Happy Saturday! Welcome to this week’s roundup of recipes, guides, and things I’m loving right now. If you’re planning for the holidays or just want fresh dinner ideas, there’s plenty here to inspire your next meals.
On the blog I published my exact Thanksgiving timeline so you can follow a practical schedule for preparing the big meal. I also put together a comprehensive Thanksgiving recipe guide featuring every dish you might need for the holiday. Plus, I shared two new recipes this week: ranch lovers’ chicken fingers and a French onion galette—both easy to make and crowd-pleasers.
Gift guide season is underway. I compiled several curated lists to make holiday shopping easier: a gift guide for babies and kids, a gift guide for her, a selection of stocking stuffers under $25, a roundup of my favorite kitchen items, and a beauty gift guide. These guides were chosen with practicality and thoughtful gifting in mind, so you’ll find options for friends, family, and anyone who loves cooking or self-care.
Every week I share a new menu with meals to make your week simpler, along with a peek into our life that shows what a typical week looks like. If you enjoy cooking along, consider joining our cookbook club challenge—it’s running through the end of the year and ends with prizes. All you need is a copy of the book to participate. Members share their results and photos, and it’s been wonderful seeing everyone’s creations on Instagram and in the club.
If you’re not already part of the community, joining lets you take part in the challenges, giveaways, and conversation around weekly cooking. It’s a friendly place to swap tips, troubleshoot recipes, and find motivation to cook more at home.
xoxoxo
WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK
Here are the recipes, ideas, and small delights that caught my eye this week. These picks are great for baking, cozy dinners, holiday sides, and last-minute additions to any menu.
- Brownie batter cheesecake bars — rich, fudgy, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Chicken pozole verde — a comforting, flavorful soup that’s ideal for chilly nights.
- Cardamom cake — aromatic and elegant, great for afternoon tea or dessert.
- Christmas tree charcuterie — a festive, visually delightful way to present a cheese board.
- Pecan pie upside-down cake — brings pie flavor in a moist, single-layer cake.
- Roasted garlic herb pull-apart bread — warm, buttery, and irresistible as a side or snack.
- Quick buffalo chicken nachos — perfect for game day or a casual gathering.
- Sour cream coffee cake — tender and slightly tangy, a comforting brunch option.
- Homemade cranberry sauce — bright, tart, and far better than canned.
- Spiced pumpkin banana bread — a seasonal twist that balances spice and sweetness.
- Broccoli casserole — classic, creamy, and a great make-ahead side.
- Cranberry apple salad — crisp, refreshing, and an excellent complement to turkey.
- Creamy stovetop mac and cheese — quick to prepare and decadently cheesy.
Each of these dishes brings something different to the table—whether you need a showstopping dessert, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a festive side dish. They’re reliable, delicious, and often simple enough to fit into a busy schedule.
If you try any of the recipes or use the gift guides, I’d love to hear what you think. Share your photos and feedback with the community or keep them for yourself as a little holiday inspiration. Enjoy cooking, and have a wonderful weekend filled with good food and cozy moments.