Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Hey all, happy Sunday. The week ahead is feeling bright and springy and I’m so very excited about it! We have an almost perfect looking forecast of sunshine and mild temps, which is so welcomed after our long winter. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to finally feel the warmth of the sun. The longer, warm days have been so nice. Watching our surroundings slowly (read, very, very slowly) start to turn green is a sign that summer is on its way. We don’t have blooming flowers yet, but I’m still enjoying my bouquet from Grace Rose Farm and attempting to keep them fresh for as long as possible. If any of you people with a green thumb out there have inside secrets, please, do share!
In other news, this week was all over the place. From creating new recipes, working on a few fun projects, some exciting zoom meetings, and even a couple of live cooking streams. If you missed it, I was live with Amazon Live this past Thursday baking for Cookies for Kids Cancer. I made the yummy chewy browned butter chocolate chip cookies from the Half Baked Harvest Super Simple cookbook. While I can’t say I was pleased with my appearance (my hair, eek). I had a lot of fun baking and answering everyone’s questions. You can watch the reply here. And again, please don’t judge my at-home hairstyling.
Fact…I can not do my hair or makeup if my life depended on it. Yes, I love skincare and I love beauty products, but actually applying the beauty products without the help of a professional? I am lost. I just can’t do it. That’s what you get for growing up with five brothers and a mom who’s never ever put on more than a swipe of bronzer and fun lip color. Maybe I should try watching some YouTube videos?
Coming up this week on HBH, I’m still undecided on whether I’ll share a new Mexican recipe for Cinco de Mayo on Monday or a fun new chicken dinner. Either way, it’s going to be good. Do you guys have a preference? Tuesday is a new baking recipe that’s simple. It’s a recipe I know you will all be coming back to time and time again. On Wednesday, we have a fresh new springtime gnocchi recipe, then on to a delicious Thai inspired meal for Thursday. For Friday, I’m thinking a sweet cake…just in time for Mother’s Day.
As for Saturday, I wanted to check in with you all. Are you guys still wanting to see Saturday drink posts? Personally, I love these fun drink posts and you all seem to LOVE them too. But as we head into a new month, I wanted to check in with you all. More drinks for the warmer days ahead? Or save the cocktails for the holiday season?
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).
Hope you all have a beautiful (hopefully sunny…and maybe even flower-filled) Sunday. Oh, and tell me, what’s everyone cooking for Sunday night dinner?
1. Working on that greenhouse + inspiration photos.
With more sunny warm days ahead, my dad and I have been plotting the possibility of a new larger greenhouse. We’re thinking the best place for it might be right next to the studio. Living so high up in the mountains means that it gets too cold overnight to grow anything without protection. We’ve been using a greenhouse the past couple of summers to grow herbs. But this year I want to up our “garden” game with a REALLY nice greenhouse. I’ve been scrolling Pinterest for ideas and looking at companies online. Here are some of my favorite photos that are inspiring me.
*all photos found via Pinterest. Exact sources are unknown.
Excited to share more once we get the greenhouse up and running. Again, if any of you gardeners out there have tips, tricks, and words of advice, both my dad and I would love to hear them!
PS. this is my dream garden. Maybe someday.
2. Mother’s Day Recipe Ideas.
Recipes for A Simple Brunch:
Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Chili Garlic Oil and Herbs
Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey
Bursting Blueberry Lemon Thyme Tarts
The Best Strawberry Shortcakes
Recipes For A Garden Inspired Dinner:
Pan-Fried Feta with Peppered Honey
Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns
Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower
Lemon Parmesan Salmon with Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Lemon Butter Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Basil Breadcrumbs
Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler
Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies
3. A few last minute Mother’s Day gifts.
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: How do you film your Instagram stories?
a: So many of you are asking about this. I just use my phone! And to get the overhead videos I just place my phone on a chair that I put on the counter. It’s sooo professional…😉
q: How do you keep your clothes so nice while cooking? I am always a floury mess!
a: Trust me, I am a mess while cooking. Chocolate, flour, etc., I get it all over the place and me too. I just started wearing an apron to protect my clothes because I was ruining everything I own.
q: Is your house and studio space on the same property?
a: Yes! Very lucky to have my house and our studio/office space all on the same property.
q: What type of countertops do you have?
a: The kitchen island is quartzite and our black countertops that run on the outside walls of the kitchen are soapstone.
5. Latest recipe videos.
6 Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Chia Mousse…Sunday chocolate, but the healthy kind.
And on Instagram stories…
Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce…plus Mexican inspired “street” fries too.
Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts…flaky, perfectly sweet, and heavy on the cinnamon.
Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini…with a drizzle of salty, sweet thyme honey.
30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs…an oldie, but always such a (delicious) goodie.
(extra) Dirty Horchata Tres Leches Cake…my favorite of the week.
6. The littlest thing that make me so happy.
I’m one of those people that has a really hard time buying things for myself that are not 100% NEEDED. Whenever I order clothes, it takes me forever to finally pull the trigger on my purchase. And in the end, I end up returning most of the items. Not because I don’t like them, but more because of the guilt I feel for buying something for myself that is not necessarily a NEED.
I am slowly working to get past this. To illustrate, this week I made a very small purchase and ordered this candle. I love candles and lighting a candle nightly has become something that really helps me to relax. I’ve been burning the same Little Market candle now since before Christmas. It’s not that I don’t love that candle, because I do, it’s a favorite. But I needed to change it up (don’t we all right now?)
I’ve been lighting this candle for that past three nights and even though it’s the smallest $32 purchase, it’s brought me a lot of happiness. I feel so “silly” writing this all out, but I wanted to share that sometimes it’s OK to make purchases for yourself. Buy that candle, or even that designer bag you’ve been eying. If it’s going to bring you extended happiness, it’s probably worth it!
Question: what’s on your list? Anything I should add to mine?
7. Favorite links i’m loving…
The 5 Recipes I Currently Have on Repeat…excited to try a few of these.
It Took Me 6 Weeks To Understand the Sourdough Hype…I’m thinking it’s time to make some sourdough?
Histories Lead the Decor in a Downtown Manhattan Home…what a pretty home.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide…love so many of these thoughtful ideas.
A Seed Based Salad Dressing…you will want to make again and again.
Why Zurich Should Top Your Future Travel List…noted…and added to my list.
The 30 Most Anticipated New Books Of Summer 2020…if you’re in need of a good book.
Our Favorite Games To Play Right Now…with or without kids.
Need Decor But Don’t Know Where to Shop…a complete online resource shopping list.
My (Beginner) Plan To Grow A Backyard Garden…with key tips from some experts.
13 Ways to Look Pretty at Home…without being too extra.
Leanne Ford’s Secret to Textured Bathroom Walls…without a gut reno.
Amazon’s Best Mother’s Day Gifts…if you need some new ideas…and quick.
Tried This New Beauty Supplement for 30 Days…and it replaced my makeup routine.
The 20 Greatest Recipes of All Time…well now I’m curious to test all these out.
If You’ve Been Sleeping on Apple TV+…these shows will change your mind.
Free, Printable Mother’s Day Cards…love these fun cards for mom.
How to Make Ice Cream at Home + 20 Recipes to Try…summer is almost here.
James Van Der Beek’s Home Is the Ideal Family Haven…such a cozy family home.
8. A brand I am loving, Tory Sport…
9. This week’s dinners…
Monday: Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey
Drink: Spicy Cucumber Margarita
Appetizer: Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Salty Lime Avocado Crema
Dessert: Easy Cinnamon Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Tuesday: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce
Wednesday: Saucy Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables
Thursday: One Skillet French Onion Tater Tot Casserole
Friday: Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken
Saturday Drink: Watermelon Rosè Paloma
Sunday Baking: Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
Your Mexican recipes are soooo good!! I am actually making one of your enchilada recipes for Cinco de Mayo but I would love to see the new one!! Maybe we could see the chicken dinner another day?? Is it crazy/annoying to want both? Can’t help it!! I really love your Saturday drink posts, too! I think summer cocktails would be super fun and I could really use some inspiration for how to use tropical fruit in cocktails. With everything going on, that would be the best way to brighten this summer up. So.. I say yes! I love your recipes!! Thank you for the happy and inspiring update today and I love your baby goats!! Oh and I looked at that video and I thought your hair looked really cute!!
Aw you are TOO kind!! Thank you so much Elle! I am glad you are excited for all posts to come and summer recipes! xTieghan
The photos of those greenhouses you found are beyond breathtaking! It is my goal to someday own a home with a greenhouse on the premises. Also, the photos of all your recipes are beautiful, as always! Such a joy and treat to look at.
Thank you so much Melissa! xTieghan
I LOVE candles!!! Recently received and order from Otherland. Packaged beautifully! Also, I’m obsessed with Mer | Sea candles.
Ooo I will have to check those out! Thank you Kate! xTieghan
Please keep the Saturday drink recipes coming! We have been enjoying them!
Thank you so much Lizzy!! xTieghan
Thanks Tieghan! I always look forward to your Sunday newletter 🙂 Planning on making the Chicken Tinga Tacos from the cookbook on Tuesday, but I love your Mexican recipes so another one would be great on Monday. I also have the same issue with buying things for myself, most of the time I will have it in my cart and return it before I checkout. I think I might just buy one of those Little Market candles today!
Thank you so much Carrie! I am so glad you like my nine favorite things posts! Also, yes buy yourself a candle!! xTieghan
I find makeup tutorials on YouTube really relaxing to watch and they’ve made me go from doing okay looking makeup to really great. Here are some I think you’d like:
Lisa Eldridge: the ultimate makeup artist. Here lipstick is also my all time favorite.
The makeup chair: she has a lot of beginner videos and they aren’t too long.
Shelby Wilson: she uses a minimal amount of products and I think her style would vibe with yours. 😀
Hindash: the ultimate glam looks.
Charlotte Tilbury: her videos use her products and the looks are a bit repetitive but I think there is some good things in the videos. Also I love love love her brushes.
Hope this helps.
Amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing all of these people, Dana! This helps so much! xTieghan
Both. Mexican first, chicken later. And more snack cakes…maybe citrus?
Love all the recipes…
Thank you so much Joyce! xTieghan
While I do drink alcohol, I’d love to have a selection of mocktails for when I feel like something fancy and fun but without alcohol. Do you think you could come up with some tasty options? Thanks!
I am sure I could! Thank you so much for the suggestions, Jenna! xTieghan
I would love to see Saturday’s for whole wheat recipes, bread, etc. I love whole wheat!
Thank you so much Charlotte! xTieghan
Have you ever done a beer cocktail?
Hi Karen! I sure have, but could totally try more! I will leave one below if you would like to try it! xTieghan
https://dev.halfbakedharvest.com/pineapple-lime-beer-margaritas/#bo-recipe
Happy Sunday! I would love to see the Mexican recipe for Cinco de Mayo! And I love the Saturday drink posts – would love to see some pitcher drinks that can be made ahead in big batches!
Thank you so much Michelle!! xTieghan
I look forward to the 9 Favorite Things post every week! Thanks for sharing tidbits of your life that are certainly inspiring mine. I have never really liked to cook but for the first time in 36 years, you have inspired me to cook and enjoy quality time over home cooked meals with my family. Thank you for all that you do!
Aw I am so glad my recipes have inspired you to cook more! That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Megan! xTieghan
Last night we made the sun dried tomato herb salad. OMG! We loved it…so good. We realized afterwards that we forgot the avocado but it didn’t matter. This will definitely be on our dinner rotation this summer. Next up, brown sugar cinnamon frosted pop tarts….because, c’mon!
Thx for Nine Things every Sunday. I look forward to it every week!
That is so great to hear! I am so glad you like this post, Carolyn! Also, I hope you LOVE the pop tarts! Let me know how they turn out for you! xTieghan
I LOVE your cocktail recipes and look forward to trying each one on either Saturday or Sunday. Keep them coming!! Actually it was a drink recipe that my friend shared with me and introduced me to your blog. 😃
Wow so amazing! I am glad you have been enjoying my blog ever since! I hope you continue to! Thank you Diane! xTieghan
Love to you!!!
You as well! Thank you Kammy! xTieghan
Anew Mexican recipe on Monday would be great and please keep the Saturday drink recipes coming! Love them and all your recipes I have tried!
Thank you so much Sher! I am so happy to hear that! xTieghan
Bring on that new recipe for Cinco De Mayo!!
I can’t wait for it!!
I’m loving the Saturday night cocktails you may need to do a book on just cocktails and snacks. Saturday Night Halfbaked Harvest Happy Hour.
Thank you so much Melanie! I am so glad you have been loving my cocktails and I hope you continue to! xTieghan
Am enjoying the Saturday drinks so please keep them coming! Everything you make just looks so delish. The photos are beautiful too. Thanks!
Thank you so much Jill! I am really glad you have been loving them! xTieghan
Mexican- yes!
Don’t worry about your hair! Just be you, you are fabulous.
LOVE cocktails. Need cocktails these days…
You are too kind! Thank you! xTieghan
What are your favorite Little Market candles??
Hi Judi! I love plumeria and pine tree.. but honestly they are all so good!! xTieghan
I would love a new Mexican recipe on Monday! Also, please keep doing the Saturday cocktails. We don’t normally make that many cocktails at home, but we decided not to drink on weekdays (too easy to slip into the routine of a couple of glasses of wine every day) so we really appreciate being able to have a special drink to look forward to on the weekends.
Thank you for all the work you put into this site!
Thank you for trying my recipes, Susan! It makes me so happy when you all enjoy them! Have a wonderful day! xTieghan
I love The cocktail Saturday’s – please keep them going! Also would love to see more chicken recipes since it’s my most commonly used meat – breasts, thighs,
Drumsticks etc! Xoxo
Thank you so much Molly! xTieghan
You DO NOT need makeup. I do wear it, and I have way too many products, yet I’m minimal and I love days when I can let my skin breathe and I baby it. Be yourself!
I think I need a separate category for HBH Pins! You always have me excited to try your recipes, which are super doable and absolutely brilliant in how you combine flavors. I commented on your last blog post that I’ve been doing a Julia Julia type thing with your first book. I wish I had photography skills to share my finished results! I’m wondering if any of the recipes on your blog are from your two cookbooks. Then I wouldn’t Pin them as I have both books. As far as your Saturday drink, keep them coming! I’ve made a few–my favorite was the Grinch drink this past Christmas brunch. Everyone was looking at the jalapeños and saying, nooooo. But once they tried it…what a hit!
Keep it brilliant, Girl!
Jane
Hi Jane! You are too sweet!! Also, no my recipes from the books are not on my site. There may be one or two… but mainly they are only in the books! I am really glad you are enjoying my blog and I hope you continue to! Thank you! xTieghan
Your hair looked good, fine and not bad at all! Please continue to share any and all updates with the gardening and greenhouse!
Have a great week!
Thank you so much Stephanie! xTieghan
I made your Lebanese Chicken with Charred Lemon Cauliflower last week. Wasn’t sure I would like the unusual combination, but it was amazing. I’m always printing off recipes from your blog and each night my husband will say, is that one from “ your girl”? We feel like we’ve been eating better than going out to any restaurant and usually have enough leftovers for a nice lunch the next day.
Haha aw that is so amazing! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Cindi! xTieghan
YES to Saturday cocktail recipes, they are great spring/summer drink inspo and your photos make me drool! Made the brown sugar cinnamon pop-tarts yesterday and making the pretzel chicken tenders this evening. Thank you for continuing to bring joy and light through your recipes 🙂
Thank you so much Jenna! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, I’m getting the sense that you are a similar person to myself; OCD, Type A, and spends little time thinking about YOU! Especially during this COVID19 nightmare in CT where I live, we really need to take a deep breath and relax to destress from all of the bad news and advancing numbers that we hear on a daily basis. You need to be kind to yourself and take some part of everyday that is quiet time for you to just decompress and count your blessings. You are so young, but so accomplished and such a bright and lucrative future ahead of you! I love candles too, and that’s a start for relaxation 101. But find whatever makes you wind down at the end of a busy day and/or week and make it a daily practice. You remind me of myself when I was younger but unfortunately the anxiety and worry has followed me into my retirement life.
Hi Jaclyn! Thank you for these kind words! It really helps to hear from someone who is similar to me! I hope you are doing well during all of this! xTieghan
Great post! I love your Nine Things…always a favorite thing to linger over on a Sunday. I know they must be so much work to put together, so THANK YOU! :-). Also, you asked about whether or not you should continue your Saturday drink posts, and I 100% say yes! They are such a fun treat, and spring/summer cocktails are so different than holiday vibes, so I’d love to see your spin on it!
Hi Catherine! Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this post! xTieghan
Greenhouses, Saturday cocktails, a lit candle, and amazing food!?!?! So glad I subscribed to your email list. We are apparently kindred. I’ve been enjoying your recipes and ordered your cookbook too! Thanks so much!
Aw thank you so much Gwen! I am really glad you have been loving my posts and hope you love the cookbook recipes! xTieghan
I love the Saturday cocktails! They are always so pretty. I have been making sooo many of your recipes during the quarantine and my family is super happy about it!! Seriously, at least one per day. I love how approachable you make your recipes. ❤️ Thanks for doing what you do!
Also, my daughter has been wanting to put up a green house…these are so stunning.
Wow that is so amazing! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog and recipes, Martha! Thank you!! xTieghan
PS. I totally recommend a green house!!
I live in Zurich and of course am a huge fan. Definitely come visit! 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much Evelyn! xTieghan
Love your site and food! Can’t wait for some killer salads (I still make all of yours from 2019!) & Moroccan chicken with peaches! Would love more recipes like these!
Cheers!
Chris
Thank you so much Chris! Summer salads are my fav! xTieghan