Friday Favorites
Roasted pumpkin seeds, listening to Ina and Thanksgiving finds!
Here’s a *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 gratitude for the week.
What I’m Cooking
Roasted pumpkin seeds on repeat! And my favorite chili! It's a must-have on Halloween in our house. I'm emailing a step-by-step chili recipe post tomorrow with substitutions and cooking tips. I'll make it available for everyone, so check back and add it to your menu for Sunday night or next week.
What I’m Listening To
I'm listening to Ina's memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, on Audible. I don't typically prefer audiobooks, but there’s nothing like listening to Ina in my ear! I smile on my walks alone and probably look like a deranged middle-aged mom (which I definitely am), but I feel like Ina is telling me a private story in her calm, serene voice that is so soothing. I can’t recommend it more.
It’s Time to Take Inventory
How is it November 1? I have my favorite Thanksgiving items saved in my Amazon Shop. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, now is the time to take inventory of what you have and what you need. I also highly recommend you map out your menu, plan your table setting and purchase any wine and beverages for T-day. You will thank your future self for a job well done. I always love a dry sparkling or cremant to kick off Thanksgiving, and it actually pairs really well with turkey and the mix of typical Thanksgiving flavors. Plus, the bubbles are refreshing. Schramsberg is a classic domestic sparkling wine made in champagne style in St. Helena, California, and is available at most wine stores. Other whites that will work well for Thanksgiving: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinto Gris, a crisp Sancerre, a dry Gruner or whatever you like to drink! For reds, I typically look for light-bodied varietals (because that’s what I like). Look for Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Syrah or a red Zinfandel. But again, my motto is to drink what you like.
Feeling Grateful
Last Saturday, I splurged on tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans to celebrate my oldest daughter's 21st birthday, and I keep looking at the videos and photos of my girls dancing and singing along. It was an early celebration since her actual birthday is later this month, but the fact that she wanted to be with me and her younger sister for this experience melted me and helped me pull the trigger on the outrageous tickets. I used Amex points for our room at Windsor Court, a flight credit to get us there and then handed over all my money to StubHub. It was worth every penny. We had a late dinner at Saba our first night and walked around uptown the next day, finishing with po-boys and red beans and rice from Mother's. The energy in Nola was joyful and contagious. I had a moment where I thought to myself, “this is why I work so hard.” Being able to spoil my daughters a little and have this shared memory together was worth all the back pain from events, cooking classes the endless hustle.
Love your win this week! It is wonderful. Good mamma!