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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Day…who knows…of quarantine. How is everyone feeling? I know the days are all starting to blend together a bit. I’m hoping you guys are all hanging in there. Are you cooking and baking and finding ways to stay busy during this time? Over here we’ve managed to keep pretty busy with days full of cooking and photographing new recipes. And nights full of writing, emails, and checking-in on Instagram. With so many of you cooking during this time at home, we’ve been doing our best to try to provide you all with recipes, pantry staple ideas, and answer all of your questions as efficiently possible.
Very thankful for our small, but mighty little HBH team…also known as my family.
How are you all keeping busy during this time? Is there anything that you’ve started doing that you ended up really enjoying? I know many are taking online classes, diving into home organization projects, and binge-watching Netflix. Speaking of which, what is everyone watching these days? I’m still so behind and have yet to start a single show…but all I keep hearing about Tiger King. You guys, I’m confused, why is everyone so obsessed with this show? What am I missing here? Asher and I are both wondering?
In other news, two of our goats, Layla and Mara, are due to give birth this month. We’re expecting little baby kids any time now, I’m so excited. For those of you who have been reading for a while, you may remember we had baby goats a couple of years ago as well. I can’t wait to meet the new members of our family soon. It’s certainly going to bring some much-needed happiness around here. I’ll be sure to share many photos and videos.
Coming up this week, we’ll be kicking Monday off with a colorful pantry(ish) style recipe that has a touch of springtime freshness to it. Tuesday is all about Easter cake. Then on Wednesday, we’ll have a fun Mexican dish. On Thursday we’ve got a quick and easy shrimp dinner. And we’ll finish out the week with a sweet dessert that’s perfect for Easter weekend.
Also, it’s crazy that Easter is just one week from today. With everything that’s going on, it doesn’t feel like Easter. We have nothing planned and no family coming home to celebrate…it just feels weird. How are you all celebrating this year? What’s missing from your Easter menu? I’m sharing a few ideas below, but let me know if there are any last-minute dishes you’re still looking for! Appetizers? Side dishes? Main course? Brunch? Maybe I throw something new into the lineup!
Lastly, 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).
I hope you enjoy this week’s Nine Favorite Things. Please let me know if you have any requests for next week’s post. I love sharing these lengthy Sunday posts with you all. Have a wonderful, relaxed Sunday…and have fun baking!
PS. we’re hosting a Staub giveaway for my favorite skillet on Instagram right now. The Giveaway ends tonight, so make sure you enter soon.
PSS. we have not been to the grocery store in well over a week. I’m honestly amazed we’ve been able to get by. We’ve been stocking up when we do go to the store, using those pantry staples…and getting creative over here.
1. Things that I’m finding comforting right now…
…My favorite thing to do at the end of the day is to light a candle. As soon as I get home from the studio (which is maybe just five hundred feet from my house), I prep dinner, clean up a little, and then light a candle. This has truly been such a relaxing thing for me to do every night. It’s really helped me to transition from “work” mode to “home” mode. Yes, I still work at home too, but something about having a candle lit really relaxes me and makes me feel a little calmer.
I wanted to share a few of my favorite candles with you below, but I’m also wondering if you guys have any candles you love? Looking to order a few new ones and keep up with my nightly routine. It’s saving me during this time and really helping to keep my anxiety in check.
Some of my personal favorite candles…
And of course, every single candle from The Little Market…I have this one burning as I type. It’s one my true favorites.
Question: what’s your favorite (non-toxic.chemical free) candle? I love anything warming and cozy!
Other things helping me during this time…
…I found this episode of The Skinny Confidential Podcast to be both light-hearted and inspiring at the same time. They talk about changing our mindsets during this time and using it to better ourselves instead. You can listen here.
…Additionally, I loved this podcast (also from The Skinny Confidential) on branding incredibly useful. If you are building any type of business, you have to listen to this episode. Listen here.
…Daily hikes! I feel bad mentioning this because I understand it’s a privilege to be able to get outside and hike daily. Since we live in a smaller town, it’s easier to stay a very safe distance from others while outside. I know not all of you can so easily get outside, but if you can, I highly recommend it. It’s amazing what a little fresh air can do.
…Keeping busy and creating new content for you all has been my true distraction from all my anxiety-driven thoughts. Focusing on work and how I can best provide for you guys has stopped me from constantly thinking about my fears and helped push away anxious thoughts. Thankful to be able to continue to do what I love so much daily.
…Supporting small businesses and giving back to charities. Here are a few we’ve personally donated to and love.
Feeding America – their programs serve virtually every community in the US, helping 1 in 7 Americans facing hunger live more secure and stable lives. 98% of all donations go directly into programs serving people in need.
Support Our Emergency Medical Workers – This past week Pizzana, an LA restaurant, has been cooking free meals for Los Angeles doctors, nurses, and emergency medical workers who are on the front lines fighting the pandemic. My friend Candace and her husband Charles started a Go Fund Me page to raise money so they can continue providing meals. Every dollar raised will be turned into food deliveries to Los Angeles area hospitals.
Meals On Wheels – Delivers nutritious meals to the country’s most vulnerable seniors.
Great Lakes Academy Charter School – teachers at this K-8 community charter school in Chicago are finding unique ways to provide critical services to their students, 100% of whom are minorities, and 87% are low-income. Teachers are working on the front lines by checking in one-on-one with every student, every day. They’re providing mental health, basic needs, e-learning materials/lessons, and learning packets. Over 60% of students do not have computer access. Donations will provide not only Chromebooks, but books, notebooks, and writing utensils. Just $180 provides one Chromebook for one student.
…The Home Edit quarantine challenge. Are any of you following this? I love the ideas they have been sharing out!
Question: what is helping you all the most to get through this time? I would love to hear!!
2. All the best Easter recipes.
Drinks:
strawberry hibiscus ginger margarita
Breakfast/Brunch:
Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers
Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake
Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns
Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Spring Herbs and Burrata
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Chili Garlic Oil and Herbs
Sesame Roasted Asparagus with Whipped Feta
Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey
Lunch/Dinner:
One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
Roasted Lemon Artichoke and Browned Butter Pasta
Greek Lamb Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce
Sheet Pan Blackened Salmon Bowl with Potatoes and Avocado Goddess Sauce
Herbed Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemony Feta Dressing
One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo
Dessert
Milk Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Bunny Cookies
Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake
Lemon Coconut Naked Cake with Whipped Vanilla Buttercream
Hydrangea Flower Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Strawberry Chamomile Olive Oil Cake with Honeyed Ricotta
Blackberry lavender naked cake with white chocolate buttercream
Healthy…ish Homemade Samoas Cookies
3. Last Minute Easter Finds…to bring some happiness.
4. favorite questions of the week.
q: Do you have any bread recipes that don’t call for yeast?
a: Yes!! My 5 Ingredient Honey Butter Beer Bread. You’ll never make anything easier. And it’s the best bread!
q: If you could pick one Staub pan to use every day, which would it be?
a: This one! I literally use it every single day, and that’s not an exaggeration.
q: What jobs did you have before HBH?
a: I started HBH just as I was turning 19, so this has really been my first real job. But when I was in middle school I made jewelry and actually sold it in a few stores. That lasted about one summer. Of course, I did some babysitting for my aunts throughout high school too. After graduating from high school and receiving my Associate’s Degree I moved to LA where I planned to attend FIDM. Before school began I worked at Barbizon Acting Modeling and Talent. I wanted to be sure I could handle LA. I decided LA wasn’t for me and moved back home to start HBH. I’ve been working on HBH full time ever since.
q: How are you and your family doing?
a: All of us are healthy and doing well. I feel pretty grateful to be where we are and to have the job that I do. We’re all staying home. My brothers are a little spread out, all but one are in CA, and my oldest brother is in Ohio. But all are good and working to keep busy.
q: Do you make all your money from your cookbooks?
a: No! Not at all. We have many different revenue sources for HBH…in-content blog ads, brand partnerships, cookbooks, HBH products, etc. There’s not just one source, but many.
5. favorite recipe videos.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette…my “everything but the kitchen sink” salad.
5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies…the pantry cookie I always have the ingredients for.
Plus videos from Instagram stories…
Cheesy Herb Stuffed Naan…nothing is better.
Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken…personal favorite recipe.
(extra) Dirty Horchata…and of course, Sunday drinks.
6. Inspiring me on Pinterest…the at home craft edition.
I pulled a few fun craft projects I found on Pinterest.
Pansy and Dahlia Fabric Flower Tutorial
Make Your Own Rosewater + Pink Clay Soap
7. A few links i’m loving…
exactly how to organize your fully stocked fridge…9 pro tips to avoid waste.
30 easy recipes to make at home this month…what are you cooking?
a Nashville home where the architecture steals the show…such a pretty home.
IKEA launched air-purifying curtains…we could all certainly use a breath of fresh air.
18 activities to do at home…that you have not thought of yet.
how to start an indoor garden…Martha Stewart’s gardener shares his tips.
celebrity cooking videos…love Jennifer Garner’s “pretend cooking show”.
it seems like everyone is baking bread now…15 recipes to get started.
11 movies to transport you around the world…need to watch Eat, Pray, Love.
free printable coloring pages…love this idea to pass time in a creative way.
33 Los Angeles restaurants to support…how to support and help the restaurant community.
Casey Wilson’s farmhouse inspired home….love the coziness and sweet charm.
how team domino is working from home…inside editors’ makeshift offices.
rearranging your home won’t solve everything…but It can make you smile.
support local restaurants by ordering chef-made meal kits…love this idea.
kids activity, make your own ice cream…
13 comfy trends to wear at home…I love a cozy home outfit more than you know.
popcorn? best sweats ever?…of course, you need these! The best self-isolation splurges.
you don’t need to go to the store to get fresh produce…5 produce delivery services.
what to send your friends on their isolated birthday…love these fun ideas.
7 TV shows to binge for design inspiration…have you watched any of these?
8. A Few Sales to shop…
Get 25% to 40% off Anine Bing…
Receive 15% off Cuyana through tonight…
Senreve Handbag Revival: almost perfect collection
Shop “Almost Perfect” bags at up to 25% off. These are near-perfect samples used at photoshoots or showrooms…
9. this week’s dinners…
Monday: Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers
Tuesday: Crispy Rice Bowl with Browned Butter Sweet Potatoes and Herby Green Tahini
Wednesday: Skillet Pesto Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups
Thursday: Greek Meatballs with Avocado Goddess Sauce
Friday: Cacio e Pepe with Arugula and Lemon
Saturday Sips: (extra) Dirty Horchata
Sunday Baking: Cheesy Herb Stuffed Naan (with no yeast option)
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
I ordered your cookbook a couple weeks ago and I’m obsessed! And I look forward to watching you cook and bake every date. I’ve been so inspired to try new recipes and take risks in the kitchen this past year, but especially now that I’m on mat leave plus in quarantine of course. It’s feeding my soul! (And our bellies!) So, thank you!!
Favourite candles: Coal and Canary! Hand poured with wooden wick and fun names/scents. https://www.coalandcanary.com/
Have a great week!
Aw this is too sweet! I am so glad you have been enjoying my recipes during this quarantine, Janelle! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I always love reading your blog posts; you are so open, and your personality is sooooo evident (the same is true in your cookbook). Speaking of your book, I’ve been totally immersing myself in cooking as we get used to our new normal indoors. I’ve had your cookbook for awhile but I’ve really delved into it in the last couple of weeks. I’ve made the marinated flank steak over the greens, with the lemon honey vinaigrette, Coq au Vin, just to name a few. I absolutely don’t know where you get your energy! I’m well stocked, even fresh ingredients as most of our grocery store here in Chicago deliver. Cooking keeps me sane. The more chopping, steps, and improving is something I look forward to all day!
Take care and keep up the good work!!
Jane
Hi Jane! I am so glad you have been loving my blog posts and book! That is so sweet to hear! I hope you continue to love all of the recipes you try! Also, I totally wish I got grocery delivery where I live haha! Stay well! xTieghan
THANK YOU ! GREAT READ, GLAD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE STAYING HEALTHY. ENJOY THE DAILY HIKES, YOURE TRULY BLESSED BUT IM HAPPY FOR YOU. ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BABY GOAT SPAM!!!
Haha so glad! Thank you so much! I hope you and your family are staying healthy as well! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, long time reader and lover of your blog! Your cookbooks are also one of my favorite presents to give. Thank you for your delicious recipes and wonderful reads. I am so impressed with your Nine Favorite Things post every week – so much effort must go into each one! In the spirit of sharing fun new things on the internet, I wanted to share one of my new ‘favorite’ things. My sister opened a new Etsy store and it features beautiful curated collage kits for both adults and kids! Think it’s a fun quarantine share or ‘thinking of you’ present : )
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtKitStudio
Thanks again for your endless delicious recipes! We made your no-stir brie risotto tonight : ) it tasted better than a restaurant!
Favorite candle (non toxic and all) made in the U.S. are Element candles from South Carolina. I asked for this for the holidays and my guy got me a full set. So far we have gone through one of the Wood scents and started a Musk but honestly all of them smell amazing. They have wooden wicks which provide a sweet crackling sound at times. I removed the wick at the end and am using the chic dark glass as a container for pens and scissors.
Thank you so much! I will check them out! xTieghan
Oh, I also love Root Candles, especially the Japanese Cedarwood. I just placed an order, everything is 25% off through the 11th.
Right now I’m burning a jar candle from Walgreens from when they were 4 for $20 awhile ago; same sale this week. I don’t like all the scents but there are a few including vanilla, linen and plumeria that I like.
Thank you!! xTieghan
LOVE your website and look forward to your favorite things post every Sunday! A random question-I have several jars of bruschetta in my pantry as well as several jars of jellies. Any recommendations on what I could create with them other than the obvious. I’m thinking some kind of sauce?? Trying to use what I have 🙂
Hi Toni,
You could totally do a sauce, I think that would be your best bet!! xTieghan
my favorite candles….Chesapeake Bay Candles – Mind & Body Collection, especially PEACE & TRANQUILITY…maybe i’m a little biased cause I’m east coast based, but I love the aroma of all of them
Thank you so much Sandi! xTieghan
Antique Candle Co out of Indiana has the best soy candles. Bonus they’re owned and run by a woman, and still considered a small shop. Every scent is amazing, but Fresh Cut Herbs is #1 on my list right now.
Love it! Thank you so much for sharing! xTieghan
I love MerSea candles! The company sells clothing as well but the candles are wonderful!
Thank you so much Marcia! xTieghan
My favorite candles are from Sweet Dish and Darling (a small Cleveland company!). All of her scents are amazing and so cozy, I just stocked up since I believe most of her revenue comes from local retail and markets so doing what I can to support local businesses! Also wanted to say thank you for continuing to be a bit of daily and calming normalcy for me. I’m a resident at the Cleveland Clinic and with things as scary as they are, it helps knowing I always have a Half-Baked Harvest daily recipe to look forward to. Thank you!
Ooo I will have to check her out!! and aw you are too kind! I hope you are staying safe and healthy! Thank you so much Mandy! xTieghan
I am a huge fan of yours and many of my meals are your recipes. I love your Nine Favorite Things posts. I love everything about your site and it has helped me to have a much healthier relationship with food. I find your site to be one of education and comfort.
May I just say though, that while it is wonderful that you are highlighting a particular charter school, most teachers are doing the very same thing. The public school that I work at is delivering meals to our community to the students who are most vulnerable and may not have a way to get to the school for a grab and go breakfast and lunch. We are providing continuity of education in the form of packets, because most of our students do not have internet access. The packets that were not picked up were mailed so that all students have the opportunity to continue their learning.
So I just wanted to respectfully say that this is a challenging time for all students and educators and it is not just private or charter schools who are looking after their students.
That is so amazing to hear!! I am so glad there are so many people helping each other out! Thank you for sharing! xTieghan
I’m cooking chicken or salmon and roasting vegetables. Because of a recent diagnosis of diabetes, I might have to unsubscribe for awhile as I’m on a strict diet, whole30 but more or less
. My primary wants me eating yogurt daily but otherwise dairy is out, fruit is minimal, I had to negotiate for oatmeal and eggs, then the diabetes specialist told me to try an egg on top my oatmeal which sounds crazy to me.
I’ve been working remotely for a company in a different part of the country since the end of January so have been home for awhile. I buy fresh flowers weekly because I’m working long hours and the vase is in my line of sight. I burn candles all the time, whether they’re drug store candles or something fancier. I love the Thymes Frasier Fir candles but recently bought a Voluspa Santal Vanille large jar candle and am looking at getting a Baltic Amber one. The glass jar is gorgeous and can be repurposed.
Thanks for the link to the rose clay soap! I’m going to try that this summer and will try to make lavender soap as well.
Hi Nan! I am sorry to hear that, and hope you are doing well! Buying flowers every week can really change your mood! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan
I picked up some dried Hibiscus flower powder that looked interesting but I’m at a loss of how to use it, any suggestions would be appreciated
Hi Suzanne! Love hibiscus! I will leave a link to all of the recipes I have for it! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/?s=hibiscus
LUX Fragrances!!! Beautiful scents and gorgeous packaging! Can’t get enough of these and my friends adore them as a gift. I have tried several fragrances and cannot choose a favorite. They are all delightful. Mail order is great and the packaging for shipping is excellent. The boxes with the flowers and decorations on top are stunning and make a perfect seasonal or birthday or just a HAPPY gift, which we all love. LUX is and has been my favorite go-to gift for the past couple of years. I don’t live near a store that retails them, so I order online.
Thank you so much Candy! I will check it out! xTieghan