IT'S CHILLY SO LET'S MAKE SOME CHILI 🥶🥣
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Let’s start with a recap:
Last weekend we went to our cottage in Grand Haven (a beach town in west Michigan) with one of my oldest friends and her family. Grand Haven itself is a very picturesque place…. wilderness, pristine beaches, a cute downtown with a bright red lighthouse. But for those unfamiliar with a frozen Lake Michigan beach, it is stunning. There’s nothing like it…. literally looks like you’ve stepped foot onto another planet 🧑🏻🚀.
We went on plenty of hikes in the woods and the beach over the weekend. The weather was wet and cold, so I made a big pot of my white chicken chili. I forget how good this chili is until I make it, especially on a cold-to-your-bones kind of afternoon. My sister and I even think it tastes better the next day.
We also went to one of my favorite local cider breweries, Farmhaus Cider Co. Basically, you drive through a few dozen cornfields until you start to think there’s no way a cidery is out here, and then there it is. While it’s a hot spot in the summer, during the cold Michigan winters they set up little insulated igloos. They’re so cute, and I’m here for anything that gets me to enjoy the outdoors when it’s cold.
Speaking of cider…it also happens to be Cider Week in Chicago! To celebrate, we have a bonus section this week with Jackson’s favorite hard ciders. For those new here, my husband is a dry cider aficionado.
Cheers 🥂
JACKSON’S CIDER PICKS
Anxo District Dry: Anxo will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the first cider that made me realize not every cider has to be sweet like Angry Orchard. They have zero sugar so definitely a dry cider. The District Dry is very drinkable, but be careful they are high in alcohol content.
Brys Estate Cider: Hilary brought these back for me from a trip to Traverse City. I like the Brut and Signature Cider, and Hil loves the Lavender flavor.
Farmhaus Daily Dry: This cider is a touch sweeter than the Anxo cider, but also very tasty. We love going to their tasting room and getting a flight of cider to try.
Green Man: This is the sweetest of the bunch, but still on the dryer side. It is very green apple-forward and comes in a 16 oz can.
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
Feat. the Pantry Sisters.
NAT’S SELECTS
Byredo Body Lotion in Gypsy Water
This is my favorite scent from Byredo. Hack 1: Buy the body lotion which is not only significantly less money than the perfume, but I find that body lotions in general last way longer on me. Hack 2: This body lotion is STRONG. So I mix it in with a lightly fragranced or fragrance-free body lotion. Mellows out the scent and extends the life of the Byredo lotion. Sometimes I shock myself with my genius….
HIL’S SELECTS
Mandarin Oranges from Trader Joe’s
I bought these on a whim last week because I was intrigued by the leaves still being connected to the mandarins. I can’t tell if I am being dramatic, but I think these might be the best oranges I’ve ever had and my favorite purchase in 2024 so far. They are tiny, seedless, and have the most intensely delicious citrus flavor. I’ve also been peeling and freezing them to make tiny sorbet snacks🍊
My mom is a hairdresser and told me about this stuff. It helps keep my baby hairs down and my ends shiny without leaving a greasy residue.
This whiteboard was something I didn’t know how badly I needed until I bought it. Whenever I (or Jackson) realize we are out of something I immediately write it on the fridge. This has saved me a lot of extra trips to the store.
AS SEEN ON TIKTOK
GERMAN POTATO SALAD
Personally, I am a much bigger fan of vinegar-based potato salad than creamy potato salad. This German Potato Salad is so easy, uses very few ingredients, and is the perfect side dish (especially with Schnitzel and sweet and sour red cabbage).
WHAT I’M COOKING THIS WEEK
I never get tired of making White Bean Chicken Chili. It is one of my favorite soups and tastes even better the next day. My Ultimate Taco Salad is a filling and flavorful salad that is kid-friendly and great for lunch! Whenever I want a hands-off recipe I make my Spaghetti Squash Bake. I have been craving these Spicy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps lately. They are fresh, easy and delicious.
WHITE BEAN CHICKEN CHILI
This is a recipe you will want to make year-round. I love to save the leftovers in my freezer for nights when I don’t have time to make dinner. It has the perfect kick from the cayenne and chiles but is balanced by the hint of cream cheese added at the end.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 25 min Total Time: 40 min
ULTIMATE TACO SALAD
I love taco salads and the dressing in this recipe is so easy to make. By combining plain Greek yogurt and salsa, the result is a creamy and tangy dressing that is much better for you than most taco salad dressings. It is one of my favorite salads and is a hit with kids and picky eaters!
Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 10min Total Time: 30 min
SPAGHETTI SQUASH BAKE
I love how hands-off and how easy this recipe is to clean up after. Cooking the squash and the sauce simultaneously in the oven saves time and makes the dish come together perfectly. Cutting the spaghetti squash cross-wise creates longer, more pasta-like strands, and is easier and safer than cutting through the stem.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 45 min Total Time: 1 hr
SPICY GROUND CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
Every once in a while I think about the lettuce wraps from PF Chang’s and get a serious craving. These are super easy, flavorful, and healthy. The leftovers are great the next day too or you can add them on top of rice with a fried egg for a new meal.
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 25 min