Effortless Entertaining: Easy Hors D'oeuvres

Easy Hors D'oeuvres & Sparkling Cocktails
hat kind of home cook are you? Maybe you're the type who starts planning holiday meals as early as October,meticulously organizing lists and shopping ahead to...

Billings’ Sushi Staple: NaRa

Family was evident upon walking into the doors of NaRa at 10am on a Saturday, as the restaurant was preparing to open later that day.

A Modern Twist on the Classics: Thanksgiving Dinner Elevated

For most of us, the holidays are the perfect time to bring back family traditions. That can take the form of decorating the house with old, familiar items, revisiting books and movies that the entire...

Make This: Pumpkin Mousse with Biscoff Crumb Base

As the weather cools down, we are thinking of cozy sweaters, bonfires, and everything pumpkin: pumpkin-spiced lattes, pumpkin bread, and the much beloved and traditional pumpkin pie. Get ready to ditc...

Kitchen Therapy: Cook Your Way to Calm

“Cooking and baking is both physical and mental therapy.” – Mary Berry

A Landmark of Taste - Bistro Enzo's Tyler Samson Continues to Elevate Billings' Dining Scene

Wood-fired pizza ovens, chef's counters, Mediterranean dishes, and local artwork - can you guess which iconic Billings restaurant this describes? That's right, Bistro Enzo and Wine Bar (Enzo), nestled...

Focaccia Art

With its flat surface and pillowy texture, focaccia is a perfect canvas for unleashing a bit of creativity in the kitchen. You might have already seen focaccia art on social media - it is everywhere n...

Transform Your Weeknights - the Magic of Meal Planning

The temps might not scream fall just yet, but for many families - the calendar certainly does! Kids are transitioning back to school, work’s pace is picking up, and weeknights are just a little busier...

Bountiful Harvest: Tips for Harvesting

Sow in the spring, harvest in the fall – that’s gardening, right? Plant, wait, reap a bounty - it seems like a straightforward and organized process, but harvesting can be more complex and much less l...

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, and Avocado Salad

Do you have vegetarian or vegan friends coming to dinner? Serve them this dish, and you’ll be sure to gain their appreciation. Or add it as a flavorful side dish to steak, pork roast, or grilled fish...

A Taste of Summer: The Art of Roasting Vegetables

One of the best things about late summer is the availability of fresh produce grown right here in our state. The farmers' markets are brimming with colorful, nutritious produce, tempting us to “eat th...

Aperol Popsicles

Blame it all on my roots - at the height of summer, I miss those lively European outdoor cafés terribly.

From Classroom to Concessions: Curt Prchal’s Winning Strategy

"Don’t make the story about how long I’ve been doing this,” Curt Prchal asked me during a recent visit to Dehler Park.

Tasty Summer Treats: A Delectable Journey Through Local Flavors

Summer is the perfect season to indulge in cool, refreshing treats, and our community offers a vibrant array of options that cater to every taste.

Exploring the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, One Bite at a Time

If you’re looking for an excuse to travel this summer while also experiencing the best of Montana’s local eateries, look no further than the Southeast Montana Burger Trail.

One Bird, Three Feasts: Unlocking the Culinary Potential of a Rotisserie Chicken

Explore the simple yet transformative power of a single grocery store staple. Three delicious and budget-friendly meals using rotisserie chicken as the star ingredient. From loaded chicken enchiladas...

The Timeless Charm of Handwritten Recipes

n a world increasingly dominated by the digital, the handwritten recipe card stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection. As we hand over these precious keepsakes to our children a...

Shortcrust Crescent Cookies with Turkish Delight

These crescent cookies were a favorite of the writer's childhood, and still are today. She prefers them rolled with Turkish delight, but they can be filled with chocolate, jam, hazelnut paste, or waln...

Raise a Glass: A Toast to Water

You may have heard that you need to drink more water. But why? And how much? Let’s dive into this incredible nutrient together so we can learn the roles water has in our bodies, how much we actually n...

Make This: Orange, Raspberry, and Cardamom-Infused Water

Meeting the required daily water intake is made easier with the addition of fresh fruit. Try our orange, raspberry, and cardamom-infused water recipe for a new and refreshing flavor. 

Easter Eats: A Taste of Tradition

From lamb feasts to sweet treats: explore Easter culinary traditions around the world and join the celebration of universal themes through unique global cuisines.

Bake This: Romanian Nut Roll (Cozonac)

Similar in texture and taste to the Italian panettone , cozonac is a traditional Romanian sweet bread that is very popular at Easter, Christmas, and other religious holidays and weddings. Various rend...

Going Beyond Hot Chocolate

Looking for a healthier alternative to your hot cocoa powder? We've got options for you!

Indulge in Love: Swoonworthy Desserts for Valentine's Day

Love is in the kitchen! Express your feelings with a delectable, romantic dessert that will make your date swoon.

The Stroopwafel Scoop: Continuing the Legacy

Caramel Cookie Waffles café and cookies have long been a Billings staple. After a change in ownership with the retirement of its wonderful founders, the legacy of this hidden gem continues, and it’s a...

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

You'll definitely want to give these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies (recipe courtesy of Caramel Cookie Waffle) a try this Valentine's Day!

Make This: Dark Chocolate Truffles

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your beloved with these homemade, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate truffles.

When Comfort & Resolve Collide

We want to eat better…but cold green salads and spinach smoothies do not provide much warmth in January. Let’s not dismiss comfort food or swear it off to save face for our habit trackers. We have thr...

Cook This: Creamy Tomato Soup

The perfect comfort recipe for a cold winter day.

Feeding Students, Together

The Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools feeds over 800 students every single week. One group of women are making a huge difference in the lives of these kids by working together.

Yuletide Bites: Exploring the History of Christmas Foods

Explore the rich history of Christmas foods. From succulent roast turkey to intricate gingerbread houses, Yuletide dishes tell tales of tradition.

Bake This: Cookies for Santa

We all know Santa loves cookies. Here's a fun and easy cookie recipe for Santa and his reindeer that all kids will want to make. These cookies will be Santa's NEW favorite!

Sip & Savor the Season at these Local Hot Spots

Everyone knows adding delicious food and delightful drinks makes every occasion merrier, so while out and about finding the perfect gift or viewing colorful decorations, stop in at some Billings hot s...

Mastering the Pie Crust to Perfection

Discover the artistry of pie-making with a variety of crust options that elevate your culinary creations. From the classic flakiness of traditional pie crust to the delicate sweetness of pâte sucrée,...

Apple Pie Gets a Makeover

A cross between a Dutch apple pie and an apple tart, this simple recipe requires no dough-stretching skills and no rolling pin.

The Dessert Diaries: A Month-Long Celebration of All Things Sweet

From rich and gooey to fresh and fruity, from sweet and salty to exotic and adventurous, there's a dessert personality for everyone. National Dessert Month is a time to indulge, celebrate, and cherish...

Pineapple & Coconut Cake with Chantilly Cream

Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this light and zesty pineapple and coconut cake, which is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Adding crushed pineapple to the cake batter confers a uniqu...

In the Country Kitchen with Grandma

As a kid growing up in the city, surrounded by concrete, exhaust fumes, and constant noise, going to Grandma's country house was so much more than a vacation.

Make This: Stuffed Grape Leaves

Have you ever tried ‘sarmale’? Learn how to make stuffed grape leaves with ground pork, using a traditional Romanian recipe.

Fun Finds: Preserving the Memories

September is home to Grandparents Day, and we're here with a handful of great ideas to connect the generations by way of the kitchen!

A Flavorful Feast

Eating What's in Season: A Celebration of Local Agriculture. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a large-scale producer, August in Montana is a time of bountiful harvest. Our growing season might be...

A Flavorful Feast: Recipes

If you’re looking for a few new recipes, we’ve got you covered. We kept them short and simple. With so much to enjoy outdoors this month, who wants to slave away in the kitchen on a hot summer day?

Farm to YOUR Table

Ideas for implementing the spirit of farm-to-table – not just in the way we eat out, but in the way we eat at home – creating a lifestyle that’s practical, sustainable, and… delicious.

Cook This: Everyday Meatballs

There are many options for purchasing locally raised or crafted foods in and around Billings, especially in the summer! Here are some of my suggestions for sourcing ingredients for this recipe:

Beyond Global Trade: How the Pandemic Made Eating Local a Lasting Trend

Covid changed the way we travel and the way we work, but it also changed the way we eat. When supply chains crumbled, consumers started to demand local products, and ag producers rose to the occasion....

Dad's Culinary Chef Personality

From baking cakes to gourmet meals, today’s dads are proving that they can cook up a storm and still be the king of the grill. As dads have become more prolific cooks, we tend to lean into one of six...

Yeast: It’s What’s Brewing!

Tiny, single-celled fungus are critically important to fermentation, which in turn, are vital to our survival. But more fun, yeast are behind the magic of beer and bread! Read on in this issue to lear...

Cultivating Community: Maple Moose Coffee and Pop Shop

More than just a java fix. The newly opened Maple Moose Coffee and Pop Shop aims to be the gathering place for the Annafeld community. 

A Coffee Strategy

For many, having our morning cup of coffee is a non-negotiable start to the day. The mundane practice brings us to life from our slumber and contributes significantly to our overall health and perform...

Meet the Roaster: Gary Theisen of Revel Coffee

What goes into making that perfect cup of coffee most of us enjoy every morning? Gary Theisen of Revel Coffee shares his deep knowledge of selecting and roasting coffees from all over the world.

Eggs Every Way

Aside from their health benefits, eggs are just dang delicious, and there are many ways to prepare them. Below, we’ve compiled three delicious recipes that could be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinne...

Meet the Farmer: Carah Ronan of Rodi Farm

Get to know your local farmer: Carah Ronan, 5th-generation Montanan and owner of Rodi Farm, practices sustainable, organic agriculture and prioritizes the health of her land, her animals, and her comm...

Are We Hunting for Eggs Year-Round Now?

Egg sales typically soar in the days leading up to Easter. But this year, the ever-increasing costs and scarcity are leading some people to joke that they’ll be dying potatoes instead. What’s behind t...

It's Not You; It's Me - How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Food

“A moment on the lips, forever on the hips.”
Is it any wonder why so many of us have an unhealthy relationship with food? Phrases like this from often well-meaning people can cause us to stress and w...

Meet the Chef: Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co.

Community-minded Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. aims to throw the biggest party in the state, every single day.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Pumpkin Seeds, & Honey-Balsamic Glaze

No more mushy, boring Brussels sprouts! Take these tiny cabbages to a new level with a delicious recipe from Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. 

Date Night Done Right: Staying In

While going out on a date night is always a great option, consider staying in. During this season for sweethearts, make plans today for a romantic night in with a recipe for “love”! 

Viddie’s Bakery: A Family Recipe for Success

Produced and distributed right here in Billings, Montana, Viddie’s Bakery boasts a line of high-quality, gluten-free baking mixes. Customers can count on traditional favorites like brownies and chocol...

A Dream in the Making: Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse

This Valentine’s Day, take your beloved to Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse for a date night filled with the flavors, colors, and rhythms of Brazil.

Profiteroles with Raspberry Sorbet

Impress your Valentine’s Day date with a dessert classic! Melt-in-your-mouth cream puffs and juicy raspberries come together to create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The Science Behind Our Love of Chocolate

For thousands of years, humans have devoured chocolate; the average American eats roughly 10 pounds per year. It’s long been associated with Valentine’s Day, but why? Read this month’s issue to learn...

The Humble Bowl of Soup

January is National Soup Month, and we certainly have much to celebrate about this humble meal. Soup is surprisingly popular, with 99% of homes in the United States having cans of soup in the cupboard...

Fighting Food Waste

An estimated one-third of the food produced in the US ends up in landfills. That's roughly 80 billion pounds of food each year! What can we all do to reduce waste?

Sweet Mac and Cheese with Wensleydale and Craisins

This version of mac and cheese is sweet and fruity and comes together in less than an hour.

Gingerbread Meets Sourdough

Bye-bye sourdough scaries and hello sourdough made easy (and sweet)! Amanda Flann touches on the sourdough science, health benefits, and tips to transform your gingerbread recipe this season.

A Sweet Tradition

When my kids were little, my best friend Julie and I would always find excuses to gather together with our children. We soon discovered we shared the same love for gingerbread houses, so we started a...

Bake This: Christmas Cookies

Just in time for Christmas, we offer a couple of ideas that are simple and fast: a traditional shortbread cookie that comes together in minutes, and a vegan chocolate cookie that is based on ripe avoc...

Breaking Bread: The Gift of Social Eating

The act of communal eating is universal, whether in feasts or everyday meals. Our culture sees the value and importance of breaking bread with one another. It is a simple way of bringing people togeth...

Meet the Chef: Lisa Rembold of Seconde Pasta

Chef, restaurant owner, teacher, pasta maker - Lisa Rembold of Seconde Fresh has worn many hats during her culinary journey.

Pumpkin Pappardelle with Brown Butter, Prosciutto, Goat Cheese, and Pecans

All the late autumn vibes in this colorful pasta and roasted veggies dish from Chef Lisa Rembold of Seconde Fresh. @stories_yet_untold, @secondefresh

The Scoop on Winter Squash

The versatility and beauty of winter squash is endless. Use these fall-harvested fruits for autumn décor, Jack-o’-lantern carvings, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and of course – to enjoy in dishes sweet...

Meet the Gardener: Anna Rogers

For Simply Local staff writer Anna Rogers, gardening is a passion, a skill, and a constant drive to do better. A way to connect with the earth and its bounty, and a path to building community.

Cook This: Garden Harvest Ratatouille

A few of my friends grow a garden every year, and I benefit from their harvest. The sweetest thing about ratatouille is that you can customize it.

Brunch: The Home Edition

Whoever decided to combine breakfast and lunch was brilliant! Brunch is a fun outing for many but doing brunch from home can be just as much fun, it not even more. Let the creativity flow as you follo...

Meet the Chef: Dirk Frickel

Dirk Frickel, executive chef and food and beverages manager at Hilands Golf Club, is driven by a desire to deliver great locally-sourced food, and to make his guests happy.

Cook This: Zucchini Frittata

One recipe has stood the test of time in our family and is a perennial presence at our summer dinners on the patio.  Give this recipe a try if you have a similar zucchini problem, or simply pick some...

Meal Planning Blueprint

Back-to-school is just around the corner and we have two words that will make the re-entry into this season smoother - Meal Planning. If this phrase sparks anxiety in you, you're not alone. Just becau...

Meet the Chef: Teri Haddick - Get Baked!

"I want to provide people with a home-cooked meal that they didn't have to cook themselves." Meet Teri Haddick, the Billings businesswoman that helps you put a homecooked meal on the table in 45 minut...

Cook This: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake

Get a good start on your week by preparing this hearty and comforting casserole by Get Baked! owner, Teri Haddick.

Billings Food Trucks: Find Your Flavor

Billings is no stranger to the food truck scene. There are some seriously sensational menus scattered throughout the Magic City. Following right in the footsteps of this flavorful fad, Billings is ste...

Montana Brewers Bring Their Best at Brews & BBQs

Mark your calendar for the 12th annual Brews and BBQs outdoor beer festival, taking place July 16 at MetraPark!

Cook This: Curry Spaghetti Salad

The soy and curry-based sauce is pretty simple and straightforward, and the entire preparation takes less than 30 minutes, which makes this recipe ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Dining Al Fresco

We have rounded up some of the most popular suggestions for dining al fresco, from burgers to seafood, or even a simple cup of mid-day coffee and a chat with a friend.

Meet the Chef: Commons 1882's Ken Rakstad

“There is no magic formula. If you have really great food, great drinks, and great service, you're going to have a restaurant full of people.” - Chef Ken Rakstad.

Make This: Roasted Eggplant Dip

This flavorful eggplant spread originates from Romania, where it is a staple at the summer dinner table. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a light lunch.

From Flower Farm to Table: Cooking with Edible Flowers

If you've never tried adding edible flowers to your cooking and baking, here is a quick guide to get you started.

Seared Scallops with Jezebel Sauce

This recipe takes seared scallops to a new level, thanks to the sweet and spicy Jezebel sauce combined with the balancing acidity of fresh grapefruit and the crunchy bed of fried parsnip.

Meet the Baker: Batter + Crumb's Amanda Brown

Amanda Brown, owner of Batter + Crumb, has successfully balanced work and family life, despite starting her small business just as the 2020 pandemic was emerging.

Mix This: Roselle Lemonade

Click onwards to learn how to create this simple and flavorful mocktail!

Good Greens: Simple Salads for Every Taste

With very little effort and a bit of imagination, you can transform your salads into the star of the meal, and add a healthy dose of necessary nutrients while doing so.

Meet the Chef: Nick Steen Gullings of Walkers Grill

Born and raised in Montana, by the time he reached adulthood, Chef Nick Steen Gullings decided that cooking was something he could do well, and he poured his heart into it.

Perfect Platters: Party Food Planning Tips

Throwing a memorable party might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of careful planning and organization, even the most fearful of us can achieve it. We put together a few helpful ideas to guide y...

Mini Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce

These mini meatballs make an excellent party appetizer: simple, quick, and delicious. They are equally delicious added to lunch or dinner.

A Montana-Made Success Story: Town & Country Foods

When Andrew (Andy) Perlinski started his grocery business in 1966 in Livingston, Montana, he would have had a hard time predicting that 50-some years later, the company would grow to serve not just hi...

Chocolate for the Heart: A Brief History in 40 Fun Facts

Chocolate is the "food of the gods." This is the literal translation of Theobroma cacao, the Latin name of the tree that produces the cocoa bean. We've gathered 40 fun facts about this delectable deli...

Strawberry Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Combining the discreet taste of chocolate with the freshness of ripe strawberries and just a hint of orange, this version of red velvet cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Meet the Baker: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Emily Cook is in the business of kindness. The moment she greets me in her bright and cheery bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, it is apparent that she is one of those people whose existence is meant to bri...

Simply Heart Healthy

Let's talk 3 simple steps to take towards a heart-friendly diet.

That's SO Cheesy

Taking side dishes to the next level with the heavenly addition of cheese.

Cooking Up Comfort with Sophie's Kitchen

Sophie's Kitchen, which opened its doors in November 2019, is taking comfort food to the next level.