Meet my new Sous Chef, Christmas present and 22 pounds of darling love – Jake!

What do you think? Isn’t he just adorable? Jake arrived as my Christmas present and quickly became a lively, loving puppy. At about 22.5 pounds, he’s full of energy and puppy curiosity — which includes an unfortunate fondness for chewing anything left within reach, including stray recipe cards. Housebreaking has been an adventure: I’ve never said the word “poop” so many times, and often at odd hours as we learn a new routine together.

Those middle-of-the-night trips outside in the freezing wind have become part of our lives — and I’m sure the neighbors have noticed my vocal encouragements. Despite the chaos, Jake’s personality makes every messy moment worth it. He’s affectionate, playful and relentless in his puppy mischief.

Here’s a recent picture of him. You might spot a wet patch on the carpet behind Jake — that’s after we cleaned up one of his early accidents. As a labrador, he absolutely adores water. Whether the jacuzzi is full or empty, occupied or not, Jake will find a way to play in it. He’s endlessly curious about baths, tubs and any source of splashable fun.

We’ve been having a lot of fun getting to know one another, and I’ll be sharing updates — and probably a few more puppy tales — as Jake grows. In the meantime, I have a lineup of delicious recipes coming soon, including a flavorful Tortilla Soup and a Tiramisu that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd or enjoying at home by yourself.

Enjoy this darling puppy video

Watch Jake’s Video

Stay tuned for more recipes and home updates. I’ll be posting tested, trusted recipes that range from quick family meals to dishes designed for large gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for family or a crowd, I’ll share menus, timelines and tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable.