Friday Favorites
Meyer lemon cranberry sauce, new podcasts, homemade vanilla extract for holiday gifting and in the honey flow.
We made it to Friday! I can’t wait to share this week’s scoop. This is a *very quick* glimpse of my week that goes out to all subscribers. I’ll include a fan-favorite recipe we made in a cooking class, something I’m watching, reading, or listening to, a recent find and a “win for the week.
What I’m Cooking
This week, I've been retesting some recipes I plan to share during the holidays. One of those recipes that you can make now and freeze for Thanksgiving is my Meyer Lemon Cranberry Sauce. Leave a little room at the top of the container because it will expand as it freezes. Make a double batch so you have enough for Cranberry Margaritas the day after Thanksgiving. Perfect for watching the A&M–UT game! (Gig ‘em!)
What I’m Reading
I’ve discovered a new podcast for my morning walks. Check out My So-Called Midlife if you’re in this same stage of life. I still frequently go to Mel Robbins’ podcast to see what she’s talking about, Work Life with Adam Grant or How I Built This.
What I’m Gifting
Holiday gifts are starting to occupy my thoughts. I like to send honey and homemade gifts to family. If you want an easy homemade gift project, grab these containers, vanilla beans and some vodka and make homemade vanilla extract. It will have time to get going before you need to gift it. Here's the recipe to make it:
This Week’s Win
I filled five gallons worth of honey with the help of my husband and son. We have bee hives at our farm, where I teach occasional cooking classes and twice-yearly retreats. Watching the honey flow from the honey gate into jars is somewhat meditative, and it lulls me into a bit of a trance. But it’s also fulfilling to see all those filled jars!
Thanksgiving Cooking Class!
I have occasional cooking classes for my paid Substack subscribers (both monthly and yearly peops). First up, Smarty Pants Thanksgiving Cooking Class (gobble gobble!) on Zoom. Get my favorite Thanksgiving recipes, my family’s menu, organization tips, and time with yours truly. All paid subscribers will be invited and receive the recipes and Zoom link. Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 14, at 4 p.m. CST. Are you a member of my online cooking school? Hold tight because you’ll be invited to this as a bonus class for November!
Order my award-winning cookbook, Dinner is Done! Books shipped from my site in November and December will be inscribed and signed. It includes over 100 weeknight and family-friendly recipes with beautiful photography for every recipe, including chapters on meatless mains, fish and sauces, appetizers and snacks, cocktails, desserts and more.
