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Hey hey hey! It’s finally the weekend and I’m genuinely excited. How are you spending yours? Do you have plans already lined up or are you taking it easy?
We’re going to start a little holiday decorating — yes, I know it’s early. Now that Max is part of our routine, everything takes much longer and I’m giving myself extra time to get things done. Decorating slowly feels nice this year; it’s less stressful and more enjoyable.
If you haven’t considered it yet, now is a great time to make a big batch of apple cider sangria or apple cider margaritas. They’re crowd-pleasing, seasonal, and perfect for weekend get-togethers. We’ve also been sharing a full Thanksgiving dinner over on the Pioneer Woman site, and I recently made a pecan pie tart that was dangerously good — I kept sneaking forksful right from the pan. If you love pecan desserts, it’s absolutely worth trying.
Also — I shared the first holiday gift guide of the season recently, and there will be more added over the weekend. If you’re starting to think about gifts, the guides offer a few thoughtful ideas to get you started without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re already planning menus, I have a few ideas for using Turkey Day leftovers. Simple reinventions like sweet potato pancakes with whipped coconut cream or a turkey and potato chip BLAT help stretch the meal and keep things exciting the next day. I’ll be sharing more leftover-friendly recipes soon.
Internet finds and recipe inspiration I’m loving right now:
– Creamy goat cheese grits topped with roasted Brussels sprouts, squash, and a poached egg. It’s the kind of savory breakfast or brunch that feels indulgent but still seasonal and comforting.
– A chocolate mudslide pie that looks dangerously decadent — one of those desserts you want to hide so you don’t eat the whole thing in one sitting.
– Butterscotch pumpkin pie which combines rich caramel notes with classic pumpkin spice — autumn in dessert form.
– A roasted beet and pear salad that’s elegant enough for a holiday table and bright enough to balance richer sides.
– A no-sugar-added winter sangria that’s gorgeous in color and light on sweetness, perfect for anyone wanting a fruit-forward, lower-sugar option for holiday gatherings.
– A brown butter sweet potato casserole that takes the usual side dish up a level with nutty, toasty flavors and a creamy finish.
– A simple at-home beef and broccoli recipe for nights when you crave takeout but prefer to cook at home. Quick, satisfying, and customizable.
– Cranberry mules, a festive cocktail that’s both tart and refreshing — great for holiday toasts and small parties.
– Pumpkin spice coconut ice cream tucked inside a pancake — yes, a pancake — for a whimsical take on breakfast-dessert fusion.
– DIY party gift ideas that feel handmade and thoughtful, a nice alternative to the usual bottle of wine when you want to give something personal.
– Sweet and savory little cheddar muffins that are perfect alongside soups, stews, or as a brunch item.
– A straightforward three-step guide to get perfectly crispy turkey skin — a favorite technique to improve holiday roasting results.
– Pumpkin spice cheesecake with salted caramel that’s richly spiced and beautifully balanced between sweet and salty.
There’s so much delicious inspiration out there right now. Whether you’re planning a full holiday menu, looking for leftover ideas, or just browsing for cozy weekend treats, these finds make me excited for the season ahead. What will you try first?