Three easy pasta dishes, my favorite chocolate pudding, a wonderful memoir and cookbook, a colorful Spring outfit and links worth a second cup of coffee.Â
Friday, I have been counting the days until today. It has been another long week working behind the scenes on the blog and my social media platforms. As I mentioned last week, rectifying 15 years change is a chore. And I now have my editorial calendar set for the year and I will be able to share upcoming posts and recipes in advance. In addition, my Pinterest page is getting a facet lift too. That’s my project for the weekend. I am ready for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres tonight with a friend and a quiet Sunday at home. So far no plans for Saturday and that is just the way that I like it.
Before that, I’ve got a several pasta dishes I think you should make this weekend, three books I am excited to read, and a few links worth pouring a second cup of coffee for. Ok, let’s go.
FOOD
Pasta is one of my favorite meals to make and eat. This week I have three meatless dishes that you can make in under 30 minutes and of course a dessert.
Ready in just 30 minutes, tomato kale fettuccine with cream sauce.Â
Creamy cheesy fettuccine Alfredo, John’s recipes are always easy and delicious.
I have never heard of Pastina until it popped up in my inbox. This creamy Pastina is an Italian comfort food that comes together in 10 minutes and is made with butter, eggs and cheese.
After a long week a little comfort food is in order and chocolate pudding is perfect. This recipe is one that I have been making for years and reminds me of the homemade pudding that my dad used to make for us.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
The most authentic (and luxurious) way to experience Scotland
Love Story Brought in a New Costume Designer After Fan Outrage Over Carolyn Bessette’s Looks
What is MSG and is it actually bad for you?
A Movie Deal Is a Writer’s Dream—or Is It? 5 Authors Get Real About the IP Machine
12 of the best tv shows to watch in March
4 years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a look at the war by the numbers
Emmylou Harris: ‘It’s a lot harder, isn’t it, to just live a long life?’
An Italian Grandmother–Approved Trick for Better Tomato Sauce
BOOKS
Two books that I have on pre-order and one that I read this week and loved.
The Missing Letters of Mrs Bright by Beth Miller
Kay Bright, is a woman whose  life revolves around working in her husband’s stationery shop and writing monthly letters to her best friend Ursula. When Ursula stops responding and Kay discovers a decades-old secret that could destroy her marriage, she makes an impulsive decision to leave her familiar life behind with just a backpack.
This heartwarming story shows that it’s never too late to take chances and that the strongest friendships can withstand any test.
Set in 1930s Oxford, Mississippi, three women from different backgrounds find their fates intertwined during the Great Depression. Eleven-year-old orphan Meg, outspoken Birdie seeking help from her deceptive socialite sister, and down-on-her-luck Charlie form an unlikely alliance. When Charlie devises a bold plan to claim what’s rightfully theirs, these underestimated women must navigate the consequences of defying societal expectations. This tale celebrates the resilience and friendship of women who refuse to be broken by circumstance and injustice.
Will This Make You Happy: Stories & Recipes from a Year of Baking is a memoir and cookbook that weaves together Tanya Bush’s personal essays about uncertainty, self-discovery, and finding joy with over 50 inventive baking recipes.
Bush explores a transformative year in her early twenties where she turned to baking as a way to navigate doubt and rediscover her purpose. This book is a blend of storytelling and recipes, each of which connects to a moment or theme in her journey.
Looking for more books?
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop. I realize that many people are not buying from Amazon, and I respect that. However, many of my readers are so that is why I link to Amazon. Many of not all of the books are also available from Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org and on Libby from your local library.
SHOPPING~OUTFIT OF THE DAY
Although the calendar says that it is still winter you can add a touch of spring to your wardrobe with a pop of color, in this case these bright chartreuse loafers. This color is everywhere this season. Pair the shoes with comfy jeans, a spring inspired sweater and a warm trench for the chilly days and a handsfree crossbody bag.
Are you shopping any sales this weekend? Julia Armory is having a 20% off sale site wide!
Click the images to see the outfit separates
Follow me on ShopMy for more outfit inspiration, home decor, books, bags and more.
UNTIL TOMORROW
I hope you enjoyed the recipes, links and books I discovered this week on Friday Favorites. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet!
Before you go, tell me what was the best things that you read, watched or did this week?
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On My Radar
Elizabeth – Thank you for the book recommendations – they all sound interesting and I have them shelved in my goodreads account for future purchase. I recently read the Briar Club by Kate Quinn, which centers around the occupants of a ’50’s era boarding house in DC – I really enjoyed it! I also highly recommend The Swedish Connection on Netflix – it’s about a Swedish lawyer who rescues European Jewish refugees during WWII.
I have not watched The Swedish Connection but if it is about Raoul Wallenberg am very familiar with the story. I studied him in on of my classes. Thank you for the tip on the Briar Club. Have a lovely weekend.
The best thing I read was Iris Apfel -Accidental Icon; the best thing I watched was Hamnet; the best thing I did was a conversation I had with my 8 year old grandson while walking him home from school. Bonus: the best thing I ate was Smitten Kitchen’s White Bean and Chard Stew (also fairly quick to make). Thank you for these posts. I truly enjoy them.
Cyndi, it sounds like a wonderful week! Deb from Smitten Kitchen makes some of the most accessible recipes and they are always delicious. I will add this book to my list.
Have a wonderful weekend.