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Thanks for joining me for another Nine Favorite Things post.
Happy December 27th guys!! Christmas may be behind us, but I do really love this time between Christmas and New Years’. The world slows down a bit, family is in town, and everything is much more relaxed. It’s kind of like a week-long holiday before the New Year!
Our Christmas was pretty picture perfect. The only thing that could have made it better would have been some snow falling, but don’t worry we’ll be getting that this week. Instead, we had very sunny skies, good food (well, I had some mishaps), and family. I think everybody was pretty happy. Christmas Eve was spent cooking, and as usual, I was a bit over-ambitious.
I did stick pretty close to our Christmas Eve menu. I did two large beef tenderloins, crispy cheesy potato stacks, roasted bacon brussels sprouts, charred garlic parmesan broccoli, a big salad, and parker house rolls. And for dessert, my mom’s Death By Chocolate…but made completely from scratch. Her recipe uses boxed chocolate mousse mix, and cool whip. You all know me, I had to make everything from complete scratch. In all honestly, I would have just bought the mousse mix, but we can never find it anywhere, so I made it!
And you know something? Of all the dishes I made, I think the Death By Chocolate turned out the best. Dinner was totally fine, but I started too late on everything, so it was a scramble. And there were definitely some overcooked sprouts on the dinner table.
But, we all had fun, and no one really cared. My family is easy. As long they have their steak and potatoes they’re pretty happy.
For Christmas Day, we switched it up big time and did Mexican, per my brother Red’s request. Crispy chipotle chicken tacos, queso fundido stuffed poblano peppers, cilantro-lime rice, Mexican fries, guacamole, salsa, and a cilantro-lime sauce. Plus plenty of limes, cilantro, and cheese for topping everything. It was delish, and in my mind, far better than Christmas Eve dinner. We might just make it a new Christmas Day tradition. It was a fun switch up!
And that’s pretty much it. Nothing crazy extravagant. We were all just thankful to be together having such a nice Christmas together as a family. Really hoping you all had a wonderful one too!
Oh! And I almost forgot, I did a last-minute Instagram Live with Katie Couric on Tuesday. She reached out to me wanting to make a holiday cocktail, and I, of course, jumped at the opportunity. I have to say, she really is such a sweet and kind person. She’s so easy to talk to and asked me some really fun questions. We made my Mistletoe Margarita and I already can’t wait to do another Live with her soon.
Katie has a daily newsletter called Wake Up Call. It includes the day’s top news, some special stories, and this week…some of my recipes. You can subscribe here if you’re looking for a GOOD email in your inbox every morning.
And, you can watch our Instagram Live right here too.
Coming up this week on HBH, we’ll be taking the week to share favorite posts from 2020, our top healthy recipes for the New Year, a last-minute appetizer for New Years, and one last holiday cocktail to round out the season!
Per my mom’s request keeping all posts shorter this week, including today’s…though I’ve already written way too much. Sorry mom…
Enjoy the very last Nine Favorite Things of 2020! See you guys tomorrow!
1. healthy January + 2021 content request?
Healthy January 2021 officially starts on January 2nd. To be honest, I haven’t even begun to think about these recipes yet, as things have been so busy. However, I am really excited to start the New Year off with fresh, healthy recipes! As always, I would LOVE to hear what you guys are looking for most when it comes to healthy eating. I know many of us struggle with meal planning, finding delicious yet still healthy recipes, and the dreaded question of what to have for lunch. Is there anything I’m missing?
Let me know what recipes you would love to see!
2021 Content Request
What would you like to see more of?
Is there anything you’d like to see less of?
Is there anything you’re wanting to see on Instagram stories?
Please let me know. It’s always so helpful to have your feedback, then I can provide you with content you really want to see!
And lastly, what have been your favorite recipes/series of 2020?
2. New Years’ Day Brunch Recipes…
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream
Lemon Strawberry Dutch Baby with Ricotta Cream
Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Easiest Homemade Pretzel Bagels
Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers
Eggs in Purgatory with Chile Butter and Feta
Turkish Eggs with Chile Butter and Whipped Feta
Herby Everything Cheddar Swirl Buns
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Chili Garlic Oil and Herbs
Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Pesto
Baked Cinnamon Crème Brûlée French Toast with Raspberry Preserves
Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread
3. Cozy Winter Home Finds…
4. Favorite Question Of the Week.
q: What Was your favorite gift you received this year?
a: I have two, one from Asher and then one from both my mom and Asher. Asher made be the sweetest homemade ornament and two pairs of earrings that I love. But my very favorite was the gift from both my mom and Asher. They got me a really pretty pearl necklace with matching earrings. As soon as I opened it, I said, “Asher, now we can be matching”. Asher explained that the reason she had picked out the necklace and earrings was that she wanted us to match. My heart melted a little bit. She’s the sweetest and hers and my mom’s gifts always mean the most to me. They put so much thought into them!
5. 25 Days Of Christmas…
Ok, so I didn’t do the very BEST job at keeping up with all 25 days, but I made it all the way down to day number five. Not the full countdown, but next year I’ll be a little more prepared with my content….or I hope I will anyway! Christmas may be over, but I thought I would still share two last tips that are perfect for this time between Christmas and New Years’!
Also, I had fun with this mini-series. Should I bring it back next year?
Do A Family Bowling Night
We always do a night of bowling over Christmas break. It’s such a fun (and different) way to spend the night. And…it gets everyone outta the house. It’s usually not that expensive either! This year our local bowling alley is spacing out the lanes and even allowing larger families (like ours) to rent the whole bowling alley out.Â
Build a Christmas Eve New Years’ Eve cheeseboard. To me, it’s just not a holiday gathering without a cheeseboard…I like to keep mine simple, but big. Here is how I made this year’s board!
See my full how-to and all my tips here.
Question: How is everyone celebrating New Years’ this year? It’s so different this year with no big parties happening so I’m curious what you guys are up to? I’m thinking it may be homemade pizzas and cocktails for New Years’ for us, but not sure what the fam is thinking. Asher wants to do a dumpling night, so I’ll have to update you next week on what actually goes down.
6. Photos From Christmas.
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving…
The Best Planners for 2021…according to productivity (and stationery) experts.
67 Shows We Binged and Loved in 2020…so many I have not seen. Which ones are your favorites?
This Skincare Ingredient Treats Wrinkles, Dark Spots, and Acne…New goal? Use retinol more regularly.
Marie Kondo’s 3 Best Storage Tips…one will cure your clothes of wrinkles.
18 of the Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2021…predicting 2021 to be the year of travel. Or that’s my hope anyway.
Secret Trap Doors Flip This Play Zone Into a Guest Room in a Flash…such a cool idea…love this.
11 Luxurious Bedding Options to Start the New Year Right…love these cozy finds.
Stars Show Off Their Holiday Decor…wow. Tim McGraw’s Christmas tree is huge.
How New Year’s Eve Is Celebrated Around the World…I’d certainly love to spend New Year’s Eve in London. What city would you pick?
25 H&M Items That Will 100% Sell Out Before 2021…everything is on sale too!
An Upstate New York Farmhouse…so unique and pretty. Love all the details.
This Cabinet Type Can Hide Small Kitchen Appliances…and even laundry machines.
11 Tricks to Looking More Photogenic…for your NYE photos.
All the Year-End Kitchen Deals You Can’t Afford to Miss…those Staub pots are my favorite.
8 Expert Tips That Make Meal Planning a Breeze
8. New Years Style…the oh so cozy edition.
9. This Week’s Dinners…
Monday: One Pot Spicy Alla Vodka Pizza Pasta
Tuesday:Â Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
Wednesday:Â Sesame Chicken Dumplings in Spicy Broth with Garlic Crisps
Thursday: (NYE pizza night)Â Easy Sheet Pan Tomato Herb Pizza
Friday: Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Saturday: Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala
Sunday:Â Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Chickpeas
Check out all the past Nine Favorite Things posts here.
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. 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.
Thankful for 2020 as it brought me to your blog and has helped me develop such a love for cooking! I am particularly excited for Healthy January on your blog as I’m holding myself accountable to fueling my body better in 2021… smaller portions, saying no to things I know won’t make me feel good, etc.
Ideas for Healthy January: better-for-you desserts, stir-fry recipes loaded with veggies, veggie-heavy soups. Ground chicken/turkey recipes. Maybe a recipe that shows how you swap certain ingredients to have a healthier dish? Also, simple + affordable healthy recipes. Hard to find sometimes!
Thanks for putting all of this creativity in the world! And shoutout to the whole HBH team who helps keep things going ?
Hey Kelly,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing your suggestions! Love these ideas:) Happy New Year! xTieghan
My favorite recipe this year was your Sticky Sesame Chicken and Brussel Sprouts – so good! I would love more sheet pan, one pot and slow cooker easy week night dinners! Oh, and cocktails! 🙂
Thank you so much Tiffany! Happy New Year! xTieghan
What would you like to see more of?
Cocktails (especially movie-inspired cocktails)! I love your cocktails because they don’t require to have ten thousand different alcohols at hand – and that they always taste delicious! Also, more cakes because cake is life and I love your salads
Is there anything you’d like to see less of?
Hummm… no
Is there anything you’re wanting to see on Instagram stories?
Baby goats and morning hikes! The landscape makes me dream every time I see it !
And lastly, what have been your favorite recipes/series of 2020?
I loved the Harry Potter cocktails series – maybe you should make some HP foods too! That would be so fun! Also I loved all the summer recipes with greens and berries!
Hey Jeanne,
Thank you so very much for reading along and your suggestions! Truly appreciate them! Happy New Year! xTieghan
I really hope your blog don’t turn into a Whole30 Keto low cal diet disordered eating blog. There are so many of those out there, and it would completely clash with the brand you have built up, and you making real food is why I am reading this blog.
Keep doing what you do!
The only thing I do agree on is how to easily scale down or recipes for one or two people, as a person living alone.
Happy new year!
Hey there,
I have always done healthy January in the past, as always I will be staying true to my brand:) Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I would love to see more lower calorie options! I’m also really into paleo or whole30 as a lifestyle so that would be great too!!
Thanks so much Bianca! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan,
Thank you for sharing another great Nine Favorite things always a wonderful read I love it!! You are always inspiring me to try new things in the kitchen thank you!! This coming year I want to learn to make your cheese board or the brunch board. When I worked in catering we created these all the time and really wanted to make one. Whenever I do one I am going to watch or your step by directions. This week I am going to make your Sheet Pan Pizza I am excited!! I never made pizza before it looks so delicious!! Every morning when I am looking for new recipes to make I come to HBH every single day!! Its my favorite blog hands down! Its nice to be inspired by the best in my mind. I love all your content so hard to say what i want to see more of. I want to start learning how to make bread from scratch without a bread maker. Do you have some more recipes you could share?? Anything you have to share for Brunch would be fantastic!! Its my favorite meal of the day breakfast you just can’t go wrong can you?? I loved your list of the 60 best shows that got us through this year. If you haven’t seen Virgin River I highly recommend it. Its definitely worth your time if you haven’t seen it yet. I started watching the series called YOU on Netflix. It’s certainly different but a tad strange if you ask me. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year! Thanks for all the great recipes and stories you share everyday I love them all thanks again 🙂
Hey Mike,
Thank you so very much for your kind message and following along! I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes. My favorite bread recipe is in the HalfBakedHarvest Super Simple cookbook. Thanks for the show recommendations! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I have so many favorite HBH recipes! I love any recipes with feta and tomatoes. I would like to see more recipes that can be gluten free, easy 1 pan meals, and easy recipes to prep for lunch.
Thanks for your feedback Chelsea! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I agree with the comment about “you doing you!” If people want low cal, vegan, or “diet” type recipes, they can go to websites that are specific to what they want!!! You are absolutely too darn creative IN EVERYTHING YOU DO, to be put in a specific category!!! Love all the beautiful photos of your food, and especially love the family pics!!! You are so very talented!!!! Happy New Year to you and your big family!!! 🙂
Thanks so much Cindy!! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Since Air Fryers have become the rage have you thought about posting some recipes for Air . I also like the idea of salads and scaled down recipes for 2 or 3.
I love your blog!!
Thanks so much Michelle! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I’m going to be in the minority, but I dislike when January is filled with healthy recipes that are bland. Maybe yours will be different since everything you make is fun. 🙂 I like the idea of more great lunch ideas. I also love when you give gluten-free options!
Thanks Amy! Hope you will love the recipes:) Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Your recipes always look so gorgeous. My trouble is I’m in a wheelchair and it would be nice sometime to have a few simple recipes with less complicated ingredients once in awhile. I’m a good cook but always need help when there are so many things to add in. Thanks. P.S. Salads and soups are wonderful to make and have on hand for me to just reheat.
Thanks so much for your ideas Laura! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I love your cookbooks, emails, insta, etc. Your barn is awesome and I love how much you love your family. It’s beautiful. Your photography is amazing. I love how you have a photograph(s) and sometimes video of every recipe. I love how you tell stories and your Colorado scenery is stunning. I would love to see some more vegetarian and vegan meals. It would be great to see some meat substitute recipes using beyond meat, etc. I’m trying to go as meat free as possible because I love animals and it’s better for the earth and it’s healthier. You’re amazing! Thank you! Happy New Year!
Hey Jennifer,
Thank you so much for your super kind message and following along! I truly appreciate you reading the posts and trying the recipes! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan-I don’t want you to change a thing (ie vegetarian, keto, low cal). You just keep doing YOU!! I’ve really enjoyed following you and will continue to do so. I just hope you don’t change up what’s solidified your brand and personality.
Thank you so very much Kirsten:) Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I am obsessed with your blog…so is everyone once I tell them where I got the recipe from! I have 2 small children and I love your homemade versions of normally store bought snacks (cinnamon toast crunch, honey and oats granola bars, homemade goldfish etc.) I would love to see more child friendly snacks and homemade versions of store-bought prepackaged snacks! Thank you for your inspiration that you give to all us readers!
Hey Rachel,
Thanks so much fro reading along, I love these ideas! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Aw, love your Christmas photos.
For January, I’d like some new soups please. Maybe a warm salad too? Xx
Thanks so much for the ideas Kelly-Jane! xTieghan