The last few weekends have been especially busy here, so I’m sorry for the gaps in the Sunday Thymes posts. Here’s a fresh roundup of things I’ve been loving and cooking lately.
- If you need last-minute Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, check out yesterday’s roundup of quick, crowd-pleasing starters—simple recipes you can pull together the day of the holiday.
- I’m obsessed with kitchen before-and-after photos. Seeing a full transformation, the changes in layout and finishes, and how a space becomes more functional is endlessly inspiring.
- I recently discovered free planner printables for grocery lists, monthly goals, and daily planning. They’re perfect for organizing recipes, shopping, and holiday prep until I can start using my new planner in the new year.
- A roasted butternut squash recipe inspired by a recent retreat meal looks incredible—roasted squash tossed with tangy cheese and crunchy pecans makes a stunning seasonal side dish.
- Pumpkin bread French toast is sounding like the perfect breakfast for the morning after Thanksgiving. It’s indulgent, cozy, and a nice way to use leftover quick bread.
- I love za’atar as a spice blend, and a recipe for za’atar roasted carrots and cauliflower served over yogurt is a bright, savory side that makes vegetables shine. If you haven’t cooked with za’atar yet, put it on your list.
- If you enjoy curated weekly links and favorite discoveries, I highly recommend following Friday favorites-style posts—there’s a lot of great inspiration packed into each edition.
- There were so many incredible pies shared this week that it was hard to pick a favorite. A butterscotch pumpkin pie stood out as particularly tempting—rich, mellow, and perfect for autumn gatherings.
- A thoughtful piece reflecting on Thanksgiving recipes through the lens of Julia Child’s approach to cooking and celebration is a lovely reminder of tradition, technique, and joy in the kitchen.
- A hybrid pie bringing together apple, pumpkin, and pecan flavors combines the best elements of classic autumn desserts—crisp fruit, spiced pumpkin, and a nutty crunch—making it a showstopper for holiday tables.
- A video discussion about the realities of blogging—what works behind the scenes, why consistency matters, and how creators build an online presence—was both honest and useful for anyone interested in food or lifestyle blogging.
What I was cooking one year ago…
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with squash, dried cranberries, and a Dijon vinaigrette remain a favorite. The balance of sweet squash, tart cranberries, and tangy dressing makes them a consistent hit at holiday meals.
Overall, this week has been full of seasonal recipes, useful planning tools, and a lot of kitchen inspiration. From simple make-ahead appetizers to creative pie combinations and spice-driven vegetable sides, there’s plenty to try as you prepare for holiday meals. I’m looking forward to testing a few of these ideas in the coming days and sharing what worked well.