MCM Reads: Atomic Habits
Clear goes in depth about the psychology of your habits. It’s not a matter of your own willpower to change or create a habit, it’s all about the environment you create. Yes, it’s as simple as if you don’t want to eat cookies, don’t have cookies in the house. But it’s also as complicated as triggers within your routine.
Peppermint Glazed Chocolate Cookies
The peppermint glaze is simple and elevates this cookie to worthiness of your holiday cookie plate. The taste very much has thin mint vibes. I use chocolate chunks instead of chips which adds a creaminess to every bite. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can add crushed candy cane or sprinkles.
Sausage, Fennel and White Bean Soup
The sausage brings a warmth and spice to the broth, which has a little bit of a tomato base. The fennel sweetens once it’s cooked, adding a nice compliment to the white beans. It’s one of those soups perfect for a colder evening in the late fall and winter.
Being Invisible is a SuperPower
I am part of the lucky and dwindling population that lived childhood without Facebook, therefore realizing I have a private life and a distinctly different public life. I don’t feel an obligation or impulse to share everything with the world. I have the mental guardrails to ask myself, “is this appropriate?”
The Best Ranch Dip
This is the only ranch dip you'll ever eat again. It's a simple 4 ingredient recipe that will have everyone in your party gathered around the app table. It's a staple at every family gathering of mine.
MCM Reads: The Briar Club
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? But The Briar Club is so much more than that. The story centers around Briarwood House, a all-female boarding house in Washington D.C. in the 1950’s. The opening chapter only tells the reader there’s a dead body in the house, specifically in the room of mysterious widow Grace March.
Artichoke and Lemon Cod
The real star of this recipe is the roasted artichoke hearts (high in folate and vitamin C). I love the sweet aftertaste, especially combined with lemon. Sprinkled on top are julienned sun dried tomatoes for an extra tanginess and texture. I use some of the oil from the sun dried tomato jar to coat the roasting pan, giving the fish a well rounded flavor.
MCM Reads: Favorite Sibling Novels
As one of four siblings in my family, some of my favorite fiction novels are centered around family dynamics. This is a list of books that have been out for a few years or more, but if you’re like me, sometimes titles slip past me and I haven’t heard of the book before or haven’t had time yet. These are among my most recommended any time it comes up in conversation.