Friday Favorites

Paris and a random assortment of books and bits

Welcome to Friday Favorites! This quick glimpse of my week goes out to all subscribers. I include a fan-favorite recipe, something I’m watching, reading, or listening to, a recent find, and a win for the week.

What I’m Cooking

I haven't been cooking this week because I'm hiding out in Paris, bundled up against the cold but loving every second. I've been eating very well (too well?) and tonight I head to Oobatz for pizza and Folderol for wine and ice cream. I can't wait to update my Paris Recap post with new gems from my travels. I also checked out a few new hotels I'll add to my list with notes. If you need a recipe to make over the weekend, I suggest one of these delicious and simple fish recipes. The parchment paper fish works with whatever looks most fresh, but I love it with either salmon or halibut. You can put an instant-read meat thermometer through the parchment into the middle of the fish; it will read 145 degrees when it’s finished. Fish is a quick-cooking protein, usually it just takes 10-15 minutes to cook at 400 degrees. A meat thermometer is your secret weapon to make sure it comes out perfectly.

You can find all the SITK recipes I’ve shared on Substack in my Recipe Index.

What I’m Reading

I just started reading Sandwich, about a woman in her 50s sandwiched between her young adult children and 80-something parents. It's been on my list for a while now, and so far, it's SO good. I loved one line at the beginning of the book about how her husband hears between 20 to 65 percent of what she says. I definitely identify!

What I’m Coveting

Besides the linen kitchen towels I stocked up on at Merci, I grabbed more of my favorite room spray. It's called "The Surf Shop in San Diego" by Lola James Harper, and it smells heavenly. They make a variety of different room sprays and candles, all with whimsical and creative names.

What I’m Grateful For

I'm grateful for this time away with my husband and hope 2025 settles down on the news front. I hope you're all doing ok out there, I'm thinking about all of you in the Los Angeles area and know you have a very long road to recovery. Take care of yourselves and know that even when the news cycle moves on, as it does, you are not forgotten. If there are fire recovery fundraisers or wish lists I can help promote, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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GIFT CARD

Looking for a birthday or “just because” gift for your best friend, mom, sister, or aunt Sally? I have the perfect idea! You can gift a subscription to my Substack! The annual subscription can start whenever you want!

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Order my award-winning cookbook, Dinner is Done! It includes over 100 weeknight and family-friendly recipes, including chapters on meatless mains, fish and sauces, appetizers and snacks, cocktails, desserts and more.