Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis 
Porto with Kids: Best Things to Do, Eat & Explore as a Family
If you’re planning a trip to Porto with kids, you’ll find a city that feels completely different from Lisbon—more relaxed, incredibly scenic, and just as memorable.
Choosing where to stay in Lisbon can make or break your trip—especially when you’re traveling with kids.
Best Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids (Local + Unique Experiences)
Planning a trip to Lisbon with kids? This vibrant, walkable city is one of the best destinations in Europe for family travel—full of history, food, and experiences that are just as fun for kids as they are for adults.
Sintra with Kids: How to Visit Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Quinta da Regaleira in One Day
If you’re visiting Lisbon with kids, a day trip to Sintra is absolutely worth it—but only if you plan it right.
Portugal with Kids: The Ultimate 7-Day Family Itinerary (Lisbon, Sintra, Porto & Douro Valley)
Planning a trip to Portugal with kids? This 7-day Portugal itinerary covers Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, and the Douro Valley—with exactly what to do, where to stay, and how to plan a smooth, memorable family trip.From tuk-tuks and castles to river cruises and vineyard views, this ended up being one of our favorite trips ever—and it’s surprisingly easy to do with kids.Portugal with Kids: Quick Itinerary Day 1: Explore Lisbon (tuk-tuk tour + viewpoints)Day 2: Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira) Day 3: Arrábida coast + beach + soccer match Day 4: Travel to Porto + river cruise Day 5: Douro Valley wineries Day 6: Porto → Lisbon Day 7: Lisbon + cooking class
Seven Hours to Lisbon: Our Tuk-Tuk Adventure
It’s a strange and wonderful feeling to start your day in an airport lounge and end it winding through centuries-old streets in Europe. Our journey began at the Sapphire Lounge by The Club, where travel didn’t feel rushed—it felt indulgent.
National Soup Month: Cream of Parsnip and Duck Confit
Celebrate National Soup Month with Cream of Parsnip and Duck Confit Soup! Yum!
National Soup Month: French Onion
Soup soothes the soul. This is one of my favs!
Thinking of Drinking: Hot Toddy
Howdy! It is freezing in St. Louis. Cure that winter cold with a Hot Toddy!
Recipe: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Photo by Emily Clack January is National Soup Month. I love to start out the New Year by making some soup to celebrate. There's nothing better than homemade chicken noodle. The key to this soup is to sweat the vegetables to extract the flavor. This soup is perfect for this time of year because it is light and refreshing but still makes you feel warm inside.
What I'm Eating: Comforting Baked Potato Soup
Cold weather calls for a comforting and creamy bowl of soup. One of my favorites is baked potato. Try my comforting recipe below. You can find this recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.
New Recipe: Gumbo
I made this over the weekend and it turned out so good. Enjoy!
Recipe: Lamb Chili
I love chili season. Take your pot up a notch!
Thinking of Drinking: Champagne Cocktails
It is a new year and it is time to celebrate! Break out the bubbly! Try my Italian Kiss Cocktail or 11 Pipers Piping featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook. Add some sparkle to your evening.
National Soup Month: Broccoli and Cheese
Chef Michael Harr at Food, Wine and Co shared his recipe for Vegetarian Winter Broccoli Soup with Broccoli Floret Carpaccio, Asiago Cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.