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This week was a really good one. I stopped by DeLallo to catch up with some food blogger friends who were in town and spent a little time with one of my favorite people. Everyone needs someone in their life who is wildly encouraging and cheering them on — I didn’t realize how much I needed that this week.
Next week is packed: lots of photo shoots and a bunch of fun projects. I’m also teaching a cooking class on Thursday night at Crate if you’re local — margaritas included.
On Monday I shared my step-by-step method for making whipped coconut cream over on the Pioneer Woman. Try it, then top everything with it.
Other highlights from around the web:
- Heidi hit a home run with her bacon beer cheese dip — absolutely irresistible.
- There’s a clear, helpful post about the five basic steps of meal planning that makes the process feel doable. Even better, a companion piece outlines creative meal templates to simplify planning and keep dinner interesting.
- Disney princesses reimagined as hot dogs — yes, really, and it’s as delightful as it sounds.
- I’m eager to try the healthy caramel fudge apple slices — a perfect fall treat.
Sweet and savory things I’m bookmarking:
- Mini bourbon pumpkin praline cheesecakes — how are these not already in my kitchen?
- DIY candied apple macarons — utterly adorable; I’ll admire them from afar until I can patiently taste one.
- Chicken piccata — simple and bright, this is definitely going on this week’s menu.
- An open-faced apple pie that looks like a work of art.
- BLT fried rice — selfishly adding this for myself only; no sharing allowed.
- One-bowl banana nut bread with perfect slices every time.
Seasonal inspiration and indulgences:
- Kelly’s Halloween costume ideas are wildly creative — she’s inspiring me to dress up even though I’m usually not into it.
- Bootcamp sounds ideal, but I’ll start with something sweeter: chocolate hazelnut rolls made with quick puff pastry. I used to avoid Nutella, and now I’m obsessed — go figure.
- A simple cauliflower soup with frizzled leeks and capers is a great way to use up cauliflower, and the crispy leeks are everything.
- Chocolate-and-sprinkle marbled bundt cake — the name alone makes my mouth water.
There’s plenty here to try over the coming weeks: from comforting soups and weeknight mains to playful desserts and party-worthy bites. I’m excited to experiment in the kitchen and share what sticks.