Happy FALL! It’s official, and now I hope our weather will cooperate!
I’ve been working on a super fun project that I can’t wait to share with you—I’m hoping to spill the beans by the end of October, but let’s just say, it’s going to make your life easier!! In between that, I managed to sneak in a few last days by the pool before it closed, celebrated Labor Day, and even took a girls’ trip to Texas for a Magnolia field trip (so fun!).
People often ask me, “Is this really your job?” They’re always surprised when I tell them it’s full-time. And while I absolutely love it, I have to be careful not to let it turn into a 7-day-a-week gig. Trust me, it can get all-consuming at times! Right now, it’s about 80% computer work and only 20% of what I love most—developing recipes and getting messy in the kitchen! I’m dreaming of flipping that ratio, and I’m starting to bring on some talented help to make that happen. 🙏🏼
This month I’ve got some fresh, new recipes lined up for you, plus it’s the last chance to enter the September Cooking Club Challenge!
Of course, I’ll also be sharing what I’ve been reading, my favorite movies, my latest finds, and a little encouragement for the soul. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a good one!
Use the Table of Contents below to skip to what interests you most.
⭐️Enter the September Baking Challenge!
Monday, September 30th is the last day to enter the September Baking Challenge!
Seeing so many of you jump into the club has been so much fun. If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late! Whip up a pizza dough creation this weekend and join the fun for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Below are some of the creations I’ve received! I love seeing your creativity!
Rate the Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love it when you try my recipes, rate them, and share your thoughts! It really helps others and boosts the recipe’s visibility. I so appreciate you!
Fresh New Recipes
New recipes this month are here! You’ll love my Strawberry Gelato Ice Cream, Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins, and a fresh take on CSC Chicken Salad. I’ve also been busy updating some older favorites like my Homemade Vanilla Extract, Beef and Broccoli, and Turkey and Cheese Sliders. There’s lots of deliciousness to explore!
- Strawberry Gelato Ice Cream: Creamy, rich, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this gelato is the perfect cool-down treat for any season. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a no-churn recipe that’s easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes!
- Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins: Fall flavors meet a classic favorite! These moist muffins are packed with pumpkin spice goodness and have just the right hint of banana. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or anytime you need a little cozy treat.
- CSC Chicken Salad: A fresh twist on the Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol Chicken Salad (that’s a mouthful!)! This creamy, delicious chicken salad features tender chunks of chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing. Ideal for lunches, picnics, or quick weeknight meals.
- Homemade Vanilla Extract is a pantry must-have full of depth and flavor! It’s simple to make and so much better than store-bought. You’ll love the difference in your baked goods!
- Reader Review: “This vanilla extract is amazing! I will never go back to store-bought again. The flavor is just so much richer!” – Jane D.
- Beef and Broccoli: A restaurant favorite made at home! Tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in this quick and easy stir-fry. Great for weeknights when you want something healthy and flavorful.
- Reader Review: “This recipe is spot on! Better than takeout and so easy to make. My whole family loved it!” – Lisa M.
- Turkey and Cheese Sliders: Perfect for game day or a quick lunch, these sliders are loaded with melty cheese, deli turkey, and a delicious buttery sauce. Serve them up for a crowd or as a tasty snack for the family!
- Reader Review: “These sliders were a hit at our party! Everyone was asking for the recipe!” – Sarah T.
In Real Life
I just returned from my annual girls’ trip with these three amazing women! This year, we chose Waco, Texas, to visit the Magnolia Silos and shops. I also squeezed in a quick lunch with my cousin Betsy at Mac’s on Main (yum!). She jokingly informed me that if Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) has a Betsy (her sister), then The Fresh Cooky should have a Betsy too! 🤣 Family is forever!
These women and I go way back to middle school, and about 5-6 years ago, we started this tradition of getting together for a weekend once a year. There’s something special about hanging out with people who’ve known you since your awkward middle school days—and still want to stick around! LOL!
We had such a blast talking (a lot!), eating at Twisted Root Burger Co and Milos (killer bread pudding French toast with brown butter caramel sauce and sauteed pecans), and doing a murder mystery at the historic East Terrace House.
We braved the 100° heat while strolling through the Shops at the Silos, racing from air conditioning to air conditioning, then cooled off at our Airbnb pool. We even squeezed in the movie Reagan—highly recommend!
What I’m Reading
Ghosts of Honolulu by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr., was a well written historical nonfiction about a U.S. naval intelligence agent working to safeguard Pearl Harbor; A Japanese spy ordered to Hawaii to gather information on the American fleet. On December 7, 1941, their hidden stories are exposed by a morning of bloodshed that will change the world forever. I enjoyed this very much ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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The Briar Club ⭐️⭐️ I read this for book club, and while I normally enjoy this author’s work, I was disappointed. For a period piece set in the late ’40s and early ’50s, the amount of swearing and some of the graphic content felt out of place and a bit much for my taste. The plot itself was really engaging—I just wish the author had stayed more true to her usual style.
I just started The Wonderful World of James Herriot: A Charming Collection of Classic Stories, and I’m loving it! It’s such a delightful read, with stories and anecdotes written by Alf himself (James Herriot was a pseudonym) and fun excerpts from his kids too. It gives a wonderful inside look into the life of this amazing author—definitely a treat for any Herriot fan!
What Readers are Saying About…Spaghetti Sauce
This rich and flavorful spaghetti sauce is a true family favorite, passed down from my Grandpa Frank’s Italian kitchen! Bursting with authentic Italian flavors, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Whether served over pasta or used in other dishes, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Reader Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is hands down the best spaghetti sauce I’ve ever made! My family raved about it, and we’ve officially made it part of our regular meal rotation!” – Megan S.
Favorite Movies
My husband and I enjoy watching movies and shows together to unwind on the weekend; we have the streaming app PureFlix; which has lots of faith-based shows along with just some good old-fashioned love stories and cute movies (think Hallmark).
Here are a few of our favorites recently: Do You Believe? Very well done, thought provoking and definitely grab the box of tissues (you can also rent on Prime). Let There Be Light, thought provoking and redemptive. Jerry and Marge Go Large; feel-good, and funny and Drive Through History: The Gospels and Acts thru Revelation (we’re devouring this entire series, so well done and fascinating history!)
Fresh Finds: Amazon Deals + More
Browse the visual version of all my weekly finds HERE! (more than what’s below)
- A friend says that she loves these pants and wears them every day!
- I love this Shackets (shirt/jacket) ON SALE! Can’t wait to wear it once it cools down!
- I use this nasal rinse tool every day, I have had one brief cold in two years (and I think it was more allergies than a cold). I’m a believer and am on a mission to convince others to try it too! I finally convinced my husband to do them and he’s not been sick in over a year! I’m sold! It’s not as weird as you think, I promise!
- Gotta share this little gem, for those of you who struggle like me with the “go”. My pelvic floor physical therapist (she’s amazing) recommended getting this cereal (the name alone cracks me up) to help with regularity, it really works! Now it doesn’t taste amazing, but it’s not horrible either; I put it on my yogurt or will just pour a little milk over it in a small bowl. And it helps “smooth” things out!
- I’m picky about my faux flowers and branches; while at Magnolia I was impressed with the quality of their stems; I loved these faux olive branch stems; very realistic; I loved this terracotta vase, but it’s a bit pricey, I like this one too.
All of this AND MORE in my weekly finds — be sure to check it out!
Fresh Inspiration: What We Don’t Trust, We Will Try To Control
This is an excerpt from a devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries by Lysa Terkeurst; I highly recommend reading the entire thing.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the command center aboard a ship. Toward the end of the tour, the captain asked if I would like to sit in his seat. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but be amazed at all the skill and expertise necessary to safely run this vessel.
My friends took several pictures of me looking like I was in control. But it was an illusion. I didn’t have the knowledge or the experience to do anything helpful unless the captain instructed me.
Can you imagine if I’d asked the captain, who was fully capable and fully equipped, to entrust his ship into my fully incapable hands? I can verify, without hesitation, that me being in control of that ship would have been a risk no one wanted to take. It may have felt good to sit at the controls for a few minutes, but if I wanted to return home safely, I had to trust the captain.
In life, there are dangers only the ultimate Captain knows how to handle.
Trying to carry the weight of holding everything and everybody together is a role God never called us to play. And it’s taking a great toll on our peace.
Now, I want to slow down for a minute and acknowledge how tough it is to release control — because honestly our motivation isn’t just that we want to be in charge but that we want to be safe.” (Keep Reading)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Just a quick reminder that I read and respond to every email, and I’m truly thankful for every one of you who comes back week after week! Your support means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read and click through to a few recipes—I’m incredibly grateful!
Please come back and rate and comment on a post if you try it.
Coming soon…Pimento Cheese, Crockpot Shredded Chicken, Sweet Potato Casserole and more…
P.S. If you missed last month’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
Check out my favorite things and more HERE! Plus, previous week’s finds!
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