The previous 12 months had been grueling, life-altering, as I struggled with parenthood. She’s fierce, strong and deeply independent and I adore her for that. But as an infant she didn’t seem to like anything, including me. Photo: Jennifer Causey I tried my best. But nothing seemed to help. The second happened before the fetus had formed, so there were no mementos or means of comfort. Jennifer Causey But I did have a passion for cooking....

If you want to turn up the heat, serve with extra Sriracha. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in 2 batches, remove the shrimp from the batter, letting excess drip off. Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate....

Tortilla strips add a welcome crunch to the saladfind them in the salad dressing aisle at major supermarkets. Transfer to a large plate; let cool for 15 minutes. Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces; place in a medium bowl. Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Styling: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Add barbecue sauce; toss until well coated. Divide the salad among 6 bowls (about 1 1/2 cups each). Top each bowl with 1/2 cup barbecue chicken....

Re-create the flavors of Chipotle’s grilled chicken in your own kitchen with this tasty recipe. The longer you marinate the chicken, the spicier it will be. Use this copycat Chipotle chicken in salads, burrito bowls or as a filling for tacos. Photo:Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth Blackburn Process until mostly smooth and well combined, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer the marinade to a large zip-top plastic bag; add chicken....

This copycat Dunkin avocado toast is inspired by the popular menu item. Its a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the original without having to leave your house! Gently mash with a fork. Photo:Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek Top 1 slice sourdough toast with the avocado mixture. Sprinkle with 12 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning. Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek...

Enjoy with a green salad and breadsticks for dipping. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Photo: Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop stylist: Clairen Spollen Stir in broth, carrots, pepper, salt and chicken; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Stir gnocchi into the simmering soup; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes....

This copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich is easy to make at home. You get smoky flavor and mild heat from the chipotle peppers, while the mayonnaise adds creaminess. The bread is super crispy, with basil adding freshness. Photo:William Dickey Place 4 bread slices on a work surface; top each with 1 mozzarella slice. Lightly coat both sides of the sandwiches with cooking spray. Heat a griddle, grill pan or skillet over medium heat....

Enjoy with crusty bread to sop up the leftovers. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop stylist: Clairen Spollen Add broth and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thickened, about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually add Cheddar, stirring until melted after each addition....

Serve with a salad or a grilled cheese for dunking. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cherry tomatoes and shallots with 1 tablespoon oil and oregano on the prepared baking sheet. Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Roast until the tomatoes burst and the shallots are tender, about 20 minutes. Do not turn the oven off. Place a clean towel over the opening....

The added moisture helps gently steam the eggs, creating an almost souffle-like consistency. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Jamie Vespa Add spinach; cook, stirring often, until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer the spinach mixture to a food processor; pulse until the vegetables are very finely chopped....

Re-create a popular Sweetgreen menu item at home with this copycat grain bowl recipe. Tossing the broccoli in hot sauce and crushed red pepper lends a spicy note to this flavorful bowl. Stir 1 tablespoon oil, hot sauce and crushed red pepper together in a medium bowl. Photo:Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco Add broccoli; toss to coat. Spread on one half of a large rimmed baking sheet....

Served with a glass of white wine, this healthy recipe makes the ultimate lunch or light dinner. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut off asparagus tips and very thinly slice stalks on the diagonal. Let stand while you cook the salmon and eggs. Bring water and vinegar to a boil in a large saucepan. Tent with foil to keep warm. Reduce the boiling water to a bare simmer....

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook just until browned, about 3 minutes. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 hours or on high-heat setting for 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, prepare corn bread topper. In a medium bowl stir together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl combine milk, egg product and melted butter. If using low-heat setting, turn cooker to high-heat setting....