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31 Recipes to Cook in December.
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25 days until Christmas!! Happy December! I can’t tell you how much happiness and joy I feel this season. I’m always the most excited for this time of year, but with every passing season, this time feels more and more special.
It’s a time for so many things, but family and friends are really at the top of my list—and celebrating, of course! The older I get, the more I see how fast time really goes. I need to remember that while I love what I do so much, I have to prioritize family time, too!
I was so thankful to be able to be home for Thanksgiving, even if it was a small group! It ended up just being myself, Mom, Dad, Asher, and Oslo. We were missing almost everyone this year. But with travel to Europe coming up in December, everyone decided it was best to stay put for Thanksgiving. We’ll all be together at Christmas!
Our small holiday was still special. Like always, my parents got the family Christmas tree. Asher and I made hot chocolate and listened to Christmas music, and we all enjoyed a very low-key dinner together. I loved every minute of time I had with them!
Today, I’m in Houston, then Dallas tomorrow. I decided to take a late-night flight home tomorrow night just so I could spend a couple of nights at home before I head back to New York! It’s a lot of ups and downs, but I love these book events so much! It’s so special and surreal to meet you all in person, hear your wonderful stories, and see your genuine excitement for the recipes and content I share every single day! Exhausting but SO FUN, and I’m grateful for you all!
AND some news: We officially hit the New York Times best-seller list at #2! Wahoo! You never know how a book is going to perform, but making the list is always the most shocking/exciting/wonderful thing! Thank you all for your continued support, and to everyone who has ordered the cookbook, I truly hope you love it as much as I do!
We are looking forward to so much this month, and we have some really fun recipes and holiday traditions to share! It’s the best time of year!
Today’s post is heavily dedicated to these crazy Cyber Week sales! Honestly, there are so many, it’s overwhelming! I pulled my favorite fashion pieces, beauty products, and home items. It’s shopping time!!
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!! What’s everyone looking forward to the most this season?
1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try.
shopping…the HigherDose Cyber Week sales! I look forward to getting in my sauna blanket every single night when I’m home. It’s what I look forward to the most. Especially on these cold -8-degree winter nights. The benefits of using an infrared blanket are just an added bonus. Infrared blankets are said to reduce stress, boost mood, increase blood flow and circulation, plus promote glowing skin. You can use the code HALFBAKED for 20% off. Or shop their bundles and take 30% off at checkout.
gifting…Ticket To Ride Board Game. This sounds like a fun game! My family loves to play board games over Christmas vacation. It’s such a fun activity after a day in the snow. We usually play some kind of card game or Monopoly, but it’s time to switch things up! Oh, and look what I found: Hallmark Christmas Monopoly. I am such a dork.
for mom…ok, I have a lot I want to share with my mom. First up, this Sherpa-Trimmed Quilted Down Coat. I know she would live in this. My mom loves a cozy/cute coat. Like LOVES a coat. But you know what she also really loves? A great cashmere sweater. I know she would love the snowflakes on this beautiful cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater. I’m pretty sure she would also enjoy this long cashmere cardigan. And I already ordered three pairs of these two-tone ribbed cashmere socks from Guest in Residence. One for mom, one for Asher, and one for me. I am a sucker for the holiday colors. Tis the season!
for the family…my little brother, Oslo, is obsessed with Mr. Grinch. I mean, so much so that he has watched The Grinch almost every day this year! He’s so cute. He kind of has a love-hate relationship with him, though; he’s afraid Mr.Grinch is going to still the Christmas tree. Obviously, I need to get the Dr. Suess Grinch x Naadam holiday collection. How freaking cute!
everything in my cart (low)…a cute knit wrap top from Zara. Loving this wavy bow for my hair from Anthropologie. Very into bows this season! And then this is the perfect suede slouchy tote bag from Gap.
listening to…A Martha Stewart Christmas, it’s so good.
Christmas travel fun…15 Festive Hotels in the U.S. That Make the Holiday Season Even More Magical, The Best Places to go For Christmas, and The Best Ski Resorts in Canada.
listening to…Tieghan Gerard on Internet Fame, Online Hate and Her Recipe for Success. This was such a fun conversation. I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak on Arielle’s podcast.
gifting…holiday jewelry! I found these BaubleBar holiday tree drop earrings and couldn’t help but get them for Asher. I also got her the ornament drop earrings and reindeer drop earrings, I just couldn’t resist! These would be a cute hostess gift or stocking stuffer. BaubleBar also has a lot of cute earrings on Anthro or via their BaubleBar website which has A LOT of fun jewels.
shopping…Staub pieces are on sale for Cyber Week! Staub cookware is my favorite and really all I use. Their collection is so good. Shop the sale pieces here. I love this oval pot for boiling long-cut pasta. My go to Round Cocotte and Mixed Baking Dish Set.
eating at…Coqodaq. Apparently they have the best fried chicken in New York. It’s David Beckham’s favorite!
everything in my cart (beauty)…restocking my YSE Exfoliating Pads while they’re one sale. Loving these Tata Harper gift sets. And the brand’s body balm is one of my top five favorites.
watching…It’s Timeee! Get Into the Holiday Spirit by Watching Mariah Carey Bake Christmas Cookies.
winter travel…a Guide to Toronto: 12 Essential Spots – if you’re planning a trip!
everything in my cart (high)…adore this sweet Cassandre Mini matelassé leather bag from YSL. I feel like Asher would love this!
shopping…Boll & Branch sheets. I love their Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, Signature Hemmed Duvet Set, Waffle Bed Blanket, and their Plush Bath Towel Set. I use their sheets and towels daily, they’re perfect, and I love knowing they’re ethically sourced and organic.
2. The most popular recipes of November.
Most Popular: Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls
Runner-up: Brown Sugar Maple Pecan Cookie Pie
Also have to Mention: White Wine Miso Braised Pot Roast
Popular Dessert: Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
Favorite Soup: Crockpot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup
Also, I just have to note a few more that were in the top 5 this month. Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy. And our 2024 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide. And just like last year, the Creamy White Chicken Chili.
3. Cyber Week Sales – holiday decor/home/ beauty.
holiday decor
home
beauty
4. Christmas Surprise! The Christmas Candle is here!
It’s here! It’s here! A new Christmas candle for you all to enjoy this December. I LOVE this time of year more than anything. It’s so special to me and holds the most magical memories and fantasies. And I LOVE all the Christmas movies too. I am such a cheeseball.
I couldn’t let the season go by without sharing in a new Christmas candle. It’s a tradition now. The Snif team and I developed my favorite vanilla-scented holiday candle. It’s what Christmas time is to me!!
The candle notes
- Vanilla
- Brown Sugar
- Forest Pepper
- Mistletoe
- Frosted Fir
- Tonka Bean
It’s festive with the pine, and I know it will bring warmth to your home all Winter long.
Unlike other candle drops, there is no preorder. This candle is available to shop TODAY! We wanted to share the product and have it ready for shipping so you can burn it all December long!
I’ve loved bringing this candle with me while traveling. I’ve been on the move so much this past year that I really miss home, especially now that it’s December. This candle brings a sense of comfort and home for the holidays. I know so many of us especially feel this as the holidays approach, we’re juggling a million things at once. And that’s why we named this candle Winter Wander. Whether you’re hosting, visiting, or exploring this season, we hope Winter Wander brings a sense of wonder to your home, and a sense of home to your wanders.
Grab the candle here! It’s such a great gift to give this holiday season!
5. My December list and holiday traditions.
Here is a list of nine things I’d love to do over the next couple of weeks. Last year my family was traveling for some of December. This year, we’ll have a little more time at home before leaving for Christmas. I’m looking forward to trying to do all of the holiday things listed here.
- Decorating gingerbread houses is my favorite tradition. I’m going to order this before it sells out, but I also love this candy cane house and this more traditional house.
- Decorate my house! More than ever, it needs some holiday cheer! My tree is up and waiting for me to decorate when I get home.
- Watch all the Christmas movies possible. Of course, if you have any favorites, please send them my way! On my list so far: Our Little Secret (Netflix), Nutcracker (Hulu), Hot Frosty (Netflix), and The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix). My mom and I will share our annual Christmas movie list next week. I know she has SO MANY on her list.
- Hot chocolate for Asher every day. Sharing a new recipe this week and I’m SO excited. I think I’ve discovered the secret to the best mug of cocoa.
- A walk down 5th Avenue plus a Christmas light-filled walk through the Park. And if there’s snow, I would be the happiest. Put me in a Hallmark movie.
- Remember to do something kind for others every single day. We can’t forget the real magic behind the holiday season. A simple “Happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas” and a smile can brighten anyone’s day, including yours. Don’t be a Scrooge!
- Simmer my Christmas potpourri all December long with candles burning all around.
- Order everyone Christmas pajamas. I love holiday PJs so much. I felt like the pajamas needed their own favorite number. So many cute and festive options this season.
6. Inspiring Me – Christmas Cheer.
(the happiest time of the year)
(Terrain has the best faux trees)
(the most beautiful Christmas tree)
(getting ideas for my wrapping this year!)
7. Favorite links I’m Loving.
What Is Après Ski? And Where to Enjoy It
Four Holiday Crafts (for the Hopelessly Uncrafty)
20 Completely Free Ways to Romanticize the Holiday Season
11 Christmas Living Room Ideas for a Chic and Festive Holiday Season
40 Gifts We Love That Are On Sale for Black Friday
The Best Gifts on Sale, From Shearling Slippers to Silk-Filled Pillows
The Holiday Hack That Saves Me $$$ Every Gifting Season
Did ‘Wicked’ Live Up to My Insanely High Standards?
8. Cyber Week Sales – fashion/accessories.
Abercrombie
Free people
Nordstrom
Reformation
Revolve
all the sweaters on sale this week
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.
Monday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Tuesday: Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala
Wednesday: Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Thursday: Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi
Friday: Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Saturday: The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
Thank you so much for all your inspiration! I just ordered your new cookbook on amazon. Can’t wait! I’m a huge fan and happy to see all your successes. Love the Martha Stewart playlist. 🙂
Thanks so much, Gretchen! I appreciate you reading today and ordering the new cookbook, I hope you love it! Have the best week! XxT
For weeks you talked about how much you love Thanksgiving, decorating the table, cooking for your family. Last week you let us know that your crowd was going to be small, but you were still going to do a celebration and you were going to make pies with your mom. Someone asked if you would share these celebrations with your followers and you said you would try but maybe you just want to have a day without posting. Well, we didn’t see any of your Thanksgiving celebration instead, you shared a video of your father talking about a Kirby vacuum with his leg up on the table. I’m so confused. If you just wanna have a low-key time with your family, then don’t play up the plans for a big celebration weeks before, only to end up sharing nothing. We would’ve loved to have seen some pics of the food that you prepared after sharing so many ideas with us but we never seem to see any holiday pics from you.
Maybe Tieghan likes to style a table for photo shoots but doesn’t feel the need to decorate at home? I think it’s all a part of being an influencer. Picture perfect tablescapes are only needed when you are entertaining for other influencers and are being photographed in professional hair and makeup. I think that’s maybe the way HBH prefers to entertain. Maybe the Gerard’s are more of a “sweatpants at the holidays” family which might not match the new luxury lifestyle aesthetic of the blog!
If you’re saying one thing but doing another, then the “lifestyle” is a lie. If they are a “sweatpants at the holidays” family then embrace it and show it. But, don’t pretend to be something you are not.
I made Sweet & Savory Bacon Puff Pastry Wraps for app to take to my cousins for Thanksgiving. They were a huge hit! So much so, my husband wanted me to leave them at home and take something else🤣
Lol love this! Thanks so much for making the recipe, Diane:) I’m so glad it was such a hit! Happy Sunday! XxT
I used your turkey recipe again this year and the bacon wrapped dates. People love those! I also made a dish from your new book, but I was so excited to eat it I didn’t get a picture. I wanted to post it. Next time though. Thank you for your delicious recipes. And I always look forward to your favorite things email every week.
Hi Holly,
Thanks so much for making so many recipes for Thanksgiving, I really appreciate you sharing with others:) Hope you are having a great Sunday! xxT
We made the Lemon Sage Brown Butter Pasta from the new book and it was delicious!
Two quick questions-
Do you have recipes to use up the leftover Turkey?
And a little more difficult…
Do you have recipes that can travel well? We rotate hosting Thanksgiving and I am trying to plan for recipes that can travel an hour drive.
Hi Monica,
Thanks so much for making the pasta, I’m so glad it was enjoyed!
Yes, here are some turkey recipes you might enjoy:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/turkey-enchilada-quinoa-soup/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/turkey-and-wild-rice-pot-pie/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/one-pot-creamy-turkey-and-potato-dumplings/
For travel meal ideas, I have a bunch! Are you looking for something specific? A roast would be a great option, same with lasagna. Here are a few ideas for you:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/red-wine-braised-pot-roast/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/pesto-bolognese-lasagna/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/french-onion-smothered-chicken/
I hope this helps! Have a great week! xT
Girl, no hating on the queen of Christmas Mariah Carey lol! Speaking of celeb cooking collabs, what happened to your cookie video with Blake Lively?
Hey Kara,
Thanks for reading today!! I love Mariah:) Lol I think she posted recently the video of the cookies! Have the best week! xx
Love the reminder to do something kind for others everyday, especially at this time of year! Do you or the Half Baked Harvest company do any sort charitable giving this time of year? A happy holiday greeting is lovely, but I’m sure the community would love to participate in giving back alongside HBH! I can only imagine that your brand is able to do so much good with the success of your books and candles. I love all the luxury links here but would also like to think of how I can help those who are less fortunate this time of year.
I agree, Gina, I’d love to know if there is a holiday charitable group to donate towards with other Half Baked Harvest fans!
Hey Gina! We donate to multiple charities ongoing throughout the year. We also often donate to charities who reach out. We like to look into them first but if we feel strongly towards them, we love to get involved! During the holidays our entire family sponsors a family for Christmas to help to buy gifts and create a wonderful holiday for them! We have fun with it! My mom has always felt strongly about giving back, especially this time of year! She really instilled that into her kids too!
Hope you and your family are having a wonderful December!!
Love the dress you’re wearing in the lead photo! So pretty!
A lot of the gift ideas and favorite items are awfully expensive. Maybe for a future Nine Favorite Things you can include more affordable suggestions for your fans who are on a budget.
Thanks so much, Kat:) Yes, I appreciate your feedback and will definitely include some less expensive items next time! Have the best Sunday! xxT
Happy Sunday, Tieghan, Gerard fam, and HBH team! I cannot believe what a beautiful young woman Asher has become — it seems not long ago that she was sitting on the counter licking chocolate off the spoon in your first cookbook. Now, she is your mini-me! I am wondering if you have plans to expand the candles beyond the holidays and maybe create a spring scent? I would love to try that! Have a wonderful week and thank you for another fantastic NFT!
Hey Jen,
Thanks for reading today! Right?! It’s crazy, I don’t know where the time goes. I would love to do a spring candle, that is such a great idea! Hope you are off to a great Sunday! XxT
Congrats on NY Times Bestseller list again!! What an achievement! I was hoping you’d also be sharing your tabel decor and some food pics from Thanksgiving! I was inspired by your one shoot for my own table and just curious if yours differed!
Thanks so much, Jackie! I am super excited to say the least:) Honestly, since it was such a low key Thanksgiving this year, we didn’t do anything fancy or have any table decor. It was nice to not have to worry about much this year. I’m excited for Christmas with everyone! Happy Sunday! xx
Happy December! What all did your family have for your Thanksgiving meal this year? It must be so hard to narrow down the recipes!
Hey Elizabeth!! Since we had already had 2 thanksgiving dinners, I served lasagna that I will be sharing later this month! Haha! But it was a well enjoyed meal! Hope you and your family had a great holiday! Xx
The most wonderful time of the year! Great post, as always, love the Christmas cheer pictures.
Is there any way i can get your candle in the UK please? It just sounds perfect. 😊💖🎄xx
Hi Kelly-Jane,
Thanks so much for reading today:) Ahhh, so sorry, unfortunately, Sniff does not currently ship outside of the US and Canada. Hopefully soon! Wishing you the best holiday season! xx
I ordered my Winter Wander candle yesterday!!!! Can’t wait to burn it while drinking a Spicy Grinch ❤️🎄 Happy Holidays.
This sounds amazing, Genevieve:) Thanks so much for ordering the candle, I hope you love it! Have the best Sunday! xT
You’re not a dork for loving Christmas or holiday things, totally normal!
Thanks so much, Jude:) Hope you are off to a great Sunday! xxT
Hey Tieghan, happy December!
Christmas in Europe sounds amazing. Will you be joining your family on the trip?
Hi Emily,
Happy December and thanks for reading today! Yes, I will be going to Europe for Christmas, I can’t wait! Have a great Sunday! xx