Mackenzie Benjamin

Mackenzie is a professional pastry chef and culinary teacher with over a decade of experience working in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her passion for everything food translates over into recipe development, food writing, and content creation. While her love of cooking, eating, and traveling means she can often be found exploring the world through her stomach.
Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting (Easy & Moist!)
Desserts

Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting (Easy & Moist!)

If you love pumpkin desserts but aren't a fan of pumpkin pie, this pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting might…
Vegan Southwest Rice Bowl with Roasted Vegetables
Main Dishes

Vegan Southwest Rice Bowl with Roasted Vegetables

If you think rice bowls are boring, think again! This vegan Southwest Rice Bowl is packed with colorful roasted vegetables,…
Brown Sugar Pumpkin Banana Muffins (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
Breakfast

Brown Sugar Pumpkin Banana Muffins (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

There’s something especially cozy about a freshly baked pumpkin muffin—but add ripe banana and brown sugar to the batter, and…
Make Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade at Home (Easy Copycat!)
Drinks

Make Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade at Home (Easy Copycat!)

This homemade Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade is creamy, tangy, and refreshingly easy to make. Use fresh homemade lemonade or take the…
Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Breakfast

Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon, ginger, and warm pumpkin pie spices filling your kitchen. These grain-free pumpkin…
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy Fall Recipe
Desserts

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy Fall Recipe

If you love soft, chewy cookies with warm pumpkin spice flavor, add these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies to your fall baking…
Easy Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Herbs de Provence
Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)

Easy Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Herbs de Provence

If you think roasted vegetables are boring, this combination might change your mind. These roasted beets and butternut squash bring…
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl – Easy, Creamy Fall Breakfast
Breakfast

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl – Easy, Creamy Fall Breakfast

If you love pumpkin pie but don't want to turn on the oven, this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl is the…
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
Breakfast

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

If you love pumpkin spice season but want something more useful than another slice of pumpkin bread, add these Peanut…
Homemade Bisquick Substitute: Easy 4-Ingredient Baking Mix
Other

Homemade Bisquick Substitute: Easy 4-Ingredient Baking Mix

Out of Bisquick? Before you head to the store, check your pantry. You can make a simple homemade Bisquick substitute…
Orange Creamsicle Overnight Oats (Easy Healthy Breakfast Recipe)
Breakfast

Orange Creamsicle Overnight Oats (Easy Healthy Breakfast Recipe)

If you grew up chasing the ice cream truck for a classic orange creamsicle, this breakfast is about to become…
Vegan Avocado Dill Dressing (Creamy, Oil-Free & Dairy-Free)
Salad Bowls

Vegan Avocado Dill Dressing (Creamy, Oil-Free & Dairy-Free)

Looking for a creamy, flavorful dressing that comes together in minutes? This avocado dill dressing is fresh, tangy, garlicky, and…
Vegan Taco Salad Recipe with Smashed Pinto Beans
Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)

Vegan Taco Salad Recipe with Smashed Pinto Beans

Taco salad doesn't have to be a bowl of lettuce with a few beans sprinkled on top. This vegan taco…
Oil-Free Kale Salad with Almond Butter Lime Dressing
Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)

Oil-Free Kale Salad with Almond Butter Lime Dressing

If you’ve ever tried raw kale and thought, “Why is this so tough?”, you’re not alone. The secret to a…
Easy Reuben Pinwheels (The Best Make-Ahead Party Appetizer)
Appetizers & Snacks

Easy Reuben Pinwheels (The Best Make-Ahead Party Appetizer)

As soon as I spotted the New York Style Rye tortillas at the grocery store, this idea flew into my…
Crack Zucchini Bites – Easy Baked Zucchini Appetizer
Appetizers & Snacks

Crack Zucchini Bites – Easy Baked Zucchini Appetizer

If you’re looking for an easy way to make zucchini seriously crave-worthy, these Crack Zucchini Bites are about to become…
The Ultimate Shredded Chicken Nachos (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)
Appetizers & Snacks

The Ultimate Shredded Chicken Nachos (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

There are few meals that disappear faster in my house than a big pan of loaded shredded chicken nachos. They're…
5-Minute Creamy Pesto Cheese Spread – The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Appetizers & Snacks

5-Minute Creamy Pesto Cheese Spread – The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, putting together a charcuterie board, or simply looking for a quick snack to enjoy…
Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Gooey
Desserts

Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Gooey

If you love peanut butter cookies, chocolate, and gooey s’mores, I have some very good news for you: you don’t…
Sun-Dried Tomato Artichoke Spaghetti Squash (Healthy Mediterranean Dinner)
Main Dishes

Sun-Dried Tomato Artichoke Spaghetti Squash (Healthy Mediterranean Dinner)

If you're tired of healthy dinners that taste boring, this spaghetti squash is brimming with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes,…
The Ultimate Mexican Layered Dip for Parties and Game Day
Appetizers & Snacks

The Ultimate Mexican Layered Dip for Parties and Game Day

If you're looking for an easy appetizer that's guaranteed to disappear, this Mexican Layered Dip is exactly what you need.…
Low-Fat Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps (Easy High-Protein Dinner in 20 Minutes)
Lunch & Dinner

Low-Fat Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps (Easy High-Protein Dinner in 20 Minutes)

If you're craving the bold, tangy flavor of buffalo wings but want something lighter and packed with protein, these Low…
Dairy-Free Matcha Chip Ice Cream (Creamy & Vegan)
Desserts

Dairy-Free Matcha Chip Ice Cream (Creamy & Vegan)

I'll be honest—I wasn't always a matcha fan. The earthy, slightly bitter flavor took some getting used to, and I…
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Easy, Flavorful & Better Than Packets)
Other

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Easy, Flavorful & Better Than Packets)

Ever reach for a taco seasoning packet only to realize you're completely out? Before you make a trip to the…
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Maple Pecans
Soups

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Maple Pecans

If you think pumpkin soup sounds too sweet or too boring, this creamy vegan pumpkin soup might change your mind.…
3-Ingredient Chipped Beef Dip (The Easiest Party Appetizer Ever)
Appetizers & Snacks

3-Ingredient Chipped Beef Dip (The Easiest Party Appetizer Ever)

When it comes to party food, there are two types of recipes: the ones that people politely try, and the…
The Secret to Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf at Home (Step-by-Step)
Copycat Recipes

The Secret to Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf at Home (Step-by-Step)

When you think of comfort food done right, one dish stands above the rest: the meatloaf at The Cheesecake Factory.…
Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Copycat Recipe)
Lunch & Dinner

Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Craving that sweet, sticky, savory Honey Sesame Chicken from Panda Express but don't feel like ordering takeout? This easy copycat…
Easy Salmon Sliders Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes)
Appetizers & Snacks

Easy Salmon Sliders Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes)

If you're looking for a delicious way to change up burger night, these salmon sliders are about to become your…
Easy Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing
Salad Bowls

Easy Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing

Need a fresh side dish that comes together in minutes and doesn't require turning on the oven? This cucumber tomato…
Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge Recipe (Easy Stovetop Fudge)
Desserts

Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge Recipe (Easy Stovetop Fudge)

If you love the combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolatey Oreos, this Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge is about to…
Easy Marshmallow Fondant Recipe for Cakes, Cupcakes & Decorations
Desserts

Easy Marshmallow Fondant Recipe for Cakes, Cupcakes & Decorations

Think homemade fondant is complicated or intimidating? Think again. With just 2 ingredients plus a little water, you can make…
Kale Apple Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Pecans
Vegan

Kale Apple Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Pecans

If you think kale salads are tough, bitter, or just plain boring, this Kale Apple Salad is about to change…
Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer
Appetizers & Snacks

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer

Love jalapeño poppers but don't want to spend your time stuffing, wrapping, and baking individual peppers? This Jalapeño Popper Cheese…
Ginger Avocado Dressing (Creamy, Vegan & Oil-Free)
Salad Bowls

Ginger Avocado Dressing (Creamy, Vegan & Oil-Free)

If you're looking for a fresh, creamy dressing that comes together in minutes, this Ginger Avocado Dressing is about to…
Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese (Ready in 30 Minutes)
Appetizers & Snacks

Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese (Ready in 30 Minutes)

If you're looking for an appetizer that's guaranteed to disappear before the main course is served, these Blue Cheese Stuffed…
Easy Cheesy Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups That Are So Good
Lunch & Dinner

Easy Cheesy Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups That Are So Good

These chicken pesto roll-ups are a low-carb dinner recipe that the whole family will love! Chicken is often the go-to…
Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Honey Dijon Dressing (Easy & Healthy)
Lunch & Dinner

Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Honey Dijon Dressing (Easy & Healthy)

If you think beets are bland, earthy, or only belong in a jar at the back of the fridge, this…
Easy Broccoli Chickpea Fritters (Healthy Vegan Dinner Idea)
Appetizers & Snacks

Easy Broccoli Chickpea Fritters (Healthy Vegan Dinner Idea)

These broccoli chickpea fritters are here to turn your meatless meals into something everyone looks forward to. Plant-based eating sounds…
Mediterranean Tuna Salad (No Mayo, 10-Minute Healthy Recipe)
Lunch & Dinner

Mediterranean Tuna Salad (No Mayo, 10-Minute Healthy Recipe)

Tired of tuna that's drowning in mayo, heavy on calories, and somehow still bland? This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a…
Frozen Kale Cubes: The Easy Hack You Need for Perfect Smoothies
Breakfast

Frozen Kale Cubes: The Easy Hack You Need for Perfect Smoothies

Kale is one of those ingredients we want to use more often, and with these frozen kale cubes, it becomes…
Fresh Romaine Pear Salad Recipe You’ll Make All Fall Long
Salad Bowls

Fresh Romaine Pear Salad Recipe You’ll Make All Fall Long

Some salads earn a permanent spot in the recipe rotation because they offer more than just fresh ingredients—they create contrast…