New! The Best Beef Stew, Paris Guides & More
🍲😋 Recipes you'll love, where to eat in Paris, and a new blog layout this week...
Fall is here, and I have so much to tell you!
I’ve been writing up a storm ever since we returned from Europe—there’s always something about coming back from vacation that sparks ideas and loads of inspiration for me.
There are new recipes (all linked below!) and two new posts about Paris. I wrote a Where to Eat in Paris post that you can bookmark and save for future trips, which led me to write a lengthy Beginners Guide to Paris because I had so much to say about getting the most out of a trip to Paris.
And…
I also made an update to the blog (desktop version) this week to remove a lot of the ads to make the viewing experience better for you. Sometimes, the ad publishers get a little overzealous with the layouts, and there were too many ads. The new version of the blog is now a way better experience. There are still sidebar and footer ads—I gotta pay the bills ;) I’m always open to feedback, just hit reply to any email to let me know what you think.
Now… onto the food and Friday 5!
1. Eating: The Best Beef Stew
I’ve been testing this beef stew for a few seasons and finally shared the step-by-step guide. I think you'll love it on the new blog layout.
This beef stew recipe is comforting and packed with lean protein, flavor, and good nutrition. It’s hands-down the best beef stew recipe I’ve ever had at home!
This is the classic beef stew my mom used to make, with a few additions to amp up the flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and four easy steps, you’ll have a healthy satisfying meal that everyone loves.
I want to shout from the rooftop: Homemade beef stew isn’t complicated, but the technique is important to get the best flavor, which is why I make this on the stovetop in a Dutch oven and not in a slow cooker. While I generally love a slow cooker for tough cuts of meat (see Mom’s Pot Roast) the flouring and browning step for this beef stew is essential, and since we’re already using a big pot to do that, we might as well keep it in that pot to save dishes.
Read & print the recipe here »
2. Also Eating: Apple Spinach Salad
A salad like this is truly one of the best ways to fill up on good nutrition without feeling like you’re on a diet.
The combination of sweet apples, tart apple cider vinegar, and creamy goat cheese is simply irresistible.
This Apple Spinach Salad Recipe is also flexible, you can substitute the walnuts for pecans or almonds (or leave out the nuts altogether), the goat cheese for feta or cheddar (or vegan cheese), and choose your dressing.
3. Cooking: Street Tacos with Chicken
ICYMI, I also posted these amazing 8-Ingredient Street Tacos with Chicken this week.
If you like tacos and easy meals, you’ll love these delicious 8-ingredient street tacos with chicken.
The best part about these tacos is that they’re made with just eight ingredients, and the whole meal comes together in less than 30 minutes. Make extra—everyone always wants seconds, and they hold up well for meal prep, too!
4. Blogging: All about Paris
Ahhh, Paris. It’s at the top of many people’s bucket list, and I’m here to tell you—it’s even better in person.
I first visited Paris back in 2018 when I visited my best friend in London and we took the train to Paris. We stayed at a tiny boutique hotel, enjoyed French wine and fresh cheese and fresh-baked baguettes on bistro patios, and fell in love with the city. (And oddly never felt bad, bloated, or unhealthy.) There’s just something magical about strolling through the charming streets, sipping coffee or wine at a bistro, and enjoying the je ne sais quoi of the city.
Read: Where to Eat in Paris
Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Paris (I think you’ll find it helpful whether it’s your 1st or 5th trip to Paris!)
5. Watching: The Perfect Couple
I mentioned last week that we were excited to Netflix and chill this weekend, and The Perfect Couple did not disappoint. They changed it considerably from the book, which I also recommend. It was different enough from the book that it kept me guessing until the end. And who doesn’t love Nicole Kidman? The whole cast is fantastic.
If you’re looking for other fiction books to get lost in, you can see my easy fun fiction book recommendations here »
Happy Fall!
Elizabeth
