Flour-dusted countertops and the smell of something sweet, my newfound love language. Like all Thanksgivings, I’ll let someone else manage the turkey. I love sweet treats. I’ll pass even the most delectable savory foods in reach for the frosted sugar cookie. Since necessity is the mother of invention, it’s only right that I spend my time in the kitchen creating things I love. As we approach the holiday season, I want to share some of my favorite recipes.
Simple Chocolate-Covered Favorites
My initial competencies consisted of all things chocolate-covered: cake pops, peanut butter balls, pretzels, coconut balls, and Oreo balls. Most of these can be made with just a few ingredients. They’re also emotionally healthy—because what’s one little peanut butter ball going to hurt? she says… three cake pops and two Oreo balls later.
The Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie That Sticks
My next venture was the chocolate chip cookie. There are so many ways to create a chocolate chip cookie; this recipe yields a soft and chewy one. If you like them smaller, like my husband does, you can make quite a few. We like to keep residual dough in the fridge to rely on for our spontaneous cravings.
The Sourdough Adventure
Lastly, my most recent and worthwhile quest, sourdough! Sourdough is not a dessert, but you can absolutely turn it into one. Regardless, who doesn’t love sourdough bread? Yes, I have officially entered a world I told myself I wouldn’t…or couldn’t because I don’t have the time it requires. Oh, I’ve gratefully been proven wrong.
This recipe is used with sourdough discard. When feeding your sourdough starter, instead of throwing out or discarding a portion of the starter, use it to make this yummy cinnamon bread! Don’t have a sourdough starter? Ask a fellow sourdough baker for ½ cup of their discard—we always have plenty!
A Season of Gratitude
I hope this Thanksgiving brings you joy, laughter, good company, and most of all a heart full of gratitude. There are many Bible verses regarding thankfulness; my favorite is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Just three things—plain, simple, refreshing, yet oh-so powerful.
November 2025
