hi! It’s August, if you can believe it. This time of year is traditionally pretty slow, and I feel like many of us are closed, literally or spiritually. I loved hearing all about how some of you are taking time offline this season.
In this week’s MBS letter, I wrote about my love of all things analog: 4x6 photos! Big old planners! And handwritten love notes scribbled in pen! In the comments, you talked about the “analog” things you love: choosing vacation destinations without cell service and scratchy record players over Spotify. Seems like we all agree that some things are better old school. P.S. If you want to get in on these midweek letters (musings, really), join us!
One easy way to be off your phone in August is to get into the kitchen and make something! So, for this issue, I thought I’d answer some of your timely questions about cooking, recipe planning, hosting, and gathering. Consider this an…
Start super simple. Learn how to scramble an egg: with a pat of butter, low and slow, until it’s soft and fluffy, not rubbery (might take a few tries). Master the grilled cheese exactly how you like it. Then, find a recipe for basic pasta and a sauce with no more than six ingredients. Personally, I love a simple penne or rotini and tomato sauce. This would be a great recipe to try (how good does that look?).
I don’t know if I can take full credit for a Crockpot meal where I throw all the ingredients in and walk away for five hours…but my Crockpot meals always seem to impress people for some reason. Specifically this white bean chicken chili. Without fail, every time I make it for friends, someone asks me for the recipe or texts me for it after. I always serve it with fresh avocado, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips (these are our preferred).
I actually did this interview a few months ago and was asked about what’s in my fridge. It’s often changing, but three staples are butter, at least one carton of eggs, and chicken stock. Of course, there’s always a 12-pack of Angel Margarita…
Oh, I can’t wait for this. I love an Italian wedding soup or a baked potato soup for a heartier option. Then for the sandwich, it’s gotta be a turkey or ham panini. It’s warm, comforting, and just a step beyond a grilled cheese.
I like to let what I’m cooking inspire the cooking playlist. For example, if it’s Italian, I’ll put this one on.
This is a great question, and if you’re asking it, you’re already a great host! It’s really simple, but think about each of your guests and what they might like. If your friend is gluten-free, make sure there’s a great gluten-free dessert (one you’d actually want to eat as a non-gluten-free person). Personally, I love the little Baked by Melissa cupcakes. But you sound like a really thoughtful person, so I’d just remind you not to overthink other people’s comfort level. Most importantly, make sure you’re comfortable because your guests can feel that energy. Remember, everyone’s just there to hang out and connect, and if you can be present with your guests, that’s all they’ll remember. The food is really just the cherry on top.
Something would have to have gone catastrophically wrong for me to throw in the towel on a meal I’ve started. Even if I make a mess of it, I’ll find a way to make it work. But I remember one kitchen disaster over pozole soup. I had put all my ingredients in a blender, turned it on without the lid, and in about 3 seconds, tomatillos were dripping from the ceiling. That was a time I gave up and ordered takeout. (Please share your biggest kitchen mess story in the comments!)
If I’m really exhausted and have nothing on hand, I’ll scramble an egg or two, cut up an apple, and then do a piece of toast with butter on the side.
When I’m cooking for new people — potential new friends(!) — I always lower the stakes as much as I can. I’d invite people over for something super simple, like taco night, where the fixins are there, and everyone assembles their own. Or, even better, I’d suggest a potluck so everyone brings a dish and each dish becomes a conversation starter. Regardless, I’d just take the pressure way off.
All of it! I love the planning, setting a date, putting it in the calendar, and having something to look forward to. The cooking part is also really exciting to me; making a meal with love brings me so much joy. Then of course, it’s really about the people and the conversations. My favorite part of hosting or any party really is the end of the night, when the conversations get super deep and introspective. I love late-night life talks.
Does this count?
I think it’s gotta be a chocolate chai cake. I don’t know why, but that’s speaking to me for us.
Thank you as always for sending in your questions! Just a reminder, you have to be an MBS member to submit a question for an AMA issue. So if you want to go deeper, join us there.
Now onto this week’s BS…
TO CONSIDER: Starting a new birthday tradition, like this or this! Crying on a Friday!
TO BE: ”Closed for August.”
TO WEAR: A terracotta maxi dress.
TO BRING: The softest beach towels.
TO READ: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Stout.
TO TAKE WITH YOU: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it? -Maya Angelou
Love,
Hailee
(Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, Alice’s response to Our very first giveaway!
“Was everyone’s mum an Estée Lauder mum cause it’s all I remember seeing in her drawers and makeup bags as a child😅😭” -Alice (MBS)
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