Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Last Sunday of April, and yup, we are all still under quarantine. This has truly become our “new normal”. Six weeks ago I’m not sure I could ever have imagined that we’d still be sheltering in place. Even for someone like me, who is a hardcore homebody, this is a long time. I’m doing my best to keep busy and really take advantage of this time to share more content and connect with you guys! It keeps me going! So thankful to be able to so easily work from home. The only tricky part are the grocery runs, which we’ve limited to once a week. It’s getting harder and harder by the day. Making it work though!
Speaking of keeping things stocked, having fresh herbs and edible flowers in the fridge has been a game-changer during this time. I’ve been ordering from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals (this is not sponsored, just my tip) at least once a week. I’ve been stocking up on herbs and flowers (and even added a Saturday delivery). This might seem crazy, but having the added color and flavor from the herbs have been so helpful when creating more “pantry” focused recipes. A pop of color adds so much to a colorless bowl of orzo or a skillet dinner. If you’re feeling bored with your recipes, I would highly suggest ordering some fresh herbs. I’m always surprised by how much inspiration I get once I open up that box.
This week I’m looking forward to an exciting zoom call about a project that we are excited to be working on this year. It’s something we’ve never done before, but I’m hoping you all will love what we create. More to come! And no, it’s not a TV show…which is the number one question I get these days… “why don’t you have your own cooking show? That and “when’s the third cookbook coming?”.
Also, looking forward to more time in the kitchen with Asher. She’s been hanging out with me at the studio a lot more. She is very bored, but she’s been having fun trying some new recipes, and most importantly baking all the brownies. Her new request? Molten chocolate cakes.
Coming up this week on HBH, we have a few Mexican inspired recipes coming your way with Cinco de May being May 5th. A new, fresh homemade take on a childhood classic. And we’ll be ending the week with a simple sweet cake that’s not like any other cake I’ve shared before. And for Cocktail Saturday? My favorite cocktail I’ve created this month. It’s light and springy and so very delicious. I can’t wait to share all of these!
If you’re catching up on blog posts from the week, be sure to sign up for our daily newsletters. They’ll help you to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here, as well as fun content you’ll only get via email. And of course, if you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list).
Question: What’s one thing you guys are either cooking and or baking today? I love when you guys share your Sunday recipes with me on Instagram. I’m excited to see what you make this week!
1. things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
loving…my Staub grill pan. I love using this year-round, but especially in the spring and summer months.
obsessed…our baby goats – they are SO adorable to watch hop around!
excited to try…these candles. Have any of you tried them? Thinking of ordering a few.
wanting…to bake my Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts.
excited to watch…Making the Cut, Asher, Mom, and Dad all enjoyed this.
loving…the idea of sending a spring cookie gift box to send to friends. Anyone interested in details?
obsessed…my roses from Grace Rose Farms (pictured above). So pretty.
loved listening to…Armchair Expert with Sheryl Crow. I listen to this podcast weekly, but love this fun and honest interview so much.
2. the most popular recipes of April.
Official Most Popular: Crinkle Top Brownies
I shared this recipe back in February of 2018, so it’s not technically April 2020’s most popular recipe, but it is THE most popular recipe of the month. If you’ve not yet made these brownies, you must try them. Like today. Sunday baking anyone?
Most Popular (of April): Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers
YES. I love these chicken fingers, and for once we all agree this was one of our better recipes of the month. These are so fun, so easy, and SO GOOD. Added bonus? Your kids will love them too. They’re seasoned with homemade honey mustard, breaded in salty pretzel crumbs, oven-baked, then dipped in a spicy-hot honey sauce, followed up with a cooling ranch.
Runner Up: 25 Minute Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles
I just shared this recipe on Monday and it’s looking like it might actually end up being the most popular of April…but as of right now, it’s officially sitting in the number two spot. It’s a quick-cooking chicken, tossed in a sweet, tangy, and spicy Thai style black pepper sauce with plenty of broccoli, cashews, and basil. It’s served over saucy garlic butter rice noodles. Delicious.
Fun note about this recipe? Shay Mitchell made it on Instagram stories this past week, which was obviously very fun to see and watch. PS. and if you’re wondering, she is just as cool and kind as she comes off on her Instagram.
Also have to Mention: Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Salty Lime Avocado Crema
Everyone’s favorite Mexican recipe of the month…and probably my personal favorite. Well, maybe. I actually LOVE all these recipes and am really excited you guys do too!!
OK. Last One: Whipped Coffee White Russian
Because it’s just so fun. Have you made it yet?
And with that, what recipes do you want to see in May? Taking all requests!
3. Mother’s Day Gifts…
Mother’s Day is two weeks from today, here are some of the things I’m eyeing for my mom.
If you live in LA or the surrounding area, The Little Market partnered with Home Boy Industries. They’re delivering freshly baked goods in Los Angeles County. Perfect to send to friends or for Mother’s Day.
Ariel is offering 25% off through today on all pieces. Her jewelry makes for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Here are some of my favorite picks.
4. favorite questions of the week.
q:Tips for keeping calm in the kitchen? I am easily frustrated when I comes to cooking.
a: Remember that cooking should be fun! It’s just food, not brain surgery. If something doesn’t turn out perfect the first time, just try again another time. You learn the most from the “mistakes” and sometimes the mistakes can actually make the recipe BETTER. Honest, a lot of times my mistakes end up making a the recipe better and even more unique…unless of course I use the broiler, which really never ends well. Blackened bread anyone?
q: What’s your favorite kitchen appliance?
a: My Breville espresso maker for sure. Also love my stand mixer of course. And then my food processor. And that’s kind of it. I don’t use a ton of kitchen appliances really. Well I do use my instant pot and slow cooker often, but love my Staub skillets more and if I had to choose one item to have, it’s my skillets.
q: What food do you not like?
a: I am really not into tofu.
q: How do you feel when others use your recipe and don’t credit you? Do you want to be informed?
a: I honestly don’t pay attention, so it doesn’t bother me at all. It is really not worth the energy or time. Plus, I share recipes so that others can recreate them, if I inspired someone to make something new that is great! That’s how I like to think about it 🙂
5. newest recipe video.
Asada Mushroom Tacos with Lime Smashed Avocado…plus pineapple salsa too. Always with all the toppings and sauce too.
And on Instagram stories…
25 minute Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles…because everyone needs easy + quick + good.
Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler…everything you could ever want out of a cobbler.
20 Minute Orzo Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto and Burrata…classic creamy Italian carbonara, but updated
Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower…plus garlic yogurt sauce too.
5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake…sometimes you just need a warm, melty chocolate cake.
6. What things (normal or weird) do you do to feel better?
I know many of us are having moments and days when things are feeling hard. The uncertainty of everything is what gets me the most. When I start to think about things, it can be a lot and it can feel really overwhelming. I read this post on a Cup of Jo this week where they asked the question, What Weird Things Do You Do to Feel Better? If you have a minute read the comments on that post. Some of them are incredible.
This got me thinking about the things I do to feel better, normal or weird. I couldn’t think of anything that weird, but here are a few of the things I do when I’m feeling down and need some comfort.
- I love sitting on the floor in my kitchen up against the stove. This is truly my most comforting spot. When I’m stressed or feeling down, I’ll just go sit and work on the floor, next to the warm stove. Do I have a fireplace? Yes, I do. Do I have blankets and heaters? Of course, I live in Colorado. But for whatever reason, I love this spot. Something about being huddled on the floor, away from the world feels comforting to me. Like a “safe” place. It’s weird, but it works for me.
- Lighting candles while I work at night. This is the nightly ritual that I look forward to most
- Sending flowers to friends, family, and co-workers. I just did this last week and if you haven’t sent someone a small gift during this time, I’d highly recommend it if you’re able. It makes their day and yours too. And while you’re at it, be kind to yourself and maybe send yourself something special too 🙂
- Baking all things. Of course.
- Harry Potter Marathons…I’ve watched the series start to finish more times than I can count.
And with that, I’m opening it up to you guys: What things (normal or weird) do you do to feel better?
7. a few links i’m loving…
Your Quarantine Personality, According to Your Sign…I’m Hermione Granger and I am OK with that.
For Leanne Ford, the pandemic gave “forever home” new meaning…found a lot of value in this article.
4 celeb-mixed couch cocktails…certainly must try that dirty martini.
32 Cooking Tips So Good…they’ve Been Passed Down For Generations.
33 good habits to start…this is embarrassing, but I need to make flossing my habit.
17th century British factory is transformed into an Avant-garde home…so unique, so pretty.
14 at-home date nights to try this weekend…if you need to start switching things up.
Mother’s day might look different…but your gift can be better than ever.
23 movies and shows we’re watching while HBO Is free…what should I watch? what do you love?
17 bread recipes you can make without yeast…four words, 5 ingredient beer bread.
34 gift ideas…plus other things to enjoy while at home.
15 hobbies You can start at home…I’d would love to learn photoshop.
10 Instagram Accounts to Follow for a Mood Lift…if you need a smile.
13 national parks you Can virtually hike to avoid cabin fever…Virgin Islands for me. can’t wait.
30 Netflix hidden gems that will save your weekend…wanting to watch
a restored Puglia home…beautiful.
10 easy recipes to change things up…excited to try some of these.
10 Marie Kondo approved organization tips for working from home…if you need some tips.
how to organize your spices…so you don’t lose your dang mind.
8. My favorite easy spring styles…
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: 25 Minute Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles
Tuesday: Parchment Baked Lemon Salmon and Potatoes with Dill Yogurt
Wednesday: 20 Minute Orzo Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto and Burrata
Thursday: Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower
Friday: Baked Egg Crepes with Spring Herbs and Avocado (breakfast for dinner!)
Saturday Drink: Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash
Sunday Baking: Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
Good morning Miss Tieghan..I so look forward to your Sunday post. I was confused yesterday. Got my days mixed up and thought it was Sunday and kept checking my inbox for your Sunday post. It wasn’t until the end of the day that I figured out it was only Saturday..lol.. So..for me to feel better..I have to walk ..where it’s quiet. We have a farmers field behind our property and I love to walk across it and listen to nothing but the wind and birds. The last couple of days have been horrendous for me and all Canadians. Not only with the stress of this pandemic, but the senseless mass killings in our little province of Nova Scotia. My mind has been in a mess and my heart is broken with the sadness of it all, so the wind and bird sounds helps to ease my mind. Kinda sounds weird when I write that down..lol.. I completely understand your relationship with a warm stove. Our hearts and minds need comforting..❤️
Good morning Colleen! I feel as if all of us have been getting our days mixed around during all of this haha. Also, I am really sorry to hear what is going on in your province. That is heartbreaking. Being outside and walking is my morning routine and so important to me as well. I feel as if it grounds us and makes us appreciate the simple things in life. Thank you so much for this comment. I hope you are staying well! xTieghan
keep up the great work
Thank you Toni! xTieghan
Love reading these! I’m a new follower from south Florida and love all of your recipes!
Thank you so much MK! xTieghan
If you make a spring cookie box, please share it in a post, that would be awesome! Also, I have a question. Which of Staub’s cast iron skillets do you think is the most versatile size?
Hi Anna! I will totally share! I use my 11 in skillet the most out of them all, so that is what I recommend! It is also on the shop page of my site under the kitchen tab! Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with! xTieghan
Yes please in the spring cookie box!
Thank you Sharon! xTieghan
During this time of being at home and not being able to get out to shop on a regular basis my “pantry” cooking does not include “fresh herbs”. Please include the equivalent for dried herbs in your recipes.
Hi Jo! I have started to and will continue to! Please let me know if there are any specific recipes I can help you with! xTieghan
I love Harry Potter! Had a dream the other night that the Weasley twins revealed the room of requirement to me and it was in the form of the storage room where everyone hides their stuff! Inside I was so surprised to find all these “muggle” books that students had smuggled in there, including an entire set of Dr. Seuss books. Haha what is in my brain!!
Haha that is so great! Thank you Hannah! xTieghan
Virgos unite!
Yes!! xTieghan
I guarantee that once you start flossing, you won’t be able to lay in bed for more than five minutes if you haven’t flossed yet! I’ve been a regular flosser for my entire adult life, and my body is physically addicted to flossing. It’s like my mouth doesn’t feel clean if I haven’t flossed. And I love it when the dental hygienist flosses my teeth, lol.
Oh wow! I get that actually haha. Thank you Karen! xTieghan
I’m loving every recipe I make! I find myself cooking almost exclusively your recipes because they’re so easy and quick and so dang good.
Recipe request: pretzel bites with beer cheese. I am missing bar food so much right now and this is a comfort food of mine.
Thank you so much Brooke!! xTieghan
What would you suggest the best things to order from sweet botanicals. And YES to a spring cookie box.
Hi Dee,
Honestly everything! I love their fresh herbs as well as their edible flowers! I hope you love them as much as I do! xTieghan
I wasn’t a tofu fan either until I traveled in China, soo many inspiring and delicious tofu recipes there! My favorite is called “mapo tofu”, it’s tofu with ground pork and szechuan peppercorns & chili peppers, OMG so tasty and you could get a container of it for like $1. Amazing on rice, spicy and tingly!
Thank you so much Jessica! xTieghan
Just a couple of things to do to make yourself feel better….
1) Stand on your head, or use an inversion table. At the very least, lie on your back and put your legs up against the wall for about 20 minutes. All these things help to reverse the blood flow.
2) Apply a rich body lotion in a favorite scent. Some nights l like amber, other nights orange, and really hot nights call for things like cucumber or melon, but my go-to is lavender. Use your imagination and make up combinations!
Mmm those do sound so nice and I really need to start putting my legs up! I have heard how good that is! Thank you Jenny! xTieghan
Not sure if we have enough time, but I’d love to see a Mother’s Day cookie box that we could send to our moms during quarantine! As always, thanks for sharing these posts. They’re my favorite part of HBH!
Aw that would be so sweet! xTieghan
Harry Potter got me and about a dozen employees through the aftermath of 9/11. We listened to the entire series about 3 times. Jim Dale is the most incredible reader! It was comforting (most of the time!) and a great escape. While this pandemic is not the same as 9/11, it certainly feels as horrible in many of the same ways. Everyone would benefit from some sort of Harry Potter marathon right now!
I completely agree! Thank you so much for the suggestion, Terry! xTieghan
I just started reading the Sunday blog posts and they make my week! I love the links you attach to interesting articles and ideas. I also love gathering inspiration for food and home throughout these posts. I just did a quarantine recipe swap via email chain with people all over the country and so far every recipe I have received from others, have all been HBH! Thanks for providing such a light during this difficult time xx
Aw that is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Katie! xTieghan
Just discovered your website from an Instagram share…It’s been like a gift – thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to explore and branch out in my kitchen and in my home. Just read my first Sunday post and went into deep dive after deep dive…have I said thank you already? Saying it AGAIN because you are bringing a respite from all the worry into my home 🙂
Aw I am so glad you found my site and have been loving it!! I hope you continue to! xTieghan
Hello Tieghan. I hope you are well. I would absolutely love some details on creating a spring cookie box!! It sounds like a fantastic idea. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Danielle
Thank you Danielle! xTieghan
Tieghan, your creativity is endless. What a great idea to use crêpes for a baked-egg base! This truly elevates an already delicious dish. I’ll be serving these the next time I have guests for brunch. It might not be too much longer here, as some of the restrictions are being lifted in our province. We are now allowed to have small family get togethers. 🎉
I am so glad you like this recipe, Rose! Also, that is so great that you are allowed to see family!! xTieghan
Hi from sunny Sydney,
I love your nine favourite things posts but due to the time difference don’t get to read them until Monday 🙂
I made your 30 minute better than take out sesame ginger chicken fried rice for about the 5th time last night. It has become a firm favourite at our house.
Hope it is not too cold in your part of the world…
Bronwyn
Hi Bronwyn! I am so glad you have been loving my recipes! I hope you continue to! It has been chilly, but it should warm up soon…hopefully! Thank you! xTieghan
We have enjoyed everything we’ve made from your recipes & recently bought HBH Simple as a way to support your work. I am looking forward to your Cinco de Mayo recipes and your spring cookies ideas. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this site.
Aw it is worth it to see how much you are all loving the recipes! Thank you so much, Susan! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan! Looking forward to the new recipes this week and hoping I have the ingredients! I came here to answer a couple of your questions. The Boy Smells candles are heavenly and very aesthetically pleasing. I have the Dynasty candle from their love collection that came out around Valentine’s Day this year. Also, my HBO recommendation for you is the documentary called “McMillions”. It’s about the McDonalds Monopoly game that took place back in the 90s/early 00s and the true story of how it was a fraud scheme. Very fascinating. I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about it. If you’re looking for something more lighthearted and fun, “Insecure” is one of my favorite shows and that can also be found on HBO. 🙂
Thank you so much Molly! I will have to check out all of these suggestions! Also, I hope you love all of the recipes you try! xTieghan
A couple things..
1. How does the grill work on an electric stove? Would you happen to know?
2. Made the bursting blueberry thyme lemon tarts and they were a hit! Kids weren’t 100% onboard with the thyme so next time I will omit. They loved so much though that I made it a second time with strawberry and basil! Love the puff pastry option, really a game changer!
3. Also made the Honey Garlic butter shrimp this week and it was amazing!
4. I am going to try and send little gifts to friends this week… love the idea!
Thanks as always for all of the inspiration!
Hi Tara! I actually do not know, but I am sure it will work great on an electric stove! I am so glad you have been enjoying my recipes! I hope you continue to! Thank you Tara! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! OK so I’m looking at cast iron skillets so I can start making all your skillet recipes! Should I get 2 skillets (1 for sweet and 1 for savory)? If so which sizes? I saw you recommended the 11 inch Staub one so I’m wondering if that will be good for all of the recipes I see on your site. The Staub website has 10 and 12 inch ones but they are called fry pans, not skillets, so wondering if there’s a difference/reason why you went with the 11 inch skillet?
Help! Thank you 🙂
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea! You do not neccessarily need two, but if you have the budget for it, I would go for it! I love the 11 in skillet, but 12 will work great too! For the second one, I would get one with two handles instead of one pan handle! I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
definitely interested in those spring cookie boxes! was thinking about doing something similar for my friends and would love inspiration 🙂
Thank you Alexa! xTieghan
I would LOVE to send a spring cookie box to some family!
Thank you Christy! xTieghan