Chris Cooks
My Easy & Delicious Thanksgiving Menu
This year for Thanksgiving, I'm all about quick prep (we're talking as few as 5 minutes) and big flavor payoff. My Thanksgiving menu will be a mix of tried-and-true classics from the Chris Cooks archives, plus some new recipes that I created this fall. But what this Thanksgiving dinner won't be is stuffy, overly formal, […]
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November 24, 2024
Entertaining
12 Tips for How to Host and Make Your Guests Feel Completely at Ease
I recently got a question from a commenter who asked me how I entertain at home to make guests feel at ease. This question came at a great time since fall can be a natural hosting season from watch parties (there's football...or The Bach) to Thanksgiving. The truth is — Chris and I really *enjoy* […]
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October 2, 2024
Entertaining
Hosting a Party? Try One of These 7 Digital Invitation Sites
Last year, Chris wanted to do a fall low-country boil outside, and he wanted to invite 15 people over. He said, "I’m just going to send out a text." I said, "Wait, let me make an invitation!" When someone receives an invitation, they get the feeling that this event means something to you. I think […]
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September 5, 2024
Chris Cooks
Best Hot Dog Toppings - The Ultimate Hot Dog Bar
For someone who loves to cook things from scratch, you might be surprised to learn that hot dogs are my favorite food. There, I said it. And I stand by it. What really makes hot dogs fun are the toppings you can add to them - endless combinations, and a great way to serve a […]
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May 26, 2024
Entertaining
My 15-Minute Speed Cleaning I Do Before Guests Arrive
There's something so satisfying about a rapid fire clean-up round. If someone is coming over in less than 20 minutes, I've got a formula for speed cleaning that helps me feel like my space is welcoming, yet I'm not going to be hustling at the last minute. (Generally, I'm only focusing on the first floor […]
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May 23, 2024
Cleaning & Organization
How to Spring Clean the Backyard with Just 5 Tools
This post is sponsored by Lowe's Home Improvement You know those projects that sort of linger in the background until someone is coming over? Like for instance, we knew we were going to eventually clean our outdoor patio furniture and prep the backyard for pool season. But it wasn't until we had a date on the […]
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May 16, 2024
Entertaining
6 Outdoor Entertaining Musts
We're ready to have people over in our backyard space now that it's so nice out in North Carolina, and it reminded me of the elements that I think really create that perfect outdoor setting for guests. Outdoor entertaining, to me, is really about making people feel comfortable and special. Here are a few things […]
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May 9, 2024
Chris Cooks
Virgin Mojito Recipe: Cucumber Honey "Nojito"
The warmth of the sun is calling me outside more and more these days, and I love it. Soon enough, though, it will be summer, and we'll be sweating profusely, looking for relief. And when I need some refreshment, few drinks hit the spot for me like a "Nojito." This is a non-alcoholic take on the […]
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April 7, 2024
Chris Cooks
The Best Deviled Egg Recipe - A Classic
It's no secret that I'm a deviled eggs connoisseur of sorts. I've professed my love for smoked salmon deviled eggs, pickled beet deviled eggs — even drunken deviled eggs. But silly me skipped right over the classic deviled egg recipe, and I feel that it's best we back track and share how to make the […]
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March 30, 2024
Chris Cooks
The Best Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (No Grain or Gluten)
I've shared a recipe for tasty mashed potatoes, we've talked perfecting the baked potato, and I've reached food nirvana with the cheese-less potato casserole. But this recipe today is extra special. There's something that just says "you made a lot of effort" about homemade scalloped potatoes, but that béchamel is a no-no for the dairy-free […]
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March 24, 2024
Chris Cooks
The Best Prime Rib Recipe You Should Totally Make
Making prime rib feels difficult, doesn't it? Just the sound of it is intimidating. Two obvious reasons for that are how expensive it is (hate to mess up an $80 6lb roast!) and how complicated most recipes are. Everyone seems to have this trick or that to make the best prime rib recipe, but how […]
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December 17, 2023
Entertaining
How to entertain out-of-town guests at the holidays
A friend of mine recently called me for ideas for hosting her in-laws, who will be in town for the holidays for four days. Together, we brainstormed what works when it comes to entertaining out-of-towners (aka it's fun but low stress for you and not too tiring). We came up with a comprehensive list for […]
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December 14, 2023
Chris Cooks
Cranberry Ginger Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
You know I love a side dish that comes together fast. And while this one just misses my "5 minute side" designation, it's not far from at only 10 minutes and a whole bunch of delicious. Very "holiday" feeling, and easy peasy. White Baking Dish | Copper Candlesticks | Fluted Taper Candles Four ingredients, seasoned […]
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December 10, 2023
Chris Cooks
Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate (Lower in Sugar, too)
We're big hot chocolate fans here. My kids want it every morning, and it's one of my favorites as well. Unfortunately, it's basically just dairy and sugar and a great way to start the day if your ideal day starts with a stomachache. Mugs | Crockpot | Ladle With the dairy allergies in our home, […]
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December 3, 2023
Chris Cooks
Panzanella Potato Salad - Grain & Dairy Free
I took an International Foods course in college where each week we would make a big feast of foods from a different region of the world. It was the biggest face-roll course I've ever taken (ie, could not have been easier and more enjoyable) and many of the dishes I learned to make are still […]
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June 4, 2023
Entertaining
How to Throw a Simple Baby Shower + The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide
Over the weekend, I threw a baby shower for Brooke, our longest-held employee who's more like family than anything. It's been years since I've attended a baby shower, and much to my excitement, this was the first shower I've ever personally thrown!–Couldn't think of anybody else I'd rather throw my "first" shower for than Brooke. If you're someone […]
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April 20, 2023
Chris Cooks
Pickled Beet Deviled Eggs | Chris Cooks
Deviled eggs are underrated. And also under-experimented with, considering eggs are one of the most versatile and widely-used ingredients out there. And even though we have bouts of egg-free eating, when Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas roll around I can't skip making a version of this tasty appetizer. Serving Platter | Ceramic Bunnies I also love […]
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March 26, 2023
Product Tests
Finding The Best Air Mattress!
This time of year, everybody seems to be hosting family and friends, and I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be complicated! There's nothing wrong with blowing up some air mattresses for a "pop-up" guest space. That being said, I know we've all had not-so-great air mattress experiences, so I wanted to do […]
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November 23, 2022
Chris Cooks
Sugar Dusted Cranberries | Chris Cooks
Ok, I know some of y'all out there think cranberries aren't worth the time. And while I personally love a good homemade cranberry sauce, I do realize that the gelatinized version that comes from the can isn't always the most appealing. Copper Pots | Copper Canisters | Pepper Mill | Candle Holders | Taper Candlesticks | Mixing Bowl […]
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November 13, 2022
North Carolina Home
The Pool Furniture in Our Backyard Vacation Oasis
This post is sponsored by Sunbrella. This little slice of backyard heaven has been a long time in the making, but it has actually come together at the perfect time. I had my moments of discouragement — when the backyard was a literal mud pit — and it was hard to believe this day would […]
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September 19, 2022
