Writing today’s newsletter from home feels like such a gift this morning. The biggest highlight of this month (and tbh my entire life so far) was DTAD pub day and setting out on a three week book tour across the country to meet you and talk all things Don’t Think About Dinner! Now I’m finally back home, trying my best to take it all and express my gratitude for all of your support. You all made a huge dream of mine come true this month: I became a NYT bestselling author!! But more than that, meeting you on tour, exchanging DMs, seeing your messages and photos in our chat, getting tagged in your IG stories, and hearing about how DTAD is helping you reduce stress, eat well, and enjoy the process has been the biggest win by far.
I’m wrapping up the tour this week with the final two stops at home in Boston, then next up? You’ll have to keep following along to find out :) As I’m writing this, there are just a few tickets left for tonight’s (1/28) Boston event!
Despite the launch and the tour, the newsletter (and new recipes) continued! January was full of so many delicious, seasonal recipes and easy-to-prep options. Especially during a crazy month, I love sending out these monthly recaps and remembering all the delicious meals we’ve made—it’s like a TLDR of the month if you just want a simple, skim-able list of recipes and recs to browse! This month I’m also including a list of some of the top recipes you’re loving so far from DTAD. We based this list off of what we’re seeing most of in the eat goood group chat. Highly recommend jumping in if you aren’t in there already!
Leave a review, get a free month of the newsletter: Every month three winners get a paid month of the newsletter on us. All you have to do is share what recipe you made & loved this month, then comment below (bonus points if you reviewed on the website!)🧡
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now accepting february recipe requests!
I have a few ideas brewing already, but would love to know what you’re itching to cook next month. Pot roast? Football food? Are we over soup season yet? Craving veggies? Let me know!
tahini chocolate chip bars (p. 327) — You must add these to your dessert rotation for the week, and if you don’t have a dessert rotation, now is definitely the time to start. The tahini gives a savory-ish bite that is just perfect with the sweetness from the chocolate. Warm one up over some vanilla ice cream for extra delicious-ness. I know this one is Kate Eats Goood’s fave!
slow cooker short ribs with “cheesy” polenta (p. 253 + p. 282) — Everyone loves a fancy but easy meal and you can’t go wrong with short ribs. A direct quote from the chat “This is hands down the best meal I’ve ever cooked”.” Ready to feel like a pro chef?! Get it now.
one-pot creamy sun-dried tomato pasta (p. 148) — You guys are literally licking plates clean after making this pasta!! It’s a simple but delicious recipe that also makes for a very delicious lunch the next day. Unexpected vegan recipe!
lemony chicken thighs and rice (p.136) — A one-pot meal will always be my favorite and my personal go-to. The thighs have the most delicious spice mixture on them, then get seared so you end up with a crispy outside and a juicy inside. The rice absorbs all the liquid so again every bite is just a packed flavor-bomb. It’s a viral fave and the DTAD cover photo!!
mediterranean-inspired smashed tacos (p. 264) — Honestly one of the most fun recipes that’s so easy to modify. All the classic Med flavors are here with a little cucumber/tomato salsa-situation, and we pair it with a creamy garlicky herb sauce that just brings it all together.
spicy sausage, white bean, and kale soup (p. 172) — I knew this one was a website favorite, which is why I gave it a revamp for DTAD. So many made this in preparation for the big storm last weekend. It’s the perfect warm-your-soul meal!
red curry noodles with sautéed green onions and pork (p. 163) — Another better-than-takeout favorite. These are thicker (and more filling) than your average take out noodle dish. The sauce sticks to everything so each bite is saucy and savory.
broccoli, cheddar, and chicken breakfast biscuits (p. 74) — To no one’s surprise, breakfast biscuits made the top 10!! Been hearing that these and the pork and peppers variation are kid-approved which is honestly the highest praise I can ask for. Also insane how many of you have told me at the tour stops you make ‘em weekly!
caramelized onion, steak, and cheese skillet (p. 152) — A very easy, better-than-takeout vibes meal. Throw it in a roll or serve it up with some crispy roasted potatoes (thanks Stephanie for the rec). Kate Eats Goood likes to make a quick mustard sauce to drizzle over top!
coconut curry soup with tofu and rice noodles (p. 224) — So many tried this out wary of the tofu, but ended up loving it! This soup is so cozy and warming, and easy to modify if you really aren’t into tofu. I think shrimp would be delish!
saving me on book tour
Brought some of my tried and true favorites and added some new travel gear this month. If you travel for work or vacations often (jealous!) I found these especially helpful.
Quince suitcase and weekender bag — You know I love a more affordable swap and I was in need of luggage ahead of the tour. This combo has been amazing!
Handheld steamer — A new tool I added to my travel bag that has proved it’s worth and truly put in the work the last three weeks.
Beekeepers throat spray — Used this every morning while I was away to prevent sickness and so far, it’s worked🤞🏻Also great for a sore voice after yapping so much!!
Cocofloss — Love love love cocofloss!!! I’ve used it for years because it makes me actually want to floss (thick enough and great flavors) plus so easy to travel with.
Turmeric immunity boost shots — Ordered these in bulk before the tour to kick my immune system into high gear. Travel during peak cold & flu season is no joke!
Suri electric toothbrush — I’m really picky about dental stuff. I was eyeing this toothbrush for a while and finally decided to get it because of the travel case. SO worth it!! I’m team electric toothbrush since I have Invisalign and I’m forever a fan now.
other favorites from the month
Brick — After I shared it in the 2-2-2 I learned lots of us are enjoying the Brick recently! I really do feel like my sleep and stress has improved, I’m excited to keep using it and set some clear boundaries this year. Pairs well with my big calendar!
Probiotics — The reason I’m back on using this one is because it includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, so I feel like it’s the best bang for my buck all in one? (40% off rn). It’s also third-party tested which I learned a few years ago is very important and I’m trying to get back on my supplement routine! I’m trying out this NAD+ longevity supplement right now too, we’ll see if I stick to it…
Fleece Wild and Free Pullover — The first January in our house has brought lots of snow and insanely cold temps. This fleece has worked the cost-per-wear way down at this point and I keep getting DMs asking about it. So cozy! For real outside time, this puffer jacket kept me warm this month.
Blue Soothing Cleanser — This one is new to me this month. I’ve been looking for a new cleanser (I love my Day Dissolve at night still) and this one is $$ but really great. I throw on this serum and this moisturizer after.
Barrel stretch jeans — I’m so invested in Quince denim, it’s seriously so comfy, made with organic cotton, and SO affordable. $50?!! When I shared these earlier this month they immediately became the most clicked product of the month 😂 Runner up is A&F wide leg jeans that I convinced Carly Eats Goood to order too!
All different climates were experienced on tour and I’ve never had to put together so many outfits before in my life. Honestly though, I had so much fun at each stop and of course matched the outfits with the signature DTAD colors. I also made sure if I was buying something new, it was versatile enough that I’d want to wear it again!
Denim midi dress — from one of my segments with GMA
Light pink merino wool sweater — you know I love pink!! the boat neck is super cute
Brown suede boots — a last min Amazon find… I got lucky here these were very comfy
Lace trim tank — so great for layering, another last min pick I wore on GMA!
Suede bomber jacket — found this green jacket 2 hours before my NYC event… fate!
Polka dot long sleeve — would be so cute for a v-day dinner 🥰
Green off the shoulder top — fun and my fave color!! also very comfortable
Pink floral skirt set — this set always gets compliments, it’s stretchy (aka comfy) and the color is the most cheerful… I wore it in DTAD too! check the part 2 opener :)
Pink jacket — a fun twist on layers!! paired this with the pink skirt for DC’s event
Polka dot maxi dress — are polka dots the pattern of 2026 so far? I think so
Wide leg jeans — had to get picky about what denim to bring and these made it in
Let me know what you’re cooking this week and keep sending your photos in our chat, especially your DTAD pics! Thank you for being the best community I could ever ask for and showing up for me big time this month 🩷
Life in the US is so chaotic right now… what I think many of us need: comforting, healthy meals with depth of flavor that can be prepped or made with low energy/low motivation/low bandwidth. Budget-friendly as well would really make an impact!!
Sumo oranges are in season and are far superior to naval oranges. Maybe something new with those?