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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Today is a very special Sunday! It’s Asher’s 12th birthday! I feel like by now most of you Sunday Favorite’s readers are well aware of who Asher is. But just in case any of you’re newer, Asher is the youngest Gerard, my only little sister, and well, pretty much everyone has a major soft spot for her. Meaning she’s a true “last-child” and has everyone in the family wrapped around her cute little (ring filled) fingers.
We love her!
Sadly she’s with my mom and a few of my brothers in Lake Tahoe this week living her best life and soaking up that California sun. This means I’m not going to get celebrate with her today. But don’t worry, she’s celebrating and eating cake, I can promise you that! My mom is baking her our favorite chocolate birthday cake and you know she’s going to enjoy it in her most stylish outfit. More photos below because she’s just the cutest. I felt like we all needed a little Asher in our lives today!
Moving along now. Happy last Sunday of August. Tuesday marks the start of September and I’ve never felt like time flies more than I do now. I think the older you get, the faster time goes. Anyone else feel the same?
With the start of September, I very much have fall on the brain. No matter how much I’ve really loved this summer, I’m still so excited for fall. And it’s slowly starting to set in around here too. We had the rainiest day on Friday that brought in cooler temps and you could feel the shift in the air. I hate the rain, but the thought of autumn apples, pumpkin spice, and Halloween has me pretty excited.
Question: What is one thing everyone is looking forward to most this fall? It can be anything! I’d just love to hear! I have so many things I could list. So. Many. Things. Fall candles, pumpkin spice, apples, cozy fall sweaters, boots, the crisp leaves, pumpkin carving, baking Halloween treats, mixing up Harry Potter cocktails. I could go on and on, but please, tell me what you love!
Anyway, we have a busy week ahead of us, but it’s going to be a good one…though I have to say, I am a little anxious! We’ve got a big photoshoot this week, so I’m prepping and cramming, checking things off my list before the shoot. It’s going to be so much fun and a nice change of pace too. We haven’t had a big photoshoot in a while and I can’t wait to spend the day shooting again with my friend Kristen (who photographed me for the HBH Super Simple Cookbook). More to come on this very soon!
Ok, and lastly, if you’re looking for something to listen to while you cook, bake, or just chill today, I was recently on the Reinvention podcast. You can listen to my episode here.
Coming up this week on HBH. I’m slowly starting to transition into cozier recipes, but with summer produce still very much in mind! I’ll be sharing a new staple chicken dinner, a fun casserole style recipe, a delicious new corn recipe, and a dinner roll fit for Sunday night.
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. If you’re meal planning today, don’t forget to check out my menu below (it’s # 9 on the favorite’s list). You can grab the full grocery list for this week’s menu in our special Sunday newsletter.
Oh little Asher! She’s grown so much over the years and I wish she’d just stop growing. She’s more like an adult than a twelve-year-old and wise beyond her years. I’m not with her to celebrate today, but we have plans to celebrate in a couple weeks when she’s back home. We’ll just be extending the birthday week into two full weeks and then some! I have major plans to bake her up a cake, but just not sure what kind yet. All I’m very sure of is that it needs to be heavy on the chocolate…chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Per her request, of course!
Thought I’d share some photos, since she’s cooler than I could ever be! Enjoy!
Serious Question: what is your favorite Birthday cake? Need to know!
Most Popular: Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake
YES. I am thrilled you all love this recipe so much. It’s certainly my favorite too. Funny thing? This was a spur of the moment, very last minute switch up. I was going to make pasta, but then I decided on a rice bake. Twas the right move. Made using healthy vegetables and herbs, this bake is so darn easy, and so darn delicious. And the best part? It’s made entirely in one pot and in under an hour.
Runner Up: Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Lazone with Herby Corn
This one is fun! And so full of flavor. A really nice switch up to the average weeknight dinner…and I have to say I am so happy you guys love this too! Lightly breaded chicken seared until golden in a creamy, spicy, cajun style sauce that’s truly delicious. This chicken is made all in one skillet with corn and a squeeze of lemon. It’s simple, quick, and such a great use of the late summer corn.
I also have to mention: Cinnamon Sugar Peach Upside Down Cake
If you have lots of peaches on the counter, you must make this. Made using fluffy vanilla cake and topped with browned butter and caramelized cinnamon sugar-coated peaches. Every bite is insanely delicious. Enjoy this peach cake warm, right out of the oven, with a dollop of vanilla bourbon cream. Roll your eyes back delicious!
One more because I love it so much and it came in 4th place: Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese
No description needed, the title says it all. Make and enjoy!
Bouns: Dried Florals
q: How do you keep your recipes organized?
a: It’s messy! All my ideas are kept in a running google doc. Right now I have a list a mile long for the end of summer, early fall, and a few holiday ideas too! Anytime I think of a recipe, I jot it down or I’ll forget. Once a recipe is published, I really just use the website as my “organization”. They’re all there, labeled, filed, and in one place. And then of course the recipes in my cookbooks are in the books and I reference those whenever I need them.
q: Do you get bears near your house?
a: Not too many, but yes we definitely have them, and we come across them while hiking from time to time. My brother lives in Tahoe and they get bears a lot more than we do.
q: Where is your cast iron skillet from? The one you posted with the peach cobbler?
a: This is a vintage store find, but I found a similar one on Williams-Sonoma.
Giant Salted Espresso Hot Fudge Cookies…SO. VERY. GOOD.
Instagram Reels Recap:
Best (homemade) Cauliflower Gnocchi
Blackberry Lavender White Chocolate Scones
Lastly, Instagram Stories:
Saucy Coconut Braised Chicken with Rice Noodles and Broccoli
Easiest Herby Tomato Soup with Melted Brie Crostini
Baked Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Zucchini Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Pasta Carbonara
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Last Sunday I shared my favorite podcasts with you guys and asked you what some of yours are. You all had so many great ones that I thought I would share some so that everyone can find new podcasts to listen too!
Literally! With Rob Lowe – If you like Armchair Expert, this is similar! Listing to Dangerous and Scintillating (w/ Gwyneth Paltrow) and Hair Magician (w/ Demi Moore).
Starving for Attention with Richard and Jazmin Blais – an entertaining, behind-the-scenes, look at the world of food with this chef, television personality, and author.
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio – Milk Street Radio travels the world to discover how food and cooking are changing lives and cultures.
Stuff You Should Know – Light-hearted and funny with a wide variety of topics. There’s something for everyone.
Additionally, I also shared some coffee beans I was ordering and whoa! You guys love coffee too! Here are some of the beans that were suggested.
Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee in Massachusetts – love that so many of these beans are organic. I’ve read that coffee beans actually have more pesticides than fruit and vegetables, so this makes them very important to buy organically if you can. This Mexican Chiapas French Roast sounds pretty incredible.
Larry’s Coffee – Also mostly organic! This Fire In The Belly Blend sounds fun!
Yield Coffee – a smaller company with a great mission. Love the sound of this Dark Horse Espresso.
Thanksgiving Coffee – well, I mean, the name already has me sold. The Congo blend sounds amazing. I think even my mom would drink this one…she’s not a coffee drinker, but loves chocolate.
Corvus Coffee Roasters – local Colorado spot!
Good Coffee – love that the proceeds from this Open Schools Blend benefit Open School. An organization that serves kids who need something different than traditional schooling.
Purple Door Coffee – another specialty coffee roaster that not only sells good coffee but does great things. Purple door Coffee employs teens and young adults who have been homeless and want to leave homelessness behind.
3 Road Trips for a Socially Distant Vacation…sign me up for route 1 and route 2.
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020…love fall fashion and those Celine boots.
A Genius Way to Upcycle All Those Coffee-Table Books Collecting Dust…love this so much, I used to do something similar with magazines
How To Look Good On A Zoom Call…certainly taking notes.
H&M’s Sweaters…these 27 are the best. Love this hoodie, cozy knit, turtleneck, and cardigan.
Best Way to Organize Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro..if you need some help.
Amazon Fall Home Decor…loving this chunky blanket. Of course.
5 Ways to Handle Feeling Overwhelmed and Unmotivated…I need to put these into action.
15 Items A Health Coach Buys From Trader Joe’s…I’d pick up the shaved brussels sprouts.
The Next Book You Should Read Based on Your Favorite Movies and Shows…what is on your list?
The Most Influential Fashion Trends, Decade by Decade…love the 60’s and 70’s.
Step Inside Casey Neistat and Candice Pool’s Dream L.A. Hideaway…what a pretty home.
9 Trends That Zara Is Getting So Right This Season…ribbed knits, 90’s denim, and chunky chains.
These 5 Steps Will Teach You Everything You Need To Know About Manifestation…an inspiring read.
Tour This Picture-Perfect Villa in Provence…would love to visit someday.
19 Things Every ’80s Kid Bought for Back-to-School…taking it back. Remember any of these things?
4 Ways to Improve Your Creative Writing…always looking to improve on my writing skills.
12 Effective Hand Sanitizers That Are Actually Moisturizing…love a good hand sanitizer. Thinking of finally trying this one or this one.
These Clean-Beauty Picks Are as Good as Regular…I personally love this Kosas Beauty concealer and Ilia Brow Gel.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday: Skillet Lemon Herb Chicken with Tomatoes, Peaches, and Feta
Friday:
Saturday Cocktail:
Sunday Funday Baking: Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Finally, check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
I made your Cinnamon Peach Upside down Cake this week and it was really great!
Thank you so much Hazel! xTieghan
I love pumpkin things that are available in the fall. I like the warm cozy feeling .i like the smell. I don’t like the time change. I like cashmere.
Thank you Gloria! xTieghan
If you ever want to do something from Mexico, we have a five star B and B and would trade out a stay for some publicity. It is in San Miguel de Allende. My website is http://www.casadeloschiqueados.com
Thanks and love your blog!
Christina
Thank you Christina! xTieghan
You are so right about the older you get the faster it goes! And one of my favorite things about fall is your incredible imagination in all your recipes! You are my favorite person ever online! When I saw your brother competing in the Olympics I yelled out to everyone, ”hey, that’s my favorite bloggers brother!” Anyway, fall is totally my favorite season all around and I’m looking forward to all your new recipes and lifestyle tips that make it so much more fun.
Thanks Tieghan!
Haha wow that is amazing! I am so glad you have been enjoying my blog, Della! I hope you continue to! Thank you! xTieghan
Loving 9 favorite things. I’ve shared with my favorite girlfriends. I wish more of the places shipped to Canada but love the inspiration regardless.
Thank you so much Christina! xTieghan
Asher has the best birthday gift ever, you as a big sister, what a nice roll model you are.
Thank you Sue!! xTieghan
Not only do your recipes taste AMAZING, but your presentation and photography is beautiful! You truly have a gift! Keep those recipes coming……?
Thank you so much Danielle! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Happy Birthday to sweet Asher! She is a cutie and her style is very on point! As always, love these posts!
Seriously!! Thank you Bobbi Jo! xTieghan
Happy happy birthday to you Asher.
? xTieghan
I look forward to this post every week! ☺️ Love from Philadelphia!
Thank you so much Em!! xTieghan
Dear Tieghan,
Too often in life we pass up the opportunity to let people who have contributed to our lives in some way know that they have done so. We are quick to criticize what we don’t like and condemn what we don’t agree with, but take time out to let someone know they impact you in a positive way… not often enough. It occurred to me as I was preparing birthday food plans for my daughter (it was Friday and delicious thanks to you) how often you have provided our meal inspiration over the past year or so. I had to laugh when I asked my daughter what she wanted on her birthday and she was quick to say HBH Coconut Shrimp! It made me think about how many wonderful meals and treats have come out of our kitchen that you originated. Every one a delicious adventure! Sometimes it feels as though you are right there with us at the counter – sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail, sharing in the chatter and getting dinner moving along. So I thought I wouldn’t let another day slip by without telling you and thanking you! Oh yes, the birthday pick for tonight is Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Ravioli… we’ll be seeing you later :o))
Aw this was so amazing and sweet to read! I am so happy you have been enjoying my recipes and I hope you continue to! Happy Birthday to your daughter! xTieghan
Another great coffee with a great cause attached is Manatee coffee out of Florida. They have lots of great roasts but the Caribbean blend is my favorite. The smell of it takes me to the tropics. It’s super smooth and I use it for both cold brew as well as hot.
https://www.manateecoffee.com/
Thank you Stacey! xTieghan
I’m a summer loving gal and I hold on tight for as long as it will last, but this fall, I’m most excited for halloween. My 4-year old little boy is VERY into it and we’re already watching halloween movies, so I’m looking forward to enjoying his excitement.
I visited Colorado about two weeks ago for the very first time and it is so beautiful! I’d love to see it in the fall. Those mountain towns are stunning and I can only imagine what they’re like in October. Enjoy!
Aw that is so exciting and sweet!! Does he know what he wants to be? Also, so glad you loved Colorado! Its definitely my favorite haha! xTieghan
I love your tag line for these regular Sunday posts… “Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post”. I would like to say *Thank You for writing them*. I know these types of post take a very,very long time to write and I look forward to them every week.
Thank you so much Emie!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Fall…. Mostly hoping things will slow down. Cooler days mean possible snuggling on the couch. As we pull in with the cooler weather I love rich foods, pumpkin pie (has to be from scratch, and dont cook two pumpkins even if they are small… it makes 6 pies!!!), Fall colors, apple picking and pumpkin patch. hot coco, mexican hot coco, london fogs, hot honey and nutmeg milk. oh and dont forget hot cider!
Checked out the link for organizing the kitchen but its pretty based on having a certain type of kitchen. My house is old and I think will require some remodeling….eventually.
5 was of handling overwhelm LOL! nope. Would be nice if there was an easy fix though but I just cant do most of those things. I did see a therapist and it was nice. I recommend this to anyone. Just know sometimes it takes a bit to find someone who jives with you.
like some of the amazon fall stuff. im itching to decorate. think its too early? im seeing lots though that can just be DIY from dollar tree.
Hi Miranda! Wow this makes me so excited for fall.. love all of those things! It is definitely not too early to decorate in my opinion haha. Also such a good idea to go to the dollar store!! xTieghan