Full disclosure: this week’s post isn’t a typical meal plan. Usually these weekly posts outline what I’m actually making for my family, but I’m attending The Brimm entrepreneurship conference in Austin this week, so I’m officially “out of the kitchen.” Instead of a lineup of dinners, I’m sharing a round-up of the recipes, books, podcasts, kitchen gear and travel plans I’ve been enjoying lately. Consider it a compact list of inspiration to help your week move a little faster and tastier.
RECIPE INSPO
One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Mint — light, fresh and fast. It’s the kind of spring dinner that feels bright without a lot of fuss, perfect when you want something comforting but not heavy.
Slow-Roasted Spiced Pork — this has become one of those recipes I imagine making again and again. The spice blend is warming and bold, great with roasted vegetables or simple rice.
Napa Cabbage Tofu Soup — comforting, nourishing and quick to pull together on a busy night. It’s a lovely, light option that still feels substantial.
Lemon Sponge Cups — citrusy and airy, these are an easy dessert that brightens up any meal without requiring a lot of baking prowess.
If you missed it, I posted a refreshing Watermelon Summer Shaker on Instagram and a quick guide to cutting a watermelon. Both are perfect for warm evenings and backyard gatherings.
KITCHEN STUFF
After a weekend at my sister-in-law’s house in Santa Monica, I realized how much I want an electric tea kettle in my life. These are standard in many European hotel rooms and make boiling water for pour-over coffee, tea, or quick soups so much easier. There are lots of cute and compact options — I stayed with a friend recently who had a particularly charming one (this model), and now I’m convinced I should add one to my countertop lineup.
PODCASTS
On my drive to Austin I listened to Mel Robbins’ episode about decluttering and reducing cognitive load (this episode). The conversation reminded me why meal planning is valuable: carving out ten minutes to sketch a plan for the week can free up daily decision-making and make evenings feel calmer. If you want a practical tool to get started, I offer a free meal-planning workbook that walks you through the steps: Meal Plan Like a Pro.
I also enjoyed an Adam Grant episode on the psychology of fiction. As someone who reads for both pleasure and perspective, I appreciated the discussion about how stories shape our empathy and thinking.
Do you have a podcast you can’t stop recommending? Reply and tell me what you’re listening to — I’m always collecting new favorites.
BOOKS
I love getting lost in fiction. My most recent reads were Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry, Curtis Sittenfeld’s Romantic Comedy, and Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Each offers something different — wit, warmth, and thoughtful storytelling — and all made for satisfying escapes.
On my Kindle app are a couple of novels I haven’t started yet: Before We Were Innocent and Happy Place. If you have a recommendation to push one of these to the top of my list, I’m all ears.
SHOWS
For screen time, I quickly devoured The Diplomat on Netflix, and I’m following The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple TV — which is also a gripping book. Both are the kind of series that make evenings feel cozy and a little suspenseful in the best way.
TRAVEL
Paris is on the calendar: I’ll be heading there soon to help my daughter pack and prepare for her next chapter. I’m staying at The Hoxton for the first time and would love any tips from readers who have stayed there. Restaurant reservations so far include Racines and Carbonis, and I have tickets to the Basquiat x Warhol exhibit at Foundation Louis Vuitton. We’ll spend Mother’s Day in the Champagne region, which I’m particularly excited about. I’ll share highlights and updates after the trip; if you’re planning a Paris visit, my existing Paris Travel Guide should be a useful starting point and I’ll add new recommendations once I return.
If you try any of the recipes or listen to the podcasts I mentioned, I’d love to hear what you think. Have a great week — and if you need a little structure, take ten minutes to check your calendar, see what’s in your fridge, and sketch a simple meal plan. Small steps make evenings easier and food more fun.