my travel beauty essentials

MY LITTLE family travels A LOT. Sometimes near, sometimes far; on the road or by plane; in a five-star hotel by the beach or a 4-man tent by the bank of a river, we like to switch it up and do it all. We are always trekking up a highway to somewhere, skiing most weekends in the winter and camping or rafting in the summer. Depending on the nature of our destination, sometimes I have to pack light + minimalist and sometimes I can drag ALLLL the stuff I ‘need.’ And my Boy Scout nature has me wanting to be prepared for all of it. I’m always on the lookout for the perfect solution [aka. The Right Tool for the Job], especially for travel, and I’ve found a bunch of them when it comes to my toiletry kit. All of them are TSA-friendly, field-tested and loved.

I’VE ALSO included some travel-sized versions of products I love. I try not to buy a bunch of minis that end up wasted when there’s only a little left at the end of an adventure, but these are all things that I use at home anyway, so they’ll be used up even if there’s a gap in our trips. And many of them come in reusable packaging, so you can just fill them back up when they run out. Of course, all of these lovely things also make awesome gifts for your wanderlusts, business travelers or grads setting out on a big adventure. Let me know your favorites, too, I’m always refining my ‘system.’ GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Travel Beauty Essentials

~~ I loathe using those crunchy over-bleached washcloths on my face, so I started bringing my own. Geometry’s Waffle Washcloths and Luxe Washcloths are super compact, soft and dry fast. Plus they’re pretty. I have and love both. Use my links for 15% off your purchase at Geometry.~~

~~ Cadence Capsules have solved every issue I’ve ever had with crappy travel containers. They’re leakproof, easy to clean, perfectly sized and pack well. I use them for cosmetics, supplements, jewelry + meds and they’re absolutely perfect. ~~

~~ This Travalo Atomizer is a total game-changer. I use one for perfume and one for facial mist. It’s easy to fill, leak-proof, TSA-friendly and comes in lots of colors so you can tell what’s what. ~~

~~ When we’re camping and have no access to water to clean my face [and dusty feet], I rely on Micellar Facial Towlelettes to get all the grit off. ~~

~~ There’s ALWAYS space for Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezers and I ALWAYS have a need for them. ~~

~~ You just have to have a nail file handy in case of jagged nail emergencies and I love the graduated grit of these Tweezerman Filemates. My favorite part is the little plastic carrying case it comes with so you don’t scratch up anything in your bag. ~~

~~ These Port + Polish Pill Cases are perfect for travel. I have one for my morning supplements and a separate one for the nighttime set. They don’t hold a ton, so if you’re carrying a lot of big pills, it might not be the best solution, but for a few medium to smalls, it’s perfect. ~~

~~ Sometimes you just need a little extra help to see those random hairs and this Tweezerman 10X Lighted Mirror is great. It’s fairly compact, but not tiny, lights up and has little suction cups on back to attach to a wall or mirror for hands-free hair hunting. ~~

~~ I have several of these little metal Pill Capsule Pill Holders for ibuprofen on-the-go. They’re the perfect wee size to stash in a pocket or hip pack when you’re not bringing your whole bag along. I gave one to my migraine-prone teen for his ski jacket so he’s never stranded without meds. ~~

~~ I prefer this Manicurist Complete Cuticle Serum for travel because it’s not oily or greasy, so you can put it on anytime you need a little hydration [like a long flight] without worrying about the mess. ~~

~~ You guys know how much I LOVE my Stasher Bags for a zillion things, especially travel. But did you know that the Stand-Up Mid is THE perfect size for carry-on toiletries? Plus you can just wipe it out if anything leaks. Learn more about why I love them and my other favorite uses here. ~~

~~ I love this Topo Designs Dopp Kit for its roominess and triangular shape, which keeps it from rolling away. ~~

~~ This Tobiq Toiletry Bag is an organized traveler’s dream, it has a zillion slots and pockets to keep everything together. Plus it’s made by a fellow CO mom. Love mine. ~~

~~ Aloha Dopp Kits are perfect for just dumping a bunch of stuff inside the big open space. They’re ‘splash-proof,’ durable and super cute, too. ~~

Travel-Sized Clean Beauty

~~ Tata Harper’s 5 Minute Facial for Megawatt Glow includes minis of two of my very favorite products for gentle exfoliation, making it perfect for taking to dry climes ~~

~~ The Lolavie Restore and Protect Travel Kit comes with the 4 staples. It’s perfect and ready to go wherever you’re headed. ~~

~~ Bathing Culture Body Wash is my fav and the li’l aluminum bottle is perfect for refilling ~~

~~ Zizia All Balm will keep your dry hands, elbows, knees, lips and any other part hydrated on the plane or in dry destinations ~~

~~ My favorite Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste in a mini size perfect for TSA ~~

~~ The 15 ml pot of GOOPGLOW Microderm Exfoliator is just the perfect size to toss into your travel bag ~~

~~ 100% Pure Bright Eyes Masks come individually packaged, so they take up zero space in your kit ~~

~~ Take this little Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF 31 anywhere you’re going to stay protected ~~

~~ I’d never go anywhere without my Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Lip Mask and fortunately, it’s already perfectly sized for travel ~~

~~ This li’l travel-sized Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara takes up no space at all and will have you ready for anything ~~

MORE IN… clean beauty + wellness

things i love: stasher bags

I LOVE MY Stasher Bags for sooo many reasons besides 'just' lunch, they're awesome for organizing all kinds of things at home and on-the-go. They're earth-friendly, super pretty and make perfect gifts for teachers, teens, moms, minimalists, neighbors, yoga teachers and just about everyone else. So while I do use them for lunch on a daily basis, I rely on them for SO much more. Now you can stay super organized, too. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

STASHERS ARE endlessly useful reusable bags made from super durable food-grade platinum silicone, so there are no nasty chemicals to leach into your food. They’re super easy to clean [you can even dump them in the dishwasher] and come in a bunch super useful sizes. Plus they’re pretty and come in so many fun colors, making it easy to keep track of stuff. I couldn’t count how many plastic bags I’ve saved by using my Stashers instead [but the company can and it’s 5.5 BILLION so far]. And they’re so crazy durable, I’ve never had a single one damaged, stained or extra stinky [and you can totally recycle them if they do eventually get that way].

MY FAVORITE USES FOR STASHER BAGS BESIDES ‘JUST’ LUNCH…

SCHOOL: Ok, yes, I totally love them for school. I use a few Snack Bags each day in both boys’ lunches [sometimes a Sandwich Bag too]. They are sooo easy to clean and I feel great about not wasting a bunch of plastic bags. You can also use them for things that live in their backpacks all of the time like hand sanitizer, lip balm, braces wax or mints and they’ll be totally protected no matter what else is floating around in there [nope, don’t wanna know].

SUPPLEMENTS: I drag a Stand-Up Mini or Sandwich Stasher full of my morning necessities everywhere we travel. It’s a little ‘breakfast kit’ with my first-thing supplements + vitamins, tea bags and a few other things that I need to start my day right. Whether we wake up on the bank of a river or in a lux hotel, I just grab my little kit and I’m ready for brekkie.

ICE PACK: My son crashed his mountain bike on a trip a while back and I used a trusty Sandwich Bag as an ice pack to nurse his jacked-up knee. It doesn’t leak AT ALL as the ice melts and I just stuck it back into the freezer when he was done to re-freeze for the next session. Stasher to the rescue.

TOILETRIES: The Stand-Up Mid is THE perfect size, shape and volume for carry-on travel. It has a really nice wide opening and the gusseted bottom makes it super spacious for ALL the stuff. I use a Sandwich for my youngest because he basically just has a toothbrush and then I make him the designated mule for the meds we drag along when we travel by air.

L’IL COOLER: The Stand-Up Mid or Mega are perfect as mini coolers for keeping snacks, lunch or even just a cold drink nice and cool. Stashers aren’t insulated, so you can’t drag your makeshift cooler around for a long time if it’s hot, but it’s perfect for bringing to work or the pool or even to the trailhead so you can dream about that cold iced tea at the finish [um, yes, I have def done that]. Pop an ice pack in there and you’re set. You can also use it as an 'ice bucket’ for drinks while you’re entertaining.

BIG OL’ SNACK BAG: I use a Stand-Up Mega or 8-Cup Bowl for ALL the packaged snacks when we travel. I fill it up with bars, meat sticks, trail mix packs, fruit strips and anything else we might need to fuel up on-the-go. When we’re ready to gear up for skiing, hiking or biking, everyone just grabs what they need to jam in their pocket or pack and off we go. Being able to easily see what’s inside is huge. I also use Snack, Sandwich or smaller size Bowls for individual snacks on-the-go, like loose trail mix, fruit + veg, dry cereal, crackers, pretzels, etc. I love that the Bowls stand up on their own and open really wide, so they’re super easy to get into.

TRASH BAG: I mean, you always end up with empty wrappers, snotty tissues, dirty bandaids, orange peels + apple cores while you’re on the trail, in the car or at the beach. Just stuff it all into an empty Stasher and chuck it when you get to a trashcan. The bags can go right into the dishwasher, so don’t be shy.

FOOD PREP + STORAGE: Apparently you can cook ramen and pop popcorn in a Stasher, but I haven’t tried it yet. I DO know that they’re awesome for keeping veggies fresh, especially when we’re camping or traveling. I cut up carrots, wrap them in a damp paper towel and stuff them into a Sandwich or Half Gallon Bag.They’re all ready to eat and stay super fresh for days [no weird dry carrots here]. Same with greens, like Romaine, which I do even when I’m home.

DOG WATER: Stasher Bowls are perfect for doggie water on the go. Whether you bring an empty just for them or repurpose one when your snacks are devoured, the wide opening is perfect for hydrating your pup in a pinch. Then toss it in the dishwasher to get all that gooey slobber off.

RESTAURANT + TRAVEL TOYS: Throw a bunch of loose Plus Plus, Pix Brix or Legos into a Stasher and you’re ready for anything. Choose a size that’s manageable for you to carry around and that provides enough pieces to allow for creative play. You’ll always have instant entertainment on hand at restaurants, appointments or anywhere else you need to keep kids busy for a bit. Check out The Best Restaurant Toys for my other favorite toys to stuff in.

GIFTS, OF COURSE: I love gifting Stashers to teachers [or kiddos] for Back to School or any old time of the year. Seriously EVERYONE can use a Stasher [or like 40] so even if they already have one, you can’t go wrong. Stuff a few fun snacks, treats, mints or a fancy lip balm inside and you have an awesome little gift for just about anyone.

MORE IN… travel + adventure

super hero muffins

I LOVE TO bake, but I don’t always want the sweet tempting fruits of my labor starting me down on the kitchen counter. If I’m honest, will power is NOT my strongest suit [or even my 42nd strongest]. So I was thrilled when my friend Lisa at Joyful Balance introduced me to these Super Hero Muffins. They’re from the cookbook Rise & Run: Recipes, Rituals and Runs to Fuel Your Day and they may not be the prettiest, but they are SUPER delicious. They’re packed with protein, fiber and other good stuff to keep you nourished, perfect for a grab + go breakfast or after a workout. There are a bunch of different savory and sweet iterations of the recipe in the book and even this one has lots of room for modification to include the things you love - this is the version that I like, but you can swap out any nuts, seeds or fruit that you like. They’re a hit everywhere I bring them and a really nice alternative to sweet treats when you want to spoil someone who may not appreciate the temptation of a sugary snack. They’re GF and refined sugar-free, too. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 cup rolled oats or quinoa flakes if GF [I’ve used both and they’re both perfect]

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds [can swap with chopped walnuts or other nuts you like]

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips [can swap with raisins or chopped dates]

• 3 eggs beaten

• 1 cup grated zucchini [about 1 whole zucchini unless it’s massive]

• 1 cup grated carrots [around 2 carrots]

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted [or dairy-free alternative]

• 1/2 cup real maple syrup

• 1 tps vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat the oven to 350

• Line a muffin tin with muffin cups

• In a large bowl combine the almond flour, oats or quinoa flakes, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, almonds and chocolate chips

• In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, zucchini, carrots, butter, maple syrup and vanilla

• Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined, the batter will be thick

• Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each to the brim

• Bake until the muffins are nicely browned on top, around 25-35 minutes

• Gobble them all up, share with a friend or freeze some for a busy day

MORE IN… recipes

gifts for cozy nights in

I’VE ALWAYS been a bit of a homebody. I love to go traveling and adventuring, but then I’m always so happy to be home. I love a night out with friends as long as we’re home by like 9 pm. The older I get, the more I value that cozy time at home just chilling in my sweats, snuggling with my boys [especially in the colder months]. Maybe it’s because I know those nights in with my growing guys will become fewer and farther between and I want to savor each one. Or maybe it’s just because I’m really a true homebody at heart. In any case, if you love someone who loves to be cozy at home, too, I’ve rounded up a snuggly collection of things for both adults + kiddos that are perfect for a Cozy Night In. Whether it’s movie night with the kids or a date night with your sweetheart or an evening to yourself, there are ideas for keeping it super chill in your own home. For more cozy gift ideas, check out the Gift Guide to Blankets, too. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Gifts for Cozy Nights In

~~ Sunday Citizen has soooft + cozy Robes and Loungewear for max cuddliness ~~

~~ It doesn’t get much cozier than s’mores at home with a Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit and it comes in 6 pretty colors ~~

~~ That glass of wine will just taste better [ok, at least look better] in a stunning Estelle Hand-Blown Colored Wine Glass ~~

~~ Bombas Gripper Slippers are perfectly comfy, cozy, compact and machine washable ~~

~~ The Tea Spot’s Good Night, Sleep Tight: Sip Well Gift Set is the perfect calming wind-down ~~

~~ Prima’s Arousal Bath Gem is a functional bath soak with aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood ~~

~~ Detoxify your skin while you chill with Mukti’s Deep Cleanse Enzyme Mask for a clear, bright glow ~~

~~ Help your pup feel extra cozy, too, with a super soft West Paw Big Sky Nap Mat ~~

~~ Anthropologie’s Sophie Throw is our favorite insanely soft + snuggly blanket for movie night ~~

~~ Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks combines two favorites into one to help create a serious vibe for your evening ~~

~~ This little 1 QT Dansk Kobenstyle Saucepan is the perfect size for making hot chocolate for two and it comes in 7 perfect colors [LOVE mine] ~~

~~ Eberjey has you covered with PJs for the whole family in a huge range of comfy, cozy, soft fabrics, styles for everyone’s taste and cute prints, too [or solids] ~~

~~ They say lighting a candle has therapeutic benefits, especially if the fragrance transports you somewhere dreamy, so light a gorgeous Brooklyn Candle Studio Escapist Candle [love Maui and Santa Fe], take a big deep breath and feel yourself calm ~~

~~ Sunday Citizen’s Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket takes the benefit of a weighted blanket to another level by adding thousands of bits of energetic amethyst, clear quartz and rose quartz crystals ~~

~~ Bathorium has an awesome selection of soaks, bombs, bubbles and milks for bath time depending on what your body [and soul] needs ~~

~~ Learn how to take cozy to the next level with The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well ~~

~~ You already know how much I LOVE Le Bon Shoppe’s Cloud Socks, but they also make a massive selection of other cute + cozy socks like these chunky Cottage Socks ~~

~~ There’s something super calming and meditative about coloring and I love Millie Marotta's Coloring Books along with some pretty pens ~~

~~ If your dream ‘night in’ involves a pint of your favorite ice cream [no judgment here], you ‘need’ a handmade Ice Cream Pint Cozy to keep your hands toasty warm ~~

Kiddo Gifts for Cozy Nights In

~~ Merge hype and cuddles with an adorable, soft Game Controller Pillow perfect for snuggling ~~

~~ Barefoot Dreams is designed for maximum luxurious cuddliness and style for your movie night [they also have really special collabs with Disney, the MLB, Star Wars and Barbie]. ~~

~~ My younger son LOVES his Pudus Fuzzy Slipper Socks, they’re crazy soft + cozy [they have them for adults, too] ~~

~~ Hot chocolate will taste extra sweet in a super special Custom Mug with their own name ~~

~~ It doesn’t get much more cozy than a warm bath and Dabble & Dollop's bubbles + bath bombs make it extra fun, too ~~

~~ Everyone can customize their favorite movie or game night snack with W&P’s Personal Popper ~~

~~ Outfoxed has been a family favorite cooperative game for years, it’s super cute and fun for lots of ages ~~

~~ My boys LIVED in Hanna Andersson Long John Pajamas, they’re the cutest, softest and most fun jammies for kids of all ages [plus adults and doggies, too] ~~

~~ Mudpuppy has a huge selection of unique and cool Puzzles for every age and stage ~~

~~ These Ten Little Cozy Slippers will keep kiddos toasty and happy all evening long ~~

MORE IN… home + entertaining

new year, new cookbooks

THE NEW YEAR sparks the craziest nesting instinct in me. I’m like a third trimester pregnant woman with an incurable NEED to go through every drawer and cabinet, purging stuff we don’t use and stocking up on [maybe hoarding] stuff we actually do. Do you feel it, too? I want to do the whole house top to bottom, but the urge is for sure centered most fiercely on the kitchen. I guess it’s probs a sort of primal exercise that prepares me for the next 365 days of cooking for my family + friends. And I really love the process. I do stuff like…

+ Go through the condiments in the fridge and toss whatever is past its prime
+ Deep clean the fridge and freezer. I was actually bleeding today from some unknown altercation with my freezer drawer.
+ Replace the packets in the Bluapples
+ Check the water filter
+ Wipe down the insides of cabinets and drawers, donating anything inside them that doesn’t ‘spark joy’
+ Replace dish and bottle brushes
+ Replace the filter on the Bamboozle Bamboo Composter on my kitchen counter

AND AS part of this process, each January I treat myself to a few new cookbooks for inspiration. I like to think of it as a little ‘kitchen self-care’ ritual since I probs spend about 70% of my waking hours either cooking, thinking about cooking or shopping for cooking [even as I type, I’m also prepping this gorgeous looking soup]. I love thumbing through the pages of an actual book, drooling over the stunning food photography. Cookbooks kind of combine a bunch of my passions in one perfect little package and I really love them.

NOW, IF I’ve just made it sound like my house has its own Michelin star, let me backtrack a bit and put that idea right to bed. I am not a really fantastic chef. I AM super passionate about food and cooking and health and entertaining, but a part of the reason I need so much ‘inspiration’ is also to steel myself a bit for a year of cooking for both my own squeaky digestive system and a son with a not-so-fun combination of food intolerances and super duper ‘particular’ eating. His ‘happy’ foods don’t align well with his ‘healthy’ foods and I’m not gonna lie, preparing dinner for our family is often either an exercise in crowd-pleasing monotony or a little circus that involves making 3 different versions of whatever meal I’ve planned. So, I’m fortifying myself with ALL the tools to keep my head and HEART in the game. Preparing healthy food for my family and sitting down to dinner together is a passion and vitally important to me, so whatever it takes, I’m all in [side note, we’ve been loving this and this for conversation prompts at dinner. I’m def ordering more].

SO TODAY I’m sharing my new cookbook HAUL and a stack of some old favorites in case you’re also in need of some inspired ‘kitchen self care.’ And PLEASE please share your favorites, too. Throw your old standbys or new favorites in the comments, lovelies, so everyone can benefit from our awesome collective wisdom. Also check out my Pinterest boards where I save TONS of recipes throughout the year. If you love to cook and bake with your littles, check out my post on Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens. AND the Gift Guide for Foodies + Home Chefs and the Gift Guide for Bakers have even more beautiful inspiration for your kitchen [#giftalittlehappiness to yourself]. One night’s dinner is now down, just 364 to go. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My 2024 Cookbooks + Wishlist

+ I’ve had Evergreen Kitchen in my cart ever since I saw it at a friend’s house months ago and just finally pushed the button. It’s gorgeous, totally accessible for all kinds of eaters and there are like 23 things in there that I want to make like tomorrow. So excited. +

+ I just discovered Trejo’s Tacos and it was a total impulse buy, but I seriously doubt I’ll be disappointed. It’s part riveting memoir and part delicious recipe book and I’m super excited to dig in. It’s written by Danny Trejo and partly documents his journey from bad guy ex-con to major Hollywood actor to super successful restauranteur. And it has awesome taco and donut recipes. I’m SO IN. +

+ Milk Street Tuesday Nights is focused on getting super flavorful food on your table fast and I’m here for it. There are lots of recipes from around the world that sound amazing and like something I could actually pull off on a weeknight, which is what it’s all about over here. Right off the bat, the Nigerian Beef Suya and the Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp sound so amazingly delish and totally manageable with the right ingredients on hand. +

+ I heard chef and author, JJ Johnson, interviewed about The Simple Art of Rice a few months ago and was instantly intrigued by this book. It features recipes from around the world for dishes that all center around rice. I love rice and I love trying foods from different cultures, so this is an easy love for me. It’s on the list. +

+ I’m super intrigued by East and it’s not just because it’s so pretty I want to hang it on my wall, promise. It’s a collection of vegan and vegetarian recipes from all over Asia and it just sounds so fabulous. I’m neither vegan nor vegetarian, but I am always interested in learning how to make more plant-forward mains and this sounds like the perfect tool. +

+ My boys are both in love with ramen, so a whole book dedicated to ways to make it even more interesting and delicious sounds fantastic. Ramen has 80 recipes broken out by protein, plus a whole chapter on toppings. It sounds like a crowd pleaser for our family and a great way to mix it up. +

My 2023 Cookbooks + Wishlist

+ I love SO many of Deb Perleman’s recipes already, so I knew I ‘needed’ Smitten Kitchen Keepers, the new collection of her most tried and trues. And it does NOT disappoint. This has become a go-to for me, I love a bunch of the recipes. The Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup has become a serious staple in our house, it’s just SO so good. And the Crispy Chili Garlic Butter Shrimp are so fabulous that my younger son requested them for his birthday dinner. Highly recommend this book. +

+ The Modern Proper VERY quickly became an essential cooking tool. Every recipe I’ve made has been fantastic and they’re so accessible, even on a weeknight. A few friends have the book, too, and we text each other regularly to report on which recipes we’ve made. I’d recommend this book to anyone, whether you’re just learning your way around the kitchen or a seasoned home chef and it makes a great gift. +

+ I picked up The Forest Feast Mediterranean at a local shop for a friend after initially being super drawn to the book’s style. And then I bought another copy for myself. The author, Erin Gleeson, combines fairly simple vegetarian recipes from around the Mediterranean with her own gorgeous travel photos and original artwork to create a really unique, pretty and yummy experience. It would make a really lovely gift for anyone who would appreciate both the cuisine and the whimsical illustrations. +

+ I heard J. Kenji López-Alt interviewed about The Wok when it was launched and my mouth was watering. Part serious science lesson + part recipe book, it has the same super in-depth cooking science and technique info as The Food Lab, but applied to wok cooking and it sounds so delish. He’ll also teach you absolutely everything you need to know about how to care for your wok, how to use your ingredients and why and SO much more. Good thing I bought myself a Five Two Carbon-Steel Wok a few months ago [love it BTW]. +

+ I kept seeing 100 Cookies everywhere I went and then a friend raved about it, so I decided I needed a copy. It’s so full of recipes, some traditional and some really interesting and they’ve all been delicious so far. My boys and I just made a batch of the Brown Sugar Cookies and they are divine. +

+ Siete specializes in creative Mexican-American packaged grain-free foods that are super delicious [they’ve really nailed the tricky texture]. I love of bunch of Siete’s products, but especially their Almond Flour Tortillas. Aside from being an awesome GF option for me, they’re an objectively delicious alternative for anyone who wants a little change of pace [I really love them with some scrambled eggs + greens inside]. SO, when I saw that they wrote The Siete Table, I was instantly sold. It’s a whole gorgeous book filled with recipes to accommodate almost any dietary need and they look SO good. There are 3 enchilada recipes in there and I can’t wait to try them all. +

+ A dear friend gifted me River Cottage Veg after I mentioned that I’d like to learn how to make more vegetarian meals [I get super stumped with veg as the main]. It’s a whole book of unique, seasonal vegetarian dishes and it’s really pretty. The Ribollita is on my short list of soups to try. +

+ I’m intrigued by this new King Arthur Baking School book that not only has recipes, but also teaches the same techniques they use at their renowned school. I rely on King Arthur’s online recipes because they usually turn out well, especially when following the GF ones that include their own flour blend [which is my favorite]. And I’m always looking to learn more about cooking science and technique. +

My 2022 cookbook haul

+ Once Upon a Chef: Weeknight / Weekend appealed to me instantly because of its organization. I love that it breaks up the recipes by how much time you need to dedicate to them. There’s nothing particularly exotic in here, but all of the recipes are super approachable and look like something I’d actually make. The Red Snapper & Snow Peas in Coconut Curry Broth is right up on the top of my list. +

+ I’ve been following Teri Turner’s ‘No Crumbs Left’ account for a few years now and I love her super chill but obviously passionate attitude toward cooking and food. This book of the same name is Whole30 approved, which works well for our family’s gluten and dairy intolerances, but it’s really just delicious, healthy cooking for everyone. I can’t wait to try her Chicken Paillard and Spicy Mushroom Ragu. Yum. +

+ Ok, so I pre-orderd Après All Day months ago because I’ve been following Kelley Epstein of Mountain Mama Cooks for YEARS (she introduced me to two of my most-loved recipes here and here) and I was so excited to see that she finally published a book. And then the holidays came and things got crazy and I haven’t used it yet [confessions…]. So new, not new, whatever, I’m super excited to finally dig in. Tater Tot Nachos and French Onion Chicken Meatballs are ON the list. Maybe for Super Bowl snacks? Who’s in? +

+ Salt Fat Acid Heat is obvs not a new book, but I’ve always been curious about it and secretly love to nerd out on food science [I used to LOVE watching Alton Brown]. And I love the idea of learning how to ‘riff’ a bit more confidently. I mean, it has almost 18,000 5-star reviews, a James Beard award and its own Netflix show [which I love], so I’m thinking it *might* be worth a read. +

+ I’ve been wanting to add some more meatless meals to our rotation, but I’m not very clever about really highlighting veggies as a main dish and honestly get a little intimidated. Vegan at Times has some really approachable and fantastic looking options. And I have another of Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbooks that I’ve been using to unapologetically woo children for more than a decade. So I’m going to trust that she knows what’s up. +

+ Taste: My Life Through Food is a memoir about Stanley Tucci’s vast and varied relationship with food and has some recipes thrown in for good measure. I love cooking shows and books about food and memoirs and Stanley Tucci is awesome, so I’m *pretty sure* I’m going to love this. +

some of my favorite cookbooks

+ I use Half Baked Harvest Super Simple on rotation. I love several of the recipes in here and make them over and over again, like Lemony Halibut + Chickpeas and Jalapeño Garlic-Butter Shrimp. SO good. And all of her baking recipes that I’ve tried are seriously off the hook. I don’t have her other book, but it’s def on my list. +

+ I have been following Michelle Tam’s Nom Nom Paleo account for a few years. Several of her recipes are absolutely essential family favorites, including her Wonton Meatballs and Watercress+ Chicken Soup. She also includes a bunch of recipes with instructions for an Instant Pot in case you’re into super delicious, healthy AND crazy easy meals. So Ready or Not! is a favorite and I’ve already pre-ordered her new book, Let’s Go! +

+ Why We Cook: Women on Food, Identity and Connection is a unique book that compiles essays, interviews, quotes and a few recipes from 112 women ‘in food’ across a wide range of backgrounds. It recalls food memories, celebrates cooking and community and has really pretty illustrations. It’s just cool perspective and a lovely celebration of women’s unique connection to food and cooking. +

+ It’s All Good is a kind-of-oldie but so goodie. I LOVE her Thai Style Chicken Burgers, they’re so flavorful and delicious. My sister makes the Japanese Chicken Meatballs on repeat. It’s a great, fresh, light book for anyone, but especially if you have intolerances or are experimenting with any kind of elimination diet. +

+ Full confession, I bought Cravings: Hungry for More based entirely on the recipe for Taters, Shrooms & Peas with Parmesan Cream. And it was totally worth it. They’re SO GOOD and my younger son asks for them by name. But I’m also super intrigued by some of her Thai recipes and can’t wait to check them out. +

+ I’ve been tricking my kids with Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious recipes for YEARS, most notably with her veggie-filled absolutely delicious Donuts. There are lots of equally clever recipes for kiddos whether they’re happy with their veggies out in the open or need them included a bit more covertly. +

+ Jamie’s Italy is one of the first cookbooks I ever bought and I still totally love it. The Spaghetti Tetrazzini is so delish. The recipes all call for fresh, yummy ingredients and the photos are super charming. It’s very nostalgic for me, bringing me back to my newlywed days. +

+ Jamie’s Dinners is another old school Jamie Oliver that’s still totally relevant. The Scrumptious Spanish Chickpea and Chorizo Soup is SO good and hearty, especially with the crumbled hard boiled eggs. And the Tender and Crisp Chicken Legs with Sweet Tomatoes is classic and so fresh. I just love the photos. +

+ Ok, I’ll freely admit that I was initially drawn to Food Between Friends because of Jesse. I mean he’s awesome. And I love to learn about people’s secret skills. Like when you find out all the totally unexpected stuff your mom friends did before kids. But, this is a legit cookbook. I haven’t made anything from it yet, but there is a lot to get excited about like Ratatouille, Seafood Gumbo and some Braised Chicken Thighs with Vidalia Onions & Cabbage that look incredible. Plus it’s funny, so I’m sold. +

+ The Clean Plate is another book filled with super light, fresh and healthy recipes for anyone and also includes a few cleanses [which I haven’t tried]. The Peruvian Chicken Cauli Rice Soup is a fan favorite, it’s just so bright and fresh. And the Za’atar Chicken Bowl is so flavorful and satisfying. +

+ Milk Bar: Kids Only is just straight up fun. Christina Tosi has made an empire based on creating fantastic and fun desserts from nostalgic childhood favorite treats put together in a totally new way and it’s awesome. +

+ I had to throw Dessert Boards in there because I’m kind of obsessed with these amazing char’treat’erie boards I’ve been seeing. They’re just so fun and I can’t wait to wow some kiddos at our next gathering. Of course you can just throw a bunch of yummy stuff on a plate, but this book has some fun ideas and inspiration to guide you through making a really fantastic presentation. +

Cookbooks My Aunt Laurie Loves

MY AUNT Laurie is a passionate and excellent home cook. I asked her for some cookbook suggestions for ‘normal’ people who are cooking on a weeknight and these are some of her very favorites. She loves Ina, too.

+ Simply Julia: 40 Easy Recipes for Healthy Comfort Food by Julia Turshen +

+ Cook What You Have: Make a Meal Out of Almost Anything by Christopher Kimball +

+ I Dream of Dinner by Ali Slagle +

+ Milk Street Vegetables by Christopher Kimball +

+ Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession by Jess Damuck +

+ Milk Street Cookish: Throw it Together by Christopher Kimball +

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