook - Cooking with Cassandra

Your Ultimate Holiday Cookie Prep Guide: Tips & Must-Try Recipes

Holiday baking can quickly turn into a whirlwind of flour and frantic timer checks. The secret to keeping your cool? Prepping your cookies ahead of time. Not only does it save you from last-minute stress, but it also means you'll always have a fresh batch ready for unexpected guests or those cozy evenings when a sweet treat calls your name. Plus, some cookie doughs taste even better after a chill in the fridge, letting the flavors develop and deepen. I’m here to share my tips for freezing cookie dough balls, storing baked cookies, and my favorite holiday cookie recipes to keep the season...

Introducing The Recipe Exchange: Share Your Favorite Family Recipes!

Handwritten recipe card promoting The Recipe Exchange for sharing cherished family recipes.

Food is more than just what’s on our plates—it’s the stories, memories, and traditions that bring people together. From one generation to the next, family recipes are a testament to our shared history, full of love and flavor. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce a new section in my column: The Recipe Exchange! Here’s how it works: I’m inviting you to share your most cherished family recipes. You know that recipe you always come back to, the one that has everyone at the table asking, “Can I get the recipe?” Well, this is your chance to share your secret gem with the world! It could be...

Best Comfort Food Recipes to Warm Up Your Week

There’s something truly special about comfort food. It’s more than just filling our bellies—it’s a little reminder of home, of family memories, and of those warm, familiar flavors we reach for again and again. With the seasons changing, I’m excited to share three of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes that are perfect for cozy nights in. Each recipe has its own story and flavor, with a few tips and tricks to help you get that perfect, comforting dish every time. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Healthier, lighter, and packed with all the cozy vibes of classic lasagna! If you’re craving...

Halloween Party Inspiration: Snacks, Cocktails, and More!

Welcome, Sun readers! If you’re here after scanning the QR code in my article in the Winnipeg Sun, you’re in the right place for more festive ideas, creative snacks, and a few fun extras to make your Halloween party a frightfully good time. Today, I’m excited to share some easy Halloween cocktails, delicious treats, and a crowd-favorite dessert. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or just a small get-together, these ideas will help you create a memorable (and stress-free!) Halloween celebration. Festive Halloween Cocktails You Can Customize You don’t need to be a mixologist to serve spooky...

How To Plan The Perfect Milestone Birthday Party

Hi there, friends! I’m so excited to share the amazing time we had celebrating my father-in-law Dave’s 80th birthday. We turned our cabin into party central for 11 days, and it was nothing short of epic. From decor to delicious recipes, I've got all the details for you. Whether you're planning a milestone celebration or just love a good party, I hope this gives you some inspiration! The Decor I went all out with the decor, making sure every piece added a special touch. Here are the links to everything I used: Posters: The Welcome Sign: A warm welcome for everyone. Loved For 80 Years...

Home Reveal Series: Kitchen & Dining Room

Today is a day that's been a long time coming! From being HGTV's biggest fan as a child, glued to shows like Debby Travis, Divine Design, and Trading Spaces every Saturday and Sunday morning, to now having the opportunity to design and build our very own home – it's been a journey that I've been so excited to share with you all! Looking back on the early stages of pinning inspiration, selecting materials, and dreaming up every detail, it's truly surreal to see it all come to fruition. Building a home is no small task, and being on the other side of what I watched so many others live...

Decorating with Cassandra: Where I Found My Home Decor Gems

Welcome back, everyone! If you've been following along on my Instagram, you've probably caught a glimpse of my recent home build journey. From the first nail to the final flourish, it's been a labor of love, and now I'm thrilled to share the finished product with you. In my latest social posts I've showcased snippets of my neutral, organic, and oh-so-homey space, complete with some of my favorite decor pieces. If you're curious about where to find these treasures, you're in the right place! The Lifestyled Co Let's start with The Lifestyled Co. Their unique accessories add the perfect...

Holiday Hosting Tips

Walt and I love hosting! Whether it's out at the lake, for a special occasion, or just to connect with family and friends - we love to welcome people into our home. I haven't always been this way, it definitely came with some trial and error, and a few burnt dishes. If you were like me, and feel a little overwhelmed by all the things that go into hosting an amazing and memorable dinner party, I've got you covered! Most of these tips are specific to hosting around the Christmas holidays, but can be adapted for hosting any time. I hope these hosting hacks save you a little bit of stress and...

How To Measure Flour Correctly

Freshly baked bread | cookingwithcassandra.com

From your favorite muffin recipe to a delicious creamy pasta sauce- when it comes to using flour no matter the recipe, getting your measurements correct makes all the difference! Have you ever attempted a bread or pancake recipe promised to be moist and tender but ends up being dense and dry? You are not alone. Get the consistency of all your baked goods just right from now on with my tips on measuring flour correctly. First, let me address these common flour faux-pas: Directly Scooping: We've all scooped flour directly out of the bag or jar with the measuring cup. This literally packs...

55 Kitchen Secrets Guaranteed To Change The Way You Cook

Fresh strawberries on a plate | cookingwithcassandra.com

You don't need to be a Masterchef to cook healthy and delicious meals. It's amazing what you can do with a bit of know-how- so I've collected some of the most straightforward hacks to simplify and speed up your time in the kitchen. From storage solutions to ways to peel your veggies with ease - some of these tips are truly mind-blowing. Keep this list of tips close to hand and they'll transform your kitchen habits for life. 1. Keep your eggs fresh: If you're not sure what state your eggs are in, pop one in a cup of water. You're good to go if it sinks straight to the bottom; if it...

Easy and Delicious Meal Prep

New Years is filled with celebrating and big hopes for the year ahead. Although I love to set goals, I don’t believe in New Year resolutions or waiting until January to make big changes. Instead, I try to live a balanced life all year round that includes balanced, home cooked meals as well as yummy treats. I believe food should be shared and enjoyed, not demonized, besides there are too many delicious recipes out there to eat boiled chicken and rice every day in the name of health! One tool I use to ensure I am eating balanced meals is meal prepping. Having prepped food on hand means that...

Planning the Best Thanksgiving Menu

Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and pomegranates | cookingwithcassandra.com

Thanksgiving is just around the corner for us Canadians, and let’s be honest—it can feel overwhelming. Between roasting the turkey, juggling multiple side dishes, and perfecting desserts, even the most seasoned home cooks can feel the pressure. But don’t stress! This post is here to guide you through planning the perfect Thanksgiving menu, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, a big family affair, or looking to switch things up. Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions, pro-tips, and everything you need to wow your guests while still leaving time for you to relax—maybe even...