The Little Things Newsletter #492 – Life, laughter, and lots of great food!

Welcome to the weekend, my friends! We’ve skipped right through the warm late days of summer and landed solidly in the midst of fall. And judging from the chilly mornings this week, we’re now approaching winter at a run. I’ve reacquainted myself with the furnace and the fireplace, and I’m immensely enjoying both today.

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK:  These Pumpkin Spice Waffles are almost like eating dessert for breakfast. But I won’t tell if you won’t. And, they come together in just minutes, making them perfect for a cozy morning whenever the temperature dips outside.

Sweet and slightly tangy, this absolutely delicious, juicy Dr Pepper Pulled Pork is perfect for sandwiches, BBQ sundaes, or (if you’re like my teenage boy) just heaped on a plate by itself with nothing else.

Tender, delicate angel hair pasta gets a carbonara-like glow up with a flavorful bacon cream sauce to make this Pasta with Peas and Bacon. It’s a weeknight dish that’s easy enough for busy evenings but nice enough to serve company.

Balancing salty and sweet flavors perfectly, this Easy Teriyaki Sauce belongs in every kitchen. And, when I say it’s easy, I mean it. You can whisk this sauce together in less time than it takes to find your takeout menus.

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken is topped with fresh pineapple and all the classic taco fillings to make these Pineapple Chicken Tacos a major win at the dinner table.

The earthy flavors of perfectly crispy Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli create one of the simplest, most satisfying side dishes I’ve ever made. You really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s golden, flavorful, and goes with just about anything on the dinner table.

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are one of the best fall desserts you can make. Who can say no to all that heavenly pumpkin cheesecake, layered between a walnut shortbread crust and a tangy, sweet frosting?

Rice Krispy Treat Ice Cream feels like summer sleepovers, Saturday morning cartoons, and pure imagination all rolled into one bowl. Enjoy all the marshmallow goodness of Rice Krispies Treats with none of the sticky fingers.

What I’m CRAVING: I made pancakes this morning for my boys and some friends, as a result, I’m now craving some serious vegetables. I already have a salad in the fridge, and I’m thinking that loaded quesadillas sound great for dinner.

My FAVORITE THING this week is this new dough whisk that my brother told me about a couple of months ago. It’s fantastic! For years, I’ve been a big fan of using a dough whisk for all sorts of cooking, especially pancakes and waffles, when you don’t want to over-stir the batters. And this whisk? It’s a seamless, easy-to-clean, dream come true. Initially, I thought it looked so crazy, I wondered if it might not work, but I’m glad I tried it, because it really is great. 

What I’m READING: The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke. I’d never watched the family’s YouTube channel and honestly didn’t even know who Ruby Franke was until a friend mentioned the documentary. I decided to read the book before watching the show, and wow, what a story.

The story is heartbreaking, though not as heavy as I expected it to be. Growing up under the control of a narcissistic parent was clearly a painful, difficult experience for the whole family. Yet through this book, Shari (the oldest daughter) takes back her story from the media and tells it in her own voice. Her love for her family, along with her continued faith in God, shines through and says so much about her strength and character.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV

Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that make you smile!

Mary