Over the last few years, more than half of my extended family has had to give up gluten for medical reasons. They are dropping like flies around here. Chances are, you know someone who has had to give up gluten, too. At first, that transition was hard for me, a devoted cookie/cake/brownie lover. But gluten-free baked goods…

I first met Reston resident Valeriya Chunikhin through her gorgeous photography on Instagram. Interspersed among her photos of travel, nature, and fashion are images of the amazing macarons that she makes herself. I had always assumed that macarons are too tricky for me to attempt, but Valeriya creates these beautiful French cookies even though she isn’t a professional baker. I figured…

These cookies are an October tradition for my family, and I look forward to them at least as much as Christmas cookies. The world needs more fall cookies! These pumpkin treats are absolutely delicious, with a soft, fluffy texture and decadent butterscotch frosting. I got this recipe years ago from my sister-in-law, who got it from her mother,…