Meet my new sous-chef: Jake, a Christmas present and 22 pounds of pure love

Isn’t he adorable? Meet Jake, our new Labrador puppy and the latest member of the Aloha Dreams kitchen crew. He arrived as a Christmas surprise and brought with him endless energy, curious puppy teeth, and a steadfast love of mischief—especially when it comes to recipe cards. Jake is about 22.5 pounds of lively affection and has already taught me the true meaning of late-night potty duty.

Those first weeks are a blur of interrupted sleep and midnight trips outside. I never imagined I’d say the word “poop” so many times, and certainly not at 3:00 a.m., bundled up against the cold and shouting encouragement over the wind. The neighbors may have wondered what was happening, but now they know: potty training is real, loud, and oddly endearing.

Between the teeth and the puddles, Jake has won my heart. He’s a water-loving Labrador who shows a special fascination for the hot tub—filled or not, with people or empty, he finds a way to investigate. He’s also a loyal companion while I test recipes and plan menus for family dinners and large gatherings. Expect a few entertaining Instagram moments and a handful of stories about carpet salvage after puppy spills.

Here’s a more recent photo of Jake—still full of personality and now slightly better trained. If you notice a wet spot on the carpet in the pictures, that’s the price of puppy love and progress. Despite the chaos, he brightens each day and makes the kitchen a more joyful place to be.

Stay tuned here for more than just puppy updates. I have many delicious recipes coming up, including a richly flavored tortilla soup and a crowd-sized tiramisu that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, and holiday gatherings. My recipes are tested and reliable, written for busy families and anyone who might be asked to cook for twenty—or two hundred—people.

Enjoy this darling puppy video

(Video available on the site showcasing Jake’s playful antics.)