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.

Drinkable Desserts: Palisades Park

Try this drinkable dessert named after a popular Red Lodge Mountain ski run. Inspired by a long day on the ski slopes, it is equally great as an after-dinner cocktail or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Easy Entertaining: Dessert Charcuterie Boards

When we think charcuterie boards, we generally think savory, but these dessert boards are the perfect sweet treat!

Bake This: Mixed Berry Pavlova

Dazzle your guests with this festive dessert named in honor of illustrious Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Meet the Baker: Brookie’s Cookie Dough

Meet Brooke Alderman the brains and baker behind Brookie's Cookie Dough.

A Well-Dressed Table

As we gear up for festive feasts and cocktail parties with friends and family, here are five ways to set the stage for a well-dressed table.

Recipe: Maple Roasted Squash

This seasonal sensation will be a treat for your dinner guests’ taste buds!

Meet the Chef: The Midway Grill and Brews

Meet Aaron Zitar, executive chef at The Midway Grill and Brews.

Be Present: Enjoy the Holidays Without Overindulging

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and foodie, I want to encourage you to enjoy the festive foods of the holidays without overindulging. So let me share with you some different views on experienci...

Wrap it Up: The Ancient Dish Taking the Western World by Storm

For those who have never tried sushi, I've got great news for you, which I'll share later in the article. But, first, let's unwrap the mystery of this ancient dish that is currently taking the western...

10 Questions for Fancy Sushi Executive Chef Jack Wang

Jack Wang is the executive chef at Fancy Sushi, the beloved Billings restaurant that has been treating us to various Asian cuisine delights for more than a decade.

Sushi Made Simple: Homemade California Rolls

Rolling your own sushi can be slightly intimidating, yet if you give it a try, you will find that the process is quite enjoyable and not all that difficult. All you need is patience and a light hand.

Savory Sushi Cake

Sushi cakes are amazingly versatile because you can serve them on any occasion. You can make your sushi cake any way you like. There's a sushi chef hidden inside you, and this is how you can let them...

Perfect Pairings

Sarah Skarsten, new owner of Yellowstone Cellars and Winery offers us some tips on creating perfect pairings.

Seizing the Moment - An Interview With Jason And Jen Marble

“I want people to feel like they're coming to eat at our house, to feel like they're part of the family." -Jen Marble

Mix This: The Pomelon

Celebrate summer's end with a rosé refresher

Cauliflower: A Veggie Garden Rockstar

Who would have ever guessed that the humble cauliflower would grow up to become a veggie garden rock star. Check out these delectable recipes to try this summer!

Local Farmers' Market Harvest

Go behind the scenes with Healthy By Design's Gardeners' Market!

East-Meets-West Kimchi Recipe

Bring this Korean staple to your table but with a flavor that's fit for our Western taste buds.

Fermenting Vegetables

The whats, whys, and wheres of fermenting vegetables.

11 Tips for a Healthy Refrigerator Setup

Set up your refrigerator to support your fall fresh foods reboot and use these 11 tricks to formulate your plan of attack.

Halo-Halo: A Celebration of Ice

Allow us to introduce you to Halo-Halo, not your average summer shaved-ice treat; it's a celebration of ice!

Summer Sides

While a perfectly marbled ribeye grilled to a marvelous state of juicy tenderness can melt in one’s mouth, a well-crafted side dish can complete the meal, making it an even more memorable experience f...

Grill This: Petite Sirloin with Parsley Sauce

Next time you visit the butcher, give petite sirloin a chance. Despite its reputation as a less tender cut of meat, it grills beautifully in just minutes, and it can be quite delicious if prepared pro...

Grillmaster: An Interview with John Thomas

"I never improvise when I am baking, but I do when I am cooking. As the saying goes, cooking is an art, baking is a science." - John Thomas

Red, White, & Blue Milkshakes

This easy and versatile festive dessert, paired with chocolate-dipped red, white, and blue pretzel sticks, is destined to make a big bang on your 4th of July table.

For the Love of Seafood

Billings Seafood Guys' owner and operator, Jon Wanderaas, has brought his knowledge and passion for Alaskan seafood to Montana and made fresh, delicious seafood readily available not only to landlocke...

10 Benefits of Eating Seafood

According to MyPlate, the nutrition guide published by USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, we should all be eating at least eight ounces of seafood every week.

Cook This: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Preparing this culinary delight at home is easy and requires little time to make; a perfect dish for a busy day.

Let's Do Brunch!

Up your brunch game with these 7 recipes!

The Longest Table in Billings

Eat. Share. Give. Everyone deserves a seat at the table and that's what Billings' first pay-what-you-can restaurant is all about.

Stay Sassy: The Sassy Biscuit Co. Bruncherie

One great illustration of our big little life here in Billings is found at 115 North 29th Street. Folks around here call it The Sassy Biscuit, a little bruncherie that brings ample flavor to the table...

Mix This: MOMosas

If brunch were a person, it would turn to mimosas and say, "You complete me," so up your Mother's Day brunch game with these MOMosas!

Grab and Go: Making Healthy & Fast Meals at Home

Life is busy, check out these 5 lunch ideas (and 3 salads!) that you can make ahead of time so that you can grab and go!

Wellness Matters: An Interview with Nicole Griffith

"Our goal is to help change the way people eat by making eating healthy simple; this remains at the core of everything we do." - Nicole Griffith, Well Pared

Easter Egg Flan

This Easter Egg Flan recipe is sure to delight!

Fun Finds in the Cupboard: Green on the Go

In honor of Earth Day (April 22), check out our Editor's Picks for Aprils eco friendly Fun Finds!

A Few Grams of Happiness: The French Macaron

“Macarons only have a few grams to stir our senses.” - Pierre Hermé

Meet the Baker: Andrea Vacek of Bluebird Sweets Custom Cakes

Andrea Vacek of Bluebird Sweets Custom Cakes creates the most stunning of delectable delights.

Bake This: Guinness Chocolate Cake

St. Patrick's Day or not, this Guinness chocolate cake comes together quickly and effortlessly and is a delight any time of year.

The Sweeter Side of Things

Explore the *sweeter* side of Billings (just in time for Valentine's Day!)

Mix This: The Escapade

Mix this for a drink that will take you and your special someone from Italy to the Caribbean, via a French château or two. It is the perfect cocktail to fuel your wanderlust.

Meet the Baker Behind Amberlea's Confections

Twenty year old Amberlea Lynn Mouser has taken a love a baking and cultivated it into her own business, Amberlea's Confections.

No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake

Want cheesecake in a hurry? Then this delectable no-bake recipe is just what you need!

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy and fragrant soup is the perfect comfort food.

Soup’s On at Lucky’s Ramen Noodles

Lucky’s Ramen Noodles in Shiloh Commons invites Montanans to discover the glory of Ramen as it was meant to be served, while also serving many different types of noodle dishes.

Le Fournil Offers a Taste of France in Billings

In late 2017, François Morin followed his passion and opened Le Fournil, an artisnal French bakery.

Bake This: French Baguettes

With a crunchy crust and a chewy, soft crumb, this French baguette will have you saying more, please, as soon as you taste it.

Meet the Baker: Veronika Baukema

As soon as you step into the little bakery at 2513 Montana Ave, you know you're in for a treat. The air is heavy with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and flaky, crunchy goodness fills the wo...

Bake This: Beer Cookies

This is a very simple recipe requiring only three ingredients. You can make the cookies sweet or savory.

Fa La La La Fabulous: Festive Fixings

Scrumptious food is synonymous with the holidays and the staff at Simply Local gathered up some of our favorite appetizer, dessert, and drink recipes to share with you.

Bringing Asian Cooking to Your Kitchen

Let Isabela Asian Market bring Asian cooking into your kitchen!

Recipe: Pork Sinigang

Try Mercy Vannett's recipe for Pork Sinigang. Find all the ingredients for this delectable dish at Isabela Asian Market!

A Refugee Journey to the American Dream

We all love stories of success originating from humble beginnings, those rags-to-riches tales that inspire us and energize our spirits. One such story began in war-torn Southeastern Asia and ended rig...