Currently Crushing On: How to Tell If You’re Falling for Someone

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Happy Saturday! This week on the blog I shared summer shiitake tacos with cilantro ranch, smoked turkey & provolone summer sliders, a collection of Father’s Day recipes, and a new Summer Fridays post. I also published a roundup of gift ideas for Father’s Day and my May favorites, plus a recap of everything I read … Read more

Award-Winning Chocolate Recipes & Tips

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Wowza. I must tell you that when I left the giveaway entry option open for any comment, I never expected so many heartfelt responses. Reading your words moved me—I’m still a little teary from some of the messages. Thank you all for your kindness and support; you truly are amazing, and I wish I had … Read more

Hearty Quinoa Breakfast Skillet with Veggies and Eggs

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Hello hello.

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Yes, quinoa for breakfast again. It might not scream “sleepover,” but trust me—this meal fits right into one. I loved sleepovers as a kid.

Well, sort of. I only truly loved them when my best friend from across the street was there. If the sleepover was too far from home I’d get anxious and want to come back. Not much has changed.

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We had the best sleepovers—usually on Saturday nights after watching SNICK. Please tell me you remember SNICK. During that time we would inhale an entire bag of cheddar Chex Mix like it was our signature snack. Most sleepovers happened in the living room with sleeping bags, pillow forts and stacks of blankets. One time we insisted on sleeping outside and ended up in a tent with her dad on a cot on the patio.

That about sums up my camping experience. Woods, outhouses and bugs have never been my thing.

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The morning after, we sometimes made videos—like rating our favorite Bath & Body Works scents back when there were only a handful of options. Country apple and cucumber melon ruled the day. We also talked about 90210 incessantly.

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Sleepovers were the bane of my mom’s existence—maybe because she had three kids to manage, but mostly because a sleepover meant staying up as late as possible and then being absolute brats for days from exhaustion. There was nothing like staying up late with a friend on a summer night, weekend or snow day—those were the best.

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Honestly, my sleepovers from twenty years ago would look a lot like the ones I have now. SNICK might be replaced by a Nicholas Sparks marathon, cheddar Chex Mix might be paired with wine, and yes—I’d still talk 90210 and Bath & Body Works scents. The main difference is that I’d serve a trendy grain (seed? whatever) with vegetables cooked in bacon grease because that’s the only way I’ll eat them, and top everything with a runny, dippy egg.

That actually sounds pretty fun. What time can you be here?

Quinoa Breakfast Skillet I howsweeteats.com

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Cheesy Basil Meatball Subs Recipe — Savory Italian Sandwiches

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These turkey meatball subs are a weeknight dream: basil turkey meatballs baked in marinara with fresh mozzarella, piled into toasted sub rolls and finished with lots of fresh basil. Hi — I’m back with more meatballs. We’re a little obsessed with meatballs around here. I could make a new variation every week and never get … Read more

Cacio e Pepe Pie: Creamy Italian Cheese and Pepper Tart

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Calling all cheese lovers! You need a cacio e pepe pie in your life. Yes — a cacio e pepe PIE. A savory pie made from pasta and cheese that’s golden, bubbly and utterly satisfying. This could easily become the only pie I want to eat. Promise me: before summer gets too hot to even … Read more

Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese & Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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Hello, beautiful grapes. “Luscious” may be an overused word, but it’s the closest I can get to describing these grapes. Roasted, sweet, slightly jammy—there’s something addictively comforting about them. I first learned about roasting grapes from a recipe for roasted grape and blue cheese crostini. I assumed I liked grapes as they are—bouncy and juicy—but … Read more

What Happened in 2020: Key Events and Lasting Impact

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Ugh, 2020. It was nothing like we expected. Even now, parts of it still feel unreal. I’m not sorry to see the year end, but it left a mark that’s hard to shake. The bright side was the unexpected hours I got to spend with my little loves. It sounds clichéd, but life truly slowed … Read more

Tuscan Tomato, White Bean & Kale Soup Recipe

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This Tuscan tomato bread soup is so comforting it might make you tear up. Yes—I’m putting bread in your soup. Trust me. Just when I thought I couldn’t love tomato soup any more, this version changed everything. This tomato bread soup is the coziest bowl I’ve had in a long time. It’s hearty, packed with … Read more

Summer Fridays Vol. 4: New Music & Summer Vibes

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This is the biggest summer Friday of the year — the one right before the 4th of July. What are you planning to enjoy this weekend? EATING My go-to is my smash burgers. I’ll also make the grilled broccoli crunch salad — it’s amazing — and a classic panzanella salad. These dishes are fresh, simple, … Read more

Shaved Egg and Avocado Toast Recipe for Brunch and Breakfast

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I know this is exactly what you need. Here’s another avocado toast idea — specifically an egg-and-avocado toast that’s simple but elevated. Avocado toast doesn’t need a recipe, yet small twists can turn it from everyday to memorable. This version stuck with me after trying a similar toast at The Press Hotel during a trip … Read more