Nine Favorite Things.
Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
I have had my head so buried in work since returning home from LA, that I feel like I am completely out of the loop with everything else going on in the world. It has been go, go, go, and as I sit here writing my favorites post of the week, I feel a bit more confident and relaxed than I did at the start of the week. Of course, this is at this very moment. My confidence levels can take a dip at any second. But I’m really working on looking at everything with a bit more of a glass half full than glass half empty mind-set. If you have tips and tricks for positivity, send them my way!
Anyway, it’s currently 9pm on Friday night. I have this lovely clay face mask on (which feels beyond amazing on my dry and tired skin). My The Little Market candle is burning away. And I am finally wrapped up in a blanket and sitting down. Wild Friday night, huh? Honestly, it’s my ideal night, as I am the biggest homebody you may ever meet. After being on my feet literally all day long, sitting down feels like the most amazing thing ever right now. I love ending the week super productively and feeling excited about everything we’re working on. It makes the long hours totally worth it, and not feel much like work at all!
OK. Question for you…
What is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the week? Do you love to go out? Stay in and cook? Watch Netflix all night long? What? Dying to know how you guys relax…I clearly need some good ideas!
Coming up this week on HBH, we are doing something very special and I’m kind of excited about it. I am going to be sharing a few recipes out of the Half Baked Harvest Cookbook. Recipes that are true favorites and that I am dying to put on HBH. Now that the book is about a year and half old (I don’t know how this is possible), I have been really wanting to highlight a few of my favorite recipes and share the stories behind them. With spring here, I thought it would be a fun time to do just that! Can’t wait to share more about these recipes. The behind the scenes on creating them, and why we love them so much! We’ll also be sharing a new spring menu!
Lastly, if you missed anything from the past week, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. Hope you’re all having the best weekend, and enjoy this Sunday’s Favorites!
1. Inspiring Me This Week.
Jennifer Garner…the actress.
Do you guys follower her on Instagram?? I just started this week. I went down the spiral of her feed and truly it just put a smile on my face. Her #pretendcookingshow is maybe the best thing on Instagram right now. OK well, I can’t say that, because Instagram has soooo much content, but it’s GOOD. If you need to smile and step out of your own world, head to her Instagram account. She even shares some cooking tips…dried herbs…very into it.
2. Currently..
Binge watching…
Friday Night Lights on Amazon, because it’s the perfect thing to re-watch while editing photos. What are you guys watching? I heard that I really need to watch Chef’s Table and the Great British Bake Off. Honestly though, I’m not that into cooking shows. I know, I know…weird.
Making…
My dad’s cinnamon toast from when I was a kid, but with this honey brioche – life changing.
Loving…
It Cosmetics CC+ cream. I switched to something different (and way more expensive) for a minute. But I recently came back to this cc cream and it’s so much better. love it.
Dying to try, but can’t afford…
All of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products (I have this cleanser and love it). And Vintner’s Daughter by April Gargiulo. I’ve heard nothing but the BEST about these two brands. Have you tried them?
3. Fresh Spring Flowers…
Did you know you can order fresh-cut flowers from Terrain? I had no idea! So excited and already ordered the ranunculus and silk cherry blossoms. Can’t wait!
4. Questions of The Week:
q: what future goals/dreams do you have for HBH?
a: I have SO many, I could really go on and on. Our biggest focus right now is to grow the HBH team and create longer form video content. In the future, I would LOVE to get into product development. And some day do our own HBH line of tabletop items. Everything from dishes, to lines, vases, and all the things to make a kitchen look so pretty! And then of course, more cookbooks, recipes, maybe some workshops. My mind is always flowing, I have so many ideas for HBH. Excited!
q: if you were stuck on a desert island, what three foods would you choose to have with you?
a: this is hard. If I had to choose, I’d go with avocado, bread, and a vegetable, probably carrots. Is that boring? No fruit because it’s an island and hopefully would have pineapple trees everywhere. I feel like the avocado would keep me healthy, the bread sane, and the veggies full? Oh, but most definitely a cheese too, probably buratta…uh oh, that’s four!
q: What is your favorite thing about the IG space?
a: I love IG so much. SO MUCH. But I really mostly use it to connect with you guys, the HBH community! In the last year I have really trimmed down who I follow on IG and use it mainly to share what’s happening, new recipes, videos, and behind the scenes stuff. Interacting with you guys through Direct Messages, and getting to see all the recipes you’ve made is seriously the best. I spend 1-2 hours every single night answering comments and going through messages. I love it!
q: do you ever have days where you just don’t want to cook?
a: yes! right now I am cooking a lot because of a deadline. But I love taking days off to find inspiration and work on other projects.
q: how do you take your coffee?
a: black. just like my dad. and because I’ve never had it any other way – I love it just as is.
q: how do you clean your cast iron skillets?
a: I have an entire post on my cast iron cookware. You can read it here.
5. Recent Videos:
Better Than Takeout 20 Minute Peanut Noodles…my favorite “back pocket” recipe that I always have the ingredients on hand.
5 Ingredient Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies…peanutty, covered in chocolate, super simple, and SO GOOD.
6. Spring Brunch Recipes and April Recipe Request.
Spring is here and Easter is quickly approaching, what recipes are you looking for? Let me know!
In the meantime, my favorite spring brunch recipes…
giant strawberries n’ cream pop tart
blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes
homemade cinnamon crunch bagels
crispy breakfast potatoes with chili garlic oil and herbs
spanish tortilla with burrata and herbs
baked blackberry ricotta french toast
asparagus and brie puff pastry with thyme honey
baked egg crepes with spring herbs and avocado
better than the bakery chocolate chip coffee cake muffins
asparagus, egg, and prosciutto tart with everything spice
overnight waffles with whipped meyer lemon cream and strawberries
7. A Few Links I Am Loving…
how to minimize pores…need this right now.
the most popular Trader Joes items in every state…what’s yours?
think you have a food allergy…you might be wrong.
the 3 healthiest carbs you can eat…ha, I’ll take all the fruit (which I just don’t count…as a carb).
why I’m ditching fad diets and eating gluten again…great perspective.
Kristen Cavallari on beauty, wellness + a cozy home…if you love a little celebrity Sunday reading.
3 glorious destinations for spring break…take me to Bermuda. please.
Cruel Intentions is still a teenage fashion dream 20 years beyond…thinking maybe I need to watch this??
10 “basic” home décor items interior designers love…because basic is sometimes good.
what 6 common beauty issues can tell you about your emotions…pretty spot on for me.
15 best green salad recipes…bring on the spring salads.
15 lunch recipes you can meal prep on Sunday...for those who like to meal prep.
what’s the meaning behind your body breakouts…the acne map.
the prettiest bedroom…how comfy does this bed look?
family getaway in San Miguel de Allende…so much color. love this.
living well on the go…for the travelers who just don’t stop.
8. My Favorite Pieces from The Chriselle Lim Spring Collection Launch…
9. This Week’s Dinners:
Monday: persian herb and chickpea stew with rice
Tuesday: one skillet goat cheese stuffed chicken and orzo
Wednesday: honey butter blackened scallops with herby polenta
Thursday: instant pot sticky korean chicken
Friday: greek spinach and feta pie (spanakopita)
Check out all the past Favorites posts here.
I have come to really look forward to this weekely post. I did not get an email about it this morning so was disappointed. I happened to see it on Facebook. Really just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your content and can’t wait for next cookbook. I enjoy the first one A LOT!
Thank you so much Kim! I hope you enjoy the second one just as much! xTieghan
So tempted to buy one of the bulb offerings at Terrain given everything is 30% off tis weekend.
I recently discover FarmGirl Flowers for freshly deliver, seasonal blooms. I sent some to a friend recently and they arrived …from the west coast to here on the east coast…beautifully packaged and in perfect shape. The story of this company is great and the concept is as well.
Love you Sunday posts…a;ways fun to read with fun products/recipes/articles to check out.
Thank you Nancy! xTieghan
Looks like a good roundup of recipes for the week!
I’d love to see a coconut almond cake recipe for Easter–dunno why, but that sounds so good to me. Or a dessert inspired by Jordan almonds? (Do you know what I’m talking about? I think they’re literally just raw almonds covered in a pastel candy shell, but I find them pretty tasty. And nostalgic.)
I also always love a good new brunch recipe for Easter/spring.
Do you ever bake with rhubarb? I know it’s a seasonal spring ingredient but I’ve never used it; I think I’d like to try it sometime though.
Such amazing ideas! Thank you so much Emma! xTieghan
Another lovely post ? I unwind by baking. At the end of an especially hard week, I’ve been known to bake 4 or 5 things in order to destress. ?
Thank you Rosa! xTieghan
Top Chef is really great – and not traditional in the “cooking show” way. More like profiles of famous chefs as artists – fascinating peek into why they ascribe to X way of cooking, but including a unique personal layer that extends beyond the kitchen. Definitely recommend!
For seasonal recipes, I love light and veg heavy – maybe spring rolls, kebabs, something with Spanish flair? Always love a great seafood option, too!
If you’re a shower person, there are these eucalyptus-peppermint (Clarity is the official name) Shower Burst balls that smell amazing and are so relaxing.
Thank you so much Katie! xTieghan
Love your Sunday posts! I am not very keen on Cooking shows and people just don’t believe it and look strange at me because if I love to cook, for them it means I should love cooking shows… but I don’t 🙂 Cooking books on the other hand I just love!
About a comment on Jordan Almonds, we call them just Almonds here in Portugal and they are a huge thing around Easter, godmothers and godfathers offer them to their godchildren in Easter day. They used to be just raw whole almonds covered in sugar with colours but now we have them covered in chocolate also (my favourites!)
Have a nice week!
Thank you so much Maria! xTieghan
I just bought your cookbook and CAN’T WAIT for your second one. Any hints as to when it would come out? I love all the things you’re looking forward to expanding into with HBH too. Looks very exciting.
Hi Meredith! I hope you love this book as much as the first! I will let you guys know further details later on! xTieghan
I just got this post this morning around 5 in my email. I thought maybe you were late sending it out until I saw all the comments from Sunday. Crazy technology!
Oh man! I am glad you got it though! Thank you Charlotte! xTieghan
I need more quick recipes in my life that are on the low carb side of things, or less gluten. Things that are easily adaptable to picky eaters (think totally deconstruction-able) and would love to see some Easter Brunch ideas. I check your blog everyday and its very inspirational. Thanks so much! Everything I have made has been a hit. Also, it would be cool to see you use some essential oils (Young Living Vitality line of course) in your cooking!
Thank you for all these suggestions! I will try to create some recipes for you! xTieghan
I would love to see a recipe or two that include Fennel! I have a recipe for a fennel/apple salad….but would love to see other recipes with it included.
I love the variety of links you share!
Thank you so much Cori! I will look into something! xTieghan
I’m also a “Wild Friday Night” mask and tv person! Girl’s Night In is a fun newsletter for this stuff (not sponsored, just a subscriber and I really like it!)
As a baker/pastry cook, I hear all the time that I should watch Chef’s Table/Mind of a Chef/Great British Bake-off and I’m not into cooking shows either. Why is it always these three?
Girls Night In is the best! Taking care of yourself! xTieghan
On board with rhubarb, especially strawberry rhubarb. Also coconut. Someone mentioned fennel…that would great. Savory breakfasts are always welcome.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you Joyce!! xTieghan
I’ve been eyeing the scallops since you first posted them but my roommate is super allergic to fish. I’m debating begging a friend to use their kitchen so I can make these without killing my roommate by accident. Also, I’ve been having an insanely stressful winter and as much as I hate gyms hot yoga has been my savior for getting into a relaxing mood when I get off work and it forces me out of the house.
Oh no! Well hopefully you can make it at a friends, so your roommate doesn’t get sick! I hope you love all the recipes you try! Thank you Jackie! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan!
I hope you had a restful weekend and enjoyed your trip to LA. I think what helps me relax the most is going for long walks out in nature, with no external noise, phones, or distractions, and simply enjoying the fresh air. Also, spending QUALITY time with my mom is always special to me. I think doing an activity with her— like traveling, going for a long walk, or doing a fun project together— is something that helps me relax. Maybe you could start painting? Haha I recently went to a paint night and made an early mother’s day gift. ?
Anyways, I’m looking forward to seeing your spring recipes! Since moving so much, I haven’t been able to find your cookbook and am really sad. But I am keeping my hopes up I’ll find it! Also, I’d love to see some more spring fruit centered recipes for breakfast or dessert, or more light pasta or vegetarian dishes. ☺️ I’m so excited for spring and already hear the birds and see little bunnies all over.
I hope you’re having a wonderful start to the week and I’m looking forward to your upcoming posts. Xo
Hi Kristin! How have you been? Painting would be so nice, I think I may start! That is such a bummer you cannot find it, but I am sure it will turn up somewhere! I hope you have a great week! xTieghan
Mmmm… Tim Riggins. ?
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