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Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a great start to October! Honestly, it was such a beautiful week here in Colorado—one of our best of the year, for sure. The leaves are starting to fall now, but they were in peak season earlier in the week!
I spent the first half of this week in LA filming a couple of recipes out of the new cookbook Quick & Cozy with a very special guest. Can you guess who? It was so fun and it was the first time I’d cooked from the actual cookbook. I still can’t believe the release date is so close. My nerves are all over the place. I’m not only nervous but excited and impatient too. I genuinely cannot wait for you all to get this book, it’s my favorite book yet. My biggest fear is that it’s not what you need. BUT I hope you’ll find it’s exactly what you all need most right now. Quick and cozy recipes to get us through the winter. My fingers are crossed that this becomes your favorite too!
I spent one day filming and the other recording a podcast, then quickly headed home. And now, I am typing this up late Friday night before heading off to Chicago in the morning! I’m so excited! We’re doing a doughnut popup with Firecakes Doughnuts today (Sunday the 6th) from 10 am to 1 pm CT. It’s going to be so fun. If you’re in the Chicago area, come grab a free apple cider doughnut and apple Cider Smash candle sample and say hi!!
From Chicago, I’ll head to Utah for a quick 1-night stay to film something fun. Then, I’m off to Austin for two very exciting shoots with my favorite type of content! It’s going to be a busy month. But I’m truly looking forward to it all. And when I start to feel overwhelmed, I think about how excited and grateful I am for all these opportunities. It’s such a wonderful time for HBH. My mom and I are so excited! A lot of really big changes are coming. But good changes we know you guys will love!
One of our Zooms this week was regarding a little website and brand refresh we’re working on. It’s going to be SO GOOD. We’re working with a really great team.
On the cooking front, I’m deep into fall cooking mode and jumping from creating Halloween recipes to planning Thanksgiving 2024. Can you believe the holidays are here? Again, I’m so excited! With Thanksgiving on my mind, I’m wondering, are you guys into a roasted turkey, or do you want to switch up your Thanksgiving main? What recipes would be exciting to share this year? I already have my theme set!
Sharing some fun favorites below. I put together a lot of affordable fashion finds, some big splurges, and some of my Amazon Prime Big Deal Day picks too! Plus, I’m sharing a small cookbook Q+A that I did on Instagram earlier this week. Hoping this answers some of the questions you all might have about the cookbook process!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
loving…both the Bottega Veneta Milan Fashion Week 2025 show and the Saint Laurent Paris Fashion Week 2025 show. Both collections really are so pretty! And I love that Bottega had guests sitting in bean bag chairs! How fun!
gifting…charm jewelry. With the holidays coming, I’m making a list of great gifts for hostess, stocking stuffers, and more. Love this Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Coin Pouch. And you can never go wrong with monthly flower delivery.
everything in my cart (low)…from Zara. My mom would love this hooded double-sided jacket. The suede is cute! Actually, they have SO many cute jackets. I love this Pockets Jacket. And, of course, a great Suede Jacket. This Corduroy Collar Jacket is adorable. And I’d live in this Soft Bomber Jacket for sure.
listening to…Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity. This is long, 3 hours, but I’m slowly working my way through it, and it’s super interesting.
dreaming of going to…Austria for Christmas– and we’re going! In fact, the whole family is going. My mom rented a spot at a resort outside of Innsbruck. Christmas is my favorite, and this town looks so cute!
loving…Stylist Mieke ten Have’s Upstate New York Retreat—And Her Tips for Fall Decorating. Such a beautiful home! Wow!
reading…Leanne Ford’s new book, The Slow Down. This book sounds super cute, and I love learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of home design. You can preorder it here.
embracing…press tour networking. Taking notes as we head into the cookbook’s press tour this November!
everything in my cart (beauty)…ok, let’s start with a few Amazon highlights. I’m trying out this Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum, a Korean beauty favorite.
I reordered a tried-and-true, the Vanilla Apricot Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter from Josie Maran. I’m also trying out Shani Darden’s new Sake Nourishing Essence. I love these YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads.
On the laundry front…I only ever use the Branch Basics laundry detergent.
watching…31 Spooky Movies to Get You in the Mood for Halloween. BOO! I just love Halloween. I don’t love scary movies, but Disney movies are so fun for me! How about you?
a charming home…A Soaking Tub Is Only Steps Away From the Bed in This 900-Square-Foot Cotswolds Cottage. So sweet and cute.
reading…13 Cozy Books to Get Wrapped Up in This Fall.
everything in my cart (high)…Jackets! This Corrine Suede Jacket from Staud. Reformation’s Veda Leon Oversized Suede Blazer, and then this Corrin Suede Trench Coat from Ducie are so chic. If I were to get one, though, I’m ordering that trench! So cute!
Lastly, this Christmas night tasseled crystal-embellished gold-tone clutch is a major splurge, but wow, it’s so pretty and unique!
remember…Dooney & Bourke? Their bags used to be the IT bags, and now they’re coming back. This leather bag is cute and on sale!
shopping…everything from Coach. Like Dooney & Bourke, Coach seems to be the IT brand right now. Everyone wants a Coach bag, myself included. Personally, I have the Soft Empire Carryall Bag in my shopping cart.
2. Amazon Prime Big Deal Day October Picks.
home
beauty
fashion
3. My Favorite Chili Recipes.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Slowcooker Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili
Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili
4. New Cookbook Q+As.
How many new recipes are featured in the new cookbook?
125+
How do you go about selecting the cover photo?? It must be so hard to choose!
It is sooo hard! With this book, I didn’t have much of a choice. We needed to decide on the cover almost as soon as I started shooting the recipes for the book. At the time the cover needed to be chosen, I had only had a handful of recipes photographed. And I still didn’t feel like we had a cover. I pushed out the deadline as long as could – like as long as I possibly could. I shot the cover at the 11th hour but the second I saw the photo come up in my Lightroom catalog on my screen, I knew I had it.
Wait, let me rephrase. My mom knew I had the cover shot. Of course, I was still not sure, but I did love the photo, and I knew the recipe was a good one, so meatballs it was! And now I do love the cover. There is only one other recipe I would have considered, but in the end, I think we have the perfect cover! It all worked out!
Is it more of a “familiar dishes/back to basics” or a “something different/unique new flavors” type of book?
I’d say it’s a mix. If you know my recipes, then you know that I always try to include something unique that makes the recipe special and different. I don’t love creating recipes that have already been created unless it’s something my parents made growing up or a holiday recipe that is tradition. That said, I think you’ll find comfort in recipes that feel familiar but different and exciting too!
When will the book signing locations be announced??
So soon! Promise! We’re just working through details and changing schedules, but NYC, NJ, DC, Atlanta, Denver, Texas, Chicago, Nashville, Miami, LA, and San Fran (and others we’re still working on)—I’m coming to you soon!! We’re really trying to make these events fun and special, not just your average book signing.
More to come!
What Do You Love Most About The New Cookbook
This book is so special to me. It’s the one I am most proud of, excited to share, and nervous to release! I really put everything I had into creating this book. I buckled down and made it my only focus for so long.
The recipes and stories I’m sharing reflect the way I cook today. You can really see my growth as a not only a recipe creator, but my styling, photography and approach to cooking and entertaining throughout these pages.
Simple, real food, easy to make, no fuss, totally delicious, beautiful, and family favorites. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Are many recipes gluten-free?
Yes! There are some gluten-free recipes. But even if they aren’t gluten-free, most people find my recipes to be very easy to adjust.
Will you have autographed books available with the new cookbook? I’d love one!!
We will have limited signed copies available at independent bookstores! I can get details on how you can preorder those today. On my list of “to-dos” for this week is to sign a whole bunch of cookbooks!
Are they quick recipes and kid-friendly?
Yes, I definitely think so!
How do you know whether certain recipes will work in different parts of the country, the world, or in different climates?
I had two recipe testers for this cookbook, plus myself and some family/friends testing recipes, too. We had one tester in New York and another on the West Coast, plus team members in Nashville and California testing recipes! These recipes have been tested from all over the US. I want the recipes to work really well for everyone!
Can you do a cookbook for dinner parties? Cooking for a Crowd
Haha! Guys let’s focus on i book at a time!!! But I do love this idea
Will you do a holiday bundle with all 4 of your books please!
I love this idea! I’m not sure we can pull it off in time for this holiday season, but I’m definitely going to ask our teams what we can do!
Already preordered!
Thank you to everyone who has messaged saying they’ve already preordered! You guys have no idea how much your support means! I created these books for you, and my only hope is that they solve the problem we all ask ourselves, “What am I making tonight?” I hope these recipes bring new inspiration and deliciousness into your lives!!!
5. Inspiring Me – fall pumpkins.
6. Something Sweet.
Someone had asked, “why the random ladder to know where tho? Love you like a sister, lol”. And this was a follower’s response, so sweet:
7. Favorite Links i’m Loving.
10 Cozy Fall Destinations That Look Straight Out of a Nora Ephron Movie
How To Layer Your Skincare Products To Make Them As Effective As Possible
10 Fall Foods to Boost Your Gut Health, According to a Nutritionist
A Nutritionist Names the Best Fall Foods for Hormone Health
The Who What Wear 100: Every Fall 2024 Item to Shop This Season
31 Halloween Recipes for All Your Spooky Gatherings This Fall
The Prettiest Dessert of the Season is this Pear Frangipane Tart
How to Clean Leather Boots and Keep Them Looking New
8. Favorites Under $150 for Fall.
the best from J Crew, Abercrombie, Madewell
9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: Apple Cider Smothered Chicken
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Ginger Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Wednesday: Sage Brown Butter Pumpkin Pasta Alfredo
Thursday: Crockpot Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili
Friday: Marry Me Chicken in Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Saturday: Hocus Pocus Old Fashioned
Sunday: Spooky Homemade Twix Bars
In an effort to keep this a happy, uplifting space for our community, any unnecessary, hateful, and just plain silly comments will be deleted. Any responses to that comment will also be deleted. Please remember that we are real people, and we have feelings too. Your words hurt. Remember what our mothers taught us: “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.
I can’t wait for the new cookbook. Wish I was in Chicago to come to your pop up. That’s such a fun collab.
Thanks so much, Becca!! I hope you love the new cookbook as much as I do:) Have the best week! xT
Do you share the food you cook with the workers doing your renovation?
Hey Trish! I have not had the opportunity to do so just yet, BUT trust me I will! I am always handing out cookies and things to the UPS, Fed-EX and anyone who is often stopping by our home! It’s fun honestly! Have a great October week! XxT
Last year, my nephew made Cindy Pawlson’s Mongolian pork chops. Excellent! And I made brioche caramel apple bread pudding. It was so good, no words were spoken until all was eaten.
Hey Chris,
Yum, that sounds delicious! Lol that’s awesome your family tried something new for Thanksgiving! Have a great Sunday! xT
I will be attending a wedding shower next year for a family member, so I’ve pre-ordered your new book. It’s the perfect gift! I will wrap it up with a pretty tray and some kitchen utensils. Like you, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving – we will be spending it in NYC this year – and all the fun Autumn/Holiday activities.
Hi Susan,
I absolutely love this idea! Thank you so much for ordering the book and sharing the way you are gifting it, so cute! Have the best time in NYC this Thanksgiving, I’m sure it will be amazing! Happy Sunday! xT
Personally I would love a switch up from turkey! This past week I was already thinking how I’m craving something different this year, a new tradition.
Thanks for reading and sharing your feedback, Taylor! I will definitely try to share some new ideas this years! Have the best week! xT
Good morning , I have followed you for years and enjoy every Sunday morning with NFT. From baking to your delicious meals I always look forward to trying something new.
As for Thanksgiving your herb turkey has been a hit at my house. I am looking for a turkey casserole type dish to have with a group of friends on game night this fall. Do you have any ideas how to have all the yummy flavors, turkey gravy potatoes herbs something green all in one dish? Have a great week! And thank you for all your inspiration.
Hey Nancy,
Happy Fall Sunday and thanks for reading each week! So glad to hear you have enjoyed the turkey for Thanksgiving in years past. Love the idea of a casserole type of dish with turkey…I have these recipes that you might like, but appreciate the inspiration!
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/one-pot-creamy-turkey-and-potato-dumplings/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/turkey-and-wild-rice-pot-pie/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/coq-au-vin-meatballs/
I hope this helps! xT
Hello!! Huge fan of your last book. I have almost made every recipe. I am so excited for the new book. I already got my new Apple candle and I am loving it. Though I have to be honest, pumpkin smash is still my favorite. It is truly the best candle I have ever burned.
I love your NFT email every week. I am not bothered by the adds. I honestly think it’s just not an easy thing to navigate but it’s easier on a desktop. Your content is worth it!!!
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your travels!! I hope all of your trips are smooth and fun. Thank you for all the hard work you do. My dinner table has been blessed by your hard work. We eat so well at our house and it’s all thanks you and your dedication. You inspire me weekly.
Hey Abigail,
I appreciate you reading each week and your thoughtful message. Thanks for ordering the new candle, glad you enjoyed it…Pumpkin Smash really is so good:) Thanks for your feedback regarding the ads, this is helpful to know! Thank you for making so many recipes and following along! Have a nice Sunday! xT
Hello! Happy Sunday! The golden rule is actually “ Treat others as you would like others to treat you”… or a similar variation. Similar to your quote above, but actually pretty different in context!
A world where people only say “nice” things wouldn’t be very effective. We can’t praise our way through life!
Hey Gemma,
Thanks for reading today!! Yes, you are right…we will get this fixed, thanks for pointing that out! Hope you are having a great weekend! xT
I was at firecakes in Lincoln park yesterday and I asked about you being there today-no one working there knew anything about it. Is it the Lincoln park location? I was going to stop by again today. Btw their pistachio old fashioned is amazing make sure you get one!
Hey Tate,
Yes, it is!! I hope you will stop by again today:) Thanks for the pistachio old fashioned recommendation! xx
From the preview pictures of recipes I’ve seen of the new cookbook online and what you have shared in stories, the recipes look very similar to things I have seen you make. Chex-mix, meatballs, bread bowl soup, cheeseburger pasta, mojitos. You keep saying these are 100% new but you have multiple variations of all these recipes on the website. Before I go ahead and preorder I just want to check are they new or are they old recipes where you just slightly changed and ingredient or two?
I was concerned with the same thing Anine! In a digital world where we have so many recipes at our fingertips, it doesn’t seem wise to buy a hard copy cook book that doesn’t have completely new recipes. I have all of HBH’s cook books, but I don’t think I’ll be ordering the new one.
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Julie!! All of the recipes in the cookbook are new and not available on the website:) Have a great Sunday! xx
Hey Anine,
Thanks for reading today and your questions. Yes, all of the recipes in the cookbook are completely brand new. As with the other 3 cookbooks, there’s a variety of chapters and a little bit of something for everyone. I absolutely LOVE this book and hope you will too! Happy Sunday! xT
I have your last cookbook and I also had the same question about your new one, the preview pages on Amazon look very similar to other recipes of yours I have made. I even searched your blog and I got dozens of results for very very similar recipes as to the preview ones in the book. When you flipped thru I saw that Chex mix too- there are multiple versions of an Chex mix snack mix on your blog. So how exactly are all of these recipes are unlike anything I can find on your blog? Substituting or adding a few ingredients don’t make them new. I think I’ll wait until I can see a copy of the book in person before buying.
Here’s a suggestion – check your local library for a (free!) copy of the cookbook. As the cookbook has not yet been released, you can place a “hold” on a copy of the book when it becomes available at the library. Then just browse the recipes in the book, maybe try a few out, and then decide if maybe you want to splurge on buying the cookbook. Or, check a local bookstore for the cookbook when it becomes available and do a quick browse to see if the recipes interest you. Then buy the book or look for a copy at the library to borrow.
Hey Adele! Hope you are having a great week so far! I’m not sure the recipes you are referring to but each recipe in this book is a new one. I did draw inspiration from older recipes I have shared, updating flavor, meats and methods of cooking to make them even more efficient! And yummier!
What I said is true, I feel the most excited and confident about this cookbook and I cannot wait to share these new recipes with you all!
Totally understand if you want to wait to order! It’s of course up to you!! And if you do end up ordering I think you’ll be very happy! Let me know if I can answer anymore questions for you. Always happy to!! Have the best week! XxT
I think when Teighan says ‘new’ it doesn’t mean a new concept completely. Like the meatballs on the cover of the book, she makes meatballs a lot, but sometimes they are buffalo, sometimes they are on a sheet pan, sometimes in a crockpot.. Same with her
big salads and chicken/rice/orzo recipes. They are all pretty similar but have maybe an added flavor or seasonal ingredient substitution. There is no way one person can come up with a new recipe daily and then 125 additional brand new concepts for a book. My guess is they are variations on what we have already seen from her. I am still going to buy the book and see for myself!
I hope your Zoom about the website refresh took into consideration the many complaints and frustrations of your community about how difficult this site is to navigate with all of the many, many ads and pop ups. Case in point: this is my second time typing this comment, because as I was doing so, it jumped to the bottom and lost what I had been writing.
I am in the same boat. This is number 3 attempt at making this comment. Maybe that’s the desired affect :). Seriously I get the drive to monetize everything to the max but it eventually hits a limit where it has negative consequences
Hi Margo,
Thanks for your comment today. Yes, we are most definitely having these discussions and appreciate all of the honest feedback we have been receiving. Sorry for any frustrations! Have the best fall Sunday! xT
I enjoy your nine favorite things each week and am a huge fan of your recipes! I own all your cookbooks and enjoy them. I do have one wish though, I find your recipe website so frustratingly difficult because of all the pop-up ads. I realize this a large source of revenue for you. I think I’ve even read a comment from you where it’s your largest source of revenue, so I understand. However, as your business expands, and you generate other income streams, it would be so awesome if you would cut back on the number of pop-up ads to make your recipe website so much easier to navigate. Thanks for all you do!
Rebecca, I completely agree with you. I suffer from vestibular migraines and the constant pop-ups and movement make it so hard for me to read the blog posts. First, I “pause” the video so it’s not constantly moving. I love you Half Baked Harvest but can we calm the ads down?
Hi Bobbi Jo,
We appreciate your feedback and are taking all of the recommendations into consideration! Wishing you a great Sunday! xT
Hi Rebecca,
I appreciate you reading today and sharing your honest feedback regarding the ads. This is something we are having long discussions about right now with the website redesign. Hoping we can decide what most of our readers will be happy with:) Have a great Sunday! xT
FALL…just got back from the east coast where it is absolutely beautiful right now!! Been burning my Pumpkin and Apple Smash candles…my favorite!
Enjoy your travels!! Wish you were coming to Indiana!!
Thanks so much, Shelly:) I love to hear you that are enjoying the candles, thanks a lot for ordering them! Enjoy the fall season and your day today! xT
Good morning,
Definitely go to Austria for the Christmas markets. It looks as amazing. We went to the ones in Copenhagen, and Paris and it was magical.
Looking forward to next week’s post.
Sue
Hey Sue,
Thanks a lot for reading today and sharing about the Christmas markets you have visited, they sound and look amazing! Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! xT
Happy Sunday, Tieghan, Gerard fam, and HBH team! I so hope you guys get your Christmas in Austria. Those pics look amazing, and definitely like a Hallmark movie come to life! This NFT was chock full of great stuff — perfect for shopping, perusing, and daydreaming when I should be sleeping! I hope you have fun at Firecracker in Chi. I am so sorry I will miss you but I hope to make the book signing. I am so excited for the future of HBH and so grateful for all you do. Have a wonderful week!
Hey Jen,
Happy Fall Sunday and thanks for reading:) Right?! It’s like something out of a movie, it looks so magical, will keep you all posted on that! So glad you enjoyed all of today’s content and I hope to see you at a book signing soon! Have the best week! xT